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Administration and Planning: <br />Downtown Hugo. Staff anticipates continuing to spend time in 2019 meeting with <br />people who are interested in development within downtown. Last fall, the City signed a <br />purchase agreement for development of a restaurant on city -owned land. With that agreement <br />expiring soon, the city may need to pursue alternatives. The Council and Planning Commission <br />have determined that the downtown design guidelines are still a proper guide for new <br />development in the downtown area. The EDA has approved a marketing plan that is being <br />implemented by staff. Staff will continue to facilitate discussions between landowners to <br />promote the private redevelopment of the old stock lumber site. <br />Collaboration with others. We will continue to seek ways to provide improved <br />municipal services at a lower cost where possible by combining efforts with other entities. <br />Washington County has completed a study of Economic Development services and has hired a <br />full time staff person who has been collaborating with us. The Building Department continues to <br />provide full time building permit and inspection services for the City of Scandia, and part time <br />for other cities. The City is working with Washington County to transfer operation of the city's <br />compost site to the county, and expand operations to accept brush. <br />Development. Staff is closely monitoring the pace of development activity which has <br />been increasing recently. Some ongoing development projects include Adelaide Landing, Oneka <br />Place, Victor Gardens North Village, Clearwater Cove, Schwieters, Creekside Heights, Fable <br />Hills, Waters Edge, Norman Woods, and others. There is significant interest in vacant, <br />undeveloped land parcels as well. <br />Facilities. The Public Works Director has been scheduling meetings with firms to help <br />evaluate possible expansion needs at Public Works. Staff may be prepared to discuss options <br />with the Council in 2019. Modifications to Public Works will involve further discussions with <br />the Sheriff's office. A new roof and HVAC mechanical equipment was installed at the Fire Hall <br />in 2018. Staff is also discussing maintenance and minor upgrades that are needed at City Hall. <br />White Bear Lake School Facilities. The school district is evaluating their own facility <br />needs in response to growth within the district, especially growth occurring in Hugo. There has <br />been significant discussion between While Bear Lake School Administration and Hugo staff <br />about the need for additional school buildings. We expect this discussion to advance towards a <br />specific proposal in 2019. <br />Technology. The staff continues implementation of a document imaging system. Much <br />of this conversion to electronic files has been complete, which is improving the way that service <br />is delivered. Staff has also been working on the implementation of a new permitting software <br />that will allow for electronic submittals of permits and plans. When complete, much of the <br />transactional business that must now occur at the front counter, will occur on-line instead. New <br />equipment should be considered for installation within the Council Chambers and Oneka Room. <br />Council may wish to discuss electronic packets, including city -issued tablets. <br />Comprehensive Plan / Ordinances. This significant effort was largely completed in <br />2018. The official submittal will occur in early 2019 with implementation to follow. <br />Implementation normally starts with an evaluation of city ordinances. There has been some <br />