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Irish Avenue Park. Plans for Irish Ave Park may be accelerated to some extent if plans <br />proceed for construction of a new public works facility on that land. A new entrance to the land <br />from CSAH 8, a parking lot, community space and other amenities can be considered with the <br />public works project. <br />Lions Park. Council approved a budget that levies funds for park improvements, <br />including a significant redevelopment of Lions Park. The Parks Commission will work on <br />finalizing plans and timelines for construction of park improvements to occur in 2020 or 2021. <br />Administration and Planning: <br />Downtown Hugo. Staff anticipates continuing to spend time in 2020 meeting with <br />people who are interested in development within downtown. In December, the City signed a <br />purchase agreement for development of a restaurant on city -owned land. Staff expects plans to <br />proceed for approvals in early 2020, with restaurant construction occurring over the summer. <br />Discussion will occur on plans for phasing development of the remainder of city property. The <br />Council and Planning Commission have determined that the downtown design guidelines are still <br />a proper guide for new development in the downtown area. The EDA has approved a marketing <br />plan that is being implemented by staff. Staff will continue to facilitate discussions between <br />landowners to 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 has recently transferred operation of the city's compost site to the <br />county, and expanded operations to accept brush. <br />Development Review. Staff is closely monitoring the pace of development activity <br />which has been increasing recently. Some ongoing development projects include Adelaide <br />Landing, Oneka Place, Rice Lake Reserve, Victor Gardens North Village, Fable Hills, Waters <br />Edge, Rosemary Apartments, and others. There is significant interest in vacant, undeveloped <br />land parcels as well. A concept plan application has been submitted for the Lavalle land along <br />CSAH 8. <br />Economic Development. Specific efforts in 2020 will focus on completion of strategies <br />to encourage extension of infrastructure along 165th Street, and collaboration on the new <br />technology corridor. <br />Public Works Facility. Staff is evaluating either an expansion of Public Works at the <br />existing site, or construction of a new public works facility at Irish Ave Park. Construction of <br />the facility could begin in 2020 or 2021. <br />White Bear Lake School Facilities. The school district has recently passed a $326 <br />million bond referendum for facilities. We have begun working with District staff on planning <br />for the new elementary school in Hugo. Staff is providing input on the design, and is <br />collaborating on possible joint use of common spaces within the new 100,000 square foot <br />building. The District will also be building a new bus facility in the Bald Eagle industrial park <br />