Lake Elmo public meetings in 2025

City Council Meetings

The Lake Elmo City Council will consider the 2026 budget and associated tax levies. Council members will also review the 2026‑2035 Capital Improvement Program and adopt the 2026 fee schedule. Additional items include a donation from the Lake Elmo Jaycees, reappointment of parks commissioners, and several contract and security approvals.

• Accept donation from Lake Elmo Jaycees
• Approve payments and disbursements
• Reappoint Parks Commissioners
• Approve 2026 budget and tax levies
• Approve 2026‑2035 Capital Improvement Program

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda items. It approved revisions to the park use policy, opened and closed a public hearing on the 2026 budget, and adopted the 2026 property tax levy and related budgets by a 3‑2 vote. The 2026‑2035 Capital Improvement Plan and the 2026 fee schedule amendment were also adopted unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda items (including donation acceptance, payments, reappointments, licenses, grant agreements, etc.) – vote 5‑0
• Approved changes to the park use policy – vote 5‑0
• Opened public hearing on 2026 budget and levies – vote 5‑0
• Closed public hearing on 2026 budget and levies – vote 5‑0
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑084 setting the 2026 property tax levy and adopting various 2026 budgets – vote 3‑2
• Adopted the 2026‑2035 Capital Improvement Plan – vote 5‑0
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑18 amending the 2026 fee schedule – vote 5‑0
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑085 authorizing summary publication of the 2026 fee schedule – vote 5‑0

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will receive updates on the 76 Acres and Boulevard Tree Program. The body will also discuss pickleball noise and a noise barrier.

• 76 Acres and Boulevard Tree Program update
• Pickleball noise barrier discussion

The commission accepted the agenda, approved the October and November meeting minutes, and adopted a wording change from “council members” to “park commissioners,” each with unanimous votes. It voted 4‑3 to defer the pickleball sound‑barrier recommendation until after the February City Council meeting for additional information.

• Accepted agenda (7-0)
• Approved change term to “park commissioners” (7-0)
• Approved October meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved November meeting minutes (7-0)
• Deferred pickleball sound‑barrier recommendation pending further info (4-3)

City Council Workshop

The Lake Elmo City Council will discuss a concept plan for Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue, review proposed 2026 personnel policies, and set legislative priorities for the coming year.

• Hwy 36/Lake Elmo Avenue Option 3 Concept Plan presentation
• Review of 2026 Personnel Policies
• Adoption of 2026 Lake Elmo Legislative Priorities
• Discussion on East Metro Public Safety Training Facility bonding request
• Review of City Strategic Communications Plan

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss short‑term rental issues following the November City Council workshop and consider next steps. Commissioners will review the proposed 2026 work plan for the Planning Commission. The meeting includes updates from the City Council (RLS #132 dated 12/2/2025). Upcoming meetings are noted, with the December 22, 2025 session cancelled and future dates set for January 12 and a joint workshop on January 13, 2026.

• Discussion of short‑term rentals in response to the November City Council workshop
• Review of the proposed 2026 work plan for the Planning Commission
• City Council updates (RLS #132 – 12/2/2025)
• Cancellation of the December 22, 2025 meeting
• Upcoming meetings: January 12, 2026 and a joint workshop on January 13, 2026

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 10 meeting. Commissioners discussed short‑term rentals and the proposed 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan. A motion to recommend approval of the 2026 work plan was passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended approval of 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan (6-0)

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

The Economic Development Authority will review the 2025 work plan and discuss revisions for the 2026 work plan. The body will also receive a presentation from the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel regarding 180 acres.

• Review of 2025 Work Plan and 2026 Work Plan draft
• Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel presentation on 180 acres
• Update on former Fire-Station and Parks Building

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority unanimously approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting (5‑0). The board also unanimously recommended approval of the 2026 EDA Work Plan (6‑0). No other actions were voted on.

• Approved 10/7/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Recommended approval of 2026 EDA Work Plan (6-0)

City Council Meetings

The Lake Elmo City Council will consider several approvals, including a grant agreement with the MPCA for the North Water Treatment Plant and a payment request for the 2025 Mill and Overlay Project. The council will also amend a motion to authorize engineering services for 2026 crosswalk layouts and approve a development agreement amendment for the Prairie Sky TwinHomes. Additional items include a landscape security reduction for Union Park Phase 1, appointments, and liquor license renewals.

• Approve MPCA Grant Agreement for North Water Treatment Plant
• Approve Payments & Disbursements, including Pay Request No. 2 for the 2025 Mill and Overlay Project
• Amend motion authorizing engineering services for 2026 crosswalk layouts
• Approve first amendment to development agreement for Prairie Sky Twinhomes
• Approve landscape security reduction for Union Park Phase 1 Development

The council approved the amended agenda and the consent agenda with a 4‑0 vote on each. It adopted Ordinance 2025‑017 amending the city’s lawful gambling code and Resolution 2025‑081 authorizing a summary publication, both by 4‑0 votes. A motion to fund gambling‑revenue budgeting for law‑enforcement contracts failed 1‑3, and a motion to reconsider the ordinance failed 2‑2. The council also adopted Resolution 2025‑077 increasing the statewide volunteer firefighter benefit to $9,000 per year, passing 4‑0.

• Approved agenda as amended (4‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items (4‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑017 updating lawful gambling code (4‑0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑081 to publish ordinance summary (4‑0)
• Motion to budget gambling revenues in Fund 210 for law enforcement failed (1‑3)
• Motion to reconsider Ordinance 2025‑017 failed (2‑2)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑077 increasing firefighter benefit to $9,000 per year (4‑0)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will decide on the 2026 pay scale and POC pay rates. The body is also considering engineering services for 2026 crosswalk layouts and a benefit level increase for the SVF plan. Various infrastructure pay requests and personnel hires are listed on the consent agenda.

• Approval of 2026 Pay Scale and 2026 POC Pay Rates
• Authorization of engineering services for 2026 Crosswalk Layouts
• SVF Plan Benefit Level Increase for the Volunteer Fire Department
• Pay requests for 2025 projects including Striping, Mill and Overlay, and Crack Seal
• Grant requests for Lake Jane Association and Lake Demontreville & Olson Lake Association

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included several grant payments, hiring of an administrative assistant and building inspector, and the 2026 pay scale and POC pay rates. It also authorized preliminary engineering services for 2026 crosswalk improvements at a cost of $22,832, with the work scheduled to begin in May 2026. An agenda item to increase the SVF Plan benefit level was removed, and all motions passed 4‑0.

• Approved consent agenda items (including grants, hires, pay scales) (4‑0)
• Authorized preliminary engineering services for 2026 crosswalk improvements – $22,832 (4‑0)
• Amended crosswalk motion to delay work until May 2026 (4‑0)
• Removed SVF Plan Benefit Level Increase from agenda (4‑0)
• Approved 2026 pay scale (as part of consent agenda) (4‑0)
• Approved 2026 POC pay rates (as part of consent agenda) (4‑0)
• Approved East Metro Training Facility amended JPA (as part of consent agenda) (4‑0)
• Approved hiring of administrative assistant PW/Fire and building inspector (as part of consent agenda) (4‑0)

Parks Commission

The Lake Elmo Parks Commission will discuss the 2026 Parks Work Plan and consider updates to the park reservation policy, including a second‑edition policy document and a draft reservation form. Public comment will be taken on park‑related matters. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the agenda and minutes.

• Review of the 2026 Parks Work Plan
• Consideration of Park Reservation Policy Changes (2nd Edition)
• Discussion of Draft Reservation Form
• Public comment on park issues
• Communications and updates from staff

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It adopted the proposed changes to the park reservations policy, including non‑refundable deposits and a daily fee for ballfields, with a 6‑0 vote. It also approved the 2026 Strategic Work Plan, directing staff to forward it with amendments to the City Council, again by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved park reservations policy changes (6-0)
• Approved 2026 Strategic Work Plan, to be sent to City Council (6-0)

City Council Workshop

The Lake Elmo City Council workshop will include a presentation on the Hwy 36/Lake Elmo Avenue project. Council members will discuss short‑term rental policies, strategic financial planning, and future capital improvement projects. No formal decisions are indicated; the meeting is for updates and discussion.

• Hwy 36/Lake Elmo Avenue project updates
• Short‑term rentals discussion
• Strategic financial planning discussion
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) future projects discussion

The council reviewed the Hwy 36/Lake Elmo Avenue project and asked to limit Sunday work hours. They heard a review of the short‑term rental ordinance and sought council feedback on possible updates. Finance staff presented financial‑planning assumptions and software limits. The administrator asked whether the council wants changes to future CIP projects. No formal actions or votes were recorded.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review the City's 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program. The body will also discuss the status and future action items for Old Village zoning and land use based on a May 2024 study.

• Public hearing for the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Discussion on Old Village zoning and future land use

The commission approved its agenda and the previous meeting minutes, each by a 6‑0 vote. It opened and closed a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Plan, also unanimously. The commission voted to recommend to the City Council that the 2025‑2035 Capital Improvement Plan is consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved agenda (motion by Vrieze/Amend, vote 6-0)
• Approved minutes (motion by Vrieze/Dunn, vote 6-0)
• Opened public hearing (motion by Vrieze/Chars, vote 6-0)
• Closed public hearing (motion by Vrieze/Amend, vote 6-0)
• Recommended CIP consistency with 2040 Comprehensive Plan (motion by Vrieze/Chars, vote 6-0)

City Council Meetings

The Lake Elmo City Council will consider a series of approvals and appointments. Items include a playground replacement at Lions Park, a crack‑seal road maintenance request, and several permits and donations. The council will also discuss recruitment for a Public Works Director and review comments on Washington County’s draft CIP.

• Approve Lions Park Playground Replacement
• Approve 2025 Crack Seal Project Pay Request
• Approve Light Up Lake Elmo Special Event Permit
• Approve Interim Public Works Director
• Accept Graf Family Park Bench Donation

The council approved the agenda as amended and accepted the October 14 minutes. It adopted Ordinance 2025-16 creating a Tree Fund and approved the boulevard tree program. The city’s amended comments to Washington County’s Draft 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Plan were approved. The council also accepted a donation of pickleball equipment and approved the consent agenda items.

• Approved agenda as amended (5‑0)
• Accepted October 14, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5‑0)
• Approved amended city comments to Washington County Draft CIP (5‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑16 creating Tree Fund (5‑0)
• Adopted boulevard tree program (5‑0)
• Accepted Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends donation of benches, rack, fence (5‑0)

City Council Meetings

The Lake Elmo City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes payments, the 2026 LMCIT statutory tort limits, and several pay requests for street, utility, and park projects. Council members will vote on the Inwood Townhomes 1st Addition Development Agreement and the Savona 4th Addition security release. The regular agenda includes a public improvement hearing for 2026 street and utility work and public hearings to adopt final assessment rolls for 2025 street and utility improvements and for Stillwater Area School District utility upgrades. Additional items are a presentation on a landfill solar farm, an update on the Highpointe Crossing Comprehensive Plan amendment, a negative declaration on the Limerick Village environmental assessment, and a quarterly goals and financial report.

• Approve Inwood Townhomes 1st Addition Development Agreement
• Approve Savona 4th Addition Security Release
• Approve multiple Pay Requests for I-94 lift station, Reid Park parking lot, Stillwater School District utility, Village Parkway UPRR crossing, and Well No. 2 PFAS removal equipment
• Public hearing to adopt final assessment roll for 2025 Street & Utility Improvements
• Presentation on Landfill Solar Farm

The council approved the consent agenda and adopted several resolutions, including ordering the 2026 street and utility improvements (Resolution 2025-070) and authorizing a $138,600 contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for final design and bidding. It also adopted final assessment rolls for the 2025 street and utility project, the Stillwater Area School District utility improvements, and approved a negative declaration for the Limerick Village development. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-070 ordering 2026 street & utility improvements (5‑0)
• Authorized $138,600 contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for design/bidding (5‑0)
• Adopted final assessment roll for 2025 street & utility project (Resolution 2025-071) (5‑0)
• Adopted final assessment roll for Stillwater Area School District utility improvements (Resolution 2025-072) (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-073 negative declaration for Limerick Village EIS (5‑0)
• Approved findings of fact and conclusions document for Limerick Village negative declaration (5‑0)
• Discussed landfill solar farm; decision deferred to future workshop (no vote)

Parks Commission

The Lake Elmo Parks Commission will approve minutes from three prior meetings. It will receive and acknowledge donations from the Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends and the Graf family for park improvements. Commissioners will discuss planned amenities for Lions Park and review the concept design for Ridge Park. Updates on the new park website page and the Sunfish Lake Park buckthorn project will also be presented.

• Approve minutes from June 16, July 21, and August 18, 2025 meetings
• Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends donation
• Graf Family park bench donation
• Lions Park future amenities discussion
• Ridge Park concept design review

The commission approved the minutes from the June, July, and August 2025 meetings unanimously. It voted 4‑3 to accept a paddle rack and drink holder donation while rejecting other items and to provide comments to the donors. A unanimous vote accepted a $1,650 bench donation from the Graff Family for Sunfish Lake Park. The meeting was then adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approve 16 June 2025 Park Commission minutes (6‑0)
• Approve 21 July 2025 Park Commission minutes (6‑0)
• Approve 18 August 2025 Park Commission minutes (6‑0)
• Accept paddle rack and drink holder donation; reject other items; give comments (4‑3)
• Accept Graff Family bench donation up to $1650, place bench in Sunfish Lake Park (6‑0)
• Adjourn meeting (6‑0)

Planning Commission

The Lake Elmo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Registered Land Survey #132 covering 3481 Laverne Avenue. The commission will also consider a text amendment to the Tree Fund and receive updates on the GIS tool, the Inwood Townhomes first addition final plat, and the request for proposals for a new fire hall and parks building. Additional items include routine communications and upcoming meeting dates.

• Public hearing – Registered Land Survey (RLS) #132 – 3481 Laverne Ave
• Tree Fund text amendment
• GIS tool now available on the city website
• Inwood Townhomes 1st addition final plat, PUD and easement vacation
• RFP for new fire hall and parks building

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the October 7, 2025 minutes. It opened and closed public hearings on a land survey application and on a proposed tree fund amendment. The commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve the Registered Land Survey No. 132 for 3481 Laverne Avenue North and to approve the text amendment creating a Tree Fund.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Registered Land Survey No. 132 for 3481 Laverne Ave N (5-0)
• Recommended City Council approve Tree Fund text amendment (5-0)
• Opened public hearing on land survey (5-0)
• Closed public hearing on land survey (5-0)
• Opened public hearing on Tree Fund amendment (5-0)
• Closed public hearing on Tree Fund amendment (5-0)

City Council Workshop

The Lake Elmo City Council will hold a workshop to present information on Minnesota's Paid Family Medical Leave. The council will review the condition and future use of the old City Hall facility. A review of open burning permits will also be discussed, followed by consideration of future agenda items.

• Paid Family Medical Leave presentation by Administrative Services Coordinator Doyle
• Old City Hall Facility Review presented by Community Development Director Stopa
• Open Burning Permits Review presented by Chief Kalis and Assistant Chief Svoboda
• Discussion of future agenda items

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

The Economic Development Authority will discuss the 2026 Work Plan. The body will also receive updates on a request for proposals for the former fire station and parks building, as well as the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel.

• EDA 2026 Work Plan discussion
• Former Fire Station and Parks Building RFP update
• Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) update
• GIS map updates

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority approved the minutes of its September 17, 2025 meeting by consensus. The board discussed a draft 2026 work plan, grant opportunities, and upcoming updates, but no formal actions were taken on those items. The next EDA meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

• Approved minutes of 9/17/2025 meeting (consensus)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will consider a final plat, PUD, and easement vacation for Inwood Townhomes 1st Addition. The body is also reviewing design services for watermain improvements and an RFP for the former fire station and parks building.

• Public hearing for Inwood Townhomes 1st Addition Final Plat, PUD, and Easement Vacation
• Authorization of design services for CSAH 14 watermain improvements
• RFP for Former Fire Station and Parks Building
• Ordinance 2025-14 updating park hours for pickleball
• Ordinance 2025-15 for Knightsbridge street name correction

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority will approve its September 19 minutes, hear presentations of three finalist proposals by CD Director Stopa, discuss each, and hold a committee vote before making a recommendation.

• Approval of 8/19/2025 EDA meeting minutes
• Presentation of Finalist #1 by CD Director Stopa
• Presentation of Finalist #2 by CD Director Stopa
• Presentation of Finalist #3 by CD Director Stopa
• Committee voting and motion to recommend

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority approved the minutes of the 8/19/2025 meeting by consensus. Rank‑choice voting was conducted, giving Tap & Ladder/Machete six votes, River Siren Brewing Co./LE Commons four votes, and Old Village Social two votes. The Authority then voted 10‑0 to recommend the City Council accept the Tap & Ladder/Machete bid for the former fire station and parks building RFP. The next EDA meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2025.

• Approved minutes of 8/19/2025 EDA meeting (consensus)
• Rank‑choice vote: Tap & Ladder/Machete received 6 votes
• Rank‑choice vote: River Siren Brewing Co./LE Commons received 4 votes
• Rank‑choice vote: Old Village Social received 2 votes
• Recommended acceptance of Tap & Ladder/Machete bid for former fire station and parks building (10‑0)
• Scheduled next EDA meeting for October 7, 2025

City Council Meetings

The Lake Elmo City Council will adopt the 2026 preliminary levy, budget, and hearing date. They will also accept the feasibility report and order a public hearing for 2026 street and utility improvements. Additional items include approvals for a cell‑tower lease extension, a 3M trail grant, and the Mill and Overlay contract award.

• Adopt 2026 preliminary levy, budget, and hearing date (Resolution 2025-060)
• Accept feasibility report and order public hearing for 2026 street and utility improvements
• Approve ATT temporary cell tower lease extension
• Approve 3M Priority 2 trail grant submittal
• Award contract for 2025 Mill and Overlay project

City Council Workshop

The Lake Elmo City Council workshop will hold a joint discussion with the Parks Commission on the parks service level and park amenities replacements. The council will review a proposed 76‑acre sports complex presented by the Community Development Director. A stormwater utility fee will be presented by the City Engineer. Finance staff will lead a discussion of the 2026 budget and levy options.

• Parks Service Level discussion (Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel)
• Park Amenities and Replacements (Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel)
• Sports Complex 76‑acre project (Community Development Director Stopa)
• Stormwater Utility Fee presentation (City Engineer Stanley)
• 2026 Budget & Levy discussion (Finance Director Hadler)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss a final report on the Public Works operational assessment and address pickleball noise. The body is also considering several infrastructure contracts and facility improvements.

• Awarding contracts for the 2025 Seal Coat and 2025 Striping projects
• Approval of Lions Park playground replacement
• Well 2 PFAS WTP pay request and change order
• Public Works shop floor resurfacing
• Wage increase and job description for Financial Analyst & Utility Billing Clerk

The council approved the agenda and the August 19 minutes unanimously. It accepted the consent agenda items and the Public Works Operational Assessment report. It adopted a motion to reduce pickleball court hours, discontinue court lights, remove the practice wall, and task staff with studying sound‑deadening options. The Lions Park playground replacement was tabled for further discussion with the Parks Commission.

• Approved agenda amendment (5‑0)
• Accepted August 19, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items including water meter purchase and shop floor refinishing (5‑0)
• Accepted Public Works Operational Assessment (5‑0)
• Implemented reduction of pickleball hours to 8 am‑7 pm, discontinued lights, removed practice wall, and directed staff to study sound‑deadening materials (5‑0)
• Tabled Lions Park playground replacement for discussion with Parks Commission (5‑0)

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

The Economic Development Authority will review progress reports on its workplan and provide updates on an RFP and the ULI TAP. The body will also consider a special meeting date for RFP finalists.

• Proposed special meeting for RFP finalists on September 17, 2025
• EDA Workplan Progress Report
• RFP Update
• ULI TAP Update

The Authority amended its agenda to discuss next steps for solar development at the landfill site (5‑0). It approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes and set a special meeting for September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM to present RFP finalists (both 5‑0). Commissioners voted 4‑0 to request City Council support in seeking a bond‑issue payoff from the State Legislature for the solar project (Holtz abstained).

• Amended agenda to include landfill solar discussion (5-0)
• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved special meeting date September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM for RFP finalists (5-0)
• Requested City Council support for bond‑issue payoff for solar project (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet to review a consent agenda featuring several municipal contracts and licenses. No items are listed for the regular agenda.

• Award contract for the 2025 Crack Sealing Project
• Resolution for summary publication of Ordinance 2025-13 regarding trash haulers
• Pay Request 2 for 2025 Street and Utility Improvements
• Temporary liquor license for Lake Elmo Rotary
• 2025 SAFEbuilt contract amendment

The council approved the agenda after removing a trash‑hauler ordinance resolution. They accepted the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. The consent agenda was approved, which included payments, a temporary liquor license, street and utility improvement funding, a school LOC reduction, a crack‑sealing contract, a SAFEBuilt contract amendment, and a star‑gazing event. All motions passed unanimously (3‑0).

• Approved agenda as amended (3‑0)
• Accepted minutes of August 6, 2025 meeting (3‑0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Lake Elmo Rotary (3‑0)
• Approved pay request for 2025 street and utility improvements (3‑0)
• Approved Garner School LOC reduction (3‑0)
• Approved contract for 2025 crack sealing project (3‑0)
• Approved 2025 SAFEBuilt contract amendment (3‑0)
• Approved Star Gazing Event 2025 (3‑0)