HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.01.28 CC Minutes - Goal Setting Workshop Hugo City Council Minutes
Goal Setting Workshop
Tuesday,January 28,2015
7:00 p.m.
Haas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Haas(via Skype),Klein,Miron,Petryk,Weidt
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear,Fire Chief Kevin Colvard,Planner Rachel Juba,
Parks Planner Shayla Syverson,Public Works Director Scott Anderson,Intern Rachel Leitz,and City
Clerk Michele Lindau
City Administrator Bryan Bear reviewed the 2014 City Focus Goals,and the status of these goals. Bryan
talked about the progress with the Bald Eagle Lake outlet improvements,library service with Washington
County,expansion of building department duties to the City of Scandia,the Laserfiche project,and the
Fire Department BLS service. He stated that water is,and will be,a big discussion topic in the next year.
The Council discussed the ramifications of the White Bear Lake settlement agreement and the amount of
staff time that is being spent to address this issue,as Hugo seems to be leading the discussion for the
northeast metro communities. He stated that Council will need to weigh water priorities with this in
mind. If we need to accomplish all of them,we may need some more staffing.
Planner Rachel Juba reviewed the EDA's goals to maintain a business friendly environment,
market and promote the City, and do economic development strategic planning. She also talked
about the Planning Commissions goals to address the Stormwater Management Plan and the
Eastern Hugo Study as part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan,work on zoning text amendments,
and begin discussions on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Parks Planner Shayla Syverson reviewed the Park, Recreation,and Open Space Commission
goals,which are to develop and maintain trails,plan for redevelopment of Lions Park and Irish
Avenue Park, review the City's Master Parks Plan and continue with recreational programing.
Fire Chief Kevin Colvard discussed the future needs of the Fire Department. Kevin would like
to plan for the purchase of a ladder truck to replace an old piece of equipment to the fleet in six
years. Council Member Haas talked about the ISO premium being paid by residents who live
outside the service area and whether a satellite department would be necessary. Colvard agreed
that a more serious discussion was needed on that.
Public Works Director Scott Anderson stated the department would be working on similar
maintenance projects as in the past. The ditching projects will be smaller. He will be asking for
approval to advertise for seal coating,dust control,gravel contracts for 2015, as well as
equipment replacements.
Council talked about ongoing priorities, focusing on the discussion of water and the meeting
scheduled for the following evening with other cities in the northeast metro region to talk about
Hugo City Council Goal Setting Workshop Minutes for January 28,2015
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the settle agreement involving the water levels of White Bear Lake. The Council discussed the
possible outcomes of the meeting,which will likely conclude with the City of Hugo in the
leadership role. Bryan stated that cities and engineers need to pay attention to water policies and
the message needs to get to the capital. He also suggested the Council consider the categories on
the water conservation list and determine what the priorities are. Keeping on top of what is
going on could be a full time position,and an intern could be hired or more engineering time
allocated to WSB. Council agreed the City needed to stay in the forefront of this. The Council
generally agreed that a workshop to discuss water priorities was necessary.
Haas initiated a discussion on how residential uses increase businesses,and with the economy
being what it is,maybe a goal should be a strategic review of our ordinances and costs to see if
things should be done differently to be responsive to the current economic environment.
Mayor Weidt talked about the need to have a discussion on security in light of the New Hope
situation,entrance signs to the city, and improvements to Lions Park to include stakeholders such
as Wilson Tool,and to include a veteran's memorial.
There was a brief discussion on broadband. Council generally agreed that technology was
rapidly changing,and time was better spent focusing on issues related to water.
Council adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Michele Lindau
City Clerk