2016 Spring Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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Water Conservation The City continues to be a leader in regional water related activities to "Reduce, Reuse, and Replenish" the area ground water. A rebate program is in place for residents who convert toilets, washing machines, and irrigation systems to water -saving models. Plans are in place to acquire funding through the legislature for stormwater management projects. Education will be provided on water conservation practices that is imperative to our conservation efforts. Further consideration will be made for potential changes to ordinances and the water rate structure. Hugo continues to collaborate with neighboring cities as partners in conserving and protecting our water resources. Infrastructure Projects Reconstruction of Oneka Lake Boulevard/ 147th Street will begin, 180th Street will be improved, and other gravel roads in Hugo will be evaluated. The City will begin work with Xcel Energy to create a plan for street light replacement. The extension of Oneka Lake Parkway, south of Frenchman Road (CSAH 8) will begin, and maintenance on Judicial Ditch #2 will continue from 170th Street to the north. The City will continue to work with providers to expand broadband internet service to the rural areas. Elections Update Community Development The City will continue the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan, which guides the City's future growth and development. Ordinances regulating land use will be revised, and the Stormwater Plan will be completed. The City will evaluate gateway elements such as entry signs, landscaping, monuments, and other items to improve the City's appearance. Public Safety The Fire Department will develop a plan to position Automatic External Defibrillators through the City and provide AED training. Changes made in 2015 to be served by North Memorial ambulance service will be evaluated. Efforts to recruit Firefighers and retain members will continue. Changes will be made to improve security at City buildings, and the Capital Equipment Program will be reviewed to include the timely replacement of fire fighting vehicles. Change in Polling Place for Ward 3, Precinct 3A If you reside in the area outlined on the map, your polling place has changed from the Rice Lake Centre to Hugo City Hall to allow for more room. Precinct 3B will continue to vote at the Rice Lake Centre. This change is effective for the 2016 election. Important Election Dates Primary Election - Tuesday, August 9 Absentee ballots are available starting Friday, June 24th. Pre -registration deadline is Tuesday, July 19th. You can also register on Election Day. General Election — Tuesday, November 8 Absentee ballots are available starting Friday, September 23rd. Pre -registration deadline is Tuesday, October 18th. You can also register on Election Day. Candidate Filing Terms for Council Member Ward 2, Council at Large, and Mayor expire on December 31, 2016. Filing for these positions opens on Tuesday, August 2nd and will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 16th. To file an affidavit for candidacy, see City Clerk Michele Lindau during this time. Parks Projects The City will create a plan for the phasing and funding of Lions Park and develop a timeline and vision for Irish Avenue Park. The process of updating the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan for the Comprehensive Plan will begin. Evaluat- ing and improving trail connections is a priority of the Parks Commission. Addressing senior recreational programming and strengthening partnerships will continue. Economic Development The Economic Development Authority will continue to market City -owned property for redevelopment and develop a program to improve support for existing businesses. The City will work closely with Washington County on economic development activities and with state legislators on efforts to ensure continued rail service to the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. Administration Partnership will continue with Washington County to expand library services. Staff will work with the Historical Commission on ex - paneling membership and hiring an intern. The Building Department will continue to provide services to Scandia. Technology will be evaluated to determine a better way to serve Hugo residents. Solar ordinance subscriptions will be considered to save money and provide an alternative source for power within the city. Election Judges Needed Judges are needed for the primary and general elections. Visit the City website at www.ci.hugo. mn.us/elections for requirement information and an application. 0