HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.01.29 CC Minutes - Goal Setting Workshop ra
CITY OF Minutes
HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
EST.1906 HUGO CITY HALL
wwwdhugonn.us00
14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North•Hugo,MN 55038 MONDAY,JANUARY 29, 2018— 7 P.M.
Weidt called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
PRESENT: Haas (via Skype), Klein, Miron, Petryk, Weidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Director Ron Otkin, Accounting
Clerk Anna Wobse, Planner Rachel Juba, Parks Planner Shayla Denaway, City Engineer Mark
Erichson , and City Clerk Michele Lindau
Goals for 2017
City Administrator Bryan Bear reviewed the 2017 goals and long range goals that were created
last year saying many have been completed or are in progress.
Updates from Commissions and Staff
Prior to the Council Goals Setting Workshop, commissions met to discusses their specific goals.
Bear provided a recap of those workshops.
The Planning Commission's main focus has been the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is going
extremely well. This should be finished around the middle of the year and submitted to the
Metropolitan Council at the end of this year. The commission is also a fairly new group and
there will be a focus on orienting and training new members.
The Parks Commission shows a continuing interest in trails and trail connections. Bear noted
that the public very much wanted to talk about trails at the Comprehensive Plan workshop, and
there have also been discussions on the county level. The commission is also interested in long-
range vision planning for Irish Avenue Park.
The Economic Development Authority will continue to focus on encouraging development in the
downtown area.
The Historical Commission hired an intern in 2017 who will continue working into 2018. A goal
is for the commission to make a recommendation to Council regarding the Hopkins School
House, and they anticipate a workshop with the Council to be held in the spring. The intern is
also working on cataloging photos and data to make it available and searchable for the public.
Bear talked about the vacancies on the Parks Commission, Planning Commission, and Historical
Commission, and the need to recruit members.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for January 29,2018 Goal Setting Workshop
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Gravel roads are a significant discussion, and a workshop will be held in the spring. Plans will
begin on the replacement of the south water tower, and there will be discussions on the condition
of the City's bridges. The White Bear Lake lawsuit is ongoing, and the City is expecting
changes to the water appropriations permit that will likely require action. Storm water reuse will
continue; however the lawsuit is a significant distraction. Regional water studies are ongoing,
and staff will keep Council informed.
The Fire Department and North Memorial will be giving annual reports to the Council.
Attention needs to be placed on daytime staffing of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief will be
wanting to talk to Council about replacing the pumper tanker truck with a ladder truck. The goal
is to have it done by 2021.
Bear reminded Council of discussions last year about facilities and capacity. Staff would like to
begin preparations for proposals for a space needs study. White Bear Lake School District may
also have a need for additional facilities.
Laserfiche data conversion continues, and the City will begin implementation of new building
and planning department software for online submittals. This will change the way the City does
business.
Weidt asked if there was anything from the Commissions that was new. Planner Rachel Juba
stated there was nothing new from the EDA, and they will continue doing what they are doing.
New Planning Commissioners are interested in training. Parks Planner Shayla Denaway stated
that the Parks Commissioners are looking at greenway trails and water access. They no longer
have a focus on senior planning, and wish to open focus to all groups of residents.
Klein asked about Irish Avenue Park and if there was any consideration to planting trees. Shayla
stated there is, and the Commission is looking for an idea of what the park's future may be and at
possible expansion of the parking lot. Currently, the Commission would like to do some sort of
visioning. Picnic tables, benches, and porta-potties have been requested. Petryk asked for an
update on the Bernin property because there is lake access there. Shayla stated the lake access
had not been discussed, but Bruce Bernin had been requesting the relocation of an Osprey nest.
Bear added that Bruce Bernin has been a good steward of the land.
Klein asked about dust control on the gravel roads, and Bear replied there needed to be more
discussion. Miron added that the City is doing things differently on all roads. It is anticipated an
in-depth discussion will take place later in the year.
Weidt reviewed the goals Council set for 2017 and talked about the status of each item. It was
noted that the lights in City Hall have been switched to LED, a building maintenance fund has
been created, and work is beginning on the south water tower. When asked about Lions Park,
Finance Director Ron Otkin stated there is no funding.
Council asked for an update on document imaging and if any updates to the audio visual
equipment were needed. City Clerk Michele Lindau replied that no updates should be necessary
in 2017, and the City continues to scan documents, specifically those requiring permanent
retention.
Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for January 29,2018 Goal Setting Workshop
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Miron talked about giving more attention to recruiting people to be on commissions and
developing relationships with them. Bryan proposed doing a massive call-out to for commission
members to get people to apply and do one round of interviews of all candidates.
Weidt talked about liaisons of the Commissions and there may be some benefits with that type of
contact, perhaps by attending meetings and providing updates. Haas suggested attending
meetings informally to keep them engaged. Miron said he would like to get to know them
personally, and let them know they are appreciated and a valuable asset. Klein talked about
whether exit interviews should be done. Bryan stated that staff does speak to those leaving to see
if there are any underlying issues.
Weidt talked about how the information in the state of the city addresses and the bus tours may
be good to have for the public. Haas suggested videotaping it them and putting it on the website.
Weidt asked what Bear's thoughts were on additional staff. Bear stated he was ready to talk to
Council individually on what his ideas for moving forward.
The Council reviewed 2017 ongoing priorities and felt they were still applicable.
Bear stated staff could adjust the 2017 goals, and he asked for confirmation from Council that
staff was working on the right ones.
Council confirmed it and indicated they were pleased with the progress on 2017 goals. Bear
stated he would provide Council a revised list at the next Council meeting for approval.
Adiournment
Miron made motion, Klein seconded seconded, to adjourn at 8:01 p.m.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michele Lindau
City Clerk