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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 September Newsletter J 'F a Hugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • Hugo, Minnesota 55038 {UGO ? NE NI Hugo F Clean-Up Dayo . M���Iiiii Jill i ...an EF-3 tornado ripped through a large section of northeast Hugo. Sadly,the tornado left destruction that was unimaginable. Homes were unrecogniz- able,property was damaged,people were seriously ew injured and a little boy's life was lost. The Good Hews And... However,during tragedy,Hugo triumphed. Our The Good Hews emergency response team was on site in minutes and the City's emergency operations plan was efficient and effective. Neighbors were helping The City Council completed its mid-year neighbors and volunteers came out in hundreds to review of the 2008 budget and has begun to help get Hugo residents back on their feet. The formalize the budget process of 2009. See community came together as a family to support related story on page 4. one another when people needed it the most. The help from Hugo's residents,firefighters and busi- Mayor Fran Miron states, "We've done nesses was simply heroic. Hugo is a community some preliminary work with the mid-year that withstood a tornado but came back stronger. budget review and discussion of the upcom- While the healing process continues,people are ing 2009 budget. Even though market values beginning to move back into their homes. Mayor in the residential area seem to be coming . _ Fran Miron recently said,"With respect to the down to some extent,we continue to have recovery,everyone is at a different stage. There new growth in the industrial areas of our tax is a significant amount of work to be done. Some base.This is offsetting the decline in market people have been able to have their homes recon- value in the residential area. structed,and we are excited for them. We were initially concerned that people would move too He continues,"Based on our preliminary quickly to start repairs and get caught up with estimates,it would appear that we will be contractors who were unfair. The lag time that has able to work toward another tax rate reduc- - occurred allowed people to assess the situation and make good judgment decisions." tion—for the sixth year in a row-and still provide the high level of service the commu- Hugo's Firefighters/Emergency Response team and nity expects." Tornado:Page 6 Budget:Page 2 Election Information Comp Plan Update Candidate Filing NOW Open After a series of public meetings to gain input - - r The 2008 elections are right around the corner. on the proposed 2008 Comprehensive Plan,the ■ ■ �""' Candidate filings will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Hugo City Council approved and sent it to the .� September 9 for the following positions: Metropolitan Council,communities and counties Madjacent to Hugo for their review this past May. two— Mayor 2 year term The adjacent communities and counties have six Y ( )y Council Member Ward 2—four(4)year term months to review the Plan. The Metropolitan Council at Large—four(4)year term Council also has a six-month review period,but can request extensions if necessary. The goal Voting Dates And locations is to have the decisions included in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan approved or in the final The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, approval stages by the beginning of 2009. September 9 and the General Election will be held on Tuesday,November 4. Polls will be open from "Everyone who took the time to attend the various 7 a.m.to 8 p.m. Your voting location is determined open houses and workshops can be very proud of by the ward you live in. If you do not know your their participation,"said Rachel Simone,associate ward you can call Hugo City Hall at 651-762- planner. "Their input was critical to creating the 6315,view the election map on the City's website final document that is now in review. We couldn't at www.ci.hugo.mn.us,visit the MN Secretary of have done this without them." For information State website at www.sos.state.mn.us and look about the 2008 Comprehensive Plan,check out the under Election Center/Voter Information. city's website under"Local Government." There are three polling locations in Hugo: Ward 1: Hugo Fire Hall,5323 140th St.N. Interested residents are encouraged to review the completed Comprehensive Plan at the City's web- Ward 2: Oneka Elementary School,4888 Heritage site www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Parkway N. Ward 3: Rice Lake Centre(Public Works Build- ing),6900 137th St.N. Pre-Register To Save Time Budget:From Page 1 Pre-registration for the Primary Election is no The prospect of another tax rate reduction in longer available,but there's still time to register for today's economy is unique in and of itself, the General Election. A pre-registration form can but factor in the money Hugo had to spend be downloaded from the City's website and mailed in the wake of the May tornado and it really to the Washington County Election Department,or brings home the value of careful planning. contact Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300. Registra- "On the heels of this unexpected event," tion forms must be received by Washington County Mayor Miron notes,"we were able to cash at least 20 days prior to the election. Election day flow the added costs incurred due to the registration can be done at your polling location. tornado. "When cities formulate their budgets,you always try to maintain emergency reserves. w Meeting Rooms Available For Rental The tornado brought home the importance of that to Hugo. These reserves have been rec- The City of Hugo has two meeting rooms available ognized by the agencies that issue bonds and for rental: Oneka Room at City Hall and the Rice have helped to keep our bond rating high. Lake Centre at the Public Works facility.The rooms It's a positive result of the financial planning can be used for meetings, corporate events, parties, that has gone on in the City of Hugo." or even a small wedding. The rental fee is$100 for Hugo residents and $200 for non-residents; each These reserves have been recognized by the room seats 90-100 people. For information,or to bond rating agencies that issue bonds and reserve either room,contact Debi at City Hall, have helped to keep our bond rating high. 651-762-6300. Recreational opportunities Ll Kids and their families will again have the opportunity to enjoy fun activities at the Oneka Elementary gym dur- ing the long winter months. Tot Time and Family Open Gym will run from early November through mid-April. Tot Time Tot Time is for children ages 6 months to 6 years and will feature riding toys,a castle jump,basketball,bowling, and other exercises designed to refine coordination and large muscle and sensory development,along with the chance to just blow off a little steam.A separate area with age-appropriate play will be provided for children up to two years old. Tot 9 P it Time will be held on Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m.starting November 9. Family Open Gym Children of all ages and their parent(s)or guardian can participate in Family Open Gym on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m.beginning November 9 and ending on April 19. Parents or care providers must supervise their children at all times. Participation (per session)is$2 per child or up to$5(maximum)per family. A picture ID is U required. Tot Time and Adult volleyball is organizing now. Please call Jon Andersen at 651-407-7508 to Family Open Gym register your team. will run from early November Downtown Update Redevelo ment throughmid- p Two Hugo"landmarks"are in a state of transition New Business Development April. these days—and that's a good thing. A redevelop- Progress continues on a number of new develop- ment plan for the former End Zone property was ments: approved by the City's Planning Commission in September and will be going to the City Council . The HealthEast Clinic at County Road 8 and for consideration. A Tax Increment Financing Everton is expected to be completed by the end Agreement will still need to be approved by the of the year. Economic Development Authority(EDA). • Lake Area Bank will move into a new 5,000 square-foot building by the end of the year as The owners of Carpenter's Steak House continue to well. work with the EDA and City staff members to pre- • A new office/warehouse building with seven pare their plans for revitalization of the restaurant suites has been approved,located on the corner and surrounding area. of Fenway Blvd. and 130th Street. DUE Partnership Update The Blue Heron Grill recently opened at 14725 The Business Retention and Expansion Victor Hugo Blvd and now features a Sunday Subcommittee(BR&E)has entered into a partner- brunch and great lunch menu. ship with local colleges to have their business stu- dents create and manage market and case studies for Hugo businesses. This service will be provided at no cost and local business owners are encouraged - to go to the City's website to find out more and to fill out a Business Profile Questionnaire. In addition m these studies,this partnership will soon be pre- senting free workshops on Microsoft®products and Internet marketing. RICIE CREEK WATERSHED :J112) Jilul Dis TmcTdu�I f , ;r D c�alLag1wel ji ljiu As is appropriate for Blue Thumb partners, bluethumb.org. source for agriculture an entity with"water" including local gov- or industry. If it fails in its name,the Rice ernment entities,other Second, did you to meet the minimum Creek Watershed watershed districts, know that a lake can standards for its des- District has a couple and landscaping com- be analyzed to see ignated uses,then of interesting items to panies. if it needs to be put steps must be taken share with Hugo resi- on a diet? No,lakes to limit pollutants dents related to water These partners are don't have"calories" entering it, so that it , quality initiatives. focused on conserva- to cut. Rather,Total becomes suitable for tion and the wise use Maximum Daily those uses. First, its award- of soil,water and Loads or"TMDLs" ti winning Blue Thumb related resources. For are measured. A program,which was more information TMDL is the total started as an outreach and to get free tips amount of a pollutant, program to help its on protecting water in pounds per day, cities and towns quality by planning, that a body of water meet water quality purchasing and plant- can take in and still goals,has expanded ing native gardens, meet its designated e _ into the Twin Cities rain gardens and use such as a drink- metro area and greater shorelines with native ing water source, Tt`�(h� Minnesota.There plants,visit the pro- recreational, a fish 000 are currently over 50 gram's website:www. habitat or a supply ?CANTING FOR CLEAN WATER Join Us At Budget Workshop Celebration Set For October 4 The City Council is gearing up for the 2009 budget process. At its September 2 meeting Plans are being finalized for the the Council adopted a preliminary tax levy. October 4 celebration to honor the Hugo Fire Department on the Throughout the fall,budget workshops will occasion of its 100th anniversary be held right up until the Truth in Taxation serving the community. There will hearing on Monday,December 1,2008. be an Open House in the afternoon That hearing will be held at City Hall at at the Fire Hall and a dinner and 7:00pm. Following the December 1 meet- dance is planned for the evening. ing,the Council will adopt a final budget Check The Citizen for more updates and tax levy on December 15 for the 2009 and information as they become calendar year budget. ; available. Plan to attend—it's going to be a lot of fun! The City Council will announce the times and dates for the budget workshops and the public is encouraged to attend any and all of them. The budget document will also be available on the City's website-www www. oil. il ^, ,,; �, ►' 7i{ ci.hugo.mn.us. � 1 1 New Housing Developments F � . Following are details regarding location,number of lots and type of homes in some of the City's new housing developments: Development Location Number of lots r Fable Hill South of Victor Gardens 76 single-family homes Heritage Ponds East of Elmcrest Avenue N. 207 multi-family homes South of 165th Street N. 126 single-family homes Beaver Ponds South Fondant Trail N.south of 43 single-family homes 128th Street N. Waters Edge North West of Creekview Preserve at 738 multi-family homes Waters Edge South 159th Street and TH 61 Diamond Point East Goodview Avenue N.and 125 single-family homes 145th Street N. Generation Acres Oneka Lake Boulevard (1/2 41 multi-family townhomes mile east of TH 61) Victor Gardens 4th County Road 8 and 92 multi-family homes Everton Avenue N. Victor Gardens East Val Jean Boulevard (east 36 single-family homes of Cosette Lane) nice Lake Park Over 3000 Building Completed Permits Processed The construction of the five athletic fields at the As a result of the May 25 tornado,the Hugo Build- new Rice Lake Park is nearing completion. The ing Department has processed more than 3,300 walking paths between the fields and the irrigation building permits since June 1.This quadrupled the systems have now been completed. The turf should typical workload for the department. be established this fall and will continue to be care- fully tended to through next spring and summer. The department staff appreciated the cooperation The City of Hugo hopes to be able to start schedul- from surrounding communities,especially Lino ing athletic events next fall. Lakes and Oak Grove which lent Hugo building inspectors and permit technicians to assist them K h re P immediately after the storm and throughout the Oa s o arK summer. Hugo now boasts another new neighborhood park. As reported at the mid-year budget review,Hugo's Oak Shore Park is located on 10 acres off Exhall building strategy continues to pay off. More than Avenue between 126th and 129th Streets. The park 100 housing units have has some great features including a sliding hill for been built and con- winter fun,paved walkways throughout the park struction is underway that lead to picnic tables and benches,a picnic on the HealthEast pavilion,an open area for pick-up ball games and Clinic and Lake Area Bank.half-court basketball court. Kids will enjoy the Bank. Both are ex- -Ixtensive jungle gym with swings and climbing end of to open by the e equipment,and the large sand play area. Final end of 2008. touches are still being added,but the park is now open for play and laughter. (Co.Rd.8) A N d Puna \ 14011,St.N. Works Buiimng . z V5137th$l"! *City of Hugo Public Works Building 6900 137th St.N. }A 8 a.m.-noon N I o aloada sJut101 o0. L 690D 131M SLN dtH[ a 0 tom 01 • d.m. to 0000 ExNOny � .N • Household Hazardous Waste materials and small elec- tronics accepted from all Washington county residents Each car load of trash $5 and up during this event. Pickup load of trash $25 and up Trailer load of trash $25 and up • Clean-Up Day items listed to the right may be turned in by or box spring $20 each by Hugo residents only. Gas-powered push lawnmower $10 • Proof of residency,such as a driver's license, is Riding lawnmower $20 Household appliance(microwaves,etc.) $15 required. Upholstered furniture $15 eachp iece • If you are dropping off any items in addition to House- Carpet $1 per yard hold Hazardous Waste(HHW),please pack the HHW Bicycles w/tires $5 separately and position it so it can be removed from your Bicycles w/o tires FREE vehicle first. Rubber tires $2.50 and up Scrap metal FREE • Questions?Call City of Hugo Public Works at 651-762- Major household appliance $15 6300. Commercial appliance $75 and up • Look for our Fall Clean-Up Event flyer in the September Air conditioner or water softeners $20 3 issue of The Citizen. Small electronics(TVs,computers,etc.) FREE Cash or check only • If paying with cash, please bring Household Hazardous Waste FREE small bills • Make checks payable to City of Hugo. Tornado:From Page 1 Washington County played a large role in help- pleased with the continued support of the Hugo ing Hugo immediately after the tornado hit. They neighborhoods and the surrounding communities. assisted with 9-1-1 calls and other safety con- Just the outpouring of support and generosity that cerns,helped with public health issues,managed you don't expect and the way people have come media and communications to affected residents together,neighbor helping neighbor,has given us and helped to assess the huge amount of property such a lift of emotions and supported the progress damage. Many surrounding communities also we have all made together." pitched in to help where they could.There were so many volunteers to help with the cleanup that some The storm and its aftermath will be engrained people had to be turned away. forever in Hugo residents'memory. The storm's damage brought tears,loss,bravery and kindness. "We're really pleased with the progress that's been Hugo City Staff is proud to be working for a strong made with the cleanup even though there is a long and caring community. way to go,"Mayor Miron comments. "We're also ' I I Fail 2008 Street Sweeping dry. Please check that water coming into the house is clear before doing laundry during this time. The Public Works Department will begin Questions regarding hydrant flushing should be di- its fall street sweeping Monday, October 6, I rected to the Public Works Department at 651-762- 2008. Typically, sweeping will take place 6300. Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for approximately four weeks. A recycling The City of Hugo will be sweeping Tornado Update-Help IS Still all bituminous streets during this Available container time. Any questions regard- , ing street sweeping should o `�<,? The Hugo Long Term Recovery Services is available be directed to the Public Committee is currently helping storm-affected f Works Department o o residents with their unmet needs. The commit- from your at 651-762-6300. tee, formed shortly after the May 25 tornado, is committed to serving the needs of the af- refuse hauler Dog Ordinance fected residents and dispersing the funds collected. Through the Hugo Relief Fund,Salvation Army,and or by calling the Twin Cites and New Ulm Catholic archdioceses Barking dogs and dogs running at large are con- the total balance to be disbursed tops $430,000. To City Nall at sidered a nuisance by many residents. So, if you date, the Committee has already disbursed more own a dog,the City is asking for your help. Please than$35,000. 651'762'6300 follow Hugo's ordinance regarding dogs running at large and dogs that continually bark. If you own a The Committee continues to ask for affected resi- iog, your dog must be licensed, under the owner's dents to come forth and request a caseworker. As- .;ontrol at all times,and must not bark repeatedly for sistance is not based upon current financial situation, more than five(5)minutes without at least a one(1) but rather unmet needs that come about from the tor- minute lapse in time. Please be courteous and re- nado tragedy. Access to financial and other available spectful to your neighbors. For more information resources can be obtained through a caseworker by regarding your pet,please visit the City's web site at calling Nate Ehalt at the Hugo City Hall at 651-762- www.ci.hugo.mn.us. 6329 or Bonnie Frazer at 651-291-0211. Casework- ers are trained professionals to help walk beside you Fall 2008 Hydrant Flushing through the recovery process and can assist in many ways. Caseworkers help with funding resources, The Public Works Department will be flushing hy- mental health care, advocate for you as you work drants in the City of Hugo beginning Monday, Sep- with insurance claims, filling out necessary paper- tember 15,2008. Hydrant flushing will take place work,and finding resources for your children. Monday through Friday,from 7:00 a.m.to 4:30 In addition to their assistance, caseworkers main- p.m.,for approximately four weeks. tain a code of confidentiality, which protects you Flushing allows the Public Works and your family. Residents may also contact Nate Department to purge rust and or Bonnie on behalf of affected residents and will stagnant water from the dis- remain anonymous. tribution system. In addition, It is important to remember that the funds being dis- it allows the Department to tributed are for Hugo residents, which was freely identify hydrants in need given to help individuals and families with the re- of maintenance. covery process. The recovery process can be a dif- Due to the hydrant ficult time for families and the committee is here to • flushing, it is inevita- help you rebuild your lives. ble that some residents Remember to keep all affected residents in your will receive rust-colored thoughts and prayers and welcome them back as they water that could stain laun- return to their new homes in the upcoming months. c x\; 1 I 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.ci.hugo.mn.us City Directory City Staff Service City Administrator Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 Community Dev.Dir. Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 Directory Finance Director Ron Otkin 651-762-6314 Building Official John Benson 651-762-6313 Building Inspector Chuck Preisler 651-762-6302 Building Inspector Scott Baller 651-762-6322 Citv Hall •" Sr.Engineering Tech. Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 information City Clerk Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Community Dev.Asst. Dennis Fields 651-762-6311 to 1 p.m. Associate Planner Rachel Simone 651-762-6304 MondayFriday _ holidays Bldg.Dept.Receptionist Debi Close 651-762-6300 • • • 11 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 Fire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Long Term Recovery Coord. Nate Ehalt 651-762-6329 Cltv Hall FAX Number Administrative Intern Shelly Clasen 651-762-6317 651-426-2859 �J City Council Washington1 Sheriffs Department Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961 (Police non-emergency) Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Ward 2 Frank Puleo 651-653-9369 651-439-9381 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-439-4475 Council-at-Large Mike Granger 651-426-8171 Fire Hail Monthly Meeting Schedule 651-429-6366 City Council 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Fire&Police Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. 911 Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EDA Commission 3rd Monday at 8:30 a.m.