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Home My WebLink About2025 Summer SourceVOLUME 15 SUMMER 2025 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Message from the Mayor. Lake Elmo Celebrates 100 Anniversaryth Well 2 Treatment Facility is online and operational. Lake Elmo Fire Department is advancing battery safety knowledge with Take C.H.A.R.G.E of Battery Safety program. In 1925, the village of LakeElmo became a township,and we’re having a party tocelebrate. The City will host a streetdance on Saturday,September 13, and the funkicks off at 5:00 pm. at LionsPark. Food trucks, live music, a beer tent andfireworks will all be part of thecelebration. Watch for moreinformation on our socialchannels and atLakeelmo.gov. Visit ConnectLakeElmo.org to see the festivities going on throughout September. Lake Elmo Fire Department Open House Monday, Sept 22, 2025, 4 pm - 7 pm. Please join us at the Lake Elmo Fire Department Open House. Meet your firefighters, sheriff deputies & Lakeview EMS staff. We will have station and truck tours, Rescue & K9 demonstrations, Hands Only CPR & Car Set Safety presentations and so much more! THE SOURCETHE SOURCETHE SOURCE PHOTO CREDITS: LEO A. DALY AND TOM GRADY A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Page 2 The Source | Summer 2025 Lakeelmo.gov As Lake Elmo celebrates its hundredthanniversary in September, Mayor CharlesCadenhead took a moment to share updatesand reflections from City Hall. There are many thingshappening in the city rightnow—community events,state and federalgovernment affairs,development, and roadimprovements. Yet,throughout it all, the mayorfocuses on what mattersmost to residents andbusiness owners. One of the mayor's most important and long-standing projects, along withthe council, is addressing PFAS and waterquality in Lake Elmo. While water issues affectevery city, the 3M settlement fund has providedLake Elmo with an opportunity to identify theeffects of PFAS in water systems and to makeimprovements by adding water treatmentfacilities to the city’s water supply. Ensuring safe drinking water for residentsremains the top priority. City engineers havebeen installing water treatment facilities to meetsafety standards and are working to comply withstate and federal drinking water regulations. Thecity has also led the way in testing innovativetechnology to destroy and eliminate PFAS fromdrinking water, playing a key role in advancingthis technology nationwide. Another project the mayor is proud of is therecent purchase of 77 acres of land south ofSunfish Lake Park. This site can be utilized as amajor community activity center. Cadenhead andthe council are excited to work with architectsthis fall to develop design options, explorefunding sources, and involve the community inshaping the project’s development in 2026. When asked how he handles challenges asmayor, Cadenhead said the key is guiding thecouncil toward resolution on city issues. Becausethe council is uneven—comprising four a quote I once heard, “You have yourway. I have my way. As for the rightway, the correct way, and the onlyway, it does not exist.” (FriedrichNietzsche.) “We all have differentapproaches, and we should embracethat—it’s why we have a city council.” Cadenhead believes his role hasbeen essential in shaping Lake Elmo’sfuture. “Our community was foundedon strong values, hard work, andneighbors looking out for oneanother. As we navigate our 40–50-year comprehensive plan, our goal atthe City is to manage growththoughtfully and move forwardtogether, respecting the traditionsand character that make thiscommunity so special,” he said. Cadenhead is a busy man. He laughswhen he recalls residents who think“Mayor” is his only job; he’s also afull-time engineer. When he is notworking, Cadenhead enjoys spendingtime with his family, attending Gopherfootball games, hunting in the fall withhis dog Harley, and credits his wife ashis inspiration: “She inspires meevery day to try and be a betterperson, and to put my next stepforward.” members and the mayor—aresolution is always reached butunderstanding and respecting eachother’s opinions matter most. Practicingactive listeninghas beencrucial inunderstandingthe core issuesthe councilfaces.Cadenheadsaid, “At theend of the day Itry to maintainthe thought of ADMINISTRATION Page 3The Source | Summer 2025Lakeelmo.gov City Staff Attended League of MinnesotaCities Summer Conference in Duluth City Updates Mayor Cadenhead, along with City staff,attended the League of Minnesota Citiesconference in Duluth in June. Staff par ticipated in professionaldevelopment sessions covering topics suchas city planning, legislative updates,stormwater planning, infrastructure projects,cybersecurity, and more. e are excited to share our new website, Lakeelmo.gov. This easy-to-use platform allows residents to connect more smoothly by applying for permits, reporting issues, staying informed about impor tant updates, and subscribing to push notifications that deliver relevant emails. From city meeting agendas and minutes to road work and ice rinks, the new site makes it simpler to find what you need. Sign up through our Notify Me option at lakeelmo.gov to stay informed. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Page 4 The Source | Summer 2025 Lakeelmo.gov Lake Elmo continues to grow across the city with new housing developments, more businesses on Hudson Blvd, and recently solicited proposals for development downtown on the city- owned former Fire Station and Parks Buildings on June 17. Proposals were due August 14, and the Economic Development Authority will meet in September to review them and meet with finalists who will present to the city council. Expansion Across the City Continues Sustainability The City of Lake Elmo par tners with theWashington County Conser vation District andthe University of Minnesota Extension TreeSteward Community program to educate andengage volunteers and ser ve as a host city inthe east metro area of the Twin Cities. The Tree Steward program trains volunteers toplant trees, identify unhealthy ones, care fornewly planted trees, and prune smallerbranches in and around the city. As a host city, Lake Elmo has agreed to providetwo to three opportunities for volunteers topractice their skills and par ticipate in local treecare activities, offering at least 25 hours of workor community events per year for tree stewardsto complete. Each steward must attend 3 to 6 hours oftraining on topics such as best plantingmethods, basic tree anatomy, tree stock, gravelbeds and their uses, post-planting care,watering, pruning, and tree health. The first opportunity our staff provided forvolunteers was at Lake Elmo Night Out, wheremore than 3,000 residents attended, giving ourstewards many chances to engage with andeducate people about their specific concerns. The City of Lake Elmo Tree Stewards work with volunteers to educate residents about caring for trees at Lake Elmo Night Out. Learn more about Lake Elmo’s sustainability effor ts at LakeElmo.gov. CITY PROJECTS Page 5The Source | Summer 2025Lakeelmo.gov Project Updates Reid Park Parking Lot The Reid Park parking lot is currently under construction. The project, which started on August 18, will extend the existing sidewalk from the park to 30th Street, add a new trail, lay down a new asphalt surface, add additional parking stalls, and install concrete curbs to manage stormwater. Access to the park will be limited to foot traffic starting the week of August 25, and the project is expected to be finished by the end of September. I-94 Lift Station Forcemain Replacement Project The Project includes replacement of approximately 3,000 feet of existing forcemain from the I-94 Lift Station on Hudson Boulevard. The replacement is necessary to address ultimate capacity at build-out, MCES connection location changes, and fatigued pipe issues. The work includes the Hudson Boulevard Culvert repair project, consisting of replacement of the existing 90-inch CMP with a 72-inch RCP. Plans and specifications were approved at the June 17 council meeting. This project will require a full closure of Hudson Boulevard east of Eagle Point Blvd and will be completed this fall. Follow our social media and the website for details. A Closer Look at the 2026 Project Plans xciting plans are forecasted for Lake Elmo in 2026. Guided by community priorities, city engineers will work with neighborhood groups to discuss options for street improvements. The plans for the recent purchase of 77 acres of park land will star t to take shape this fall. The council will review design options and involve the community in the next steps moving into 2026. Looking ahead, aligning infrastructure improvements with long -range planning, Lake Elmo is laying the foundation for lasting impact, not only to develop the commercial property, but to maintain the charm of the green space and farming that shaped the community 100 years ago. PUBLIC WORKS Lakeelmo.govPage 6 The Source | Summer 2025 University of Minnesota low-input grass study Lake Elmo Parks Updates To reduce water use and fertilizer, the University of Minnesota is researching various low-input grass species in Lake Elmo, on a plot of land at 120 Lake Elmo Ave., to redefine sustainable grass and its application in Minnesota. This research aims to improve conservation by developing drought-resistant grass that requires less fer tilizer and irrigation water, while still maintaining an attractive lawn appearance. The University has installed the test plot, a temporary irrigation system, and public informational signs, and will maintain the grasses for the first year. An irrigation waiver beyond the standard 15-day period for new seed has been approved to ensure grass establishment and growth if regular rainfall does not occur. The university will cover the cost of the water used for irrigation. Public Works is conducting a residential sur vey with the city’s engineering team at Bolton & Menk to gather priorities in the Ridge Park 2026 update. The survey will ask residents in the Parkview, Cardinal Ridge and Torre Pines Community about their current use of the park. The sur vey also will look for feedback on a pavilion and any other amenities that would increase park use. Questions ask residents if they would consider updating the ballfield and improving the playground. Results from the survey will help aide a more comprehensive plan for the park in the future. PUBLIC WORKS Page 7The Source | Summer 2025Lakeelmo.gov Coming this fall... Ensuring clean water for residents has always been a top priority, and Lake Elmo provides safe and reliable drinking water that complies with federal and state water quality standards. Since PFAS contaminants were found in our water system, the Lake Elmo Public Works team has worked to reduce and effectively remove pollutants from our drinking water. Well before the Minnesota Department of Health test results exceeded the EPA standard, Wells 1 and 2 were proactively taken offline and designated for emergency use only until a solution could be implemented. Well 1 was shut down in 2018 and sealed in 2022. The installation of the new water treatment system at Well 2 is now complete and operational. The process in the new treatment facility is as follows: first, drinking water is pumped from a groundwater source at a depth of 285 feet, drawing from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan aquifers. The water flows into a small tank, where the first filtration removes larger iron and manganese par ticles. Then, it enters the lead vessel, beginning treatment as water passes through the filtration media. The lower third of this tank contains an ion resin filtration system that removes PFAS. Next, the filtered water moves to the second vessel, which ser ves as the final filtration step before it reaches the distribution system. Finally, Wells 2, 4, and 5 automatically supply clean water to the three water towers as needed. During the filtration process at Well 2, most PFAS chemicals are captured in the first filtration vessel. When that vessel’s contaminant level reaches capacity, staff will direct the pumped water into the second vessel while the resin in the first vessel is replaced. This process takes about one day. In Minnesota, public water supply systems are regularly tested by the Minnesota Depar tment of Health for various contaminants. The water from all three Lake Elmo wells is tested quar terly to ensure it meets health standards. Public works will begin ditch mowing in September and mowing around storm water ponds. New Treatment Facility Brings Well 2 Online LAKE ELMO PUBLIC SAFETY The Lake Elmo Fire Depar tment provides our residents and businesses with three options for CPR instruction. Hands -Only CPR Classes, Hear t Saver CPR/ AED/ First Aid, and Basic Life Suppor t. These classes are offered based on enrollment; submit your class request on the fire depar tment page at ww w.lakeelmo.gov. Please note that some classes that offer certification may have a fee. Fire Department to offer CPR Classes Page 8 The Source | Summer 2025 Lakeelmo.gov various lithium-ion battery-powered products have been increasing at an alarming rate in recent years and have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. And these fires are fast – so fast that you may only have seconds (not minutes) to escape. Taking C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety can help you make a life -saving difference in your home. Choose Certified Products: Prioritize your safety by selecting lithium-ion battery-powered devices that are cer tified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet impor tant safety requirements. Handle Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Devices with Care: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use the provided charger for lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Avoid modifying batteries or chargers and charge your devices in safe environments away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and f lammable materials. For larger devices, such as e -bikes, charge in a location that does not block your exit path, separate from sleeping areas, and ideally outside your home. Refrain from overnight charging of large devices. Always Stay Aler t for Warning Signs: Regularly inspect devices for any signs of damage, such as swelling or punctures. Be aware of unusual sounds like hissing or popping. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. White or gray wispy smoke indicates there is an immediate danger of fire. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion battery powered device immediately. Recycle Devices and Batteries Properly: Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to a designated battery recycling center. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins. Get Out Quickly If There’s a Fire: Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see or hear them. Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately, closing doors behind you as you exit and call 9-1-1. Educate Others on Safe Practices: Help protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety. With new technology comes new risks. The Lake Elmo Fire Department and the Fire Safety Research Institute are advancing battery safety knowledge to help you use and enjoy your devices safely. We encourage you to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety. Fires involving LIFE IN LAKE ELMO Farmers Market Owner Jill Lundgren Bids Farewell hat would Lake Elmo be without its farmers’ market? JillLundgren has long played a vital role in the community, andwhile campaigning for city council in 2014, she met a farmer who wanted to sell his produce on a stand outside his house butcouldn’t due to a city ordinance. Lundgren noticed that Lake Elmolacked a farmers’ market, so she decided to start one. Lundgren recalls fond memories over the years. In year seven, themarket was able to donate $6,000 to the Washington County K-9 unit fortwo new Kevlar vests for the dogs. For its 10th anniversary, Lundgrencollected handwritten recipes and published a Lake Elmo FarmersMarket cookbook. Lundgren says the market wouldn’t have sur vived without volunteers,the board, and the help of Susan Saff le every Saturday for 11 years. Page 9The Source | Summer 2025 Lake Elmo’s Annual 4 of July Paradeth Lake Elmo Night Out Lake Elmo Night Out is a family-friendly event on the first Tuesday inAugust that brings together residentsand business owners in Lake Elmo fora community-building event. This year, there were bounce houses,face painting, line dancing, mini -sliders, ice cream, games, and our own“machinery hill.” With more than 83community businesses providingentertainment and fun, the night was agreat success. For nearly 40 years, residents and the community have gathered to celebrate the 4th of July with a children's parade. As a tribute to the proud heritage of Lake Elmo, this year's event commemorated the city's 100th anniversary, making the 4th of July Parade particularly special. Kids of all ages participated on foot, by bike, on rollerblades, and even on tractors. A parade favorite, the Lake Elmo Fire Depar tment did not disappoint and even had a selfie station post- parade for kids to take pictures and play some games. An ice cream social with the Lake Elmo Rotary, a dunk tank, face painting, and minnow races rounded out this annual celebration. Lakeelmo.gov LAKE ELMO’S CENTENNIAL The Source | Summer 2025 Lakeelmo.govPage 10 Happy 100 Anniversary Lake Elmo! Lake Elmo Village was founded in December 1925. Through a century of growth and change, the common bond that has kept the small town charm of Lake Elmo remains. th A Centennial community celebration September 13 at 5pm at Lions Park includes a street dance, food trucks, a beer tent and fireworks display, with a surprise visit you won’t want to miss! Look for updates on our website at w ww.lakeelmo.gov, The Fresh, and social media in the coming days and weeks. 100th NEW RESIDENT GUIDE Page 11The Source | Summer 2025Lakeelmo.gov UTILITIES Water On the website, visit the How Do I page under the Apply For section. You’ll find directions to start/stop utility services, or contact the City of Lake Elmo utilities at 651-747-3906 Other Utilities Electric and Gas Service – Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy Garbage - Find more at lakeelmo.gov/278/Waste-Haulers PARKS AND RECREATION With over 500 acres of city parkland and more than 80 miles of trails, Lake Elmo features an ex tensive park and trail system for residents and visitors to enjoy and explore. Our park and trail system provides a diverse range of recreational oppor tunities, including organized sports, casual play, nature appreciation, hiking, cross -country skiing, horseback riding, picnicking, relaxation, and many other outdoor activities. FIRE DEPARTMENT The Lake Elmo Fire Depar tment is administered by a career Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief, who are responsible for day-to-day operations. The remaining command staff consists of two paid-on-call Captains and one paid-on-call Lieutenant. The Depar tment also has a strong focus on community outreach programs throughout the year. Visit the Depar tment website for more information at LakeElmo.gov/248/fire - department. CIT Y ORDINANCES The City Code, along with its established ordinances, helps make Lake Elmo an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. A complete list of ordinances is available at LakeElmo.gov/172/City- Code. Code Regulations Parking is prohibited on City streets Nov. 1 to March 31, from 2 a.m. – 6 a.m. to facilitate snow removal. Recreational fires are subject to Fire Depar tment guidelines, find them online at lakeelmo.gov/250/Recreational-Fires. Licenses and Permits The city issues many types of licenses and permits from construction and signs to fires, swimming pools, and more. Visit LakeElmo.gov on the How Do I page under Apply For for details. PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID LAKE ELMO, MN PERMIT NO. 19City Hall3880 Laverne Ave. N.Lake Elmo, MN 55042LakeElmo.gov | (651) 747-3900 The Source is a publication of the City of Lake Elmo. Reminders: Winter Parking Restrictions begin November 1. Cars are prohibited from parking on city streets between 2 am and 7 am, November 1 to March 31. Check out our new website at LakeElmo.gov REPORT A STREET OUTAGE Go to Xcel Energy https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/partner- resources/municipalities/outdoor- lighting/outdoor-lighting-reporting. Either “Report it Now” or “Check Outage Status“. HOW DO I? PAY YOUR UTILITY BlLL With your City of Lake Elmo utility account number, 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. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL Mayor Charles Cadenhead CouncilNick Dragisich Matt Hirn Jeff Holtz Nick Kragness City Administrator Nicole Miller OFFICE HOURSMon - Fri: 8 AM - 4:30 PM SUMMER HOURSMemorial Day - Labor DayMon-Th: 7 a.m. to 4:30 PM / Fri: 8AM - Noon The Source | Summer 2025 Lakeelmo.govPage 12 POSTAL PATRONLAKE ELMO, MN 55042 651-300-9641 651-303-6378 715-432-3608651-705-6675 952-288-5401 651-747-3905