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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 Spring NewsletterAsk the Mayor At the end of 2016, 1 will be finishing my 15th year working with the City of Hugo. My involvement with the City started as a mission to get a playground constructed for neighborhood kids to use, which led to volunteering to be a member of the Parks Commission. Following that position, I served as a member of the Planning Commission and then was elected to the City Council. Fast forward, I have been Mayor for the past four years and have been honored to also serve on the Economic Development Authority, Board of Zoning, and various other committees and groups. Today, I would like to thank the people who have given me the opportunity to serve Hugo and those who work alongside me to keep the City an enjoyable place to live. From the very beginning, the City has strived to be transparent within the community. Not many residents know the staff behind the scenes that help keep the City running like a well-oiled machine. For example, Ron Otkin, who has worked in the financial department of the City for 27 years and continuously keeps the City on sound financial footings through the rise and falls of the economy. Bryan Bear, City Administrator, manages all daily operations at the City and is a model for all employees as he goes above and beyond the call of duty his position entails. The City of Hugo has 22 full time employees, all of which help execute City goals for the betterment of our community. What do you enjoy most about being the City's Mayor? The City Council and the other various commissions and committees are also integral to the operation of the City. These groups act as liaisons between the City and its residents. They oversee processes and evaluate them to ensure residents' interests are kept in mind. Most of these groups are made up of volunteers who spend their free time in City Hall helping staff plan for the future of our City. A big thanks is owed to these special people for making the decisions that influence the future success of the City. Although working with City staff, the Council, and other groups are all reasons I love my duties as Mayor, the most important reason is because I get to serve all Hugo residents. I was given advice when I first started as Mayor; "Listen to the residents." That advice hasn't failed me yet. The insight that I've received from citizens is invaluable in helping us make the best decision possible, not only for one resident, but for the community at large. As I thought more about this question and reflected on my involvement with the City over the past 14 years, I am proud to say that the thing I most enjoy about being Mayor is serving the residents of Hugo. 4��O Tom Weidt, Mayor If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it to infoft.hugo.mn.us. Your question could be featured in the next newsletter! ITHINGS TO DO THIS SPRING &SUMMER Friday, April 29th - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Central Middle School Teens will watch a movie in Central Auditorium in the morning. Depending on the weather, they will either have lunch outside or in the cafeteria. After lunch, there will be time to play games and then watch another movie. Please pack a lunch and something to drink. Registration is required at https://whitebear.ce. feepay.com/. This program is hosted by WBLAS Community Services and Recreation. Cost is $35 per student. Saturday, April 30th - 1:00 am to 2:00 pm Oneka Elementary School Sponsored by the Hugo Business Association and the Economic Development Authority, Kidz 'N Biz brings together businesses and residents of Hugo for hours of games, ntertainment, and fun. Admission is free! Friday, July 14th - 10:30 am HanifI Fields Athletic Park A great big mini -circus! Comedy, juggling and magic with lots of audience participation. This is an all ages show. Also in the park, take a stroll and enjoy Moo! By David La Rochelle. This is a free program hosted by the Washington County Library. Friday, July 29th - 10:30 am Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall Join MacPhail Center for Music's early child- hood music specialists and explore the magic of music, play, and the Spanish language. A fluent Spanish speaking instructor will lead hands-on musical play activities and families will experience music's impact on learning and reading readiness. Together we will sing, rhyme, read, move and create! For children birth to age 5. Registration is required. This program is hosted by the Washington Count/ Library/. Wednesdays June 15th - August 31st 9:00 am to 11:00 am at a different Hugo park each week! Check out the variety of parks Hugo has to offer! Join in games such as kickball, frogger, 0 freeze tag, giant rock papers scissors, and much more! Kids will be given lots of fun options for active play and allowed to choose which activity the group will do next. Bring your friends and neighbors to play in the park together! Free. No registration required. Contact information must be provided on site from parents or guardians and they must be available durinq the event. 7ech Tac 1 Lego Star Wars Droids & RC Vehicles Monday, June 20th - Thursday, June 23rd 9:00 am -11:50 am Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall For Ages 6-10 $117 per person Extreme Movie Making Fun- Minecraft and Star Wars Monday, June 20th - Thursday, June 23rd 1:00 pm -3:50 pm Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall For Ages 6-10 $110 per person Amazing Lego Robotics Monday, July 18th - Thursday, July 21 st 9:00 am -11:50 am Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall For Ages 6-9 $117 per person Registration is required at https://whitebear.ce.feepay.com/. Save the date for the 6th annual bike ride on Saturday, September 24th! New in 2016 - there will be a FREE 6 mile ride for families! www.tourdehugo.com A new neighborhood park is under construction in Hugo! Share your ideas for the name of the park and help pick out the playground equip- ment. A public meeting to discuss the future park in the Fable Hill neighborhood will be held on Wednesday, April 13th at 7:00 pm at Hugo City Hall. Social, Informal, Friendly. All seniors are warmly welcome! The club regularly meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:00 pm for a brief meeting followed by games. There is an optional bag lunch on the 1 st and 3rd Thursdays of each month followed by games. On the 4th Monday of each month at 1:00 pm there is Cribbage. For more information, contact Barb at 651-429-0883. J 6h A Word From Public Works Hydrant Flushing Starting April 11th As part of many other spring projects, the Public Works Department will be flushing hydrants. It is expected to take about two weeks to complete all hydrants. Flushing purges rust and stagnant water from the distribution system and identifies hydrants in need of maintenance. Some residents may receive rust colored water that could stain laundry. During this time, please check that water coming into the house is clear, and let the tap water run if necessary. Street Sweeping Starting April 1st Monday — Friday 7:00 am - 4:30 pm The Public Works Department will be sweeping all public paved streets. It will take approximately two weeks to complete. Private roads are swept by homeowners associations. Compost Site Open for Hugo residents only Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm (or dusk) Saturdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Please visit the City website for more infor- mation as the opening is weather dependent. The compost site is located on the south side of 170th St. N. approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61. This is a deposit site for grass clippings, leaves, and soft organic matter only. No brush, twigs, branches, or woody materials accepted. Do You Own a Private Well? Properly constructed and maintained wells can provide many years of trouble-free water service. Like any other mechanical device, wells will eventually deteriorate or become damaged and allow surface contaminants to enter the water. In addition, some groundwater can contain one or more chemical substances in concentrations above recommended levels. The City of Hugo's 1110 public water systems are tested regularly for a variety of contaminants, but if you have a private well, regular testing is up to you. Please visit the following website for more information: http://vvww.health.state.mn.us/divs/ e h/wel I s/wate rq u a l ity/test. htm I Hugo Cleanup Days See page at right for details. rsu %MAea Car load of trash $5 and up Pickup load of trash $25 and up Trailer load of trash $25 and up Lawn mower (Push) $15/unit Lawn mower (Rider) $30/unit Household appliance $15/unit Commercial appliance Air conditioner $75 and up $20/unit Water softener $20/unit Mattress or box spring $20/unit Upholstered furniture $20/each Carpet $1/yard Bicycle with tires $5/each Bicycle without tires FREE Scrap metal Tires FREE $2.50 and up . iriFiCt. �il�lElectronics Accepted Hazardous materials and electronics will be accepted free -of -charge from households only (no businesses). Proof of residency required. Household Items: Home Improvement & Construction: • Mercury thermometers and thermostats • Latex /oil paint & stain • Fluorescent bulbs (bundled together with • Paint remover/thinner rubber bands, no tape) Automotive & Recreation: • Household cleaners • Antifreeze • Sharps, syringes, needles and used epi . Used motor oil and filters pens in a sealed, sturdy container . Propane tanks • Computers & monitors • Rechargeable batteries • Peripherals (keyboards, mice, speakers, Public etc.) Yard & Garden: • Printers & fax machines • Insect/roach/ant killer • TVs, DVD & VCR players • Fertilizers/herbicides • Cell phones F Document shredding will also be offered. Buildh NOTE: Please In order to serve as many people as possible, �� organize your load so no more than four boxes per customer will be accepted. all electronics and Please note that shredding capacity may be `O hazardous materials reached before the end of the event. 137th can be removed first. Cash or checks only. Please bring small bills. Please make payable to City of Hugo:&I--- (CO-Rld.8) ,-1 Proof of residency such as a driver's (Proportional rates may be applied to partial loads and overloaded trucks) license is required. city or ugo Questions? Call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 Washington County 3❑ A N Hugo Z a' Public Public Works Building 140th St. a> Works F Buildh 6900 137th St. N. �� a Radk�Ra. `O 8� 137th s city or ugo Questions? Call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 Washington County 3❑ Grand Opening at Keystone Place at LaValle fields In November of 2015, Keystone Place at LaValle Fields hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event to showcase the new facility. Keystone completed construction in October and began filling units soon after. The property is located at 14602 Finale Avenue. After Keystone Place opened its doors, there were several days where the public was invited in for events and over 500 interested parties attended. They provided tours of the 100 unit facility, showcased community rooms, and encouraged people to sample food provided by the chef. The facility includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all which offer several amenities to enjoy. City Council members attended the grand opening. Mayor Weidt introduced the ribbon cutting expressing excitement for the project and welcoming this great addition to the City. Hugo Area Business Association (HBA) Business Awards / Park Shelter Permit In February, Mayor Tom Weidt gave the State of the City Address during the Hugo Area Business Association networking breakfast event. The Mayor presented a review of the City activities in Stop by Hugo City Hall to obtain a 2015, as well as the City goals for 2016. The HBA also held its business award ceremony. $5 permit to reserve a park shelter. Awards and recipients included: Community rooms are also Business of the Year: Kevin Johnson, Dry Tech available to rent. Business Legacy Award: Joseph and Steve Marier, Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware Call 651-762-6300 Emerging Business: Craig Benson, Micra Manufacturing Volunteer of the Year Award: Cindy Petty Congratulations to all the award winners! Water Conservation The City continues to be a leader in regional water related activities to "Reduce, Reuse, and Replenish" the area ground water. A rebate program is in place for residents who convert toilets, washing machines, and irrigation systems to water -saving models. Plans are in place to acquire funding through the legislature for stormwater management projects. Education will be provided on water conservation practices that is imperative to our conservation efforts. Further consideration will be made for potential changes to ordinances and the water rate structure. Hugo continues to collaborate with neighboring cities as partners in conserving and protecting our water resources. Infrastructure Projects Reconstruction of Oneka Lake Boulevard/ 147th Street will begin, 180th Street will be improved, and other gravel roads in Hugo will be evaluated. The City will begin work with Xcel Energy to create a plan for street light replacement. The extension of Oneka Lake Parkway, south of Frenchman Road (CSAH 8) will begin, and maintenance on Judicial Ditch #2 will continue from 170th Street to the north. The City will continue to work with providers to expand broadband internet service to the rural areas. Elections Update Community Development The City will continue the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan, which guides the City's future growth and development. Ordinances regulating land use will be revised, and the Stormwater Plan will be completed. The City will evaluate gateway elements such as entry signs, landscaping, monuments, and other items to improve the City's appearance. Public Safety The Fire Department will develop a plan to position Automatic External Defibrillators through the City and provide AED training. Changes made in 2015 to be served by North Memorial ambulance service will be evaluated. Efforts to recruit Firefighers and retain members will continue. Changes will be made to improve security at City buildings, and the Capital Equipment Program will be reviewed to include the timely replacement of fire fighting vehicles. Change in Polling Place for Ward 3, Precinct 3A If you reside in the area outlined on the map, your polling place has changed from the Rice Lake Centre to Hugo City Hall to allow for more room. Precinct 3B will continue to vote at the Rice Lake Centre. This change is effective for the 2016 election. Important Election Dates Primary Election - Tuesday, August 9 Absentee ballots are available starting Friday, June 24th. Pre -registration deadline is Tuesday, July 19th. You can also register on Election Day. General Election — Tuesday, November 8 Absentee ballots are available starting Friday, September 23rd. Pre -registration deadline is Tuesday, October 18th. You can also register on Election Day. Candidate Filing Terms for Council Member Ward 2, Council at Large, and Mayor expire on December 31, 2016. Filing for these positions opens on Tuesday, August 2nd and will close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 16th. To file an affidavit for candidacy, see City Clerk Michele Lindau during this time. Parks Projects The City will create a plan for the phasing and funding of Lions Park and develop a timeline and vision for Irish Avenue Park. The process of updating the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan for the Comprehensive Plan will begin. Evaluat- ing and improving trail connections is a priority of the Parks Commission. Addressing senior recreational programming and strengthening partnerships will continue. Economic Development The Economic Development Authority will continue to market City -owned property for redevelopment and develop a program to improve support for existing businesses. The City will work closely with Washington County on economic development activities and with state legislators on efforts to ensure continued rail service to the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. Administration Partnership will continue with Washington County to expand library services. Staff will work with the Historical Commission on ex - paneling membership and hiring an intern. The Building Department will continue to provide services to Scandia. Technology will be evaluated to determine a better way to serve Hugo residents. Solar ordinance subscriptions will be considered to save money and provide an alternative source for power within the city. Election Judges Needed Judges are needed for the primary and general elections. Visit the City website at www.ci.hugo. mn.us/elections for requirement information and an application. 0 Reduce, Reuse, Replenish The City of Hugo is offering rebates to residents for 100% of the cost of qualifying items, up to a maximum of: $100 for WaterSense Toilets J \40 $150 for Energy Star Washing Machines $200 for WaterSense Audits, Irrigation Controllers, and/or Replacement Irrigation Heads To qualify for rebates applicants must: • Be a Hugo resident The City of Hugo • Receive a water bill from the City thanks our • Make the purchase in the same year that partners! you are applying for the rebate M111T • Must not apply for replacements in a�� new construction home CLEAN The receipt and other information provided with the application i ANE R must clearly identify the model, date of purchase, and the label LEGACY showing Energy Star or WaterSense certification. Rebate funds are limited. Applications are processed in order received. Rebate program ends June 2017. r Contact the City of Hugo with questions regarding the City's NALTR POLITA,N water conservation rebate programs. c ° " N , Among the City's goals is to convert irrigation each year. This project will allow the some of the largest irrigation systems City to reduce the use of groundwater for to stormwater reuse systems. irrigation, and reuse stormwater runoff. Oneka Ridge Golf Course The Oneka Ridge Golf Course was the first water reuse system implemented in the City. The golf course now pumps stormwater out of a pond for its irrigation needs. Last year, 6.2 million gallons were pumped from the pond. Beaver Ponds Park The Beaver Ponds Park water reuse system, if approved, will be the second project constructed in Hugo. The park currently uses hundreds of thousands of gallons of potable water for Lions Park Lions Park, adjacent to City Hall, will undergo reconstruction and renovation. As part of this project, the City will construct a stormwater pond northwest of the park that can be used to irrigate the park and the nearby senior housing facility. It is estimated that the project will use five million gallons of stormwater annually. Waters Edge Waters Edge is a townhome community consisting of 378 units. This project will reconnect a portion of the community's existing irrigation system to stormwater, ABOUT YOUR CLOTHES WASHER... ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use about 25% less energy and 40% less water than regular washers. If you have a standard clothes washer that is over 10 years old, it's costing you an average of $180 a year. ABOUT YOUR TOILET... WaterSense labeled toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush. They can reduce water use by 20-60%, saving nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year. Water leaks account for approximately 14% of all water use in the average home. To check for leaks put food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. ABOUT WATERING YOUR LAWN... WaterSense labeled controllers act like a thermostat for your lawn, using local weather data to determine when/how much to water. They can reduce irrigation water use by 15%, saving nearly 8,800 gallons of water per year. Depending on the region, homeowners use 30-60% of their water outdoors. 50% of that is wasted, in part, due to overwatering. Timing is everything: Plan to water in the early morning or evening to beat daytime evaporation. resulting in a decrease in potable water demand by approximately 26 million gallons annually. County Road S (Frenchman Road) The City of Hugo currently has an irrigation system that runs along CSAH 8 to provide water to trees and landscaping elements along the roadway. This project will reconnect one line of potable water irrigation with stormwater from a City -owned pond. It is estimated that the project will use three million gallons of stormwater annually. Clearwater Cove As part of the approval for the new develop- ment, D.R. Horton is installing a stormwater irrigation system. This system will provide irrigation for the 89 unit development. Join the Team The Hugo Fire Department is now hiring part-time firefighters. Applications and additional information is available at Hugo City Hall and online at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Please submit your application by mail to the Hugo Fire Hall. Hugo Fire Department Annual Open House and Fun Run Support the Hugo Fire Department and run along with real firefighters y p®rtic"ipatinag"int Fearless Firefighter Fun Run on Saturday, October 3. More information will be made available on the City's website closer to the event. Please be mindful to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and check detector expiration dates every time you change your clocks. Please note that most detectors have a 10 -year service life. Remember, it is important to create and practice a fire escape plan! T__ hWngtan. ©unt Sheriffs Office Update Three new deputies have been added to the Washington County Sheriff's Department to serve the City of Hugo. The City of Hugo now has seven full time officers dedicated to Hugo. Scott Zitzloff (left) has been with Washington County since December of 2014 and has a law enforcement degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Kelly Olson (not pictured) has a criminal justice degree from St. Cloud State University and is currently seeking her Masters Degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership. Lee Mars (right) has been with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. She has experience with jail, court security, water, parks and trails, and patrol. The City of Hugo welcomes the new officers and thanks them for serving and protecting our community. Y The City is seeking photos that have been taken in the City of Hugo. Photos can include landscapes, nature, people, places, events, or anything that captures the beauty of our City. By submitting a photo, you will have the chance to have your photo seen by the entire City via the City's website, in the City newsletter, and on other informational and marketing materials. Please visit the City's website for more information on how to submit your photos! (photo submitted by eernin) Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 651-762-6300 or info@ci.hugo.mn.us Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday -Friday Closed weekends and holidays. Visit our website: wwwA.hugo.mn.us 91 Neighbor June 9th - 12th at Lions Park Join in celebrating Hugo with great music, food, beer garden, petting zoo, carnival rides, and a parade! Peddlers Permit Anyone selling merchandise or services door-to-door should be able to provide identification and a permit issued by the City of Hugo. Contact the Washington County Sheriff's Department at 651-439-9381 with any concerns. CURRENT RESIDENT roadways get reconstructed every year. For the 2016 construction season 147th Street/Oneka Lake Boulevard from Foxhill Avenue to Goodview Avenue will be reconstructed. Please allow extra time and reduce your speeds when traveling through the construction area. ce of roadways, the City will be chip sealing the roadways south of 130th Street, between Goodview Avenue and Ethan Avenue. This work will take place in late July or early August. Please watch for no parking signs posted in your neighborhood. The chip seal process is a moving operation and we anticipate the work taking one to two days, weather permitting. The City maintains many stormwater ponds, control structures, ditches, and wetlands. We ask residents to help us keep these features in good condition with one simple lawn care tip: Don't blow grass clippings into the roadways or stormwater ponds. These clippings decompose and turn into nutrients which cause algae bloom in the ponds. If you live on a stormwater feature and you notice a structure is plugged please call the City so maintenance crews can remove the obstruction.