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Home My WebLink About2014 Spring NewsletterWater Conservation Water Conservation continues to be a hot topic, not only in Hugo, but across the state. The City's leadership team has made this issue a top priority. A recent study done by WSB & Associates took a look at 3 potential projects where we could implement storm water irrigation: Water's Edge, Beaver Ponds, and CSAH 8 City Accounts. The results were staggering. These 3 projects have the potential to re -use up to 100 million gallons of storm water for irrigation annually! This would eliminate the need to build infiltration basins for 100-200 acres or 25-50 miles of street reconstruction. Other plans are being set in motion to promote the City's goal to "Reduce, Reuse, Replenish". The City will incentivize water conservation for developers and homeowners. Water conservation rates may be adjusted to promote good water stewardship. The conservation mindset transcends all of the City's departments in Hugo, as we work to preserve our water -rich community for future generations. 'how YOU Can Help! Abiding by Hugo's watering ordinances is an easy way to make a significant impact in conserving our city's water. Hugo residents and property owners are being asked to limit their watering of lawns and gardens. If your address ends in an even number, you may only water on even number calendar days. Likewise, if your address ends in an odd number, you are restricted to watering on odd number calendar days. The only exemption available for this is for new sod, seed, or plantings. Call City Hall at 651-762-6300 to be added to the 30 -day exemption list. 2014 City Goals oal #1 Water Conservation The City will follow through with their plans to Reduce, Reuse, and Replenish. A plan is in place to acquire funding through the legislature to develop storm water management projects. Providing incentives and education of water conservation practices is imperative to our conservation efforts. Further consideration will be made for potential changes to ordinances and water rate structure. Hugo plans to collaborate with neighboring cities as we continue to be a regional leader in all water related issues. Continued on Page 2 v 2014 City Goals (continued from Page 1) Goal #2 Economic Development a study on future expansion of the Public The EDA plans to develop a program that Works facility, and a review of the Street will improve communication with existing Assessment Policy concerning trails and businesses. Redeveloping City -owned sidewalks. property will be a priority. Downtown will Goal #5 Parks Project also be an area of concentration as we work through plans and design guidelines. A policy to expand trails will be developed. Implementing a successful marketing plan Identifying funding for planning and for attracting new businesses is also a goal redeveloping Lions and Irish Ave Park will of the City in the upcoming year. also continue. Workshops will be held for the Council and Parks Commission on Goal #3 Comprehensive Plap Zoning and Subdivision ordinances will be updated as needed. The Stormwater Plan will be worked on and completed. Although we have a Comprehensive Plan in place already, the City will work with the Met Council in preparation of the next plan. Goai #4 intrastruczure There are multiple projects planned to improve Hugo's roads and trails in 2014. These projects will consist of completing 165th St, Rosemary Way, and Hardwood Creek Trail. Other infrastructure improvements the City will be working on include stormwater management projects, funding for the pavement management program, expansion of high-speed internet, Ongoing PrioritieE- recreational programing. Goal #6 Public Safety Ambulance changes will be evaluated. The Capital Improvement Program will be reviewed for emergency equipment. At a staffing level, recruitment and retention efforts will be stressed. Collaboration with surrounding cities will continue. Goal #7 Atlministratiop Work in partnership with Washington County to expand library services. Administer 2014 Elections. Implement better technology, such as document imaging software. Work with Historical Commission on hiring of an intern. The City Council also maintains these ongoing priorities: • Maintain Quality Staff • Work Collaboratively with Commissioners • Build a Diverse Tax Base • Continue Community Outreach Efforts • Maintain Legislative Relationships • Build and Maintain Regional Partnerships Want to learn more? Stay informed and updated by checking out our website www.d.hugo.mn.us Councilmembers (left to right): Tony Bronk, Charles Haas, Mayor Tom Weidt, Becky Petryk, Phil Klein Road Improvements Coming to Hugo Residents in these areas are asked to not park vehicles on the roads while work is being done. Summer Road Projects With warmer temperatures, comes road construction and maintenance. The expansion of Rosemary Way west to Festival Foods is planned to take place this summer. 165th St and Ingersoll Ave will be undergoing a mill and overlay project. Two to three inches of the street will be milled off and an overlay of new asphalt will be applied. The mill and overlay is essential for streets that are aging. State Projects MNDOT is also planning a micro seal of Highway 61, from Frenchman Rd to 150th St. Micro seal is a blend of liquid asphalt, cement, and polymers to create a thin layer of mix to seal and preserve the life of the streets. v GoodviewTrail 152nd St N 0 <4� T < =- d 0 `0 148th St N — d _ D , — Rice Lake H UG11a T--4--, _ , B� th F4!7 baA �! Geneva €�q o 0 ® ❑ FIaniR Foeids g AfhletrcPark �G Seal Coating i.ake Seal coating will take place on select city roadskugc 2014 Seal Coat Area and parking lots. Seal coating preserves the condition of the pavement by sealing the= - = ,r Roads Parking Lots surface and small cracks within the existing asphalt pavement. The project area includes sections of Goodview Ave, Geneva Ave, and Francesca Ave. Refer to the map to see where the improvements will be made. Questions? Please contact Senior Engineering Technician Steve Duff at 651-762-6316. Tips From Your Fire Chief Burning Permits As the snow melts, remember burning permits are required for any fire larger than 3'x3'. Springtime always brings dry conditions and potential Burning Bans. Keep informed by visiting Hugo's website and the MN DNR website. Burn Permits are available on the City website and should be submitted to City Hall. Please have your permit submitted by noon on the Thursday before, if you need one for the weekend. Detectors Please remember to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and check expiration dates every time you change your clocks, (note: most have a 10 year service life). And, as always create and practice a fire escape plan. Fire Chief Kevin Colvard can be reached at kcolvard@ci.hugo.mn.us Public Works Private Well Sealing Ow, Property owners may obtain financial assistance for sealing abandoned wells. 11 Applicants may be eligible for cost -share (50%) or full -cost reimbursement. You must complete an application, receive approval, and have a signed agreement in place before proceeding with any well sealing. Please contact the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 for more information. Hydrant Flushing Starting May 5th As part of many other spring projects, the Public Works Department will be flushing e`1 C/� hydrants starting May 5th. We expect it to take about two weeks to complete all L hydrants. Flushing purges rust and stagnant water from the distribution system and identifies hydrants in need of maintenance. Some residents may receive rust colored water that could stain laundry. During this time, please check that water coming into the •Spring Cleanup , house is clear and let the water .-,,Hu tap run if necessary. Carload of trash $5 and up Pickup load of trash $25 and up Trailerload oftrash $25 and up Lawn momf (Push) $15/unit Lawn mower (Rader) 530/unit Household appliance $15/unit Commensal appliance $75 and up Airoondllioner 520/unit Watersotmer 520/unit Mamess of box spr ng 520/unit Upholstared fumlture 524/esoh carpet st/yard Hicycle with tires S5/each Bicycle without Ores scan metal FREE FREE i Hazardous materials ar,d elec Iron Ics wi 11 he accepted free -of -charge from households only (no businesses). Pmol of residency required. Household Items: Home Improvement& Construction: -Mercury thermometers and thenmpstats •Latex /olIpoint &stain • Fluorescent bulbs (bundled toge�etherwith • Paint remover/thinner rubber hands, no tape) Automadve & Recreation: • Household cleaners . Antifreeze • Sharpe, Sydnges, needles and used epl , Used motor ail and fitters Pons In a scaled, sturdycantainer .Propaaetanks • Computers & monitors • Rechargeable batteries • Peripherals(keyboards, mice. speakers, am.) Yard & Garden: • Printers&fax machines • Insect/roach/ant killer • Ns, DVD & VCR players ' Fftlizefs/herbicides • Cell phones Document shredding will also be offered nDTF please In arderto serve as many people as possib,e, ergani2e your lead so no more then four hazes per customer will be accepted. i all electronics. and Please note that shredding capacity may be hazardous materials reached before the end of the event Can be removed first. I ares 4r.5u an a up Cash orchecks only. Plum bring small bills. Please make payable toCity ofHugcr - A'ootoTraaideneysuchesadrlvers (Pfepmdanal rates may be applied to partial loads and overloaded trucks) - - license Is required. ea &a ®y w Hugo Public Works Building mov,-, AQP{ 6900137th St. N. '°§qa d s Questions?Call the Hugo City Hall at 651-762-6300 Street Sweeping Starting April 1st The Public Works Department will be sweeping all public paved streets beginning on April 1St Sweeping takes place Monday through Friday between 7:OOam and 4:30pm. It will take approximately two weeks to complete. Private roads are swept by homeowners associations. Compost Site The compost site is located on the south side of 170th St North approximately 1/2 mile west of Highway 61. The site is open for Hugo residents only from April 15th through November 1st on Wednesdays from 4pm to 8:OOpm or dusk and Saturdays from 10:OOam to S:OOpm. This is a deposit site for grass clippings, leaves, and soft organic matter only. No brush, twigs, branches or woody materials accepted. Questions? Please contact Public Works Director Scott Anderson at 651-762-6300. Economic Development EXTRA The goal of the Hugo Economic Development Authority (EDA) is to create a thriving community with diverse jobs and tax base, brought about by specific emphasis on business retention, business expansion, and business attraction. Hugo's business community is rapidly expanding due to strong residential growth and an attractive business environment. The City had 52 new residential homes built as well as 4 commercial constructions in 2013. LaValle Fields A preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) has been approved for property located west of Lions Parks and north of CSAH 8. The project is proposed to consist of 130 senior housing units as well as 165 apartment units. The senior housing project is the first phase and is expected to make a site plan application this year. The developer has stated that some land will be dedicated to add to Lions Park. Downtown Land to be Marketed The City owned land across from City Hall, now totaling 5 acres, is for sale and available for commercial development. The EDA, after a thorough interview process, recently hired Highpointe Reality and Wakota Commercial Advisors to market this property. Fox Meadows The Meridian Land Company is in the process of applying for a residential project, called Fox Meadows. This development will consist of around 57 single family lots. Lots Available Hugo remains a prime place to live in Minnesota. Our residential statistics reflect this. There are 76 single family homes, and 149 multi -family units available. For more information on these properties, check out the Planning/Community Development section of the city website. Questions? Please contact City Planner Rachel Juba at 651-762-6304. Housing Market Update Hugo's total foreclosures has been declin- ing since 2010. The City's Building Depart- ment inspects foreclosed properties so that they are properly maintained so as to not effect surrounding properties. Hugo's declining foreclosure rate is also a result of the increase in total homes from new residential development. The City expects to see this trend continue. 2008 2049 2010 2011 2012 2013 ■ Total Hones in Hugo Kidz 'n Biz Fest 2014 - Kidz 'n 0,4-Kidz'n Biz Fest Saturday, April 26 Oneka Elementary 11:00am - 2:00pm Sponsored by the Hugo Business Association and the City of Hugo Economic Development Authority. D III! I - Irin? 71r 3P Annual if Good Neighbor Days June 5-8 2014 Good Neighbor Days June 5th - 8th Lions Park Join in celebrating Hugo with great music, food, beer garden, petting zoo, carnival rides, and fireworks! Hosted by the Hugo Lions Club. loop as well as 165 apartment units. The senior housing project is the first phase and is expected to make a site plan application this year. The developer has stated that some land will be dedicated to add to Lions Park. Downtown Land to be Marketed The City owned land across from City Hall, now totaling 5 acres, is for sale and available for commercial development. The EDA, after a thorough interview process, recently hired Highpointe Reality and Wakota Commercial Advisors to market this property. Fox Meadows The Meridian Land Company is in the process of applying for a residential project, called Fox Meadows. This development will consist of around 57 single family lots. Lots Available Hugo remains a prime place to live in Minnesota. Our residential statistics reflect this. There are 76 single family homes, and 149 multi -family units available. For more information on these properties, check out the Planning/Community Development section of the city website. Questions? Please contact City Planner Rachel Juba at 651-762-6304. Housing Market Update Hugo's total foreclosures has been declin- ing since 2010. The City's Building Depart- ment inspects foreclosed properties so that they are properly maintained so as to not effect surrounding properties. Hugo's declining foreclosure rate is also a result of the increase in total homes from new residential development. The City expects to see this trend continue. 2008 2049 2010 2011 2012 2013 ■ Total Hones in Hugo Kidz 'n Biz Fest 2014 - Kidz 'n 0,4-Kidz'n Biz Fest Saturday, April 26 Oneka Elementary 11:00am - 2:00pm Sponsored by the Hugo Business Association and the City of Hugo Economic Development Authority. D III! I - Irin? 71r 3P Annual if Good Neighbor Days June 5-8 2014 Good Neighbor Days June 5th - 8th Lions Park Join in celebrating Hugo with great music, food, beer garden, petting zoo, carnival rides, and fireworks! Hosted by the Hugo Lions Club. Find us on Facebook Recreation Programs Park Play Days For ages 6-12 Tuesdays at Diamond Point Park Thursdays at Beaver Ponds Park 9:00am-11:00am June 17—July 31 Kids are invited to Hugo parks to play games such as kickball, frogger, freeze tag, giant rock -papers scissors, and much more! Kids will be given lots of fun options for active play and allowed to choose which activity the group will do next. Bring your friends and neighbors to play in the park together! This program is free! Adults are invited to join in the fun also. Contact information must be provided on site from parents or guardians if they are not at the park with participants. Nature Camp For ages 7-12 Monday, Aug. 4—Thursday, Aug. 7 9:00am-11:30am Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Have fun exploring the woods of Rice Lake Park! Learn outdoor skills with fun crafts, experiments, and songs! You will even learn 5 ways to make a s'more! Pre- registration is required. The cost is $30. To register or for more information about these programs and more, call Parks Planner Shayla Syverson at 651-762-6342 or go to www.ci.hugo.mn.us Skyhawks Sports Camp Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. Programs are designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. The patient and knowledgeable staff use a variety of skill - building games and activities to give each athlete a complete understanding and overview of the sport. Since 1979 Skyhawks has taught over 1.5 million boys and girls life lessons through sports. Please view the website at www.skvhawks.com for further information or to register. Mini -Hawk Camp For ages 4-7 Monday, Aug. 11—Thursday, Aug. 14 9:00am-12:00pm Hanifl Fields Athletic Park Skyhawks multi -sport camp is designed to introduce athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program we combine soccer, T -ball, and flag football into one fun -filled week. Athletes will learn the rules and essentials skills of each sport along with vital life lessons such as respect and teamwork. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, two snacks, a water bottle, running shoes, and sunscreen. For all camps, participants receive a t -shirt, sport ball and a merit award. Building Department Report Building Permits If you are planning on a home improvement project this spring, make sure to check to see if it requires a permit. For more information and to obtain a permit contact Building Department Secretary Debi Close at 651-762-6300. Homeowner Tips Sump Pump Operation Make sure your pump is plugged into a working ground fault circuit interrupter and the cord is in good shape. The fact that sump pumps rely on electricity does make them vulnerable in the event of a power outage. Sump pumps with battery backup are available and an option to ensure pump operation. Ensure the pump is standing upright. Vibration can cause it to fall or tilt to one side possibly jamming the float arm and preventing operation. Periodically pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure the pump starts and water drains. Contact a qualified Election 2014 contractor if the pump doesn't start. Did You Know? Air Conditioning There is a new Do not wait for a hot day feature that will to discover that your air allow you to web conditioning is not stream all City functioning properly. Council meetings Spring is the time to change the filters, clean online. It is only a the system, and make click away on the sure everything is homepage of the working to maximum City website: efficiency. Clean filters www.ci.hugo.mn.us will also prevent your air conditioner from straining. Hire a qualified contractor who can clean, inspect and test your mechanical system. Building code Questions? Please contact Building Official Chuck Preisler at 651-762-6313. Primary Election Tuesday, August 12th; General Election Tuesday, November 4th When the information becomes available, you will be able to see your candidates and the questions that will be on the ballot for your precinct by going to My Ballot on the MN Secretary of State's website at myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us. Also, to save time on election day, be sure to preregister. This can be done by filling out a registration form, which is available at City Hall, or register on line at the MN Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state. mn.us. Apply to be an Election Judge Election Judges are paid officials who staff local polling places, carry out election procedures, and make sure that the rights of voters are protected. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections while providing a great service to the community. To apply, complete the application on the City website. Questions? Please contact City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762-6315. M Current Resident Visit our website: www.ci.hugo.mn.us City Directory City Staft City Administrator Bryan Bear 651-762-6320 City Clerk Michele Lindau 651-762-6315 Public Works Director Scott Anderson 651-762-6326 Fire Chief Kevin Colvard 651-429-6362 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 Planning Intern Connor Schaefer 651-762-6311 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 Cites Council Mayor Tom Weidt 651-955-1091 Ward 1 Becky Petryk 651-426-4722 Ward 2 Phil Klein 651-246-4024 Ward 3 Chuck Haas 651-247-0354 Council -at -Large Tony Bronk 651-208-9309 , MN 55038 Service Directo Monthly Meet! BULK RATE POSTAGE PAID HUGO, MN 55038 PERMIT NO. 21 ul