2011.12.05 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for December 5, 2011 Page 4 of 6 10 -day waiting period. On November 22, 2011, a permit was issued by the City to PGM, Inc. for the demolition of the building. On November 30, 2011, work was done to remove the sign, parking lot, and water up to the curb stop, with the demolition of the building done on Thursday, December 1, 2011. City Administrator Bryan Bear showed some pictures of the demolition and stated the contractors were still working on removing piles of debris. The City will continue to work with the bank on getting a new business established on the property, which is approximately a 2/3 acre lot. No formal action was taken. Update on Irish Avenue Park Meeting on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 On Tuesday, November 29, 2011, the Irish Avenue Park Planning Committee held their second meeting to review the City of Hugo's Parks Plan and discuss the next steps in the development of the park on Irish Avenue. Parks Planner Shayla Syverson reported to Council that Gary Wilson and Dave Percival chose to no longer pursue the idea of a cross county course on the property; however, the Committee would like to continue to work on the development of the park. They proposed working with area school advisors and the local community in developing long term goals and interim uses that would be compatible with long term uses. Council Member Petryk suggested leaving sufficient room for softball fields on the property. The Council felt it was very important to work closely with the Parks Commission, and Shayla agreed to keep the Parks Commission involved in discussions relating to the park. The next meeting of the Committee will be in January 2012. No formal action was taken. Discussion on JD2 Minor Maintenance Proiect for 2012 For the past three years, Olson's Sewer Service has provided minor ditch maintenance on Judicial Ditch 2. City Engineer Jay Kennedy discussed with Council past, current, and future maintenance on JD2. In an agreement between the City and the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), RCWD will provide $40,000 annually for projects completed with annual contracts. The 2011-2012 project includes removing sediment from culverts between 157th Street and 165th Street, and clearing brush adjacent to the ditches between 165th Street and 170th Street. The current process for maintenance projects includes small annual projects. City Engineer Jay Kennedy stated that working on a larger project would be more efficient because of unpredictable weather; more can be done in favorable conditions. Haas made motion, Klein seconded, to proceed with the 2011-2012 project and direct staff to discuss with the RCWD/ permitting agencies the possibility of combining the smaller projects into a larger, more efficient project. All Ayes. Motion carried. Presentation of 2012 City Budget and Tax Lew - Finance Director Ron Otkin On September 6, 2011, the City Council adopted a preliminary 2011 tax levy of $4,959,583. Based on staff estimates of tax capacity, this levy was intended to keep the urban tax rate at 34.236% of tax capacity. Finance Director Ron Otkin explained to Council changes made by the state by eliminating the Market Value Homestead Credit and replacing it with the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. Due to state changes to the homestead credit program, Washington County has determined that the tax rate will actually increase by 6.50 %. As a result, the tax on a median valued homestead will increase by $33.20. Finance Director reviewed the proposed