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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 January Newsletter Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • Hugo, Minnesota 55038 s o 20 � ` ,�^ '�'� 'i) :,C} `' i sv`•,:, off, L y c 2Q -n.tic �, Apra S7 00 s0 6c� 3eJA 06 t a 3 s -75 004.0 T S1,0-7o , �1 . It, 60 ' (). Ig�w i O S Owl w:. 2004 Year In Review 2005 Budget Review Working together to build a better place to live, Tax rate remains unchanged. work and eniov life. Growth will balance additional spending. This past year,the Hugo City Council and staff met The Hugo City Council approved the 2005 General several goals that were established at the start of Fund Budget and Tax Levy at its December 2004. "I'm very pleased with the way the Council 20,2004 meeting. The approved tax levy is has worked together,"notes Hugo Mayor Fran $3,225,530. This is an increase of$570,105 over Miron. In addition,states Miron,"We've had a the 2004 levy,but due to an increase in taxable good response from the general public in attending market value of properties within the City,the tax our goal-setting sessions."Hugo City Council mem- rate has not changed. The 7%decrease from the ber Becky Petryk expands on the theme of coopera- 2003 tax rate remains intact. While the tax rate has tion and adds,"We have worked diligently to reach not changed,the growth of the community does out to surrounding communities,to counties,to the require increased spending. Hugo Mayor Fran school districts in order to clearly communicate and Miron states,"Spending continues to go up to meet understand everyone's needs and how we can help the level of service and to meet the expectations ' each other." Below is a summary of the major com- that this growth is bringing to the community." munity projects and developments that took place in Miron goes on to say,"This growth,however,also Hugo in 2004. helps to balance the additional spending that's occurring and that's why the tax rate remains NOW Publ!C Works Facility Completed unchanged." • .�. Parkos Construction of West St.Paul was chosen to ., build a new Hugo Public Works facility. In addition The additional tax dollars will be used for debt ser- to the main 15,400 square foot building,the Hugo vice to finance the Public Works facility,funding City Council decided to include an additional 3,600 for right-of--way acquisition for the County State � square feet of garage and storage space designed to Aid Highway(CSAH) 8/14 project,general operat- meet the City's needs for 8-10 years,as well as a ing expenses,and to cover expected state funding 3,200 square foot community room. The building shortfalls in the Market Value Homestead Credit is located on the Rice Lake property,and its new program. address is 6900 137th Street North—approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 61 on County Road 8. The approved 2005 General Fund budget was Construction of the facility progressed smoothly approved at$2,835,931. Funding has been includ- ed for the following items: Year In Review:See Page 2 2005 Budget:See Page 3 E I and stayed within the town redevelopment ing existing businesses Development Director Yearn budget,and Public in Hugo was endorsed that want to expand, in May 2004,follow- Works personnel moved by the City Council in and attracting new busi- ing the resignation of eve ew into the new facility in 2004. Implementation nesses to Hugo,the City John Rask. Bear comes January 2005. (See of the plan will involve is taking a more active to Hugo following an From Page 1 related story on page development of a mar- role in its economic eight-year tenure in 7.) ket study,site guide- development. EDA Overland Park,Kansas, lines,traffic study, meetings are held on the and his responsibili- and a text portion to third Monday of each ties include working accompany the map month at 8:30 a.m. and with developers and provided in the plan. are open to the public. builders on new build- E16me to A$45,000 Livable ings and subdivisions, na Communities Grant Hugo Bond Rating economic development, from the MetropolitanUpgraded overseeing the Building Council was awarded to The City of Hugo's Department,and work- Hugo to assist in these bond rating was upgrad- ing in conjunction Elementary School Projects. Citizen input ed from A3 to Al by with Public Works and has been a key com- Moody's, one of the Engineering. Planning Continued ponent throughout the The City of Hugo process,which began in country's major invest- worked in cooperation September 2003,and a ment services. Having with the White Bearprimary goal of th been rated A3 for five ROAD e plan Hugo was able Lake Area School has been the develop- years, WORK District#624 on plans ment of architectural to completely skip A2 for a new elementary and site design stan- and move directly to AH E A D school and remodeling dards that respect the A 1 due to the strength of the existing school, local traditions and fit of its financial condi- after approval of a in with the character of tion. Hugo's superior bond issue by voters the community. fiscal responsibility CSAH 8/14 in the November 2003 and careful planning Realignment election. Following a in such areas as hous- "Name Our Schools" ing development,water Project Continues contest,the new school and sewer, schools and The City of Hugo will be called Oneka economic develop- continued to work in Elementary and the ment were contributing cooperation with the existing school will factors. This new rat- other cities and counties retain the name Hugo ing will save the City involved in the realign- Elementary School. ECONOMIC money by reducing ment of CSAH 8/14. Construction of Oneka Development the interest it must pay Approval to establish Elementary School is Authority on future bonds and a railroad crossing expected to begin this Established improves the rate for for the 142nd/143rd outstanding debts. Street alignment was spring. The Hugo City Council obtained from the voted in July 2004 to _ Minnesota Department establish an Economic ``— of Transportation. After Development Authority consulting with offi- ��� ' (EDA),which will be cials from St. John the responsible for econom- Baptist Church,it was is development issues in decided that the new the City. Members of roadway alignment will The EDA meets on the seven-person com- intersect TH 61 just mission,consisting of south of the existing the third Monday Downtown five citizens and two New Community church parking lot. The of the month at Redevelopment Council members,were Development use of tax abatement, publicly announced in Director Hired a financing tool that Plan Completed September. By work- allows the City to use 8:30 a.m. ing to keep businesses Bryan Bear began A final plan for down- in the community,help- work new Community Hugas Year In Review:See Page I it Discovery cc) 1 ComesToHugo -- � r A Business Profile While the firm provides - �- Discovery Financial life insurance and annu- Brokerage opened ities to both consumers , an office in Hugo and businesses,Lacher on October 1,2004. notes,"We are also split L V > Located in the Bald in another way, and J Eagle Industrial Park that is,we wholesale —13433 Fenway life insurance to agents J Boulevard Circle North across the country. -� the firm is headed by That's the majority Discovery Financial Brokerage staff"from left to Steven Lacher,a prin- of our business." He right:Kevin Ferris,Shawna Schroepfer,April cipal with the company. continues,"What we do Lyons and Steven Lacher. r > As principal(an invest- at the brokerage firm ment and insurance is give agents access outside of the office as action with the people J term that would equate to carriers that they a member of the Hugo of Hugo. I'm closer J to president or CEO in wouldn't otherwise Parks Commission. He to school,to home; have access to." also keeps busy in a there's more balance" r other companies), , o Lacher is responsible variety of sports-related says Lacher. "I enjoy for overall management Lacher holds a BA activities,ranging from the ability to help oth- of the office. Lacher, from Metropolitan State bicycling, ice skating ers in the marketplace who started with University and lives and snowmobiling to gain coverage that they 'Discovery Financial in Hugo with his wife, coaching soccer in the need and/or reduce the < r Brokerage in August Pauline,along with White Bear Lake school cost of the coverage O 2004,has worked in the their two daughters, district. they currently have,"he 4 r insurance industry since Jordan and Sydney. adds. ,1 1989. Lacher stays active "I like the level of inter- r t' 2005 Budget:From Page 1 • Finalize planning for the downtown areaYou Name III Two naming contests are currently underway L • Hire,train and equip four additional fire- in the City of Hugo: fighters for daytime response '1 • Increase firefighter drill pay to three hours Community Room at Rice Lake For per drill(up from two hours per drill) Located adjacent to the new Public Works • Additional building inspector Facility at 6900 137th St.N. • Additional public works worker and new Nomination forms due by 12 noon on mechanic(start mid-year) Tuesday,February 1,2005 Winter Parking • Street lighting increased to 515 lights(up Creekview Preserve Neighborhood Park Parking is prohibited on 100 from 2004) Located on the south side of 159th St.N. • Two additional seasonal workers in the between Finley Ave.N. & 159th Alcove N. streets in the City between ` parks department Nomination forms due by 12 noon on Friday, the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 March 4, 2005 a.m.from November 1 until Two years ago,the county stopped providing street Nomination forms and contest rules are avail- March 31 or when there maintenance and snow plowing service to Hugo. able at the Hugo City Hall(651-762-6300)or has been a snowfall with a As a result,the City continues its transition to a on the City's web site(www.ci.hugo.mn.us). accumulation of two inches. full-service public works department. I -.iumnknla�Fei�Cc: Not Hews From The Hugo Fire Department In 2004, its 96th year of service to the community, tained breathing apparatuses(SCBAs). Twenty- the Hugo Fire Department responded to 307 calls, two new SCBAs were purchased,along with a down from 331 in 2003. Assistant Fire Chief new high pressure compressor to fill them. "The Jadon 011ila reports that the Department was suc- new high pressure units,with a full half-hour of cessful in meeting or making significant progress working time,are crucial for search-and-rescue toward all of its 2004 goals: operations and for hazardous materials situa- tions,"explains 011ila. 1.Firefighter Safety. There were no firefighter 4. Continue Truck Replacement Plan. The injuries in 2004. Department continues to work with the City to 2.Protection of Property and Life. The dollar replace outdated rescue vehicles. As part of this amount of property loss was significantly less plan,the Department took delivery of a new in 2004 than in 2003. Although final numbers heavy rescue vehicle in June 2004. are not yet available,011ila estimates a decrease 5.Addition of Four Firefighters. Four new fire- of over$1 million,primarily due to a reduced fighters joined the Hugo Fire Department in amount of structural fires. 2004: Andy Churchill,Jason Dahms,Nick 3.Awarding of FEMA Grant. The Hugo Fire Johnson, and Donald Sames. Department was awarded a$117,000 grant from 6. Continue to Improve Communication between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)to upgrade the Department's self-con- Hot News:See Page 7 emem er ToRecvciel. Slagle Sort recycling arate the recyclables. magazines, dry non- 50 cities and 150,000 comes to Hugo. coated food paper, residents in this pro- Waste Management, The following materi- boxboard,and small gram and have had one of Hugo's licensed als may be placed in flat pieces of corru- increased recycling ton- refuse haulers,recently the single sort cart gated cardboard box nages and participation. received approval from together: material the City Council to Hugo residents who are pick up recyclables -Glass bottles and jars The cities of Blaine, interested in this ser- A recycling every other week to -Metal beverage and Centerville,Circle vice may contact Waste accommodate their food cans Pines, and Lino Lakes Management at 612- container is available new, larger recycling -Paper from news, are currently among the 890-1100. containers. Waste from your refuse haul- Management custom- ers will each receive a green gallon cart Commissioner er or by calling City with a yell-gallon Planningow lid to Hall at 651-762-6300. use for their curbside recycling. Separating a c a n cy recyclables is not necessary; custom- ers can simply put all The City of Hugo is currently accepting applications recyclable materials for a position on the Planning Commission. The Commis- into the green and yel- low cart and wheel the sion meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. cart to the curb every Other meetings will be scheduled as necessary. If you are other week. Waste interested, please contact City Hall at 651-762-6300 or visit Management has built their website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Application deadline a new recycling facility is January 31, 2005. that has state-of-the-art equipment that can sep- Federal Grant Received For MAN 8/14 Realignment On December 10,2004, impact." The Coalition, U.S. Congressman which includes city, Mark Kennedy present- county, state and trans- ed a$250,000 check at portation officials,was Lino Lakes City Hall to instrumental in bring- T't A fl help fund the engineer- ing the need for an ing design of improve- upgraded interchange to WORK ments at I-35E and the attention of Anoka A EAD CSAH 8/14. Kennedy County Commissioner !°1 stated that safety along Rhonda Sivarajah. this portion of the I-35E Based on the group's corridor was needed input,a proposal was and was pleased to have forwarded to Kennedy ` Hugo, Centerville, Lino in March 2004 and fed- Congressman Kennedy Presents$250,000 Check-Pictured Lakes and Forest Lake eral funds were secured at Lino Lakes City Hall are(from left)Mayor of Lino Lakes The I-35WIE Coalition John Bergeson,U.S.Congressman Mark Kennedy,Senator working together. under the Omnibus Michele Bachmann,Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Si- is made up of the Cities Appropriations Bill, varajah,Washington County Commissioner Dennis Hegberg, of Hugo,Lino Lakes, Obtaining this fund- which passed on and Hugo Mayor Fran Miron. ing is a direct result November 20,2004. Centerville, and Forest of two years of work been able to create a Lake; Washington b the former Tri- With the anticipated cost of the total project, y p working relationship and Anoka Counties; Cities Coalition,now population growth it is a significant first p p g step in beginning work With our representative Columbus Township; called the 1-35W/E expected in Hugo and in Congress has been on this much-needed Coalition. Hugo Mayor surrounding cities in critical. Congressman the Minnesota Fran Miron states, the coming years,this improvement and is "I'm expected to lend cred- Kennedy is paying Department of excited that our project will provide for strong attention to his grown; smoother traffic flow at ibility to the project Transportation and the Coalition has g when the time comes to constituents in this area more and more people the interchange.While and we appreciate those Metropolitan Council. want to be associated the federal fundingis secure more funds. efforts, notes Miron. with it because they see just a fraction of the the potential for positive estimated$10 million "The fact that we've Historical News Historical Commission appreciation and words journals, and any key heminS new year. of thanks from the historical dates or The Hugo Historical City. At the Historical information they may G Commission began Commission's most have regarding Hugo's .� 2005 with Pam Videen recent meeting,guest history. For more infor- officially taking over as speaker Jim Fogerty mation about the Hugo Chairperson. Outgoing of the Minnesota Historical Commission, members Carrie Meyers Historical Society or if you would like to (former Chairperson) conducted a workshop help by volunteering, and Paulette Carlson on collecting oral donating your histori- The Historical were recognized for histories,one of the cal items,or providing Commission their service to the primary goals of the an oral history, contact Commission by the Commission. City Administrator meets regularly on Hugo City Council on Mike Ericson at 651- November 15,2004. The Hugo Historical 762-6312 or Pam the third Tuesday These two founding Commission continues Videen at 651-762- of the month at members were present- to welcome residents' 5608. ed with certificates of photos,documents, 7:00 p.m. Citv Roads and utilities have been completed for most of the residential projects listed below;however,work at Heritage Ponds,Waters Edge North and Waters Edge South is not yet fully complete. These developments remain on schedule with many roads, including Heritage Parkway and portions of Oneka Parkway,already in place.Work will resume in the spring with an anticipated completion in fall 2005. Development Location Number of Lots 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 Oneka Ponds* Goodview Avenue N. and 68 single family homes i 152nd Sstreet N. Diamond Point West* Goodview Avenue N. and 49 single family homes 145th Street N. Beaver Ponds South* Fondant Trail N. south of 43 single family homes 128th Street N. Northern Pines* East side of TH 61 between 38 multi-family homes 125th and 130th Streets N. Eagle Shores* 132nd Street N. and 11 single family homes Everton Avenue N. Waters Edge North West of Creekview Preserve at 204 multi-family homes 159th Street and TH 61 177 single family homes Waters Edge South Frenchman Road(northeast 534 multi-family homes of greenhouses) *roads and utilities are complete MeetHugo's ewe stEmplovee ' K: _• ��� the City,Hugo recently inspection intern for the Osceola Medical ." hired Chuck Preisler as the city of Moundsview Center. They have a Building Inspector. and as a plan reviewer three grown children, y _ Chosen from over 30 in St.Paul. He is cur- Velvet Amber,and applicants for the posi- rently taking commu- Kevin, and two grand- tion,Preisler's primary nity college courses in children,Taya and duties will include order to obtain Building Dakota. Preisler has performing building Inspection Technology been a member of the inspections,enforcing Certification. New Scandia Fire and applicable building Rescue Department codes,and reviewing Preisler is originally for 16 years and cur- Chuck Preisler, plans. He was a self- from White Bear rently serves as a cur- Building Inspector employed contractor Lake,and has lived Training Captain. He for 26 years in the Twin for the past 25 years in also enjoys horseback In anticipation of a Cities area,and recent- Scandia with his wife, riding,hunting,and spring building boom in ly worked as a building Robyn,who works at fishing. M i I In The Works New Public Works Facility Ready For Business HUGO Hugo Public Works officially moved in dur- for a grand opening, and the staff is excited Director Chris Petree ing the week of January including tours and about using the newer, r reports that work on the 17. refreshments,to be held more efficient facility." new public works facil- this spring. "We're ity,located on the Rice The community room very pleased with the Lake property, is com- will be available for overall progress of the plete. "There is still a rent beginning in project,"states Petree, small amount of finish- February. Interested ing work to be done," parties may contact k Petree notes,"and the Eileen Ottney at the landscaping,parking lot Hugo City Hall,65 1- blacktop, and fence will 762-6310. 3 be done in the spring." --- On January 31, 2005, T The department's large a tour will be given for �— equipment was moved members of the City during the last week of Council and all of the December, and the staff City's Commissions. and office equipment Plans are underway Hot News:From Page 4 the Fire Department and City leaders. 011ila with the City to determine our equipment and reports that communication between the Fire personnel needs." Department and City staff and Council was very good in 2004 and was crucial in achieving sev- 7. Upgrade Outdated Turnout Gear. Five new eral of its goals. "We received assistance from sets of turnout gear,the heavyweight coat and staff members in writing the FEMA grant appli- pants worn when fighting fires,were purchased cation,"he notes,"and we've worked closely in 2004 as part of the Department's continuing plan to maintain compliance with National Fire Year In Reuiew:From Page 2 Protection Agency standards. property taxes from a articulargeographic area to 8.Pre-plan all Businesses for Fire Protection. p p Computer software was purchased in 2004 to fund a specific project,was approved in September. assist the Fire Department in having a fire pro- tection plan in place for all Hugo businesses. sented to Anoka County for engineering design at CSAH 8/14's intersection with I-35E. (See related Department personnel will now work with Hugo story on page S) businesses to compile complete information rel- evant to fighting a fire,which will be instantly Council members begin 2005 mindful of the fact available to firefighters before arriving on the that they are stewards of taxpayer dollars. "We scene. are very aware of the current economic condition and that we have to be very careful with the use of Datime every dollar that we ask from our citizens,"notes • Petryk. Hugo citizens are invited to attend the next Firefightem Needed goal-setting meeting on January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Miron points out the importance of these meetings ~' and comments,"The more people that we've been The City of Hugo is currently accepting applica- _ able to involve in the process helps us to identify tions for firefighters who would be available dur- where the people of this community want to be,and ing daytime hours. Complete information and that allows us,as a Council,to be public servants." applications are available at the Hugo City Hall. I �BUHugo City Hall•14669 Fitzgerald Ave.N.•Hugo,MN 55038 KRATE 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 Directory Community Dev.Dir. Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 Public Works Director Chris Petree 651-762-6316 Building Official John Benson 651-762-6313 A Building Inspector Gary Schwartz 651-762-6317 ity Nall Generalt Building Inspector Chuck Preisler 651-762-6300 information Sr.Engineering Tech. Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 Ci Clerk • 4:30 • h' Mary Ann Creager 651-762-6311 au 651-762-6315 Monday • Community Dev.Asst. Michele Lindholidays f, 651-762-6300 Bldg.Dept.Receptionist Eileen Ottney 651-762-6310 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 Finance Director Ron Otkin 651-762-6314 R. Fire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Cl1V Hall FAX Number 651-426-2859R City Council MORMONI Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961Department Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Sheriffs_ Ward 2 Frank Puleonon-emergency) 651-653-9369 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-439-4475 651-439-9381, • Council-at-Large Mike Granger 651-426-8171 Fire Nall Monthly Meeting Schedule (Non-emergency) City Council 1 st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 P.M. 651-429-6366 Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Fire 9 Police EmergencV Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. 911 EDA Commission 3rd Monday at 8:30 a.m.