HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-2025 The Fresh Weekly NewsletterAugust 8, 2025
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Schedule
Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, August 11, 2025, 6:30 pm - CANCELLED
Meetings are held at City Hall, 3880 Laverne Ave N.,
Lake Elmo, MN 55042. Changes or cancellations will be
posted at Lakeelmo.gov/calendar.
How to Watch
Watch online or on cable television here.
Find meeting agendas and minutes at the City of Lake
Elmo, MN
Summer Hours
Beginning the week of Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day, Lake Elmo City Hall’s business
hours will be:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – Noon.
CITY BUSINESS
Gate Valve Exercising begins August 4
With over 1200 gate valves in the city, preventative maintenance
needs to be done to ensure gate valves operate correctly when
required. Public works staff will be exercising water gate valves for
two weeks, starting August 4. During this time, about 1/3 of the city
will be completed.
Many of the city’s water main gate valves lie eight feet beneath the
surface of the street. Without exercising the gate valve regularly, it
can seize up, becoming inoperable. Sand or rocks can also fill the
access hole, preventing staff members from operating them in an
emergency.
The valves are strategically placed to isolate areas of the main in
case a main break or leak occurs. Without these valves in good
working condition, large areas of the system would have to be shut
down instead of isolating small segments of the water
main. Residents may experience a loss of water pressure for a short
period. Should you see Public Works staff exercising valves, please
slow down to prevent injury or damage to equipment.
Lake Elmo to Participate in 2-Year U of M Turf Grass
Study
The City of Lake Elmo is participating in a new two-year turfgrass
research study in collaboration with the University of Minnesota,
focused on identifying drought-tolerant grass seed mixtures that are
both environmentally sustainable and easily accessible to residents.
Test plots will be set up later this month in Lake Elmo and other
metro areas, with turfgrass performance assessments scheduled
throughout 2026 and 2027. The aim is to evaluate how different
grass types perform under local conditions, emphasizing water
conservation while maintaining the visual appeal valued by
homeowners. The results will help develop recommended seed
mixtures that can be made more broadly available through local
vendors, making it easier for residents to choose water-smart options
for their lawns.
This initiative demonstrates Lake Elmo’s ongoing dedication to
environmental stewardship.
Exciting Opportunity in Lake Elmo!
The City of Lake Elmo is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for
the purchase and redevelopment or reuse of the City-owned property
known as the former Fire Station and Parks Building (the “Property”).
The property being sold is approximately 1.2 acres (about 0.8 acres
excluding right-of-way dedication). (The City reserves the right to
reject any or all proposals.)
We invite creative and community-oriented individuals, developers,
nonprofits, and businesses to share their vision for this iconic space.
Whether it’s a new retail hub, community space, café, gallery, or
something we haven’t even imagined yet, we want to hear from you!
This is a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a well-loved
space in our community!
View the full RFP and details here: City of Lake Elmo, MN
Deadline for submissions: noon on August 14, 2025
Let’s see what the next chapter holds for these special sites.
It's Here!
Our much-anticipated new website is finally here! Visit LakeElmo.gov
and take a virtual tour. We hope you love it as much as we do!
SUMMER ROAD PROJECTS
10th Street East of Palmer Drive to Manning Ave. To
Close August 18 for Three Weeks
10th Street east of Palmer Drive will close for three weeks starting
August 18th. This is the same closure that was announced a couple
of weeks ago, but the contractor encountered groundwater issues
and had to revise the plan to finish the school utility extension work.
Washington County / Lake Elmo Summer Road Projects
Washington County CSAH 13 (Inwood Ave)
Construction Project
The project continues, and all of northbound
CSAH 13 traffic will detour to WB CSAH 10 ->
NB I-694 -> EB CSAH 14 -> SB CSAH 13 -> EB
CSAH 6. Southbound traffic will remain
unrestricted.
To learn more about the project, visit the
Washington County Hwy 13 Improvement project
here.
Washington County will begin Phase 3
of the County Highway 15 (Manning
Avenue) August 11.
The project includes the addition of
center left-turn lanes and right-turn
lanes at key locations, the elimination
of (northerly) 18th Street North access
to Manning, a trail connection from
18th Street North to 18th Street Ct,
and pavement rehabilitation.
This project is expected to be
completed by the end of the fall. You
can learn more here.
LAKE ELMO PARKS AND RECREATION
With over 500 acres of city parkland and more than 80 miles of trails, Lake Elmo features an extensive park
and trail system for residents and visitors to enjoy and explore. Our park and trail system provides a diverse
range of recreational opportunities, including organized sports, casual play, nature appreciation, hiking,
cross-country skiing, horseback riding, picnicking, relaxation, and many other outdoor activities.
Each park offers high-quality recreational facilities and open spaces for the community to enjoy while
preserving the history, setting, character, and unique features that make each park special. We are excited
to highlight one of Lake Elmo Park's parks biweekly, inviting our community to learn about and appreciate
the contributions these parks make to our growing and thriving community.
The asphalt trails at Pebble, Demontreville, and Kleis Park have been completed.
Goose Lake Park
Looking for a great little fishing spot or a place to paddle? Goose
Lake Park is perfect for outdoor lovers. Covering over 40 acres, this
park features scenic walking trails, a covered pavilion, a dock, and a
canoe rack.
Visit Goose Lake Park at 802 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, or
visit LakeElmo.gov to learn more about our parks.
LIFE IN LAKE ELMO
It's Official! Lake Elmo Will Celebrate Our 100th
Anniversary in September!
In 2025, Lake Elmo celebrates 100 years as a township/city! Local
organizations, businesses, and neighborhoods are creating a
wonderful mix of events to celebrate this special occasion, and the
full calendar of events will be finalized by late August.
We are also gathering photos, stories, and memories to share in
September and maintain on our website for years to come. Click
here to submit memories or your favorite hidden gem in Lake Elmo!
Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, September 13, 2025
Lake Elmo will host a centennial celebration ending in a fireworks
display on Saturday, September 13. Look for details next week!
Memorial Sign in Honor of Public Works
Superintendent Mike Bouthilet guards Sunfish Lake
Park
A sign has been posted in memory of Mike Bouthilet, Lake Elmo
Public Works Superintendent from 1985 to 2010, honoring his
dedication to the City and Sunfish Lake Park. The sign is located on
the edge of his family’s property that borders Sunfish Lake Park.
Stillwater Area Schools Back to School Reminder
Parents, get ready - it's back-to-school time again!
Following are start dates:
August 18* Grade 6 & 9 - Orientation and First Day of School.
Grade K-5 - Ready, Set, Go conferences.
August 19* Grade 7-8, 10-12 - First Day of School.
August 21* Grade K-5 - First Day of School.
August 25* Preschool - First Day of School.
The new Lake Elmo Elementary School is on target to open for the
2026/27 Academic School Year. You can find out about your school
here.
Lake Elmo Rotary Club
The Lake Elmo Rotary Club provides a variety of services to the
Lake Elmo and surrounding communities along with international
projects. The club consists of men and women committed to helping
with boots on the ground and/or financial assistance. Meetings are
on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:00 AM, Lake Elmo Inn. If you are
interested in being a speaker or attending a meeting, email Liz
Niehaus, Club Service Chair. Visit our website at
lakeelmorotary.com.
Lake Elmo Farmer's Market Open for the Season!
Come visit us at the Lake Elmo Farmers Market this Saturday from 9
am-1 pm, located at the Lake Elmo Elementary School parking
lot! Get your fresh-baked goods, salsa, honey, and lots of fresh
produce. We will see you there!
One More Month of Summer!
Summer camp spotlight: 2-Day Critter Camp! (August 12 and 13) For
campers ages 5 to 7; meets Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. Campers will learn about and search for the animals that live
in Sunfish Lake Park with hikes, crafts, outdoor play, and more.
This summer, we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four-day
camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day
camps also feature offerings for older campers. $200 per camper.
For more information or to register your campers, visit the Summer
Camps: Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Cleaner Streets = Cleaner Water
Do your part to prevent stormwater pollution from illicit discharges!
Storm drains help to keep our streets and neighborhoods from
flooding, but they also connect to nearby lakes and streams. In rural
communities, roadside ditches can also carry litter, chemicals and
yard waste to our waterways.
DON’T DUMP
NEVER dump used engine oil, soapy water or yard waste into storm
drains, roadside ditches, backyard ravines, or dry creek beds. Even
“natural” waste like grass clippings and leaves can release large
amounts of phosphorus and nitrates that cause algae blooms
downstream.
DON’T wash out painting supplies in your driveway or the street.
These chemicals end up in our lakes and rivers and might kill fish
and other animals. Dumping liquids and materials into storm drains is
considered an illicit discharge and is against the law!
If you see illegal dumping or see water that is cloudy, colored, or has
an oil sheen, report it to Lake Elmo Public Works. Report petroleum
and hazardous materials spills to the Minnesota Duty Officer: 1-800-
422-0798
RAKE & SWEEP YOUR STREET
Grass clippings and dirt might be natural, but they contain
phosphorus and nitrogen that feed smelly, green algae.
YOU CAN HELP!
DO turn your mower around when you mow so that clippings blow
into the lawn instead of the street, see Lake Elmo Stormwater
Ordinance.
DO sweep grass clippings, leaves and dirt out of the street in front of
your home and clear debris off of nearby storm drains. Sign up to
adopt your nearest storm drain at www.adopt-a-drain.org.
CHOOSE the right location for your compost pile. It should be high
and dry – not in a pathway where water flows when it rains.
DO pick up litter in your neighborhood to help keep our community
beautiful and our water clean.
Learn more about keeping water clean at www.cleanwatermn.org.
Watering Season and Irrigation
Lake Elmo City Watering Ordinance allows properties connected to
the city water system to irrigate twice a week, as indicated on the
city's irrigation zone map. Irrigation is restricted from 5:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Hand watering is permitted at any time, and new sod
waivers are available if needed.
Using a smart irrigation controller device can further reduce your
water usage. For more information on watering restrictions, please
visit lakeelmo.gov.
What Do My Taxes Pay For?
The City Council adopted the 2025 Tax Levy on December 17. City
Finance staff have developed a downloadable property tax calculator
that estimates 2025 city taxes (no other jurisdictions) on your home.
It shows approximately how much of your taxes are allocated to each
service area.
Check it out here.
New Utility Billing Payment Portal
We have moved to an intuitive new Utility Billing Portal called Paya.
Grab your City of Lake Elmo utility account number and proceed to Paya at the link below to register,
manage your account, set up autopay, or make payments.
LakeElmo.PayaCP.com
If Autopay isn't for you, try out the new Text-and-Pay option.
If you need assistance, reach out to us at RNess@LakeElmo.gov or call 651-747-3906.
Safe Drinking Water Meeting Replay is Available
The City of Lake Elmo, along with the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), hosted
an informational meeting regarding PFAS, safe drinking water, and
private wells on July 25, 2024, where presentations were given by
MPCA, MDH, and Lake Elmo’s City Engineer as well as a question-
and-answer period for the participants.
The presentation slides are available here, and printed copies are
available at City Hall. A recording of the meeting is available here.
The Lake Elmo Community Development
Department is happy to share our new Sign
Guide, created to help local businesses and
residents understand the sign regulations in our
community. This guide offers information on the
types of signs allowed, size requirements,
placement, and more. Whether you are a
business owner looking to advertise or a
resident curious about neighborhood guidelines,
this is a good resource for you. Check out the
Lake Elmo Sign Guide (linked here: Sign Guide)
to learn more.
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Visit our website
Our mission is to provide quality public services in a fiscally responsible manner in
partnership with our community.
City of Lake Elmo | 3880 Laverne Avenue North | Lake Elmo, MN 55042 US
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