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Council Meeting Minutes for April 6, 2026 Page 8 of 10 along Fenway as a regional trail, and the County wants to accept that section of trail in an improved new condition. Weidt asked whether the City could front the cost and seek reimbursement later. Erichson replied that the County has not committed to it yet. They do not want to make this investment in case this does not become a regional trail. They do not have full knowledge it will come to fruition. Miron said it sounded like there would be a process for this to become a regional trail and questioned whether there could be negotiations at that point. Erichson indicated that it could reduce the City’s cost for the next section. Petryk asked if the townhome association to the south had been contacted. Ericson replied that they are working through the process with them, and their biggest concern is screening. Strub questioned whether the trail on Fenway is really in need of improvement. Erichson confirmed that it is. Weidt talked about how costs will continue to increase and noted that the trails benefit the City. He said it was not ideal to front the money, but the timing of the City and County projects do not line up. He said it made sense to do it as part of this project and work with them later for reimbursement. Miron agreed, saying there are several different parts of this project, and it will only be getting more expensive. Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to direct staff to write a letter to Washington County discussing the City’s desire to do improvements now and work to get reimbursed by the County at a later date. All Ayes. Motion carried. Information on Repeal of Shotgun-Only Zone in Southern and Western MN The City of Hugo has historically been included in the longstanding shotgun-only hunting zone in southern and western Minnesota, which restricted deer hunters to using shotguns, muzzleloaders, or handguns. A new law passed during the 2025 legislative session repealed the shotgun-only restriction, effective January 1, 2026. Hunters may now use rifles or other legal firearms statewide, although individual counties within the former zone may adopt ordinances to continue restricting rifle use. City Administrator Bryan Bear reviewed the City’s shooting ordinance and controlled shooting area regulations. Within Hugo, a person may not discharge a firearm or other controlled weapon within 500 feet of any building capable of being occupied by a person or livestock, or within 500 feet of a stockade or corral containing livestock. Discharge is also prohibited within 500 feet of any public road. Outside the controlled shooting area, shooting within 500 feet is permitted only with the property owner’s permission. The City’s ordinance does not differentiate between firearm types.