2020.01.27 CC Minutes-Goal Setting Session

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Minutes HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP HUGO CITY HALL TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 6 P.M. Weidt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Haas (via Skype), Klein, Miron, Petryk, Weidt ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Coordinator Anna Wobse, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, and City Clerk Michele Lindau City Administrator Bryan Bear provided a draft list of goals for 2020 saying the Council had provided good direction, and staff believed they knew what direction to go. He reviewed the list stating there were a lot of projects that would be taking a lot of time including the expansion of the Public Works Facility, improvements to Lions Park, and the school district’s facility needs. He reminded Council there had also been conversations regarding planning for Highway 61, and there were issues with the south water tower project with the contractor recently filing for bankruptcy. Other projects proposed for 2020 were the construction of the new restaurant on TH61, development of the Marvin LaValle property, maintenance of ditches, and hiring of a new building official. He asked Council to review the list and provide feedback. Council commented that they had initiated more than they realized last year, and many of the items are big items. Council talked about staff allocating and reprioritizing if necessary. Also discussed was conservation efforts, and it was questioned whether the City should be doing more. Bear replied that the City has been focusing heavily on water conservation, and he explained the smart controller project for irrigation. Paybacks on stand-alone projects with solar or wind energy would need to be done from a sustainability perspective since it would not make sense financially. There was a suggestion made to look into geothermal energy during new building construction. Public safety was also discussed and whether there had been any discussions with the County about increasing staff. Bear stated he had spoken to the sheriff, and there was some discussion but nothing planned for 2020. Bear informed Council the Sheriff would be providing the department’s annual report in the next few month, and staffing increases could be considered during the 2021 budget discussions Mayor Weidt talked about conservation efforts and added a goal to research new and innovative ways to conserve and encourage the use of solar and wind power. He also talked about engaging the public by having more open meeting discussions with residents, possibly by holding town hall meetings. Bear suggested also reaching out to attend neighborhood and homeowner association meetings.