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Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 <br />Page 6 of 8 <br />Regional Trail extension along CSAH 8 from TH61 to Lino Lakes and Centerville. Washington <br />County is preparing the master plan for that corridor. The upcoming plan must also address new <br />requirements for climate mitigation and adaptation, and the Metropolitan Council will provide <br />supporting resources. <br /> <br />Juba concluded that staff will continue to review the system statement and will maintain <br />discussions with Metropolitan Council staff regarding forecasts, new density standards, and <br />affordable housing allocations. A formal dispute of the system statement may be needed. <br />Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan work plan is anticipated in early 2026. <br /> <br />In Council discussion, Krull asked about the impacts of incorrect forecasts. Juba explained that <br />they affect infrastructure and land use planning. Bear added that exceeding forecast numbers <br />would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment before approving new projects, creating <br />potential delays. Strub asked about the MUSA boundary, and Juba confirmed no changes are <br />proposed. Weidt expressed concern that forecast limitations could restrict the City’s planned <br />growth and requested staff notify the Council if a formal dispute letter or resolution becomes <br />necessary. <br /> <br />Approve Comment Letter on Washington County CIP <br /> <br />City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the City provides comment letters each year to <br />Washington County regarding the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While these <br />letters are not always reviewed by the Council, staff wanted Council members to be aware of a <br />specific project included in this year’s CIP. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Rachel Juba reported that Washington County’s five-year <br />CIP outlines proposed projects for roads, bridges, parks, trails, and public facilities, with the first <br />year incorporated into the 2026 budget. She presented a map showing that the only project <br />identified in Hugo is the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail extension along 140th Street. The <br />County has completed a feasibility study, and while grant funding has been awarded, it does not <br />fully cover the project cost of over $1.3 million. The County identified a possible local <br />contribution from Hugo of $835,000, though this is not currently included in the City’s CIP. <br />Project design is planned for 2026, with construction scheduled for 2027. <br /> <br />Juba also noted that the City’s 2026 CIP includes reconstruction of 140th Street, Fenway <br />Boulevard, and 130th Street, which incorporates trail improvements. Under the County’s cost- <br />share policy, they would contribute 50% for the 140th Street trail (CSAH 8) but nothing for the <br />Fenway Boulevard trail, which is rated in poor condition. She stated the County could realize <br />cost savings by coordinating the Fenway trail reconstruction with the City’s street project. Staff <br />has drafted a letter encouraging the County to include this work in its 2026 CIP. <br /> <br />Council Member Weidt questioned if it was left out of their CIP because they didn’t think it <br />needed to be replaced at this time. City Engineer Mark Erichson responded that the County has <br />other projects, and based on other needs elsewhere, it was not included in their CIP. <br /> <br />Council Member Miron asked about the timeline for the Hardwood Creek Trail extension, and