2014.04.21 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2014 Page 5 of 60 The City received an immediate response from White Bear Township who will contribute $2,500. The Rice Creek Watershed District indicated they are not going to provide immediate assistance for the maintenance because they do not see it as a water quality issue. Haas said he was disappointed that RCWD ignored this and didn't invite Hugo to the workshop when they discussed this request. Administrator Bryan Bear said the RCWD did notify him indicating they wanted to have further discussion on this at a subsequent Board meeting. Haas said our Washington County Board Manager should be notified on the importance of this, and he was grateful for White Bear Township response to this. Petryk asked about the dam funding. City Engineer Jay Kennedy explained that we are on the list for $250,000. The City needs approximately $350,000 to fully fund the project with the money received from MnDot. The City will still be short. Petryk talked about the homeowners that stepped forward in paying additional tax to improve the water quality of the lake and was disappointed that RCWD didn't. Klein asked when the City would perform the emergency repairs. Kennedy explained that the Public Works Department was inspecting the structure every day, and were ready to go once road restrictions were lifted. Building Department 2013 Annual Report City Planner Rachel Juba presented the 2013 Building Department Annual Report highlighting the activities of the Planning Commission and Building Department in the past year in comparison to previous years. Applications and residential building permits remained stable for the past few years with 52 new home permits issued in 2013 and 182 lots available. Foreclosures are continuing to decline. Projects currently working through approval process are Fox meadows, with 57 single family lots, and the LaValle Fields senior housing project. Staff is continuing to work with interested parties on the City owned land adjacent to Egg Lake. Haas asked about the "tipping point" for the Community Development Department. City Administrator Bear stated it is very close; if development continues to increase, the City will use consultants and eventually request Council to approve filling a position. Update on the Yellow Ribbon Network Council Members Chuck Haas and Phil Klein updated the Council on the activities of the Yellow Ribbon Network to date. The recent packing event was anchored by Girl Scout cookies donations. The Hugo Business Association helped pay postage which came to $2,200 for 1,600 pounds. A total of 51 packages went to the 114th Transportation Company. Sponsors this week for Hamburger night is May Township. Council Member Haas explained the track chair which is used in the fields to assist veterans in hunting and trap shooting. A member of Wildwings wants to donate money for the track chair to be available for veterans. The YRN continues to work with Habitat for Humanity and their veterans outreach program in Hugo.