HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996.04.22 CC Minutes - Special Council meetingMINUTES FOR THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 22. 1996
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fran Miron at 9:40 PM.
PRESENT: Barnes, Goiffon, LaValle, Miron
City Administrator, Robert Museus
City Finance Director, Ron Otkin
Washington County Sheriff, Jim Frank
Sergeant Jim Fure
Captain Dave Heuer
ABSENT: Jim Leroux
The purpose of this meeting was to review the City's expenditures and
revenues for the first quarter of 1996, review law enforcement services,
review a letter prepared by the City Attorney regarding the possible
transition of the BCWMO into a watershed management district, and discuss
scheduled road maintenance for 1996.
Ron Otkin presented a report comparing projected and actual City revenues
and expenditures for the first quarter of 1996.
Councilman Leroux had asked the Council to review law enforcement services
received by the community for the last few years, and provide comments and
recommendations to the Council. As Councilman Leroux, was not able to
attend this meeting, the Mayor presented his written comments, which were
discussed with Sheriff Frank and other members of the Washington Sheriff's
Dept.
One of the issues was that approximately 9% of the law enforcement
callouts in Hugo are in response to false alarms at residences caused by
faulty burglar alarms or problems with their operation. Sheriff Frank
stated that this was a problem county -wide, and that he will be working
with the County Attorney to prepare a draft ordinance to charge a fee to
residents causing the false alarms.' The Council indicated that they would
consider the ordinance for adoption when it is prepared.
The City's law enforcement reporting needs were also discussed. The
Sheriff indicated that he would work with the City to prepare a more
detailed report, including trend analysis, if the City would provide him
with more guidance on what was expected.
The Council indicated a concern regarding the amount of law enforcement
services being used by liquor establishments in the community. The
Sheriff offered to provide the Council with a detailed list of the law
enforcement contacts at liquor establishments, and recommended that this
be done annually at the time of license renewal so that this information
can be used by the Council in making a determination whether to grant or
condition the issuance of liquor licenses to establishments that cause an
unusual amount of law enforcement activity.
Councilmember Barnes asked the Sheriff if it was possible for Washington
County to acquire a computerized speed identification and display device
similar to those used by Ramsey County for the purposes of speed control
City Council meeting of April 22, 1996
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and information gathering. The Sheriff stated that he has applied to the
County Board to purchase such equipment, and that it would be available tc
the City given other demands in the County. The Sheriff stated that he
would contact the City if he felt a letter from the City Council would be
useful in obtaining the necessary funding to acquire the device.
At the Council's request, the City Attorney had prepared a letter to the
member cities of the PCWMO expressing Hugo's support for granting the WMO
more authority, either through a revised Joint Powers Agreement or
creating a watershed management district. The Council determined that the
letter was satisfactory, and the following motion was made:
Barnes made motion, LaValle-seconded, to direct the City Attorney to mail
the letter, as presented.
All aye. Motion Carried.
The City Administrator informed the Council that since their was
additional time available due to a delay in the County letting bids for
its 1996 seal coat and crack filling projects, there would be additional
time available for the staff to prepare a more detailed report on the
City's road maintenance needs in 1996, and requested that discussion of
this item be tabled until a future meeting.
Barnes made motion, Goiffon seconded, to table discussion of the City's
1996 road maintenance plan to allow staff to prepare a more detailed
report.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Barnes made motion, Goiffon seconded, to recess this meeting at 11:40 AM
until Thursday, April 25, 1996, at 1:00 PM, at which time the Council will
receive a report by Ehlers and Associates on Tax Increment Financing in
the State, as well as an update on the City's Downtown Redevelopment Plan
from Fred Hoisington.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Robert A. Museus
City Administrator