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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 VOL. 23 NO. 6 www.readthecitizen.com $1.00
COPS & COURTS: Driver arrested after crash in Hugo PAGE 6
City Council establishes water, sewer rates for 2026 BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Who’s ready for spring?
HAROLD WIENS | CONTRIBUTED
Longer and warmer days make it fun to seek out the first signs of spring — Even in a snowstorm. A bunch of birds braved the recent snowstorm in rural Hugo for a chance to have a snack. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the first eastern bluebirds and wood ducks return in March to look for nest boxes. The best waterfowl migration occurs from mid-March through mid-April.
HUGO — One resident is questioning what is driving the city’s water and sewer rate increases for 2026. Resident Josh Wicklander recently visited the City Council to ask some questions in hopes of learning more about the driving factors behind the increasing rates. “The finance department has completed its analysis of water and sewer billing data and has prepared a pro forma financial guide and corresponding service rates for the 2026 fiscal year,” City Administrator Bryan Bear explained. “Water and sewer rates were last adjusted in 2025. At that time, adjustments were made to both base rates and usage rates. The overall goal is to provide adequate revenue to cover water and sewer operations as contained in the pro forma financial guide.” According to Finance Director Anna Wobse, an average single-family residential utility customer will be charged $674 annually for both water SEE 2026 FEES, PAGE 8
Commercial outlot possibly splits into 2 parcels
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land use application for the site and building plan review for the proposed Taco Bell has been submitted and is under review by city staff, according to Larsen. Lot 2 is going to be future commercial development. It will also require a separate land use application. “Right now, they’re proposing maybe a little retail strip facility of some sort,” Larsen added. There will be a private street on the property to provide access to Lots 1 and 2. Approximately 22.85 acres lie to the south of the ALDI and Outlot B that will be used for future development. An original traffic study was
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LINO LAKES — An outlot located south of Main Street and west of Otter Lake Road on the border of Hugo and Lino Lakes may be divided into two commercial lots. The plat is being called Otter Crossing South Second Addition. The final plat for Otter Crossing South was approved in May 2025. It created Lot 1 for an ALDI (See “ALDI grocery store a possibility for Lino Lakes, Hugo residents,” Quad Community Press, March 18, 2025) and Outlots A and B for future commercial development. Now, Tyme Properties
lots. Per city code, properties zoned LLC is proposing to subdivide Outlot general business need a minimum B, located next to the ALDI, into two lot size of 20,000 square feet and commercial lots. must be 100 feet wide. According to City Planner Katie “Lot 1 is a Larsen, the outlot is zoned “We’re excited about keeping this little over 44,000 feet. Lot GB (general (development) moving. We have square 2 is a little over business) some very interested users in the 42,000 square and is guided feet,” Larsen said. commercial per future commercial strip. ” “Our lot width the city’s 2040 requirement is 100 Comprehensive Paul Schreier feet in width. Lot 1 Plan. The President of Tyme Properties is at 164 (feet) and proposed Lot 2 is at 167) feet. So, both lots meet preliminary plat is also consistent our size and width requirements.” with the city’s comprehensive plan According to Larsen, Lot 1 is going for commercial development. to be a future Taco Bell site. A separate Within Outlot B, there will be two
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BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR