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MINUTES FOR THE HUGOCITY COUNCIL <br /> MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW WORKSHOP <br /> MONDAY,AUGUST 24,2015 <br /> Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. <br /> PRESENT: Haas, Klein, Miron, Petryk,Weidt <br /> ABSENT: None <br /> STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Director Ron Otkin, <br /> Accounting Clerk Anna Wobse,Public Works Director Scott Anderson,Community <br /> Development Assistant Rachel Leitz, and City Clerk Michele Lindau <br /> 2016 Budget Presentation <br /> Finance Director Ron Otkin presented a PowerPoint slideshow to the Council to review <br /> the 2015 mid-year budget and to lay the groundwork for the 2016 budget and tax levy. <br /> Hugo's debt level is less than the state wide average and very manageable. All but one of <br /> the City's existing bond issues will be paid off in 2020. Hugo's bond rating remains at <br /> AA+. Ron concluded by saying that the budget as prepared is balanced with no transfers <br /> in,and the proposed tax levy of$5,629,022 keeps the urban tax rate the same. Otkin <br /> informed Council that the position for a Washington County Investigator and <br /> improvements to Lions Park are not in the budget. <br /> Washington County Sheriff's Presentation <br /> Sheriff William Hutton spoke to the Council regarding adding a deputy to serve the City <br /> as an investigator. The City currently contracts for six fulltime deputies and a fulltime <br /> sergeant. Hutton explained that Part II crimes(quality of life crimes such as mail theft, <br /> internet fraud, etc.) are becoming more complex and are currently being investigated by <br /> Hugo deputies or the investigation division. More resources are being spent on these <br /> crimes,partly due to the increase in Methamphetamine use. An Hugo investigator would <br /> be able to work without taking a deputy away from the community. The Council <br /> generally agreed the City was not ready for another deputy at this time. <br /> Lions Park Discussion <br /> City Administrator Bryan Bear began the discussion on the proposed improvements to <br /> Lions Park,reminding Council it was on their list of priorities for 2015. The Park consist <br /> of over 10 acres, and the plan was developed with many amenities estimated to cost 4-6 <br /> million dollars. He explained that park dedication fees pay for neighborhood parks,and <br /> Lions Park would be a community park,which would need additional resources. A <br /> significant amount of infrastructure also needed to be done. The roads around the park <br /> are in very poor condition and not currently in the City's CIP. Lavelle Fields is not fully <br /> developed yet, and Finale Avenue and 147th Street will not be built until Phase 2,as <br /> required per the development agreement. There is also a pond to be built by the <br /> developer to handle the stormwater for the development and Lions Park, and serve as the <br /> stormwater reuse facility. The City would pay for oversizing of utilities for the park. <br /> Council discussed the possibility of phasing the improvements and was concerned that <br /> spreading out the financing would be reliant on future Councils to complete. Other <br />