2003 December Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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To The Residents Of Hugo: As 2003 draws to a close,an opportunity exists to review our goals and priorities. As Mayor,I encour- age the City Council to set goals and priorities each year,and by doing so, staff is provided with clear ' direction as the Council works together as a team. This process also enables the Council to evaluate our success or failure. Probably the most exciting and positive event of 2003 was voter approval of a new elementary school in Hugo. This collaborative effort between the City and school district ranked high on our list of priorities. We recognize the importance that good schools have on our quality of life in the community. Life-cycle , housing also factors into our quality of life. I'm excited that we've been able to successfully negotiate the sale of City property next to the Post Office,which will provide a site for senior-assisted living. Our remaining parcel in the Industrial Park is being developed with five new businesses,and it will provide new job opportunities and an expanded tax base. "...the most excit- This past year,the City and Washington County worked hard with our ing and positive citizens to identify an alignment for County Road 8,and as a member of event of 2003 the Tri-Cities Coalition,we are working to address transportation issues was voter area-wide. The traffic signal at TH61 and 140th Street was installed and should improve traffic safety at that intersection. Although construction approval of a new difficulties delayed completion of municipal services to the Peloquin elementary Industrial Park,Lametti& Sons of Hugo replaced the original contrac- tor,and the project is now near completion. Our apologies to everyone school in Hugo." inconvenienced by that long delay and our thanks to Lametti& Sons. Communities statewide were concerned with balancing budgets as we lost state aid. I'm pleased to announce a decrease in per capita spending in Hugo for 2004,as well as a reduction in our tax rate. A long-time City goal has been to maintain a level or flat tax rate,while still providing quality services. For a City to experience a reduction in tax rate,while other communities experience difficulty in balanc- ing budgets,bodes well for Hugo. I wish to begin a public outreach and accountability initiative as we enter 2004 by meeting with residents to discuss issues of concern. If individuals or groups, such as homeowner associations,would like to have their Council ward representative and myself attend a meeting, call me directly or call City Hall and we'll gladly schedule a meeting at your convenience. The Oneka Room in City Hall is available for such purposes. Through this process,and with your input,I hope to maintain a responsive local government. With Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season, Fran Miron Mayor Help Decide The Future Of Hardwood Creek The City of Hugo and the Rice Creek Watershed District invite all residents of Hugo to a presenta- tion and discussion about the future of Hardwood Creek/Judicial Ditch 2 on Thursday,January 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Oneka Room at City Hall. We encourage everyone to come and help decide the future of this important natural resource for Hugo. If you have any questions,you may call Steve Hobbs of the Rice Creek Watershed District at 763-398-3071 or visit their website at www.rice- creekwd.com to see the various options being discussed.