2007.01.16 CC Mintues - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council meeting of January 16, 2007 Page 7 creation of an 800 MHz communication system for public safety and public works officials in cities and townships in Washington County. At its January 2, 2007 meeting, Council listened to a presentation from Fire Chief Jim Compton and Assistant Chief Jadon 011ila, as they explained that Washington County received a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for 800 MHz communications equipment. Captain Pott was at the Council meeting to formally present a request from Washington County for the location of a communication tower on the City -owned Rice Lake Park property. Captain Pott provided a PowerPoint presentation to Council explaining why the location is necessary, funding of the tower and possible revenue sources, along with options for Council to consider in regard for the construction and maintenance of a 250' communications tower. Council was in general support of the tower, since its focus was on public safety communication. Captain Pott was thanked for his presentation and he was informed that a public hearing will need to be held at the Planning Commission, along with Council approval, before the tower can be constructed. No formal Council action was taken. COUNCIL MEMBER HAAS LEFT THE MEETING AT 8:45 PM. DISCUSSION ON SNOWMOBILE TRAIL APPLICATION FROM THE RICE CREEK SNOWMOBILE CLUB At its January 2, 2007 meeting, Council listened to Mayor Fran Miron as he explained to them that he had received a snowmobile complaint from a resident living on Elmcrest Avenue. A member of the Rice Creek Snowmobile Club was in attendance at the Council meeting and explained that there were issues raised in regard to snowmobiles driving on the Elmcrest Avenue right-of-way, as well as the placement of tree logs in the right-of-way by a property owner. Council agreed to direct staff to schedule a meeting with the snowmobile club and the local resident to discuss the issue. The meeting was held on Friday, January 5, 2007, at which representatives from the snowmobile club, as well as resident Ron Hugger and City staff, were in attendance. A letter had been sent to Mr. Hugger directing him to immediately remove the tree stumps, and upon receipt of the letter, Mr. Hugger did comply and removed them from the right-of-way easement from Elmcrest Avenue. Staff learned that the Rice Creek Snowmobile Club has maintained, along with support from the MnDNR, a trail from Anoka County through Hugo, in and around Elmcrest Avenue near CR4, for more than 20 years. This was the first time that City staff had learned that there was a designated trail in the City at this location. Staff informed the snowmobile club that they must make an application to the City for a snowmobile trail as per City code, which was provided. Doug Koppy and Bill Prinsen from the Rice Creek Snowmobile Club were present to answer Council questions. Mr. Hugger addressed Council with issues about speed, riding on private property, and concerns over his dog being run over by a snowmobile. Council encouraged the club to pursue use of the vacant property west of Elmcrest Avenue to help the situation. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, to approve the Rice Creek Snowmobile Club's application for a trail extension through the City of Hugo, and direct staff to work with the snowmobile club and the Hugo resident to resolve issues for next year trails. All aye. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC TRANSIT/BUS SERVICE IN CITY Mayor Fran Miron had been contacted by Roger and Joyce Amundson, Hugo residents, who have inquired as to why the City does not receive bus service. Because of illness, the residents were unable to attend the meeting.