2008.10.06 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Minutes October 6, 2008 Page 7 of 9 Discussion on Petition to Close Goodview Avenue South into Grant The City of Hugo received a copy of a petition submitted to White Bear Township and the City of Grant that includes a request to close Goodview Avenue at Hugo/Grant border. The residents that signed the petition are from both White Bear Township and the City of Grant. City Engineer Jay Kennedy has been in discussion with City and Township Officials as well as Washington County Officials, and he updated the Council on discussions to date. It was noted that the City of Grant chose not to participate in the 1990 Goodview Avenue paving project, and to close Goodview at this time would increase traffic on Ironwood Avenue located in Grant because it would become the north/south connection. Two Hugo residents living on Goodview Avenue talked about the increase of traffic that would occur at the currently congested intersection of Highway 61 and 130th Street should Goodview Avenue be closed to the south, and the effect it would have on the school busing system. Miron made motion, Hass seconded, to direct staff to prepare a letter to Washington County, White Bear Township, Metropolitan Council, and the school districts asking them to review the City of Grants transportation section of their Comprehensive Plan. All Ayes. Motion carried. Announcement of Candidate Forum at Hugo City Hall on October 7, 2008 At its September 15, 2008 meeting, the Hugo City Council approved the request from The Citizen and League of Women Voters for the use of the Council Chambers at Hugo City Hall for the Candidate Forum scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2009. The City has been informed by The Citizen that three candidates running for the three seats have chosen not to participate in the debate for four reasons. City Administrator Mike Ericson discussed with Council the reasons submitted by the candidates who refused to participate in the forum, and he explained a member of the League of Women Voters would assist in facilitating the event but they were not sponsoring it. Mike encouraged the public to attend. Discussion on September 22, 2008 Tornado Disaster Survivor Neighborhood Meeting On Monday, September 22, 2008, a neighborhood meeting was held at the Oneka Elementary School with survivors from the May 25, 2008 tornado disaster. Accompanied with representatives from the Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee, Hugo City Staff, and State and area agencies. Mayor Fran Miron and Council Members Becky Petryk and Frank Puleo were at the neighborhood meeting, which was well attended by residents. The Mayor stated he was pleased with the progress in the neighborhood. Discussion on Washington County Board Request for Metro Transit Funding As Council is aware, after the I -35W bridge collapse, Washington County Officials were successful in getting federal funding from MnDot for a commuter bus line from the Washington County Service Center in Forest Lake to downtown St. Paul. With completion and opening of the new I -35W bridge, there have been discussions regarding the elimination of the federal funds for the commuter bus route. Washington County Board and County Administrator Jim Schug have requested support from the City of Hugo for the Board's request for Metro Transit Funding. Washington County Commissioner Dennis Hegberg, Washington County Senior Transportation Engineer Mike Rogers, and Met Council Representative Georgie Hilker addressed the City Council requesting the City's participation in the Metro Transit Tax District.