2017 Spring Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo Area Business Association (HBA) Business Awards In February, Mayor Tom Weidt gave the State of the City Address during the Hugo Business Association networking breakfast event. The Mayor presented a review of the City activities in 2016 along with the the City goals for 2017. The HBA also held its business award ceremony. Business of the Year: Jana Voss and Amy DeYoung, Park Dental Business Legacy Award: Brian Robinson, Wilson Tool Emerging Business: Jessica Sharp and Laura Samuelson, Growing Generation Child Development Center Volunteer of the Year Award: Kathy Brevig Congratulations to all the award winners! Conservation Efforts The City remains dedicated to promote water conservation through education and incentives. Stormwater reuse and management projects this year will include retrofitting the irrigation system in the Waters Edge Development and the completion of the Clearwater Cove water reuse project. Consideration to changes in the City's water rate structure, evaluation of the use of solar panels on City facilities, and exploration on the topic of City resiliency have been identified as Council goals for 2017. Economic Development Economic development efforts continue with a boost from a partnership with Washington County. The City will be focusing on activities related to the marketing of the City owned property along Highway 61 and continue to encourage funding from the legislature for maintenance of the rail service to the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. The City Council and staff are committed to communicating with all existing businesses on retention and expansion. Community Development On the Community Development forefront is the implementation of the planning process for the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Preparation of the design and a cost analysis will begin on new City entrance signs and the City will partner with MnDOT to improve the functionality and appearance of the TH61/170th Street roundabout. Zoning Ordinance updates are needed with a focus on parking, pools, shoreland, and subdivision regulations. Park Projects The Parks Commission remains focused on the expansion of the City's trail system and will be developing priorities for needs and spending. As part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, the Commission will work on revisions to the Parks and Trails Plan. The City will continue to expand partnerships to offer additional recreation programs for Hugo's diverse popu- lation, including seniors. Future planning for Irish Avenue Park will begin with involvement from neighboring residents. The City welcomes the new park opening in the Clearwater Cove Development! Infrastructure Projects Plans are underway for improvements to streets in the north Sunset Lake area, specifically Homestead Avenue, 132nd Street, Homestead Drive, and 126th Street. A five-year mainte- nance plan for Judicial Ditch 2 will be prepared and the creation of a building maintenance fund will be considered. The City will be working with Xcel and Connexus Energy on the conversion to LED street lighting and preparations will begin on the construction of the south water tower to be located on 125th Street North. Rural Hugo is anticipated to have high speed internet available to them through CenturyLink this month. Public Safety The City welcomes the addition of a new Hugo investigator position with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and will collaborate with surrounding cities to improve safety operations and consider automatic mutual aid. The Fire Department will target recruitment efforts for daytime firefighters (see page 7) and review the addition of a future ladder truck to the department fleet. The City will conduct regular evaluations of its emergency services to continually improve upon safety procedures provided to our residents. Administration The City continues to seek ways to improve technology to better communicate with and serve our residents, including conversion of existing documents to electronic data. Legislative issues that impact City budgeting will be monitored and relationships with regional partners and other civic organizations will be nurtured. A space needs study of City buildings will be discussed along with the fate of the Hopkins schoolhouse located on 170th Street North. 0