2021.01.19 CC Packet - Goal Setting Workshop

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Water Access. The Parks Plan encourages a focus on improving access to the City’s water amenities. Land has been dedicated along Sunset Lake, providing a public access possibility. Irish Avenue Park. Plans for Irish Ave Park are changing due to the construction of a new public works facility on that land. The Parks Commission is interested in meeting with surrounding residents to plan the future of the park. Administration and Planning: Downtown Hugo. The 2021 Lions Park project, combined with the street projects, the water re-use project, and the adjacent apartment project will all contribute significantly toward the realization of the downtown master plan. The improvements will include reconstruction and redesign of the parking lot at City Hall. It will also impact the traffic flow of vehicles and pedestrians to the area. Staff may discuss with council enhancements to the public entrance of City Hall to coordinate with the other improvements. A year ago, the City had an agreement in place for development of a restaurant on city-owned land. While this agreement was terminated due to Covid-19 impacts, another developer has emerged and Council has approved an agreement allowing for development of this land under a phased approach. Staff expects to work with the developer towards completion of this plan. The Council and Planning Commission have determined that the downtown design guidelines are still a proper guide for new development in the downtown area. The EDA has approved a marketing plan that is being implemented by staff. Staff will continue to facilitate discussions between landowners to promote the private redevelopment of the old stock lumber site. Covid -19. The pandemic has challenged city staff in countless ways. Staff will continue to do a great job in their ongoing efforts in finding safe and effective ways of serving the public, conducting meetings, and adapting as requirements dictate. Protests. In 2020, Hugo became a location for protest activity following the death of George Floyd. Staff will need to continue to monitor possible protest activity, and strategically determine how to provide appropriate responses. Keeping the city’s residents safe and providing for free speech remain priorities of the city Collaboration with others. We will continue to seek ways to provide improved municipal services at a lower cost where possible by combining efforts with other entities. Washington County has completed a study of Economic Development services and has hired a full time staff person who has been collaborating with us. The Building Department continues to provide full time building permit and inspection services for the City of Scandia, and part time for other cities. The City has recently transferred operation of the city’s compost site to the county, and operations have expanded to accept brush. The City has participated in the formation of a technology collaborative for IT Services, known as Metro-Inet. Development Review. Staff is closely monitoring the pace of development activity which has been accelerating. Some ongoing residential development projects include Adelaide Landing, Oneka Place, Rice Lake Reserve, Oneka Lake Reserve, The Meadows of Hugo, Jack