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4 Fall 2014 Hello Neighbors! As fall begins, our season of budget discussion wanes. The good news on the budget is that your City Council, continuing the tenant of “let growth pay for growth,” has been able to lower the tax levy rate slightly and with that our non-growth operating budget as well. Despite an expected increase in property values, the city portion of most property tax bills could stay flat. We have made our final payment on the existing plan- ning debt, and with the soon-to-arrive development fees this debt will likely be retired over the next couple of years. As Mayor I am proud of the Council and staff for keeping the pocketbook burden of our government as light as possible. In related news, as you may have heard, our Compre- hensive Plan is being well received by the market. We have several residential developments in the queue for both the village and the freeway corridor. It’s worth noting that of 9 proposed residential developments; 8 have come in near, at, or even BELOW, the minimum allowable densities. It seems we find ourselves in a market that is calling for quality design with unique and attractive features. The legitimate 2015 threat of painful fines from our previous (but since canceled) agreement with the Met Council, already seems a life- time ago. Other news: • Lake Elmo and the County are nearing an agree- ment which promises to make the library card reim- bursement process much less cumbersome. • A “welcome new neighbor” to Noran Neurological and their 25 employees situated in the Eagle Point Business Park • Congratulations to FamilyMeans and the families they support for the ground breaking of their expand- ed facility in Cimarron - more room in which to do more good work! • It appears we are at the threshold of solving our 40 year old downtown flooding problem. This will be a huge achievement when this solution is applied and I am sure will be a welcome relief for many village homeowners. • Finally, as the election nears, I’d encourage all resi- dents to take an interest in those running for Coun- cil seats. I believe they are all quality individuals. The council debate will be must-see cable TV, and will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22 at City Hall. The forum will air live on channel 16, and be replayed online. Please tune in. In closing, it was a pleasure meeting so many of you at our summer neighborhood park meetings. Thanks for your input and taking the time. Perhaps we will see you on Oct. 11 at the first annual Lake Elmo Volksmarch! Mayor Mike Pearson The Mayor’s Corner With the ongoing improve- ments to our water system in Lake Elmo, residents may see a financial ben- efit from the installation of fire hydrant. Those whose homes are within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant should contact their insurance carrier and inquire about a possible reduction or credit on their homeowners insurance. Citywide, Lake Elmo has ISO (Insurance Services Of- fice) ratings of 6 and 9, 6 being within 1000 feet of a hydrant and 9 being beyond the 1000 feet. While not all insurance companies ac- knowledge this system, it is worth looking into. If you have further questions, con- tact Chief Greg Malmquist at gmalmquist@lakeelmo.org. Hydrants May Offer Insurance Savings JUNE, JULY, AUGUST EMERGENCY CALL RESPONSE Fire: 29, Rescue: 9, Medical: 52 Public Safety Effective October 1, 2014, Lake Elmo City Hall acquired more space. Administrative offices have moved to the Brookfield II office building at 3880 Laverne Ave. N., located directly across the street from current City Hall. Planning and Community Devel- opment staff will be housed out of the existing City Hall building at 3800 Laverne Ave. N. City Council and commission meetings will continue to be held in the existing council chambers. City Hall Adds Office Space