HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.12.01 CC MinutesMINUTES
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Monday, December 1, 2025
7:00 p.m.
MetCall 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 Attorney Dave Snyder, Community
Development Director Rachel Juba, City Clerk Michele Lindau
Approve Minutes for the November 17, 2025, City Council Meeting
Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting held
on November 17, 2025, as presented.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Approve Minutes for the November 19, 2025, Met Council Committee of the Whole
Meeting
Krull made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the minutes for the Metropolitan Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting held on November 19, 2025, as presented.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Approval of Agenda
Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the agenda as amended by removing the swearing in
and badge pinning of Bob Bieniek due to his absence because of a flight delay.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Swearing In and Badge Pinning of Tony DeLaRosa as Regular Firefighter
On December 5, 2023, Tony DeLaRosa was hired as a Probationary Firefighter with the Fire
Department. Tony successfully completed all the requirements to be promoted to Firefighter.
Fire Chief Jim Compton recommended Council approve Tony DeLaRosa be promoted to the
rank of Firefighter effective December 1, 2025.
Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr., performed the formal swearing in of DeLaRosa. DeLaRosa
addressed that Council thanking them for the opportunity to serve the City. He also thanked his
cousin Jake Jorgenson, also a Hugo firefighter, and his family for their support. Jake performed
the badge pinning.
Council Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2025
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Approval of Consent Agenda
Krull made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda:
1. Approve Claims Roster
2. Approve Hiring of Micah Courneya and Ashley Del Pino as Probationary Firefighters
3. Approve Donation to the Hugo Fire Department from the Hugo American Legion
4. Approve Cooperative Agreement for Minnesota Technology Corridor
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Approve Claims Roster
Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented.
Approve Hiring of Micah Courneya and Ashley Del Pino as Probationary Firefighters
Micah Courneya and Ashley Del Pino had completed all requirements for hiring. Adoption of
the Consent Agenda approved the hiring of Micah and Ashley as probationary firefighters with a
start date of December 2, 2025.
Approve Donation to the Hugo Fire Department from the Hugo American Legion
The Hugo American Legion had requested to donate $1,500 to the Hugo Fire Department from
pull-tab proceeds for equipment and training. All donations to the Fire Department need to be
approved by the Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation of $1,500 to
the Hugo Fire Department.
Approve Cooperative Agreement for Minnesota Technology Corridor
Since 2018, the City of Hugo had been participating in a collaborative economic development
group for development along the I-35E corridor. Six communities along with Washington
County and Anoka County have worked on marketing the area known as the Minnesota
Technology Corridor. Staff had provided updates from time to time on the work of the group.
The group worked to develop a unified strategy for land use, utilities, and transportation, and to
identify the best design for the corridor factoring each jurisdiction’s goals. This could include
hiring a consultant to work on the jurisdictions’ behalf to create a unified plan. At its November
18, 2025, meeting, the EDA heard a presentation from Chris Eng, Washington County Economic
Development Director, and Gregory Frahm-Gilles, Anoka County Economic Development
Director. The EDA agreed that the continued partnership in planning the corridor is important
and recommended approval of the agreement to the City Council. Adoption of the Consent
Agenda approved the Minnesota Technology Corridor Cooperative Agreement.
Public Hearing on the 2026 City Budget and Tax Levy
Finance Director Anna Wobse presented an overview of the 2026 proposed budget and tax levy,
reviewing the City’s reliance on property taxes as its primary revenue source due to the
continued absence of Local Government Aid (LGA). In 2025, over $500 million in LGA was
Council Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2025
Page 3 of 5
distributed statewide, with Hugo again receiving none. She explained that distribution was based
on statutory factors and that Hugo’s lower tax rate and lack of unmet fiscal need likely contribute
to its ineligibility. As a result, the City must rely on property taxes to fund operations and
infrastructure.
Wobse reported that Hugo’s tax on a median-valued homestead remains $206 below the
statewide average. Total taxable market value for Pay 2026 exceeds $3 billion, a 6 percent
increase, with the median homestead value rising 3 percent to $408,700. The City continues to
follow its flat tax rate policy. The Council previously adopted a preliminary 2026 levy of
$13,567,000, a 5.6 percent increase over 2025.
She reviewed the major components of the proposed levy, including $990,753 for bonded debt
obligations related to street projects, the Public Works facility, and Lions Park. A Street CIP levy
of $2,010,000 was recommended to support future roadway improvements without borrowing.
Additional recommended levies included $300,000 for equipment replacement, $278,788 for
stormwater improvements, $92,000 for the Parks Special Fund, and $32,728 for the Fire Relief
Pension Fund. The City’s per capita debt remains well below the statewide average.
The 2026 General Fund budget supports day-to-day City operations and includes funding for 27
full-time positions and two vacant positions to be filled as needed. Wobse reviewed the
implementation of the State of Minnesota Paid Leave Program effective January 1, 2026, and the
City’s selection of an equivalent private plan. A 4.44 percent salary matrix adjustment was
recommended, consisting of a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment, a 1 percent market
adjustment, and a 0.44 percent premium offset for paid leave costs. Step increases for 10
employees were also included. Health insurance premiums will increase 14.95 percent for 2026,
with no deductible changes. The budget also includes funding for new vision insurance for full-
time employees.
Wobse reported that one-time Public Safety Aid funds continue to support the cost of the
additional deputy approved in 2024. The total General Fund budget increase for 2026 is
$749,500, reflecting wage and benefit increases, inflationary costs, the 2050 Comprehensive
Plan update, roadway maintenance programming, replacement of the City’s accounting software,
and new permitting and planning software. Approximately 91 percent of General Fund revenues
continue to be funded by property taxes.
Wobse reviewed fiscal disparities, noting that Hugo will receive $1,124,330 in 2026, covering
more than 8 percent of the total levy. Based on County calculations, the City’s tax rate will
remain stable, and the median-valued homestead was projected to see a City tax increase of $43.
It was noted that Hugo does not impose additional service fees or charges on residents. She also
reminded the Council that the City was only one of several taxing jurisdictions reflected on a
resident’s property tax statement. Wobse also reviewed available State property tax relief
programs for qualifying residents.
She concluded her presentation by saying that the City remains in a strong financial position
while maintaining its infrastructure commitments. She recommended Council open the public
hearing and consider adoption of the final budget and tax levy following public comment.
Council Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2025
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Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and he closed the public
hearing.
Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2025 - 43 APPROVING THE
GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR.
Roll call vote -
Ayes: Strub, Miron, Krull, Weidt
Nays: None
Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2025 - 44 APPROVING THE
FINAL TAX LEVY PAYABLE IN 2026.
Roll call vote -
Ayes: Strub, Miron, Krull, Weidt
Nays: None
Reminder - Santa Party and Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025
City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council they had scheduled a meeting to attend the fourth
annual Santa Party on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion.
The tree lighting ceremony will be at 6:30 pm.
Reminder – Holiday Party on Thursday, December 4, 2025
City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council they had scheduled a meeting to attend the
annual holiday party in appreciation of volunteers and commissioners on Thursday, December 4,
2025, at 5:30 at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion.
Fire Department Toy and Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, 2025
City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council the Hugo Fire Department will hold a Toy
Drive on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Locations to “stuff the truck” are the Hugo Fire Station
and Festival foods parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Approve Closing of City Hall on Friday, December 26, 2025
As provided for in the Hugo Personnel Policy, each regular, full-time employee is granted one
day of their choosing as a personal holiday. Staff requested to use their personal holiday on
Friday, December 26, 2025, and requested Council close City Hall on that date.
Weidt made motion, Strub seconded, to close City Hall on Friday, December 26, 2025.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Council Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2025
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Adjournment
Miron made motion, Krull seconded, to adjourn at 7:42 p.m.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Lindau, City Clerk