Victor Gardens Master ARC Simplifying Application Process + Street Views

Over the last few months, the Master Association's Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has been working to shorten the time required to approve home plans in the Single Family Village.  The ARC met twice with an expert in the field, Teresa St. Amant, of St. Amant Design and received valuable feedback.  As a result, the ARC is simplifying its documents while retaining the qualities we expect from a Victor Gardens home.  New documentation is being developed to eliminate redundancies, clarify areas of confusion, etc.  Also, moving forward Ms. St. Amant will provide services to the builder/landowner (at their expense) as a liaison to the ARC.  She'll check proposed new home designs, ensuring appropriateness before they are submitted to the ARC.  This will eliminate most of the back-and-forth that challenges some builders unfamiliar with Victor Gardens.  Everyone's goal is to maintain our high standards while dramatically reducing the application review timeline. 

A part of the ARC's new documentation will be a visual reference made up of numerous photographs.  The images, mostly taken from streets west of Clearwater Creek, show the four sided architecture, building forms, preferred styles, rooflines, details and color variety Victor Gardens Single Family Village is known for.   For builders, these homes have the most relevance because of their proximity to available homesites and various City of Hugo and ARC requirements.

If you're interested in seeing the photo reference, please follow this link:  Victor Gardens Street Views

A printable version is also available: Victor Gardens Street Views PDF

Master Association Annual Meeting set for April 9

Victor Gardens Community Association's Annual Meeting is scheduled April 9, 2014.  The meeting will be held at VG's Neighborhood Activity Center at 6:00pm.

Single Family Village Annual Meeting set for Tuesday, April 29

Victor Gardens Single Family Village Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 at Hugo's Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St N, Hugo, MN 55038.

City of Hugo Tree Pruning

Unexpectedly today, on my way driving back into the neighborhood, I noticed a busy City of Hugo crew limbing up lots of boulevard trees.  

In a few previous blog posts, Facebook messages, and emails I've described the City of Hugo's desire to convince VG's Single Family Village homeowners that they should prune their boulevard trees.   Some residents responded to that message, but most did not.  The City has decided to move forward on their own to prune the trees.

If your boulevard tree(s) hasn't been pruned by the City yet, they likely will in the near future.

Here are a few previous posts if you'd like more info on why this is happening:

• 3/2/13 Time's Running Out For Tree Pruning
• 1/29/13 $35 Tree Pruning Offer
• 1/19/13 SFV Boulevard Trees May Be at Risk
• 11/29/12 Tree Pruning- Hugo's Public Works Director Explains
• 11/16/12 Boulevard Tree Pruning - Are you interested in hiring a pro?
• 11/1/12 City Requests Boulevard Tree Pruning

Snow Removal in Victor Gardens Parks Sidewalks

At the last Master Board meeting, the members discussed the possibility of not plowing the perimeter sidewalks in Val Jean and Arbre Parks.  The idea is that this might be unnecessary since the parks are so rarely used in winter, and that money could go towards plowing the Victor Gardens' walking trails (owned by the City) instead.  Presumably, the walking trails would receive more winter use as a result. This idea probably would not apply to Victor Square Park, because of it's greater winter foot traffic, car traffic and the school bus stops contained therein.

Jennifer contacted the City of Hugo about this possibility, and she reported to the Board,

"The City has a priority list of sidewalks they will clear in the winter time.  It has to do with the amount of traffic, snow push volume and proximity to schools.  If a sidewalk is considered a low priority (in front of residential homes or parks that do not have winter attractions) it is expected that everyone follow the “good neighbor” system and clear the sidewalk near them.  This idea is especially expected when sidewalks are within Associations.  The City expects the Association to be a “good neighbor” and clear those sidewalks and parking areas.  I asked if there was any sort of ordinance requiring this and the answer was no and that the City Counsel is against creating one.   This means the Association can stop clearing those sidewalks if you [the Board] desire without consequence from the City (homeowners may feel differently)."

Free Gardening Class in Victor Gardens - Feb. 19

Want a garden you can't stop looking at? Michelle will provide you with many plant ideas to create gardens with colorful foliage to provide nonstop interest in your garden even after the flowers have bloomed.

Please join Michelle Reidel, 15 year Master Gardener for "Anything But Green Foliage". Michelle is a 15 year Master Gardener, professional photographer, and writer and photographer for Northern Gardener magazine.

Wednesday, February 19
7:00 -8:00 pm
Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center (Pool House)

Please RSVP to: Lisa at john3995@umn.edu or (651) 353-2619

Bridge Improvements

Last year the Landscape Committee worked with Dan Steuernagel to develop plans completing the landscaping around Victor Gardens' Everton Ave. Bridge.  The design was approved and work was completed at the end of the summer.  We're looking forward to seeing the plants coming back to life next spring.

This winter, the Landscape Committee started the process again, speaking with Dan about similar plans to complete landscaping on the Val Jean Blvd. Bridge.

New Electrical Service to Common Areas

The Master Board approved bringing new electrical service to four currently unserved Common Areas within the Victor Gardens Community Association: 

1. The main entrance median at Victor Hugo Blvd. and Frenchman Road. This electrical service will be used to power future holiday lighting within that median area, trees and wooden arbor structure. It would also enable a future Victor Gardens monument sign to be illuminated at night.
2. The entrance at Everton Ave. and Frenchman Road. This electrical service will be used to power future holiday lighting within that median area and trees.
3. Grantaire Green. Allowing holiday lighting in this area.
4. Dahlia Green. Allowing holiday lighting in this area.

When the spring thaw arrives, work will begin.

Sledding in Hugo

If the weather warms up a little over the weekend, check out Hugo's Oak Shore Park. There's a great sledding hill there and it's close to home!

Oak Shore Park
12790 Exhall Avenue North
Hugo, MN 55038

Oneka Chiropractic - Local Business Profile & Special Offer

Normally, when I post a "Local Business Profile", it's not an overly personal thing for me.  Usually I'm just trying to support local businesses, letting my neighbors know about a good contractor, etc.  This message, however, is a little different and more personal for me.

About a year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease which caused a constant tingling sensation in my hand and arm.  I was x-rayed, MRI'd and specialists told  me I might need surgery, steroid injections, etc... One doctor told me that the disc problem in my neck might not get better... ever.

My Hugo medical doctor insisted that I speak to Dr. Aaron Arvig of Oneka Chiropractic.  I told him there were other Chiropractors that were closer to me (one I could walk to), but he politely insisted again.  I made the appointment and it was the first time I'd ever been seen by a Chiropractor.  Dr. Arvig assessed my situation and developed a plan to get me feeling better with regular adjustments and treatment.  I didn't need surgery, I didn't need a steroid shot.  I needed my back and my neck lined up and he had a plan to get it fixed. After a short time, the constant tingling subsided and the rest of my neck and back started feeling better too.  A few months later, the problem that had plagued me had vanished.

After he "fixed" me, Dr. Arvig asked me to come back from time to time to make sure everything was moving the way it should and to prevent the problems from returning.  I have been back about once a month since then, and the tingling issue never returned.  I also feel better overall when my neck and back's moving the way it should.

Medical stuff aside, Aaron's a really good guy. He lives with his wife and kids in Hugo. He's active with his kids in sports and school here too.

I told Dr. Arvig that I'd like to post something on our neighborhood blog about his practice- a Local Business Profile like I've done for other Hugo businesses.  I didn't tell him I was going to add my story to it. I hope he won't mind.  

He did ask me to share the following info with you, since I asked ...

- Mark V

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We want to thank Hugo residents for allowing us to provide 10 years of great service to our community.  Because we live and practice in this wonderful community of ours we would like to extend an invitation to our friends and neighbors who are experiencing neck or back pain, headaches, sciatica or other aches and pains to make a step towards feeling better in 2014 by coming in for a complimentary examination.  In addition to the examination, if your condition warrants x-ray studies we are offering those for a reduced fee of $20 (normally $110).  We are direct providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Health Partners and accept all other insurances.  We also have very affordable cash plans and accept Work Comp (if you've been injured at work) and auto insurances (if you've been injured while using/repairing/operating a motor vehicle).  

To take advantage of this offer, just give us a call at 651-429-6000 and mention this ad.  We will take care the rest.

We hope to meet you soon.  Happy New Year!

Dr. Aaron Arvig and Staff

Oneka Chiropractic
onekachiropractic.com
14145 Forest Blvd. N.
Hugo, MN 55038

651-429-6000

For Fire Safety, Clear Ice and Snow from Hydrants

Clearing hydrants saves firefighters precious time

With some very neighborly help from John L. and some efficient equipment from Birch Lawn Maintenance, this fire hydrant was cleared from the mountain of snow left by the city's plow.

It's important to have a minimum of three feet around the hydrant to give the fire department room to work and to get quick access in case of a fire. If a hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire.

Digging out the hydrant is not only the neighborly thing to do, but it is crucial in an emergency for the firefighters to be able to quickly hook up their hoses.

Supporting a Victor Gardens Ice Rink

The following comments are my personal opinion and not necessarily those of the rest of VG's Master Board.

At it's Victor Gardens Community Association Board Meeting last evening the members discussed again the desire for families to be able to have a place to ice skate within the neighborhood.  A few differing perspectives on this were offered.  The Board believes in taking positive steps to explore possibilities for creating a community ice sheet / ice rink though.  The unfortunate truth is that many of our parks and trails are not used much in the winter months.  The parks are bustling with activity in the spring, summer and fall.  It's a ghost town, however, once the snow flies.  For many residents, it's quality of life issue over the long season. It would be great to see these parks utilized to a fuller potential during winter.

A few years ago, a small group of interested residents and I met to discuss the possibilities, pros and cons of installing an ice sheet within an existing park in Victor Gardens.  Here's that post. Although I've never played hockey and never learned to skate well, I was interested in what the group's members had to say.  As no body with a differing point of view attended the meeting, I put myself in the position of "devil's advocate" for those residents who might've had reservations or mixed feelings about an ice rink.  The aesthetic appearance of such an ice sheet was extensively discussed, in addition to the impact an ice sheet might have on the park itself.  We had a very good, productive conversation.  I was very impressed with the level of interest in creating such an amenity and equally impressed that everyone agreed that the amenity had to look good, in keeping with Victor Gardens high standards.

Last fall, one of Victor Gardens resident families applied for and received the Single Family ARC's approval to create a back yard ice sheet.  It looks great, and just as the homeowners proposed. Anyone who has seen this picturesque miniature ice rink tucked along Everton Ave. must realize that it's possible to balance the desires of skating enthusiasts with those who are concerned about maintaining a great looking neighborhood.  This particular ice sheet sets the example, in my judgement, of the best of both worlds.

Of course, people have been skating in Victor Gardens since the beginning of the development (and perhaps before).  Although there were installed signs in some areas that cautioned against it, the fact remains that the storm water ponds were an attractive skating place for many families.  The legality of this has been debated, but I'm of the impression that the storm water ponds are under the jurisdiction of the State of Minnesota (DNR).  As long as the "protected wetlands" are not disturbed, I don't see a problem with residents clearing the snow off storm water ponds for skating.  Someone could correct me if I'm wrong, but the Association's property ends at the shoreline, so the Association's Board wouldn't have the authority to prevent skating on storm water ponds even if it wanted too.

It should also be noted that using these storm water ponds in the winter for skating is one thing.  Using them for summer recreation is entirely different.  Storm water ponds are designed to handle rainwater runoff along with designated wetlands.  Along with that runoff comes chemicals nobody should swim in or eat caught fish from.  Ice skating's a very different story though.

Through it's discussion last night, the Board members discussed the positive, community building aspects of having such a winter sports amenity.  I'd like to see this idea explored further.  Of course there will be some who express concern about what such an amenity might look like, how it's maintained, who will pay for it, etc.  I believe those are all items that can be addressed in a thoughtful proposal and ongoing approach.  We have examples of how good it could look, and we have Victor Gardens residents who are willing to explore the idea further.  I for one am looking forward to what they come up with.

- Mark V