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<br />Stormwater re-use. The City is using about 100 million gallons of storm water through <br />this program on an annual basis. Construction is ongoing on several new projects that will be <br />privately managed by Homeowners Associations. Staff continues to seek outside funds and <br />project ideas for other re-use projects. City staff is reviewing the results of a study at this time <br />conducted by Rice Creek Watershed District to evaluate the successes and failures of these <br />projects and is improving processes that will lead to more effective operation of the systems. We <br />also hope to identify possible enhancements to existing projects. <br /> <br />Water Conservation. We will continue to seek new ways to lead in this area, but work <br />has been hampered by the White Bear Lake lawsuit. <br /> <br />Regional water studies that impact Hugo continue to be developed and updated. Staff <br />reviews this data, participates on many task forces and committees and is involved in regional <br />discussions involving water use. Dave Strub has been appointed as a member of MAWSAC. <br /> <br />Fire Department: <br /> <br />Administration. The City’s full-time Fire Chief has been implementing a work plan <br />that incorporates Council’s objectives. The Chief has implemented changes to the organizational <br />structure of the department, along with some operational adjustments. Physical improvements to <br />the Fire Station are largely complete. In 2026, the Chief will determine the long-term future of <br />the Fire Marshal position. <br /> <br />Engine #2. The Fire Chief is developing a long-range plan for the department’s fleet of <br />vehicles. The largest (and most expensive) trucks are on a 30-year replacement schedule, which <br />means the tanker truck (Tender #1) is due for replacement in 2032, and the heavy rescue truck <br />(Rescue #1) is due for replacement in 2034. The Chief is evaluating whether department <br />operations would be improved if both trucks were to be replaced with a single Engine/Tender <br />(think pumper-tanker combination truck), to be purchased as early as 2029. If things were to <br />play out this way, it would result in substantial long-term savings for the City, although a major <br />expenditure would occur earlier than planned. The Department’s operation has changed since <br />these older trucks were originally purchased. A truck committee has been appointed comprised <br />of select members of the Fire Department, and they are preparing recommendations for the <br />Chief. The City’s 5-year equipment CIP will be evaluated to determine whether this type of <br />purchase can be accommodated. <br /> <br />Parks: <br /> <br />Trails. City staff is partnering with Washington County for construction of the last <br />section of the Hardwood Creek Trail. The County has obtained a portion of the needed <br />funding from the State, but a funding source for the City’s share of the cost has not been <br />identified. The 2026 street project will likely include trail reconstruction along Fenway between <br />130th and 140th Streets. The project also includes a trail connection along 130th Street. <br /> <br />Trail Maintenance. Many sections of Existing Trails need maintenance. Two years <br />ago, the staff completed the City’s first-ever trail ratings system and has integrated trail <br />maintenance into the streets CIP. This new program will continue to be evaluated over the next