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Council Meeting Minutes Goal Workshop on January 27, 2025 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br />The Council discussed concerns that a rental ordinance might be overly burdensome and would <br />not significantly impact the eviction process. Historically, landlords in Hugo have been <br />cooperative, often unaware of problem tenants until notified, at which point they are typically <br />eager to remove them to protect their investment. Landlords also tend to maintain their <br />properties to attract and retain reliable tenants. <br />It was suggested that as neighborhoods age, implementing a rental ordinance may become more <br />beneficial. Council generally agreed the best approach would be to meet with the homeowners' <br />association that initially raised concerns about rental housing and focus on improving internal <br />practices for managing rental-related issues. <br />Urban and Rural Tax Rate <br /> <br />City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded the Council that the urban and rural tax rates were <br />discussed during the budget workshop. Residents in the rural district pay 90% of the tax rate of <br />those in the urban district. Under state law, properties located within designated rural areas are <br />classified under the urban tax category once they undergo platting. The City previously revisited <br />this issue in the 1970s and 1980s, but no changes were made. Any modifications to the tax <br />classifications and rates would require a public process. Staff anticipated that reopening this <br />discussion would generate similar public feedback as in previous years, likely leading to the <br />same outcome. The Council reached a general consensus and chose not to include this matter as <br />a goal for 2025. <br /> <br />Selection of 2025 goals <br />City Administrator Bryan Bear highlighted goals drafted by staff and commissions that included <br />street and bridge projects, as well as the need for a ditch maintenance plan in collaboration with <br />the Watershed District. Specific road projects include improvements at 165th Street and Elmcrest <br />Avenue. <br />For parks, staff proposed to move forward with playground improvements in Oneka Lake Park <br />and trail construction Clearwater Creek Preserve. The City owned Bernin Park has easement <br />restrictions imposed by the DNR, and staff will continue working on potential improvements. <br />The City will support the County’s bonding fund request for the Hardwood Creek Trail <br />extension. <br />The Fire Department would like to form a committee to assess the department’s vehicle needs, <br />with the goal of replacing two trucks with a single unit as early as 2029. <br />Staff feels good about its salary matrix but feels an employee benefits analysis should be <br />conducted since one has not been performed in many years. There is now an Employees Safe <br />and Sick Time Policy required by the state, and in 2026 the new Family Leave Program will be <br />in effect. Staff will attempt to conduct an internal study on employee benefits but may request <br />Council’s approval for consultant assistance. Staffing needs should be evaluated including an <br />assessment of the Fire Marshal position.