December 15, 2010

Please Don't Call the Cops on the Snow Blower Guy

Today I spoke with one of the men who have been working hard to clear snow within our neighborhood.  I noticed him working outside this afternoon while I was home. As he climbed out of his bobcat preparing to hand-dig around a fire hydrant, I spoke with him for a few minutes. I thanked him for his work on behalf of all us.  He appreciated the feedback, and said that he and his co-workers had been working very hard over the last few days.

He said that they've been trying to keep up with the recent storm's snowfall, drifting, and setbacks caused by the City of Hugo plows.  Then he mentioned something that really surprised me.  He was concerned that residents would call the police if he worked too late into the night.  He continued and told me a story that last winter, while working to clear snow from our neighborhood sometime after 8:00pm, the Washington County Sheriff pulled-up to his machine and asked him to stop working.  Apparently, the Sheriff's Department had received multiple phone calls complaining about the noise his snow blower was making.

I fully understand that we live in a neighborhood where people call all hours of the day or night "bedtime". What I don't understand is how someone would reach the annoyance breaking point so fast and decide calling the Sheriff on the snow blower guy was the best option available.

The City of Hugo's plows work through at all hours of the day and night.  They go where and when they're needed.  It's a safety issue.  If ambulances or fire trucks get stuck, as happened as recently as last Sunday in Minneapolis, consequences can be severe. If fire hydrants aren't cleared, as was the case in a St. Paul fire last night, response time is delayed and firefighting is more difficult.

Our neighborhood's snow removal contractors should be afforded the same understanding that the City of Hugo's plow crews are given. We count on them all. If our contractors believe that working past 8:00pm (or 3:00am for that matter) allows them necessary time to clear streets, alleyways, fire hydrants, or sidewalks then I'm OK with that.

Workers are still trying hard to catch up with last week's record storm.  It’s clear that there’s still more to be done, and it looks like they'll have new inches of snow to clear over the next few days. I hope that instead of calling the cops, our neighbors can show a little patience and understanding- especially for the people who make living here a little easier and safer.

- Mark

Newly-eligible property owners must file homestead applications by today.

According to the Washington County Website:
Property owners in Washington County whose property is newly-eligible for homestead classification because of a change should contact a county assessor to file a homestead application on or before Dec. 15.
 
Homestead classification will affect the amount of property tax paid in 2011, and it may affect eligibility for a property tax refund.
 
Contact the county assessor to file a homestead application on or before Dec. 15 if one of the following applies:
• you purchased a property in the past year and you, or a qualifying relative, occupy the property for homestead purposes on Dec. 1, 2010; or
• you, or a qualifying relative occupy a property for homestead purposes on Dec. 1, 2010, and the property was previously classified as non-homestead.
 
A qualifying relative for homestead purposes depends on the type of property. For residential property, a qualifying relative can be a parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of the owner. This relationship may be by blood or marriage. For agricultural property, a qualifying relative can be a child, grandchild, sibling, or parent of the owner or a child or grandchild, or sibling of the spouse of the owner.
 
Once property owners have been granted the homestead classification, no further applications are necessary unless they are specifically requested by the county assessor.
 
Property owners must also contact the assessor by Dec. 15, 2010, if they are the property owner, or a qualifying relative of the property owner, and the use of the property has changed during the past year.
 
If property owners should sell, move, or for any reason no longer qualify for the homestead classification, they are required to notify the county assessor within 30 days of the change in homestead status. Failure to notify the county assessor within this 30-day period is punishable by recalculation of tax as non-homestead, in addition to a penalty equal to 100 percent of the homestead benefits.
 
For additional information or questions, call the Washington County Assessment Division at 651-430-6110.

December 14, 2010

Snow Removal Update

Victor Gardens Master Association's Community Manager, Kari Miller, has been in close contact with Goetz Landscape regarding snow removal in Victor Gardens.  Goetz employees have been working long hours trying to keep up with the record snowfall and drifting we had last weekend.

There are a few things residents should be aware of:
  1. Vital areas are cleared first.
    1. Master Association streets & alleyways.
    2. Fire hydrants
    3. Postal stations
    4. Sidewalks
    5. Neighborhood Activity Center parking lot
    6. Other areas
  2. The Master Association does not remove snow on:
    1. Individual driveways and driveway aprons
    2. Homeowners’ steps
    3. Sidewalks from front door to public sidewalk.
  3. Some condo/townhome sub-associations may have additionally contracted others to clear steps and other secondary areas.  (Check with your sub-association’s board for more details).
  4. The City's plow trucks undid a lot of the work that Goetz had previously completed. After Goetz had cleared sidewalks, the City's plow pushed back snow "birms" further from the street and into cleared sidewalk areas.  Goetz is currently working again to clear those sidewalks.
  5. Residents calling the Sheriff with complaints about snow blower/plow noise delay the work being completed.

December 13, 2010

Cracking Down on Delinquent Owners

At it's last meeting, Master Board members discussed with each other a common goal of clearing up delinquent dues accounts within their sub-associations.  At least a few of the sub-associations have expressed interest in revoking the pool and activity center privileges of delinquent homeowners.  The Master Board will take this up again in the future.

Master Board/ARC Working to Clarify ARC Authority

On behalf of the Master Board and Master Architectural Review Committee, Community Development Inc. is asking the Master Assn's attorney for clarification on ARC authority issues.  The question arises due to confusion between Master and sub-association ARC authority.  The question specifically arose from Master ARC discussion of unauthorized Condo sub-association satellite TV dish installations.

Victor Gardens Single Family Village Homeowners Association is believed to be the only Victor Gardens sub-association that the Master Association specifically turned limited ARC control over to. (link here). The SFV has the authority to govern existing architecture and landscapes, but does not have control over new home building within the SFV.

Monument Signage Discussed at Master Board Meeting

The Master Board recently tabled substantial discussion of monument sign proposals. After brief discussion of reserve account funding, the budget, and the desire to not increase dues,  the Board decided a wait to discuss signs.  This topic will likely be included in future budget talks.

Master Board to Consider Budget & Reserve Fund

During last week's Master Board meeting, Ed Markfort, a representative from Building Reserves, Inc. reported to the Board our current reserve fund status.  Mr. Markfort recommends a greater amount of money to be set aside in our Master Association's reserve account.  Reserve accounts are used to pay for long-term repairs and replacement of common elements including irrigation systems, the pool, activity center, and other amenities. 
The Board will consider Mr. Markfort's recommendations along with the rest of the Master Association's budget in the coming months.  

Lifetime Fitness Membership Effort in the Works For VG Residents

Nick May from White Bear Township's Lifetime Fitness discussed a new membership effort, including a number of options, during last week's Master Board Meeting.  He is expected to follow up with Victor Gardens residents in the near future to propose more details.  When that info is available, I'll post it on the website too.

December 9, 2010

Master Board and ARC Meetings Tonight

The Master Board Meeting begins at City Hall tonight at 6:00pm. A few things on the agenda include:
  • Resident Forum
  • Announcement of Lifetime Fitness Membership options for VG Residents
  • Review of Reserve Study
  • Monument Signage
  • Responsibility for Rules and Regulations - Sub Associations
A brief Master ARC Meeting will begin immediately following the Board meeting.

December 8, 2010

Master Association Board and ARC Meeting Minutes Available

The Master Association's Info page has been updated with a number of new PDF's.  These include many months of Master Board meeting minutes and Master ARC meeting minutes.

Single Family Village Board Minutes Available

Meeting Minutes from the last several SFV Board Meetings have been uploaded to the website.  Links to the PDF documents can be found on the SFV Association Info page.

December 6, 2010

Tonight's Single Family Village Board Meeting Agenda

The Single Family Village Board will meet tonight, 7pm at Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center.  All SFV residents are welcome to attend.  As always, a resident forum will be provided for those wishing to speak to the Board.  

A printer-friendly version of the Agenda is available here.

---------------------------

Victor Gardens Single Family Homeowners Association
Board of Directors & Architectural Review Committee Meeting
December 6, 2010, 7:00PM
Victor Gardens Neighborhood Activity Center, Hugo MN

Meeting Agenda

1)     Call to Order:
2)    Approval of Minutes: Review 9/14/10 Board Meeting minutes.
3)    Resident Forum The resident forum is offered to homeowners who wish to directly address the Board. 
Homeowner participation is encouraged.

4)    Financial Report 
a)    Review financial reports from Community Manager, Kari Miller.
5)    Committee Reports
a)    SFV Architectural Review Committee
                                               i.     Review Architectural & Landscape Change Applications.
                                             ii.     Discuss hot tub policy request from Minks Custom Homes
6)    Unfinished Business:
a)    New Resident Welcome Document: Finished and uploaded to victorgardensnews.org
b)    New Resident letter: Progress report
c)     Discuss revoking pool privileges for delinquent dues accounts.
d)    Discuss timing of late dues payment letters.
e)     Discuss clarifying responsibilities of Community Manager.
7)    New Business:
a)    Groundwater Drainage System: Progress report.
b)    Master Board report:
                                               i.     Holiday lighting: Goetz made a number of proposals- None of which were discussed of by the Master Board
                                             ii.     Master ARC report
·       Completion of Minks homes
·       New Sharper Homes house currently under construction
c)     Other New Business
8)    Review of Action Items:
9)    Next Meeting:
10) Adjournment:

December 3, 2010

CANCELLED--Holiday Kids Craft Session on 12/4

The Holiday Kids Craft Session will be cancelled for 12/4 due to lack of sign ups. Thanks to Kelly for the great idea... perhaps next year we'll try it a bit earlier since everyone is usually so busy during the holidays.
Stay tuned for details on our Adults only event that will take place in February. Details to come after the new year!
Happy Holidays to everyone!

November 24, 2010

November 21, 2010

VG Events Committee Announces Holiday Kids Crafts--Saturday, December 4th.


Happy (early) Holidays to everyone in Victor Gardens. A big thank you to Kelly Farrell for organizing this event for the children in our neighborhood. Please check this site the day of the event for any updates.

Also, we will be planning an adults only neighborhood event for February. More details to come in January....

Upcoming Board & ARC Meetings

Added to the calendar
Master Board Meeting, Thursday, Dec. 12, 6pm, at City Hall
Master ARC Meeting, Thursday, Dec. 12, immediately following the Board Meeting
Single Family Village Board Meeting, Dec. 9, 7pm at the VG Neighborhood Activity Center

Master Board Considering Holiday Decorations

Goetz Landscape has proposed various plans for holiday decorations this year.  Last year, Goetz installed a large lighted wreath that the Association purchased, a Christmas tree and other decorations. The Master Board will review the proposals in the coming weeks.

Single Family Village Snow Removal Services

Shawn Herman from Classic Lawnscape is offering Victor Gardens residents a snow removal special.  Shawn is well known in the Single Family Village neighborhood for the quality work he does blowing-out and winterizing many of our sprinkler systems.  This past fall, more than 30 of our neighbors signed up for his discounted service.

Shawn is offering residents snow removal services.  I spoke with Tony Schwab about this and agreed that it would be especially helpful, in the case where homeowners may be away from home or on vacation.  

To speak with Shawn about the possibilities, please contact him directly at (612) 366-6088.





November 20, 2010

Goetz Landscape Contracted for Victor Gardens Snow Removal


Goetz Landscape, a local company with lots of experience in our neighborhood, has been contracted by the Master Board this year to remove snow on Victor Gardens public sidewalks.  They've already placed orange markers to better guide the equipment operators, and are using different (more appropriate) equipment than last year.  During and after last week's snowfall, Goetz was out early, and returned later to keep Victor Gardens sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

In Condo sub-associations, other contractors may supplement Goetz's work.  Single Family Village residents are responsible to clear snow from from their front door to the public sidewalk in addition to their own driveways.   Goetz is also available for individual snow removal contracts. (link here)


Questions about snow removal on public sidewalks can be directed to Kari Miller, our Community Manager. kmiller@developcommunity.com phone 763-225-6424




October 29, 2010

10/30 VG Event Changes

Due to lack of volunteers and chili entrants, we will no longer be hosting a chili cookoff in Arbre Park on Saturday, October 30th.
However, we will still plan to have lots of great snacks for everyone and will also plan to have our adults vs. kids kickball game. Event starts at 3:30 and kickball begins at 4P. The weather looks to be great so hope to see you all there!

October 15, 2010

Sertino's Cafe May Close

According to Hugo's newspaper, The Citizen, Sertino's Café may close soon.  Read more about it here.  Throwing the business a lifeline, the City of Hugo recently approved a large orange highway sign to attract customers to the business.  As of a few days ago, the sign had been removed.

Hopefully Sertino's will be able to continue in its Victor Gardens location.  It's a great place for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon ice cream cone. 

October 13, 2010

New Charter School Looking to Open in Hugo



A charter school is investigating the potential to open in the Hugo/northern WBL area. An information meeting is set for Centennial Branch Library at 6 pm next Wednesday (10/20). 2011/2012 school year will be targeted to open for K-2, with expansion to K-6 if there is enough interest in the community. School hours will be 9-4 and the schedule will mirror the district schedule.

Cornerstone
Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free K-8th grade school seeking to locate in the WBL/Hugo area. School founders are currently compiling an enrollment interest list for the 2011-12 school year. If interested, please Email: CornerstonePrepAcademy@gmail.com Cornerstone Prep views all children as high potential learners and will work hard to help students uncover their natural gifts and talents so that each individual will become highly successful. This approach evolves through the implementation of the Core Knowledge sequence and a variety of innovative teaching methods so that each child is enabled to embrace his/her own learning style. Cornerstone Prep is also rooted with strong partnerships among students, parents, teachers and the community, and is committed to fostering small instructional settings. This approach lays the foundation and paves the way for students’ future success in school and in life. For more information about the program or for upcoming events, go to:http://cornerstoneprepacademy.blogspot.com/

ARC Committee Meeting Summary

Last night the Victor Gardens Community Association (Master) Architectural Review Committee met.  The group discussed a number of topics including:

  • Unauthorized satellite dish antennae on condo and town home buildings.
  • The successful completion of Grantaire Green.
  • Landscape applications for new Single Family Village homes.
  • Compliance Certificates for newly built Single Family Village homes.
  • A new Sharper Homes proposal for a new Single Family Village home in the last remaining corner lot on Provence Way.

October 12, 2010

Hugo City Council Approves Funding for Groundwater Remediation Project



Victor Gardens Residents spoke again at the October 4 Hugo City Council meeting to discuss ongoing groundwater issues.  Residents helped the Council better understand the problem.  The Council later unanimously voted to approve funding for a groundwater remediation project.    


A huge thanks goes to Tony Schwab and other residents for their work on this issue. In the last year, Tony coordinated numerous meetings and met with the group of affected homeowners, engineering companies, City staff, and the Rice Creek Watershed District. This group was successful in finding an affordable solution that will improve the groundwater situation for these affected properties.  


Residents should know that our City Council Person Becky Petryk, Mayor Fran Miron, and Hugo's Development Director Bryan Bear have been instrumental in helping our residents throughout this process.  They deserve our thanks for working with the rest of Hugo's City Council towards a unanimous vote to approve the project's funding.


The following article, written by Deb Barnes, appeared in the September 29, 2010 edition of The Citizen newspaper.  More details are expected to be published in The Citizen regarding the Oct. 4 Hugo City Council meeting. 

Council Reluctant To Proceed With Groundwater Control Measures

Council declined to take immediate action on a proposed cost-sharing arrangement that would lead to drainage relief in the Victor Gardens neighborhood through the installation of a shallow piped drainage system.
“Unexpected” groundwater issues have plagued 17 homes in the area since the development was completed and residents have been trying to solve the problem, resident Anthony Schwab told council members. Some homeowners’ sump pumps run continuously, he said, adding that the presence of water and significant algae growth in alleyways is an ongoing safety issue.
“The source of the problem is the water table,” Carlson Professional Services engineer Brian Krystofiak (Kris-toh-fee-ak) said.
Council Member Becky Petryk speculated that drain tiles located within Rosemary Wenzel’s farm fields may have acted to lower the water table at the time the development was planned.
Although residents formally requested that the city contribute $41,750 toward a $90,000-plus remedy, council members were reluctant to contribute funds toward a solution that may not be enough to solve the problem; a more rigorous and expensive engineering solution had been rejected by homeowners because of cost, council members were told.
Opinions ranged from, “Why is it the city’s responsibility?” (Council Member Chuck Haas) to “We do have a stormwater management fund, and I can’t think of a better way to use it” (Council Member Petryk) to “This seems more of a patch than a long-term solution” (Council Member Tom Weidt).
Assistance has been rendered by Carlson Professional Services, C.W. Houle Co., WSB & Associates, and the Rice Creek Watershed District, the drainage authority, which has agreed to provide a $50,000 grant to help correct the problem.
In the end, council directed staff to prepare a resolution with fi ndings of fact for approval. It’s not clear whether the measure will pass, however.

Agenda Available- Master ARC Meeting Tonight, 6:30pm

Tonight's Master ARC meeting will be held at the Neighborhood Activity Center at 6:30pm.  All are welcome to attend.   The meeting's agenda is available for download here.

October 9, 2010

Fall Fun Night Saturday, Oct. 30, 3:30pm in Arbre Park

Fall Fun Night - Saturday, Oct. 30th in Arbre Park.
  • Annual Chili Cookoff - 3:30pm 
  • Kids vs. Adults Kickball - 4:00pm
To enter your famous chili or to volunteer to bring corn muffins contact Julie Bixby at eventsbyjulie@gmail.com Fixings for chili, fun snacks & lemonade will be provided.

September 30, 2010

Change in Time for Fall Fun Night on 10/30

Invitations will be emailed/posted shortly but just a note that we've changed the time for our upcoming Fall Fun Night in Arbre Park. We will now begin at 3:30P with the kickball (adults vs. kids) game starting right at 4:00. Event is scheduled for Saturday, October 30th. Please email Julie Bixby if you're planning to bring chili or if you can volunteer to bring corn bread muffins. The events group will provide the chili fixings and some other fun snacks for everyone. We're trying to get a few lights set up so kids can still play in the park once the sun goes down (typically around 5 this time of year). If you have an outdoor fire pit, please let Julie know. It would be great to have for the adults. BYOB...we'll have lemonade and water, only. Any questions...email Julie (eventsbyjulie@gmail.com)

September 29, 2010

Proposed Racetrack 3 Miles From Victor Gardens

Sarah Gorvin, writing for The Citizen newspaper, reported today that a NASCAR-style racetrack was recently proposed to the Lino Lakes City Council.  The track would lie east of Interstate 35E along Hugo's western border about 3 miles north of the neighborhood. 

Grantaire Green Construction Begins Today

Goetz Landscape began construction this morning at Grantaire Green.  They began grading the site and finishing the irrigation system.  Plants, benches, and mulch will follow in the days ahead. 
Grantaire Green Plan

September 28, 2010

Local Businesses & Resources Guide

Updated March 2012
This blog entry has been changed into a comprehensive guide found on this page: 

September 23, 2010

Two Associations Transition to Homeowner Control. Board Welcomes New Directors and New Sub-Association.

Victor Gardens Community Association's Board welcomed two new Directors to the Board tonight. The South Village and the North Village sub-associations have transitioned from Rottlund Homes to homeowner control. The Master Board retains Todd Stutz, as representative of the new North West Village sub-association. Traci Bjorkman now represents the South Village, and Jim Flesher now represents the North Village on the Master Board and Master ARC. There are now eight Master Board Directors. Visit the Associations Info page and the individual sub-associations info pages for contact information and more details.

I-35E closures at County Road 14

Motorists will encounter congestion and delays when Interstate 35E and Anoka County Road 14 close next weekend for demolition of the old County Road 14 bridge spanning the interstate and construction of ramp connections to the newly built County Road 14 bridge.

Weekend closures begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 and culminate with full closure of the interstate and County Road 14 at 10 p.m. Friday. Closures include:

  • The ramp from southbound I-35E to County Road 14 closes at 9 a.m.
  • County Road 14 crossing I-35E will close at 7 p.m. along with the remaining ramps between County Road 14 and I-35E.
  • Southbound I-35E closes at 10 p.m. between the junction of I-35 and County Road J.
  • Northbound I-35E closes between County Road J and the junction of I-35.

Access will be maintained from northbound I-35E to County Road E, County Road 96 and County Road J, although traffic will not be able to reach the northbound interstate from those roads.

Motorists are advised to carefully watch for signs providing more details about lane and road closures and detours.

For real-time traveler information anywhere in Minnesota visit www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.

- MN DOT Press Release

Master Board Meeting Relocated to City Hall

Tonight's scheduled Master Board meeting has been relocated to Hugo City Hall's Oneka room at 6:00pm.

September 22, 2010

Save the Date...Fall Fun Night in Arbre Park on 10/30!

Invitation is coming shortly but please save the date for Saturday, October 30th. We will be having a fall fun night in Arbre Park starting at 5:30PM. Annual chili cook off and kids versus adults kickball game. Come for delicious chili, food and fun!
We are looking to award the annual chili apron (thanks again Squeaky Connors) and necklace to the champ this year. Residents in attendance will be the judges this year. Please make sure to bring your chili in a crockpot and bring a serving utensil for it. Please email Julie Bixby if you plan to bring chili. The events group will provide all the fixings (cheese, onions, sour cream, etc...). We'll also have popcorn, ice cream, lemonade, etc... for the non-chili eaters.
We'd also love it if a few people could volunteer to bring corn bread muffins to complement the chili. Please email Julie (eventsbyjulie@gmail.com) if you would be willing to bring a dozen or so muffins to the event.
Kids are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes if they'd like. Adults too, for that matter.
Kick ball game will start at 6P.
Please check this site the day of the event in case of bad weather. If weather is an issue the rain date will be the following Saturday, November 6th.
Hope to see you all there!! If you have questions, please email Julie.
As a side note, the Events group is planning an adults-only evening/outing for some time in February. More details will be available in the coming months on that event.

September 17, 2010

Wagner's Full Moon Festival Saturday, Sept. 25

Paint a pie pumpkin and take it home. Pony Rides 11am-2pm. Refreshments will be served.
Wagner's Greenhouse
4860 Frenchman Rd North (across from Lake Area Bank)
651-653-8863

Fall Family Canoe Trip at Wargo Nature Center Sept. 25

Sign-up to enjoy a leisurely family canoe outing led by a naturalist from the Wargo Nature Center. Check out local wildlife and take in the fall colors. It takes place on Saturday, September 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Hugo.

All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. Limited canoe rental is available for $20 per canoe.

Pre-registration is required. The cost of the trip is $7 for adults or $5 for kids.

Click here to register.

Library Express Brings Library Service to Hugo City Hall

Washington County Library has brought a new community asset to the City of Hugo, as well as all Washington Library patrons, with the introduction of the Washington County Library Express. Library Director Patricia Conley called the Library Express an innovative new way to deliver services to areas where a full-service library may not be close by. She noted that this could also be an option for expanding library service in times of tight budgets and in diverse locations, such as transit centers. “Hugo is a community which is seeing substantial growth. We want to make sure access to library services is a cost-effective benefit which can contribute to that growth,” Conley said.

Located at the Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. in Hugo, just off State Highway 61, the Library Express offers a place where patrons can order, pick up and return library materials, using a self-service kiosk, locker system and book return.

“This is a new system for us, the first in the state, and we’re excited about the possibilities,” Conley said. “We’re cooperating with Carver County Library, and applied for a federal grant together and will share what we learn. Carver County is installing an Express Library in the City of Victoria. We hope this will be seen as a model for local governments working together to provide service more efficiently.

“Once customers have a chance to give it a try and see how easy it is, I think they’ll be impressed by it,” Conley said. “We can see people stopping by the Library Express to pick up their books right along with the rest of their daily errands. It’s a fast process and will only take a few minutes to pick up the items they have put on hold. Because the Library Express is self-service and located outside Hugo City Hall, it will be open 24 hours a day. It can really be a convenient part of our customers’ daily lives,” Conley said. The computer kiosk, which is inside City Hall, will be available during normal City Hall hours, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To request books, customers use their library card number and must have an e-mail address on file with Washington County Library. Library cards are available online or through any Washington County Library. Using either the Library Express kiosk or the Washington County website from their own computer at http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/library/ customers designate the Library Express (Hugo City Hall) as the pickup point. They will be informed via e-mail when their materials are available. The items will be available for 48 hours from the time of delivery to the library. Delivery schedules are currently being finalized. When they pick up the items, customers will enter the last four digits of their library card number onto a keypad. They will then be directed to the locker number where their checked out items are located.

The Washington County Library Express equipment was delivered and installed in early July. The equipment cost $44,000, plus installation costs. Service is now available. There will be a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at Hugo City Hall.

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services.

-A news release from Washington County -- July 12, 2010