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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 Spring NewsletterCITY OF HUGO EST. 1906 COMMUNITY NEWS, INFORMATION AND EVENTS �_ Ask the Mayor The Metropolitan Council requires a number of elements within the Comprehensive Plan. Everything in this plan relates to our residents because it guides future growth in the City. Once completed, the plan will serve as a planning guide to staff, Council, Commissioners, and residents as land use decisions are proposed within the City for the next 10 years. The best part about putting together this document is the entire community can be involved in planning for what the City of Hugo could look like in 20 years. This document has assisted Hugo in creating, sustaining, and planning elements that define the City's character, heritage, and identity. Keeping Hugo's special characteristics at the forefront of development has stemmed from feedback received from our residents. Why do you believe the Comprehensive Think about these questions: Plan � What are Hugo's greatest strengths? What makes the I1. City a great place to live? 2. What are Hugo's weaknesses? Where does Hugo fall so important? short from your perspective? What is missing that could better reflect the community vision? 3. What are the greatest opportunities in the community? What things do we do well already, but could do better? What areas do we fall short in that we could be better at? Where are the greatest opportunities for the community? 4. What things stand in the way of achieving the opportunities or maintaining our strengths? What threatens the community or City from achieving our goals? Does something immediately come to mind when you read those questions? We want to hear your input! The Comprehensive Plan Update will only be as successful and useful as we, the community, make it and will be customized to focus on areas our residents think are important. If you want to learn more about the City or have comments or questions about the City's future and your property, please attend the City's first public workshop on April 19th at 7:00 pm. If you cannot attend the public workshop, check out the City's website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/ 2040CompPlan and sign up to receive e-mail updates as the process moves forward. 4��o Tom Weidt, Mayor If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it to info@ci.hugo.mn.us. Your question could be featured in the next newsletter! 4kc., THINGS TO ,D0 ��.� THIS SPRING Kidz'N Biz Saturday, April 2911:00 am to 2:00 pm Oneka Elementary School Sponsored by the Hugo Business Association and the Economic Development Authority, Kidz 'N Biz brings together businesses and residents of Hugo for hours of games, entertainment and fun. Meet Nordy of the Minnesota Wild! Admission is free! Wendy's Wiggle Jiggle Jam! Friday, July 28 10:30 am Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Put the move in the music with a Wiggle, Jiggle, and Jam! family concert. Every child gets a turn to star onstage and have a blast. This is a free program hosted by the Washington County Library. Tech Tac Toe Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall Minecraft and StarWars Movie Making Fun Monday, June 12 — Thursday, June 15 1:00 am — 4:00 pm For Ages 6-11 $117 per person Movie Making for Girls! Monday, June 12- Thursday, June 15 9:00 am -11:50 am For Ages 6-11 $117 per person Advanced Jr. Robotics Monday, June 19 - Thursday, June 22 1:00 am — 4:00 pm For Ages 6-10 $117 per person Ultimate Minecraft Game Design: Dimension Revolution Monday, July 10 - Thursday, July 13 9:00 am -11:50 am For Ages 6 -8 $117 per person Video Game Design on Kid Friendly Macs Monday, July 17 - Thursday, July 20 1:00 pm — 4:00 pm For Ages 7-10 $117 per person Jr. Engineer: Battle Bots Monday, July 24 - Thursday, July 27 9:00 am -11:50 am For Ages 6-9 $117 per person Registration is required at wh itebear.ce.feepay.com M? Story Stroll Friday, July 29 10:30 am Heritage Ponds Park/Oneka Elementary School Take a walk and discover a story displayed page by page! One -Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova will be available to view. Free healthy snacks will be available at 10:00 am. This is a free program provided by the Washington County Library. Park Play Days Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Session 1: June 12 - July 13 Session 2: July 17 - August 17 In partnership with the new Forest Lake YMCA, Park Play Days is expanding! Children ages 4-12 are invited to come play and learn with YMCA staff at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. Every week has a specific theme with different crafts, games, and activities. Community safety, mentoring, and healthy lifestyle days are just a few of the themes this year! Registration is required and the cost is $80 per participant for a 5 week session. The YMCA offers a personal pricing plan which is a scholarship fund for anyone that qualifies. Registration is available through the YMCA. Washington County Library Washington County Library programs are available to all Hugo residents. For more information about programs for adults, story times, pop-up libraries, and more go to www.washcolib.org Tour De Hugo Save the date for the 7th annual bike ride on Saturday, September 24 20, 35, 50 and 70 mile route options are offered. Registration is required. The City 6 Mile is free for families to participate in. www.tourdehugo.com Senior Club Social, Informal, Friendly. All seniors are warmly welcome! The club regularly meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:00 pm for a brief meeting followed by games. There is an optional bag lunch on the 1 st and 3rd Thursdays of each month followed by games. On the 4th Monday of each month at 1:00 pm there is Cribbage. For more information, contact Barb at 651-429-0883. BECOME SAAVY About Permits Spring is a popular time for homeowners to begin tackling a variety of home improvement projects from simple repairs to entire makeovers. Many of these undertakings require a permit. Make sure to check before starting work to see if your project requires one. Examples of common permits homeowners need include: Plumbing—for bathroom and kitchen renovations where plumbing infrastruc- ture its changed, moved, replaced, etc. Electrical— for any project where electrical infrastructure is changed, including finishing a basement, bathroom or kitchen renovations, rewiring, moving walls, etc. Mechanical— for any project where mechanical infrastructure is changed, such as installing a gas line, new HVAC unit or duct work, gas fireplace, residential exhaust hood, etc. Building—for any remodeling project that includes, but not limited to, tearing down walls, moving walls, roofing, siding, replacing windows, decks, or other structural build -outs. For questions, contact Building Department Secretary Debi Close at 651-762-6300 or Building Official Chuck Preisler at 651-762-6313. City Commissioner Positions Open! If you are interested in getting involved with your community, please consider volunteering to be on a City Commission! Please visit www.ci.hugo.mn.us/jobs— volunteer to fill out an application. 14nh 41 N — IMPROVEMENTUPDATES Reconstruction Str eetProject As part of the City's capital improvement Homestead 'Plh sl h program, a portion of City roadways are Avenue N.: reconstructed every year. For the 2017 137th Street N. construction season the North Sunset to 132nd Street N. _ Lake Area will be reconstructed (see red 132nd Street N.: roads on map at right). Henna Avenue N. to Isleton Avenue N. Chip Seal Program Homestead Drive • 126th Street N. zA� As part of the City's ongoing maintenance of roadways, the City will be chip sealing the roadways east of Goodview Avenu between 147th Street N. and 120th St N. (see blue roads on map at right). Th work will take place in late July or earl August. Please watch for no parking si • • , , posted in your neighborhood. The chi seal process is a moving operation and ' • : , we anticipate the work taking one to two days, weather permitting. Stormwater r ' tt The City maintains many storm water Car load of trash --------__-- $5 and up r --....-....._L.._..._...' i , t ponds, control structures, ditches, p Pickup load of trash ------------------- Trailerload -----p $25and u No Hazardous materials and electronics wul be accepted free-of- ree ofcharge from househoidsonly(no businesses),Proofofresidencyrequired. and wetlands. We ask residents to oftrash — —_ Lawn $25 and up --- Household items: ...... - Home Improvement: help us keep these features in good mower (Push) ------------ $15/unit • Mercury thermometers and • Latex /oil paint&stain condition with one simple lawn Lawnmower(Rider) -------Pp---------- --- $30/unit thermostats • Fluorescent bulbs (bundled together • Paint remover/thinner care tip: Dont blow grass clippings Household appliance $15/unit with rubberbantls, no tape) automotive&Recreation: Into the roadways or storm Commercial appliance -------------------- Ai - $75 and up --- • Household cleaners • Sharps, syringes, needles ' Antifreeze • used motor oil and filters water ponds. These clippings r conditioner _________________ $20/unit and used epi pens in a sealed, sturdy container • Propane tanks deCOmpOse and turn Into Wat----ner -------- ____ ---- $ •Computers & monitors •Rechargeable batteries nutrients which Cause algae Mattress or box spring spring ------------________— Upholstered -unit --- $20/unit . Peripherals (keyboards, yboartls, mice, speakers, etc.) i Yard & Garden: Insect/roach/ant killer bloom in the ponds. furniture ------------------- $20/each • Printers & fax machines • Fertilizers/herbicides If you live on a storm water Carpet p _______ Bicycle with tires $1/yard - - — — • TVs. DVD & VCR players • Cell phones feature and you notice a structure ----__-__----__ Bicycle without ores $5/each i Document shreddingwill also be offered. NOTE: Please is plugged please call the City Scrap metal------------- FREE j To serve as many people asPossible, no more than fourboxespercustomerwill be Organize Your load so all electronics and so maintenance crews can - -____ Tires FREE $250antlu p accepted. Please note that shredding capacity may be hazardous materials can be removed first. remove the obstruction. reached before the end of the event. Cash or checks only. Please bringsmall bills. Please make payable to Cityof Hugo. %- ` (Proportional rates maybe applied to partial loads and overloaded Proof of residency such t ucks) as a driver's license is required. l-- --- ® – R------ (Co. E�----------------- " – – - Hugo r--- —� - Public Works Building 740th E Public Park Shelter 6900137th St. N. St. N. a w1� r� ,�F�<dkP oRa gz Aa * Stop by Hugo City Hall to obtain a 137th St. N ---� $5 permit to reserve a park shelter. _— Community rooms are also __ -----------------� vt -- 696613]th SL N. l EM a. available to rent. Call 651-762-63f'200 _ ---------- ----------------------- ugo Questions. Call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 999v W�hingto tY The 2040 Comprehensive Plan Is Kicking -Off! What is the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan is the vision for development in Hugo. Although it is a physical plan, it is also a reflection of the community's social and economic values. These values are translated into the type of land use the City desires and programs regarding economic development, housing, parks, transportation, and other key areas. Why are we required to update the plan? Cities, townships, and counties in the seven -county area are required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act to update their Comprehensive Plan every 10 years to prepare for growth and strengthen connections throughout the region. The updated Comprehensive Plans are due in 2018. Who uses the Comprehensive Plan? The Plan is used to respond to develop- ment, changes in the community (such as increased traffic), and other factors that may have an impact on a community. It can also be used to guide and shape future development, while working in conjunction with residents, business owners and land owners. The Plan sets forth a vision and goals, along with a chapter for implementing those goals. The Planning Commission uses the Comprehensive Plan as the basis for its deliberations and decisions regarding review of development applications, and for its recommendations to City Council. The City Council, other appointed Commissions, and City departments use the Comprehensive Plan to develop programs and the Capital Improvement Plan. Property owners and developers use it to consider potential future uses and development of property. What is the process to prepare Hugo's Comprehensive Plan Update? This plan is an update of the 2008 plan update, and as such will not require a complete re -writing of the plan; however, some changes are anticipated. Public workshops will focus on parks and trails, as well as other important topics that arise during the public process. The process established by the Hugo City Council, includes regular work sessions by the Planning Commission, community workshops, dialogue with residents and other stakeholders, as well as ample opportunity for comment on the City's website and through other means. Your role as a citizen. Stay informed and provide feedback. Attend workshops and meetings to gather as much information as you can, review maps and policies, and provide comments to the City. You can email us, call us, go on the City website, or stop by City Hall to ask questions or provide comments. Your contributions to the Comprehensive Plan are needed to make this plan great! Use the City's website at www.ci.hugo. mn.us/2040compplan to follow the process, learn about upcoming meetings, and make comments. You can also sign up for emailed updates online! April 19, 2017 Open House & Workshop May 16, 2017 Urban Land Institute: Navigating Your Competitive Future June 8, 2017 Planning Commission June 13, 2017 Open House & Workshop June 21, 2017 Parks Commission August 8, 2017 Open House & Workshop August 10, 2017 Planning Commission October 12, 2017 Planning Commission October 16, 2017 City Council Meeting October 18, 2017 Parks Commission October 24, 2017 Open House & Workshop December 14, 2017 Planning Commission January 2, 2018 City Council July 2, 2018 City Council Residents can also e-mail the City at compplanft.hugo.mn.us or call us at 651-762-6311 to provide the City with any feedback on the process or topics that you feel are important. Please come to the first Community Open House & Workshop April 19, 2017 — 7:00 pm — Hugo City Hall Hugo Area Business Association (HBA) Business Awards In February, Mayor Tom Weidt gave the State of the City Address during the Hugo Business Association networking breakfast event. The Mayor presented a review of the City activities in 2016 along with the the City goals for 2017. The HBA also held its business award ceremony. Business of the Year: Jana Voss and Amy DeYoung, Park Dental Business Legacy Award: Brian Robinson, Wilson Tool Emerging Business: Jessica Sharp and Laura Samuelson, Growing Generation Child Development Center Volunteer of the Year Award: Kathy Brevig Congratulations to all the award winners! Conservation Efforts The City remains dedicated to promote water conservation through education and incentives. Stormwater reuse and management projects this year will include retrofitting the irrigation system in the Waters Edge Development and the completion of the Clearwater Cove water reuse project. Consideration to changes in the City's water rate structure, evaluation of the use of solar panels on City facilities, and exploration on the topic of City resiliency have been identified as Council goals for 2017. Economic Development Economic development efforts continue with a boost from a partnership with Washington County. The City will be focusing on activities related to the marketing of the City owned property along Highway 61 and continue to encourage funding from the legislature for maintenance of the rail service to the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. The City Council and staff are committed to communicating with all existing businesses on retention and expansion. Community Development On the Community Development forefront is the implementation of the planning process for the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Preparation of the design and a cost analysis will begin on new City entrance signs and the City will partner with MnDOT to improve the functionality and appearance of the TH61/170th Street roundabout. Zoning Ordinance updates are needed with a focus on parking, pools, shoreland, and subdivision regulations. Park Projects The Parks Commission remains focused on the expansion of the City's trail system and will be developing priorities for needs and spending. As part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, the Commission will work on revisions to the Parks and Trails Plan. The City will continue to expand partnerships to offer additional recreation programs for Hugo's diverse popu- lation, including seniors. Future planning for Irish Avenue Park will begin with involvement from neighboring residents. The City welcomes the new park opening in the Clearwater Cove Development! Infrastructure Projects Plans are underway for improvements to streets in the north Sunset Lake area, specifically Homestead Avenue, 132nd Street, Homestead Drive, and 126th Street. A five-year mainte- nance plan for Judicial Ditch 2 will be prepared and the creation of a building maintenance fund will be considered. The City will be working with Xcel and Connexus Energy on the conversion to LED street lighting and preparations will begin on the construction of the south water tower to be located on 125th Street North. Rural Hugo is anticipated to have high speed internet available to them through CenturyLink this month. Public Safety The City welcomes the addition of a new Hugo investigator position with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and will collaborate with surrounding cities to improve safety operations and consider automatic mutual aid. The Fire Department will target recruitment efforts for daytime firefighters (see page 7) and review the addition of a future ladder truck to the department fleet. The City will conduct regular evaluations of its emergency services to continually improve upon safety procedures provided to our residents. Administration The City continues to seek ways to improve technology to better communicate with and serve our residents, including conversion of existing documents to electronic data. Legislative issues that impact City budgeting will be monitored and relationships with regional partners and other civic organizations will be nurtured. A space needs study of City buildings will be discussed along with the fate of the Hopkins schoolhouse located on 170th Street North. 0 Do You Own a Properly constructed and maintained wells can provide many years of trouble-free water service. Like any other mechanical devices, wells will eventually deteriorate or become damaged and allow surface contaminants to enter the water. In addition, some groundwater can contain one or more chemical substances in concentrations above recommended levels. The City of Hugo's public water systems are tested regularly for a variety of contaminants, but if you have a pri- vate well, regular testing is up to you. Please go to the following website for more information: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/ waterquality/test • • Starting April 17th As part of many other spring protects, the Public Works Department will be flushing hydrants. It is expected to take about two weeks to complete all hydrants. Flushing purges rust and stagnant water from the distribution system and identifies hydrants in need of maintenance. Some residents may receive rust colored water that could stain laundry. During this time, please check that water coming into the house is clear, and let the tap water run if necessary. all public paved streets. Sweeping takes place Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 4:30 pm. It will take approximately two weeks to complete. Private roads are swept by homeowners associations. District will have compost bins and rain barrels for sale this spring with a pickup site in Hugo. For more information call City Hall or visit the City's website at Washington Economic Development :-�-County After the adoption of its Economic Development Strategic Plan, Washington County, following one of its action items, hired its first ever Economic Development Director. The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) hired Chris Eng in June of 2016. Chris formerly worked for Duluth as Director of Business and Economic Development. Before that he was Executive Director and Economic Development Director at the Chisago County HRA. Washington County, with help from an economic development work - group comprised of staff from various cities, is working to update the strategic plan and provide direction on what the County should consider for economic development incentives. Chris wants to tell the story of Washington County; not only on why it's a great place to locate a business, but a great place to live. The City is excited to see that Washington County has economic development as a priority and will continue to partner with them. ompost Site Please visit the City's website for more information as the opening is weather dependent. The compost site is located on the south side of 170th Street North approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61. The site is for Hugo residents only and is open on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (or dusk) and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This is a deposit site for grass clippings, leaves, and soft organic matter only. No brush, twigs, branches or woody materials accepted. As a part of the City's commitment to protect local groundwater and drinking water sources we have implemented a Wellhead Protection Plan. The goal of the plan is to identify and manage potential sources of contamination in areas that supply water to the City's wells. To learn more about Hugo's Wellhead Protection Plan and ways you can help protect our drinking water, visit our website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/wi Sign -Up for CodeRED Alerts CodeRED delivers real-time emergency, community, missing person, and severe weather alerts to users within the area of impact. Alerts are initiated by public safety officials who use the CodeRED community notification system to effectively alert and inform residents. Alerts are delivered by the method you choose: i • Phone calls • Text messages • Emails • CodeRED Mobile Alert app Sign up through the City's website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/codered Join the Team! Do you work from home? Do you have a flexible day- time schedule? Do you want to serve your community? If you answered yes to these questions, please consider applying to become a Hugo Firefighter. Recruits would be expected to help in emergency situations during daytime hours. On average, this is only a few calls per week with each call taking about an hour of your time! A time commitment would also be required on Tuesday nights for drill training. If interested, applications and additional information is available at Hugo City Hall and online at www.ci.hugo. mn.us/hfd. Please submit your application by mail to the Hugo Fire Hall located at 5323 140th Street N. •] 1T/ W140 Fridays with firefighters Spend a Friday afternoon with the Hugo Fire Department. Learn about fire prevention, tour the fire department, and participate in fun activities! This event will be held on three different Fridays this summer, from 10:00 am — 1:00 pm. Please visit the Hugo Fire and Rescue Facebook page for more information. Smoke/CO Detectors Please be mindful to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and check detector expiration dates every time you change your clocks. Please note that most detectors have a 10 year service life. Remember, it is important to create and practice a fire escape plan! Fire Chief Kevin Colvard can be reached at: kcolvard@ci.hugo.mn.us Presidential Inauguration A Special Thank You Several Washington County Officers were sent to Washington D.C. to assist at the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. Six of the seven officers that attended from Washington County have served as Hugo deputies. 3,500 officers from 24 states provided security for President Donald Trump's Inauguration, which included officers from 11 different Minnesota departments. The City of Hugo would like to recognize Sergeant Wayne Johnson for 22 years of service at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Five of those years were spent with the City of Hugo where Sgt. Johnson devoted his time towards the safety of Hugo residents. Wayne was greatly appreciated for his willingness to perform a variety of tasks along with his wit and humor. He was an integral member of the City Hall staff and will be missed. Sergeant Joe Stoehr is Sgt. Johnson's successor. He began serving the Hugo community in this role in February. Although he has big shoes to fill, the City is confident he will do so and is excited to have him serving our City. 7❑ YSPRING T � GO 2011 3 -.1111111116-13111111110 COMMUNITY NEWS, INFORMATION AND EVENTS =— Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 651-762-6300 or info@ci.hugo.mn.us Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday Closed weekends and holidays. Visit our website: wwwA.hugo.mn.us 91 irw CURRENT RESIDENT We Need Your Photos! The City is seeking photos that have been taken in the City of Hugo. Photos can include landscapes, nature, people, places, events, or anything that captures the beauty of our City. By submitting a photo, you will have the chance to have your photo seen by the entire City via the City's website, in the City newsletter, and on other informational and marketing materials. Please visit the City's website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/photos for more information on how to submit your photos! PHOTO CREDITS: Hungry Baby Birds - Photo by Kirstin, Pink Lilies - Photo by Bruce Hugo Good Neighbor Days: v e t's het Wild" June 8th - 11th at Lions Park Join in celebrating Hugo with great music, food, beer garden, petting zoo, and carnival rides! Come join the Hugo Lions Club and "Let's Get Wild!" www.goodneighbordays.com