2011.06.06 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Hugo City Council Meeting on June 6, 2010 Page 5 of 7 Discussion on Eastern Hugo Study For the past several months Council Member Chuck Haas and Planning Commissioner Bob Rosenquist have served as City representatives on the Eastern Hugo Natural Resources Study Focus Group, along with members of the City staff and various agencies. Jed Chesnut with WSB & Associates explained that the purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of providing sewer within eastern Hugo, which is the area east of the 2030 Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) line. Natural resources data from several sources was mapped and prioritized in this first phase which was done with a Community Conservation Grant from the MN DNR for $25,125 and funding from the Rice Creek and Brown's Creek Watershed District. A Guidance Document will be finalized and presented to the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff will be seeking funding for Phase II, which will consist of using the data along with consideration of land use decisions, existing development pattern, and the financial feasibility to determine the feasibility of putting sewer in the study area. No formal action was taken. Update on Hugo Water Tower #3 Repair At its April 18th meeting, the Council considered and approved a settlement agreement for Water Tower #3. It was noticed that during the examination of the tower after the tornado in 2008, the interior coating of the bowl walls and ceiling had begun chipping and flaking prematurely. Council accepted the settlement agreement that involved draining and repairing the areas that were identified as failing at no cost to the City. Community Development Director Bryan Bear explained the repair work began in May and passed testing last Friday. He was happy to report that the City was able to draw water from other wells within the City, and there were very few residents who called inquiring on the reduced water pressure. It is expected the paint finishing will surpass its life expectancy. Discussion on Special Session for Minnesota State Legislature As Council is aware, the Minnesota State Legislature met for the past five months and completed their work on the State of Minnesota's biennial budget. Unfortunately, the budget and tax bills crafted by the State Senate and House of Representatives were vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton. Of particular importance to the City of Hugo is the vetoed tax bill which contained a mechanism for fully funding the Market Value Homestead Credit program. This provision is worth approximately $300,000 annually to the City of Hugo. Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to direct staff to send a formal letter to State Senator Ray Vandeveer and State Representatives Matt Dean and Bob Dettmer concerning the importance of keeping this provision in any negotiated compromise tax bill. All Ayes. Motion carried. Schedule I-35W/E Coalition Meeting Annually, the City of Hugo hosts the I-35W/E Coalition meeting here at Hugo City Hall with a BBQ including hamburgers and brats, and most importantly an opportunity for local elected officials to discuss policy issues relevant to the I-35W/E Coalition.