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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 August Newsletter ' August 2002 YOUR CITY HU.GOREPORT HUGO CITY HALL, 14669 FITZGERALD AVENUE NORTH HUGO, MN 55038 (65 1) 762-6300 HUGO AMERICAN LEGION HALL MEETING DESTROYED BY FIRE NEWS American Legion Post 620, located at 5736 147th Street North, was destroyed in a fire that began on the evening of Monday, July 15 and rekindled early the fol- Because the American Legion was lowing morning. The building, the home of Post 620 since 1962, is described as host for many community meet- a total loss by Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton. Established in 1947, Post 620 cur- ings and events, these will now rently has 127 members and 71 women in its Auxiliary. Mayor Fran Miron calls have to be relocated due to the fire. the Legion "a cornerstone of the community," adding, "The membership within Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton has the Legion have been pillars of the community—including many who have served offered the Hugo Fire Hall to any as City officials—and they have a very strong Auxiliary." group that formerly used the Legion building, and City The Initial Fire - Monday Night Administrator Mike Ericson has According to Chief Compton, at 5:59 p.m. on Monday, July 15, the Hugo Fire also offered the City Hall's Oneka Department received a call to respond to a grease fire in the kitchen of the Room. American Legion building. They arrived three minutes later to find heavy black smoke coming out of the building. After putting the fire out in the kitchen, they The following events have been noticed fire coming out of the vents on the roof. "So we cut a ventilation hole in scheduled at new locations: the roof and put out the fire in the attic area," he stated. "We pulled the entire ceiling down in the kitchen and about two-thirds of the ceiling in the ballroom. American Legion Post 620 We had some hot spots, so we went up and took care of them and sprayed the Monthly Meetings entire attic area with fire suppression foam." 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm US Bank The building was ventilated, and for the next three hours firefighters continued 14431 Forest Blvd. North their "mop up" — carefully searching through the building to check for any more areas of fire. In all, 23 Hugo firefighters spent about three and one half hours at American Legion Post 620 the scene. At that point, Compton estimates that about half of the building would Auxiliary Monthly Meetings have needed to be replaced. 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm Blacksmith Lounge The Fire Rekindles - Tuesday Morning 17205 Forest Blvd.North Compton returned to check the scene twice after leaving with his crew at 10:30 p.m. He also asked the Washington County Sheriffs Department to do hourly American Legion Post 620 checks on the building. At 4:54 a.m. a deputy saw smoke coming out of the ven- Auxiliary Fall Craft Fair tilation hole that had been cut in the ceiling. He immediately paged the Fire November 9 Department, and when Compton arrived three minutes later, there were flames Hugo Fire Hall LEGION FIRE: 5323 140th Street North Continued on Page 2 LEGION FIRE pumped into the building and the Continued from Page 1 amount of foam we used, we're THE LEGION"S stumped." throughout the ballroom, shooting REACTION roughly 50 feet into the air through A Special City Council the roof. Meeting Called American Legion First Vice On July 22, a special meeting was Once again, all 23 members of the called by the Hugo City Council. Commander Phil Kamman Hugo Fire Department responded. Before a capacity crowd in the describes the fire as a loss not The Centerville Fire Department was Council Chambers, Chief Compton only to members, but to the also called for mutual aid, and the reported the events of the fire, and the community as well. He notes White Bear Lake ambulance was state fire marshal indicated that,based that in addition to being a mili- called for standby in case of any on the construction and the type of tary fraternal organization and injuries to firefighters. Compton stat- materials, the occurrence of rekin- operating a bar and social club, ed, "We made an initial attack, dling is common in situations like the American Legion contributes putting out the majority of the fire this. Representatives of the American a great deal back into the com- that was proceeding to the south end Legion also spoke at the meeting. munity. Last year,they gave back of the building by popping some win- Commander John Thomas stated that nearly$50,000—much of that in dows out." The situation was made the Legion places no blame whatsoev- college scholarships for students more difficult because a house and a er on the Fire Department for what in the four school districts serv- garage on the west side of the building occurred. It was also reported that the ing Hugo. The Legion has also had to be protected from the fire. A building was insured, and the mem- second crew entered through the hers of Post 620 plan to rebuild. supported Boys' and Girls' State, fire in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, south door and found heavy the south attic area. "We got that fire The City Council took action to form the Fire Department, and youth put out after we pulled the ceiling a special committee, including City summer athletic programs. down, and by that time the roof on staff, Council, and American Legion the north end had caved in," members, to facilitate the building of Mary Gutz, 1st Vice President of Compton added. After a final mop a new home for Post 620. "The the American Legion Auxiliary, up, the crew left at about 10:30 a.m. Council is very willing to work with said that the Auxiliary was "dev- the American Legion, and we're anx- astated" by the loss, adding, "We One firefighter was treated on the ious to see Post 620 re-establish itself feel lost — as though we've lost scene for heat exhaustion, but there in the community," states Mayor our home." She indicated that were no injuries to any employees, Miron. Until a new building can be some of their activities may need patrons, or firefighters. A great deal constructed, both the Hugo Fire Hall to be curtailed until they have a of memorabilia was lost, but most of and the City Hall's Oneka Room will new building. She was especially the Legion's war memorabilia was be made available to any group that stored in the basement, where it suf- formerly met at the Legion building. grateful to the Fire Department for providing space for the craft fered some water and smoke damage, but is salvageable. fair in November and to George AMERICAN LEGION Reus at the Blacksmith Lounge When asked about how the fire rekin- REBUILDING FUND for offering his support after the dled, Compton responded, "It's a big Although the American Legion building was fire. blow to the community and to the insured,the entire cost of rebuilding will not be covered. A fund has been established for firefighters to have this happen. anyone who wishes to contribute to help Both Kamman and Gutz report We've re-examined this fire from Post 620 rebuild. send donations to: that their members are anxious every angle, trying to figure out what Hugo American Legion Rebuilding Fund REACTION rekindled or where it rekindled. P.O.Box 371 Continued on Page 3 Considering the amount of water we Hugo,MN 55038 2 REACTION Continued from Page 2 LIQUOR LICENSE to rebuild. Kamman adds, "We're really pleased with what the City is doing for REFERENDUM SET us. It's been a very positive experience. They're really bending over backwards to FOR NOVEMBER try to get us back up and running." The Legion has arranged for their regular BO"r' meetings to be held at US Bank in Hugo, and a temporary office for Post 620 is being set up at City Hall. Anyone wishing to contact the Legion may call the Hugo City Hall at (651) 762-6300. At the November 5 general elec- tion, the residents of Hugo will have the opportunity to vote to CITY HALL UPDATE allow the City to issue seven new liquor licenses. Minnesota state law currently allows for Hugo to Now that the new City Hall building has been completed, Hugo residents are have a total of seven liquor encouraged to stop by to see the nearly completed landscaping project. The rain licenses, and all of these are cur- gardens, a series of retention ponds and storm water drainage, including an illu- rently issued. In order to issue minated waterfall that flows into a small rocky stream, are now fully constructed any more, the City must get the and operating. voters' approval in a referendum. In addition, all of the sod has now been installed. "We wanted the City Hall site Cit Administrator Mike Ericson to be a natural, 'north woods' type setting— to keep the rural flavor," comments y describes this as an important Ward 2 Council Member Frank Puleo, City Council liaison overseeing the City economic development issue. As Hall landscaping. "By incorporating the waterfall and the stream with the rain gar- Hugo continues to develop, new dens—along with the presence of the oak and pine trees—I believe we've been suc- restaurants will come into the cessful in achieving that rural effect." Please watch for further notices about the City. Ericson states, If we want City Hall grand opening celebration planned for October. to be able to have new restau- rants in our City, we must be able to offer them liquor licens- JpIN THE HUGO CITY HALL es." He adds, "This is an oppor- tunity for Hugo residents to vote GARDEN CLUB on something that will not raise their taxes. It will keep our tax The newly formed Hugo City Hall Garden Club is looking for residents to volun- rate as flat as possible." teer to assist with the landscaping plan for the new City Hall. Made up of master gardeners and other interested individuals, the Garden Club has already planted the The City would receive addition- beautiful flowers and annuals found out in front of the Oneka Room, and they will al revenue from both liquor be involved in additional planting, maintenance,and upkeep of the City Hall land- license fees and property taxes scaping plan. paid by new restaurants. More commercial tax dollars mean less Frank Puleo, who is the City Council liaison overseeing the City Hall landscaping, residential tax dollars are needed comments, "The City Hall site is very labor-intensive, and the Garden Club will be to balance the City's budget. instrumental in keeping it up." He adds, "They've already done a beautiful job, Please watch for more informa- lnd I encourage more people to become involved." For more information about tion in the coming months about the Hugo City Hall Garden Club, contact City Administrator Mike Ericson at this important issue. (651) 762-6312 or Carolyn Kay at (651) 429-7389. 3 CITY OF HUGO HUGO RESIDENTS TO KNOW YOUR PLACE IN ELECT MAYOR, CITY THE FALL ELECTIONS COUNCIL MEMBERS New Ward Boundries Established In the November 5, 2002 general election, Hugo residents Following the 2000 national census, all state and local gov- ernments were required to redraw their elective districts to will elect a Mayor and City Council members for Wards 1 ensure equal representation among the wards. Hugo's new and 3. The Mayor will serve atwo-year term, and the City Council members will serve four-year terms beginning ward plan, effective with the fall 2002 elections, resulted in some changes in ward boundaries, but kept all City Council January 1, 2003. members in their existing wards. All Hugo registered voters should have received notice from Washington County If you are interested in running for these positions,you must informing them of their ward and polling place. file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the City Clerk at the Hugo City Hall between August 27 and September 10. A A primary election will be held on September 10, 2002 mayoral candidate must be a resident of the City of Hugo, (although there are no local Hugo primary races), and the and a City Council candidate must be a resident of his or her general election is on November 5, 2002. Hugo residents ward, for at least 30 days prior to the general election. are encouraged to register to vote prior to the elections by Candidates must also be at least 21 years old and be eligible to vote in Minnesota. Any questions regarding running for filling out a voter registration card,available at City Hall and office may be directed to City Clerk Mary Ann Creager at a variety of other locations. To register at the polls, you will need proof of your identity and the address where you are (651) 762-6311. living on election day (for example, a utility bill). THE CITY OF HUGO If you have further questions regarding your ward, polling place, or registration, you may call the Hugo City Hall at NEEDS YOU: (651) 762-6300, or visit the City's web site at Become an Election Judge www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Click on "Wards — Polling Places" to see a ward map and a list of polling places. Click on The City of Hugo is currently looking for residents who "Washington County Info" for information regarding regis- might be interested in being trained as election judges. City tering to vote. Clerk Mary Ann Creager explains, "We need to have a pool of trained judges available to serve on election day, as well as additional judges to serve as alternates if the need arises." People serving in this important position help guarantee that the rights of voters are protected and that all election proce- HUGO POLLING PLACES: dures are properly carried out on election day. Election �4te judges are paid $7.00 per hour and work from 6:00 a.m. until about 10:00 p.m. Training is provided by the City of Ward 1: Hugo Fire Station Hugo. If you are interested in being trained to be an elec- Ward 2: Hugo City Hall tion judge, please contact City Clerk Mary Ann Creager at Ward 3: Rice Lake Park Building (651) 762-6311. 4 UPDATE ON CSAH 8/14 ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WATCH PROGRAM Washington County, Anoka County, Three public informational meetings the Cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes, have been held to date with regard to The Washington County Sheriff's along with engineering consultant the project, the most recent on June Department is seeking Hugo resi- TKDA, are conducting a study of the 18, 2002. The next public meeting dents interested in implementing a County State Aid Highway (CSAH) will be held in December 2002 or Neighborhood Watch Program. 8/14 corridor between Interstate 35E January 2003 to present the final Deputy Amy Sprague describes the (I-35E) and Trunk Highway(TH) 61. information and obtain comments. Neighborhood Watch Program as The following three alternatives for involving both communication and connecting CSAH 8/14 with TH 61 All of the alternatives will involve the education. "What we're trying to do are now in the process of an in-depth acquisition of permanent and tempo- is build more communication environmental assessment: rary easements, and some residential between the Sheriff's Department and business properties may need to and the residents," Sprague explains. 142nd Street: be acquired. All property owners "With Hugo being a growing com- Realigning CSAH 8 to connect with affected by the project will be contact- munity, we're trying to keep ahead of TH 61 between 140th Street and ed by Washington County's the problems as the City continues to existing CSAH 8. Acquisition Specialist after the pre- develop, and so we're asking for peo- ferred alignment has been selected. ple's help to begin formally imple- 145th Street (Existing): Compensation will be provided to menting this program.if Maintaining the CSAH 8 alignment property owners based on market val- along its existing location. ues. An informational brochure titled Education is also an important com- "Acquisition Information for Property ponent. "Through the Neighborhood 147th Street: Owners" is available from Watch Program, the Sheriff's Realigning CSAH 8 to connect with Washington County. Department educates residents about TH 61 at 147th Street/Oneka Lake such things as what might be consid- Boulevard. For more information on this project, ered suspicious and how to protect visit the Washington County web site at their homes from burglaries," states The 140th Street alternative has been www.co.washington.mn.us or contact Sprague. She also notes that residents eliminated. The City Councils of Chris Manthey, Design Coordinator, at can educate as well, adding, "People Hugo and Lino Lakes concurred that (651) 430-4316 within the neighborhoods tend to these three alignment alternatives know the most about what is normal should move forward for further study and what is not." at their respective meetings held July 1 , in Hugo and July 8 in Lino Lakes. Once interest is expressed within a given neighborhood, the Sheriff's Department will hold a meeting to inform residents about the program. Ifyou are interested in finding out more about the Neighborhood Watch Program, please contact Deputy Amy Ards � Sprague at (651) 430-4827 or (651) 439-9381. USE "THE FREE MARKET" TO CITY COMPOST GIDE OR GET FREE STUFF SITE OPEN Hugo residents can now The City of Hugo's compost site is use a service called the located on 170th Street North Free Market to help them (County Road 4) approximately 112 the FREE Markef give away or get free mile west of Highway 61 on the south side of the road. Bring our leaves A great w%to GiYe or et 2iree Stu goods. The Free Market is g y an internet-based service and grass clippings on Saturdays and open to residents of Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No Washington and Anoka brush, debris, or other trash will be Counties and the City of St. Paul. It is administered by Eureka Recycling, a non- accepted. profit organization created by the Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium that specializes in recycling and waste reduction. The Free Market is part of an effort to reduce the amount of reusable goods being REMEMBER thrown away. As Dan Schoepke, Senior Environmental Specialist with the TO RECYCLEV. Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment, explains, "Too often items in good or easily repairable condition are thrown in the trash In Hugo, items for recycling are col- because it is the easiest thing to do. The Free Market makes it easy for people to lected curbside as part of your weekly reuse these items rather than having them trashed." Since the program began in trash collection. A recycling contain- April 2001, Hugo residents have successfully exchanged 2,105 pounds of material er is available from your garbage using the Free Market, including couches, beds, car seats, appliances, landscape hauler or by calling City Hall at(65 1) materials, lawnmowers, books, and raspberry plants. 762-6300. Those items which can be recycled include newspapers, alu- If you'd like to list an item or if you're looking for something,visit the web site at minum beverage cans, tin cans, glass www.twincitiesfreemarket.org. Just follow the instructions under "Search the On- jars and bottles, corrugated card- line Catalog" or "Place a Listing" to search for or list an item. Once a match is board, glossy magazines, junk mail, made, the person requesting the item will make arrangements to pick it up direct- boxboard (such as cereal boxes), #1 ly from the person giving it away. and #2 plastic bottles, and car and tractor batteries. Here are a few basic reminders about the Free Market: • All items must be free of charge. • No hazardous materials. • No pets or live creatures (although pet supplies and plants may be listed). • The Free Market does not store or transport items. All arrangements are made between the person wanting an item and the person giving it away. • The Free Market reserves the right to not list an item, de-list an item, or edit information provided by the listing parry. • If you do not have internet access,ask a friend to list your item or visit your local library. For more information on the Free Market, visit the web site or contact the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment at(651) 430-6655. 6 4 NEWS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT it 2NDANNUAL Hugo, has been set up in the north- bility to keep fires under control at all west corner of the west parking lot to times. In cases where individuals have BOOYAaccept your donations of aluminum lost control of burning situations and Saturday, September 14, 2002 cans. the City's Fire Department has been 12 Noon until the booya is gone called to the scene, the courts have Lion's Park— Free admission The cans can be dropped off any time, been awarding damages to the City, in but remember that the bin is for alu- an amount to cover the cost of fight- Meet members of the Hugo Fire minum cans only— please don't leave ing the fire. To obtain a burning per- Department and the Hugo Lion's any other recyclable items, garbage, or mit, contact the Fire Department at Club. There will be fire truck rides plastic bags. All donated cans will be (651) 429-6366. Please allow three and demonstrations, family activities, purchased and recycled by National business days for processing. games for kids, booya and lots of Recycling. Proceeds will be used for other food and refreshments available. equipment and supplies for the Hugo DISPLAY YOUR Fire Department. ADDRESS This is a community fun day spon- sored by the Hugo Fire Department, The Fire Department reminds all res- in conjunction with the Lion's Club. BURNING PERMITS idents that they need to be able to see Proceeds go to both organizations. Anyone wishing to burn approved your address clearly. City code speci- materials in the City of Hugo must fies that all residences and businesses OPENHOUSE secure a burning permit from the Fire must display their addresses so that Department. The only exception is they are clearly visible from the road. Saturday, October 12 for a recreational fire,which is defined Numbers should be no less than 6 12 noon—4 p.m. as a fire no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet inches high and be visible from 100 Hugo Fire Hall by 3 feet. The Fire Department feet off a public roadway. In conjunction with National Fire reminds you that it is your responsi- Prevention Week. Your chance to see the Hugo Fire WATERING RESTRICTIONS Department up close meet firefight- ers, ask questions, tour the Fire IN EFFECT Department. Enjoy fire truck rides and demonstrations, fire safety activi- Hugo residents and property owners who use the municipal water supply are ties and a craft and bake sale. being asked to help conserve water and protect the environment by restricting Refreshments will also be served. their watering of lawns, trees, or other vegetation. The Hugo City Council adopted a resolution on May 15, 2001, to regulate the days you may water- SUPPORTTHE which now are determined by your street address. If your address ends in an HUGOFIRE odd number, you may water only on odd-numbered calendar days; if your DEPARTMENT address ends in an even number, you may water only on even-numbered cal- endar days. Donate Your Aluminum Cans You can help support the Hugo Fire Public Works Director Chris Petree adds that residents are also asked not to Department by bringing your alu- water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. since watering through the heat of the day minum cans to the Hugo Fire Hall at is very inefficient. An exemption from the odd-even restriction of up to 30 5323 140th Street North. A recycling days is available for new sod, seed, or plantings. You may call the Hugo City bin, donated by National Recycling of Hall at (651) 762-6300 to be added to a 30-day exemption list. 7 HUGOfBULK RATE POSTAGE YOUR CITY REPORT PAID 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. HUGO,MN 55038 Hugo, MN 55038 PERMIT NO.21 OCCUPANT IN THIS ISSUE. . . • American Legion Fire • Election News • Neighborhood Watch Visit our website! www.ci.hugo. mn. us City Staff SERVICE City Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Ericson DIRECTORY Community Development Director. . . . . . . . . . . . .John Rask Public Works Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris Petree Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Smith City Hall General Information Building Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Benson 8:00 a.in. to 4:30 p.m. Building Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Schwartz Monday—Friday except holidays City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Ann Creager 651-762-6300 Community Development Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . .Michele Lindau Deputy Clerk/Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renee' Cunningham City Hall FAX Number Billing Clerk/Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jodie Guareschi 651-426-2859 Finance Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Otkin Fire Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Compton Washington County City Council Sheriffs Department (Police non-emergency) Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fran Miron (651) 429-5961 651-439-9381 Ward 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becky Petryk (651) 426-4722 Ward 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Puleo (651) 653-3736 Fire Hall Ward 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Haas (651) 439-4475 (Non-emergency) Council at Large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Granger (651) 426-8171 651-429-6366 Monthly Meeting Schedule Fire & Police City Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Emergency Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. 911 Parks Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm Visit our website ! www. ci . hugo . mn . us