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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Spring Newsletter"Painted Lady" submitted by Clara Metts CITY OF Ask the Mayor The Comprehensive Plan process has been invaluable to understand how residents p EST. 1906 believe the City has been functioning, what we can do better, and how we should plan for the future. Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North The City of Hugo will be a unique, sustainable Hugo, MN 55038 community that respects the environment and What 651-762-6300 Iserves its residents. The community will strive www.ci.hugo.mn.us to be a desirable place for residents of all ages. Fire Department Citizens have repeatedly expressed their 651-762-6362 preference for retaining the "rural" lifestyle of the vision Washington County Hugo. The goal is rooted in preservation, to Sheriff's Office the greatest extent possible, the essence of a 911 rural way of life while encouraging a variety of outlinedv Non -emergency: 651-439-9381 land uses to meet the needs of the community. J Natural resources will be protected and naturalI corridors will flourish in the community. All the Citys jYreidents will be able to eno the natural S��>i�i►. �� ., environment with carefully planned trails and connections. Neighborhoods will provide walk- Comprehensive Things To Do Spring & Summer ..... 2 able, pedestrian -friendly accessibility. Facilities for horses, bicyclists, and pedestrians will prosper in Plan? A Word from Public Works ............. 3 the community to encourage healthy living for Sheriff's Update .............................. 3 all residents. Neighborhoods will be unique and Economic Development .................. 4 carefully planned with innovative techniques to ensure a high quality of life for all residents. Community Goals ........................... 5 There will be a diversity of housing to support and promote the livability of the commu- Property Tax Appeal Info ................. 5 nity. Development will be focused along the CSAH 4, Highway 61, and CSAH 8 growth Improvement Updates .................... 6 corridors where the dense residential areas and businesses will be located. Development Cleanup Days .................................. 6 will be encouraged in Downtown Hugo, which is the heart of the community. Water Rate Changes ....................... 6 Hugo has become a highly -regarded community throughout the state. This can be attributed to the residents that live here and the attitude that we take towards our future. Update from the Fire Chief ............. 7 1 would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents who participated in the Building Permit Info ........................ 7 Comprehensive Plan process. The community's feedback has been vital to help plan what Election Dates ................................. 8 Hugo will look like in the future. Good Neighbor Days ...................... 8 TUNE INTO Government Channel 16 Tom Weidt, Mayor If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it GTN 16 to info@ci.hugo.mn.us Your question could be featured in the next newsletter! for community updates and to watch City meetings. THIS SPRING & SUMMER Kidz'N Biz Saturday, April 28 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Oneka Elementary School Sponsored by the Hugo Area Business Association and the Hugo Economic Development Authority, Kidz 'N Biz brings together businesses and residents of Hugo for hours of games, entertainment, and fun. Admission is free! Park Play Days Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Session 1: June 11 - July 12 Session 2: July 16 -August 16 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 The Bazillions Friday, July 20 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hanifl Fields Athletic Park There will be vehicles and equipment on display provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Department, the Hugo Fire Department, the Hugo Public Works Department, and other organizations. Everyone will be allowed to explore these vehicles, meet the people that use them, and ask questions. Starting at 6:00 pm, join The Bazillions in a kid friendly, interactive, rock -n -roll show. The Bazillions are the creation of Twin Cities' parents/educators/ singer -songwriters Adam and Kristin Marshall. They sing about mac 'n' cheese, career day, loyal friends, and finding lost toys. All ages welcome. Admission is free! ❑2 for anyone that qualifies. Registration is available through the the Forest Lake YMCA at vvww.ymcamn.org/locatio forest-lake-ymca Tech Tac Toe Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall Star Wars Droid Shop using Lego° Monday, July 9 — Thursday, July 12 9:00 am — 11:50 am For grades 1st - 4th $105 per person Engineer Boats using Lego® Monday, July 16 - Thursday, July 19 1:00 pm - 3:50 pm For grades 1st - 4th $116 per person Registration is required at www.whitebear.ce.feepay.com Story Hour in the Park! Friday, June 15, July 27, and August 17 10:30 am at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Read, play, sing, and talk together with fun stories and activities to develop early literacy skills. This program is hosted by the Washington County Library. 40 f7!Nae+go 2 0,0 SAVE THE DATE for the 8th Annual Bike Ride Saturday, September 22 20, 35, 50, and 62.2 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, and friendly. All seniors are warmly welcomed. 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 1st 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. Do You Own a Private Well? Properly constructed and maintained wells can provide many years of trouble-free wa 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 private well, regular testing is up to you. Please go to the following website for more information: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/ wel I s/wate rq ua l ity/test. htm I Street Sweeping Starting April 2 The Public Works Department will be sweeping 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. Z WashingtonSHERIFF'S OFFICE ,"County UPDATE Greg Reiter, a Washington County Deputy who serves the City of Hugo, celebrated twenty years of dedicated service to the citizens of Washington County. The Council would like to congratulate Greg on this accomplishment and thank him for his work in our community! Compost Site Please visit the City website for more information as the opening is weather dependent. The compost site is located on the south side of 170th Street N. approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61. The site is open for Hugo residents 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. Compost Bins and Rain Barrels for Sale Washington County is excited to partner with the Recycling Association of Minnesota to sell compost bins and rain barrels to res- idents at a low cost. For more information on this program please visit www.co.wash- ington.mn.us/2813/Backyard-Composting ydrant lushing arting April 16 As part of many other spring projects, 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. Wellhead Protection 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 pro- tect our drinking water, visit our website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/wellhead Protect Yourself from ID Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or other financial account information without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Thieves use a variety of methods to get your information including, but not limited to: Rummaging through your trash: Thieves look through your trash for items that contain your personal information such as a credit card or bank statements. Phishing: Thieves send spam or pop-up messages via email or text message and get you to divulge personal or banking information. Theft: Thieves steal your wallet, purse, and mail. In doing so, they obtain your credit/ debit cards and financial information. They may also obtain pre -approved credit card offers or new checks from your mailbox. Skimming: Thieves use a special storage device and steal your credit / debit card information. What to do if your identity is stolen: 1. File a police report. 2. Check your credit report. 3. Notify creditors that your identity was stolen. 4. Dispute any unauthorized transactions with your financial institution. How to reduce your risk: 1. Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Use strong passwords. 2. Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails and threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card companies, and even the IRS. 3. Do not click on links or download attach- ments from unknown or suspicious emails. 4. Protect your personal data. Don't carry your Social Security card and make sure your tax records are secure. 5. Shred receipts, credit card applications, financial statements, old credit cards, etc. If not shred, keep them in a secured place. 0 Washington County Open to Business Program Beginning in July 2017 the Community Development Agency Board (CDA) approved an 18 -month contract with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to begin operating the Open to Business Program in Washington County. Open to Business is a great resource for small and emerging businesses in Washington County that may need support with business feasibility, planning, financing, licensing, and regulatory issues. For more information on the program go to www.mccdmn.org/programs/open-to-business/ or contact Tyler Hilsabeck at thilsabeck@mccdmn.org Hugo Area Business Association (HBA) Business Awards In February, Mayor Tom Weidt gave the State of the City Address during the Hugo Area Business Association networking breakfast event. The Mayor focused on economics and demographics of the area and how they relate to City activities from 2017. The HBA also held its business award ceremony. Below are the Award Recipients: HBA Scholarship: Sharon Hanifl-Lee & Carrie Carlson & Melissa Niederkorn, Children's Performing Arts Business of the Year: Spencer Grundhofer, Grundhofer's Old Fashion Meats Business Legacy Award: Jenifer Glamos Mullenbach & Paul Glamos, Glamos Wire Products Emerging Business: Michelle Larson, Keystone Place at Lavalle Fields Volunteer of the Year Award: Amy Nelson, Trust Marketing Solutions Congratulations to all the award winners! { "Geese Chicks" submitted by Lorri Henquinet 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 for more informa- tion on how to submit your photos! 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. Park Shelter Permit Stop by Hugo City Hall to obtain a $5 permit to reserve a park shelter. Community rooms are also available to rent. Call 651-762-6300 18 '0"00, CITY OF , HUCrO•Goals EST. 1906 City Conservation Efforts The City remains dedicated to promote water conservation through education and incentives. Stormwater reuse and management projects will continue to be studied, designed, and built witha goal to be a leader in regional activities related to water supply. The City will also evaluate recent changes to the water rate structure and evaluate the impact of the WBL lawsuit on conservation practices. Economic Development Work will continue with the Washington County Community Development Agency on economic development activities. The City will be focusing on actions related to the marketing of the City owned property along Highway 61 and other city- wide promotion. The Council and staff continue to be committed to communi- cating with all existing businesses on re- tention and expansion and will continue to promote Hugo for new businesses. Park Projects The Parks Commission remains focused on the expansion of the City's trail system and improving water access to residents, where possible. As part of the Compre- hensive Plan update, the Commission will complete revisions to the Parks Plan. The City will expand recreational programming to focus on all residents while also planning for the future of Clearwater Creek Preserve and Irish Avenue Park. Community Development On the Community Development forefront is the completion and approval of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. City staff will begin implementation of new permit managment software and prepare design work and a cost analysis on the City's gateway elements and entrance signs. Updates to the Zoning Ordinance will occur with areas of focus on small cells, the shoreland ordinance, and subdivision regulations. Infrastructure Projects Plans are underway for improvements to Oneka Lake Boulevard and Harrow Avenue. The City will be evaluating main- tenance practices on the City's gravel roadways as well as conducting a space needs study for City buildings. A five- year maintenance plan for Judicial Ditch 2 will be prepared. Lastly, preparation of plans and approval of a construction time- line will begin for construction of a new south water tower to be located on 125th Street N. 0 Public Safety The City will conduct regular evaluations of emergency services 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 continue to implement security recommendations at City buildings. 0 Administration The City continues to seek ways to improve technology to better communi- cate with and serve its residents, including the continuation of document imagining and use of electronic data. Another goal will be the consideration of restoration possibilities for the Hopkins Schoolhouse located on 170th Street N. The City of Hugo will hold its Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on Thursday, April 12 from 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm. If you disagree with how your property was assessed, you may appeal your property's market value estimate and/or classification if you feel your property is: i. Classified improperly ii. Valued higher or lower than you could sell it for iii. Valued differently from similar property in your area The City Assessor and members of the board will ve e pestions resent o riorp o tApril e me terser, if you ha please contact City Assessor, Dan Raboin, at 651-213-6705. 4 ❑5 r t F; 1: N. P ^ 74i..7 yM. d IMPROVEMENT UPDATES j As part of the City's Capital Improvement Program I - (CIP), a portion of City roadways get reconstructed every year. For the 2018 construction season the { following area will be reconstructed:i'` Oneka Lake Boulevard N. ,�: �' y, �`• Goodview Avenue N. to Harrow Avenue N. ' Harrow Avenue N. Oneka Lake Boulevard N. to 165th Street N. Please allow extra time and reduce your speeds s' Fes" ay when traveling through the construction area. Chip Seal Program Stormwater The City's chip seal program has been The City maintains many stormwater ponds, If you live on a stormwater feature and discontinued because of the inadequate control structures, ditches, and wetlands. We you notice a structure is plugged please performance of the product, as well as ask residents to help us keep these features in call the City so maintenance crews can complaints generated from residents. good condition with one simple lawn care tip remove the obstruction. Funds that were used towards this program have been re -allocated into Don't blow grass clippings into the roadways or stormwater ponds. the street maintenance CIP fund. These clippings decompose and turn into nutrients which cause algae bloom in the ponds. C :--� s only Ild . F Hazardous materials and elecVonic t'y ac residency raQu hed�e r , ----- '---------------------------- ---opt dfree-- -- - - and •------------------y----_a------- H°Latex/opo nt&stain Carload of trash! from households only (no businesses). Proof of $30 and up Pickup load of trash Household Items: $35 and up , Mercurythermnmeters an Trailer load of trash • Pam" remover/thinner Lawn mower (Push) $15/unR thermostats • Fluorescent bulbs (bundled together Automotive&Recreation: $30/unit Lawn mower (Rider) with rubber bands, no tape) • Antifreeze $25/unit . Household cleaners • Used motor oil and filters Household appliance • Propanetanks $75 and up •Sharps, syringes, needles and used Commercial appliance epi pens In a sealed, sturdy container , Rechargeable batteries $30/unit , Computers & monitors Air conditioner Yard &Garden: $25/unit . Peripherals (keyboards, mice, .Insect/roach/ant killer etc.) k Water softener speakers, $20/unit • Fertilizers/ herbicides Mattress or box spring• printers&fax machines $25/each , TVs, DVD & VCR players Upholstered furniture NOTE: Please $1/yard .Cell phones Carpet organize Your load so Bicycle with tires $5/each Document shreddingwill also be offered. all electronics and FREE m ret has many peoples ostomerwilt hazardous materials Bicycle without tires more thanfour boxes per customerwill be can be removed first. FREE accepted. '�_ Scrap metal please note that shredding capacity maybe. $2.50 and up reached before the end of the event Tires . of of residency such as a a license is required. Cash or cher -- = — – (Proportional rates may he applle A omr•a Hugo 30 wares PubliCWorks Building 14omSt.N.t"g a""sIng oAo- Ira R � Ry v 6900137th St. N. R, 137N St. N. eMn art wa mat, I &L Questions? Call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-630 VYWkw•b" ,� ottn Water Rate Changes In order to operate our water supply, the City is required to implement certain conservation measures as required by the DNR. One of those measures requires the City to adopt an increasing block rate schedule to discourage wasteful use of drinking water. The City is encouraging smart watering practices this summer specifically for: • Lawn irrigation • Filling of swimming pools • Other outdoor summertime uses For more information, please visit the City's website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/utility—billing A Join the Team! The Hugo Fire Department is now hiring part-time firefighters. Applications and additional information are available at Hugo City Hall and online at 09F www.ci.hugo.mn.us/hfdapp Please submit your application by mail to the Hugo Fire Hall located at 5323 140th Street N. Fire Chief Kevin Colvard can be reached at: HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT kcolvard@ci.hugo.mn.us Annual Open House and Fun Run Support the Hugo Fire Department and run along with real firefighters by participating in the Fearless Firefighter Fun Run on Saturday, October 6. More information will be made available on the City's website closer to the event. Fridays with Firefighters Spend a Friday afternoon with the Hugo Fire Department. Learn about fire prevention, tour the Fire Hall, and participate in fun activities! This event will be held on Friday, June 15, July 13, and August 17 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Please visit the Hugo Fire and Rescue Facebook page for more information. 1 Building Department Report Spring is a popular time for homeowners to begin tackling a variety of home improvement projects from simple repairs to complete 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 infrastructure is changed, moved, replaced, etc. • Electrical: for any project where electrical infrastructure is changed, including finishing a basement, bathroom and kitchen renova- tions, rewiring, moving walls, etc. • Mechanical: for any project where mechanical infrastructure is changed such as installing a new gas line, a new HVAC unit or duct work, a gas fireplace, a residential exhaust hood, etc. • Building: for any remodeling project that includes, but is not limited to, tearing down walls, moving walls, roofing, siding, and 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. 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: www.ci.hugo.mn.us 91 7) CURRENT RESIDENT Come Join the Hugo Lions Club in celebrating Hugo with great music, food, beer garden, petting zoo, and carnival rides! www.goodneighbordays.com * * * * Important Election Dates for 2018 * * * * Primary Election is Tuesday, August 14 Vote by mail or in person June 29 —August 13 at the Washington County Service Center. Save time on Election Day. Pre -register by July 24. General Election is Tuesday, November 6 Vote by mail or in person September 21 — November 5 at the Washington County Service Center. Save time on Election Day. Pre -register by October 16. What's on the local ballot? You will be voting for Council Member Ward 1, Council Member Ward 3, and Mayor on the General Election ballot. Current terms expire on December 31, 2018. Council Member terms are four years and the Mayor term is two years. Filing for Candidacy is July 31 - August 14. Become an Election Judge! The City is looking for Election Judges. Pay is $11.65/hour. A great way learn more about the election process is to work it! Contact City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762-6315 for more information.