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Home My WebLink About2018 Fall NewsletterAsk the Mayor It’s great to see the City move forward and improve. Together with the City Council and Commissioners, we work hard to accomplish the City’s goals to make Hugo a better place to live for residents. One of my biggest goals over the last six years since I became Mayor of Hugo, was to reduce our use of groundwater. Hugo’s ongoing efforts to reduce, reuse, and replenish its local water have not gone unnoticed. By practicing methods that reduce water use such as avoiding overwatering and the reuse of water through stormwater irrigation systems, the City has the ability to replenish its water at a sustainable rate. As a result, residents can enjoy the benefits of efficient water use and remain conscientious of the true value water holds within this community. As Hugo continues to grow, finding enough funding to accomplish all the things that need to be done in a timely manner is challenging. To satisfy the needs of the community without raising taxes means making tough decisions to ensure that the limited funding is used to get the most benefit for the most citizens. For example, Hugo’s parks system is aging. Due to safety concerns, Lions Park needed a new playground this year. This is the first playground that Hugo has replaced in its parks system. The original playground cost $45,000, twenty years ago. The replacement playground will cost $100,000. However, Lions Parks is a community park, home to Hugo events, and a key park in Hugo. One of the most satisfying aspects of being Mayor has been that everyone on the City level works well together. With my fellow City Councilmembers, we make decisions for Hugo together as a group. We do not hold personal grudges or get lost in some argument. We are able to listen to all opinions on an issue and come to the best decision with cooperation on all sides. There isn’t any animosity between Councilmembers here. We are able to move forward after a consensus is made and continue to improve Hugo together. It is rewarding to see our efforts as a City Council result in the betterment of the community. Tom Weidt, MayorTune into Government Channel 16 for community updates and to watch City meetings. What are some of the satisfying aspects and some of the challenging aspects of being Mayor of Hugo? Question from Kenneth Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 651-762-6300 www.ci.hugo.mn.us Fire Department 651-762-6362 Washington County Sheriff’s Office 911 Non-emergency: 651-439-9381 IN THIS FALL ISSUE... A Word from Public Works .......................2 Housing Update .......................................2 Economic Development Extra..................3 8th Annual Tour de Hugo .........................3 Recreation Programs ...............................4 Water Conservation Practices ..................4 Washington Co. Open to Business ...........4 Household Drug Collection Expands .......5 2040 Comp Plan Update .........................5 Washington County Updates ...................6 Updates from Your Fire Chief ...................7 Movie Night In the Park ..........................8 Good Neighbor of the Year ......................8 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! H H GET OUT AND VOTE! H H The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.Visit the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sos.state. mn.us/elections-voting/ for information on where to vote and who will be on your ballot. City local election will include: • Council Member Ward 1 • Council Member Ward 3 • Mayor Council Members serve four-year terms, and the Mayor serves a two-year term. Both current Council Members and the Mayor are running unopposed. “Daisy at Irish Avenue Park” photo submitted by Will Perry Winter Parking Ordinance Beginning November 1 and extending through March 31, parking is prohibited on all City streets from 2:00 am to 7:00 am. Also, if we receive two inches or more of snow any other time during the year, parking is prohibited at those times. This is to allow the Public Works Department to clear the snow from the roadways in a safe and efficient manner. Snow Removal The City of Hugo would like to remind everyone that it is against the law to deposit snow on or next to a public street. Minnesota State Statute 160.27 prohibits plowing, shoveling, blowing or otherwise placing snow onto any public road right-of-way, and doing so is punishable by a misdemeanor. Snow which is moved to the public right-of-way can create hazardous situations, including slippery areas, frozen ridges, bumps, sight obstructions and drainage problems. Property owners are liable should an accident occur as a result of improper snow placement. Also, residents should check their mail boxes to ensure they are sturdy and in good condition. Mailboxes that are damaged by snow, and not actual plow contact, will not be repaired by the City of Hugo. Stormwater The City maintains many storm water ponds, control structures, ditches, and wetlands. We ask residents to help us keep these features in good condition with one simple lawn care tip: Don’t blow grass clippings, leaves, brush, or any organic material into the roadways or storm water ponds. These decompose and turn into nutrients which cause algae bloom in the ponds. If you live on a storm water feature and you notice a structure is plugged please call the City so maintenance crews can remove the obstruction. Fall Clean-Up Day Fall clean-up day will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Hugo Public Works. This event will only be for the City of Hugo residents and a photo ID will be required to verify residency in Hugo. Hazardous materials and electronics will be accepted free of charge from Washington County Residents (no businesses).This event offers a great opportunity to do a last minute clean-up of your property before winter hits! Questions? Call Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300. Housing Update Adelaide Landing 2nd Addition After gaining approval for the first phase of development in the fall of 2017, the next phase within Hugo’s Adelaide Landing housing development is now under way. Located east of highway 61 and north of 130th Street, this phase, known as Adelaide Landing 2nd Addition, consists of 70 lots on a 75 acre parcel. There are 319 lots planned for the entire development and 150 lots are available now. Oneka Place This development is planned for 177 residential units with a mix of single family and maintenance provided villa units. The property is located north of Oneka Parkway and north of 159th Street. The development recently received approval for the first phase of the development for 54 lots. Utility and road construction has started and is expected to be completed this year. More information on these properties is available on the Planning/Community Development section of the City website. 2 Questions? Please contact Rachel Juba, Community Development Director at 651-762-6304 A Word From Public Works STREET SWEEPING begins around October 8, 2018 HYDRANT FLUSHING begins around October 22, 2018 The City of Hugo has a growing population and housing market. Currently, there are 189 single family and 124 multifamily lots available within the City. 3 City Six FREE! 6 miles Join Oneka Elementary Principal Ms. Dahlem on a fun bike ride. The majority of the route is on paved trails. There will be stops at Park Dental and Oneka Elementary with snacks and family-friendly activities. Following the ride, there is a Kids Party. STARTS AT 8:30 am Stop for tasty refreshments and water at rest stops throughout the routes! All routes are well marked with full support if an emergency or flat tire occurs. If you are riding any of the extended mile rides, you will have the opportunity to stop and enjoy delicious cake with friendly volunteers at the infamous Cake Break at Withrow Elementary. The first 300 riders will receive a bike bag full of sponsor goodies. Plus, all paid riders will receive lunch. All proceeds from the Tour de Hugo go to support the enhancement of Hugo Parks and Trails. Call Shayla Denaway at 651-762-6342 for more information. Join us Saturday, September 22, 2018 for the 8th Annual This community bike ride is fun for all ages and biking abilities. The ride will start at Lions Park at 5524 Upper 146th Street North (across from City Hall). Town & Country 20 miles STARTS AT 9:00 am Rolling Rambler 35 miles STARTS AT 8:45 am Big Beauty 50 miles STARTS AT 8:00 am Metric Century 62.2 miles STARTS AT 7:00 am Registration required for all rides. We will ride rain or shine. The registration fee is $50. Day-of-registration will start at 6:30 am Registration is available at www.tourdehugo.com HYDRANT FLUSHING begins around October 22, 2018 The City of Hugo has a growing population and housing market. Currently, there are 189 single family and 124 multifamily lots available within the City. The Hugo City Council is proud of the economic development activity that has been occurring in the community. The City has been excited to witness the growth and expansion of existing businesses in Hugo and would like to showcase a few of these success stories: TGK Automotive Specialists Break Ground Earlier this summer, TGK Automotive Specialists received site plan approval for an 11,000 square foot auto repair building at 13891 Forest Boulevard North. They are currently leasing space in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park along 130th Street North. Construction has started on the building and is expected to be completed this year. The growing business will move to the new building once it is complete. The owners, Troy and Alana Kaplan, are excited to have the opportunity to expand their services within the Hugo community with this new location. Schwieters Properties Expansion Schwieters received site plan approval for an industrial development located just west of Fenway Avenue and south of 140th Street. The campus develop- ment includes a manufacturing building, a warehouse building, as well as two office buildings. Together, the structures will make up 183,000 square feet within the proposed 30 acre plat. Schwiet- ers later gained approval to build the 145,000 square foot warehouse facility as the first building of the campus. Construction is currently underway. Upon completion, Schwieters Properties intends to use the building to manufac- ture floor panels and roof trusses as an expansion of their existing business in Hugo. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTEXTRA 4 Implementing Water Conservation Practices As the City of Hugo continues its efforts in local water conservation, water conservation projects that focus upon the reuse of stormwater have increased in popularity. In the fall of 2017, Water’s Edge completed the first phase of its water reuse project. The project focuses upon using stored stormwater for lawn irrigation. Within the first week of its installment, over 700,000 gallons of City water was saved. The same water reuse concept has been implemented within Beaver Ponds, Oneka Ridge Golf Course, Clearwater Cove, and Adelaide Landing with similar success. The City has also made adjustments to its municipal water rates. The highest water use rates are now applied to the largest users, which is required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. By implementing these new rates, the City hopes that residents find ways to conserve the water that is available to them. Wasteful water use, such as irrigating excessively, will result in a substantial increase in your water bill. RECREATION PROGRAMS Forever Well The nearby Forest Lake YMCA offers options to get active and stay healthy to Hugo residents. The YMCA ForeverWell program encourages older adults to participate in physical activities to help maintain greater control of their health. An indoor track, a weekly walking club, Silver Sneakers group exercise classes, and an introductory orientation with fellow older adults are all included. Once you’re a ForeverWell member you can join in day long travel outings, book club meetings, paint classes and more! For more information, contact Mary Rivard, 651-747-0875 or mary.rivard@ymcamn.org. Story Hours Join Washington County Library for Story Time on the 2nd Monday of every month at 10:30 am. Each month there will be a different theme featuring stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more to encourage the development of early literacy skills. Following the Storytime, stick around and check out books just like you do at the Hardwood Creek Library. September 10 Pirates At Hanifl Fields Athletic Park October 9 Costumes At Hanifl Fields Athletic Park November 12 Real Heroes At Hugo City Hall December 10 Penguins At Hugo City Hall January 14 Snow At Hugo City Hall Story Hour is suitable for toddlers to kindergarten age and caregivers. Siblings are always welcome! This program is free and hosted by Washington County Library. More information is available at https://www.washcolib.org/ Hugo Walking Memory Café A welcoming place for those with memory loss and their caregivers. The group will meet the 4th Wednesday of each month from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at Rice Lake Centre at 6900 137th Street N. Memory Cafés are a safe place where people with a dementia diagnosis and their caregivers can learn about community resources, connect with others on a similar journey and enjoy time together in a relaxed atmosphere. Sign up by contacting Jenny West at 651.789.4015 or jwest@familymeans.org. Princess Party Join Washington County Library at Hugo City Hall for a special interactive storytime with the Snow Sisters on Saturday, November 3 at 10:30 am. The sisters will be sharing their snow story and will need the help of audience members to bring the story to life. Story- time will last approximately 30 minutes and there will be 30 mintues to take photos with the Snow Sisters afterwards. Children are invited to wear their favorite costume. All ages are welcome. No registration required. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 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 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. Washington County Open to Business Program In 2017, the Community Development Agency Board (CDA) approved an 18-month contract with 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: http://www.mccdmn.org/programs/open-to-business/ or contact: Tyler Hilsabeck at thilsabeck@mccdmn.org 5 Do you have old photos in a shoe box? Are your family history books gathering dust? Do you like to talk about Hugo’s past and discuss your family history? Then this night is for you. The Historical Commission invites the public to an evening of sharing. Bring your albums, photos, documents and artifacts to City Hall on October 22nd, from 5:30 - 8 pm. Historical displays and artifacts will be out for viewing. Refresh- ments will be served. Pictured from left to right: Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron, Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joe Stoehr (Hugo Contract Sergeant), City Administrator Bryan Bear, and Mayor Tom Weidt Residents can take unwanted medications to one of the following drop boxes between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Cottage Grove Service Center • Forest Lake Service Center • Hugo City Hall • Sheriff’s Office in Stillwater • Woodbury Service Center More than 21 tons of unused medications have been collected since the first drop box was installed in 2012. All drugs collected are secured at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and then taken to a waste-to-energy facility that is licensed to burn this type of waste. The five boxes are a joint project of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment. Medications accepted at the boxes include unused or expired prescriptions, over the counter and pet medication such as: • Pills & capsules • Blister packs • Creams & gels • Unused Epipens • Inhalers & patches • IV bags and vials • Liquids/powders and sprays 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Hugo’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a long range plan used to guide the location, timing, and intensity of developments including residential, commercial, industrial, and parks. This plan is used by citizens, city officials, as well as the development community. After two years of public engagement and creating the plan based on input, it is now complete and a draft is available on the City website: www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2040CompPlan The plan has been distributed for a 6-month review to adjacent communities for their comments. After the City receives all the comments and addresses them in the plan, the plan will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for formal approval. On June 6, 2018, Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry and DARE instructor Deputy Sheriff Kelly Olson had the pleasure of attending the Oneka Elementary School’s 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony, held in the gymnasium of Oneka Elementary School in Hugo, MN. Deputy Kelly Olson, Oneka’s DARE instructor, spoke about the impact DARE had on her youthful experiences, how knowledge gained through DARE influenced her choices, and later solidified her desire to become a police officer. Deputy Olson also announced the winners of this year’s DARE Essay Contests. Each winner received a gold medal and read their essay in front of a packed audience. Alongside Oneka’s 5th grade teachers Sheriff Starry and Deputy Olson were honored to present diplomas to the 175 graduates. Sheriff Dan Starry said “I have witnessed the positive relationships the DARE program fosters between students and deputies. It provides an excellent setting to open up conversations and build problem-solving skills around real life situations such as bullying and internet security”. D.A.R.E. envisions a world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse, and other dangerous behaviors. 6 Sheriff’s Office Update Shop With A Cop On Tuesday August 14th, Sheriff Dan Starry and members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office took 10 Hugo youth back to school shopping at Wal Mart in Forest Lake. The kids were nominated for the event by the White Bear Area Schools. Domino’s in Forest Lake provided pizza and Wal Mart provided gift cards for the event. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Deputy David Sawacke was given a Letter of Excellence for recognizing a possible heroin overdose while assisting with a medical call in Hugo in February. The fire department was assisting with a medical crisis for a 27-year-old, providing CPR while Sawacke spoke to witnesses and found possible heroin use. Naloxone, an anti-opioid treatment, was admin- istered to the victim and he regained consciousness. A Lifesaving Award was given to Deputy Sara Peulen, who responded to a medical call in Hugo last August. A 50-year-old man was in cardiac arrest. She performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. The man returned to conscious- ness prior to the ambulance leaving.Know Your Assessors Laura Aamodt will provide commercial assessing services for Hugo. She is a Certified Minnesota Appraiser with Washington County and works out of the Government Center in Stillwater. Born and raised in Stillwater, Laura has been working for Washington County for over 15 years. She has been with the Assessor’s office for the last 5 years. She now lives in St. Croix County with her growing family. Laura enjoys spending time at the family cabin near Spooner, Wisconsin and watching her kids grow. Laura can be contacted at: 651-275-7529 or Laura.Aamodt@co.washington.mn.us. Dan Raboin will provide residential assessing services for Hugo. He is an Accredited Minnesota Assessor with Washington County and works out of the Headwaters Service Center in Forest Lake. Dan has been working as a licensed Assessor since 1993. He grew up in Stillwater, and enjoys sports, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Dan can be contacted at: 651-275-7223 or daniel.raboin@co.washington.mn.us. Smoke/CO Detectors Reminder Please be mindful to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Check detector expiration dates every time you change your clocks. Please remember that detectors have a shelf life of eight to ten years and do need to be replaced. Fire Chief Kevin Colvard can be reached at: kcolvard@ci.hugo.mn.us 7 Hugo Fire Department Annual Open House and Fun Run Saturday, October 6, 2018 Hugo Fire Hall at 5323 140th St N 11:00 am until 3:00 pm Come Celebrate Fire Prevention Week! The Annual Open House & Fun Run will take place on October 6, 2018. Run or walk along with firefighters and their families to support the Hugo Fire Department. All proceeds raised for this event will be used for training and equipment for the Fire Department. After the event, please stay and enjoy all the Open House has to offer. Trick-or-Treat Run COSTUMES ENCOURAGED! Pre-register: $10 per person • Same Day Register: $15 per person Registration Starts: 11:00 am • Run Begins: 12:00 pm 5k Run/Walk Pre-register: $20 per person • Same DayRegister: $25 per person Registration Starts: 9:00 am • 5k Run Begins: 10:00 am Register early - race shirts are guaranteed to those who register by September 21st. After September 21st, shirts will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. New this year - join in the group challenge. Gather your friends, family and co-workers and participate as a group or team! Special awards will go to the Largest Team and the Youngest Team. Before registering, establish a Group/Team Name and spread the word. This is a family friendly event. All ages and abilities are welcome. www.signmeup.com/HFDFunRun Contact Ross Hoernemann at RHoernemann@ci.hugo.mn.us with questions. UPDATES FROM YOUR FIRE CHIEF... Help Fire Fighters Fill the Boot for MDA Saturday September 8th, 2018 9:00 am until 11:00 am. At the intersection of Victor Hugo Blvd and Frenchman Road. All proceeds go to Muscular Dystrophy Association. BULK RATE POSTAGEPAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21 Visit our website: www.ci.hugo.mn.us 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. PLEASE HELP SAVE TREES. THIS ISSUE IS RECYCLABLE 8 Good Neighbor of the Year Rick Kissner was named this year’s Good Neighbor. He is the 24th recipient of this respected title and served as Grand Marshal of the Good Neighbor Days Parade held on Saturday, June 10, 2018. Kissner has lived in Hugo for 31 years. The individual who nominated Kissner stated that, “Rick is a beacon in our neighborhood for help. He has been a great role model as a very hardworking man who loves his family. He owns a small business, so finding the time to be able to be all things good is pivotal in the neighborhood and family.” The City of Hugo would like to congratulate Rick Kissner and thank him for being an excellent role model of neighborliness to the residents of Hugo. It’s Movie Night IN THE PARK! Join the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Hugo Fire Department for a movie in the park! On Friday, September 28, “Moana” (PG) will be shown. Starting at 6:30 pm, you can stop by Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. You can meet the Deputies and Firefighters and see their squad cars and fire trucks. The movie will be shown at 7:30 pm. There will be a bonfire and free snacks. Please bring blankets or chairs to sit on. This is a free event! A parent or guardian must be present. HHH NOW SHOWING! HHH Photo Credit: The Citizen Newspaper