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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 April Newsletter I+ J r 3 a=: e f: Hugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • Hugo, Minnesota 55038 spotlight on Hugo: advancing the City's Vision The Hugo Planning Commission is designated by 1993,points to the Smart Growth Standards,initi- the City Council as the official planning agency ated by the Commission in 1999-2000,as a good for the City. The seven members are appointed example of long-range planning. "We knew that by the City Council to four year terms,and they development was coming," Schumann explains, work closely with the City's Community "so we decided to take the initiative and try to Development and Engineering staff. control it as prudently as we could to get the max- imum quality of development possible." He cites The Planning Commission's primary job is to Victor Gardens as a direct result of that initiative. review and make recommendations on all applica- "Victor Gardens is one of our'crown jewels.' It's tions for development,land use,and zoning ordi- the kind of development that will be here for a nance changes. "That means that all new devel- long time and will allow future generations to opment—residential as remain in the community," well as commercial and Schumann states. He explains industrial—comes before Hugo Planning that by including a wide vari- the Planning Commission," iii6iiuer s ety of housing options,it keeps notes Hugo Community David Schumann,Chair the door open for people who Development Director John want to remain in Hugo but Rask. In 2002,the Sandy Malaski,Vice Chair might not be able to without Commission received Ron McRoberts affordable housing—usually applications for 45 new Theodora Peltier young people and senior citi- planning projects. They Kelly Bailly zens. began meeting twice a month in April 2002 to Bob Rosenquist Another important aspect of accommodate the large Bronwen Kleissler the work of the Planning number of planning appli- Commission involves listening cations. to the citizens of Hugo. "We often rely on citizen input," Schumann states. One of the most important duties of the Planning "For example,in the three times we've been Commission is long-range planning for the City, involved in planning for downtown Hugo,we not which is essentially accomplished through the only heard what the citizens wanted for down- preparation of the Comprehensive Plan,a guide town,but we also got a clear indication that they for future development in the community. "The want to maintain a rural atmosphere in Hugo." Planning Commission is the single governmental This desire to preserve the rural area of the City body that is really responsible for looking at has led to the formation of the Rural and Open development and land use in the long term," Space Committee. (See related article on page 3) ' - - explains Rask. "When they look at development plans,their focus is on the future—planning for Other major accomplishments of the Planning the needs of the community for the next 20 years Commission over the past few years include the or beyond." Everton Avenue Neighborhood Study,the Comprehensive Plan for the area west of down- Planning Commission Chair Dave Schumann, town,the community-wide Charrette visioning who has been a member of the Commission since process,and the updating of zoning ordinance Spotliubt on Hugo:Continued on Page 6 HUGO HISTORICAL COMMISSION SEEKING VOLUNTEERS, MEMORABILIA The newly-formed Hugo Historical Commission well as volunteers to work on specific projects. is looking for your Hugo historical memorabilia. In addition to the Good Neighbor Days display, "Our biggest project right now is preparing a dis- the Commission's more immediate projects play for Good Neighbor Days in June," explains include oral interviews of Hugo residents with Commission Chair Kitty Cheesebrow. "We are memories to share,cataloging of donated docu- . :F asking people to come ments and photos,a pho- � ' to ra h record of Hugo,forward with photos, � g p s documents, ournals,or identifying€ id J fY g City build- any key historical dates ings of historic value, or information they may and setting up a comput- have regarding Hugo's Y er database to help history. , 3 record Hu o's history. The Commission,which ` Meetings are held on the currently has six mem- second Tuesday of each bers,is also seeking vol- month at 7:00 p.m. in Be sure to unteers to serve in a the Oneka Room at City variety of capacities. .M Hall and are open to the check out the "We are looking for a public. For more infor- seventh member,who mation about the Hugo Hugo Historical would be asked to attend our monthly meetings Historical Commission, or if you would like to Commissions and work on additional projects as their schedule help by volunteering or donating your historical allows," states Cheesebrow. The Commission items,contact City Administrator Mike Ericson interactive dis- would also like to add two associate members, at 651-762-6312 or Kitty Cheesebrow at 651- play at Good who would have a more limited involvement,as 429-6560 or by e-mail at kitty.c@attbi.com. Neighbor Days. In the Oneka Room in Good Neighbor City Seeking Parks City Hall from noon Days Display Commissioner to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday,June 7 The Ci has an immediate opening on the and 8. Be sure to check out the Hugo Historical City P g Commission's interactive display at Good Parks Commission. Hugo Parks Neighbor Days. There will be photos,docu- Commissioners serve three-year terms and ments,fun facts, and lots of interesting are responsible for the implementation of the Hugo historical information in the Oneka Parks Master Plan as well as current and Room in City Hall from noon to 5:00 p.m. future planning for the City's parks and recre- on Saturday and Sunday,June 7 and S. This ation department. Parks Commission meet- will also be a great opportunity for you to ings are held on the second Wednesday of share your Hugo historical memorabilia or each month at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested to find out more about the Hugo Historical in the position,please call the Hugo City Hall Commission. at 651-762-6300 for an application. City Project Update from City Engineer,David Mitchell IN 61 and 1401h Street Traffic Signal 165th Street between Henna and Ingersoll . A construction contract was awarded to Avenues; and 170th Street(County Road 4) HIJU ) Hardrives Construction on March 17. between Henna and Ingersoll Avenues. Progress Preliminary discussions with the contractor indi- on the project has been slow and has'been further cate that they will begin hampered by poor soils and spring runoff. The working on this project contractor is currently working on the crossings soon after spring weight at 157th Street and 170th Street with hopes of restrictions are removed completing these crossing in the next few weeks. from area roadways. This 165th Street has been opened after the installa- is expected in early May. tion of the box culvert,but will be closed again We expect this signal to be for additional work when either 157th or 170th operating before August 1. Street are re-opened. Highway 61 will remain open during the con- struction activities. Drivers may experience Trunk Utility Improvements some delays when they travel through this inter- The contractor installing trunk utilities to serve section. areas east of TH 61 and north of 152nd Street, including the Peloquin Industrial Park,continues Judicial Ditch No.2 to encounter construction problems with getting Rice Creek Watershed District has begun work to utilities under TH 61. The City continues to replace four culverts on Judicial Ditch No. 2. work with the contractor. We hope to resolve Three of these culverts are in Hugo: on 157th this issue in the near future and restore the areas Street,between Harrow and Homestead Avenues; along TH 61. RURAL AND OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO MEET The public is The Rural and Open Space Committee had its third meeting in late February and continues its mission of welcome to developing methods to preserve open space and the rural heritage of Hugo. Also present at the February meeting were Metropolitan Council representative Marc Hugunin and Rice Creek Watershed District attend all Administrator Steve Hobbs. Hugunin shared findings from the Metropolitan Council's Rural Issues Workshops held last year,which he chaired and which dealt with many of the same issues facing the meetings of the Committee. Hobbs is an expert in transfer of development rights programs,one of the growth manage- ment tools under consideration by the Committee,and he helped Committee members consider the vari- open spcae ous issues and details that such a program would entail. Other topics discussed included the use of deed restrictions and the financial consequences of develop- committee. ment in rural areas. At their next meeting in April the Committee hopes to look at land classification— using maps and other information to get an idea of which areas are worthy of preservation. Committee Call City Hall at 651- member Chuck Haas notes that the Committee has a great deal of work ahead of them. "This is going to 762-6300 for meeting take some time,"he states. "We will probably spend several more months on transfer of development dates and agendas. rights alone,and we will also be reviewing the cluster housing ordinance and looking into other alterna- tives that the County and State have put forward." Haas also reminds us that the Committee is basing their work on a 30-year historical commitment to rural and open space preservation in Hugo. He adds, "The citizens of Hugo continue to re-affirm that mandate." The public is welcome to attend all meetings of the committee. Please call City Hall at 651-762-6300 for meeting dates and agendas. Not News From the Hugo Fire Department BECOME"FIRE WISE" The most important things you can do to protect your family and home from wildfire are: Many homes in Hugo are built in wooded areas or are near wild land. Unfortunately,these homes may be Make sure your address is clearly visible from the vulnerable to wildfire. This spring,Hugo's Fire road. Department will work in cooperation with the -Maintain at least 30 feet between your home and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the surrounding wildland fuels,such as native vegeta- "Fire Wise"program,designed to identify areas at risk tion,dry grass,woodpiles,and dead tree limbs. to wildfire and develop strategies to reduce this risk. • Have a roof that will not burn. Homes at risk to wildfire have three common factors: The Hugo Fire Department has placed a map on the Access: Emergency vehicles can't find or safely get to City's web site(www.ci.hugo.mn.us)which is color- the home. coded to identify those residences which are at risk for wildfires. For more information regarding the"Fire Vegetation: Vegetation around the home allows a fire Wise"program and what you can do to reduce the risk to enlarge and overrun the home. of wildfire to your home,contact Assistant Fire Chief Jadon 011ila at 651-429-6366,ext. 19 or stop by City Structure: The design and building materials of the Hall to pick up a variety of"Fire Wise"informational home allow burning embers to easily ignite the home. publications. You can also check out the"Fire Wise" web site at www.firewise.org. Remember to Your Garbage Bill is Recycle Changing Since 1989,Washington County has collected a Did you know? It takes the same amount of energy to make 20 Waste Management Service Charge(WMSC)on aluminum cans from recycled aluminum or one property tax statements. The WMSC is used to can from bauxite,the mineral ore. Used alu- pay for environmental services such as household Used aluminum minum cans that are recycled return to store hazardous waste sites and recycling grants to shelves as new cans within 60-90 days. cities. Beginning in April 2003 the county will cans that are change the way it funds these environmental serv- In Hugo, items for recycling are collected curbside ices. They will now be funded through a County recycled return as part of your weekly trash collection. A recy- Environmental Charge(CEC)that will appear on cling container is available from your garbage your garbage bill. to store shelves hauler or by calling City Hall at 651-762-6300. Those items which can be recycled include news- The CEC is not a new charge—it's just a new as new cans papers,aluminum beverage cans,tin cans,glass way of collecting funds for county programs and jars and bottles,corrugated cardboard,glossy services. The county is making this change to within 60-90 magazines,and car and tractor batteries. make paying for environmental services more fair. The WMSC was a flat fee and was not relat- days. ed to garbage volume. The new CEC will be .. 34.2%of the garbage portion of your trash bill. Since garbage bills are based on the volume of � trash produced,those who throw away more will pay more. For more information on the CEC,please visit the Washington County web site at www.co.washing- ton.mn.us/pubhlth/cec.html or call 651-275-7303. 1 7 The latest News On CSAN 8/14 j An open house and public hearing were held on Tuesday,March 25,2003 at the Hugo City Hall regarding the County State Aid Highway(CSAH) p 8/14 improvement project. The proposed project R HEAlaincludes reconstruction of the roadway as a four- AHEAD- lane ne divided section between I-35E and Highway New A 61,as well as the construction of a separate pedestrian/bicycle path and traffic signals. Three L ; alignment alternatives are being considered in the e g o n u i�'ding City g of Hugo: 142nd Street, 145th Street, and Nears Completion 147th Street. j During the open house,the public was able to ask Work continues on the new 7,500 square-foot American Legion building at 5383 140th Street questions and discuss the project informally with Ci and Count officials along with re resenta- The City Of Hugo North,next to the Hugo Fire Hall. The former City Y g p Post 620 building, located at 5736 147th Street tives from TKDA,the project consultant. Three will be holding North,was destroyed in a fire in July 2002. residents spoke at the public hearing which Commander John Thomas states that the exterior included an overview of the Environmental meetings on of the building is essentially complete. There ( Assessment(EA)and an opportunity for those in were some delays on the interior from the deeply April Z8 and May frozen ground,but the builder,Faulkner attendance to offer their comments. Copies of the Construction,Inc. of White Bear Lake, still EA were available for public viewing at several 5 to recommend expects the building to be finished by May 2003. area locations,and public comments continued to be accepted until April 16. an alignment Plans are underway for a grand opening celebra- tion for American Legion members. Thomas also The City of Hugo will be holdingmeetings gson alternative to informs us that reservations are currently being accepted for the new banquet facility,which can April 28 and May 5 to recommend an alignment alternative to Washington County. The Washington accommodate up to 300 people. Reservations can g tY be made for June 14,2003 or later by contacting Washington County Board of Commissioners will County. Judy at 651-426-5368 or Kaeleen at 651-407- make the decision on the preferred alignment and 1330. on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement during the summer of 2003. Final reports will be submitted to State and Federal agencies for review. Final approval typically American legion occurs three to four months after the reports are Rebuilding Fund submitted. A public informational meeting will be held during the summer to present information Although the former American Legion and receive comments on proposed design fea- building was insured,the entire cost of tures and right-of-way needs. rebuilding will not be covered. A rebuild- ing fund has been established for anyone For more information on this project, visit the who wishes to contribute to help Post 620 Washington County web site at www.co.washing- in their rebuilding efforts. Send donations ton.mn.us/trnsphdv/projects.htm or contact Chris to: Hugo American Legion,Rebuilding Manthey, Design Coordinator, at 651-430-4316. Fund,P.O.Box 371, Hugo,MN 55038 WEST ONEKA LAKE DRAINAGE SYSTEM PROJECT UNDERWAY As part of a comprehensive storm water manage- City's Trunk Stormwater Fund,which developers ment plan for the area south of 165th Street pay into when they develop their property. between Highway 61 and Oneka Lake,the City has hired Fyles Excavating of Monticello to "Overall,I think this will have a very positive make major improvements to the existing effect on the area," states City Council member drainage way along Highway 61. Hugo's Water Becky Petryk. "It's much better if we have a Resource Engineer Pete Willenbring describes system that is efficient,easy to maintain,and the project as cleaning out the drainage system economical. And with a regional plan in place, along Highway 61 between 165th and 152nd everyone involved has more information to make Streets by deepening and widening it,as well as planning decisions—both the City and the prop- 3 adding upgraded culverts at road crossings. erty owners, as they decide to transition, devel- Currently a private drainage way that affects op,or preserve their property." Petryk also sees about a dozen property owners,the newly the opportunity for a green corridor to develop in upgraded drainage way will become part of the that area. City's drainage system. Community Development Director John Rask In addition to providing a drainage system that sees the project as something that not only alle- will function much more effectively,the project viates drainage and flooding problems in the will also include making corrections to the exist- area,but as an opportunity to proactively plan ing Federal Emergency Management Agency for any future development that may occur. He (FEMA)flood plain map. Willenbring explains, notes, "The city was asked to do the project by "The current FEMA map has areas on either side all the landowners. We will now have a regional of this drainage way defined as in the flood system to handle the storm water needs of the plain. We now have better information and can neighborhood. It is a tremendous benefit to "...this will have a correct the flood plain mapping for the area to everyone that lives in the West Oneka Lake make it more accurate." The area mapped for area." very positive flood plain will now be smaller,allowing for Mll- ter use of property in the future. effect on the area. CitvLkln t A IrNo assessments were made to the propertieso Looking Acquire It's...efficient, easy involved. Funds for the project came from the land for Parks to maintain,and The City of Hugo would like to acquire land economical.' Spotlight on Hugo:Continued from Page 1 for neighborhood parks,active recreational areas, and open spaces. "We are primarily regulations. Two major projects that the or- City Council member Commission continues to work on include the �,interested in land located in the central p Becky Petryk tion of the City, explains Community CSAH 8/14 realignment process and considers- Development Director John Rask, "but we tion of the long-term need for industrial and com- wouldn't rule out any parcel of 20 to 100 mercial space within the City in order to maintain acres suitable for active recreation purposes." a diversified tax base and provide jobs and eco- Funds for purchasing this land come from the nomic growth in the community. City's park dedication fund,which is obtained from new development in the City. A$1,800 "The Planning Commission looks at virtually fee is collected and deposited into this fund everything that's going on in the City,"Rask when new residential lots are created. states, and then they must ask: how does this Anyone who is interested in selling land to impact us today,how does this fit into the long- the City of Hugo is asked to contact City range plans for the community, and does this help Administrator Mike Ericson at City Hall or advance the vision we've established for Hugo." Parks Commission member Pete Pedersen at 651-426-4126. In the Works Report from the Public Works Department New Public Works Building Update your street address. If your address ends in an odd number,you may water only on odd-num- In November 2002 the Hugo City Council bered calendar days; if your address ends in an formed a Public Works Building Committee to even number,you may water only on even-num- determine the needs for a Public Works facility bered calendar days. An exemption from the and to decide on a site for the building. The odd-even restriction of up to 30 days is available Committee has met twice,and according to for new sod, seed,or plantings. You may call the Public Works Director Chris Petree, is consider- Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 to be added to a ing three basic options: retrofit the existing facil- 30-day exemption list. ity(the former City Hall),build a new facility on purchased land,or build a new facility on land Spring Nydrant Flushing to Now already owned by the City. Begin April 28 City Council Member Mike Granger, a member The Public Works Department will be flushing Some residents of the Committee,explains that the process will hydrants in the City of Hugo beginning Monday, include a space needs study to determine exactly April 28,2003. Hydrant flushing will take place will receive rust- what the facility will need to include,as well as Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 an evaluation of potential sites. Granger states, p.m. for approximately three weeks. Flushing colored water "No decisions have been made yet—we are still allows the Public Works Department to purge in the study stage,"yet he considers it a priority rust and stagnant water from the distribution sys- that could stain for this year. He adds, "Our goal is for the tem,and it allows the Department to identify Public Works department to occupy a new facili- hydrants in need of maintenance. laundry. ty sometime in 2004." As a result of the hydrant flushing,it is inevitable that some residents will receive rust- Please check that water watering Restrictions in Effect colored water that could stain laundry. Please coming into your house Hugo residents and property owners who use the check that water coming into your house is clear is clear before doing any municipal water supply are being asked to help before doing any laundry during this time. Any laundry during this timet. conserve water and protect the environment by questions regarding hydrant flushing should be restricting their watering of lawns,trees,or other directed to the Public Works Department at 651- vegetation. In a resolution implemented May 15, 762-6300. 2001,the days you may water are determined by Celebrate Kids UaV America On Saturday,May 17,2003, communities world- "We will have free balloons, special giveaways, wide will be participating in the ninth annual and prizes during the event. We will also gladly "Kid's Day America/International," a special day accept your generous donations for the White dedicated to health, safety,and environmental Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation Angel issues that affect individual families and commu- Fund for Hugo Elementary School," stated Dr. nities. Dr. Michael Sulack,a Doctor of Sulack. "My wife and I invite all of Hugo to Chiropractic,will be sponsoring the event at the join us at this unique,fun-filled community Hugo City Hall from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. event." This event will provide essential information on Companies or volunteers interested in participat- specific health issues that affect children. Free ing or donating materials or prizes may contact spinal exams and scoliosis screenings will be Lisa Sulack at 651-429-0001 or by e-mail at available for all children. Child ID cards will lisasulack@hotmail.com. For more information also be donated to every child who attends,along about this event, visit these web sites: www chil- with free fingerprinting. drenswellness.com or www.anewparadign.net. r eport BULK RATE Hugo City Hall•14669 Fitzgerald Ave.N.•Hugo,MN 55038 POSTAGE PAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO.21 OCCUPANT serviceCity D Directory eft0taff City Administrator Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 City Hall General Community Dev. Dir. John Rask 651-762-6320Information Public Works Director Chris Petree 651-762-6316 8:00 1 . Building Official John Benson 651-762-6313 except holi.. ' Building Inspector Gary Schwartz 651-762-6317 651-762-6300 City Clerk Mary Ann Creager 651-762-6311 Community Dev.Asst. Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Number Deputy Clerk Renee Cunningham 651-762-6310 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 • Finance Director Ron Otkm 651-762-6314 , Washington1 Fire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Sheriffs Department � (Police City Council 651-439-9381 Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961 Ward l Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Fire Hall Ward 2 Frank Puleo 651-653-3736 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-439-4475 651-429-6366 Council-at-Large Mike Granger 651-426-8171 Fire&Police Emergency Monthly Meeting Schedule911 City Council 1 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.