Storm Takes Financial, As Well As Human, Toll
Council Meets Today To Consider City Costs
HUGO - In addition to one death, eight serious injuries, and an unquantifi able psychological toll, recent conservative estimates indicate that the May 25 tornado caused over $25 million in private property damage in Hugo.
But yet to be determined is the amount of damage to the city's coffers inflicted by the storm, and in order to get a better handle on this figure and how the city can pay for repairs to damaged public property, the Hugo City Council will be holding a special workshop today, June 11, at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall.
... MoreCity Building Department Activity Heats Up
Permit Fees To Help Fund Temporary Inspectors
HUGO / CENTERVILLE / LINO LAKES - A week after a tornado tore through Hugo and Lino Lakes, Hugo city staff began issuing building permits for the demolition of ruined structures and the construction of new ones so that affected neighborhoods can begin the process of repairing and rebuilding.
And since applying for building permits costs residents money and the scope of the damage is so extensive, one might think that storm damage of the type caused by the May 25 tornado provides a boost to the city's cash-flow - at least, insofar as one ignores the expense to the city caused by damage to city-owned property.
While this may be true to an extent, there are limitations on what the city can do with the money that comes in as a result of permit fees.
... MoreOver The Limit
How Many Liquor Licenses Are Too Many?
LINO LAKES - What was originally appeared to be a simple application for an off-sale liquor license for a couple of experienced liquor store owners turned into a theoretical discussion at several recent Lino Lakes City Council meetings.
How many liquor licenses are too many? Is there such a thing? If there is, should cities draw the line somewhere? Or should the "market" decide? The May 12 city council agenda included an item for approval of a new Off -Sale Liquor and Tobacco license for Lino Lakes Liquor Barrel, Inc., which is planning a new store at 7997 Lake Drive in the commercial area between Subway and Fast Break on Main.
... More"Abuse It And You'll Lose It," Skate Park Users Are Told
Repeated Park Graffiti Splits Opinion
CENTERVILLE - The future of the city's skate park could be in jeopardy if persistent vandalism does not stop.
That is the message coming from all sides, after police officers discovered more graffiti at the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park location.
"We build them a skate park, and what do they do? They [destroy] it. It just doesn't make any sense," said Centennial Lakes Police Sergeant Pat Aldrich when he informed Centerville City Council members of the latest round of damage at their May 28 meeting.
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