2021.01.19 CC Packet - Goal Setting Workshop

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Water Conservation. Many of the measures the city has implemented for water conservation will likely be negatively impacted following the recent court rulings on the White Bear Lake issue. Staff is currently implementing a program using grant dollars from the Met Council that should result in the installation of smart irrigation controllers for hundreds of Hugo residents. Regional water studies that impact Hugo continue to be developed and updated. Staff reviews this data, participates on many task forces and committees and is involved in regional discussions involving water use. Phil Klein remains as a member of MAWSAC. Fire Department: Staffing. As the City welcomes a new Fire Chief to begin the new year, the primary focus of the Fire Department leadership will surround staffing. The Chief would like to discuss a possible department organizational and staffing study to be conducted by an outside entity. The chief is interested in exploring the need and timing for full-time positions within the Fire Department. Additional focus will occur on efforts to recruit for daytime response. Parks: Lions Park. This winter, staff is finalizing the design of the new Lions Park with the help of several committees. This spring, the staff will request council authorize construction plans, receive bids, and issue bonds for construction that is anticipated to begin after Good Neighbor Days (if it occurs) in 2021. Relocation of playground equipment. The reconstruction of Lions Park will cause the need to relocate the existing playground equipment within Lions Park to another park. Staff anticipates the Park Commission will authorize a project within Beaver Ponds Park to remove the old playground equipment, perform the necessary site work and install the equipment from Lions Park. Recreation programs. The city staff was preparing new programming for 2020 in collaboration with multiple organizations, but recreational programming and events did not occur because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Events and recreational programming will only occur in 2021 if conditions improve. Trails. Staff is working with Washington County on planning for a southerly extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail to the Ramsey County border. The Parks Commission has created a master plan for trail improvements within Clearwater Creek Preserve. Collaboration with the Rice Creek Watershed District will lead to work being completed along the ditch in Clearwater Creek preserve this year, clearing corridors that will double as walking trails. The Commission has completed a study on Goodview Ave north of Egg Lake Road to determine feasibility of a trail connection. Another study is being considered in the area around the new planned White Bear Lake Elementary School. Many important trail connections are also being addressed through our partnerships with the development community.