HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996.06.13 CC Minutes - Joint meeting with May TownshipMINUTES FOR THE JOINT MEETING OF' THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL AND THE MAY T()WN
BOARD_ HELD ON JUNE _-1 = . 1996
The meeting was called to order by Hugo Mayor, Fran Miron, at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT FROM THE CITY OF HUGO
City Council: Andrew Goiffon, James Leroux:, Fran Miron
City Administrator, Robert Museus
City Attorney, Greg Galler
City Clerk., Mary Ann Creager
ABSENT: Debra Barnes and Marvin LaValle
PRESENT FROM MAY TOWNSHIP
Town Board: Tracy Mazanec and Rebecca Johnson
ABSENT: John Adam
OTHERS PRESENT
Ed Matthiesen. Project Engineer, Montgomery Watson
Molly Shodeen, MnDNR
Shelley Hoff, Army Corps of Engineers
Mark Herwig, Congressman Luther's Office
Don Wisniewski, Washington County Public Works
Dennis Hegberg,, Washington County Commissioner
At this time, Ed Matthiesen reviewed options available to relieve the
Goggins/School Section flooding problems, as outlined in his draft
feasibility study. Options 1 and 2 would discharge water into Brown's
Creek; Option .? would discharge water into Long Lake (RCWD); and Option 4
would be to purchase property. Total project cost for the recommended
Option 1 is estimated at $456,164.00 , with residents being assessed
according to valuation of their property.
The meeting was then opened for public comments/questions.
Al Kemp stated that his woods and trout pond would be flooded if water was
discharged into Brown's Creek. Further study of downstream impact would
have to be assessed prior to the DNR issuing the required permit.
Brent Frye questioned whether the culvert ender C.R. 57 was low enough,
and was told that the culvert location would be given consideration.
Karen Kilbera asked is the railroad would be paying for improvements, and
if any other agencies had been contacted to participate in paying for the
project. At this time, the railroad has not indicated a willingness to
pay for costs, and Ms. Kilberg was informed that all identified agencies
that could participate in project costs were present at tonight's meeting.
Larry Lucking questioned if a cause for the flooding had been determined.
Mr. Matthiesen attributed the flooding to precipitation, landlocked lakes,
and high groundwater.
Council/Town Board meeting_ of June 13, 1996
Page
A resident asked how long construction would take once commenced, and he
was told four to six months for the entire project.
Kevin Kuehn asked if any study had been done on Lynch Lake. If then are
going to be paying for project costs, they would like some relief as well.
He was told that should the project be implemented, that Lynch Lake would
lower as well.
Liability was discussed, and Attorney Galler stated that anyone could
initiate a lawsuit at any time.
Brad Boucher asked how many homes would be impacted in Option 1, and was
informed that no homes would be endangered. Mr. Boucher felt that the
homes being threatened now were more important than flooding woods and
vacant land.
At this time, Hugo Administrator, Robert MUseuS, reviewed financing with
the residents, and stated that at this time, no agency has committed
participation in funding the project. Attorney Galler discussed ad
valorem tares based on property values, and that the costs could possibly
be tax deductible. Special assessments are not deductible.
Don Wisniewski and Dennis Hegberg stated that this matter will be
discussed with the Washington County Board in an effort to obtain money t.
help fund the project should it be approved.
Al Kemp asked if the Town or City had taken a poll to determine how many
residents were in favor of the project.
The Town Board and Council were now invited to comment. Tracy Mazanec
responded to Mr. Kemp's comment and stated that he gives serious
consideration to his constituents, and encouraged them to call him with
their comments. It was his opinion that because he had just received the
draft feasibility study this evening, that he was not willing to hold
another joint meeting until he had time to review the information.
Rebecca Johnson was concerned with potential downstream flooding of the
Craig DeWolfe and Al Kemp property, the length of the assessment, and
whether project costs are tax deductible. Bill Luther's representative
stated that he would check to determine if costs would be deductible.
Councilman Leroux expressed the responsibility of the two communities to
address the present problems, and Councilman Goiffon felt that the Army
Corps of Engineers should be in charge of the project.
Mayor Fran Miron stated that there was potential for more damage to the
area than we have already seen, but that he would need more information
before he would be able to make a decision.
Project engineer, Ed Matthiesen, stated that it would take approximately
three to four weeks to perform the necessary survey work to determine
downstream impact, with survey costs being about $100/hr.
Council/Town Board meeting_ of Jane 1=, 1996
F'aoe _
Miron made motion. Leroux seconded, direct Huqo staff to attempt to
schedule a joint meetino with the May Town Board to discuss further
solutions to the flooding problems in the Goggins/School Section lake
basin. Mr. Matthiesen is directed to provide a cost estimate for
additional information reoardino downstream impact to Brown's Creek.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Mazanec made motion. Johnson seconded, directing project engineer. Ed
Matthiesen, to further study the downstream impact to Brown's Creek.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Leroux made motion. Goiffon seconded, to adjourn at 9:55 PM.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Mazanec made motion, Johnson seconded, to adjourn at 9:55 PM.
All aye. Motion Carried.
Mary Creager, Ci y Clerk.
City o Huqo