2013.12.02 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for December 2, 2013 Page 4 of 7 provide safe trails that are well marked in maintained corridors. John Udstuen stated that this will be a low usage trail, primarily for residents. John stated he is very reachable and welcomes phone calls. He said the Club understands that snowmobiling is not a right; it is a privilege. City Administrator Bryan Bear stated that the Hugo Public Works Department was working closely with the Club on the new proposed route and are comfortable with it, though it is still uncertain if there will be issues until it is used. Kevin Peltier, 13094 Goodview Avenue North, stated he will not allow anyone on his property, and he feels that 130th is a lousy route because of the ditch angle. He said that more preparation and due diligence needed to be done; there were better routes. John stated that people have been riding along Goodview Avenue for years, and now it will be controlled and safer. James Manke, 13514 Goodview Avenue North, said it was not the best route, all residents should be notified. Dennis Schreifels, 13125 Goodview Avenue North, was concerned about late night noise and what the snowmobiles do to his ditch. John Udstuen wanted it stated on the record that he would fix the ditch himself in the spring. A gentleman stated he has lived off TH61for 14 years and only saw one incident involving a snowmobile. He said there are lots of snowmobilers in Hugo, and snowmobiling will die off without the use of the ditches to ride. Klein asked Kevin Peltier about using the power line easement that went through his property and Kevin answered no because of his cow pasture being there. Petryk made motion, Bronk seconded, to approve the trail as proposed by the Hugo Snowmobile Club. All Ayes. Motion carried. Presentation of 2014 City Budget and Tax Lew - Finance Director Ron Otkin On September 3, 2013, the City Council adopted a preliminary 2014 tax levy of $4,940,809. Washington County has determined that the urban tax rate will actually decrease by 0.38%. The Finance Department has prepared resolutions based on this tax levy. Finance Director presented the budget to the Council and recommended they adopt the resolutions approving the General Fund Budget and Tax Levy for 2014 as presented. Finance Director Ron Otkin provided comparisons of the 2013 tax rate which showed the city tax on a median -valued homestead in Hugo is considerably lower than the average state-wide and metro -wide tax on that same homestead. The Hugo tax rate is also considerably less when compared to other cities in Washington County.