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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.11.03 CC MinutesMINUTES City Council Meeting City Hall Council Chambers Monday, November 3, 2025 7:00 p.m. Call to Order Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance COUNCIL PRESENT: Krull, Miron, Strub, Weidt COUNCIL ABSENT: Petryk OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, City Engineer Mark Erichson, City Attorney Dave Snyder, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, City Clerk Michele Lindau Approve Minutes for the October 4, 2025, Citywide Bus Tour Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the minutes for Citywide Bus Tour held on October 4, 2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the October 4, 2025, Fire Department Open House Strub made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the Fire Department Open House held on October 4, 2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting Krull made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting held on October 6, 2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the October 9, 2025, Neighborhood Meeting Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the minutes for the Neighborhood Meeting on the 2026 proposed street project held on October 9, 2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 2 of 8 Approve Minutes for the October 23, 2025, Neighborhood Meeting Strub made motion, Krull seconded, to approve the minutes for the Neighborhood Meeting on the 2026 proposed street project held on October 23, 2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the October 25, 2025, Rescheduled Citywide Bus Tour Krull made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the minutes for the rescheduled Citywide Bus Tour held on October 25,2025, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Agenda Weidt made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the agenda as amended by adding notice of the ribbon cutting for Agape Immersion Spanish Academy. All Ayes. Motion carried. Yellow Ribbon Network Update Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Chair Chuck Haas provided an update on recent activities of the YRN. He began by providing information from the quarterly report they fill out for the State National Guard. There were 32 events last quarter. They spent $45,000 and 600 volunteer hours supporting 500 service members and sent over 500 care packages. He shared photos of events and provided information. They staffed a Family Day at Camp Ripley and one at the Stillwater Armory. Culvers sponsored a burger night and provided free burgers. A dollar for every custard bought at Culvers from November 10-15 will go to the YRN. The YRN will also be raising money by selling the Culver’s calendar at Burger Nights. He had several photos of care packaging events and the recipients. The 133rd Airwing provided the YRN a plaque and flag in appreciation. He showed photos of the Youth Hunt held at Wild Wings, 6th Military Appreciation Hunt at Gold Meadows, and Shoot for the Troops also held at Wild Wings. There was a photo of the Washington County Sheriffs Office volunteers serving burgers at Burger Night. The YRN will be doing the Secret Santa again this year. Approval of Consent Agenda Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approve Claims Roster 2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Kraig Pettee 3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr. Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 3 of 8 4. Approve Angela Lutz as New Member of the Historical Commission 5. Approve Donation from the Hugo American Legion to the Hugo Fire Department 6. Approve Reduction in Letter of Credit for The Shores of Oneka 5th Addition 7. Approve Payment Request No. 3 to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for the Beaver Ponds Street Improvement Project and the 2025 Street Improvement Project 8. Approve Release of Escrow for Adelaide Landing Phase 2 Grading 9. Approve Resolution Approving Minor Subdivision for Heidi Harvieux – property on Jody Avenue North 10. Approve Resolution Approving Property Line Adjustment for 5696 170th Street North and 5606 180th Street North – Karen S. Kissner and See Xiong. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Claims Roster Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Kraig Pettee Kraig Pettee was hired as a Public Works Worker starting November 12, 2018. Kraig had worked the three previous summers as a seasonal worker. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review of Public Works Worker Kraig Pettee. Approve Annual Performance Review for Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr. At its meeting on October 16, 2023, Council approved the hiring of Jim Compton, Jr. as Hugo’s first full-time Fire Chief with a starting date of November 20, 2023. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr. Approve Angela Lutz as New Member of the Historical Commission Angela Lutz had submitted an application to be a member of the Historical Commission. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the appointment of Angela Lutz to the Historical Commission. Approve Donation from the Hugo American Legion to the Hugo Fire Department The Hugo American Legion had requested to donate $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department from pull-tab proceeds for equipment and training. All donations to the Fire Department needed to be approved by the Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation of $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department. Approve Reduction in Letter of Credit for The Shores of Oneka 5th Addition The Shores of Oneka 5th Addition had significant work completed to date and the developer had requested a reduction in the letter of credit. The current letter of credit for the 5th Addition was in Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 4 of 8 the amount of $2,236,432. Staff had inspected the work completed to date and recommended approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the reduction in the letter of credit to $223,643 based on the value of work remaining to be completed. Approve Payment Request No. 3 to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for the Beaver Ponds Street Improvement Project and the 2025 Street Improvement Project Northwest Asphalt, Inc. had submitted Pay Request No. 3 in the amount of $20,166.16 for work certified through September 30, 2025, for both the Beaver Ponds and the 2025 Street Improvement Projects. Both projects were complete with only minor restoration items remaining. City staff had inspected the work and recommended approval. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved payment to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $20,166.16. Approve Release of Escrow for Adelaide Landing Phase 2 Grading Twin Cities Land Development had requested the release of the remaining cash escrow for the grading of Phase 2 in Adelaide Landing. Phase 2 grading was complete, seeded and mulched. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the release of cash escrow in the amount of $18,600. Approve Resolution Approving Minor Subdivision for Heidi Harvieux – property on Jody Avenue North Heidi Harvieux had requested a minor subdivision of a 30-acre parcel located on Jody Avenue North into a 20-acre parcel and a 10-acre parcel. At its October 23, 2025, meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the minor subdivision. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2025-38 APPROVING A MINOR SUBDIVISION FOR HEIDI HARVIEUX FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON JODY AVENUE NORTH. Approve Resolution Approving Property Line Adjustment for 5696 170th Street North and 5606 180th Street North – Karen S. Kissner and See Xiong. Karen S. Kissner, 5696 Street North (Parcel A) and See Xiong, 5606 180th Street North (Parcel B) had requested approval of a property line adjustment between two properties, both of which were large lots occupied by single-family homes. Parcel A was 73.69 acres in size and Parcel B was 10.04 acres in size. The applicants had proposed to take 20.28 acres from Parcel A, and add it to Parcel B. The new parcels would be 30.32 acres and 53.41 acres in size. Staff found that both properties would comply with all applicable regulations in the City Code for approval of a property line adjustment. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved RESOLUTION 2025-39 APPROVING A PROPERTY LINE ADJUSTMENT FOR KAREN S. KISSNER AND SEE XIONG, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 5696 170TH STREET NORTH AND 5606 180TH STREET NORTH. Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 5 of 8 Discussion on Met Council System Statement Community Development Director Rachel Juba reported that the Metropolitan Council had completed system statements for all communities within its seven-county jurisdiction. The system statement initiates the preparation of the City’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which is due in December 2028. The current Comprehensive Plan guides development through 2040. As required by state law, the system statement provides a framework for communities to review prepare their 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Juba explained how Hugo is affected by the Metropolitan Council’s policy plans related to regional transportation, aviation, water resources, and parks and open space. She noted that the City’s population forecasts appear to be underestimated. The City has 60 days to review the system statement and may initiate a dispute process, which could result in a hearing. She reviewed land use designations within the system statement. The western portion of Hugo is identified as “Suburban Edge” within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) and is guided for low to medium density residential development with some industrial and commercial areas. The Metropolitan Council increased the minimum average residential density for this area from three to 3.5 units per acre. Juba commented that achieving this density may be difficult due to floodplains, wetlands, shoreland, and protected natural resources but noted the Metropolitan Council indicated some flexibility may be available. The eastern portion of the City remains designated as “Diversified Rural” and outside the MUSA, with growth limited to four units per 40 acres, consistent with Hugo’s 2040 Plan. Juba outlined the population, household, and employment forecasts used by the Metropolitan Council for regional planning. She noted that Hugo’s actual growth since 2020 is on track to exceed the 2030 forecast of 18,500 residents well before submission of the 2050 Plan. The Metropolitan Council indicated that communities affected by the White Bear Lake lawsuit may have reduced or held population forecasts, though Juba stated it was unclear why this would apply to Hugo since water supply is not a Metropolitan Council system. She added that the City has planned for higher growth than reflected in the forecast and that exceeding that would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment. Although the Metropolitan Council previously stated that sewer service capacity was sufficient for a population of 40,000, the forecasts remain low. The City continues to work with its Council sector representative and staff to resolve the issue and may later request formal Council action to dispute the system statement. Juba reviewed additional topics covered in the system statement. The City is required to plan for 418 affordable housing units in the next Comprehensive Plan and designate appropriate land uses to meet this target. The transportation section has minimal changes from the 2040 Plan, other than removal of a proposed fixed rail transit line. The transit market continues to reflect low population and job density. She noted no changes to current or long-term sewer services. While the City has no regional parks, it includes two regional trails: the Hardwood Creek Trail and the planned Glacial Hills Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 6 of 8 Regional Trail extension along CSAH 8 from TH61 to Lino Lakes and Centerville. Washington County is preparing the master plan for that corridor. The upcoming plan must also address new requirements for climate mitigation and adaptation, and the Metropolitan Council will provide supporting resources. Juba concluded that staff will continue to review the system statement and will maintain discussions with Metropolitan Council staff regarding forecasts, new density standards, and affordable housing allocations. A formal dispute of the system statement may be needed. Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan work plan is anticipated in early 2026. In Council discussion, Krull asked about the impacts of incorrect forecasts. Juba explained that they affect infrastructure and land use planning. Bear added that exceeding forecast numbers would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment before approving new projects, creating potential delays. Strub asked about the MUSA boundary, and Juba confirmed no changes are proposed. Weidt expressed concern that forecast limitations could restrict the City’s planned growth and requested staff notify the Council if a formal dispute letter or resolution becomes necessary. Approve Comment Letter on Washington County CIP City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the City provides comment letters each year to Washington County regarding the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). While these letters are not always reviewed by the Council, staff wanted Council members to be aware of a specific project included in this year’s CIP. Community Development Director Rachel Juba reported that Washington County’s five-year CIP outlines proposed projects for roads, bridges, parks, trails, and public facilities, with the first year incorporated into the 2026 budget. She presented a map showing that the only project identified in Hugo is the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail extension along 140th Street. The County has completed a feasibility study, and while grant funding has been awarded, it does not fully cover the project cost of over $1.3 million. The County identified a possible local contribution from Hugo of $835,000, though this is not currently included in the City’s CIP. Project design is planned for 2026, with construction scheduled for 2027. Juba also noted that the City’s 2026 CIP includes reconstruction of 140th Street, Fenway Boulevard, and 130th Street, which incorporates trail improvements. Under the County’s cost- share policy, they would contribute 50% for the 140th Street trail (CSAH 8) but nothing for the Fenway Boulevard trail, which is rated in poor condition. She stated the County could realize cost savings by coordinating the Fenway trail reconstruction with the City’s street project. Staff has drafted a letter encouraging the County to include this work in its 2026 CIP. Council Member Weidt questioned if it was left out of their CIP because they didn’t think it needed to be replaced at this time. City Engineer Mark Erichson responded that the County has other projects, and based on other needs elsewhere, it was not included in their CIP. Council Member Miron asked about the timeline for the Hardwood Creek Trail extension, and Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 7 of 8 Juba confirmed that design is planned for 2026 and construction in 2027. Discussion followed on funding gaps between grant awards and total project costs. Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to direct staff to send the letter to the Commissioners in opposition to their CIP list by not having this project in it. All Ayes. Motion carried. Schedule Santa Party and Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council the fourth annual Santa Party was scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion from 5-7 p.m. with the lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm. Krull made motion, Strub seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Santa Party on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. All Ayes. Motion carried. Schedule Holiday Party – Thursday, December 4, 2025 City Administrator Bryan recommended that the Council schedule the annual Holiday Party for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion. The event is held each year to recognize commissions and volunteers. Strub made motion, Miron seconded, to schedule the Holiday Party for December 4, 2025. All Ayes. Motion carried. Toy and Food Drive – Saturday, December 6, 2025 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed the Council that the Hugo Fire Department will hold a Toy and Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Additional details will be provided at a later date. Schedule Fire Department Annual Banquet – Saturday, January 17, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed the Council they are invited to attend the Hugo Fire Department Annual Banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Hugo American Legion. Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Fire Department Annual Banquet on January 17, 2026. All Ayes. Motion carried. Council Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025 Page 8 of 8 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Agape Spanish Immersion Academy, Thursday, November 6, 2025 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed the Council they were invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Agape Spanish Immersion Academy on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Strub made motion, Miron seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 6, 2025. All Ayes. Motion carried. Adjournment Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to adjourn at 7:57 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk