HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 December Newsletter DECEMBER 2000
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HUGO CITY HALL, 5524 UPPER 146TH STREET NORTH HUGO, MN 55038 651-429-6676
CITY OF HUGO ELECTS CiTrS
NEW MAYOR, 1WO NEW
FINANCIAL
COUNCIL MEMBERS
POSITION Is
SOUND
Three new City of Hugo officials were elected on Tuesday, November 7, 2000. .
Hugo s financial house is in good
Hugo residents chose Fran Miron as their new mayor, Frank Puleo as a City order," states Hugo's Financial
Council member in Ward 2, and Michael Granger as the at-large council member. Advisor Rusty Fifield of Ehlers &
None of the incumbents in these positions ran for re-election. The mayor was Associates. Evidence of this is the
elected to a 2-year term, and council members will serve 4-year terms. The voting recent assignment by Moody's
results are summarized on page 2. Investors Service of an A3 rating to
the City of Hugo's recently issued and
;ity Clerk Mary Ann Creager noted that there were a lot of new voter registrations outstanding bonds. Fifield explains
and a large voter turnout, especially in Ward 2. Miron, Puleo, and Granger will be that the bond rating is determined by
sworn in at the first City Council meeting of the new year on January 2, 2001. the local economy, the financial con-
ELEC110N (continued on Page 2) dition of the City, its current debts,
and prospects for future debts.
FUNDING FOR EVERTON AVENUE According to Fifield, "A3 is a good
bond rating for a growing communi-
STUDY APPROVED ty like Hugo. It indicates that Hugo
Communication with residents and landowners is a number one priority is in a good financial position and has
as planning gets underway acceptable levels of indebtedness."
On November 6 the Hugo City Council formally accepted a zero interest loan Hugo Financial Director Ron Otkin
from the Metropolitan Council,a planning agency for the Twin Cities area,to fund notes that bond ratings are important
a planning study for the Everton Avenue neighborhood. Approximately 1600 acres both to the City and to bond holders.
in the southwestern quadrant of the City, the Everton Avenue neighborhood is The rating has a direct influence on
defined as the area located north of County Road 8 (Frenchman Road), south of the City's cost of borrowing and on its
165th Street, east of Elmcrest Avenue, and west of Highway 61. ability to issue bonds. Bonds rated
A3 possess many favorable investment
The planning study will address existing and future land uses, location of collector attributes, making them "investment
roadways, park and trail development, sanitary sewer and water, storm water man- grade bonds."
agement, wetland identification and management, floodplain designation, and an
environmental review.The five-year loan from the Metropolitan Council is in the FINANCIAL
.mount of$209,322.75,which represents approximately 75 percent of the cost of (continued on Page 7)
the study.
EWUON (continued on Page 7)
MCTOR GARDENS
CONCEPT PLAN APPROVED
Victor Gardens is a proposed 220- "Victor Gardens will utilize a tradi- process and identifies the general
acre mixed use development located tional neighborhood design," Rask design concepts and development
on the former Rosemary Wenzel farm explains, giving it more of a "small standards for the property. Approval
adjacent to County Road 8 town, urban feel." The plan calls for allows the developer to proceed
(Frenchman Road) on the western a variety of residential units, includ- according to the concept plan. The
border of the City of Hugo. The ing traditional single-family homes, next step is for the developer to sub-
developer, Pratt-Arnt-Oakwood, cottage homes, townhomes, and mit a preliminary plat and site plan
LLC, has submitted a Planned Unit apartments, combined with office application, at
Development (PUD) concept plan buildings, retail stores, parkland, wet- which time
that calls for approximately 670 Nous- lands, and recreational areas. a d d i t i o n a l
M
ing units and 185,000 feet of office, reviews and
retail, and institutional space. The The PUD concept plan for Victor public hear-
proposal also includes 71.2 acres of Gardens was approved by the ings will
open space and parkland. Planning Commission at its occur.
November 8 meeting and was
Community Development Director approved by the City Council on
John Rask notes that Victor Gardens November 20.
has the same developer as the Liberty
on the Lake development in Stillwater The PUD concept plan is the first
and will have a similar design. step in the development review
•
Election Ward 1 Ward 2 Ward 3 Total
Prc#1 Prc#2
ResulMa or
Mike McAllister 581 399 119 242 1,341
Fran Miron 586 586 323 309 1,804
Council -Ward 2
Arnie Triemert 126 126
Anthony Bronk 316 316
Frank Puleo 504 504
Council -At-large
Timothy M.Agness 221 199 120 102 642
Pat Rooney 110 101 44 99 354
Michael E. Granger 653 463 180 210 1,506
Kathleen M. Salverda 92 107 41 55 295
Laura Buystedt 78 81 30 55 244
MEET HUGOFS NEW CITY OFFICIALS
Fran Miren Frank Puleo mittees. He grew up in White Bear Lake,
Mayor
Council member, Turd 2 but spent a great deal of time visiting his
grandparents who grew up in Hugo and
Fran Miron,a dairy and crop farmer who Frank Puleo is a business owner who has raised eight children there. Granger and
has lived in Hugo all his life, brings eight lived in Hugo for 14 years and currently his wife Beth have lived in Hugo for 6-
years of City government experience to serves as chairperson of the Hugo 1/2 years and have two children, Michael
his position as Mayor of Hugo, having Planning Commission. He and his wife Jr. ,who is a freshman in college, and
served four years as a City Council mem- Dody have been married for 31 years and Kristina, a junior in high school.
ber(1990-1994) and two terms as Mayor have four adult children and five grand-
(1994-1998). He and his wife Mary Ann children. Granger sees growth as a big issue for the
have been married for 22 years and have City. He states, "Hugo is going to grow,
six children: the oldest is 19 and attends When asked about his election to the and I want to get involved in how we
the University of Minnesota, and the City Council, Puleo replied, "I'm pleased grow. We need to manage the develop-
youngest is in second grade. with the results of the election and appre- ment process. We need to drive the
ciative of the fact that the citizens have development, not be driven by develop-
As Mayor,Miron hopes to implement lis- confidence that I'll be able to fulfill my ers." Communication is another impor-
tening sessions at least every other month duties. We have a city that is changing tant issue for Granger. He goes on to say,
where he sits down with people from the and growing, and there are a lot of things "When I was running, an issue that the
community and talks about their con- that we have to take care of in the next people were concerned about was com-
cerns. "I think that will help to set goals few years. My goal is to try and achieve munication. We need to continue to
and priorities for the City," he explains, these and still maintain the rural lifestyle improve on our dialogue between the cit-
"and identify issues that need to be that Hugo desires." izens and the Council—to make sure we
addressed. I'd like to begin this fairly know what the citizens need and want.
soon because it's important that the new Michael Granger We also need to continue to utilize the
Council sit down and do some long range At-large Council member newer vehicles of communication such as
planning–identifying issues, goals,prior- the internet,make sure we have more fre-
Michael Granger is the president of a traf-
ities. That's something that I've believed fic control safety device company who is quent and more consistent newspaper
in very strongly in the past and would like active in his church and has served on a coverage, and improve cable access by
to continue to do–so we remain focused having the Council meetings broadcast at
variety of professional boards and com-
and maintain direction." different times throughout the day."
Important issues identified during
Miron's campaign include diversification BUILDING BLOCKS
of Hugo's tax base,development of parks, Building department kept busy in 2000
and surface water management. He goes
on to say, "I'm looking forward to work- As of October 31, 2000 over 300 building permits were issued for new single family
ing with the new Council and the City's homes, setting a record for the City of Hugo. Building Official John Benson assures
excellent staff, many of whom I've us that although the Building Department has been kept very busy, he and his staff
worked with in the past. I'm really hop- have been able to keep up with all of the required inspections and plan checks.
ing that members of the community will
participate in the listening sessions and The City Council extended the current moratorium on new residential subdivisions
participate in our meetings–I encourage until May,2001. However,according to Benson, it hasn't affected building activity in
that so that we can maintain a close con- the City because the City had approved a number of large plats previous to the
tact and stay in tune with what the com- .
moratorium. "It hasn't slowed us down at all," Benson stated, "and we are anticipat-
muniry wants.
ing a lot more activity through next fall,with possibly double the number of permits
issued next year."
SITE IS SES' FOR NEW CITY HALL
Site, architectural agreement approved for new City Hall
A final decision has been made by the Hugo City "There was always a sentimental attachment to the idea of a
Council concerning the site for Hugo's new City downtown location," explains Haas, "but we were con-
Hall. The Council originally voted 3-2 at its cerned about having to purchase homes where people cur-
September meeting to enter into negotia- rently live." Haas goes on to say that there were two very
tions to purchase the 5-acre Berntsen prop- good reasons to choose this site. "We need, as a City, to take
erty, located on Fenway Boulevard, kitty cor- an active role in the redevelopment of the historic down-
ner from the existing Fire Hall. However, town of Hugo. Putting a City Hall there would accelerate
Oaccording to Ward 3 Council Member such redevelopment and re-energize this area." Haas also
Chuck Haas, it turned out that a good por notes that the 147th St. & Hwy 61 road crossing is proba-
tion of this land was unsuitable for building. bly considered the most dangerous intersection in Hugo.
"By putting the City Hall there,we
At the October 30 Council meet- can improve that intersection and
ing, Haas led an effort to locate the "We need, as a City, to make it safer."
new City Hall at a site directly east
of the current City Hall, across take an active role in the With regard to the cost of the new
Fitzgerald Avenue. This will redevelopment of the his- City Hall, Haas explains that,
require purchasing at least 3 exist- toric downtown of Hugo. given the positive financial outlook
ing homes and relocating their res- for Hugo, the City will not have to
idents. After reviewing the issue, Putting a City Hall there raise taxes to pay for it. Over the
the Council determined that this would accelerate such last five years, City revenues have
was a better site, and voted 4-1 to redevelopment and re- doubled, but expenditures have
purchase this land. �� A only increased by approximately
energize this area.
50%. A similar increase in rev-
At its November 6 meeting, the enues has been forecast for the next
Council approved an architectural five years, allowing Hugo to spend
agreement with the engineering and architectural firm of $1/2 million to $3/4 million per year for the next five years
Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates to design the on capital improvement programs without raising taxes. As
new City Hall. Haas puts it, "the growth that is causing the need for this
new City Hall is also going to pay for it."
SANTA'S COMING TO HUGO ON A FIRETRUCK
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2000 Is
Again this year,the Hugo Fire Department and the Hugo Fireflies Drop off sites this year are: Hometown Auto, Paul's Cafe, Firstar
have arranged to have Santa come for our annual "Toys for Tots" Bank, Hugo Chiropractic Clinic and Nadeau's Market.
drive. Here is Santa's schedule:
The Fire Department and the Fireflies would
Saturday, December 16 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm like to extend a very special "THANK YOU"
Santa will be going through the neighborhoods in Hugo, on a to these businesses for their support of the "Toys
firetruck, collecting toys and/or cash donations for Tots"program. The "Toys for Tots"drive
will run from November 24, 2000 to
Sunday; December 17 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm December 18,2000.
Pictures with Santa at the Fire Hall. Polaroid pictures will be
available with all profits being donated to the Toys for Tots drive.
CITY OF HUGO CITY PROJECTS UPDATE
ENJOYSfrom City Engineer Dave Mitchell
POPULATION Development Projects
INCREASE
The City Engineer's office has been working with the developers of Creekview i
Preserve, Creekview Preserve 2nd Addition, Sweet Grass Meadows, Sweet Grass
City employees welcome Meadows 2nd Addition, Beaver Ponds, Beaver Ponds 2nd Addition, and Beaver
new babies Ponds 3rd Addition to complete these projects that the City has been or will be
accepting as complete in the near future. Acceptance of the project areas provides
Congratulations to two City of Hugo the City with a one-year warranty from the developer, after which time the City
employees who welcomed new babies becomes responsible for the maintenance of the street and utility infrastructure
into their families recently. Jason within the development.
Harinen, Building Inspector, and his
City Projects
wife Kristen are the proud parents of
a new baby girl, Emma Fay, born
130th Street Lift Station—Construction of the piping on this project to construct
3 PP g P J r
September 28, 2000 at North a sanitary sewer lift station between Flay Avenue and Goodview Avenue on the
Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, south side of 130th Street North is complete. The pumps and control equipment
and weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
g g p will be installed prior to the final construction of the sanitary sewer from Beaver
Emma has an older sister, Karlie,who Ponds 5th Addition. This project will provide sanitary sewer service to the 5th
turns 2 on November 27. After being Addition of Beaver Ponds and the surrounding area as it develops.
home for 3 days,Emma had to return
to the hospital for 18 days with a life- Production Well and Water Main—Construction of Well No. 3 began the week of
.hreatening virus. Her family is now November 13 and will be completed January,2001. The City Engineer's office is
happy to report that she is back at preparing construction documents for the associated pump house and water main
home and doing well. improvements, which will be constructed during the winter and spring of 2001.
This well should be providing water to the City's system beginning in late spring
City Administrator Mike Ericson and or early summer of 2001.
his wife Suzanne welcomed Westin
Michael into their family on July, 8,
Water Tower and Water Main — The City Council recently authorized the City
2000. Westin, weighing 7 pounds, 8
Engineer to pursue a site for Water Tower No. 3. The chosen site is located imme-
diately northwest of the Creekview Preserve 3rd Addition,northwest of the current
ounces, was born at St. John's west terminus of 159th Street North. Design and construction of this project will
Hospital in Maplewood, and has two take 15-18 months to complete, and the City expects the new tower to be opera-
older sisters, Rachel, age 4, and Paige, tional by spring of 2002.
who turns 2 at
the end of
November.
PATRICK ROONEY APPOINTED
R TO PLANNING COMMISSION
The City Council appointed Patrick Rooney as a regular member of the Planning
Commission on October 9, 2000. Rooney is serving out the remainder of Jim
Kellison's term, who resigned from the Commission in August. Prior to being
:. appointed as a regular member, Rooney served as an alternate member of the
Planning Commission. Rooney has lived in Hugo for the last 15 years. Before
moving to Hugo, he lived in Mahtomedi where he served on their Planning
Commission for threeY ears.
From the Mayor Stolzman
Dear Residents of Hugo,
•Since July, the Hugo City council has moved ahead with many improvements for the city. A new well is being
drilled, so by spring it should be operational. A water tower site is still being explored within the north-cen-
tral area of Hugo. Furthermore, plans for a new city hall are moving ahead, looking at building a new facili-
ty in the general vicinity of the current city hall. Finally, the City is working on adding new sites for parks.
The Hugo City Council has extended the land development moratorium until April of 2001. An additional
nine months can be added if the staff and council desire more time to solve development issues. Even with
the moratorium, Hugo ranked fifth in new home construction in Minnesota in the year 2000. A study of
development issues in the Everton-Elmcrest area is nearly ready to begin. Also, a study to re-evaluate devel-
opment standards is also ready to begin, once the new council is in place.
More than anything, I would like to encourage people to get involved in what happens in our community.
This is your city,whether you have lived here for two months or 50 years. The many complex issues that the
city faces should not be left for just the staff and five council members to solve. We should be taking part by
sharing ideas and supporting our city officials in making decisions. The decisions they make today will stay
with us for many years to come. Some people may choose not to attend meetings, feeling that government
works too slowly or that no one seems to be listening. However, I don't know how many times I have had to
attend at least three or four meetings either at City Hall or with other agencies before some action may have
been taken. So, do not get discouraged or give up too soon. Persistence and patience are important. At the
same time, remember that our leaders can only do just so much, so choose your words carefully, listen care-
fully and put yourself in their place as you voice your concerns to them. A community that rolls up its sleeves
and works together can accomplish great things.
As my term as Mayor is drawing to an end, I would like to say thank you to everyone for your support and
kindness they have shown me during the last two years. I would like to say a special thanks to the many res-
idents who have been my eyes and ears on many issues. They make a big difference in how successful this term
has been. Also, thank you to the city staff for preparing background information and for the day-to-day tasks
they did to make our city a better place to live. And finally, thank you to my family who has put up with many,_
inconveniences so that I could spend my time with Hugo residents and attend to city business.
My family and I wish each of you a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous and peaceful new year.
Respectfully,
Wally Stoltzman, Mayor
EVEWFON (ftom page 1) FINANCIAL (ftom Page 1)
The loan will significantly lower the and Rask is currently working with Fifield believes that the financial
cost of the overall project for Hugo, City staff and consultants to develop prospects for the City's future are very
because the City will not have to issue a plan to ensure public participation. bright. "If we continue to do the
bonds for the project. things we're doing — good planning,
City Administrator Mike Ericson calls conservative budgeting—we're clearly
The overall cost of the project is esti- the Everton Avenue study an on the path to getting an even higher
mated at $279,091. While the City "unheard of partnership between the bond rating in the
will have to pay the upfront cost of City, developers, and homeowners." future. What
the study, it will ultimately be reim- He adds, "It is a proactive way to plan that means for
bursed by assessing a surcharge to for the City's future." A special the residents
property owners and developers in the newsletter has been started by the
is that we'll
Everton Avenue neighborhood at the City of Hugo for residents and be able to
time they develop their property. landowners interested in planning b o r r o w
�
issues in the Everton Avenue neigh- money at alower cost."
Community Development Director borhood. Any interested citizen may
John Rask will serve as project man- request to be included on the mailing
ager and will be the primary Hugo list by contacting Michele at the City
staff contact with the local engineer- of Hugo (429-6676). The newsletter
ing and planning firms hired to com- and other timely information will also
plete a majority of the work. be available on Hugo's web site,
Involvement by residents and land www.ci.hugo.mn.us.
owners is a crucial part of the process,
FROM 00GO1NG WARD 2IApG
�E7TER FROM OUTGOING CO
LET1�RBER!IM LEROUX MEMBER q1' E DEBRA UNCIL
COUNCIL BARNES
Mixed emotions result from my
decision to not seek Dear friends &Neighbors,
to the Hugo City Council. One would
I can
re-election hardly believe that 9 years has
hope Council members recognize the andlor ly. Serving past b so
h pgas your Council Y quick-
diminish aside as we age and our capabilitiesg g Member at Large
archaic- Service has been both challen sir rbienc an immensely educational and re g has
become opportunity top e, and I take this o Warding exile_
and rewarding- I have had the opp opportunity to thank
ecificall you for
reat I also sp y thank those of
'vel participate in the present and future
excellent of a elent attended u You who
tt Y P with so Public meetings,sent letters have
community while working The resulting friend- e-mails over the
g years in an effort to called, or sent
teams of Council and Staff. City government. Withoyourut participate in
ships are priceless. tion and encouragement, this j b would
participa-
orted me during sable. d not be pos_
"I'o my constituents,who have itudep. You have made
my tenure,I extend deep g you all,
surmountable and the rewards
alwa s Deb wishes to
the challengesfamily, which Y Barnes
satisfying. I also thank mY
stood behind me, and I now return to invest more
time with them.
Jim Leroux
HUGO
BULK RATE
POSTAGE
OF YOUR CITY REPORT PAID
5524 Upper 146th Street North HUGO,MN 55038
Hugo, MN 55038 PERMIT NO.21
OCCUPANT
IN THIS ISSUE. . .
• Election Results
• Update on Your New City Hall
• Victor Gardens Plan Approved
Visit our new website. www.ci.hugo. mn. us
City
Staff Service
City Administrator . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Ericson D "irector
y
Community Development Dir. . .John Rask
Public Works Superintendent . . .Chris Petree City Hall General Information
Building Official . . . . . . . . . . . .John Benson 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
City Clerk/Treasurer . . . . . . . . . .Mary Ann Creager Monday-Friday except holidays
Deputy Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michele Lindau 651-429-6676
Finance Director . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Otkin
City Hall FAX Number
City Council 651-426-2859
Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walter Stoltzman (429-6159) Washington County
Ward 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becky Petryk (426-4722) Sheriffs Department
Ward 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James Leroux (429-2093) (Police non-emergency)
Ward 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Haas (439-4475) 651-439-9381
Member at Large . . . . . . . . . . . .Debra Barnes (426-9893)
Fire Hall
Monthly Meeting Schedule (Non-emergency)
651-429-6366
City Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . .4th Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Fire & Police
Parks Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm Emergency Y
911
Visit our new website ! www . ci . hugo . mn . us