HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 04.18.23MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF APRIL 18, 2023
President Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
PRESENT: Arcand, Chrun, Denaway, Klein, Puleo, Weidt
ABSENT: Roberts
STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Max Gort, Associate Planner
STAFF ABSENT: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Arcand, to approve the February 21,
2023 EDA meeting minutes.
Ayes: All.
Nay: None.
Motion carried.
UPDATE FROM THE HUGO AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Community Development Director Juba introduced Eric Heagle, the publisher of the Hugo Neighbors
Magazine and the newly elected president of the Hugo Area Business Association (HBA). Heagle gave
background on the HBA’s function as a group for business owners to connect with each other, promote
their business interests, and create a channel of communication with City government. Heagle stated that
member business owners have found great benefit with networking opportunities and participating in
events such as ribbon cuttings and social media engagements. Heagle asked the EDA for advice for
continuing to engage business owners and make Hugo a more attractive business environment. President
Weidt highlighted the Washington County Community Development Agency and their Economic
Development Director Chris Eng being a resource, and Commissioner Denaway suggested engaging with
the Open to Business program with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers. The EDA
suggested continuing to sponsor HBA events like Kidz N Biz, which Heagle stated will be the HBA’s core
public facing event going forward.
UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 61 VISIONING STUDY
Juba gave an update on the Highway 61 Visioning Study, a collaboration with Washington County,
MnDOT, and the City of Hugo. The team hosted an Open House on April 5, 2023 where preliminary
feedback was given by roughly 110 attendees. Community members had differing opinions on how
the highway should be designed to either limit or manage growth. Discussions took place relating to
pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the future of transit along the corridor, and right-of-way needs. Juba
stated that as the study progresses, discussions relating to beautification and small area planning will
likely occur. The visioning study is proposed to be followed by a jurisdictional transfer, with the
highway being turned over from MnDOT to Washington County, although the County does not want
to take control of the highway without improvements or provided financial ability. The EDA did not
have any further questions or discussion.
UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT
Juba gave an update on development taking place throughout the City. The Shores of Oneka Lake is in
the process of grading and installing utilities for the first addition, which will include 50 single f amily
lots and an accompanying roundabout at the intersection of TH 61 and 159th Street N. Rice Lake
Reserve’s third and final addition will be constructed with access to CSAH 8 west of Hanifl Fields
Athletic Park. The Hugo Estates expansion has received approval but the developer is waiting to begin
construction. The Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) is having discussions relating to the City’s solar
farm ordinance, and will begin discussing the future of apartment projects afterward. Commissioner
Puleo asked how solar farms are taxed. Juba responded that solar projects are taxed with both
commercial/industrial and agricultural portions. Vice-President Klein asked about the type of product
being proposed in the Shores of Oneka Lake, and Juba responded that the lots will feature a mixture
of single-family homes and twin homes. Premier Banks has applied for the building permit to relocate
their Hugo branch, and the Xcel Energy training center is planning for the first phase of their
expansion this year. Dart Portable Storage received approval for a Conditional Use Permit
amendment and is working with the existing property owner before closing on the site. Staff is
continuing to work with Dennis Properties, LLC. on the Downtown Hugo plan proposed for the City-
owned property on Egg Lake.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Denaway, to adjourn the meeting at
6:11 PM.
Ayes: All
Nay: None
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Max Gort, Associate Planner