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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 June Newsletter YOUR CITY June 2002 HUGOREPORT HUGO CITY HALL, 14669 FITZGERALD AVENUE NORTH HUGO, MN 55038 (65 1) 762-6300 OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW HUGO FORMER CITY HALL BECOMES HUGO CITY HALL HELD APRIL 15 PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY An open house was held on Monday,April 15, 2002 to introduce Hugo's new City Hall to the public. Festivities included refreshments, tours of the facility, a parka_ Now that the City staff has moved mentary procedure demonstration by the Forest Lake FFA chapter, a special after- into the new Hugo City Hall, the for- noon program to recognize all of the contractors and architects involved in the pro- mer City Hall building is being used ject, and a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Hugo Mayor Fran Miron, which to house Hugo's Public Works included both current and former City Council members. Many of those present Department. "The main reason is commented on the step forward in service to the community being made by the that we have garage space for some of City with this new facility. our equipment," explains Public Works Director Chris Petree. "It also In his remarks at the event, Mayor Miron thanked those residents who allowed the makes sense to utilize this building City to purchase their property in order to build the new City Hall. "We are very while the City Council works fortunate and thankful for the sacrifices that these residents made," he stated. through the process of establishing a "The process went extremely well, and we thank the Marier family, the Williams Public Works facility." family, and the Steiners for their cooperation and civic commitment." A wireless connection was set up between the two buildings, so Petree and his staff are hooked into the City's computer network and phone system. Petree adds, Were all in the F: same building as far as communica- tions go." While some work has been Mayor Fran Miron leads members of the City Council and residents of the City of Hugo in done on the building to make it more the ribbon cutting ceremony. usable,it is not in good condition and is already inadequate for a Public The Mayor also pointed out that often when a new facility is built, the old one has Works Facility. to be torn down to make room for the new. However, the former City Hall build- ing in Hugo was not torn down and is now being used as a public works facility. Washington County previously pro- "As you look out from the new City Hall at the old City Hall, it's really a stark vided many of the functions that reminder of our humble beginnings,"he noted. "We need to maintain that humil- must now be handled by the City's ty as we serve the residents of the community of Hugo." Public Works Department. "We are essentially creating a Public Works OPEN HOUSE FACILITY (Continued on Page 2) (Continued on Page 10) OPEN HOUSE that is causing the need for a new water flow from the site of the (Continued from Page 1) City Hall is going to pay for it." new City Hall. "The rain gardens will also include two illuminates The design for the 13,100 square waterfalls," adds Burmeister, "and foot building was carefully we expect completion of the over- thought out by supervising archi- all landscaping by early July." tect Bob Russek, with special The City obtained a $50,000 attention paid to climate factors grant from the Metropolitan and future expansion. The floor Council and a $40,000 grant plan includes improved City from the Rice Creek Watershed Council chambers, a multi-use District for the design and land- community room available to scaping materials for the site. local clubs and organizations, and The opening of the new City Hall an administration wing with a At the conclusion of the open is the culmination of a process mixture of open office space and house celebration, the Mayor and that began at a town meeting in administrative offices. City Council members walked July 2000 when residents from the lobby to the new expressed a clear preference for The City Hall boasts a unique Council Chambers for a City constructing a new City Hall landscaping plan. Landscaping Council meeting with an over- building that would be a high superintendent Greg Burmeister flow crowd in attendance. The quality facility— something Hugo of Arnt Construction points out Mayor reflects on the new era for could be proud of. The down- that there are two separate land- the City of Hugo: "When I look town location allows the City scaping projects. In addition to now at the staff and the new Hall to be an anchor for the rede- the usual trees, bushes, flowers, facility — with the incorporation velopment of downtown Hugo and grasses, the plan includes an of technology, computers, and and part of the "town center" innovative storm water manage- phone systems — I really question concept identified in the City's ment solution that incorporates how they were able to function in recent community visioning rain gardens, a series of retention the old facility. Building the new process. ponds and storm water drainage, City Hall really is a step that which will handle the storm needed to be taken." On April 16, 2001, the City Council awarded the contract for construction of the City Hall to Mark Haug Construction, Inc. of WkSTER GARDENER Pine City, Minnesota. The total cost was estimated at $1.5 mil- VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR lion for construction and $2.1 NEW CITY HALL SITE million for the complete project. At its August 20, 2001 meeting, the Hugo City Council approved The City of Hugo is looking for residents who are master gardeners to volun- the sale of bonds in the amount teer to assist with the landscaping plan for the new City Hall. In addition to of $1,870,000 with an interest the usual trees, bushes, flowers, and grasses, the landscaping plan includes an rate of 4.77% to finance the City innovative storm water management solution that incorporates rain gardens, Hall project. City officials were a series of retention ponds and storm water drainage which will handle the very pleased with the low interest storm water flow from the site of the City Hall. rate. City Council member Chuck Haas further notes that, This landscaping plan will be very labor-intensive, so the Public Works department will need additional help .with planting, maintenance, and given the positive financial out- upkeep. Interested master gardeners who would like to volunteer their time look for Hugo, the City will not and talents on this project are asked to contact City Administrator Mike have to raise property taxes, say- Ericson at City Hall at 651-762-6300 for further information. ing, "In essence, the development 2 CITY COUNCIL SETS GOALS FOR 2002 The Hugo City Council held its annual goal-setting session (RCWD), the City has submitted a comprehensive funding and finalized a list of goals for 2002 at its March 4, 2002 proposal to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to meeting. Mayor Fran Miron notes, "We got started some- fix these culverts. what late in our goal-setting process this year, partly because we involved the Parks Commission and the Planning City Council member Chuck Haas adds that the RCWD Commission in the process." He adds, "We actually had a has also applied for a Legislative Committee on Minnesota number of meetings to discuss the functions and responsi- Resources (LCMR) grant to clean up the accumulated sedi- bilities of the City's commissions and the Council, and then ment that has resulted from years of inadequate water flow. one work session to set the goals for 2002. It was not a dif- He states, "This project is designed to restore the natural ficult process and consensus was reached very readily on the scenic and, most importantly, the hydrological features of issues." Hardwood Creek. It has gotten the support of environmen- tal organizations and wildlife management groups because The City Council identified these seven high-priority goals this will hopefully bring needed closure to the long struggle for the City of Hugo in the year 2002: with the Hardwood Creek land owners, and it will provide responsible management for one of our most scenic and nat- 1. Implement a storm water and flood Plain management ural areas." plan for the West Oneka Lake area. This project originated with a request to the City from property owners who need- 3. Determine the realignment design for County State Aid ed help in cleaning up a ditch at 165th Street. Community Highway(CSAR) 8/14. Please see the story on page six for Development Director John Rask explains that it then further explanation. evolved into a look at a comprehensive storm water and flood plain management plan for the area west of Oneka 4. Finalize the plans for a new elementary school site in the Lake. In addition to cleaning out the ditch, a study of the Everton Avenue neighborhood. Please see the story on page area indicated a need for providing storm water retention ten for further explanation. ponds as well as flood water management,so that area homes and businesses can be removed from the flood plain. Rask 5. Complete the needs study and site selection process for notes, "The City is trying to be proactive in providing storm a new Public Works facility Please see the story on page one water management in anticipation of future development in for further explanation. the area." City Council member Chuck Haas adds, "The fundamental idea is to encourage developers to do area-wide 6. Complete the full Comprehensive Plan. The planning so that we can create neighborhoods that enhance Comprehensive Plan sets forth the policy and goals for our quality of life." growth of the community and land preservation. Community Development Director John Rask explains that 2. Design and replace culverts at Hardwood Creek. There the plan has been submitted to the Metropolitan Council, are four roads that cross Hardwood Creek (also called the regional planning agency in the Twin Cities area, for its Judicial Ditch #2), and the creek runs through culverts review. "We are at the end of the process and anticipate hav- beneath these roads. These culverts have inadequate ing the Metropolitan Council complete its review by the end hydraulic capacities and are at incorrect elevations. Two of of July 2002," he explains. these roads are the City of Hugo's responsibility, one is Washington County's and one is Forest Lake's responsibility. GOALS In cooperation with the Rice Creek Watershed District (Continued on Page 4) 3 GOALS (Continued from Page 3) WATERING RESTRICTIONS IN 7. Get approval from Hugo resi- EFFECT FOR CITY OF HUGO dents for seven additional liquor Hugo residents and property owners who use the municipal water supply are being licenses. According to Minnesota asked to help conserve water and protect the environment by restricting their state statute, Hugo must go to the watering of lawns,trees,or other vegetation. In a resolution implemented May 15, voters on a referendum to get their 2001, the days you may water are determined by your street address. If your approval in order to issue additional address ends in an odd number, you may water only on odd-numbered calendar liquor licenses in the City. City days; if your address ends in an even number, you may water only on even-num- Administrator Mike Ericson explains, bered calendar days. "If we don't have this approval, we . Concern over having enough water in case of a fire is not an issue this year. "We won't be able to have any new restau- have an adequate water supply," explains Public Works Director Chris Petree. rants. "The biggest issue now is conservation. Our goal is to preserve the aquifers by reducing excess water waste." Petree added that residents are also asked not to In addition to the seven primary water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. He notes, "Watering through that heat of the goals, Mayor Miron also cites rural day is very inefficient because the water just evaporates before it can do any good." preservation as a priority for the City. He states, "There's a strong concern An exemption from the odd-even restriction of up to 30 days is available for new that we retain that which has attract- sod, seed, or plantings. You may call the Hugo City Hall at (651) 762-6300 to be ed people to this community — and added to a 30-day exemption list. we believe that to be its rural charac- ter. And so the City Council wants to move forward in analyzing,reviewing, NEW FACES AT CITY HALL and adopting those tools that fit the community's plan in preserving that Renee Cunningham, Deputy Clerk/Receptionist rural character." Renee began working for the City on April 1, 2002. As Deputy Clerk/Receptionist, she schedules inspections for the Building Department, The Mayor believes that setting goals processes permits, schedules various meetings held at City Hall, assists with serves two important functions. First, elections, and provides administrative support. Her previous work experience goals are critical so that the City com- includes legal administrative work for the St. Paul Companies for Government missions and staff know the priorities Affairs and serving as an assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for the of the City Council and can work Minnesota Department of Commerce. Renee grew up in St. Paul and moved to the Creekview Preserve in Hugo two years ago, where she and her husband with the Council to develop and Chuck live. They are very good friends with their neighbors and enjoy spend- implement appropriate policies. ing time with them. Renee also enjoys scuba diving and boating. "Setting goals is also important for self-evaluation by the Council." Miron adds, "Without goals and pri- Gary Schwartz, Building Inspector orities established, that's a difficult Hugo's newest Building Inspector, Gary Schwartz, began work on April 15, process. When we have attainable, 2002. Gary was previously a Building Inspector for the City of Cottage measurable goals before us, we as a Grove, and he has also worked as an Operating Engineer at Deluxe Council can then evaluate the job Corporation. Having grown up in St. Paul, Gary and his wife Janet, a parale- were doing within the community. gal, now live in Roseville with their two daughters, Chelsea, age 10, and Christine, who is almost 5. The family enjoys fishing and camping together, as well as taking evening walks around their neighborhood. 4 CITY PROJECT UPDATE CITY LOOKING TO from City Engineer Dave Mitchell ACQUIRE LAND FOR PARKS Production ... : Well No. 4 has been drilled and tested and has met our expectations for produc- The City of Hugo would like to tion. Bids were awarded on May 20,2002 for the construction of the building over acquire land for neighborhood parks, the well. The building should be completed this fall and the well should be oper- active recreational areas, and open ational in the fall as well. This will allow the City's water supply system to catch spaces. "We are primarily interested up with the current demand. in land located in the central portion of the city," explains Community Development Director John Rask, Water Tower. "but we wouldn't rule out any parcel : of 20 to 100 acres suitable for active The contractor has returned to work on this project after the normal winter break. recreation purposes." Minor work around the site has already been done this spring. The tank con- struction crew was on site at the end of May. Construction of the tank will take Funds for purchasing this land would about eight weeks and will be done at the ground level. We are hoping for the tank come from the City's park dedication to be hoisted into place in mid to late August. Finishing work on the tank, col- fund, which is obtained from new umn, and site areas will take until mid to late October. We are anticipating hav- development in the City. A $1,700 ing this tower available to store water by November 1. fee is collected and deposited into this fund when new residential lots are created. Anyone who is interested in selling land This project will provide sewer and water utilities to the Peloquin Industrial Park to the City of Hugo is asked to contact area and will include the extension of sanitary sewer from the southeast corner of City Administrator Mike Ericson at the Creekview Preserve development. The contractor has completed the utilities City Hall or Parks Commission mem- and most of the street construction within the industrial park. They have begun ber Pete Pedersen at(651) 426-4126 work to complete this project; we anticipate completion sometime in July. HAZARDOUS WASTE County S. ` m CLEAN-UP DAY IS 1 . . AUGUST 17 An informational meeting for this project was held on April 23. The meeting was well attended and many issues were identified as residents reviewed four different Hugo's annual Household Hazardous alternatives for the reconstruction of County Road 8. The public commented on Waste Clean-up Day will be held on the various alternatives and the impacts of each alternative on neighborhoods,wet- Saturday, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. lands, and traffic patterns. The project team will now try to narrow the alterna- until 1:00 p.m. at the Hugo City tives to two or three and carry those alternatives through the environmental review Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue process. North. Examples of items that will be accepted include latex paint, lighter Washington County is managing this project, which will be the gateway to the fluid, used motor oil and oil filters, community from the west, but the City of Hugo will be a major participant in its paint thinner, and pool chemicals. planning and funding. Watch for future announcements regarding this project Watch for more complete informa- tion in a mailing from the either in the mail or in the newspaper. (Seethe article on page 6 of this newsletter.) Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment. 5 L I I Ni ki LAKES t; Uj ! W 1 p(i tt , 2 i:t MAIN ST .rte' $ 47h STS 40 84 54, ENTERVILLE ,t LL .CEDAR ST. PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR CSAH 8/14 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Washington County,Anoka County, the Cities of Hugo and The goal of the project is to provide a safe and efficient road- Lino Lakes, along with their engineering consultant TKDA, way that meets current and future traffic needs and mini- are conducting a study of the County State Aid Highway mizes social, environmental, and economic impacts. The (CSAR) 8/14 corridor between Interstate 35E (I-35E) and project construction cost is estimated to range from $4.5 Trunk Highway (TH) 61. Proposed improvements for this million to $6.5 million, with $3.6 million coming from major east-west connection to 1-35E include expanding to Federal funds and Washington County, Anoka County, four lanes and adding turn lanes, a center median, apedes- Hugo, and Lino Lakes providing the remaining funding. Irian/bicycle path, and new drainage systems. In addition, the following four realignment alternatives are being evalu- Public input has been a significant part of this project. ated with respect to CSAH 8/14's connection with TH 61 Three informational meetings have been held (January 15, (see map): 2002, April 23, 2002 and June 18, 2002), with over 100 people in attendance at each meeting. Public comment has 140th Street Alignment: Realigning been instrumental in developing and evaluating the realign- CSAH 8 to connect with TH 61 at mens alternatives. 140th Street. 142nd Street Alignment: Realigning Public meetings are also scheduled for City Council meet- CSAH 8 to connect with TH 61 ings in both Hugo and Lino Lakes in July, and for a final between 140th Street and existing public meeting in October. CSAH 8. i 145th Street Alignment Existing): For more information on the CSAH 8/14 improvement Maintaining the CSAH 8 align- project, visit the Washington County web site at ment along its existing location. www.co.washington.mn.us/trnsphdv/projects.htm or con- 147th Street Alignment: Realigning tact Chris Manthey, Design Coordinator, at (651) 430- CSAH 8 to connect with TH 61 at 4316. 147th Street. i 6 CITY PURCHASES LAND FOR FUTURE PARK A purchase agreement was finalized and approved at the May the Bernins have the use of that land for up to 10 years to 6, 2002 City Council meeting for the City's purchase of the run their tree farm and to live on the property. City resi- Bernin property, a 21-acre site located on Oneka Lake. The dents do not have the right to go onto that property. It's the purchase price of$752,000 will be funded in part by a grant homestead for the Bernins until they give it up." In cooper- of $305,000 acquired by the City from the Minnesota ation with the Bernins, the City will be doing some prelim- Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with the balance inary work on the land, such as planting trees for the picnic being paid from the City's park fund, a special fund set aside area and other land preparation, while the Bernins are still by the City for park development. (A $1,700 fee is collect- living on the property. ed and deposited into this fund when new residential lots are created.) All parties involved are pleased with the final agreement. In his Represented by Hugo resident statement at the May 6 City George Anderson, executive direc- _ Council meeting, Bruce Bernin for of the Minnesota State Lottery, r � " . x noted that he and his family were the DNR check was presented to a ,,> treated fairly and honestly, and he the Mayor and then to the Bernins. commended the City Council and The DNR grant was funded in part :; staff for their creativity and leader- by the lottery. ship. City Administrator Mike Ericson noted, "Pete Pedersen The City's future plans for this land deserves credit for making this hap- are to establish a natural open space park-like setting, with a pen." And Pedersen commended the Bernins for being open picnic area and such features as play equipment for children to having their land become a park and for allowing the City and walking trails. The property's 1,500 feet of shoreline to negotiate and put together a final agreement that benefits would provide public access to Oneka Lake and could allow all involved. for expansion of the DNR boat access facility. Pete Pedersen, Vice Chair of the Hugo Parks Commission, REMEMBER TO RECYCLE! adds that there will be no formal ball or soccer fields on this property. The purchase agreement allows the land to be used In one week, the average Minnesotan throws away only for passive park purposes. However, he states, "When more than 40 pounds of garbage. How can you help make less waste? Try using a reusable lunch box or bag the land develops west of this property, we hope to be able and pack your food in reusable containers. Use both to negotiate with the developer to add some land to the park sides of a sheet of paper, and then recycle it. When and put in a formal baseball or soccer field for the City." shopping, look for items with minimal packaging and Pedersen is also hopeful that the City may be able to negoti- those made with recycled materials. ate with the DNR to stock Oneka Lake with fish and then add a fishing pier out into the lake for people who don't own In Hugo, items for recycling are collected curbside as boats but like to go fishing. part of your weekly trash collection. A recycling con- tainer is available from your garbage hauler or by call- ing City Hall at (651) 762-6300. Those items which The former owners, Bruce and Ginni Bernin, have agreed to can be recycled include newspapers, aluminum bever- a 10-year lease. They will continue to live on the property age cans, tin cans, glass jars and bottles, corrugated and operate their tree farm for up to 10 years. Pedersen is cardboard, glossy magazines, junk mail, boxboard quick to point out, "We want to make sure that the citizens (such as cereal boxes), #1 and #2 plastic bottles, and of Hugo understand that although the City owns this land, car and tractor batteries. 7 NEW WARD BOUNDARIES IN FALL ELECTIONS Following the 2000 national census, really is preferable to register before- Click on "Wards — Polling Places" to all state and local governments were hand." To register to vote before the see a ward map and a list of polling required to redraw their elective dis- election, simply fill out a voter regis- places. Click on "Washington tricts to ensure equal representation tration card,available at City Hall and County Info" for information regard- among the wards. At its April 15, a variety of other locations.To register ing registering to vote. 2002 meeting, the City Council at the polls, you will need proof of approved a new ward plan, chosen your identity and the address where from three possible redistricting plans you are living on election day (for prepared by Hugo's Community example, a utility bill). HUGO POLLING PLACES: Development Department. If you have further questions regard- Ward 1: Hugo Fire Station Michele Lindau, Community ing your ward, polling place, or regis- Ward 2: Hugo City Hall — Development Assistant, explains that tration, you may call the Hugo City NOTE.- This is a new poll location. the new plan did result in some Hall at (651) 762-6300, or visit the Ward 3: Rice Lake Park Building changes in ward boundaries, but kept City's web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. the general configuration the same. There were two ward boundary changes (1) the north central part of THE CITY OF HUGO NEEDS YOU: the previous Ward 3 is now in Ward 2; and (2) the northeast corner of the BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE previous Ward 1 is now in Ward 3. Also, Ward 2 now has two precincts, The City of Hugo is currently looking for residents who might be interested to coincide with new legislative in being trained as election judges. City Clerk Mary Ann Creager explains, boundaries. (Ward 3,which previous- "We need to have a pool of trained judges available to serve on election day, ly had two precincts, now has only as well as additional judges to serve as alternates if the need arises." one.) People serving in this important position help guarantee that the rights of vot- ers are protected and that all election procedures are properly carried out on The new plan will be effective with the fall 2002 elections. A primary election day. Duties include: open and close the polls, distribute ballots and be responsible for all election materials, ensure that only qualified voters are election will be held on September 10, permitted to vote and that all votes are cast in secret, help any voters who 2002 (although there are no local require assistance, obtain the voting results after the polls are closed, and cer- Hugo primary races), and the general tify the election results. Election judges are paid $7.00 per hour and work election is on November 5, 2002. from 6:00 a.m. until about 10:00 p.m. Training is provided by the City of Washington County will be sending Hugo. postcards to all registered voters, informing them of their ward and Basic requirements for becoming an election judge are: (1) eligibility to vote polling place. in Washington county, and (2) ability to read, write, and speak English. In addition, an election judge cannot be a candidate in the election, or closely Lindau encourages City residents to related to a candidate, or closely related to another election judge in the same register to vote prior to the elections. precinct. (Being closely related means a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.) "Although voters are allowed to regis- If you are interested in being trained to be an election judge for Hugo, please ter at the polls on election day," she contact City Clerk Mary Ann Creager at (651) 762-6311. states, the lines can get very long. It 8 HOT NEWS Your Guide to Public Meetings FROMTHE Based on a recommendation from the Planning Commission, the Hugo City HUGO FIRE Council accepted a set of guidelines for public meetings at its May 20, 2002 meet- ing. These guidelines are designed to maintain civility at public meetings and to DEPARTMENT treat people with dignity and respect. Mayor Fran Miron commented, "I'm very pleased that the Planning Commission Burning Permits has developed these guidelines, because I believe it creates a whole new awareness Anyone wishing to burn approved of the level of professionalism and service that we are moving toward in serving the citizens of Hugo." materials in the City of Hugo must secure a burning permit from the Fire A shortened version of these guidelines appears below. A complete copy of"Public Department. The only exception is Meeting Guidelines" is available at City Hall or on the City's web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. for a recreational fire, which is defined as a fire no larger than 3 feet Public MeetingGuidelines by 3 feet by 3 feet. 1. Listen. Learn to listen so that you 8. Make decisions in the open. The Fire Department reminds you hear clearly what others have to say. Create an environment in which the Listen with respect and with an open City's business is conducted in the that it is your responsibility to keep mind. Focus on listening, rather than open and in which debate is encour- fires under control at all times. In what you will say in response. aged and valued. Adhere to the spirit, cases where individuals have lost con- as well as the letter, of the Open trol of burning situations and the 2. Seek consensus. Seek common Meetings Law. ground among many competing view- City's Fire Department has been points; the process may be more 9. Nurture the value of the individ- called to the scene, the courts have important than the product. ual; recognize the strength of the been awarding damages to the City, in team. Take advantage of differing an amount to cover the cost of fight- 3. Disagree agreeably. Disagreement strengths, interests, and abilities of is not bad as long as the opinions of members. However, recognize that ing the fire. others are treated with respect. the group's strength comes from Conflicts can be an opportunity for working together as a team. To obtain a burning permit, contact the growth; disagreements can present Fire Department at (651) 429-6366 solutions previously not seen. 10. Trust your judgment; make tough decisions. Seek many opinions Please allow three business days for pro- 4. Respect the will of the majority. on an issue, but trust your judgement cessing. Live with the results of a vote on an to decide what is best for the City as a issue, and take no actions to under- whole, while protecting the rights of Display Your Address mine this decision. individual citizens. The Fire Department reminds all res- 5. Respect the rights of the minority. 11. Avoid "meeting night" tunnel idents that they need to be able to see Be sensitive to the feelings and con- vision. Resist the temptation to form your address clearly. City code speci- cerns of those who did not agree with a perception of how the City func- fies that all residences and businesses the majority. Respect their rights of tions based on what happens at meet- conscience. ings. Keep what happens at meetings must display their addresses so that within the context of the operation of they are clearly visible from the road. 6. Treat everyone with respect. Do the entire City. Numbers should be no less than 6 not publicly embarrass or humiliate inches high and be visible from 100 others. Maintain an atmosphere of 12. This too shall pass. There will good will and respect. Do not intim- always be another controversial issue feet off a public roadway. idate or judge others. looming on the horizon. Keep a bal- anced perspective and maintain a 7. Share information. Share relevant healthy sense of humor. information with others in a timely manner. 9 WORK CONTINUES ON FACILITY (Continued from Page 1) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAN Department from scratch, notes City Administrator Mike Ericson. In A Stakeholder's Task Force has been School District. Ted Blaesing, addition to Petree, the department formed to work on plans for a new Superintendent of White Bear Lake currently employs one other full-time elementary school site proposed for Area Schools, is excited about this and two seasonal staff members, and the Everton Avenue neighborhood, project as well as the cooperation the plans are to have two more full- northwest of downtown Hugo. A among the various groups involved. time staff members by July, 2002. concept plan was originally prepared However, he believes it is premature by architects from the Borman Kroos to speculate about when a referendum The City Council has determined a Vogel (BKV) Group, at the request of might be held. "We need to be sure tentative timeline for a new Public local developers Len Pratt and Jim that we plan this carefully," he states. Works facility— Peterson, and was endorsed by the "We need to use this unique opportu- 2002: Needs study and site selection Hugo City Council in January 2002. nity to get a facility that will be of use process The task force, a cooperative effort to the entire community." 2003: Engineering and purchase of between the City of Hugo, the White property Bear Lake Area School District, the Haas agrees that it is important to rec- 2004: Construction and moving into developers, and other interested resi- ognize this excellent opportunity. a new facility dents and groups, is working on final- "We have developers here who recog- izing the components of the concept nize the value of a school in their The ultimate plans for the former plan. development," he notes. "They are City Hall building have yet to be willing to set aside land to have a determined. Many possibilities have Two components have been agreed on school built on it, because they recog- been discussed, but no definite plans at this time: (1) a K-6 elementary nize that it is important to the com- have been made. school,which would be built by 2005 munity, and they know it also makes and serve 750 students, and (2) ball sense for their development." Haas and play fields. Other possible com- further explains that building this new ' — ponents include a fitness center, gym- facility will be cost efficient. He adds, nasium, soccer fields, a senior center, "We hope to show voters that they and a county library. Ward 3 City will get$3 worth of facilities for every Council member Chuck Haas, who is $1 paid by taxpayers." the City Council's liaison to the task force, explains, "This is not going to be your typical elementary school. We are trying to make it much more than that." In fact,he prefers to call it HELP HUGO GROIN! a "lifetime of learning center," which would be open all hours of the day, all The City of Hugo is looking for residents who would be interested in serving year long, for people throughout the on the Stakeholder's Task Force for the proposed elementary school develop- community to use. ment. Duties would include attending meetings, suggesting and evaluating Once plans for the center are final- components of the plan, and ultimately promoting the plan to voters and ized, it will ultimately have to be other interested groups. For more information or to volunteer, contact City voted on in a referendum in the Administrator Mike Ericson at City Hall, (651) 762-6300. 10 HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER IN THE CITY OF HUGO If you own a dog in the City of Hugo, Be kept in unsanitary condi- the exception of"visiting dogs," those please be aware of your responsibilities tions. kept in the community for thirty days under the City's Animal Control Any person may seize, impound, or or less. (Visiting dogs must be kept in Ordinance. Some of the key provi- restrain any dog found running off an enclosure or on a leash at all times.) sions of the ordinance are listed below the property of its owner. The animal Proof of rabies vaccination is required A copy of the complete ordinance list- must be turned over to the City's for licensing, and the term of a dog ing all rules and requirements is avail- Animal Control Warden as expedi- license runs concurrently with the able at City Hall. tiously as possible by calling the dog's rabies vaccination. Washington County Sheriff's It is unlawful for any person to allow Department at (651) 439-9381. Failure to renew a license within thirty his or her dog to: Impounded animals are kept for a days of the expiration of a dog's rabies • Run at-large except as a neces- period of 10 days by Animal Control vaccination will result in a late-license sary element to a bona fide live- & Management Inc., 1283 penalty being added to the license fee. stock operation. Hammond Road, White Bear Dog licenses may be obtained at City • Damage property not belong- Township, (651) 426-4013. Hall. ing to the animal's owner. • Chase persons (including those Owners collecting their animal from riding in automobiles, on bikes, impoundment will be charged for its or on horses) on a public right- boarding and collection, and any unli- of-way. censed animal must be licensed prior • Attack or kill domestic livestock to its release from impoundment. off the property of the animal's owner. Licenses are required for all dogs six • Unreasonably or excessively dis- months of age or older which are kept turb the peace. or housed in the City of Hugo, with HERE`S THE Dog License Fee Schedule SCOOP ON OUR Fee for COMPOSTSITE License Duration Fee Neutered/Slaved Animal The City of Hugo's compost site 1Y ear + $10.00 $8.00 is located on 170th Street North 6 months to 1 year $ 5.00 $4.00 (County Road 4) approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61 on the south side of the road. Bring Late license penalty your leaves and grass clippings (1st month) $ 5.00 on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No brush, Late license penalty debris, or other trash will be (over 1 month) $10.00 accepted. 11 HUGOBULK RATE POSTAGE YOUR CITY REPORT PAID 1107 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. HUGO,MN 55038 Hugo, MN 55038 PERMIT NO.21 OCCUPANT IN THIS ISSUE. . . • The New City Hall Shines Bright • Update on New Elementary School • City Goals For 2002 � Visit our website. www.ci.hugo. mn. us City Staff Ci Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Ericson S e r viic e City . . . Community Development Director. . . . . . . . . . . . .John Rask D 1 r e c t o r y Public Works Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris Petree Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Smith Building Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Benson City Hall General Information Building Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Schwartz 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Ann Creager Monday—Friday except holidays CommunityDevelopment Assistant. Michele Lindau 651-762-6300 p . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Clerk/Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renee' Cunningham Billing Clerk/Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jodie Guareschi City Hall FAX Number Finance Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Orkin 651-426-2859 Fire Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Compton Washington County City Council Sheriffs Department Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fran Miron (651) 429-5961 (Police non-emergency) Ward 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becky Petryk (651) 426-4722 651-439-9381 Ward 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Puleo (651) 653-3736 Ward 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Haas (651) 439-4475 Fire Hall (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 . mnous