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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Spring Newsletter Hugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • Hugo, Minnesota 55038 -- T o Economic (� Development 1erm NO Bit Fest Is Back! Saturday,April Page 4 YEAR IN REVIEW 2009 WIV Focus 2008:AYear Of Personal Goals And Economic Challenges The Hugo City Council held its annual goal-setting This past year, residents of Hugo saw economic sessions earlier this year to develop City goals for development in the City, witnessed parks and rec- 2009. The overall goals remain somewhat constant reation projects continue to advance and helped from year to year,but have adapted to current growth complete the City's Comprehensive Plan; however, and economic conditions in Hugo. As in previous 2008 will be remembered by most as the year of the years, staff and Council worked together to provide tornado. a framework for the continued success of Hugo's growth and development. The top goals for the City After the tornado struck,the Hugo business and resi- of Hugo in 2009 are: ' dential community witnessed first-hand the result of the City's ongoing priority to encourage communi- Goal A Transportation Planning cation and cooperation among City staff, Council After several years of planning, the Highway 61 • and residents. For several years, "the City Council Corridor Plan is ready to be implemented in Hugo. has been focused on establishing goals and priori- This Plan, which was part of a joint project with . , ties," notes Hugo Mayor Fran Miron, "and because Washington County and the Minnesota Department of that effort,we were able to respond so well to the of Transportation,provides information for the even- tornado." tual transformation of the existing road to a four-lane divided highway. According to Community Devel- �' • In addition to the personal challenges posed by the opment Director Bryan Bear,the Plan will also serve tornado, the City — along with the nation — also as the guiding document for the following: traffic faced economic challenges in 2008. Mayor Miron signals,right-of-way needs,locations for future pub- states,"This is a difficult time for government on all lic street connections and driveways to the roadway. levels,but because of extensive planning by the City • • Council I'm confident that we'll be able to continue In an effort to assist with traffic flow and improve to meet the expectations of our population, despite safety,Washington County will also study the TH 61 the downturn in the economy." and County Road 4 intersection in 2009. Year In Review: Page 6 City Focus Goals: Page 3 E I News From Rice Creek Watershed... ® ' s the weather warms and the outdoors The other Cost-Share initiative for private landown. beckon, you may decide this is the year to ers is the Landscaping for Clean Water Program. make some landscape improvements. How This rebate program will reimburse landowners for would you like some financial help to make your successful plantings based on square footage — up plans a reality? The Rice Creek Wa- to $1 per square foot for qualified up- tershed District (RCWD) offers two land plantings (example: native pe- Arecycling Cost-Share Grant Programs that can rennials,grasses and rain gardens)and help you improve property and pre- up to $4 per square foot for aquatic container serve water quality. wetland plantings. This program ex- pires this year and funds are limited,so is available The Water Quality Best Management requests will be considered on a first- Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program come,first-served basis. from your was created to help landowners im- prove their property and the quality of There are eligibility requirements for refuse hauler native habitat and surface waters with both programs. The RCWD website, qualified projects such as installing a www.ricecreek.org has more informa- or by calling rain garden,stabilizing shoreline and restoring dam- tion about them as well as printable program ap- City Nall at aged wetlands. The RCWD has funding available plications and other informational material. If you that will pay up to 50%of the total project costs,up have questions, contact Kyle Axtell at the RCWD; 651-762-6300 to a maximum of$5,000. his number is 763-398-3070. ICE C R E E Iftv New Blue Thumb Guide To WATERSHED Raingardens Available! DIS TMEMP I C T Have you ever wondered what to plant in that low spot in your backyard where the grass (� Vv ivy won't grow because water puddles there after it rains?Or how to fix the erosion gully where rainwater drains away from your downspout? Well, there may be an easy, attractive solution! Try planting a raingarden. A raingarden is a garden with a depression that is g P The Blue Thumb Guide to designed to catch rainwater runoff in your yard, Raingardens growing plants that don't mind getting flooded on DV%1gPIa II,6Iall+ion t« occasion. Raingardens provide wildlife habitat and an opportunity to create beautiful landscaping. t And,by soaking up rain where it falls,raingardens slow stormwater runoff, help prevent erosion and remove pollutants in the process. '+ Planting season may seem like a long ways off, but winter is a great time to plan your garden so you're ready to go in May. You may purchase a copy of this detailed, step-by-step guide from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) for A Gude tar PHM Ing 1a�1.4 aMS $18.00. For more information, visit U� i www.BlueThumb.org or call the RCWD at - 763.398.3078. � j Year In Review: From Page 1 years. The Comprehensive Plan business. Community Develop- outlines development goals rang- ment Director Bryan Bear notes, ing from types of housing and "This program is mutually benefi- -�-- units within a particular develop- cial to both groups by providing ment,to infrastructure needs such students with real-life business as road systems and storm water. experience and free advice for Hugo business owners." That's Hugo Today Hundreds of residents weighed in - on the Plan during attendance at The City is looking for public hearings held throughout Re-Codification Project additional story ideas '- the year. Feedback and approval lo from the Met Council is expected A two-year study that reviewed for future programs. Tornado Strikes Hugo on by spring 2009. Interested resi- and updated 100 years of City laws Tapings of the cable May 25,2008 dents are encouraged to review was completed in 2008. Members access show "That's j the completed Comprehensive of City Council and staff worked Anyone who was a resident of Plan at the City's website. with Municipal Code Corporation Hugo, Today" takes Hugo in 2008 is familiar with the of Tallahassee, Florida to com- details of the tornado that struck plete this task, which was intend- Place at SCC Studios in our City on May 25. There have ed to modernize the City's laws White Bear Lake. been countless news articles and and ordinances, many of which television stories on the topic had become outdated over the last providing factual accounts of century. "With the completion of Contact City Hall at this event, but according to City this study,Hugo laws are not only to-date, but also comply with 651-762-6300 or info @ u Administrator Mike Ericson, it's P- P Y equally as important to recognize state statutes," says City Admin- ci.hugo.mn.us with your the personal perspective. Cleanup istrator Mike Ericson. ideas for future pro- )egan immediately with the assis- tance of friends, neighbors and a Parks And Recreation grams. coordinated volunteer effort. "From members of the Hugo Fire Economic Development Department who had received National Incident Management The Hugo Economic Develop- System (NIMS) training to fami- ment Authority (EDA) is respon- lies that set up food stands in their sible for economic development neighborhood, the Council, staff issues in the City,concentrating in and residents of Hugo can take three areas: keeping businesses in pride in their positive response to the community, helping existing this disaster," Ericson comments. businesses that want to expand "The look of our City will be and attracting new businesses to forever changed, but its sense of Hugo. community and caring has never been greater." The EDA continued to act on these In 2008, the City completed de- goals in 2008 by establishing a velopment of Oak Shore Park. Comprehensive Plan new program: the Business Re- The former 10-acre private park, Update tention and Expansion Program. owned by the Oak Shore Park Ho- EDA members and residents who meowners'Association,is now an After nearly two years of work, take part in this program will work active-use park located at the tip Hugo's new Comprehensive Plan with St. Thomas students to have of Bald Eagle Lake. was completed in 2008 and sub- business plans and day-to-day op- mitted to the Metropolitan Coun- erations reviewed. Students will The City awarded the bid and cil for review and approval. The then provide feedback and sug- broke ground in fall 2008 on Metropolitan Council mandates gest the next steps for possible the second phase of the Rice that all cities in the seven-county improvements to help meet the Lake Park Athletic Complex, area update their plans every 10 overall mission and goals of the Year In Review: Page 5 Newspaper Prenrs �E I Gtaen esi nnuaHugo i zBizt Hifton Saturday,April 4 from 10 amt 1 pm at Oneka Elementary School Fest -2009- Biz this year and couldn't be happier to have Serti- -April 4,2009 no's helping out with this pre-Fest event. I've heard Admission to Kidz 'n Biz there are a lot of talented young singers in Hugo," Fest is free,but citizens notes Louis Melamed, are encouraged to make a publisher of The Citizen newspaper. Finalists will monetary donation at the .v perform on stage at One- door to support the com- d=�D e �,;' _ ka Elementary School «...: during the April 4 Kidz`n munity food sheFeSt Biz Fest. shelf. ft ; -2008_ I , i A Melamed,who originated " Kidz `n Biz Fest in 2004, goes on to say, "This The Fifth Annual Hugo Citizen. This event will tryouts will take place on event has evolved over the Kidz `n Biz Fest will be bring together businesses Friday, March 27 from years and becomes more held on Saturday, April and residents of Hugo for 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at popular every spring. The 4 from 10:00 am - 1:00 a few hours of games,en- Sertino's Cafe, located Citizen is excited to pres- pm at Oneka Elemen- tertainment and fun. at the entrance to Victor ent this event to the com- tary School. This year's Gardens. Boys and girls munity." Admission to event is co-sponsored by Taking a cue from the under age 12 are encour- the event is free,but those the Hugo Business As- continued popularity of aged to attend tryouts — who attend are reminded sociation and the City's American Idol, the Fest all who participate will that monetary donation, Economic Development will include a new feature get a free ice cream cone. can be made at the door Authority and will once this year — a kids' kara- "We're so excited to add to help support the Com- again be presented by The oke contest. Karaoke this new event to Kidz `n munity Food Shelf. Thank You New At KIWI Biz Fest: To the following Kids Karaoke"Jr. Idol" Contest businesses for sponsoring the Karaoke Contest: Audition to become Kidz'n Biz Jr.Idol WHO: Kids Age 12 and Under KinderGardens WHEN: Friday,March 27 from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm Lake Area Bank WHERE: Sertino's Cafe (at the entrance of Victor Gar- dens) w Sertino's Cafe The Citizen Newspaper PLEASE NOTE: There are limited number of slots for children to tryout...so register early at Sertino's Cafe. All The City of Hugo EDA finalists will compete for instant fame while performing Hugo Business Association on stage at Oneka Elementary School on Saturday,April 4 during Kidz`n Biz Fest. Everyone that auditions will get a FREE ice cream cone from Sertinos. Grand prize: Crowned Jr. Idol,$25 Visa gift card,Ser- tino's ice cream party&karaoke machine. Five runners up:Each will receive a$25 Visa gift card. Hugo Fire Department New Business Andfur, B Has New Radio System Business Expansions The Hugo Fire Department(HFD)begins its second Despite the national economic trends,Hugo contin- century of service to the community with the intro- ues to welcome new businesses to the communityIi: duction of a new 800 megahertz radio system. The and help existing companies expand. The following new radio service, which began March 2, 2009, is are details regarding these developments: all-digital, has multiple programmable zones and New Structures channels,and most important,has two zones strictly . Lake Area Bank. Moved to its new permanent dedicated to HFD use. With the previous VHF sys- location on County Rd. 8 after two years in a tem- tem, every fire department in Washington County porary facility. Lake Area Bank ribbon heard all fire department communications — this • Health East Clinic. Now located at the corner of cutting at its new had the potential for unnecessary repetition and pos- County Road 8 and Everton Avenue North. location in Hugo. sible confusion. •Blue Heron Restaurant. Opened as a stand-alone building at Victor Marketplace. According to Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton, the Expansions .... new system "means better communication for the • Gusset Design. Located at 15587 Forest Blvd.N. department as a whole and cleans up the county-wide added 12,00 square feet to its facility. ' • Bald Eagle Mini Storage, Two storage buildings emergency fire communications." The new commu- nication system was purchased with funds from a$1 Fere added to its facility. • Industrial Painting. Added 21,00 square feet of million grant application, submitted in 2008 by all space to its Peloquin Industrial Park location. Washington County fire chiefs,to FEMA. In Development • Bald Eagle Industrial Park. Construction of an 18,000-square-foot office warehouse building will begin in spring 2009. Year In Review: From Page 3 • Fairview Clinic, The Clinic is being remodeled which will include construction of a gazebo, re- in 2009. Health East Clinic ribbon cutting in Hugo. freshment stand and restroom facility. During the initial construction phase of this project, hundreds of truckloads of fill were hauled a few miles west Meeting Rooms to help shore up ground at the site of the City's new Health East Clinic located at the corner of County Available For R Road 8 and Everton Avenue North. _ ongoing The City of Hugo has two meeting rooms Communication available for rental: Oneka Room at City The City's cable televi- Hall and the Rice Lake Centre at the Public sion show,"That's Hugo, Works facility. The rooms can be used for Today" continues to air on cable channel 16 dai- meetings,corporate events,parties,or even ly. Featured stories have a small wedding. The rental fee is$100 for ranged from tornado recovery updates from Mayor Miron to a presentation of 2009 City Focus Goals Hugo residents and$200 for non-residents; from Hugo Council Member Phil Klein. each room seats 90-100 people. For more In addition to the cable program,residents continue information,or to reserve either room,con- to keep informed through the City's website and the tact Debi at City Hall,651-762-6300. community's bi-weekly newspaper, The Citizen. E I City Focus Goals: From Page 1 In addition to these highway de- gies for another industrial park in City parks and waterfowl shooting velopments,the City will continue the Northern Gateway — west of regulations on Bald Eagle Lake. to study the expansion of multi- Highway 61 from 165th Street to The City will also be actively use trails,including its sidewalks. 180th Street. seeking other recreational oppor- tunities and programs that could Goal#2:Public Safety In addition, City staff members benefit the residents of Hugo. ` Y^ With a population of more than have been directed to continue 10,000 residents,the City of Hugo to take a look at economic trends Goal #5: Comprehensive continues to review fire depart- regarding rental-housing issues Plan Update Tornado ment staffing and long-term pro- and foreclosure trends in Hugo. Pending approval from the Metro- gramming needs. In 2009 this City staff members have already politan Council,the City will im- Anniversary review will include determining started a dialogue on the topic plement its new Comprehensive if two daytime firefighters should with various homeowners' asso- Plan. Prepared with the help of Memorial Event be added to the Hugo Fire Depart- ciations and property managers. staff, Council, Planning Commis- ment staff and discussing the pos- "I feel that the City of Hugo has sion, Parks Commission and the The public is invited sible funding of a full-time fire been really proactive in handling Economic Development Author- marshal and/or fire chief for the the impact of empty properties," ity — along with input from the to attend a one-year City. notes Nick Reider,property man- residents of the City — the new anniversary event to ager with New Concepts Manage- Plan includes updates on trans- The City will also be consider- ment Group,Inc.(part of Heritage portation and utilities along with observe and remember ing sprinkler requirements for fire Ponds Condominium Associa- zoning maps and subdivision or- last year's storm. The protection in new residential and tion). "Hugo is showing other dinances for Hugo. commercial properties in Hugo. communities how it should be event will be held at done." Goal #6: Long-Term Recov- St. John the Baptist Goal#3: Continue With Eco- ery Service Committee nomic Development Goal#4: Parks Projects Formed after the tornado of May Church, 14383 Forest The City continues to consider the The most visible parks project in 25, 2008, this Committee will Boulevard North. The certification of a Downtown Tax 2009 will be the continued con- continue to support victims with Increment Financing (TIF) Dis- struction of the Rice Lake Park fund disbursements through June date and details will trict. Key projects in the down- Athletic Complex. In addition to 2009. The group is also taking be determined by the town redevelopment area(such as this, Council and Parks Commis- an active role in the planning of Carpenter's,End Zone and Ricci's) sion members will discuss and de- a one-year anniversary memorial Anniversary Event will need to be put in place before termine the City's position on the event to take place at St. John the Committee. As the anni- certification will occur. The City following topics: archery within Baptist Church. will also develop long-term strate- City limits,hunting regulations in versary approaches, please look at the City's website and/or The Update From The long-Term Recovery Service Committee Citizen for updates on ,T The Long-Term Recovery Ser- its Sod Program. First introduced in fall of 2008, the event. vice Committee was established this Program provides a dumping site for old fill; after the May 25, 2008 torando to a group of volunteers also help install new sod at support victims with fund disburse- homes affected by the tornado. This Program re- ments. The Committee meets on duces the cost of the sod by more than 25 percent Tuesdays at 7:30 am at the Hugo City compared to regular retail prices. Anyone in- Hall. The Committee's next scheduled meetings terested in the Sod Program should contact their are: March 24,April 7, April 21, May 5, May case worker. 12,May 19,May 26 and June 2. Those families affected by the tornado are assigned caseworkers For further questions regarding the Long-Term who will assist with financial needs. All needs Recovery Service Committee, please contact are met appropriately and confidentially. This Shelly Clasen at Hugo City Hall 651-762-6317 or spring the Committee will once again implement visit the City's website for updates and details. c t •r'/�.��� s �/o� Lawn Watering Pips �"l I • Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. • Never water faster than the ground can absorb it. /"� l` • • - • Know your soil and its watering needs. • Next time you water,place 3-5 empty cans (about the CityOf Hugo size of a can of tuna or cat food)at varied distances from the sprinkler. The time it takes to fill the cans is about the 2009 Spring Street Sweeping length of time you should water your lawn. (This is typi- cally between 15 and 30 minutes). ` The Public Works Department will begin sweeping City • Adjust automatic irrigation schedules at least monthly to streets on March 23. Typically, sweeping will (fF ensure water-use efficiency. take place Monday through Friday, from 7:00 • Step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move 009 am to 4:30 pm,for approximately eight weeks. your foot,it does not need water. The City of Hugo will be sweeping all Arrange plants in your garden by light and watering Ordinance bituminous (paved) streets during this needs. time. Any questions regarding 'ell,%;a �; "'r"''° '�� • Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs. Barking dogs and dogs street sweeping should be directed ?'r 0 (Drip systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, en- running at large are to the Public Works Department at couraging strong root systems. These systems will also considered a nuisance 651-762-6300. cut down on evaporation). by many residents. If • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and drive- ways. you own a dog, the City 2009 Spring Hydrant Flushing Collect rainwater in a rain barrel for watering your lawn is asking for your help. and plants. Please follow Hugo's or- The Public Works Department will be flushing hy- drants in the City of Hugo beginning April 13. Hy- . Cut grass no shorter than 2 inches to reduce evaporation dinance regarding dogs and promote deep root growth. � running at large and drant flushing will take place Monday through Fri- .�L • Use shut-off nozzles on hoses. dogs that continually day, from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm, for approximately . Aerate your lawn as needed. bark. Your dog must bel four weeks. • When hiring an irrigator,look for licensed and under the Flushing allows the Public Works Department to a certified landscape irrigation pro- owner's control at all purge rust and stagnant water from the distribution fessional. times,and must not bar system. In addition, it allows the Department repeatedly for more than to identifyhydrants in need of mainte- ti Y five (5) minutes without nance. Watering Restrictions In at least a one(1)minute Due to the hydrant flushing,it is lapse in time. Please be, f inevitable that some residents Effect courteous and respectful will receive rust-colored water to your neighbors. For than could stain laundry. Hugo residents and property owners who more information red During this time, please use the municipal water system are being garding your pet,pleas check that water coming asked to help conserve water and protect visit the City's web site into the house is clear be- the environment by restricting their water- at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. fore doing laundry. ing of lawns, trees or other vegetation. In `• a resolution implemented May 15, 2001, Questions regarding hydrant the days you may water are determined by flushing should be directed to the your street address. If your address ends Public Works Department at 651-762-6300. in an odd number, you may water only on odd-numbered calendar days. If your ad- dress ends in an even number,you may wa- lawn Water Conservation Tips ter only on even-numbered calendar days. An exemption from the odd-even restric- Many conventional lawns in Minnesota can stay healthy if tion(of up to 30 days)is available for new they receive 1-1.5 inches of water a week—from either sod, seed or plantings. You may call the precipitation or irrigation. Deep, infrequent watering is Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 to be add- generally better for lawns and plants. Frequent, lighter ed to the 30-day exemption list. irrigations can actually cause shallow roots. BULK RATE Hugo City Hall• 14669 Fitzgerald Ave.N.•Hugo,MN 55038 POSTAGE PAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21 OCCUPANT Visit our website: www.cibugo.mn.us City Directory City Staff Service City Administrator Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 Directory Community Dev.Dir. Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 Public Works Director Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 Finance Director Ron Otkin 651-762-6314 Building Official John Benson 651-762-6313 Building Inspector Chuck Preisler 651-762-6302 citv Hall General Building Inspector Scott Baller 651-762-6322 Information ' Sr.Engineering Tech. Steve Duff 651-762-6316 8:00 „ • 1 • City Clerk Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Community Dev.Asst. Dennis Fields 651-762-6311 Monday—Friday " • holidays Associate Planner Rachel Simone 651-762-6304 651-762-6300 Bldg.Dept.Receptionist Debi Close 651-762-6300 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 y'+wFire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Citv HallFAX Administrative Intern Shelly Clasen 651-762-6317 • Accounting Clerk Anna Wobse 651-762-6338 li City Council I ' Countv Sheriffs Department Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961 (Police non-emergency) Ward - .- Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 651-439-9381 Ward 2 Phil Klein 651-653-9369 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-439-4475 Council-at-Large Tom Weidt 651-762-6341 Fire Hall • • Monthly Meeting Schedule • , -,, City Council 1 st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Fire aPoliceI ' Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. • 11 Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EDA Commission 3rd Monday at 8:30 a.m.