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Planning For Hugo Elementary Schools Underway Following the November approval by voters in and sizes of rooms,landscaping,building design, Ne White Bear Lake Area School District#624 of a parking lots,playgrounds—you name it." He adds, bond issue to construct a new elementary school in "It's important to note that the committee is looking Hugo and remodel the existing school,two com- not only at the design of the new school,but also School mittees have already begun work on the project. the remodeling of the existing elementary school. A design committee is working with the architects We hope to end up with two very nice schools that and engineers to determine design elements for complement one another." New School Naming both schools,and a naming committee will be Committee responsible for coming up with new names for the Steve McNeill of LHB,the principal architect for schools. The district has hired the design firm of the project,is one of the facilitators for the design Residents interested in LHB,with offices in Minneapolis and Duluth,as committee meetings and states that they are off to learning more about the well as Hallberg Engineering of White Bear Lake a good start. "We've looked at slides of buildings school naming process to work on the project. They are also in the process from across the country to try to determine likes are encouraged to con- of selecting a construction management firm. and dislikes in terms of the theme and image for the tact one of the following new building,"he explains. "We'll also get into de- committee members: School District Superintendent Ted Blaesing ex- tailed aspects of the space needs,the rooms,and the plains that the design committee is made up of over organizational aspects within the building that will Larry DeNucci 30 people,including school board members,teach- be needed to provide great spaces for both kids and 651-407-7562 ers,principals,parents,community members,City the community." Both committees are expected to Beth Brisch officials,developers,and curriculum and recreation complete their work by the end of March. 651-762-9236 specialists. "These people will be giving advice Susan Brott on just about anything you can think of—types 651-407-7695 l Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 Mike Granger Hugo Community Development Director Resigns 651-426-8171 Becky Petryk John Rask, Hugo's first ever Community in Hugo was very positive,"Rask states. "I feel 651-426-4722 Development Director for the past 3-1/2 years, honored to have worked with such great people Bunny Peterson resigned as of December 24,2003. He has taken —staff, City Council members,and residents. It 651-429-9323 a position as Manager of Land Development for was a real pleasure working with the citizens of Hans Hagen Homes,a residential home builder and Hugo during a very challenging time,as the City land developer located in Fridley,where he will be experienced so much growth." involved in all aspects of acquisition and develop- ment of property. Rask states,"What attracted me "We certainly appreciate the time that John has to this position was the opportunity to be involved been with us,"notes Mayor Fran Miron. "We in the design and creation of new neighborhoods wish it could have been much longer,but we also from start to finish." are excited for his new opportunity."City Council member Chuck Haas notes Rask's contributions in When asked what he felt were his major accom- guiding the City through important processes such plishments with the City, Rask cited the acquisition as the revision of zoning regulations,the Charette of the Bernin property for a future park at Oneka revisioning of the City,and the Everton Avenue Lake,the development of the Bald Eagle Industrial project. Haas adds,"John's biggest contribution Park,being part of the Victor Gardens neighbor- was the `quiet'way he would help Council mem- hood development,and working with the White bers understand what we needed to know to make Bear Lake Area School District to identify a site good decisions. He became an invaluable asset to for the new elementary school and ultimately see- the City, and we will miss him." ing the voters approve its construction. "My time ► j