Hugo Dog Ordinance Changed - Licenses No Longer Required

City of Hugo makes major changes to its dog/animal ordinance.  License requirements have been dropped.  Read more here.

Single Family Village Pet Rules Have Changed

As you may know, the Single Family Village Board spent a lot of time last year listening to resident comments regarding Pet Rules.  Opinions were shared on many sides of the issue.   After careful review the Board decided to modify some of the Pet Rules. Some have been aligned with the City of Hugo’s recently changed Animal Ordinance.  

A few of the new Rules include: Pets must be leashed off owners property, pets are permitted to be on another owner’s property only if expressly agreed to by both owners, invisible fences (and similar) are allowed, pet owners are responsible for damage to Association property, etc. Violation of the Pet Rules should be reported to Community Manager Casey Groff at (763) 225-6498 or via email cgroff@developcommunity.com 

View/ download the entire new SFV Pet Policy

View/download the Fining Policy

The Board of Directors

Victor Gardens Single Family Village Homeowners Association

Single Family Village - Oct. 21 Board Meeting Agenda Available

The Agenda for the October 21 Single Family Village Homeowners Association Board Meeting is now available for download on our resident website's  Single Family Village page.    Information such as meeting minutes and financial documents were updated as recently as yesterday.  

In addition to other important topics on the Agenda, the Board will re-visit the Association's Pet Policy.  This issue has been discussed at the SFV and Master meetings for months.  It appears that a conclusion is likely at the meeting.  The Victor Gardens Community Association (Master) Board has asked the Single Family Village Association to consider changes to our Pet Policy, which will likely be adopted by the Master Association later.  Our Community Manager, Casey Groff, is in the process of drafting new rules, mainly dealing with the leash control of dogs. The rules are expected to align closely with the relatively new Hugo City Pet Ordinance (link here.) This item has been added to Oct. 21 meeting's agenda.  Residents with opinions about changes to our Pet Policy are asked to speak at the Oct. 21 Board Meeting.  The Board will consider the options, listen to residents, and will likely make a final determination at the meeting.

Meeting starts at 6:00PM, on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Hugo City Hall.  All SFV residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Master Board Examines Master Pet Policy

At the last Master Board Meeting, the Board briefly considered changes to the Master Pet Policy. The Board did not vote on the issue at the time.  Board Members and our Community Manager, Casey Groff will re-examine some of the new policy's details.  It is very likely that a new Pet Policy will closely resemble the City of Hugo's recently adopted Animal Ordinance.  The Board is expected to discuss the issue again, and vote on the Pet Policy's final language at a future Board Meeting.

Tonight's Master Board Meeting location changed & Agenda released

Tonight's scheduled Master Board Meeting has been relocated to the Hugo Public Works Building, Rice Lake Centre Room, 6900 137th St, 6:00PM. Click here to view/download the proposed agenda.

A Resident Forum is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting.  As always, residents are encouraged to bring issues of concern to their Master Board during this portion of the meeting.  Please see the Agenda for detail.

Among the items that will be discussed will be:

Grounds Committee report Single Family Village ARC Management Contract ARC Discussion Unfinished Projects List VGCA Pet Policy

SFV Board Makes Limited Change to Pet Policy

Last night, the Single Family Board addressed its pet policy.  There were two areas of discussion: Control and Waste.  After hearing resident opinions, debate and discussion.  The Board voted to change the language of the SFV's pet policy related to pet waste, and recommended the Master Board take the waste issue up as an Agenda item.  The pet waste language closely mirrors the City of Hugo's ordinance, as seen below.  The board did not change policy in regards to control.  It was felt that existing neighborhood rules and City ordinances covered the control issue sufficiently.

NEW LANGUAGE - (7.13.7):

Any person who owns, keeps or harbors any dog must remove all dog feces, on a daily basis from all enclosed dog runs or kennels, and must remove, on a daily basis, any accumulations of dog feces which are visible from any location outside the border of the person's property. Owners and Occupants shall be liable for the cost of repair of any damage to the Property, or any personal injury, caused by pets kept by them.  Pet owners are responsible for reimbursing other offended parties for damage to landscaping and/or buildings caused by their pet and/or services to repair, remove, or replace damaged property.

SFV Board to Consider Changes to Pet Policy

Victor Gardens' pet policies will be on the agenda for May 19th's Single Family Village Board Meeting.  SFV Residents will be welcome to share their opinions about the issue during the meeting's resident forum.  The SFV Board will be considering changes to its Village Rules,and will discuss recommendations to Master Board regarding its own pet policies. The City of Hugo recently changed its Animal Ordinance.  Some residents have expressed support of aligning VG's rules with the City's new ordinance in regards to "control" and "sanitation".  Some residents have expressed concern over the impact that new rules may have.  

Possible changes under consideration may be:  Changes to existing rules are bold/brown.

7.13.4  Pets shall be under control by leash at all times when walked or exercised on the Property. No person shall allow a dog to run at large at any time.  At Large means off the premises of the owner and not under the physical control by leash of the owner, a member of the owner's immediate family, or a person designated by the owner.

7.13.7  Any person who own, keeps or harbors any dog must remove all dog feces, on a daily basis from all enclosed dog runs or kennels, and must remove, on a daily basis, any accumulations of dog feces which are visible from any location outside the border of the person's property. Owners and Occupants shall be liable for the cost of repair of any damage to the Property, or any personal injury, caused by pets kept by them.  Pet owners are responsible for reimbursing other offended parties for damage to landscaping and/or buildings caused by their pet and/or services to repair, remove, or replace damaged property.

For more detailed information, including existing rules and ordinances, please download the PDF document that the SFV Board will consider on May 19.

Single Family Village - Board Meeting set for Monday, May 19

The next Victor Gardens Single Family Village Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, May 19, 2008, 7:00PM at the Neighborhood Activity Center.  Among other topics, the issue of recommending pet policy changes to the Master Association will be discussed.  For a full agenda, please click here.

Master Association Topics for Discussion

I have received a number of questions, comments, and suggestions from residents after the turnover meetings.  To keep the discussions transparent and productive, I will post some of these comments below as "Anonymous".  I welcome your emailed comments, some of which may be posted to this site by me under the name "Anonymous".  You are also free to write your own suggestions and post them here yourself.   Thank you.  - Mark V.

Dogs & Leashes - Public Hearing Wed. Oct. 10

Parks Commission to hold Public Hearing , Wednesday, October 10:

Hugo’s City Council is considering changes to Hugo parks leash laws in certain city parks, presumably including Arbre and Val Jean Parks.  The Council has asked for Parks Commission recommendations.  Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions at the Parks Commission meeting, and upcoming City council meetings.  

This article from Hugo’s newspaper, written by Aaron Rupar:

“At its September 17 meeting, the Hugo City Council agreed to send a proposed amendment to the city's dog ordinance back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further review, with the matter to come back before the council on October 15.

The proposed amendment would require dogs on certain city parks to be either leashed or under the voice control of their owner, and would prohibit dogs from running free.

However, during a public hearing at the meeting, some residents said that they felt the city should allow dogs to run free in parks as long as nobody else is around.

All of the council members seemed to agree that the ordinance should be more flexible than the proposed amendment, and so they moved to send the issue back to the Parks Commission for further revision.

Since the public hearing wasn't closed, residents will be given another opportunity to react to possible amendments to the dog ordinance at the Oct. 15 council meeting.

Council Member Mike Granger wasn't in attendance at the Sept. 17 meeting.”

Board Meeting - a few other topics discussed

Considering the gravity of the Community Association’s financial situation, other New Business topics were briefly discussed:

1.New Retail Construction         - Positive homeowner reaction to new retail architecture         - Proposed new medical facility construction (South of Frenchman                  Rd. East of Victor Hugo Blvd.) may be held up by contract problems          with existing, competing businesses.  (This relates to a “compete          clause” involving medical businesses on that particular site.)

2.Appearance of unsold lots         - New City of Hugo ordinance permits weed/grass growth no longer                  than 10”         -  CPDC has been notified by the City that it needs to comply with          the new ordinance, and cut the growth on it’s unsold lots.     

3.Review of dog leash rules & pick-up policy         - City of Hugo to hold a public hearing on the issue          Monday, Sept. 17 @ 7pm at City Hall.         - Separately, VG homeowners requested clarification and         reinforcement of Association Rules.   Board decided to table the          discussion and wait for outcome of City of Hugo’s ordinance process.  

4.Holiday lighting & some future social events         - Board advocated neighborhood partnering with new businesses and          retail landlords for potential sponsorship of some “social events” and          holiday lighting.

5.Review snow removal contracts         -  Association should review contracts with cost savings in mind.  Past                      problems with were also discussed.  It is likely that the snow removal          amenity may be reduced or cut back this year due to budget          constraints.  More information will be announced when it becomes          available.

6.Tennis court maintenance         - CPDC is working with the City of Hugo to address damaged net         anchoring posts.

7.Pool, irrigation and fountain winterizing         -  Pool is now closed         - Irrigation and fountain blow-out & winterizing will take place in         October.

8.Clarification of status of homeowner representatives.         -  The official status of neighborhood representatives, Charles Kirk (Townhomes) and Mark Vlker (Single Family Village) to the Board of Directors has been settled.  It was agreed by the Board’s Directors, Charles and Mark that the neighborhood representatives be considered as volunteers/informal Liaisons to the Board - not voting members of the Board. This clears up confusion that recently arose about the voting status of the neighborhood representatives.  All agreed with the resolution to this issue.

Notice: City of Hugo Public Hearing Amendment to Dog Ordinance

The Hugo City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 17, 2007, Hugo City Hall, at 7 p.m., to consider an amendment to the City's current dog ordinance, which would require dogs to be leashed in City parks that are considered "active" parks. All oral and written comments will be considered at this time.

- Mary Ann Creager, City Clerk

Click here for the current ordinance

Dogs & Leashes - Comments from Squeaky Connors

I received an email from Squeeky Connors following the recent post “Dogs Need Leashes”.  She has asked me to share her comments with neighbors.  She’s made some constructive proposals worth considering.  Thanks for your comments, Squeaky.  Your viewpoint is appreciated.  

Please read her message that follows:

“The laws in Hugo concerning dogs state that a dog should be under the control of it's owner . They do not say dogs must be leashed at all times.  Now that I've got your attention . . . 

Our German Shepherd Troy, looks like a wolf.  I know that can be intimidating, therefore I leash him when others are around.  I now go to the park earlier in the morning to play ball with him, trying to arrive before others.  We generally use the vacant lot for other ball times.  At almost one year old, Troy has completed classes in Basic Obedience and Puppy Agility and is now in Intermediate Obedience.  We are working hard to train him to be a good citizen in the environment where we live.  

If someone is afraid of our dog, I would encourage that person to meet him. Know that when people approach us I will always leash my dog (except in cases where I already know the people are comfortable around him off-leash).  I respect that some people will still have fears and not want to meet any dog.  I encourage parents to tell children who are unsure about this particular dog, that German Shepherds help the police keep our communities safe.  They work on farms, help people with disabilities and find people (especially children) when they are lost.  Just this year a dog named Gandolf ,who looks very much like Troy, found a lost boy in North Carolina.  I encourage parents to teach their children how to meet a dog by asking the owner if they can pet the dog.  Troy is a good one to practice with.    If a child is frightened, I encourage parent and child to approach us and ask questions.  This is an exceptional dog.  He was hand picked by an expert to be a companion for our daughter who has Cerebral Palsy.  He is meeting this hope with flying colors as he is a very sweet and intelligent dog.  His greatest joy is chasing a ball.

There sure are a lot of dog owners in our neighborhood.  Certainly a majority.  Perhaps we should consider enclosing a small portion of each park for a doggie play area.  Our dogs love meeting up with the other dogs for romping and socializing.  Dogs that play well with others are much better neighbors than dogs who don't.  Here are a couple of other ideas I have.  Feature a dog (or other pet) each week on our website.  Include a picture and short bio about the pet.  Pet "meet and greets", "pet parades" or "read with a dog" times in the park.  Scheduled doggie playtimes instead of random spontaneous events.  Maybe dog owners would hold a fund-raising event to raise money for fencing (the non dog-owners can be our biggest contributors).  I would love to work with anyone who wants to enhance the lives of everyone in the neighborhood by finding ways that dog-lovers and others can live more happily together.  I would like to invite anyone who is interested in talking about this to my home on Friday June 22nd at 7:00 in the evening. Both "dog" people and "non dog- people" are invited but if you come, you must bring a positive and helpful attitude.  This meeting is not for anyone who wants to confront the situation with conflict.  This meeting is intended for those people who want to make things better - not worse.  This neighborhood is full of friendly, helpful, good people.  I'm sure we can turn this around to make our neighborhood a safer happier place for all the residents - including those with tails.  Squeaky Connors  14356 Cosettte Way N (Blue and White house on the corner with the wheelchair ramp in back).  651- 207-6138  If you can make it on the 22nd please call or email me so I can have enough treats for everyone.     skveeky@comcast.net  “

Dogs Need Leashes

By far, the most frequently emailed concern I have received in my short time as Liaison is about owners of dogs.   

Scotties, Collies, and Dobermans don’t seem to care if their waste is in a bag or on the playground.  People do.  Neighbors with dogs are getting the message.  A lot of progress has been made in the neighborhood regarding the clean up of dog waste.  Your neighbors thank you.

One issue that continues is the problem of unleashed dogs.   It would be nice, yet inaccurate to say the problem was limited to the Chihuahua who jumps on your clean clothes with muddy paws.  In a few unfortunate (and scary) incidents, this problem has escalated in the last few months. 

In the other places I have lived, I have seen countless times where a normally calm and controlled dog will revert to its hunting instinct- lunging after squirrels, skateboards, and children.  It’s the naturalthing for a dog to do.  I’ve spoken to other friends and neighbors in Victor Gardens in the medical profession.  They’ve seen firsthand the damage that a biting dog can inflict on the life of a child.

So... if you like to play frisbee with your mutt, or play catch with your German Shepherd, please do it in a place that isn’t in our neighborhood parks.  Take your dog to an Off-Leash Dog Park instead.

Ramsey County Off-Leash Dog Parks

Anoka County Off-Leash Dog Parks

Most owners believe their own dogs are harmless and cute.  Domestication has come a long way, but please remember that dogs have instincts.  Training is important. Control is more important.  A leash is the only way to ensure control.  

Parks in Victor Gardens are meant for all of us.  Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood.  

Please.  Leash your dogs.

Walk-Through Notes

Yesterday we walked through Victor Gardens with Dave Hempel and Gina Higgins to review specific neighborhood questions and concerns.  The list that follows is a brief overview of most of what was discussed.

Issues addressed near Victor Gardens main entrance,Victor Square and the Community Center:

1. A.Main Entrance:  The main entrance fountain will be repaired and filled.  The immediate area will also be planted with annuals.  In the future, the expense of this areas maintenance will hopefully be shared with the new, nearby retail businesses.

2. B.Fencing & Monuments:  Some areas contained wrought-iron style fencing and decorative monuments (land office & main entrance).  These were removed to make way for new development.  Efforts will be made to save those items and re-use them where possible.

3. C.Displaced Trees:  Some Shrubs and Trees in the above areas will be saved and moved to new locations if possible.

4. D.Marketing Signs:  Proper placement of accurate “model homes”, “homesites available” signs, and lot identification signs was discussed with Dave Hempel.  Signs will be removed or corrected.  Other VG marketing signs may be placed in new locations closer to available lots for sale. Missing lot identification will hopefully be replaced.

5. E.“Welcome to Hugo” monument sign:  Electrical and landscaping work is needed around the monument sign to complete the project.

6. F.Sunken concrete at Gazebo:  We are awaiting bids for the repair of the Victor Square gazebo concrete.

7. G.Leaning fountain controls and fence screening at Victor Square’s pond:  A work order has been issued to correct this problem.

8. H.Restart Garden Irrigation: VG’s landscape contractor, Early Bird, will be asked to assess the feasibility of re-connecting irrigation in VG’s fenced garden adjacent to former Land Office site.  This is important to provide water to perennial and annual plantings inside VG’s garden.

9. I.Temporarily Expand Garden:  CPDC will further explore the idea of temporarily expanding the area to the East of VG’s fenced garden.

10. J.Fenced garden:  Finish off the fencing in the garden to a logical stopping point. 

11. K.Pool Heater: The mechanical room for the Pool’s heater needs better fresh air venting. Bids will be requested for repairs.

12. L.Message Board:  A new message board will be located on the outside of the Community Center near the doorway under the light fixture.

13. M.Dead Trees:  Bids/estimates will be requested to remove and/or replace the many dead boulevard trees near Community Center.  

14. N.Junk Removal:  Empty barrels will be removed from the area on the Northern side of the lake. Remaining debris will be cleared when the adjacent property is developed.

15. O.Annual Plantings:  Annual plantings to be installed by landscape design company, Sarah’s Cottage Creations.

16. P.Replace mulch in common areas:  Mulch around the trees throughout the community’s common areas is scheduled to be “refreshed” in the next few weeks.

17. Q.Remove silt fence & wire fencing:  Some old, unneeded silt fencing, mostly near walking trails and roadways will be removed by CPDC.

Issues addressed near Poet’s Green and the Arbre Park:

18. R.Tree splint:  A tree along Victor Hugo Blvd. in Poet’s Green Park will be checked by landscape contractor to determine whether the splint can be removed.

19. S.Poet’s Green Fountain:  Neighbors are encouraged to fill the fountain by hand, and start the fountain’s pump.  Please contact Mark for details.

20. T.Refresh mulch and repair edging in City-owned Arbre Park playground:  Since the parks are owned by the city, this issue will be discussed with City staff.

21. U.Damaged sod due to snowplowing:  One homeowner reported a problem that will be addressed by the snowplowing contractor.

22. V.Truck damage:  Reoccurring damage, caused by construction and garbage trucks on the alley near Garden Way, was reported by a homeowner. A landscaping solution has been proposed to homeowner to prevent future damage.  The problem may be lessened in the future, as the area is nearly built-out.  The garbage-hauling company will be notified that they may need to use smaller trucks and be more careful around the affected properties.

Issues addressed near Val Jean Park and the areas East of Clearwater Creek:

23. W.Dog damage in common areas:  The grass surrounding the Postal Station at Cossette Way and Victor Hugo Blvd. is significantly damaged by dog waste & urine. Until owners prevent their dogs from using this common area as a toilet, it’s pointless to replace sod or re-seed.  Hopefully the situation will improve enough to re-evaluate this area at a later time.

24. X.Unsold lot appearance – tall grass & weeds:  Dave Hempel has agreed to a new mowing schedule.  The mowing contractor will mow CPDC’s vacant lots every two weeks in the heaviest growing season (Spring) up until July 4.  After July 4 the mowing will be done on a monthly basis.  As fall approaches and the grass grows faster again, we may review this plan to increase the mowing schedule accordingly.

25. Y.Unsold lot appearance – low areas collect water:  According to Dave Hempel, filling in low areas in unsold lots would require a re-grade of the entire area.  CPDC will not re-grade vacant lots.  According to Mr. Hempel, the issue will be solved when the lots are sold and built-out with new homes.

26. Z.Model home banners, signs, flags, streamers, balloons:  According to Dave Hempel, VG’s Architectural Review committee will speak to builders with model homes to address this problem.

27. AA.Wetlands area will be expanded near Garden Way and Val Jean Blvd near the eventual connection of the two streets.

28. BB.Construction debris left by Nottinghome Builders:  Large roof trusses have been left on CPDC’s vacant lots on Garden Way near the wetlands.  Dave Hempel will speak to Nottinghome Builders and/or the truss company to address the problem. 

29. CC.Landscape damage:  Dave Hempel will speak to sidewalk contractor about damage to a homeowners landscaping.

30. DD.Easement & Outlot maintenance: Mowing and maintaining pipeline and utility easement areas is the responsibility of individual homeowners.  Outlots owned by VG Community Association, such as wetlands, and along the creek are to remain wild. 

31. EE.Sod in new areas:  Sod will be laid to fill the boulevards between sidewalks and curb and one row of sod will be laid on the opposite side of the sidewalk.  Mowing and maintenance of these areas will be the responsibility of individual homeowners. 

32. FF.Structure at Val Jean Blvd. & Everton Ave.:  This structure is a wastewater lift station connected to Hugo’s sewer system.

33. GG.New parks/squares/greens:  New small parks are planned for the area near Ryland Homes and Pratt’s new Villas.