HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 12.20.22MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 20, 2022
Chair Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
PRESENT: Arcand, Chrun, Gallivan, Klein, Roberts, Weidt
ABSENT: Denaway, Puleo
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Max Gort, Associate Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Roberts, to approve the October 18,
2022 EDA meeting minutes.
Ayes: All.
Nay: None.
Motion carried.
2022 EDA REVIEW
Associate Planner Gort gave a presentation to the EDA highlighting economic development throughout the
City in 2022, and what has changed relative to the goals adopted for 2022. Hugo’s population continued to
grow, with the Met. Council’s estimation reaching over 16,000 for the first time. The Downtown Hugo
project is underway, along with the visioning and jurisdictional transfer study for Highway 61. The City
completed its projects of reconstructing Lions Park (now named Lions Volunteer Park), the new
community building known as Peder Pedersen Pavilion, and the new Public Works building. The White
Bear Lake Area School District completed its new elementary school known as North Star Elementary.
Commercial and industrial projects such as Schwieters Building 7 and Eagle’s Landing were completed. Xcel
Energy received approval from the Planning Commission and City Council to expand their existing training
facility, which is to include a “mock” substation and transmission lines, as well as a new 40,000 square foot
building hosting high volume training events twice p er year. The Building Department received 107
permits for new single-family homes, with more residential projects in planning stages.
Community Development Director Juba gave an update on the Downtown Hugo project, stating that it was
approved with recommendations from the EDA and Planning Commission to the City Council. The
developer wants to come back and discuss issues such as the relocation of the watermain. Additionally,
the developer has received letters from the MnDNR opposing the project due to th e location of buildings
and decking relative to shoreland statutes, with the latest letter indicating that the DNR wants to conduct
meetings with staff to change the plan so that it meets dimensional standards. Commissioner Chrun asked
if the setback was the DNR’s primary concern, and Juba stated that flexibility was given through PUD
criteria. Commissioner Roberts asked how comfortable the EDA would be with a potential extension of the
purchase agreement, with Commissioner Arcand and President Weidt statin g that the timeline is out of
the applicant’s control. City Administrator Bear stated that the EDA is the applicant’s primary negotiating
group, and that the EDA should have an expectation for the applicant to perform well on the design.
2023 GOAL SETTING
Juba gave background on topics discussed at the Planning Commission’s goal setting, with a review of
the Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines, and review of the City’s approach to apartment
projects being the main items that may be brought to the EDA’s attention. Juba highlighted action
items that were taken in 2022, being the evaluation and review of downtown area beautification and
adoption of new banners. The Highway 61 Visioning Study was delayed from its original start date of
May 2022, but is now underway with Washington County’s hiring of Bolton & Menk as consultants.
Commissioner Chrun stated that the EDA should be involved in the discussion around apartment
projects, with President Weidt adding that assessing the City’s commercially zoned property and
whether it adequately meets demand being involved. Commissioner Klein discussed eventual sewer
and water extension to the areas south of 165 th Street and west of Highway 61, with President Weidt
suggesting the EDA continue small area planning in these locations. Commissioner Roberts suggests
removing goals related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Commissioner Arcand suggests regular
reviews of the EDA’s goals throughout the year.
Commissioner Klein asked about water resource concerns with the ongoing issue of the water level of
White Bear Lake. Bear stated that water resource management is still one of the biggest issues the
City faces, but is unsure of how much attention the EDA should devote to it. Commissioner Arcand
stated that the EDA should be interested in the development of the Highway 61 visioning study. Juba
responded that stakeholder lists will be made further along, at which time the EDA may be involved.
Commissioner Roberts asks about other partnership opportunities, but the EDA determined that
these were not as viable.
Juba stated that a draft of goals will be brought to the ne xt meeting, with feedback able to be
provided.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Gallivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Klein, to adjourn at 6:31 PM.
All ayes. Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Max Gort, Associate Planner