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Home My WebLink About2012 Spring NewsletterInside: 2012 City 2 Goals Garage Door 3 Safety Redistricting 3 Year End Review In February, Mayor Fran Miron, presented the State of the City Address during a busi- ness networking breakfast held by the City and the Hugo Business Association (HBA). The presentation included a report of some of the happenings in Hugo in 2011. Several infrastructure projects were com- pleted including traffic signals at 130th and 147th Street, neighborhood road reconstruc- tion and the 35E/CR 14 interchange construction. Fiber optic line were installed along Highway 61 by Enventis as part of a $24 million dollar greater Minnesota broad- band project. This was funded by the American Recovery Act Broadband Stimu- lus money. Space can be leased to business that would like to connect to the fiber line. There were 50 new construction building permits issued in 2011 and one new plat recorded. There were several new busi- nesses that located in Hugo that completed commercial or industrial build -outs for their business locations. LU Soccer Camp at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park New playgrounds were built at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park and Heritage Ponds Park. Concept planning of both Lions Park and what has become known as Irish Avenue Park was started. Mowed trails at Irish Avenue Park were expanded and the passive park continues to grow in popularity. Hugo's recreation programming expanded to include a skate camp, soccer camp, pickle ball tournament, outdoor movie night, fam- ily bike ride and the Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge. Summer 2012 Road Construction Economic 4 State of MN Projects County Projects City of Hugo Projects Development MnDOT will be completing Washington County will be The City of Hugo will be a mill and overlay on High- completing a mill and over- reconstructing roadways Spring Clean 5 way 61 from County Rd. 96 lay project on County Rd. 8 west of Falcon Avenue, Up in White Bear Lake to High- from Highway 61 to Good- 126th St. Circle and Europa way 97 in Forest Lake. This view Ave. This work will Avenue. This work will Recreation 6 project is scheduled to start take place late spring/early start late spring/early sum - Programs on July 9 after the work on summer and should be com- mer and is anticipated to be 35E is completed. Expect pleted before the Highway completed by the end of Rice Creek 7 delays and short-term 61 project starts. August. Watershed closures. Park shelters may be used on a "first come, first served" basis except with a $5 permit. 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. To check out a book and arrange pick up at the library lockers at City Hall, go to www.co.washington .mn.us/library. 2012 City Goals Goal #1 Infrastructure In 2012, the City will evaluate and im- plement a number of infrastructure im- provements. These include updating priorities for roadway improvements for the next five years. Stormwater reuse in the stormwater management projects. Infrastructure improvements at the inter- section of Highway 61 and County Road 4 are scheduled for 2013. High speed internet infrastructure and City facility space needs will be evaluated. Goal #2 Public Safety The joint powers agreement with White Bear Lake for shared Basic Life Support services will be updated. The Fire Department will work on a leadership succession plan and apply for federal grants from FEMA and SAFR. Goal #3 Economic Development Long-term strategies will be developed for industrial developments. This in- cludes a study and planning of the of the northern gateway area and a discussion on extension of city services. The mar- keting plan for the City will be imple- mented which includes incentives to do business in Hugo, and indentifying the needs for future industrial parks. Rede- velopment of downtown Hugo continues to be a priority and includes partnering on the redevelopment and site planning of the stock lumber site and sale of city -owned properties. Goal #4 Parks Projects Recreation programming will continue to expand. Opportunities for park funding such as DNR outdoor recreation grants, regional park/trail designations, and cost recovery options will continue to be reviewed. Irish Avenue Park and Lions Park long-term planning projects will Your 2012 Hugo City Council (from left): Mayor Fran Miron, Phil Klein, Chuck Haas, Becky Petryk, Tom Weidt continue. Missing trial links within the City will be identified and completed. Goal #5 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Metropolitan Council grant opportuni- ties to help initiate land use studies for mixed-use zoning areas will be researched. Zoning and subdivision or- dinances will be updated. The stormwa- ter plan will be completed. The down- town plan will be reviewed. Funding will be found for Phase 2 of the Eastern Hugo Land Use Study. Ongoing Priorities The Hugo City Council also maintains ongoing priorities. These include: • Maintain quality staff. • Council is committed to working collaboratively with Commissioners to build a stronger team. • Continue to build a diverse and sta- ble tax base. • Continue community outreach. • Maintain Legislative relationships and regional partnerships. Garage Door Safety Tips The garage door is the largest door in the home yet many people use it as the main exit and entrance to the home. With the convenience of automatic door openers it's easier to use than the front door. We bring our cars and bikes in and out, and don't forget lawnmowers, garden tools and whatever. Garage doors are well used so it is important to check their safety. You can check your garage door opener safety devices by following these tips: Look for photoelectric eyes near the floor on both sides of the door. If you have photoelectric eyes, test them by blocking the beam between the eyes as the door is closing, and the door should automatically stop. If you do not have a photoelectric reversing device, you need to check the pressure sensitive device. Redistricting Following the decennial census, municipalities are required to redraw or reestablish district boundaries to ensure people in each district are equally repre- sented. The City of Hugo is redrawing the ward boundaries due to the shift in population since redistricting was last done in 2002. The draft plan drawn by the City Council is shown. The City Council will be adopt- ing the final redistricting plan at its April 2, 2012 meeting. If you have any questions, con- cerns or comments on this plan, please contact your ward repre- sentative or City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762-6315. To do this, try to stop the door with your hand (be care- ful not to be under the door). Before the pressure gets too hard on you, the door should reverse. If the door does not reverse, call a service person to adjust this. If you have none of these safety devices, then it is time to replace the opener. Also, annually check that all nuts and bolts on the rails and rollers are tight. This will help limit wear on the motor. Remember the first step to keep your family safe begins with keeping your house safe. Building Official Chuck Preisler can be contacted at 651-762-6313 to answer questions about the building code in Hugo. To obtain a permit, contact Building Secretary Debi Close at 651-762-6300. 180TH �li 180TH N W _ A J '6 W Z LU = Proposed Wards 3 Ward 1 Legislative Districts � Ward 2 ®School Districts rr Ward 3 Roads a W LL LL LLI .° W W CL a �, z C1yA4A1V a o� _ z z } LU Y (� F 140TH N a � 132ND r � a 0 125TH w 122ND Kidz "n' Biz Fest kk.- -2011- —.-Io You 201t- You won't want to miss it! Sponsored by the Hugo Business Association and Hugo's Economic Development Authority. The event will bring to- gether businesses and residents of Hugo for a few hours of games, en- tertainment and fun. Kidz `n Biz Fest Saturday, April 21 Oneka Elementary 11:00am — 2:00pm Hugo Jr. Idol Auditions Saturday, April 14 KinderGardens Child Development Center 11:00am — 3:00pm *Pre -registration and song selection by March 31 is re- quired Economic Development EXTRA! The Economic Development Authority (EDA) welcomed several new businesses into Hugo over the last year. Flanagan Law Office opened in downtown Hugo in Octo- ber. Also, Anytime Fitness and Tawshi El Salon located in Victor Gardens Retail Centers in the fall. Grant Barrett owns office space in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park and after a tenant moved out he constructed several smaller office areas to be used as shared office space for three tenants. The spaces is now fully occupied by a psychologist, physical therapist, and insurance agent. HealthEast Clinic has expanded within its current building on Everton Avenue to include additional of- fice space and exam rooms. Xcel Energy to Locate in Hugo In December 2011, the City Council re- viewed a concept plan for a 50,000 square foot Xcel Energy gas and electric training center, to be developed in phases. Xcel Energy has now applied formally for site plan approval of a 20,000 square foot building in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park. They plan to conduct training 42 weeks a year and expect up to 50 trainees at the center per each week of training. Construc- tion of the building and site improvements are expected to start in the spring. $73,000 Grant Awarded Since May 2011, staff has been working with Pete Sampair, a property owner in downtown Hugo, on a grant application to the Metropolitan Council. The grant mon- ies are in the Livable Communities Dem- onstration Account for innovative planning and development. In December 2011, the City was awarded the grant for a total of $73,000. The grant will be used for survey- ing, title work, stormwater analysis, envi- ronmental evaluation, preliminary redevel- opment plans, and land acquisition strate- gies. The planning for the mixed-use rede- velopment will start in 2012. Mr. Sampair has put together a concept plan for the site to give the Metropolitan Council an idea of the project he would like to complete. The concept includes housing, commercial, and office uses integrated with a main street and town center atmosphere. BR&E Implementation Continues The Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program commenced in April 2010, but the City continues to implement the action plans from the results of the surveys. The purpose of the program was to demonstrate support for local busi- nesses, help solve immediate business con- cerns, increase local businesses' ability to compete in the global economy, establish and implement a strategic plan for eco- nomic development, and to build commu- nity capacity to sustain growth and devel- opment. There were 38 businesses visited in the City and the survey results were evaluated by economic development pro- fessionals of the University of Minnesota. The four implementation projects include: 1. Market the City of Hugo 2. Create, Coordinate, and Encourage Events 3. Host Business Networking Breakfast Workshops 4. Address Highway 61 Access Issues and Improve Downtown Hugo The City of Hugo continues to work on each of the implementation projects. Most recently there has been an effort to revital- ize the downtown area. The City has worked with several property owners to remove the blighted buildings in down- town. The full report of the survey results can be found on the City's website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us under Business Info. I Recycle. A Word From Public Works Hydrant Flushing Begins April 9 The Public Works Department will be flushing hydrants starting Monday, April 9. 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 mainte- nance. It is inevitable that some residents will receive rust colored water that could stain laundry. During this time, please check that water coming into the house is clear. Compost Site The compost site is located on the south side of 170th Street North approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61. The site is open April 18 - November 15 on Satur- days & Sundays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. This is a deposit site for grass clip- pings, leaves, and soft organic matter only. No brush, twigs, branches or woody materials are accepted. + , Sat�lyday. A01 21 5.�Noon 0 a.m. - Day Hucie Springr Cleanup Alini aratedala and sleciml wlil fle accePtad free o�-�haege t Hazaedaas pa ous7nesus). Prae£afresidencY e4 55 and up Ovum novseaalds omy f . CamP[G¢rs & manaars teat load ott25h .525 and up HamalmPmeul&CAara ,ParlPatSiaards +atwlOrl palM&Slain mice'sPeako" etc.) pm wP load aitmsh $25 and up __ . . PaintremOt'eq"tnlnner . PnrRarS Traiilerleadetnssh, 5t5,lUnit &Realeat'ron +NS 1-0matNe "n & VCR Playa* LawnmawerlPushl 5s()lunit . wtrteae I as aaa hlers . Fak Nect+mas lawn muwa,IPide4 3yerjunli .IjSed mala cell Phdaes Ranee - + p aParret,114 Watering Restrictions Hugo residents and property own- ers who use the municipal water system are being asked to help conserve water and protect the environment by restricting their watering of lawns, trees or other vegetation. In a resolution ad- opted May 15, 2001, the days you may water are determined by your street address. If your address ends in an odd number, you may water only on odd - numbered calendar days. If your address ends in an even number, you may water only on even -numbered calendar 'W"hald app $15 and UP , Ream ae aattades Cunme+clalaPpaence $261001 AI[CAad11i°nerY* Id�edraactrjantklller $201011 tvetersottenee $20Yan14 t"t'u Qhe0',te1 Mattressoraaxdr�_ 526laach Housendld items: ePlease Nermamate�sand thrmoatats aur lead SO UGhalsleredlomdate S11Yard •Merton eeriaubSt6uMlladtoP,ed'i0 0rganizeY _ . FlaarCSC 8If 0V2cttonics and _ _ Camat �$5/eacn .Samelqusehold 4leane +. hazardous drat �myalayrohUres FREE .SharPS& ""&es can aefen naned I�� yndluulli2S FREE . =6 _ `and UP -ipt rBsldener loth asad i1feS —E IiGerSe 15 tegaited. p,5. PteaRe make' Pa4a4k to C1q _ biti�frsads,ailQ.dadad Hugo pubk Wurks guRdini 690O 137th St N Questions? Call the Hugo City Hall at 651 7�2'HOU days. An exemption from the odd - even restriction (of up to 30 days) is available for new sod, seed or plantings. You may call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 to be added to the 30 -day ex- emption list. If you have any Public Works related questions, p l e a s e c a l l 651-762-6300. Recreation Programs Skyhawks Sports Academy Programs Skyhawks' Flag Football The City of Hugo has parternered with Skyhawks to offer new youth sports pro- grams. Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that em- phasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsman- ship. Our programs are designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. Our patient and knowledgeable staff use a variety of skill - building games and activities to give each athlete a complete understanding and over- view of the sport. Since 1979 Skyhawks has taught over one and a half million boys and girls life lessons through sports. Please view our website at www.skyhawks.com for further details. Skyhawks' Mini -Hawk Ages 4-7 Monday, Aug. 13— Thursday, Aug. 16 9:OOam— noon Hanifl Fields Athletic Park This multi -sport program was developed by Skyhawks to give children ages 4 to 7 a positive first step into athletics. The essen- tials of t -ball, basketball and soccer are taught in a safe, structured environment with lots of encouragement and a big focus on fun. Our Mini -Hawk games and activi- ties were designed to allow campers to explore balance, movement, hand/eye co- ordination, and skill development at their own pace. Skyhawks staff are trained to handle the specific needs of young athletes. Please bring two snacks, sunscreen, appro- priate clothing and water 40L bottle. All participants receive a t -shirt and merit award. The cost is $79. Ages 7-12 Monday, Aug. 13— Thurs- day, Aug. 16 1:OOpm— 4:OOpm Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Skyhawks Flag Football is the perfect introduction to "America's Game" or a great refresher for those who want to brush up on their skills preparing for league play. Through our "skill of the day" exer- cises, campers will learn skills on both sides of the ball including the core compo- nents of passing, catching, and de -flagging or defensive positioning — all presented in a fun and positive environment. The week ends with the Skyhawks Sports Bowl, giv- ing participants a chance to showcase their skills on the gridiron! Please bring two snacks, sunscreen, appropriate clothing and water bottle. All participants receive a t -shirt and merit award. The cost is $79. Registration available at Hugo City Hall or on www.skywhawks.com 3rd Lair Skateboard Camp Monday, July 11—Wednesday, July 13 9:OOam- noon Lions Park 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, indoor activities will be provided. The cost to enroll is $44. CV :L1 r2l R SKATEBOARD CAMP Dogs may be off leash in the passive parks in Hugo. These include Clearwater Creek Preserve Park, Rice Lake Park and Irish Avenue Park. More information about Hugo's parks can be found on the City's website. Find us on Facebvwk For more informa- tion about recreation programs and events, check out the City of Hugo, MN on Facebook. Water Wise Pool Owner RICE CREEK WATERSHED D I S T R I C T D L/C(/ When the lakes of Minnesota thaw out it's time to fill the pool and get ready for a po- tentially hot and humid summer. Pools obviously use large volumes of water and chemicals, too. But you can own a pool and keep the environment in mind at the same time. During pool season be a good steward of our water resources by consid- ering these options: 1. Cover your pool to reduce evaporation of water and chlorine. It will also retain heat. 2. Consider installing a water -saving pool filter. 3. If you would like to reduce your chemi- cal use, alternatives such as ultraviolet light cleaners and salt water or ozone sys- tems are becoming more popular. When summer is over and it's time to drain the swimming pool, a few simple steps will help protect our surface waters. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has these guidelines: 1. Stop adding chlorine 3 days before you drain the pool. This will allow the chlo- rine to dissipate. A testing kit can be used to be sure the chlorine is gone. 2. It is best to drain water onto a lawn or other vegetated surface. 3. Make sure that the drainage rate is slow enough to allow the water to soak into the soil without running off into storm sewers, wetlands, other surface waters, or neighboring property. 4. Never drain into a storm sewer or street drain (these drain directly to lake, rivers, or streams without being treated) 5. If you cannot drain onto the lawn (small lot size, for example), contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or your city to determine your options. That's simple enough. Of course, if a pool seems like too much work, there's always the 10,000 plus lakes ready and waiting. Recreation Programs Continued Geocaching Club May 1— August 31 Hugo Parks Find geocaches hidden throughout Hugo's parks for your chance at the grand prize drawing in September! Pick up your log book and cache clues at Hugo City Hall after May 1 to start your summer geocach- ing adventure! Park Play Days Tuesdays & Thursdays June & July 9:00am— 11:00am, 1:00pm— 3:00pm At your neighborhood park Join in fun games and activities for all ages in your neighborhood park! The cost is free, but a parent must be present or provide emergency contact information. For locations and activity schedule, follow the City's facebook or check the website. WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING e Worried about your next house payment? You are not alone. There is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL help. The Wash- ington County HRA, a HUD - approved counseling agency, offers fore- closure prevention counseling. Certified counselors can help you create a plan. Washington County HRA 321 Broadway Ave Saint Paul Park, MN 55071 www.wchra.com (651) 458-0936 Election Judges Needed', To learn how you can be a part of the next election, con- tact Hugo City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762- 6315. Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N., Hugo, MN 55038 Current Resident Visit our website: www.ci.hugo.mn.us City Directory City Staff City Administrator Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 City Clerk Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 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 Parks Planner Shayla Syverson 651-762-6342 Planner Rachel Juba 651-762-6304 Bldg. Dept. 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 Service Directory City Hall General Information 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday— Friday except holidays 651-762-6300 City Hall FAX number 651-762-2859 BULK RATE POSTAGE PAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21 Washington County Sheriffs Department (Police non -emergency) 651-439-9381 In case of a fire or Fire Hall police emergency, (non -emergency) dial 911. 651-429-6366 Monthly Meeting schedule City Council 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7:00pm Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00pm Parks Commission 2nd Wednesday at 7:00pm Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday at 7:00pm Economic Development Authority 2nd Monday at 8:30am