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2 Summer 2014 Hello Neighbors! I believe the biggest news for Lake Elmo residents is our success in securing $3.5 million of state bonding money for our water infrastructure. Our local legisla- tors did an incredible job of supporting our request. Senators Karin Housley and Senator Susan Kent worked the Senate while Kathy Lohmer and Joann Ward pushed for us in the House. Truly a bipartisan effort with our administra- tor Dean Zuleger doggedly determined to keep the issue in front of the Capitol audience. Your council members played a big part in this as well with contacts to legis- lators and creating a groundswell of citizen contacts in support of the effort. It’s a big win for us as this allows us as it allows the delivery of potable water near areas with adulterated ground water and ensures that over time our exceedingly high water use rates will become more in line with surrounding communities in the St. Croix Valley. Our first of four neighborhood meetings occurred and although the turnout was modest, it was an enjoyable evening. Hopefully you’ll be able to make one the re- maining events (listed below right). Come see your neighbors, meet your city staff and council members, of- fer us your questions, concerns, suggestions, or simply listen in and become more informed with what’s going on in Lake Elmo. Finally, please keep in mind your local businesses when making your purchasing decisions. A list of these businesses is located on the website. I think most people would be surprised to see all Lake Elmo has to offer. Options include dining at every level from pub food to five-star, a pharmacy, insurance services, building contractors, legal, groceries, fly fishing, gar- ment repair -- you name it and we probably provide it. Mayor Mike Pearson The Mayor’s Corner By Dean Zuleger, City Administrator The City of Lake Elmo operates on the premise that we can get better at what we do every day, period. Whether it is citizen engagement, per- forming against es- tablished metrics, or bringing the best our resources have to offer to serve the community – each council member, department head and em- ployee strives to improve each day to better serve our residents. In 2014 we have sought to improve organizationally by establishing standing committees made up of elected officials and appointed ex- perts from the community in the ar- eas of finance, human resources, economic development, public safe- ty and next generation citizens. We have added nineteen new voices to our policy making that have real world experience in some of our more critical areas. We have a for- mer CFO of Cargill and a non-profit finance officer on our Finance Com- mittee. Three HR professionals help us with our personnel policies. Our Economic Development Authority is manned by the best real estate, finance and small business profes- sionals that our community has to offer. And our Next Gen Commit- tee is looking forward to what Lake Elmo might be in twenty years. If you couple this with seven new planning commissioners and six new park commissioners, we have a brand new government with new voices that make being in 2014 Lake Elmo an exciting and hopeful time. And there is a lot to do… We currently have openings for two Planning Commissioners (how our land is used), one Finance Commit- tee member (how we spend), one Human Resource Committee mem- ber (who does the work), and one Economic Development Authority member (how we grow). That’s right, there are five critical spots open to help shape the future of the commu- nity that you live in. Each commis- sion or committee is staffed with a technical staff person that is trained well in their discipline and meetings are shaped around our busy sched- ules. Our meetings are ordered, re- spectful, thoughtful, and productive. I am hoping that you will get involved by giving me a call at 651-747-3905 (I answer my own phone) and think about adding yourself to our cadre of experts in Lake Elmo. I am sure there is a place we can utilize your talent. We have unlimited potential as a community and great resourc- es to draw from, and I hope to hear from you soon. Lake Elmo Restructures Government with Standing Committees