HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.01.19 CC Packet - Goal Setting Workshop
Meeting will be held remotely pursuant to MN Statute Sec. 13D.021. Anyone who wishes to
speak at the meeting is strongly encouraged to make arrangements by 4:30 p.m. on the
meeting day by contacting City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762-6315.For more information
on the remote meeting and participation, go to https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/participate.
Meeting ID: 892 9322 7333
Passcode: 679522
6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order
6:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call
6:02 p.m. 3. Overview
Highlights of 2020
2021 Objectives
6:15 p.m. 4. Selection of 2021 City Goals
6:45 p.m. 5. Direction to Staff
7:00 p.m. 6. Adjournment
Agenda
HUGO CITY COUNCIL
GOAL SETTING SESSION
HUGO CITY HALL/REMOTE MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 – 6 P.M.
2020 City Council Focus Goals
•Design and build stormwater reuse/management projects and seek grant funds
•Promote conservation practices through education and incentives
•Be a leader in regional activities related to water resource management
•Strive for city‐wide self‐reliance on water
•Research new and innovative methods to conserve energy
Conservation
Efforts
•Construction of new restaurant on Hwy 61
•Focus on city‐wide promotion
•Assist existing businesses with expansion plans and help new businesses build
•Implement Economic Development strategic plan
•Consider and approve utility extension plans along 165th Street
Economic
Development
•Begin implementing 2040 Comprehensive Plan
•Prepare needed updates to zoning ordinances
•Construct north City entrance sign
•Begin using new permit management software
•Collarborate with school districts on facility needs
Community
Development
•Reconstruct Goodview Ave
•Complete ongoing maintenance activities on JD2 and JD3.
•Finish construction of south water tower
•Continue discussion on Hwy 61 expansion with MnDOT and Wash. Co.
•Prepare plans and begin construction on Public Works expansion
•Complete paving project on Elmcrest Ave and Cedar St
Infrastructure
•Prepare for and begin construction of new Lions Park
•Evaluate possible trail connections including Goodview Ave, north of Egg Lake Road
•Consider improvements to new park on Sunset Lake
•Complete Adelaide Landing park
•Evaluate possible improvements at Clearwater Creek Preserve and Irish Ave Park
Parks Projects
•Conduct regular evaluations of emergency services
•Transition to new ambulance provider
•Target recruitment efforts toward daytime firefighters
•Prepare leadership succession plan for Fire Department
•Collaborate with Sheriff's office on facility needs
Public Safety
•Continue document imaging of City files
•Consider restoration possibilities of the Hopkins Schoolhouse
•Improve technology and communication methods
•Hire new Building Official
•Revamp City website
Administration
2020 Ongoing Priorities
•Continue to provide training and education opportunities
•Continue firefighter recruitment and retention
•Continue internship program
•Recruit qualified citizens for commissions
•Provide adequate resources and technology
•Monitor development activity and adjust staffing levels
Maintain Quality
Staff
•Hold joint workshops with each Commission/Board
•Continue training new Commissioners and Council Members
•Continue to promote leadership within the Commissions/Boards
Work
Collaboratively
with
Commissioners
•Develop long‐term strategies for industrial development
•Proceed with street reconstruction program
•Share services with neighboring communities
•Manage growth responsibly
Build a Diverse
and Stable Tax
Base
•Provide transparency by keeping up‐to‐date postings in newsletters,
website, and cable bulletin board
•Maintain relationships with HBA, Senior's Club, Lions Club, American
Legion, Food Shelf, YRN, recreational and other civic organizations
•Continue annual citywide bus tour
•Expand social networking where possible
•Continue open meetings with residents
Continue
Community
Outreach Efforts
•Keep apprised of legislative issues that impact budgeting
•Remain involved in LMC and Metro Cities activities
•Work with Greater MSP and other regional entities
Maintain
Legislative
Relationships
•Continue discussions with school districts, counties, watershed districts,
neighboring municipalities and other local and state agencies on regional
issues
•Review police protection services annually
Build and
Maintain
Regional
Partnerships
TO: City Council
FROM: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
SUBJECT: 2021 Goals
DATE: January 11, 2021 for the City Council workshop of January 19, 2021
BACKGROUND:
Attached to this memo is a copy of the 2020 Goals approved by the City Council last year, as
well as the 2021 goals that were discussed in recent weeks by the Parks Commission, Planning
Commission, Economic Development Authority and Historical Commission. I’d encourage you
to review this information as you prepare the City’s goals for 2021. As you know, staff uses the
goals developed by the Commissions and City Council to direct our work priorities in addition to
our daily work assignments.
It is noteworthy that 2021 involves a multitude of projects that are connected to, or result from,
the Lions Park reconstruction project. Significant time will be spent by staff to ensure that all
related projects are properly coordinated.
Below is a review of projects the staff anticipates spending time on in 2021:
Infrastructure:
Pavement management program. In 2016, the city re-evaluated the streets CIP
program. Council decided to accelerate the program by dedicating additional funds. In 2017,
with a recommendation from the Public Works Director, the council discontinued the city’s
sealcoating program, and reallocated the previously dedicated levy to the streets CIP for mill and
overlay projects. For 2019, staff updated the streets CIP by incorporating the new mill and
overlay program. In 2020 Council re-prioritized the street reconstruction CIP priorities to
consider coordinating with the Lion’s Park project.
The reconstruction project for 2021 will include many of the streets in the downtown area of
Hugo and surrounding Lion’s Park. The design and alignment of the streets and configuration of
on-street parking along many of the streets will be modified due in part to the Lions Park project.
Later this year, staff will provide the council with updates on the condition of city streets and
long term maintenance costs (including mill and overlay) and will ask council to consider
approving another street reconstruction project for 2022.
CITY OF HUGO
MEMORANDUM
Gravel Roads. Staff has been monitoring the effectiveness of the gravel road
maintenance program including reclamation activities completed in 2019. Staff will recommend
a re-graveling project this year, which will likely include 180th Street.
Road Construction projects in 2020 will focus primarily on new public roads and
utilities to be constructed concurrent with private development. Notably, Finale Ave adjacent to
Lions Park will be relocated in conjunction with an apartment development that is underway. A
City-led project involving the extension of 147th Street from Finale Ave to Oneka Parkway will
occur simultaneous with the downtown street improvements and Lions Park construction.
Ditches. The Rice Creek Watershed District plans to finish a significant maintenance
project along Judicial Ditch #3 this year. The ditch runs through multiple neighborhoods and
work has been very noticeable. City staff is leading a project on a major section of Judicial
Ditch #2 that was completed last year with work on a new section to be complete this winter if
weather allows. RCWD is undertaking maintenance this winter on branches of JD2 south of
Rice Lake this winter. The combination of ditch maintenance projects occurring last year and
this year will represent the most significant improvements to the city’s drainage infrastructure in
recent memory.
South Water Tower. The project schedule for the tower originally anticipated
completion in July of 2020, however the contractor declared bankruptcy, which has complicated
and delayed the project. The tower is now nearing completion and should be ready to be filled
with water and is expected to be operating in the spring. Afterwards, discussion will occur
concerning the fate of the old tower on 130th street, which will no longer be needed to support
the City’s water supply system. A follow-up project will be to remove the pressure reducing
valves that currently serve as the main connection between the city’s two water towers.
Highway 61. In 2019, Council added a goal to begin discussions with MnDOT and
Washington County to talk about eventual improvements and expansion of Hwy 61. Washington
County has now included funds in their 2022 CIP for re-evaluation of the Hwy 61 Corridor Plan.
Public Works Facility. Construction will proceed on the new Public Works Facility
throughout 2021 with final completion and occupancy scheduled in early 2022.
Water:
White Bear Lake Lawsuit. The Supreme Court made a ruling on this case in 2020,
which sent it back to the Court of Appeals, who have recently made their ruling. Staff will
provide updates on this topic as they become timely. We expect this topic to be a major
administrative distraction in 2021 as the DNR and other agencies respond to the ruling.
Stormwater re-use. Last year, the City re-used over 30 million gallons of water through
this program. Construction is ongoing on new several projects that will be privately managed by
Homeowners Associations. The City staff expects to begin construction on the CSAH 8 re-use
project, which will supply irrigation water to CSAH 8 landscaping, Lions Park, City Hall,
Keystone Place, Hugo Gardens Apartments, and 147th Street. The timing of this project ideally
would be coordinated to coincide with the timing of the Lions park project, and the downtown
street project. Staff continues to seek outside funds and project ideas for other re-use projects.
Water Conservation. Many of the measures the city has implemented for water
conservation will likely be negatively impacted following the recent court rulings on the White
Bear Lake issue.
Staff is currently implementing a program using grant dollars from the Met Council that
should result in the installation of smart irrigation controllers for hundreds of Hugo residents.
Regional water studies that impact Hugo continue to be developed and updated. Staff
reviews this data, participates on many task forces and committees and is involved in regional
discussions involving water use. Phil Klein remains as a member of MAWSAC.
Fire Department:
Staffing. As the City welcomes a new Fire Chief to begin the new year, the primary
focus of the Fire Department leadership will surround staffing. The Chief would like to discuss a
possible department organizational and staffing study to be conducted by an outside entity. The
chief is interested in exploring the need and timing for full-time positions within the Fire
Department. Additional focus will occur on efforts to recruit for daytime response.
Parks:
Lions Park. This winter, staff is finalizing the design of the new Lions Park with the
help of several committees. This spring, the staff will request council authorize construction
plans, receive bids, and issue bonds for construction that is anticipated to begin after Good
Neighbor Days (if it occurs) in 2021.
Relocation of playground equipment. The reconstruction of Lions Park will cause the
need to relocate the existing playground equipment within Lions Park to another park. Staff
anticipates the Park Commission will authorize a project within Beaver Ponds Park to remove
the old playground equipment, perform the necessary site work and install the equipment from
Lions Park.
Recreation programs. The city staff was preparing new programming for 2020 in
collaboration with multiple organizations, but recreational programming and events did not occur
because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Events and recreational programming will only occur in
2021 if conditions improve.
Trails. Staff is working with Washington County on planning for a southerly extension
of the Hardwood Creek Trail to the Ramsey County border. The Parks Commission has created
a master plan for trail improvements within Clearwater Creek Preserve. Collaboration with
the Rice Creek Watershed District will lead to work being completed along the ditch in
Clearwater Creek preserve this year, clearing corridors that will double as walking trails. The
Commission has completed a study on Goodview Ave north of Egg Lake Road to determine
feasibility of a trail connection. Another study is being considered in the area around the new
planned White Bear Lake Elementary School. Many important trail connections are also being
addressed through our partnerships with the development community.
Water Access. The Parks Plan encourages a focus on improving access to the City’s
water amenities. Land has been dedicated along Sunset Lake, providing a public access
possibility.
Irish Avenue Park. Plans for Irish Ave Park are changing due to the construction of a
new public works facility on that land. The Parks Commission is interested in meeting with
surrounding residents to plan the future of the park.
Administration and Planning:
Downtown Hugo. The 2021 Lions Park project, combined with the street projects, the
water re-use project, and the adjacent apartment project will all contribute significantly toward
the realization of the downtown master plan. The improvements will include reconstruction and
redesign of the parking lot at City Hall. It will also impact the traffic flow of vehicles and
pedestrians to the area. Staff may discuss with council enhancements to the public entrance of
City Hall to coordinate with the other improvements.
A year ago, the City had an agreement in place for development of a restaurant on city-owned
land. While this agreement was terminated due to Covid-19 impacts, another developer has
emerged and Council has approved an agreement allowing for development of this land under a
phased approach. Staff expects to work with the developer towards completion of this plan.
The Council and Planning Commission have determined that the downtown design guidelines
are still a proper guide for new development in the downtown area. The EDA has approved a
marketing plan that is being implemented by staff. Staff will continue to facilitate discussions
between landowners to promote the private redevelopment of the old stock lumber site.
Covid -19. The pandemic has challenged city staff in countless ways. Staff will
continue to do a great job in their ongoing efforts in finding safe and effective ways of serving
the public, conducting meetings, and adapting as requirements dictate.
Protests. In 2020, Hugo became a location for protest activity following the death of
George Floyd. Staff will need to continue to monitor possible protest activity, and strategically
determine how to provide appropriate responses. Keeping the city’s residents safe and providing
for free speech remain priorities of the city
Collaboration with others. We will continue to seek ways to provide improved
municipal services at a lower cost where possible by combining efforts with other entities.
Washington County has completed a study of Economic Development services and has hired a
full time staff person who has been collaborating with us. The Building Department continues to
provide full time building permit and inspection services for the City of Scandia, and part time
for other cities. The City has recently transferred operation of the city’s compost site to the
county, and operations have expanded to accept brush. The City has participated in the
formation of a technology collaborative for IT Services, known as Metro-Inet.
Development Review. Staff is closely monitoring the pace of development activity
which has been accelerating. Some ongoing residential development projects include Adelaide
Landing, Oneka Place, Rice Lake Reserve, Oneka Lake Reserve, The Meadows of Hugo, Jack
Pine Place Apartments, Rosemary Apartments, and others. There are also several commercial
projects underway. Interest from the development community continues in vacant, undeveloped
land parcels as well.
Economic Development. Specific efforts in 2021 will continue to focus on completion
of strategies to encourage extension of infrastructure along 165th Street, collaboration on the new
technology corridor and development within the downtown area.
White Bear Lake School Facilities. The school district has recently passed a $326
million bond referendum for facilities. We have been working with District staff on planning for
the new elementary school in Hugo that we expect will be under construction in 2021. That
project will result in intersection improvements at 152nd Street and Hwy 61. Staff is providing
input on the design, and is collaborating on possible joint use of common spaces within the new
100,000 square foot building. The District will also be finishing work on a new bus facility in
the Bald Eagle industrial park this year. The District has interest in re-purposing the existing
City Public Works Facility for their grounds maintenance operations facility, and staff is
working on a related purchase agreement. Finally, there will be a building addition to Oneka
Elementary, and Hugo Elementary will be converted to an early childhood center.
Technology. The staff continues implementation of a document imaging system. Much
of this conversion to electronic files has been complete, which is improving the way that service
is delivered. Staff has also gone live with new software that allows for acceptance of on-line
building permit applications and payments. As a result, much of the transactional business that
used to occur at the front counter, occurs on-line instead. New A/V equipment was recently
installed within the Council Chambers and Oneka Room, and virtual meetings have become
normal with the pandemic. The City is now capable of performing hybrid meetings, and have
expanded the ways in which the public can view and participate in meetings.
Comprehensive Plan / Ordinances. This significant effort was completed in 2019. As
time allows, the Community Development Department will begin implementation measures,
which normally starts with an evaluation of city ordinances.
The Beautification Subcommittee. This year, a new monument sign at the city’s north
entrance is anticipated.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council use the information provided to discuss and prepare a list of goals for
2021.
2021 Goals Planning Commission Approved by the Planning Commission at its Thursday, ________, 2021, meeting • Schedule regular Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) meetings• Evaluate and revise the shoreland, subdivision, and PUD sections of the City CodeZoning Ordinance Text Amendments• Schedule Planning Commission meeting procedures and land use trainingTraining • Review and evaluate the Commercial and Industrial Design Guidleines related to new trends for building materials. • Monitor trends in planning and developments due to the Covid-19 pandemic• Evaluate devleopment feesPresentation Topics • Implementation of Comprehensive Plan• Update ordinances/policies to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan• Discuss area planning on 170th Street and Highway 612040 Comprehensive Plan
Approved by the EDA at its Tuesday, ________________, 2021, meeting 2021 Goals Economic Development Authority (EDA) •Assist and encourage redevelopment of properties in downtownDowntown Redevelopment•Continue low development costs•Continue business visits and the BR&E Program•Continue assisting businesses to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic•Provide resource lists for business•Encourage the extension of high speed internet through-out the City•Promote Washington County CDA grant and Open to Business ProgramMaintain a Business Friendly Environment•Continue memberships of economic development associations•Install the City north entrance monument sign•Encourage businesses to identify themselves as being located in Hugo•Attend Technology Corridor (I35E) meetings •Continue to encourage and monitor infrastructure improvements to promote economic developmentMarketing / Promotion of the City •Continue partnering with local businesses and the HBA•Continue to partner with Washington County on its Economic Development Strategic Plan•Meet with property owners with property for sale to see if there is any way the City can helpPartnerships
2021 Goals
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission
Approved by the Parks Commission at their December 16, 2020 meeting.
•Address trail and greenway connectivity with new developments.
•Look for opportunities to fill the gaps in the trail network.
•Study the feasibility of a trail north of Lions Park.
Develop a network of multi-purpose
TRAILS
connecting neighborhoods
to parks and open space
•Provide for the recreation needs of our diverse population.
•Strengthen and build partnerships to efficiently provide recreation options.
•Evaluate existing recreation programs and amenities and explore new options.
Utilize facilities to provide
active and passive RECREATION
options for all Hugo residents
•Continually inspect existing parks to maintain a list of assets and their condition.
•Enhance and maintain existing trails and parks.
•Replace the playground at Beaver Ponds Park with the existing equipment in Lions Park.
Manage and optimize all EXISTING
PARKS AND TRAILS.
•Continue to prioritize community park projects as opportunities arise.
•Design and construct Lions Park.
•Plan and enhance Irish Avenue Park.
•Include RCWD ditch maintenance in implentation of the Clearwater Creek Preserve Master Plan.
Expand COMMUNITY PARKS
•Actively utilize the Comprehensive Plan as a planning tool.
•Respond to resident input.
•Review development applications with respect to the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan and
Park Dedication Policy.
•Review the Park Naming Policy.
Administer the
Parks, Trails, and Open Space
PLAN and POLICIES
Hugo
DATE: January 5th 2021
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr.
RE: Goals for 2021
1) Create a transition plan to a fulltime fire chief.
2) Start discussions on new daytime staffing models.
3) Have a third party operational audit/staffing study done of fire department.
City of Fire Department
5323 140th Street North
Hugo, Minnesota 55038
PH: (651) 762-6362 FAX: (651) 429-3212