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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 Fall NewsletterCITY OF ' ZZVI� EST. 1906 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 Non -emergency: 651-439-9381 %at &t;(- &sue --- Parks & Rec Updates ...................... 2 Historical Commission ................... 2 A Word from Public Works .............. 3 Pet Waste / Pick Up the Poop ......... 3 Economic Development ................ 4 Housing Development Updates...... 4 Smart Irrigation Controller Program .... 5 Smart Irrigation Controller App.......... 6 Update from the Fire Chief ............. 7 Sheriff's Office Updates .................. 7 Open Burning ................................. 8 Virtual Meetings ............................. 8 Election Information ....................... 8 COMMUNITY NEWS, INFORMATION AND EVENTS Letter from the Mayor One of the reasons why my wife and I first moved to Hugo is because of what the City had to offer. We wanted a sense of community along with a great place to raise a family. Over the past 20 plus years, we have been incredibly happy with the growing community, and I continue to have a sense of pride when I say that I am from Hugo. Hugo is a great place and welcoming to all residents. I think that we can all agree that this past year has been strange and difficult, but we are here for each other. Now, more than ever, I am so thankful for the support of the community and am happy to call Hugo my home. While business has been anything but usual, Hugo remains an active community with much to offer. There are 18 community parks in the City — which have been busier than ever this past summer! One of the City Council's top feedback items from residents is to expand on community amenities, including our parks and trails. Our community is growing and so are our needs. The Council has been listening to residents and has approved a financing plan that will allow the City to redevelop Lions Park with construction anticipated in 2021. As the first park in the City, Lions Park has been an important part of Hugo and is a great asset to the community. The redevelopment of Lions Park will include a park pavilion with picnic spaces, multipurpose courts, ballfields, open lawn spaces, and an amphitheater. The design of the park is still being refined, and I encourage residents to partic- ipate in the process. The hope is to create a space that everyone can enjoy and be proud of! With so much to offer already, there is so much more to came. A growing community comes with the growing responsibility of making sure the needs of the community are met. With this, the City's Public Works department is constantly busy maintaining and improving our infrastructure and public spaces. Hugo Public Works be- gan over 20 years ago with a pickup truck and snow shovel. We now have 14 full time Public Works employees, 11 snow plows, and 39 various vehicles that help maintain 132 miles of roads, 450 acres of parkland, and the City's water and sewer system. As you probably know, they operate out of the Public Works building on 137th Street. The current building was built in 2005, but the City has outgrown the facility. After completing a feasibility study and comparing different options, the City is moving forward with expanding the public works operations to a new building to be constructed at Irish Avenue Park off of 140th Street. The new building went out for bids in late summer and construction is starting this fall. In addition to providing space for Public Works, the new building will also accommodate space for the Washington County Sheriff's Office as they continue to serve and protect our community. We are lucky to have them. Hugo is a developing community, as it is not yet fully developed. With so much to offer already, there is so much more to come. With time there will be more businesses offering more choices to our residents. Hugo is open and ready for business and I am excited for what the future has to hold. Thank you to everyone for making Hugo a great place to live, work, and play. Be Good Neighbors, respect and care for one another, and stay safe. 4��o If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it to info@ci.hugo.mn.us Tom Weidt, Mayor Your question could be featured in the next newsletter! A NOTE FROM Your Historical Commission Washington County Library Offers Virtual Programs From eBooks to digital magazines, audio books to print books and everything in between, Washington County Library offers materials of all types for Hugo residents to browse and borrow. The Library is also offering a variety of virtual programs for all ages including Storytime Live and book clubs. They offer tools for caregivers and kids such as virtual field trips and tools for home learning. They provide resources and programming for adults. This includes the weekly Virtual Memory Cafe in partnership with FamilyMeans, which is a wel- coming place for those with memory loss and their caregivers. Go to www.washcolib.org/ for more information about all that Washington County Library offers. Over seven acres of park land was dedicated with the Adelaide Landing residential devel- opment in March 2017. A plan for the future park was approved in May 2019 that included a soccer/multi-purpose field, playground, shelter, double pickleball court, basketball court, and ample off -road parking. The active park area is adjacent to over 45 acres of storm - water ponds and open space through which approximately 1.5 miles of paved trails and boardwalks meander. The residential development also includes several miles of on -road trails and sidewalks, connecting the park to surrounding neighborhoods. A playground was selected with the help of the neighborhood that includes a zip line, climbing net, toddler play area, swings, and slides. Construction started last fall, resumed in the spring, and is anticipated to be completed this fall. A Grand Opening will be held October 7 at 3:00 pm. The park is located at 13246 Fondant Trail N. Lions Park Construction Anticipated in 2021! A re -development of Lions Park is planned to start in 2021. A master plan for the park was approved in 2015 following six community workshops and four stakeholder meetings over the course of three years. Hundreds of residents and stakeholders representing groups such as the Lions Club and School Districts participated. The City Council and Parks Commission reviewed a Feasibility Study for the park at a workshop on June 29, 2020. They reviewed minor changes to the master plan which will ensure the park aligns with an approved residential development on the west side of the park that includes 84 apartment units in seven buildings and anticipated road improvement projects. The study included updated cost estimates for construction. The Feasibility Study was adopted by the Council at their July 20, 2020 meeting. The design of the park will continue to be refined this fall. A stakeholder group will be formed to design the large playground and youth play areas. A second stakeholder group will design the large multi -purpose pavilion which is intended to accommodate large community events, multiple small gatherings at a time, performances, and more. Construction documents will be drafted this winter and bids are anticipated to be awarded in the spring. Construction may start as early as the beginning of next summer. Residents are invited to participate in designing the park through a variety of ways. A community workshop will be held on October 12, 2020 at 7 pm. For details on how to participate in the workshops and to read updates on the park project, go to www.ci.hugo.mn.us/parks_rec Did you know that for the last 100+ years there have been two theories on how the City of Hugo got its name? One of our members is researching the historical facts and fiction to solve this dilemma once and for all. Stay tuned. As you prepare for school here is an interesting fact: Between 1871 and 1892, six schools were built in Oneka Township, today known as the City of Hugo. They were District #44 School, Johnson/Walker, Kinyon, Tingley, Wilcox, and Common, later becoming the Hopkins School which sits on 170th. Today there are two - Oneka Elementary and Hugo Elementary. We hope all age groups will be back in their schools soon. Hugo District #44 School, circa 1909 Another ongoing project is recording oral histories with our residents. To date, we have 46 interviews and are always searching for more people to share their life stories. No lives are or were too boring, which is something we often hear. Please consider contacting us if you, or someone you know, is interested. Call Cynthia at 651-604-7389. The Historical Commission meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall. Please come and check us out! Tingley School,1932 HYDRANT A Word From STREET FLUSHING M SWEEPING BEGINS AROUNDPu bi ic Works BEGINS AROUND OCTOBER 1, 2020 OCTOBER 15, 2020 Fall Clean -Up Day Fall clean-up day will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Hugo Public Works. The collection of waste will only be for Hugo residents. However, hazardous materials and electronics will be accepted free of charge from all Washington County residents (no businesses). Zip code verification will be required to verify residence in Washington County. This event offers a great opportunity to do a last minute clean- up of your property before winter hits! Questions? Call Hugo Public Works at651-762-6301. Winter Parking Ordinance Between 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 at any time during the year, on -street parking is prohibited during those times. This is to allow the Public Works Depart- ment time 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 160.2715 prohibits plowing, shoveling, blowing, or otherwise placing snow onto any public road right-of-way, and doing so is punishable by a misdemeanor. Snow that 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. In preparation for snow removal season, residents should check their mailboxes to ensure they are sturdy, in good condition, and installed properly. Please keep snow cleared from the area around and below the mailbox. Mailboxes that are damaged by snow, and not actual plow contact, will not be repaired by the City of Hugo. Also, please remove any temporary items from the public right-of-way, such as basketball hoops or planter boxes, as this will aid in safe and efficient snow removal. Prevent Stormwater Pollution, Report Illicit Discharges An illicit discharge is any discharge into the stormwater drainage system. It is unlawful to dispose of any substance other than stormwater into streets, gutters, ditches, pond, streams, or lakes. As a community member, you play a large role in identifying and reducing illicit discharges in our community. What can you do about illicit discharges? If you see anyone discharging any material other than rainwater in roadside ditches or storm drains, please report it to Public Works at 651-762-6301. For potentially hazardous materials or petroleum spills, call 9-1-1 FIRST if there is an immediate threat to life or property. Practice smart salting this winter to protect our water Road salt helps to melt ice, but it also pollutes our lakes, streams, and ground- water. In the Twin Cities Metro, 40 lakes and streams are contaminated by too much chloride, 40 are almost impaired, and 30% of private wells have elevated levels of chloride. Here's what you can do this winter; 1. Shovel: Clear walkways before snow turns to ice and before you apply salt. The more snow you clear manually, the less salt you will need. 2. Scatter: Use salt only where it's crucial. When you apply salt to pavement, leave plenty of space between granules. A 12-ounce coffee cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway. 3. Select: Salt doesn't melt ice if the pave- ment is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, so use sand for traction when it's too cold, or choose a different de-icer. 4. Sweep: Clean up leftover salt, sand, and de-icer to save and reuse as needed. 5. Slow Down: Drive slower when roads are icy or snow-covered and wear your winter boots when you're walking or running errands. Pet Waste Improperly disposed pet waste can pollute our water. When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams the waste decays, using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures can kill fish. Most importantly, pet waste carries diseases which make water unsafe for swimming and drinking. Pet waste may not be the largest or most toxic pollutant in urban waterways, but it is one of the many little sources of pollution that add up to a big problem. Fortunately there are some things we can all do to help keep our water clean. It's the pet owner's responsibility to "scoop the poop;' and it is a small price to pay to protect our water quality. (Ordinance No. 2011-45 Sec.10-38). llllllllll� Scoop The Poop • This is Our Home and Your Neighborhood 3❑ SCHWIETERS CAMPUS DEVROPMENT AUDITION On behalf of Schwieters Construction, Victor Land Holding, LLC gained approval for an approximately 22,580 square foot office and warehouse building on the corner of 140th Street North and Fenway Blvd North. The building is an expansion to the Schwieters Campus Development located in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. The City is excited to see that the company is doing well and expanding in Hugo. TGK AUTOMOTIVE EXPANSION TGK Automotive originally gained site plan approval in 2018 for an 11,337 square foot auto repair building located along Highway 61. In April 2020, TGK Automotive gained site plan approval for an approximately 2,900 square foot expansion on to their existing building and completed construction this past summer. VICTOR PLACE The Victor Gardens PUD saw approval of a 13,879 square foot office/retail building to be located on Victor Path, south of Frenchman Road. The devel- oper, Pratt Ordway Properties, is intending to lease part of the building to Kidsability. The other tenant is still unknown at this time. Housing Update/Development Adelaide Landing 5th Addition After gaining approval for the first phase of development in fall of 2017, Hugo's Adelaide Landing residential development in now on its fifth addition. Along with the 324 lots planned for the development, the neighborhood features a park, trails, and a stormwater reuse irrigation system. Adelaide Landing is located east of Highway 61 and north of 130th Street North. Oneka Place 4th Addition Oneka Place is a mix of single family and maintenance provided villa units, with a total of 177 units planned for the development. The development is located north of 159th Street North and along Oneka Parkway North. The fourth addition consists of 63 residential lots. Hugo Garden Apartments Hugo Garden Apartments gained approval to construct 84 apartment units in seven buildings. The property is part of the LaValle Fields PUD and is located west of Finale Avenue North and south of 147th Street North. The buildings will have a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units for rent. _ S4 Bland ing's Turtles area threatened species found in Washington County 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, or on other informational and marketing materials. Please visit the City's website for more informa- tion on how to submit your photos! Questions? Please contact Rachel Juba, Community Development Director at 651-762-6304 ".'-► CITY �— HUGO CITY HALL, 14669 FITZGERALD AVE N, HUGO, MN 55038 SMART IRRIGA CONTRO'LFR PR SAVE WATER MONEY IRRIGATION! Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation controllers are available for purchase through Hugo City Hall for $30 (retail value of $230). How to purchase: 1. Complete an application form, which can be found on the back of this page or the website, and write a check for $30, made out to City of Hugo. 2. Either mail in the application and check to Hugo City Hall, or place them in the drop box located near the front doors of City Hall. 3. Once received, City staff will process your application and deliver your irrigation controller to your doorstep! Please make sure your name, phone number, and email are correctly filled out so we can let you know when the controller will be delivered. *Must be connected to City water to be eligible* For more information and the application, Call: 651-762-6311, or Visit: www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2020grant CLEAN WATER LAND & METROPOLITAN LEGACY C 0 U N C I L AMENDMENT I` CITY O= O HUB Smart Irrigation Controller .: Application Hugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 • (651) 762-630 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2020grant Hours: Monday — Friday, 8:00 am — 4:30 pm Applicant: FOR OFFICIAL OFFICE USE ONLY Property Address: Staff Approval: City: State: Zip: Date: Phone: Irrigation Number: Cell: Cash: ❑ OR Check: ❑ Check Number: Receipt Number: Email: Are you connected to City water? Yes: ❑ No: ❑ My signature indicates that the information provided is true, I have read and understood the grant program guidelines, and that I comply with the City of Hugo grant program requirements. I will allow a representative of the City of Hugo to verify the installation if requested. Signature: Date: ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES • Must be a resident of the City of Hugo. • Installation and programming of your new controller is the • Must be connected to City water. responsibility of the property owner. • Must currently have a functional • The City reserves the right to inspect the irrigation controller for irrigation controller. proper installation. • The existing controller must have been • Smart controllers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis installed prior to 2019. and at the discretion of the City of Hugo. The City reserves the right • Must have a smartphone (necessary to to refuse any application for any reason it sees fit. program and to operate the controller). • Limit one controller per property address. • Must have in -home Wi-Fi strength at • If your controller is located outside, you will need to purchase an your existing controller by making sure outdoor enclosure. The City is not responsible for providing an that your smartphone picks up at least outdoor enclosure. two bars. Failure to have sufficient Wi- • The City is not responsible for sensor performance or water savings. Fi at the controller location may result No warranty or guarantee is provided. in compatibility or functionality issues • The City has the right to discontinue or amend the grant program at with your controller. any time. • All applications must be completed and turned in at Hugo City Hall. (f MCLEAN ATER L lliAMENDMENT LAND & METROPOLITAN LEGACY C O U N C I L Sergeant Joe Zerwas, left. Sheriff Dan Starry, right. The Hugo Fire and Rescue team is always ready and prepared to serve its community. While the pandemic has created some challenges, the team continues to train and uphold their skills. In order to keep our firefighters safe, we train in small groups of less than ten and wear our masks. Check out some training pics with the ladder truck from summer! Fire Chief Kevin Colvard can be reached at: kcolvard@ci.hugo.mn.us Smoke/CO Detectors Please be mindful to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. A good way to remember this is to check your expiration dates and batteries ev- ery time you change your clocks for daylight savings! Please remember that detectors have a shelf life of eight to ten years and NEED to be replaced. Washington . County Welcome to Hugo! At the beginning of 2020 we saw a few changes to those serving Hugo. We were sad to say goodbye to Sergeant Joe Stoehr, who has a new position as General Investigations Sergeant with Washington County. However, filling his place, we are happy to have Joe Zerwas as the new Sergeant for the City of Hugo. We are also excited to welcome Lee Mars as the new Hugo Detective and Deputy Shawn Irvin to the City of Hugo. Upcoming Changes Deputy Kelly Olson will be leaving Hugo as a contract deputy and transitioning to Mahtomedi School Resource Officer. Deputy Olson will be a huge loss to the citizens of Hugo as she is very passionate about public relations with the community and worked as a DARE instructor for the Oneka Elementary School. Deputy Irvin will be the new DARE instructor for Oneka Elementary starting in 2021. We are happy to welcome Deputy Zach Boesel to the Hugo team. Deputy Boesel grew up on the north end of Washington County and is excited to work locally. DeputyZach Boesel, left. Deputy Kelly Olson, right. YO2o2o tJR HUGO 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 91 www.ci.hugo.mn.us OPEN BURNING Reminder to Hugo residents that as the leaves begin to fall, open burning is not permitted within the City unless a permit was obtained. Open burning includes burning to dispose of vegetative matter. j A permit is not required for a recreational fire conducted between the hours of 6:00 am and 2:00 am. lk Sec. 34-4. of the City Code. * 4 PLEASE HELP AVE TREES. THIS ISBLESUE IS RECYCLA Virtual Meetings As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, City meetings and public hearings are being held virtually. We understand that this is not the typical way you may be used to providing public comments, and we know it may be difficult, but we are here to help. City staff is more than happy to accom- modate for anyone wishing to participate, visit www.ci.hugo.mn.us/participate for more information. ed WIMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION �,-I GENERAL ELECTION IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 COVID-19 and Polling Sites Face coverings must be worn at all polling locations, and social distancing of six -feet is required inside the building and while waiting in line. Due to limited space in the buildings, it is likely lines will extend outdoors. Please keep the weather in mind and dress appropriately when heading out to vote. If you don't know where to vote, contact City Hall or check the Secretary of State's website at https://polifinder.sos.state.mn.us/. Other Ways to Vote • Vote in person on election day at your polling location. • Vote in person at the Washington County Service Center between the dates of Friday, September 18, 2020, and Monday, November 2, 2020. Vote by mail by first completing the application requesting a ballot. It can be filled out electronically on the Secretary of State's website at https:// www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ or contact Washington County or the Hugo City Clerk for a paper application. Once the application is received, a ballot will be sent back Ballots must be post marked on or before November 3rd. Pre -Registration Pre -register to save time on Election Day. You can register online on the Secretary of State's website or contact Washington County or City Hall for an application. The last day to pre -register for the General Election is October 13, 2020. Registration can also be done at the polls. Local Election on Your Ballot You will be voting for Mayor, Council Member -at -Large, and Council Member Ward 2 (if you live in Ward 2). Current terms expire on December 31, 2020. Council Member terms are four year, and the Mayor term is two years. Become an Election Judge! The City is looking for Election Judges. This is a great way learn more about the election process and support your community! Pay is $12/hour. Contact City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762-6315 for more information.