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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.01 CC MinutesMINUTES City Council Meeting City Hall Council Chambers Monday, June 1, 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 May 18, 2026, City Administrator Performance Review Krull made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Administrator performance review on May 18, 2026, as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried. Approve Minutes for the May 18, 2026, City Council Meeting Miron made motion, Strub seconded, to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting held on May 18, 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. Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network Annual Report - Chair Chuck Haas Chair Chuck Haas provided an update on the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network and presented certificates of appreciation to Burger Night sponsors. He began by thanking the Council and staff for their support. Haas discussed the 1,000 pounds of care packages the YRN has sent and presented photos of care package recipients, including Operation Kinship, as well as photos of items that had been sent. He also spoke about meat raffles held at the Hugo Legion and at Sal’s Angus Grill in the fall, winter, and spring. Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 2 of 8 He announced all the past year’s sponsors, which included C.G. Hill and Company, Ideal Credit Union, Honor Fitness, Keystone Place, St. John’s Men’s Club, Bald Eagle Sportsman’s Club, Hugo Lions, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Mueller Memorials. Haas explained that the Burger Night Sponsor of the Year usually goes to the organization that served the most burgers, but Culver’s was a significant draw, so he recognized Culver’s along with the Centerville Lions and Oneka Ridge, which was second in the number of burgers served. Colonel Kurt Steinmetz from the Minnesota National Guard joined Haas in presenting the awards. Approval of Consent Agenda Krull made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the following Consent Agenda: 1. Approve Claims Roster 2. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Steven Garcia 3. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Riley Hollerback 4. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Streets Lead Worker Tom Smith 5. Approve Donation to the Hugo Fire Department from the Hugo American Legion 6. Approve Special Event Permit for North Star Gay Rodeo on July 25-26, 2026 7. Approve Temporary Liquor License for the North Star Gay Rodeo on July 25- 26, 2026 8. Approve Special Event Permit for Tough Mudder on June 27, 2026 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 Mechanic Steven Garcia At its June 6, 2023, meeting, Council approved the hiring of Steve Garcia as the new Public Works Mechanic beginning June 7, 2023. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Annual Performance Review for Public Works Mechanic Steve Garcia. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Riley Hollerback At its June 6, 2022, meeting, Council approved the hiring of Riley Hollerback as a Public Works Worker beginning on June 30, 2022. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Annual Performance Review for Public Works Worker Riley Hollerback. Approve Annual Performance Review for Public Works Streets Lead Worker Tom Smith Tom Smith was hired by the City of Hugo on June 26, 2000, as a Worker in Public Works Department and promoted to Streets Lead Worker on April 17, 2023. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the annual performance review for Public Works Streets Lead Worker Tom Smith. Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 3 of 8 Approve Donation to the Hugo Fire Department from the Hugo American Legion The Hugo American Legion donated $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department from pull-tab proceeds for equipment and training. All donations to the Fire Department must be approved by the Council. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the donation of $1,000 to the Hugo Fire Department. Approve Special Event Permit for North Star Gay Rodeo on July 25-26, 2026 The North Star Gay Rodeo had applied for a Special Event Permit to hold a regional rodeo at the Dead Broke Arena site at 5676 170th Street North on July 25-26, 2026. Set up for the event will take place on July 24. A SEP was required because there will be amplified sound and alcohol served outside. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the SEP for the North Star Gay Rodeo as outlined in their application and subject to the conditions in the staff memo. Approve Temporary Liquor License for the North Star Gay Rodeo on July 24- 26, 2026 North Star Gay Rodeo Association had applied for a Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to serve alcohol at their rodeo event on July 24-26, 2026, at the Dead Broke Arena, 5676 170th Street North. Staff has received the completed application, fee, and proof of liquor liability insurance. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for the North Star Gay Rodeo. Approve Special Event Permit for Tough Mudder on June 27, 2026 Tough Mudder had applied for a Special Event Permit to hold a one-day endurance sport event at Wild Wings Game Farm on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This will be the tenth year the event has been held at Wild Wings. A Special Event Permit approved by Council is necessary because there will be over 200 people in attendance, impacts to public streets, use of an amplified sound system, and alcohol served. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the Special Event Permit for the Tough Mudder on June 27, 2026, subject to the conditions in the staff memo. Renewal of IUP for 17627 Henna Avenue North (Ludeke) Community Development Director Rachel Juba explained that the applicant, Terry Ludeke, is requesting renewal of an interim use permit (IUP) for a motor vehicle repair business operated as a home occupation at 17627 Henna Avenue North. Juba presented a map showing the location of the property and noted that, on the west side of the property, there is a shared driveway from Henna Avenue owned by Ludeke and shared with the properties to the north. Juba explained that Ludeke is requesting renewal of the IUP under the same conditions approved on October 21, 2013, in addition to approval of a site plan to relocate the existing driveway and install a fence. The IUP was initially approved in July 2011 and has been renewed several times, mostly through administrative approvals due to a lack of complaints. However, since 2023, staff Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 4 of 8 has received three formal complaints concerning hours of operation, improper vehicle storage, exceeding the number of business-related trips, and business vehicles maneuvering on a neighbor’s driveway. Staff inspections confirmed noncompliance with vehicle and equipment storage, though the property was cleaned after letters were sent. The issue of vehicles on the neighbor’s driveway remains unresolved. The current IUP is set to expire on June 24, 2026, and a public hearing has been requested for its renewal. Home occupations, including vehicle repair, are permitted in the district with conditions to minimize impacts on adjacent properties. Staff believes that the proposed relocation of the driveway and installation of a fence will reduce impacts on surrounding properties, potentially resolving the ongoing driveway issue and improving screening of the business operations. The business continues to operate at the same scale and intensity as originally approved, with no significant changes proposed other than the inclusion of the new site plan as part of the permit. Staff supports renewal of the IUP contingent upon completion of the driveway relocation and fence installation, noting that some plan modifications may be recommended upon further review. The City Council may approve the renewal of the IUP for a period of up to five years. Mayor Weidt opened the public hearing. Terry Ludeke, 17627 Henna Avenue North, owner of Terry’s Repair, explained that he opened his business in 2008 after purchasing the home in Hugo. John Davis purchased the home adjacent to his in 2013, and there were no complaints until 2023. Terry stated that his purchase of additional property to the west of Davis’s, where he keeps his horses, triggered the situation. Terry described the ten-year friendship they had prior to this, noting that he employed John for a short time and often helped him. When John complained about driving on his property, Terry installed signs and speed bumps to slow traffic and reduce dust. He noted that John would often speed on the road and said he feared for the safety of children who use it. He stated that the IUP is a public document and, in his view, a basis for ongoing complaints. He felt businesses should be protected from neighbors unwilling to live in harmony. He added that he supports other local businesses and submitted a plan to appease neighbors that will cost approximately $40,000. He did not believe his business was the root of the problem, noting that complaints did not begin until 2023. He explained how his business helps farmers and other businesses in the community, including the City of Hugo, and requested that his permit be renewed for five years. John Davis, 17527 Henna Avenue North, acknowledged there were many people present who would vouch that Terry is a good person. He said it has been difficult living next to a commercial site and that records show the IUP has been contentious since its origin, with issues persisting to this day. He stated that, notwithstanding the zoning provision, the area is residential. He said Terry’s business is not a small auto repair operation but a large-scale, 24/7 repair facility for large equipment. He referenced the original IUP, stating there were 17 provisions for the use and that 14 have not been complied with. He expressed concern that the facility will continue to expand beyond what is acceptable for rural residential areas, impacting quality of life and property values. He stated he is subject to a constant barrage of noise. He explained efforts to be a good neighbor, including installing trees and fencing for screening and buffering. He said he had requested that tractor-trailers not park on his property and described an incident in which a 40-foot trailer blocked his driveway, resulting in Washington County issuing a trespass notice. Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 5 of 8 He also described incidents of harassment, stating this is not consistent with being a good neighbor. He concluded that whether Terry is a good person is irrelevant, as the facility is not compatible with a residential environment. Art Ludeke, Terry’s father, stated that John speeds on the road. He said Terry installed speed bumps, owns the road, pays the taxes, and maintains it, while John has an easement. He added that Terry has been in business for 15 years, is an asset to the community, and spends significant money locally. He stated that issues began after John stopped working for Terry and Terry purchased the property west of John’s. He noted that Terry is installing a $40,000 driveway to address concerns. Art expressed support for a five-year renewal and said requiring inspections every three months seemed like harassment. Cory Triemert, 17525 Henna Avenue North, stated he supports the business and sees no issues. He said the shop has been a positive asset, with Terry contributing to the City, farmers, and agricultural activity. He emphasized the importance of keeping services local and stated the shop operates responsibly. He said forcing changes would increase costs, cause downtime, and burden operations. Brent Krause, 17590 Henna Avenue North, stated he has no issues as Terry’s neighbor and that Terry is willing to help others. He questioned whether there was more than one complainant, noting that no one he knew had concerns. Brent Husfeldt, 7495 195th Street North, Forest Lake, said he lives on a dead-end road with many issues, stating that it is part of living in the country. He discussed plowing his field at night and receiving complaints from neighbors. He said he has known Terry since he moved in. He commented on neighbors driving 30–50 miles per hour down the road, stating traffic has slowed since Terry installed the speed bumps. He said Terry gets along with everyone except one neighbor and that getting along with neighbors is part of living in the country. Frank Puleo, 6375 165th Street North, a former Council member, said he served on the committee that drafted the IUP ordinance. He stated that economic conditions and timing can make compliance difficult and that new neighbors may object to existing uses. He expressed support for a five-year renewal. John Lutz, 8050 157th Street North, explained he has farmed in Hugo since he was a child and has seen many changes, including times when he received complaints about his business. He commented that Terry works on large vehicles that would not be appropriate to repair in a typical in-town garage. He described times Terry had helped him and said he is trying to protect his business just as Terry is trying to protect his. Jeremy L’Allier, 7130 177th Street North, stated he was the first to receive an IUP, which was issued for two years. He said every two years he had to go through a rigorous renewal process and questioned whether the standards shift when complaints are made. He said it is difficult to remain compliant when expectations change. Joe Riel, 1627 County Road H2, White Bear Township, owner of White Bear Lawn and Snow, Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 6 of 8 said he provides plowing services at a school and, when he has an issue with a machine, Terry is available to fix it in the middle of the night so he can complete his work. He said he has seen Hugo change and questioned who would be impacted next if Terry’s business were no longer allowed. He noted that supply chain issues since COVID have made parts difficult to obtain, resulting in temporary vehicle storage. He said Terry supports the broader community. Art Ludeke added that parts shortages can require temporary increases in vehicle storage and stated there should be reasonable flexibility. He reiterated support for a five-year permit. John Davis showed a picture of what he sees when looking out his window. It depicted a large piece of equipment. He stated he did not want Terry to go out of business but did not want that view from his home. He said the proposed plan would mitigate many concerns but remained concerned about enforcement. Brent Krause commented that the photograph appeared to have been taken from Davis’s driveway. Joe Wewers, 21118 Everton Avenue North, Forest Lake, said Terry is a valuable asset and that the photo reflects normal circumstances when equipment is being repaired. He discussed operating a tree nursery with his father for 40 years and the changes they have experienced. He said they have helped Terry with landscaping and could add more trees to improve screening. Matt Rehbein, 5225 217th Street, Forest Lake, stated that the photo Davis presented showed his equipment and that he was present to perform work. He added that he supports a five-year permit. Dan Starks, 20010 Jeffrey Avenue North, Forest Lake, stated he has worked with Terry and clarified that the business does not operate 24/7, but typically from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He described Terry as a valuable community asset. Mayor Weidt stated he had visited the property and observed that fence and turnaround improvements were underway and that signage had been installed near Davis’s driveway. He asked Terry if he agreed to the proposed conditions, and Terry confirmed, noting work had already begun with an August completion target. There were no further comments, and Mayor Weidt closed the public hearing. Petryk stated she served on the Council when the original IUP was approved and recalled few complaints at that time. She discussed the City’s balance between urban development and preserving rural character and stated that access to large equipment repair is valuable. She acknowledged impacts but noted that Terry owns and maintains the road. She expressed support for the applicant and appreciation for the proactive improvements. Strub questioned whether approval should be for one year or five years under the new conditions. He suggested a one-year term with the option to extend if compliance is achieved, stating this approach would ensure completion of required improvements. Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 7 of 8 Miron asked how noncompliance would be addressed. Juba explained that it would follow standard code enforcement procedures, with staff attempting resolution before returning to Council for possible revocation if necessary. Petryk asked how long the permit had been administratively approved. Juba responded that it had been since 2013. Petryk noted this was the first time complaints had escalated to Council review. Krull stated he appreciated the feedback and recognized the service provided to the community. He noted that Davis appeared supportive of the proposed improvements but concerned about enforcement. Krull stated he preferred a five-year approval with enforcement handled as needed rather than revisiting the issue annually. Weidt questioned whether, if approved for one year and all conditions were met, staff could administratively approve it. Juba responded that the same process would be followed: notices would go out to the public, City Council, and Planning Commission, and a public hearing would only be held if requested. Bear confirmed this has been the standard renewal process. Weidt recalled concerns about the driveway in prior years and stated that installing the new driveway and turnaround would make a significant difference. He said he felt Davis wants to control what he sees and hears from beyond his property. He noted that Terry’s business has operated since 2011 and that changes have been made to address concerns, with significant investment in improvements. He stated that neighbor conflicts can persist but believed the proposed improvements would help resolve the situation. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect among neighbors. He supported a five-year permit with a deadline of September 1 to complete the work. Miron questioned whether a five-year permit could be automatically granted if the changes are completed by the August deadline. Bear clarified that a five-year approval could be granted with a condition that, if the work is not completed by August 1, the matter could be brought back to Council. Bear also suggested tabling the application until after the improvements are completed, after which it could return to Council on the Consent Agenda without a public hearing, subject to the applicant’s consent. Weidt asked Terry if he understood that if the item is tabled, it would return to Council for a five-year approval upon completion of the work. Terry confirmed. City Attorney Dave Snyder summarized that the IUP would convert to a five-year term subject to staff confirmation that all conditions have been met by September 1 and subsequent Council approval on the Consent Agenda. Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded, to table the item. All Ayes. Motion carried. Council Meeting Minutes for June 1, 2026 Page 8 of 8 Adjournment Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 8:48 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried Respectfully Submitted, Michele Lindau, City Clerk