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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Spring NewsletterInsid 2011 City 2 Goals Design Guidelines Spring Clean 5 Up "That's Hugo, 5 Today" M Wellness 6 Challenge Dog/ Animal Ordinance Recreation 7 Programs 49 Year End Review In 2010, the City of Hugo saw a lot of traffic improve- ments. Highway 61 is now safer with additional street width and new traffic lights at 147th and 130th Streets. There is also a new sidewalk on the east side of Highway 61 providing better pedes- trian access to downtown. County Road 8 East was resurfaced with bituminous providing a much smoother drive. Undoubtedly, the most exciting road project has been the re -design of the County Road 14/I -35E Interchange. Expected to be complete in June 2011, the greatly anticipated project will improve traffic flow and safety for the residents Lim 0 01T, of Hugo and Centerville for many years to come. The Business Retention and Expansion (BR & E) pro- gram continues with ongo- ing redevelopment and mar- keting projects. The Hugo Business Association (HBA) has been closely in- volved in the BR& E pro- gram, fostering business relationships and spurring economic development. The new Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park celebrated its in- augural year in providing soccer fields to local youth. Last summer, it was home to the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association East District Girls Champion- The new park shelter at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. ship. The park will continue to offer first-class athletic fields. Also at the park, construction of a beautiful 3,200 square foot park shel- Year End Review: Page 3 Downtown Hugo Gets a Facelift Aesthetically, Hugo grew even more beautiful in 2010. Two blighted proper- ties in downtown along Highway 61 were removed: the old Antique store and the former End Zone build- ing. The Carpenters Restau- rant building was a com- plete loss due to a fire in January 2010. This opened up the view to Egg Lake and was necessary to prepare the site for redevelop- ment. Both areas have great potential for redevel- opment. These achieve- ments were a part of the on- going effort of the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E). The Hugo Business Association (HBA) has been closely in- volved in the BR&E, bol- stering business relation- ships and spurring economic development. "Each year the goal setting is something the Council insists we do. It provides good direction to the Commissions and staff, allows us to work closely as a team and improves functionality in providing great service to our residents. " 2011 City Goals Goal #1 Transportation Many residents in Hugo are looking for- ward to the completion of the CSAH 14/ I-35 E interchange project in June 2011. A Corridor Plan for CSAH 4 will be devel- oped in 2011. Expansion of multi -modal transportation options will continue to be researched and planned for, such as transit hub locations. Goal #2 Public Safety With a $157,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency (FEMA), Hugo will add nine new tornado sirens this summer. Hugo also continues to maintain and upgrade equipment for the Fire Department with a new Capitol Improve- ment Plan. The Per- sonnel Policy will be reviewed which in- cludes the paid -on-call firefighters. The Joint Powers Agreement with the White Bear Lake Fire Department will be reviewed and Your 2011 Hugo City Council (from left) expanded, to build Mayor Fran Miron Mayor Fran Miron, Ph Y shared services which Haas, Becky Petryk, To offer a cost savings to age requirements will be reviewed. A marketing plan will be developed for the City of Hugo to promote economic devel- Goal #4 Parks Projects opment. Hugo continues to expand recreational opportunities for its residents, adding new events and programs in 2011. A Master Plan will be developed for Lions Park. Playground equipment and other improvements will be installed at Heri- tage Ponds Park and Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park. The City will also identify and complete miss- ing trail links. To fund projects, grants tax payers. As of January 1, 2011, Hugo now has its first Police Sergeant. Sergeant Wayne Johnson was added to the police force which the City contracts through the Wash- ington County Sheriffs Office making a total of six deputies on duty each week. Goal #3 Economic Development Long term strategies for industrial develop- ments will be created and the outdoor stor- Goal #5 Comprehensive Plan Implementation will continue to be researched. In continuing to im- plement the 2030 Comprehensive it Klein, Chuck Plan, the city will m Weidt initiate land use studies for mixed use areas, update zoning and subdivision ordinances, review commercial and in- dustrial design guidelines, plan storm water re -use, and complete the Eastern Hugo Land Use Study. To bring visible changes that residents are asking for, implementation of the Downtown Plan in 2011 will include removing remaining blight in the downtown area, seeking redevelopment opportunities and bring- ing new businesses to Hugo. Kidz `n Biz Fest 2011 The Hugo Business Asso- ciation will host the 7th annual Kidz `n Biz Fest on Saturday, April 16. The event is held at Oneka Ele- mentary School (4888 Heri- tage Parkway, Hugo) from 11:00am— 2:00pm. The event is co-sponsored by the Hugo Economic Devel- opment Authority. The exciting event continues to grow with over 2,000 peo- ple in attendance in 2010. There are tons of fun games and activities sponsored by local businesses. Kids and adults can enter to win great prizes. The event is free to attend. The next Hugo Junior Idol Contest, a kids' karaoke competition, will also be held. Karaoke tryouts were held in March The finalists will perform on stage at the Kidz `n Biz Fest. For more information, contact the Hugo Business Association or go to www.hugobusinesses.com. Commercial Design Guidelines Over the next year com- mercial and industrial de- sign guidelines will be cre- ated with input from the EDA and Planning Com- mission. This will be for all new commercial and indus- trial development in the City. The general intent of these design guidelines is to improve the overall quality of development, to encour- age unified development, and to ensure the compati- bility of development with surrounding land uses. The design guidelines will provide developers with a direction as to what the City's expectation is for commercial and industrial architecture. The EDA and Planning Commission di- rected staff to ensure the guidelines were not too strict which may discourage businesses from locating in Year End Review: Continued from Page 1 ter was built. In 2011, it will be home to conces- sions and a playground. The gathering room and outdoor pavilion will be available to rent. Another exciting addition to the parks system was the opening of Irish Ave- nue Park. The 125 acre property was acquired in late 2009, and is located just over a mile east of Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. Formerly a gravel pit, Irish Avenue Park was restored and is now home to over two miles of sce- nic walking trails on roll- ing prairie hills. The park can be accessed off of Irish Avenue. Over the winter, the Hugo Snow- mobile Club volunteered Hugo. They also stated that quality commercial and industrial development was important. Some of the guidelines will encourage four-sided architecture, quality building materials, and entrance features. The design guidelines will be reviewed by the City Coun- cil, Planning Commission, and EDA once a final draft is complete. to groom and maintain cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails for all residents to enjoy. The park may someday be home to active recreation facilities but is currently a picturesque hideaway in Hugo. Kidz In' Biz Fest kh.- -2011- "We 20II- "We accepted years ago that Hugo was going to grow. Standards were set to ensure that development enhances the services & quality of life for residents, and provides opportunities for businesses that want to locate here." Mayor Fran Miron Park shelters may be used on a "first come, first served" basis except with a permit. Starting this May, you may now buy a permit for $5, granting you prior- ity use of a park shelter. To reserve a park shelter or commu- nity room, contact City Hall at 651- 762-6300. Contact the Lions Club to reserve the shelter or building in Lions Park. Washington County's Library Express is located at Hugo City Hall and is available 24/7. To check out a book, go to www.co. washington.mn.us/ Cost -Share Grants Available RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT L'7 v�Ld-glwPi There are cost -share dollars available to help residents install "best management practices" (BMPs) that help reduce storm - water runoff and control shoreline erosion. To find out if you live within the RCWD boundaries, contact the RCWD office or visit RiceCreek.org to use the interactive district map. The RCWD's grant program is administered by the Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington Conservation Districts. Grants are for 50% of the project cost up to $5,000. Since the Environmental Protection Agency identifies stormwater runoff as the number one cause of water pollution, re- ducing stormwater runoff by encouraging infiltration is key to keeping our lakes and rivers clean. Typical BMPs include: rain - gardens, stabilizing shorelines with native plants, restoring wetlands, controlling ero- sion or soaking in stormwater runoff with pervious or porous pavers. To find out more about BMPs to solve the runoff or erosion problem on your property, you can find more information in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual found online at http:// www.eorinc.com/resourceslinks.php. Learn more about plantings that are easy, economical, save water, control erosion, and soak up excess stormwater, by visiting the Rice Creek Watershed District's multi- ple award-winning outreach program, Blue Thumb -Planting for Clean Water, at B1ueThumb.org. On this site, you can find how-to videos, planting blueprints, a plant selector tool, retailers, landscapers, grant information for the entire metro area, workshops and more. You can arrange a site visit to have a pro- fessional review your property to discuss BMP options by calling Pete Young at 651 Home Construction Projects Spring is in the air! Many Hugo homeown- ers will be submitting permit applications and plans for construction projects to en- hance their home and property and/or im- prove the value. Many of these projects will require excavation. Please be safe. Prior to starting the con- struction project it is the homeowner's re- sponsibility to contact Gopher State One Call by calling (800) 252-1166 or 651- 454 -0002 to submit information about your project. Gopher State One Call will inform the underground facility operators of pro - ject and mark the location of the under- ground utilities. You may contact Gopher State One Call not less than two days or up to fourteen calendar days prior to com- mencing excavation. Gopher State One Call's services are free to everyone. If you have any questions about the permit- ting process please contact the City of Hugo at 651-762-6300. You may also obtain information pertaining to the per- mitting process at the City of Hugo website www.ci.hugo.mn.us " That's Hugo, Today" Lights. Camera. Action! The City of Hugo has its own cable television show which had its debut in Oc- tober 2007. The show is a half-hour program that airs on cable channel 16 at 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 11:00 pm every day. The format of each episode typically in- cludes two in -studio inter- views and one on-site seg- ment called "What's the Story Behind..." Hosted by the City Admin- istrator Mike Ericson, the show has already featured guests ranging from Kerstin Quigley (Hugo Business Association President) to the current Princess Kay of the Milky Way (Hugo resi- dent Katie Miron). The show is directed, produced, and edited by City employ- ees. The on-site stories have been geared towards getting information out to resident about events happening in Hugo as well as business development. Citizens are encouraged to email or write in with show ideas, especially for "What's the Story Behind...". Contact Rachel Juba at 651-762- 6304 or send an email to riubagci.hugo.mn.us with any in -studio or on-site story ideas. That's a wrap! FMSaturday, April 23 8:00 a.m.- Noon City of Hugo Spring Cleanup Day - - flawnigult:1,11—n-unIm C-LL� . rr Hazardous materials and electmnlcswiII be accepted free -of -charge r Carload oftrash $5 and up from households only (no businesses). Proof of residency required. Pickup load of trash $25 and up Home Improvement & Construction: •Computers • Latex paint • Computer monitors Trailerload oftrash $25 and up •011 -based paint • Peripherals (keyboards, Lawn mower(Push) $15/unit •Paint remover/stripper/thinner mice, speakers, etc) • Stain/vamish • Printers Lawn mower(Rider) $30/unit Automotive & Recreation • TVs Household appliance $15/unit •Antifreeze •DVD &VCR Players •Used motor oil and fitters Fax Machines Commercial appliance $75 and up .Propane tanks •Cell phones Airconditioner $20/unit • Rechargeable batteries Watersoftener $20/unit Yard &Garden: F •Insect/roach/ant killer NO7E: Electro. Mattress or box spring $20/unit •Fertilizers/pesticides/weedkiller NOTE,.Elect edals hazardous Upholstered furniture $20/each Household Items: will be unloaded firs[. • Aerosol cans Please organize your load Carpet $1/yard . Mercurythermometers and thermostats accordingly. Bicycle with tires $5/each • Fluorescent bulbs • Some household cleaners Bicycle withouttires FREE (check label for words "Caution, Scrap metal FREE "Warning, "Danger', 'Poison) Tires $2.50 and up 77 (Proportional rarer maybe appliedw pardal loadaand horchecksonly. Please bringsmall bills. Please make payableto City of Huge overloaded tucks) nlred. A N City of Hugo Public Works N . m oroo• Building 6900137thStN 0 — aJtanb Questions? Call the City of Hugo at 651-762-6300 Cable Chann 16 Things you should know... Hydrant Flushing The Public Works Department will be flushing hydrants starting Mon- day, April 11. It should take about two weeks to complete all hydrants. Flushing purges rust and stagnant water from the distribution system and identifies hydrants in need of maintenance. It is inevitable that some residents will receive rust col- ored water that could stain laundry. During this time, please check that water coming into the house is clear. Street Sweeping Starts Monday, April 4 The Public Works Department will be sweeping all paved streets starting Monday, April 4. Typically, sweep- ing takes place Monday through Fri- day between the hours of 7:00am and 4:30pm and takes about two weeks to complete. Private roads are swept by the homeowners associa- tions. If you have questions, please call 651-762-6300. 2010 Census Data Now Available! City of Hugo Population: 13,332 Number of Households in Hugo: 4,990 Dog licenses are no longer required in the City of Hugo. Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge What is the Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge? The 148 day Wellness Challenge will consist of a weekly walking club, monthly challenges, bi- weekly events, opportuni- ties for health screenings, and wellness incen- tives. You may choose to participate in all of the ac- tivities or choose only ones that interest you. This is not a weight -loss challenge, but a fun way to meet new people, stay active, and learn exciting new ways to be healthy. The Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge is a fun program to promote the healthy living options in Hugo. It is coordinated in partnership with local health businesses and the City of Hugo. It is funded by the Statewide Health Improvement Program and is FREE to Hugo residents. Health Up and GO Well- ness Challenge Kick Off Saturday, April 30 at Hugo City Hall at 9:00am- Noon Find new and fun ways to stay active, explore local wellness options (such as events and fitness clubs), and sign up to win great prizes to kick off a summer of healthy living. The first 40 participants can have their blood glucose, BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure checked for FREE. This is sponsored by Fairview Clinic and HealthEast Clinic. You may also choose to con- tinue to monitor your "numbers" in this ongoing wellness challenge. The Wellness Challenge will wrap-up with a family bike ride through Hugo on Saturday, September 24. Come and celebrate a new healthy you! If you have questions, please contact City Hall at 651-762-6300 or go to www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Dog/ Animal Ordinance Updates The Hugo City Council recently adopted changes to the City's Animal ordi- nance. This ordinance mainly pertains to dogs within the City. There are several major changes that residents should be aware of. First, the City of Hugo no longer requires dog li- censes. This will save resi- dents time and money, however, it is still required for your dog to wear identi- fication and have proper vaccinations. The second major change is that "potentially dangerous dogs" are now allowed in the City of Hugo. "Dangerous Dogs," by defi- nition, are still prohibited. Before this change, if a resident's dog had an inci- dent with another dog or a person, and was deemed potentially dangerous, it would not be allowed to remain in the City of Hugo. Potential dangerous dogs are now subject to further restrictions includ- ing proper enclosure and leashing requirements but are allowed in the City. Other changes to the ordi- nance include how the Ani- mal Control Authority and the City of Hugo respond to dog bite incidents. These changes include vaccina- tions, impounding, noticing requirements, and hearing and appeal procedures. These changes will help staff deal with dog inci- dents more efficiently. To obtain a copy of the Ani - Recreation Programs Lions Den Teen Program June 21— August 25 Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-5:30pm Lions Park Hey teens! Looking for something to do this summer? Come hang out at Lions Park for fun with your friends. The Lions Den is FREE for everyone ages 10-15. Bring your friends and play soccer, kick- ball, baseball, water games, basketball, or check out the new skate park. Stop by Li- ons Park near Hugo City Hall to check it out. Summer Soccer Camps Monday, July 25 -Thursday, July 28 Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Boys and Girls ages 9-14 years old 9:30am - Noon OR Boys and Girls 5-8 years old 10:00am - Noon The first City of Hugo area soccer camp will be held at the new Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park this summer! Players will have an opportunity to meet and build friend- ships with players whom they may see with on a regular basis. You do not need to be a member of a local club to partici- pate. Carl Craig and his team of coaches will create a fun balance of learning and a "summer camp" atmosphere. Players must provide their own soccer ball and drink and arrive dressed in suitable attire for playing soccer. The cost is $67. To register, contact Shayla Syverson at 651- 762-6342. 3rd Lair Skateboard Camp Monday, July 11— Wednesday, July 13 9:OOam-noon Lions Park fma SKATEBOARD CAMP Experienced instructors from 3rd Lair will perform and teach the basic fundamentals, safety, and skatepark etiquette. Core train- ing is mixed with fun and games for all ages and skill levels. In case of rain, in- door activities will be provided. The cost to enroll is $99. To register, contact Shayla Syverson at 651-762-6342. 3rd Lair Summer Series Competition Saturday, June 25 Lions Park 3rd Lair will be hosting their 5th annual skateboard contest series dubbed the "Summer Series" at various skateparks in Minnesota. On Saturday, June 25, the competition will be held at the skate park in Lions Park. The entry fee is $10 at the event. Points are given to each competitor based on their final standing at each con- test. Results, standings, and cumulative point totals of every competition will be kept track of on the official "Summer Se- ries" website: www.summerseries.net. The competitors with the most points at the end of the contest series will be the winners. There will be 3 overall point winners crowned— beginner, intermediate, and expert. Winners will receive a `Golden Ticket' to the Minnesota State Fair Championship. The very popular skatepark at Lions Park was finished in fall of 2010. Find us on Facebook For more informa- tion about recrea- tion programs and events, check out the City of Hugo, MN on Facebook. I Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N., Hugo, MN 55038 City Directory City Staff City Administrator City Clerk Community Dev. Dir. Public Works Director Building Official Building Inspector Sr. Engineering Tech. Community Dev. Asst. Parks Planner Planner Bldg. Dept. Secretary Finance Director Accounting Clerk Billing Clerk Fire Chief City Council Mayor Ward 1 Ward 2 Ward 3 Council -at -Large Current Resident Visit our website: www.ci.hugo.mn.us Service Directory BULK RATE POSTAGE HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21 Mike Ericson 651-762-6312 8'60 am to 4:3 pm I Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Monday— Friday exc Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 651-762-6300 Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 Chuck Preisler 651-762-6313 Scott Baller 651-762-6322 651-762-2859 Steve Duff 651-762-6316 Dennis Fields 651-762-6311 ' Shayla Syverson 651-762-6342 =e Rachel Juba 651-762-6304 651-439-9381 Debi Close 651-762-6300 in case of a fire or Ron Otkin 651-762-6314ei� police emergency, dial 911. Anna Wobse 651-762-6338 (non -emergency) Jodie Guareschi 651-762-6309 651429-6366 Jim Compton 651-429-6366 Monthly Mee ng Schedule Fran Miron 651-429-5961 City Council 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00pm Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00pm Phil Klein 651-762-6340 Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00pm Chuck Haas 651-247-0354 Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00pm Tom Weidt 651-334-4076 Economic Development Authority 2nd Monday at 8:30am