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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.03.16 CC MinutesMINUTES City Council Meeting City Hall Council Chambers Monday, March 16, 2026 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, Petryk, Strub, Weidt COUNCIL ABSENT: None 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 March 2, 2026, City Council Meeting Petryk made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting held on March 2, 2026, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approval of Agenda Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Lakes Center for Youth & Families Annual Report – Executive Director Tim Cryer Lakes Center for Youth & Families (LC4YF) is one of two organizations that provide mental health services to Hugo residents, and the Council allocates funding in the budget to support these programs. Executive Director Tim Cryer presented the LC4YF 2025 Annual Report. Tim introduced himself and noted that he has served as executive director since April 2025. He thanked the Council for its continued support of the organization. Tim shared that the organization has been serving youth and families for 50 years, having been founded by Jim Trudeau in 1976. He explained that the mission is to work with youth and families during pivotal moments in their lives to help them get on the right path, with a vision for all individuals to thrive. Tim shared data from a poll of 18,468 youths ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade in Washington, Anoka, and Chisago counties that showed youth continue to face challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance use. The figures showed that 2,770 had seriously considered suicide and 923 had attempted suicide. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 2 of 7 He outlined the organization’s five core programs. The Strong Start Program provides in-school support to approximately 135 students each year and is currently operating in Linwood, with plans for expansion. The Juvenile Justice Program, used most frequently by Hugo families, works with youth who have encountered legal trouble to help them repair the harm they have caused. The Education Engagement Program assists students in improving attendance and connecting with teachers and school staff for additional support. The Counseling Program provided more than 3,000 sessions last year, primarily serving clients in kindergarten through age 18. The fifth program, For Young People, will soon begin providing transportation for youth to participate in positive community activities designed to build healthy relationships and strengthen the community. Tim also shared a story about a child who was struggling due to family issues, emphasizing how the City’s support enables the organization to better assist youth and families in need. He announced that the organization’s annual “Taste of the Lakes” fundraising event will be held on April 23. Washington County Assessors Update - Tyson Terry Washington County Residential Property Appraiser Tyson Terry provided the Council with an update on Hugo property assessments in preparation for the Local Board of Appeals and Adjustments meeting scheduled for April 2, 2026. Tyson outlined the assessment year timeline, explaining that the County’s sales study period operates similarly to a fiscal year, beginning on October 1 and ending on September 30. He noted that the notices being sent out reflect property values as of January 2026. He reviewed the information printed on property tax statements including contact details for property owners who may have questions. Tyson also noted that this is the time of year when assessment appeals take place. As required by the State of Minnesota, one-fifth of the City’s parcels are reviewed each year and reassessed. Approximately 1,800 properties in Hugo are scheduled for review this year. Tyson reported that there were 274 residential sales in Hugo during 2025 that qualified as arm’s- length transactions, with an average sales price of $414,000. He compared the sale prices for the Twin Cities metro, Washington County, and Hugo, noting that Hugo remains in line with the rest of the County and above the Twin City’s average. Hugo homes, including new construction, had a median market time of 22 days, which was in line with surrounding areas. The City continues to see strong new construction activity. Tyson reported that most homes are selling at or near 100 percent of the listing price. There were four foreclosures in Hugo during the past year, compared to none in the prior two years. The City recorded 136 new construction permits, including two commercial projects and one multifamily apartment development, representing 11.9 percent of all new construction in Washington County. Tyson noted that Hugo continues to rank among the top cities in the county for agricultural property. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 3 of 7 Residential class adjustments increased by approximately 0.8 percent overall. Fifty-two percent of Hugo properties saw no change in value, while 48 percent experienced an increase. Of the increases, 79 percent were 5 percent or less. Tyson observed that the local residential and new construction markets remain healthy and active. In response to a question from Mayor Weidt, Tyson explained that new construction valuations depend on the start and completion dates of the project. The transition from lot value to new construction value occurs at the beginning of the year following completion, so the timing of the construction period determines when the change is reflected on the tax statement. Approval of Consent Agenda Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approve Claims Roster 2. Approve Lakes Center for Youth & Families Professional Services Agreement 3. Approve Reciprocal Emergency Services Agreement with SBM Fire Department 4. Approve Lawful Gambling Permit to Conduct Excluded Bingo for Chain of Lakes Rotary Event on April 18, 2026 5. Approve Temporary Liquor License for Chain of Lakes Rotary Event on April 18, 2026 All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Claims Roster Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Claims Roster as presented. Approve Lakes Center for Youth & Families Professional Services Agreement Over the past several years, the City has entered into an agreement with the Lakes Center for Youth & Families to support programs for Hugo families relating to counseling, intervention, and enrichment. Through this agreement, the City sponsors LCYF by providing financial support. In the 2026 budget, Council approved $17,670 in funding for their services. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Professional Services Agreement with Lakes Center for Youth & Families. Approve Reciprocal Emergency Services Agreement with SBM Fire Department On January 1, 2026, the City of Centerville contracted fire service coverage with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department. SBM has asked the City of Hugo Fire Department to continue the auto aid response to Centerville similar to the agreement with the Centennial Fire District in past years. Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton, Jr. had provided a Reciprocal Emergency Services Agreement for Council review. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Reciprocal Emergency Services Agreement with SBM. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 4 of 7 Approve Lawful Gambling Permit to Conduct Excluded Bingo for Chain of Lakes Rotary Event on April 18, 2026 The Chain of Lakes Rotary had applied for a Lawful Gambling Permit to hold Bingo at their event on April 18 at the Peder Pederson Pavilion. Gambling permits are issued by the State after being approved by the City Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Lawful Gambling application for the Chain of Lakes Rotary to conduct excluded bingo on April 18, 2026. Approve Temporary Liquor License for Chain of Lakes Rotary Event on April 18, 2026 The Chain of Lakes Rotary had applied for a Temporary Liquor License to serve alcohol at their event on April 18 at the Peder Pederson Pavilion. Temporary licenses are issued by the State after being approved by the City Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Temporary Liquor License for the Chain of Lakes Rotary to serve alcohol at their event on April 18, 2026. Update and Approval of Resolution Supporting the Glacial Hills Regional Trail At the meeting of February 18, 2026, the Parks Commission recommended support of the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan. Washington County staff members were in attendance to present the final plan and review the planning process which included extensive public engagement including two open houses in Hugo (November 16, 2023, and July 29, 2024). City staff participated in the technical advisory committee, and the GHRT plan aligns with the City of Hugo plans. The Parks Commission had recommended approval of a resolution and letter of support for the Glacial Hills Regional Trail Long Range Plan. Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron began by expressing appreciation for the communities being involved in the process. He explained that the long-range plan is the first step in developing the overall vision for the trail. Andrea Rehm, a planner with Washington County Public Works, provided an overview of the planning project. She explained that the proposed regional trail is intended to serve a broad regional area and connect regional destinations. Local trails will feed into the regional trail, which is envisioned as a 10-foot-wide paved trail with a 10-foot buffer from vehicle traffic. Amenities are also planned along the corridor. Andrea talked about how a long-range plan is important for eligibility for grant funding from the State and Met Council. Andrea focused on the Glacial Hills corridor east-west arterial trail in northern Washington County saying it is a priority in the County’s bike and pedestrian plan. Planning began in spring 2023, and the County developed a set of project goals to guide the process and evaluate route options. Stakeholder engagement has included community events, open houses that included online engagement, and other outreach. Key messages from the public have emphasized a preference for off-road trail segments, strong connections to other trails, trail loops, and rest areas. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 5 of 7 Connor Shafer, Senior Planner with Washington County, described how the project will move from a vision plan to lines on a map. Phase one is the segment assessment, and phase two is evaluation and analysis to determine which routes perform best. This work leads to a final route recommendation. An existing route on the north side of County Road 8 would extend east and connect to the Hardwood Creek Trail, continuing north to County Road 4. A trail is proposed to go east along County Road 4, where there is room for trails on both sides of the corridor. The plan proposes a soft-surface trail for equestrian and snowmobile use on the north side and a paved bike/pedestrian trail on the south side. High water conditions in some areas may require boardwalks. The proposed trail would connect Hugo to Big Marine Park Reserve and Marine on St. Croix. At the Big Marine Park Reserve, the trail would go south into the Kelly Farms property, which the County is working on acquiring as part of the park. It is possible the trail could then utilize the Canadian National rail line to the east since the rail line is seldomly used, but there have not been any strong commitments from Canadian National. It was felt it was prudent to include it in the plan so certain funding could be applied for if the rail line ever became available. An alternate option for connection to Marine on St. Croix would be CSAH 4. Features of the trail include trailheads, parking, kiosks, and interpretive opportunities along the corridor. It would also recognize the Hopkins Schoolhouse site. Implementation considerations include future phases for preliminary design studies, final design studies, and ultimately construction, recognizing that this is a long-range plan. Under Washington County policy, the County typically provides 50 percent of construction costs and 100 percent of replacement and repaving costs. The County would be responsible for operations and maintenance costs on County-owned land. The County will work to reduce overall project costs through grant funding (which is why regional trail designation is important), land donations, and development agreements. Connor explained the next steps are to get final support from the City of Hugo. The plan would then be forwarded to the Washington County Board and then to the Metropolitan Council for final approval. Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2026-6 SUPPORTING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY GLACIAL HILLS REGIONAL TRAIL LONG RANGE PLAN. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on Hardwood Creek Regional Trail At the meeting of March 21, 2022, the City Council approved a letter of support for the construction of the final extension of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail and subsequent applications for grant funding. Washington County was notified in summer 2025 that it had been awarded funding through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The proposed trail extension will utilize City trails and sidewalks along 140th Street and Fenway Boulevard in coordination with the City’s 2026 street improvement project. New trail construction is planned between 130th Street and Hugo’s southern border at 120th Street adjacent to Falcon Avenue. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 6 of 7 Erin Blaylock, Washington County Civil Engineer, provided an overview of the project. She stated that the Hardwood Creek Trail is a ten-mile north/south trail located in Hugo and Forest Lake, following the former railroad right-of-way with both paved and unpaved routes running primarily parallel to Highway 61. There remains a one-mile gap in Hugo between 130th Street and 120th Street where the rail line is still active, and the project aims to complete this missing connection. Blaylock explained that the trail master plan was developed in 2013, followed by a City-led feasibility study in 2019 for a segment from 130th Street to Falcon Court and a subsequent County-led study for a trail from 120th Street to 130th Street. Following completion of those studies, the County applied for a grant for construction, which remains subject to approval by the 2026 State Legislature. A design consultant was hired earlier this year, with final design and bidding anticipated in 2027 and potential construction starting later that year. Public engagement was an important component of the County’s feasibility study, including a postcard mailer, agency coordination, direct outreach to interested parties, and meetings with property owners and representatives. The upcoming design phase will include similar activities along with an open house scheduled for April 8, 2026. Ramsey County will also attend to share updates on its planned trail improvements to the south. Project updates will be included in the City’s newsletter, and the County will attend local events to share information. In addition, an online engagement session will be hosted on the County’s website following the open house to provide the same materials and collect input. The next steps include holding the open house, finalizing an agency-supported concept layout, and bringing a request for formal support from the City Council at a future meeting. Petryk inquired about discussions with the owners of nearby townhomes and existing easements. Blaylock reported that multiple meetings have been held with representatives from Wilson Tool and the Bald Eagle Estates townhomes, who expressed interest in providing feedback. Coordination efforts with those groups are ongoing. She explained that easements do not exist on the HOA owned property, and property acquisition will be necessary. Council members expressed their appreciation to Washington County for its collaborative approach and efforts to engage the public throughout the project process. Reminder – Open House for 165th Street AUAR on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council they had scheduled a meeting to attend the 165th Street AUAR Open House on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Reminder – Local Board of Appeals and Equalization on Thursday, April 2, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Bear reminded Council the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Oneka Room. Council Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2026 Page 7 of 7 Schedule Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Open House on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that Washington County will hold an open house on the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. in the Oneka Room. Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Open House on April 8, 2026. All Ayes. Motion carried. Schedule Annual Kidz ‘n Biz on Saturday, April 18, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council the Hugo Area Business Association will hold the Annual Kidz ‘n Biz on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. – noon at Oneka Elementary School. Weidt made motion, Miron seconded, to schedule a meeting to attend the Kidz ‘n Biz event on April 18, 2026. All Ayes. Motion carried. Schedule Joint Workshop with the Planning Commission for Zoning Code Review on Thursday, April 23, 2026 City Administrator Bryan Beaar informed Council staff is requesting a joint workshop be held with the Planning Commission to be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Oneka Room at City Hall to discuss revisions to zoning districts and performance standards. Krull made motion, Strub seconded, to schedule a joint workshop with the Planning Commission on April 23, 2026. All Ayes. Motion carried. Summer Concerts in Lions Volunteer Park City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council that four concerts were scheduled to be held in Lions Volunteer Park in the evenings in May, July, August, and September. Adjournment Krull made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 8:14 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk