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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Fall NewsletterHugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North • HUM Minnesota 55038 Update On Highway 61 Street Improvements Through joint funding with the Minnesota De- partment of Transportation (MNDOT), two long-standing street improvement projects on Highway 61 got underway in May — one at the intersection of 130th Street and the other at 147th Street. For several years the City has recognized the need for traffic improvements at these intersections. Growth within Hugo and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as concern for safe traffic flow, prompted the City Council to seek funding from MNDOT. After several years of submitting applications, funding was awarded to Hugo in 2008, and the projects were completed as of September 2010. Improvements at 130th Street include the wid- ening of Highway 61 and 130th Street in order to add left and right turn lanes on both streets. A traffic signal was also installed at the intersec- tion. "The street work was completed in July, and the traffic signal was installed and operat- ing in August," notes Hugo Senior Engineering Technician Steve Duff. The widening of Highway 61 continues north toward the 147th Street intersection, where left South Egg Lake Street Improvements Complete Street improvements in the South Egg Lake neighborhood, located east of Highway 61 and north of 140th Street, began in May 2010 and were completed on time and on budget in Sep- tember. With the primary goal of improving drainage to decrease the potential for flooding, the improvements were designed to preserve the neighborhood as much as possible, with minimal impact on existing trees and landscap- ing. In addition, Senior Engineering Techni- cian Steve Duff notes that the new technology utilized in the design will increase the longevity and simplify future maintenance on this section of roadway. Drainage improvements consisted of a storm sewer main line extension, additional catch ba- sins and storm sewer infiltration systems. Work also included updates to the City's water infra- structure with a water main extension, new fire hydrants and new gate valves. Roadways were widened from 24 to 26 feet with an added con- crete curb and gutter. Duff is very pleased with the results, and so are the neighborhood residents. City Administrator Highway 61 Improvements: Page 3 Egg Lake Improvements: Page 3 Get Booked In Hugo The City of Hugo recently received a Library Services and Technology Act grant that was used to place a Washington County Library kiosk outside Hugo City Hall. Starting this sum- mer, residents were able to use this e -branch library as an alternative to the exist- ing library locations in the county — providing access to the Washington County Library inventory 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use of the kiosk has been so popular that a second set of lockers may be installed outside City Hall. More information on this service can be found on the City s website. Election Update The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2 Local candidates include: Mayor: Fran Miron (incumbent) Edward G. Carter Russell Semo Ward 1: Becky Petryk (running unopposed) Ward 3: Chuck Haas (running unopposed) There are three polling locations in Hugo: Ward 1: Hugo Fire Hall 5323 140th Street North Ward 2: Oneka Elementary School 4888 Heritage Parkway North Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Your voting location is determined by the ward Ward 3: you live in. If you do not know your ward you Rice Lake Centre (Public Works Building) can call Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6315 or 6900 137th Street North take a look at the election map below. ] Ward 1 0 Ward 2- Precinct 1 Ward 3 Vote at Fire Hall Vote at Rice Lake Centre 5323 140th St. N. Ward 2 - Precinct 2 6900 137th Street North Vote at Oneka Elementary School 4888 Heritage Parkway North 17TTHV�� � Th 175TH 170TH Forest Lake ISD #831 Ward 2 3 Poll Location T O 159H 2 ¢ ,69 y157TH F 155TH Cp O� i 52ND 152ND 149TH 15 TH O 1 T D ENC HMAN H White Bear Lake —TH RFNCH 9 147TH ISD #624 142ND ND TH o War1 41 , OT Di Ward 3 Poll Location H DTH 7 Poll Location / w y � FG G�gkF � 137TH 136TH LL 13 H � LL T 132ND r o ' it r 3 ISD 834 m 29TH 130TH p 130TH 130TH Mahtomedi 1. ,30TH ,25T F ISD #832 h s ru N a GALLI O _ = O t 5TH o 125TH ,25T - D ?9 ,D 121ST S� - 1215Tw ] Ward 1 0 Ward 2- Precinct 1 Ward 3 Vote at Fire Hall Vote at Rice Lake Centre 5323 140th St. N. Ward 2 - Precinct 2 6900 137th Street North Vote at Oneka Elementary School 4888 Heritage Parkway North 2011 Budget Review Huge's Property Tax Levy Will Decline Hugo residents received some positive news from the 2011 budget review: once again, Hugo's property tax levy will decrease, result- ing in a tax reduction of $105.16 on a median valued homestead. City Finance Director Ron Otkin's budget presentation at the September 7 City Council meeting called for a preliminary 2011 tax levy of $4,838,778, which is a re- duction of $378,544, or 9« 7.26%, from the previous year. Of this amount, $602, 566 is paid from the Fiscal Disparities pool, a program unique to the seven -county metro area that dis- tributes a portion of the increase in commer- cial/industrial property values to each taxing jurisdiction. Therefore, the net amount paid by Hugo property owners will be $4,236,212 – a reduction of $424,321 or 9.1% from the current tax levy. Otkin explained that there was a net surplus of $290,496 from 2010 that will be carried into the 2011 fiscal year. "This is primarily due to the budgeting techniques Hugo currently uses," he states. "We conservatively estimate our rev- enues and prac- tice contingen- cy budgeting for expendi- tures." This means planning for expenditures that may or may not occur, and usually leads to annual budget surpluses that can be added to Hugo's reserves or carried over to the following year. Otkin adds, "These tech- niques are also favorably looked upon by bond rating agencies." Highwav 61 Improvements: From Page 1 and right turn lanes were added and a traffic signal was installed. Drainage and utility im- provements — including new storm sewers, the elimination of ditches and the installation of curbs and gutters — were also completed at this site. Duff explains that both of these projects con- tribute to the City's infrastructure. He adds, "We're reconstructing the highway to make travel better and safer, and we're improving the structure of the road itself." The public is invited to speak at the December 6 regular City Council meeting, held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, before the final budget and tax levy is adopted. Egg Lake Improvements: From Page 1 Mike Ericson tells us that the City has received hand-written notes from residents who are hap- py with the results. Did You Know? Hugo Named Fastest - Growing City Hugo was recently named the fastest growing city in the Twin Cities metropoli- tan area by the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal. During the period of 2000- 2009, Hugo's population increased by 106.5% (from 6,363 to 13,140), and the number of households went up by 129.2% (from 2,125 to 4,870). This compares to 9.1% and 11%, respectively, for the metro area. Special Event Permits The City of Hugo recently passed an ordinance requir- ing a special event permit for outdoor events, tent sales, employment fairs, celebra- tions or similar events. It allows for many events to be administratively approved; however, some events, such as those which expect to serve alcohol or have over 200 in attendance, will require City Council approval. According to Hugo City Planner Rachel Simone, this ordinance "will ensure that nearby property owners, res- idents and businesses will be protected from events that may be disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate." An appli- cation for a special event permit must be made at least 30 days in advance of the event and requires informa- tion such as a description of the event, estimated atten- dance, security plans and any requests for traffic restric- tions. A modest fee will be charged. For complete information on this ordinance, or to apply for a permit,. contact City Hall at 651-762-6300. Parks And Recreation Update Lions Park Improvements At its June 21 meeting, the Hugo City Coun- cil accepted a dona- tion from the Lions Club to be used for up to $10,000 worth of improvements to Li- ons Park. "This dona- tion allows the City to expand on the original improvement plan for the park," states Hugo Parks Planner Shayla Syverson. Thanks to this dona- tion, the City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Com- mission was able to respond to resident requests for facilities designed for teens. As part of this proj- ect, the existing tennis courts were resurfaced and re -painted, and the area now includes two tennis courts, two pickle ball courts, a basketball half -court, hopscotch and four- square. The Commission is also excited to an- nounce the opening of Hugo's first skate- board park, built alongside the tennis courts. A group of Hugo teens helped choose the equip- ment and design the concrete skateboard park, which includes a dragon back ramp and a skittle pad To celebrate these Lions Park improve- ments, a Grand Open- ing and Skate Com- petition will be held on Friday, October 1 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Lions Park hours are 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The skateboard park will be open from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. Trails At the New Community Park In 2009 the City of Hugo approved and finalized the purchase of the former Hansen property —125 acres of land located near County Road 8 East and Irish Avenue — for use as a communi- ty park. This summer, over two miles of trail has been mowed for "passive" park uses such as hiking, horse and bicycle rid- ing and dog walking. The long-range plan for the park is to add "active" uses, such as ball fields, over the next 10 years. The public is encour- aged to come and enjoy the new trails. Dogs may be walked without leashes; how- ever, residents are reminded that no mo- torized vehicles are allowed. Parking is available in a lot lo- cated off of Irish Av- enue. New Shelter At Ranifl Fields Athletic Park Thanks to a gener- ous donation from the Hanifl family, the sec- ond phase of devel- opment at Rice Lake Park got underway this spring. Initial plans called for a park shelter that could have been used only in the warmer months, but with this donation a more extensive, year- round facility is being built. The "green" park shel- ter has a north woods character and features the use of recycled materials, skylights and high -efficiency heating and cool- ing systems. It will include an open-air pavilion, a gathering room, a concession stand (to be open dur- ing summer months) and restrooms. Con- struction of the shel- ter is in "full swing and will be wrapped up before winter," according to Hugo Parks Planner Shayla Syverson. Other updates regard- ing Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park: • The completed ath- letic complex has five full-sized soccer fields and has been officially named the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. • The athletic fields were the site of the Minnesota Youth Soc- cer Association East District Girls' Cham- pionship in July. • Landscaping, in- cluding rain barrels and native plants, and installation of play- ground equipment will take place in the spring of 2011. Winter Recreation Programs The gym at Oneka Elementary School will be the site for a variety of family - friendly winter recre- ation programs spon- sored by the City of Hugo. Movie Nights will once again be held one Friday each month from January through March. This program was a big success last year, with monthly attendance topping 300 people; most with sleeping bags and blankets in tow for more comfort- able movie viewing. Parks & Recreation: Page 6 City Approves Changes To Shooting Regulations Ordinance In response to concerns from residents in the Bald Eagle Lake area, the Hugo City Council approved changes to the City's Shooting Regu- lations Ordinance at its May 17 meeting. The new ordinance is designed to balance the inter- ests of both hunters and residents. It also rec- ognizes that the specific regulations need to be different for the urban portion of the City ver- sus the more rural areas. "Shooting in the urban areas is now more strict- ly controlled," states Hugo Community Devel- opment Assistant Dennis Fields. "Restrictions in rural areas are more lenient, but the regula- tions are still slightly more restrictive than the state statute." The new ordinance essentially divides the City into two areas: urban and rural. The urban or "controlled" area is defined as that part of the City west of Highway 61 and south of what would be 160th Street; it also includes the more developed areas east of Highway 61, south of Oneka Lake and west of Goodview Avenue. Some areas on the eastern shore of Egg Lake will not be part of the controlled area and will have the more lenient rural regulations. Within this controlled area, the discharge of any firearm within 500 feet of a structure or road is prohibited. In addition, shooting on or within 300 feet of the ordinary high water mark of Bald Eagle Lake is prohibited. Any part of Hugo that is not included in the con- trolled area is considered to be rural. The regu- lations for this area prohibit shooting within 500 feet of any occupied (by a human or livestock) building, stockade, or corral containing live- stock unless the shooter has first been granted written permission to discharge a firearm from the relevant property owner. (Property owners can give themselves permission to fire within 500 feet of a structure on their own property.) This rural regulation is somewhat more restric- tive than the state statute, which allows prop- erty owners to shoot anywhere on their own property — no matter how close it might be to a neighboring property. To read the complete ordinance and to see a map of the controlled shooting area, please visit the City s website. PET VACCINATION DAY Be a responsible pet owner! Bring your healthy pet to Hugo's Pet Vaccination Day, Saturday, October 2 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at these locations: Lake Animal Hospital (north of Benson Airport) 5900 Highway 61 • White Bear Lake 651-426-1381 PAWS Pet Hospital (west of Lake Area Bank) 4644 Victor Path • Hugo 651-400-1180 Take advantage of discounts on these vet- erinary services: • Rabies vaccination $18 • All other vaccinations 10% off • Microchip identification 10% off • Any other services will be full price A representative from the City of Hugo will also be at both locations to offer dog licenses at a discounted rate. Please bring a copy of your pet's previous vaccine his- tory. No appointment necessary! Archery hunting is permitted at Clearwater Creek Preserve Park beginning November 15 and continuing through the regular hunting season. A recycling container is available from your refuse hauler or by calling City Nall at 651-762-6300 FEMA Floodplain Changes Revised floodplain map for the City of Hugo may require some new homes to buy flood insurance The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently revised the floodplain map for the City of Hugo for the first time since 1982. Hugo Community Development Assistant Den- nis Fields informs us that hundreds of proper- ties have been removed from the floodplain, but some new areas have been added. Those homeowners whose properties have been added to the floodplain may be required to buy flood insurance that can cost as much as $2000 a year. There may be good news for these resi- dents — it is possible for their property to be in the floodplain, while their actual home is not YOU'REINVITER! Hugo Fire Department Annual Open House Saturday, October 2 11:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Hugo Fire Hall 5323 140th Street North Tour the Fire Hall See the fire trucks and equipment up close Hot Dogs, Refreshments and Hugo Fireflies Bake Sale Admission is Free! affected. "If a property is in the floodplain, but not the house, the homeowner may not be re- quired to purchase flood insurance," Fields ex- plains. He encourages any homeowner who has been informed by their insurance or mortgage company that they must now carry flood insur- ance, or anyone who is unsure about whether or not they need flood insurance, to contact City Hall to determine their actual floodplain status. Fields adds, "In some cases we can provide information to the homeowner, which may eliminate the need to purchase additional insur- ance." In these cases, a Letter of Map Amend- ment (LOMA) can be submitted. An approved LOMA from FEMA would remove the manda- tory requirement to purchase flood insurance. For any questions regarding your floodplain status, contact City Hall at 651-762-6300. Parks a Recreation: From Page 4 The very popular Tot Time will return again this year, featuring riding toys, a castle jump, basketball, bowling and other exercise equip- ment designed for children ages 6 months to 6 years. (A separate area with age-appropriate play is provided for children up to two years old.) Tot Time will be held on Thursdays from 4:00-7:45 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. from November through March. Family Time, for children ages 7-12 will also be held at these times. Both Tot Time and Family Time require parental supervision and participation. Additional winter family programs are being planned, including the Third Annual Sledding Party at Oak Shore Park. For more information on the City s recreation programs, visit Hugo s website at www.ci.hugo. mn.us. For updates on upcoming programs and events, become a fan of the City of Hugo on facebook. 7'/7/'0`73,5 You 511,0ald lCnoc,) ... Dog Licensing The City of Hugo requires licensing of all dogs aged 6 months and older. Proof of rabies vac- cination is required. A license must be obtained within 60 days of bringing the dog into the City and expires when the rabies vaccination expires — typically every 2-3 years. At that time resi- dents are required to renew their dog's license within 30 days. The cost is $5 per year ($4 for spayed or neutered dogs). Licensing is impor- tant to ensure that dogs have been vaccinated for rabies; it also helps keep track of the num- ber of dogs in the City as well as on individual properties. Postcards will be sent to pet owners to remind them when it is time to renew their licenses I CRY of Hugo Fall Cleanup Da Y y e Hazardous materlala and electronics will be accepted free -of -char e r Carload of trash _ $s and up from households only(no businesses). Pmo/otnesideng required. -- - _ _ Pickup load of trash - _ _ $25andup Home Improvement&Construction: •Computers irailerloadoftrasil h $25 and up •Latex paint •Computer monitors ------_ ._—__ _ __ _ O i l -b a s e d paint • Peripherals(keyboards, Lawn mower Push - _- — ( ) _ $15/unit • Paint remover/stripper/thinner - — --- ---r mice, speakers, etc.) Lawn mower(Rider)— •Stain/varnish • Printers _ --$30/unit Automotive&Recreation •Ns Household appliance $15/unit •Antifreeze Commercial _ _ •DVD &VCR Players Commercial appliance $75 and up Used motoroil and filters Fax Machines -------__ •Propane tanks •Cell phones Aircondidoner -- $20/ pit •Rechargeable batteries Watersoftener $20/unit Yard &Garden: Mattress or box spring -- •InsecVroach/ant killer $20/unit • Ferklirers/pesbcides/weedkiller Upholstered Nmitum $20/each Household Items: s' Carpe[ -- --" •Aerosol cans Ill be unloaueJ first' —_—$I/yard • Mercury thermometers and thermostats aordirrganire yourlo' Bicycle with fires $5/ea — ccaniingly. $5/each •Fluorescent bulbs Bicycle without tires• Some household cleaners FREE ------____— (check label forwords"Caution, Scrap metal --- FREE "Warning", "Dangel; "Poison") rims - _ E2.SOand up (Popoff Iratoamaybe applied minitial loaesand -semakepayaolet- ovmroaaaeWaka „ , - lofofresldenry su I a -a Jrivo sic nse, is req �d t,,, fla. e A City of Hugo Public Works Building F /Cp 11flAQ 6900137th St N Questions? Call the City of Hugo at 651-762-6300 For any additional infor- mation or to obtain a dog license, contact City Hall at 651-762-6300, or check out the City s website. Don't Place Snow On Public Roadways With winter on its way, the City of Hugo would like to remind everyone that it is against the law to deposit snow, in any fash- ion, on or next to a public highway or street. Snow that is moved to the pub- lic right-of-way can cre- ate hazardous situations, including slippery areas, frozen ruts and ridges, bumps, sight obstructions and drainage problems. Minnesota State Statute 160.27 prohibits plow- ing, shoveling, blowing or otherwise placing snow onto any public road right-of-way, and doing so is punishable as a misdemeanor. Prop- erty owners are responsible for informing any person who performs snow removal on their premises of this law. It is also important to re- member that both the property owner and the person who moved the snow onto the roadway may be liable should an accident occur as a re- sult of improper snow placement. If you have any questions about snow removal or would like a copy of the City s Snow and Ice Control Policy, call the Public Works Depart- ment at 651-762-6300. Saturday, October 8:00a.m.-Noon Winter Parking Ordinance November through March 31, larking is prohibited n all City streets from :00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The same restriction applies if we receive two or more inches of snow at any other time during the year. The City Council passed this ordinance in 2003 to al- low the Public Works Department to clear the snow from the roadways is a safe and efficient Hugo City Hall • 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. • Hugo, MN 55038 Current Resident Visit our website: wwwAlugo.mums City Directory City Staff City Administrator Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 City Clerk Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Community Dev. Dir. Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 Public Works Director Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 Building Official Chuck Preisler 651-762-6313 Building Inspector Scott Baller 651-762-6322 Sr. Engineering Tech. Steve Duff 651-762-6316 Community Dev. Asst. Dennis Fields 651-762-6311 Parks Planner Shayla Syverson 651-762-6342 Planner Rachel Simone 651-762-6304 Bldg. Department Secretary Debi Close 651-762-6300 Finance Director Ron Otkin 651-762-6314 Accounting Clerk Anna Wobse 651-762-6338 Billing Clerk Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 Fire Chief Jim Compton 651-429-6366 City Council Mayor Fran Miron 651-429-5961 Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Ward 2 Phil Klein 651-762-6340 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-247-0354 Council -at -Large Tom Weidt 651-334-4076 Monthly Meeting Schedule City Council 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EDA Commission 2nd Monday at 8:30 a.m. BULK RATE POSTAGE PAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21