2021 Spring Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to the Coronavirus outbreak in March of 2020, Mayor Tom Weidt declared a local emergency. This allowed the City to be in a state of read- iness to make decisions quickly if neces- sary. Throughout the pandemic, the City Council received regular updates and has been able to make decisions about the City's virus response without using emergency powers or executive orders. The Council has since rescinded all local emergency powers. While many events were cancelled throughoutthe pandemic, all Cityservices and facilities remained open and avail- able. Residents were able to visit parks, trails, and open spaces in the City, and did a good job following social distanc- ing guidelines. Modifications were made to serve the public through upgrades in technology that allows for building permits to be applied for online and for the community to participate in all meetings virtually. Physical upgrades were made to City buildings to include barrier guards at the front counters, HVAC improvements, touchless doors and faucets, and masks and sanitizers were made available to the public. Staff worked with Washington County to provide the best up-to-date information on business resources, and the City was able to provide businesses with some financial assistance. Hugo CARES Business Grant On July 7, 2020, the City of Hugo received $1 million from the Minnesota Department of Revenue in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This money was provided to the City through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as a federal response to the recent economic decline. The EDA met in August to discuss the resources already available to local businesses and if there was a need for an additional grant program. The discus- sion ended in a motion that directed staff to create a grant program for local, private or nonprofit businesses that generate under $3.5 million in annual revenue, which allowed them to apply for individual grants for up to $10,000. In response, staff created a grant program that allocated $200,000 from the City's CARES budget to local businesses, should they meet the grant requirements. The application period was open from September 9, 2020 to October 1, 2020. In the end, 19 Hugo businesses received grants from the City and a total of $171,635.33 was awarded. Staff received 22 total applications and reviewed the submitted materials in regard to the grant application criteria and requirements. At the October 15, 2020 meeting, the City Council expanded the criteria to allow two of the applicants that did not meet the annual revenue requirements to be included in the recipients. Fees Waived The City Council also waived on -sale liquor license fees for 2021 in order to help struggling restaurants. Also, in an effort to create a business friendly community, the City of Hugo has never re- quired business licensing. Virtual Meetings Though the risk of COVID is far from over, vaccines are becoming more readily avail- able and business is slowly getting back to normal. Events are being planned for the summer that include Good Neighbor Days in June and the Tough Mudder in July. Most City meetings will take place in person be- ginning in April, but virtual attendance will still be possible for those who prefer it. Pro- tocols have been developed for these hybrid meetings, and attendees are encouraged to review them on the City's website. The City thanks everyone for their patience during the past year and looks forward to a better 2021 !City staff is more than happy to accom- modate for anyone wishing to participate. Stormwater Reuse Project The City of Hugo is a leader in the State of Minnesota for water stewardship and conservation. The County Road 8 Stormwater Reuse System will connect irrigation systems serving 22 acres along County Road 8, Lions Park, Keystone Place, Hugo Gardens, Lions Park and City Hall. The project will improve surface water quality through phosphorus reduction, decreased groundwater demand and volume reduction. A pump station will be installed on the existing stormwater pond on the northeast corner ion is e with Park ❑7