03-03-26 City Council Meeting Packet

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The City also participated in an annual Pumpkin Collection put on by Washington County where the City of Lake Elmo was reported to have the highest weight of pumpkins collected in the County. • 2026: The City has applied for funding in 2026. If funding is received, the City will continue to collaborate with the County on recycling efforts and projects. In 2026 the City plans to use funding for new recycling bins at City Parks in addition to continuing to maintain and improve communication efforts both digitally and by mailers. Staff are also exploring hosting a recycling/fix-it clinic event in 2026. Fuel Cloud In 2024 the City implemented Fuel Cloud software at Public Works to provide tracking of fuel inventory. This data has helped establish baseline metrics for GHG emissions from the City fleet. Smart Salting – Primary Public Works winter maintenance staff are certified through the MPCA’s Smart Level 1 training. Public Works leadership is exploring Level 2 training in the future. East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP) - The City of Lake Elmo is part of the East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP), which is a partnership of local units of government to provide education about issues affecting local lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands to improve the health of our water resources. The City began partnering on the Tree Stewards Volunteer Program with EMWREP and is looking to work together on their Water Stewards Volunteer Program in the fall of 2026. Staff will continue to explore opportunities for education and collaboration with EMWREP. Water Rebate Program The City of Lake Elmo, in partnership with the Metropolitan Council offers a rebate program for purchases of eligible water-efficient products. The goal of the water efficiency grant program is to improve municipal water use. This funding has enabled Lake Elmo to provide a rebate to current water customers who replace existing devices with specified water-efficient products. Qualifying purchases are eligible for a rebate on your water bill. Water Brochure In 2025 the City of Lake Elmo sent out a Water Report to Lake Elmo residents. The report included information on watering restrictions which will help maintain water tower levels during the hottest times of the year. The Report also included water conservation tips. The City plans to continue to send a yearly report to residents each Spring. Low-Input Grass Testing To reduce water use and fertilizer, the University of Minnesota began researching various low-input grass species in Lake Elmo, on a plot of land to redefine sustainable grass and its application in Minnesota. The goal of this research is to improve conservation by developing drought-resistant grass that requires less fertilizer and irrigation water, while still maintaining an attractive lawn appearance. Re-Use/Redevelopment The City encouraged re-use in the Request for Proposal for the Old Fire Station and Parks properties in the City’s Old Village in 2025. The chosen project, opted to keep the retired Fire Station building as a result of the process.