2022 Fall Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

FALL2022 TUNE INTO Government Channel 16 for community updates and to watch City meetings Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 651-762-6300 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us Fire Department 651-762-6362 Washington County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce Non-emergency: 651-439-9381 I thi issu... Letter from the Mayor ..................1 A Word for Public Works...............2 General Election Info ....................3 Saving Monarch Butterﬂies ..........4 Fall Activities .................................4 Construction Update ....................5 Lions Volunteer Park Grand Opening .............................6 City Commissioners Openings ......6 Updates from the Fire Chief .........7 Open Burning Reminders .............7 Food Scraps Pickup Program ........8 Butterﬂy on Purple Cone FlowerButterﬂy on Purple Cone Flower Hugo’s progression has been very evident in the last couple months. We are welcoming new residents in Adelaide Landing, Fable Hill, Oneka Place, Rice Lake Reserve, and more. With a population now over 16,000 residents, Hugo’s growth has led to increased needs for infrastructure and recreation. The new Public Works Building and Lions Volunteer Park are nearing completion. Maintaining existing infrastructure remains important as well. Oneka Parkway is being reconstructed and a traf- ﬁc signal is going in at Frenchman Road. The ﬁnal chapter of constructing the new south water tower is coming to close as the old water tower has been torn down. It is exciting to see everyone out en- joying our community and witnessing these changes together. The Public Works Department is running well out of their new building. The City used property it already owned, at Irish Avenue Park, which allowed for a “forever home” for Public Works. However, the new streets, utilities, and parks being construct- ed mean increasing maintenance needs. The new site can accommodate long term expansion, elimi- nating difﬁcult facility discussions for future Councils. Additionally, the new facility better houses the Washington County Sherriff’s Department as they serve Hugo. The previous Public Works building has been sold to the White Bear Lake School District. Lions Volunteer Park was recently named to honor the volunteers that continue to make Hugo a better place. With recreation needs growing, it came time to have a community park with amenities worth a longer walk or a drive. More than a neighborhood park, Lions Volunteer Park offers indoor and outdoor space for events, an expansive accessible playground, sport courts, and a skate park. The beautiful new pavilion will be available for residents to reserve for a wide range of gatherings. The new community building has been named Peder Pedersen Pavilion, in honor of his tireless volunteerism. Each element of Lions Volunteer Park was designed by volunteers. The planning process started with community visioning meetings in 2010. In 2020-2021, committees of volunteers designed everything from the playground slides to the pavilion rooﬂine. Volunteers are what make the City go around. I hope that Lions Volunteer Park acknowledges the contribu- tions of volunteers past and present and serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to our great community as it continues to grow. The City Council has responsibly managed taxes while providing for the growing infra- structure residents depend on and the amenities they deserve. It is important to balance growth with revenue. The Council has maintained a ﬂat tax rate policy and still has continued to meet the growing needs for infrastructure and recreation. Tom Weidt, Mayor Hugo’s growth has led to increased needs for infrastructure and recreation. If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it to info@ci.hugo.mn.us Your question could be featured in the next newsletter!