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3/12/2020 Neighbors weigh in on new public works facility I News I presspubs.com In 2019, the council approved a facility needs study for the Public Works Department and approved the 2020 budget, which allows for either the expansion or relocation of the public works facility, currently located at 6900 137th Street N., just west of Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The first part of the study dived into what it would take to accommodate the department's needs by expanding its current facility. The second part of the study investigated the construction of a brand new facility on approximately 10-15 acres of the 125-acre site. Public Works Director Scott Anderson said, "Expansion of our building (on the current site)does not allow for long-term expansion beyond 15 years. We would reach capacity with no further expansion available." The study concluded that it would be more cost effective and better fit the department's long-term needs to build a new facility at Irish Avenue Park. Many residents shared their concerns and expressed that the reason they moved to Hugo in the first place was for its country feel. One resident said, "We have lived in the area for 10 years and we love it. It is dark at night, quiet and there are no artificial lights shining into the sky." A common concern among residents was the lighting that would be used on a new facility. City staff and the council explained that both advances in lighting and the city's standards for lighting have come a long way since the original facility was built in 2004. One resident said, "A handful of people in this room moved out here because we like the peaceful nature of the property, so people are sensitive to it becoming industrialized. Take into consideration what you would want to live next to, especially since this is an agricultural area. We didn't move to a house in a development on a cul-de-sac," he said. Another resident wanted to know what would be done with the existing building if a new one was constructed. Bear said they don't know the answer to that yet for sure, but they have some ideas. He said the city has had discussions with White Bear Lake Area Schools, which needs a grounds maintenance facility. Another possibility might be for the county to use the space. A concern was the noise and traffic that might be generated from the site. Anderson explained, "We are pretty good neighbors. It is quiet on the evenings and weekends." He added that public works staff are good about doing what they can before a snowfall so when they come in early in the morning to begin plowing, "alarms aren't going off and tailgates aren't banging." https://www.presspubs.com/citizen/news/neighbors-weigh-in-on-new-public-works-facility/article_1 e2b4292-6491-1 l ea-84f1-ff91 ab89c221.htrnl 315