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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 June Newsletter r, r lei (I r. Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • Hugo, Minnesota 55038 HUGO CITY COUNCIL CHOOSES 142ND STREET ALIGNMENT FOR CSAN 8/14 Since the fall of 2001,Washington County,Anoka ment. In addition to the work done by the County,and the Cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes, County, State,and Federal governments,Hugo's along with their consultant TKDA,have been Community Development Department provided working on a state and federal Environmental information and analysis of social,economic,land Assessment(EA)for the County State Aid use,and transportation impacts for each altema- Highway(CSAR) 8/14 corridor between tive.Community Development Director John Interstate 35E(I-35E)and Trunk Highway(TH) Rask states, "We tried to provide the Council with 61. In March 2003 the EA was distributed and an background material in as objective a manner as open house/public hearing was held to obtain possible." Mayor Miron adds, "There was a comments on the study and the three alignment tremendous amount of information for us to take alternatives being considered: 142nd Street, 145th into consideration,including extensive public Street,and 147th Street. comment." At its May 5,2003 meeting,the Hugo City The Mayor also points out that the intersection Council voted 3-2 to recommend 142nd Street as will likely be positioned as far to the north as pos- the preferred alignment for connecting CSAH sible,and may actually end up closer to 143rd 8/14 with TH 61. "There were actually two Street. When asked what the primary reasons motions," explains Hugo Mayor Fran Miron, "one were for choosing the 142nd/143rd alignment, for 142nd Street Mayor Miron cited the following: and one for 147th Street." At a previ- "I'm Very 1. Lesser social impact, interrupting less homes. ous workshop pleased with 2. No impact on Lion's Park or St. John the meeting held April Baptist Cemetery. 28,the Council how the Council 3. Lowest cost(estimated at$2.9 million). voted to eliminatehas worked 4. Does not limit access to any existing streets. the 145th Street 5. Positive impact on the long-term plan to elimi- alignment from together on this nate rail in the downtown area and to extend consideration. issue,we will the Hardwood Creek Trail. Council members move forward 6. More potential for immediate economic devel- Mike Granger, opment in downtown. Becky Petryk,and now as a unified 7. Could be the impetus for extending Fenway Mayor Miron votedbody if Avenue to the highway. for the 142nd Street option,and Council —Mayor Fran Miron The Mayor indicated that it was a difficult deci- ., members Chuck sion and that all viewpoints were respectfully Haas and Frank considered. "I'm very pleased with how the Puleo voted for Council has worked together on this issue,"he 147th Street. comments. "We will move forward now as a uni- � feed body." The Council's decision culminates more than 18 months of work,including research,environmen- The Washington County Board of Commissioners tal assessments,and public hearings and com- MAN 8/14 Alignment:Continued on Page 5 JOIN THE HUGO CITY WATERING HALL GARDEN CLUB RESTRICTIONS IN The Hugo City Hall Garden Club is looking for EFFECT residents to volunteer to assist with the landscap- ing plan for the City Hall. Made up of master Hugo residents and property owners who use the gardeners and other interested individuals,the municipal water supply are being asked to help Garden Club is primarily involved in planting and conserve water and protect the environment by maintaining the perennial gardens. "Once we restricting their watering of lawns,trees,or other have completed the initial planting,a schedule vegetation. will be set up for weeding, dead-heading, and watering," explains Club member Carolyn Kay. In a Council resolution implemented May 15, 4 2001, it states the days you may water are deter- City Administrator Mike Ericson,the City staff mined by your street address. If your address liaison for the Garden Club,comments, "The ends in an odd number,you may water only on Garden Club has been instrumental in keeping up odd-numbered calendar days; if your address ends the labor-intensive City Hall site. It's a great in an even number,you may water only on opportunity for anyone with an interest in garden- numbered calendar days. An exemption from the even- ing to offer their help to the City." For more odd-even restriction of up to 30 days is available information about the Hugo City Hall Garden for new sod, seed, or plantings. You may call the Club,contact Mike Ericson at 651-762-6312 or Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 to be added to a Carolyn Kay at 651-429-7389. 30-day exemption list. Kid's Day America Comes Alive In Hugo On Saturday,May 17,2003,communities world- Paradigm Chiropractic did scoliosis check-ups wide participated in the ninth annual "Kid's Day and spinal scans for the kids,and the White Bear America/Intemational," a special day dedicated Lake Police Department did fingerprinting. to health,safety, and environmental issues that Members of the Hugo Fire Department showed affect individual families and children a fire truck and hand- ---------- communities. Dr. Michael ed out coloring books and Sulack and his wife Lisa, from other information,and US New Paradigm Chiropractic, Bank was present to talk to sponsored the event locally at parents about saving for col- the Hugo City Hall from 12 lege. Refreshments werepro- noon until 3:00 p.m. Over 300 vided by Subway,and prizes people attended,and approxi- were given away to children mately$200 was raised in a every half hour. Above: Hugo fami- silent auction for the White lies got fun-filled Bear Lake Area Educational Event coordinator Lisa Sulack samples from local Foundation Angel Fund for commented, "It was a great businesses. Hugo Elementary School. day. The weather was perfect, Right:White Bear Additional donations for the and we had twice as many Lake Police fund were received as well. kids as we expected." The Department provided Sulacks plan to sponsor the event again next year fingerprinting for Children's activities included face painting,hair and offered their thanks to the many volunteers Hugo children. painting,making a healthy trail mix snack,and who helped make this year's Kid's Day a success. learning about recycling from NRI. New City Project Update from City Engineer,David Mitchell 140th Street and IN 61 Intersection Pelonuin Industrial Park Improvements Improvements On Monday,May 19,the City Council took J The City's contractor has completed most of the another necessary step to complete this project. , required road work on TH 61 in preparation for The previous contractor has been terminated for installing the traffic signal. Over the course of not completing the work. Bids for the remaining the next few weeks the traffic signal will be work were opened on June 12,and a new con- installed. When the signal work nears com- tractor will be selected to complete the work pletion the surface of"old"TH 61 will be from the bids received. We do not antic- milled off and a new bituminous surface ipate a significant amount of work in Y Y in order the area before earl Jul will be placed over the roadway through the intersection. New to provide the new contractor striping will be placed that is time to dewater the site and consistent with the new . A Dmobilize special equip- design of the intersection. ment to the project. Completion of the prof- : We anticipate the ect is anticipated in early project being complet- WORK summer. ed early this fall. Judicial Ditch No.2 Related to this project, HEA The contractor working for Rice the City Council authorized Creek Watershed District to replace the temporary paving of culverts on Judicial Ditch No.2 under Hardwood Creek Trail in the dis- 157th Street, 165th Street,and 170th turbed area south of 159th Street Street(County Road 4)has completed the North. This area has now been paved culvert installations at the three locations. Work along the temporary alignment that is cur- Anyone Who Is to install guard rails at 157th Street remains,but rently being used. This area will be restored to the road is open to traffic. The contractor will be its original condition when the utility work is interested in doing some corrective work at 165th Street in completed under TH 61. selling land to the near future. When the corrective work is completed,a guard rail will be installed on the the City of Hugo north side of 165th Street in this location. is asked to contact City Administrator City Looking to Acquire Mike Ericson at Land for Parks City Nall or Parks The City of Hugo would like to acquire land for neighborhood parks,active recreational areas,and Commission open spaces. "We are primarily interested in land located in the central portion of the City," explains Community Development Director John Rask, "but we wouldn't rule out any parcel of 20 to 100 member Pete acres suitable for active recreation purposes." Funds for purchasing this land come from the City's park dedication fund,which is obtained from new development in the City. A$1,800 fee is collected Pedersen at and deposited into this fund when new residential lots are created. Anyone who is interested in sell- 651-426-4126. ing land to the City of Hugo is asked to contact City Administrator Mike Ericson at City Hall or Parks Commission member Pete Pedersen at 651-426-4126. Not News From the Hugo Fire Department Y Hugo Firefighters Receive Additional "New"Fire Vehicle Ready for Operation d Traifflug Thanks to a$2000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources DNR and a Fifteen Hugo firefighters have recently complet- P (DNR) ed two specialized training courses conducted by $2000 donation from the Dead Broke Saddle ` State certified instructors from Anoka Technical Club,the Hugo Fire Department was able to fin- College. The first was a hazardous materials ish work on a Chevy Blazer which will be used operations class,which has allowed Hugo to for a variety of purposes: fighting grass fires, become part of Washington County's decontami- carrying water,personnel and equipment,per- nation team. The second class was to attain the forming inspections,and traveling to community status of"Firefighter II,"the highest state certifi- education sites. This was a surplus U.S.Army cation possible for firefighters. Both courses vehicle that the Fire Department obtained from involved 40 hours of classroom instruction,a the DNR. "This was the last vehicle we needed written test,and a full-day"practical"test where to finish work on," explains Compton, "and we firefighters had to successfully perform in a vari- are happy to say that it was done at no cost to the Congratulations ety of real-life scenarios. taxpayers." to these Hugo As a result of the hazardous materials training, Firefighters for Hugo firefighters can now recognize a situation Fire Department to Purchase Thermal involving hazardous materials,identify the Imaging Camera completing chemical(s)involved, set up appropriate"hot The Hugo Fire Department plans to purchase a zones,"evaluate potential environmental thermal imaging camera to further assist their Hazardous impacts,notify the appropriate authorities,and fire fighting efforts. "The primary purpose of rescue and perform a thorough decontamination this camera is to be able to more effective) res- of any of an victims. Firefighter II training involved y y g g cue victims from smoke-filled environments Firefighter 11 learning about building construction, including where we wouldn't otherwise be able to see the hazards and methods of fire fighting for vari- them," explains Compton. The camera uses training: ous types of buildings,understanding the infrared sensing toe able firefighters to "see" hydraulics involved in sprinkler systems,hand victims by providing an image of the body. Anthony Bronk tool applications,vehicle extrication and fire �� Bill Buystedt pp Compton adds, It can even pick up footprints pumping capabilities. "Our firefighters are from where someone has walked." James Christiansen trained equally with any other fire department in Jim Compton, Sr. the state,„notes Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton, A donation from the Hugo Lion's Club will fund Jim Compton,Jr. Kevin Colvard "including big cities with full-time departments.” 90 percent of the cost of the camera. The rest Pat Dunn will come from money received by the Fire Paul Fladeboe Mutual Aid Training Exercise Held May 1T Department through its ongoing aluminum can Russ Frantum As part of their State requirements,the Hugo drive. "Our thanks go out to the Lion's Club and Kurt Grainger Fire Department held a mutual aid training exer- to the community for their continuing support of Bryan Lund cise on Saturday,May 17, in conjunction with our can drive," states Compton. Aluminum cans Jadon 011ila the Centennial Fire District and fire departments can be dropped off anytime at the west end of Penny Owen from Forest Lake, Scandia,and Mahtomedi. A the Hugo Fire Hall parking lot. Scott Peterson fire was started at a house on an old farm on Martin Schwartz Elmcrest Avenue just north of Bald Eagle Lake, Don Wolkerstorfer and firefighters evaluated the situation and put Watch Out for Children out the fire with the least amount of water possi- Now that school is out, Hugo Fire Chief Jim ble. "This gives us a chance to see how we all Compton reminds all Hugo residents to watch work together as a team," states Compton. "It's a out for children riding bicycles or playing along real fire,but it's done in a controlled environ- roads. He adds, "We just want to remind every- ment, so the firefighters can see how the fire one to take a little extra care and keep our kids behaves as it progresses to a fully involved struc- safe this summer." ture." I a 00 OPENING SOON! NEW AMERICAN LEGION CSAR 8114 Alignment:Continued from Page 1 BUILDING NEARLY COMPLETE is expected to concur with Hugo and select 142nd The new 7,500 square-foot American Legion Street as the preferred alignment alternative in building at 5383 140th Street North,next to the late June. The County Board is also expected to Hugo Fire Hall,is nearly complete. The former decide that the EA is adequate and that no further Post 620 building,located at 5736 147th Street environmental studies are necessary, and make a North,was destroyed in a fire in July 2002. negative declaration on the need for an Commander John Thomas states that only finish- Environmental Impact Statement(EIS). This will ing work, including final stages of plumbing, complete the state environmental review process. electrical,tile,carpeting,furnace, and air condi- Copies of this report will be sent out to those tinning,has yet to be done. The building was commenting on the EA and will also be available open on June 6 during Good Neighbor Days for at the Hugo City Hall. residents to get their first look. The federal review process,which requires fur- Plans are underway for a grand opening celebra- ther coordination with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway tion sometime in July. Thomas also informs us that reservations are currently being accepted for Administration, is expected to be completed later the new banquet facility,which can accommodate this year. up to 300 people. Reservations can be made by contacting Judy at 651-426-5368 or Kaeleen at The project management team is currently work- 651-407-1330. ing on the preliminary design. Proposed improvements include expanding the roadway to four lanes and adding turn lanes,a center median, a pedestrianibicycle path, and new drainage sys- For more information tems. Design details related to the 142nd Street on the MAN 8114 American Le ion alignment, including exactly where the road will project,visit the g intersect TH 61,what type of improvements are needed on TH 61 and to the east,the Washington County Rebuilding Fund roadway/railroad crossing, and effects to St. John web site: the Baptist Church,are also being evaluated. Although the former American Legion www.co.washington.mn.usIt building was insured,the entire cost of A meeting will be held later this summer to pro- rnsphdv/projects.htm or rebuilding will not be covered. A rebuild- vide the public with an opportunity to review the contact Chris Manthey, ing fund has been established for anyone preliminary design and how the project affects Design Coordinator, at who wishes to contribute to help Post 620 individual property owners. Meeting notices will 651-430-4316. in their rebuilding efforts. Send donations be sent directly to those property owners adjacent to: Hugo American Legion,Rebuilding to the project. Fund, P.O.Box 371,Hugo,MN 55038 Spread the Word Hazardous Waste a } AboutRencling Clean-up Day Set for KO With A Recycled August 16 ProductsKit Hugo's annual Household Hazardous Waste Clean-up Day will be held on Saturday,August What commonly recycled item is used to make 16 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Hugo some winter clothing and t-shirts? Ever wonder City Hall parking lot. This is your once-a-year what old,recycled tires eventually become? Find opportunity to get rid of household hazardous the answers to these questions and more by bor- wastes at the convenient City Hall location. rowing a recycled products kit. The kits are great for a display or hands-on learning station at Items that will he accented include: schools,businesses,and community events. Paint and paint thinner Drain cleaner First developed by Washington County,the recy- Photographic chemicals cled products kit received the 2001 Public Service Driveway sealer award from the Recycling Association of Used motor oil, oil filters,and antifreeze Minnesota(RAM). The RAM award recognized Roof cement the County's efforts to provide a tool for use by Fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamps schools,businesses,and other groups to inform Garden chemicals the community about the importance of recycling Pool chemicals and purchasing recycled products. Aerosol containers The kit contains 14 examples of products made Old gasoline and other solventsLighter fluid from commonly recycled materials,including Propane cylinders plastic lumber made from milk bottles, a flower Flammable household cleaners pot made from floor molding,and a notebook made with recycled office paper. Also included in Items NOT accented include: the kit are posters and samples to help explain the Appliances and furniture recycling process,as well as a block of aluminum cans which is suitable for a guessing contest or Asbestos other activity. Car batteries Computers,TVs and other electronics For more information, or to reserve a kit, contact Construction,remodeling, and landscaping debris Dan Schoepke at the Washington County Explosives Department of Public Health and Environment at Recyclables and ordinary trash 651-430-6714. Tires Used cooking oil In Hugo,items for recycling are col- REMEMBER TO RECYCLE! lected curbside as y In Hugo, items for recycling are collected curbside as part 67 F .. of your weekly trash collection. A recycling container is available from your garbage hauler or by calling City Hall part of your weekly at 651-762-6300. Those items which can be recycled trash collection. include newspapers,aluminum beverage cans,tin cans, glass jars and bottles, corrugated cardboard,gloss maga- zines, a a-zines,and car and tractor batteries. I HISTORICAL COMMISSION HARD AT WORK t 'x. 1r xf �� t f„ The members of the Hugo Historical Commission,pictured above, offer sincere thanks to these Hugo community members who have come forward to share their memories and photos: Vi Maslowski,Joe Marier, Grace Waugh,Lynn and Sharon Meyers,Mike and Cathy Anderson for Carpenter's Steakhouse,Darrell and Marlene Granger,Pat,Paul and Charlie Muller, Tom Crever, The La Valle family,Jim Gitz, Cathi Schmit for St. John's Catholic Church,Marie and Vern Peloquin. The Commission The Hugo Historical Commission, established in says Kitty. "There is a great deal of controversy December 2002,has been working steadily in its about dates and facts in Hugo, so we are going to continues to wel- efforts to preserve Hugo's heritage. They had try to find as many original documents and man- their first-ever photo display at the Hugo Good uscripts as we can to authenticate the informa- Come residents' Neighbor Days on Saturday and Sunday,June 7 tion we formally log into our archives." The and 8. Over 100 historic pictures have been Commission plans to purchase a powerful soft- photos,documents, brought to the Commission by Hugo residents. ware tool called PastPerfect Museum Software, These have been re-photographed by Tom recommended by the Minnesota Historical journals,and any Cheesebrow,their volunteer photographer,so the Society,to begin tracking Hugo's history,photos, originals could be returned to the owners. families,businesses,governments, and other his- key historical "We're very proud of all that we have accom- torical data. Kitty adds, "Hugo will have a great plished in just five short months," states head start by setting up our archives the right dates or informa- Commission Chair Kitty Cheesebrow. way from the beginning." The Hugo Historical Commission is now receiv- The Commission continues to welcome residents' tion they may haus ing regular invitations from local and regional photos,documents,journals,and any key histori- regarding Hugo's historical groups to learn more about preserving cal dates or information they may have regarding Hugo's heritage, including research techniques, Hugo's history. Meetings are held on the second history. sources of original documentation,and conduct- Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Oneka ing effective oral histories. Kitty Cheesebrow Room at City Hall and are open to the public. recently attended a program and tour at the (The Commission will not meet in July.) Minnesota History Center in St.Paul where she learned about the Minnesota Historical Society For more information about the Hugo Historical and was able to see some of the storage areas not Commission, or if you would like to help by vol- accessible to the general public. unteering or donating your historical items, con- tact City Administrator Mike Ericson at 651-762- "Most of all,we're learning that we have a lot to 6312 or Kitty Cheesebrow at 651-429-6560 or by learn about gathering historical information," e-mail at kitty@visi.com. r C11V report BULK RATE Hugo City Hall• 14669 Fitzgerald Ave.N.•Hugo,MN 55038 POSTAGE PAID HUGO,MN 55038 PERMIT N0.21 OCCUPANT Visit our website at: www.ci.hugo.mn.us Service irectory City staff City Administrator Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 City Hall General Community Dev. Dir. John Rask 651-762-6320 Information Public Works Director Chris Petree 651-762-6316 8:00 . to 1 . Building Official John Benson 651-762-6313 Monday—Fridayexcept Building Inspector Gary Schwartz 651-762-6317 11 City Clerk Mary Ann Creager 651-762-6311 Community Dev.Asst. Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 City Hall FAX Number, Deputy Clerk Renee Cunningham 651-762-6310 651-426-2859 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 Finance Director Ron Otkin 651-762-6314 Fire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Washington County Sheriffs Department •+ • CRYCouncil Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961 Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Fire Hall Ward 2 Frank Puleo 651-653-9369 (Non-emergency) Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-439-4475 651-429-6366 Council at Large Mike Granger 651-426-8171 Fire a Police Emergency Monthly Meeting Schedule City Council I st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Historical Commission 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.