2025.01.27 CC Packet - Goal Setting Packet

Home

project also includes a trail connection along 130th Street that will require right-of-way acquisition. Trail Maintenance. Many sections of Existing Trails need maintenance. Last year, the staff completed the City’s first-ever trail ratings system and has integrated trail maintenance into the streets CIP. This new program will continue to be evaluated over the next several years. The city is developing better strategies for dealing with pesky “willow-pops” on trails. Veteran’s Memorial at Lion’s Volunteer Park. Space for such a memorial is provided within the park, and Council has expressed some support for it, but it has not been built. Staff would like to find partners for this possible future project. Bernin Park. All buildings have now been demolished. In 2024, the Parks Commission approved the construction plans for park improvements, however the City’s application to the DNR to fund the improvements was not approved. Staff is working this winter to complete connections of the informal trails within Bernin Park to new trails within Oneka Shores, creating a continuous walking path along the edge of Oneka Lake. This park is adjacent to Oneka Ponds Park and will interface nicely with that park following this year’s project at that park. Neighborhood Parks. For 2025, the Parks Commission’s goals include plans to replace the playground and complete other site improvements at Oneka Ponds Park. North Star Wetland Bank. This is a project behind the new North Star elementary school that would involve creation of a wetland bank and addition of a trails network. After substantial effort on planning this project in 2023 and 2024, the City is facing daunting permitting challenges from state agencies. At this time, staff is evaluating whether this project should be terminated, or whether a different project concept should be pursued. If the project is terminated, there is still desire from the Parks Commission and the School District for trail connections through this area, however without wetland banking revenue, the trails do not have a funding source. This will be a discussion topic in 2025. Programs. Since Covid, many of the community programming options that were previously provided through our many community partnerships, are no longer available for a variety of reasons. The Parks Planner is developing a strategy to increase programs and special events available to our residents. Community and Economic Development: Downtown Hugo and city-owned property. Development of this site remains a top priority for the EDA. With EDA direction, the staff has been marketing the property. Revisions to the City’s shoreland ordinance are necessary to provide certainty that a project can get DNR support for building near Egg Lake. The City’s Shoreland Ordinance is being evaluated. Following DNR resistance to the City’s downtown planning efforts, and with shoreland rules not making sense in other areas of the City, especially along Judicial Ditches, staff from the City and DNR are working toward some more flexible standards that better meet the State’s conservation goals, and better interface