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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Summer SourceSpring/Summer 2018 City Hall - 3800 Laver ne Avenue Nor th - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 Since the Fall/Winter newsletter, the City has made sig- nificant progress on the draft of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. An Open-house to review the draft was held on April 11th, and the public hearing was May 7th and will continue to May 30th. What are the big changes? • Vision Goals and Strategies. This chapter provides a vi- sion statement, which is a compilation of themes, ideas and messaging that have been shared by residents during the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update process. Additionally, a culmination and synthesis of information collected through various efforts to engage the public, Advisory Panel and staff are shared as goals and strategies within this chapter. • Land Use. ►Urban Reserve. Because of the need to meet the Metro- politan Council’s requirement that areas of the City consid- ered emerging suburban edge and within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) be at a density of 3-5 dwell- ing units per acre and because of the City’s 2015 System Statement, which decreased Lake Elmo’s 2040 population target to 18,200, the Plan proposes a new Urban Reserve land use designation, which identifies land that is currently undeveloped or in a low-density residential or agricultural use but is located within the current MUSA. This land is not planned to be developed until after 2040. ► Old Village. There are new commercial and high densi- ty areas within the Village as well as three separate overlay areas which will consist of an Old Village District, Elmo Sta- tion District, and Civic District. There is no longer a green- belt buffer required around the Old Village as there was in the 2030 Plan. ►South Planning Area. The southern MUSA area now includes Mixed Use Commercial and Mixed Use Business Park areas. ►No MUSA changes are being proposed as part of the 2040 update. ►The only change proposed to rural areas is the com- bination of the Residential Estates and Rural Single Family land use designations into one Rural Single Family land use designation, which allows development at a density of 0.1- 0.2 units per acre. • Balanced Development and Growth. This chapter is provided to describe what types of development patterns exist today, where those patterns are changing and evolv- ing, and where they are likely to stay the same. • Housing. The housing chapter presents important hous- ing principles that underscore the dynamics behind the role and importance of housing as a key element within the Plan; focuses on existing housing stock, summarizing im- portant information regarding the overall number, types, af- fordability, and occupants of housing units; projected need for housing during this planning period; and practical imple- mentation tools to help the City achieve its identified hous- ing goals. • Parks and Trails Chapter. The Parks and Trails chapter focuses on refining and synthesizing information contained within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and preparing an up- date that is more concise, clear and direct about the City’s goals and objectives for its future in regards to parks and trails. It now functions at a higher level of detail that will fo- cus and more clearly demonstrate the interconnected qual- ity of the Parks and Trails system. • The Transportation, Wastewater, and Surface Water Man- agement Chapters are still being drafted and will include necessary updates needed to address changes and out- standing issues. Article Continued on Page 2 Comprehensive Plan 2040 City Hall - 3800 Laver ne Avenue Nor th - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900City Hall - 3880 Laverne Avenue North - Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651) 747-3900 2 Spring/Summer 2018 2018 Street Projects In 2018 residents may see several street projects taking place throughout the city. Below is a brief description of each project and area. • Old Village Phase 4 – includes water/sewer/storm- water and street improvements on 32nd St N east of Lake Elmo Ave, Layton Ave. N and 36th St. N near Lions and VFW Parks (This portion of the project is still under Council consideration) • Tri-Lakes South – project details for this area will include drainage improvements, curb and gutter im- provements/repairs and a new road surface. • Lake Jane Trail – between Jamaca Ave. N and Jane Rd will undergo a Mill and Overlay along with spot curb repairs. • Wildflower Shores Dvlp. – Mill and Overlay with spot curb repairs. Along the listed projects, the city will conduct annual crack filling and sealcoating of various streets within the city. We ask you for your continued cooperation throughout these street construction projects and also to be aware of detours and workers. Planning Staff: Emily Becker, Planning Director ebecker@lakeelmo.org 651-747-3912 Ben Prchal, City Planner bprchal@lakeelmo.org 651-747-3931 Comprehensive Plan 2040 Continued What are the next steps? City Council will need to approve a draft before the Plan is sent out for adjacent jurisdictional review. Adjacent jurisdictions include school districts, watershed management organizations, state and federal agencies, park implementing agencies, transit providers, and adjacent cities, townships, and counties. Adjacent jurisdictions then have up to six months to review and make comment on the plan before the Plan can be submitted to the Metropolitan Council by the due date of December of 2018. Development Over the last few months, a 269-unit development called Legacy at North Star received preliminary plat approval; a 10-unit development to be called Wyndham Village has received Sketch Plan and Comprehensive Plan Amendment approval; final planned unit development plans were approved for a 90-unit hotel; and Wildflower at Lake Elmo 3rd Addition and Hammes Estates 3rd Addition received final plat approval. 3 Spring/Summer 2018 CSAH 17/LE Ave Construction Washington County will be improving County State Aid Highway 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) from I-94 to just south of 30th Street this summer. Work includes, new pavement, shoulder improvement, turn lanes, guardrail, curb and gutter, and stormwater improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin mid-to-late July and run through October. Traffic delays and detours should be expected. More information can be found on the County’s project specific website or by contacting Washington County Project Manager Kevin Peterson at 651-430-4330 , kevin.peterson@co.washington.mn.us. CSAH 14 Realignment Washington County will be realigning the County State Aid Highway 15/14 intersections just east of Lake Elmo this summer. Work includes new pavement, roadway widening, trails, turn lanes, curb and gutter, signals, and storm water improvements. More information can be found on the County’s project specific website or by contacting Washington County Project Manager Nathan Arnold at 651-430- 4384, or Nathan.Arnold@co.washington.mn.us Park Improvement Projects Public Works and Planning Departments are work-ing to finalize improvement projects at Tablyn and Demontreville Parks. Both parks are being consid-ered for minor improvements to make them more user-friendly. At Tablyn Park, consideration is being given to pos-sible improvements to the parking lot which will allow for more parking. Along with parking improvements, more lighting is being looked at for the parking area and sledding hill. Demontreville Park will see improvements to the baseball field area this year. Such improvements will consist of minor field grading and infield fence improvements including backstop modifications. Work will continue to take place at Savona Park in 2018. This year mulch will be added to the play and swing areas while adjoining areas will be graded and seeded with brush and trees being cut and trimmed in other areas of the park. The City is partnering with the Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates (SASCA) with plans to add a mountain biking trail in Reid Park sometime in 2018. Rennovations at Lions Park are nearing completion. Watch they City’s website and Facebook for informa-tion on a ribbon-cutting ceremony later this summer. At their May 1st meeting, Council approved the City’s new Adopt-a-Park program. If you are inter-ested in caring for a City park by performing minor maintenance and upkeep through this program, please contact City Hall at: 651-747-3900 for appli-cation materials and more information. 4 Spring/Summer 2018 The 2018 local races will include, two City Council seats. Voters may vote for up to two candidates on the November ballot. City Council elections are non- partisan and candidates run for their seats at-large. Terms for these Council positions are four years be- ginning in January of 2019 and ending January 2, 2023. The filing period for office (City Council) runs from July 31 to August 14, 2018 at 5:00 PM. For more in- formation, visit the “Elections” tab on the City’s web- site at: www.lakeelmo.org, or contact Julie Johnson, City Clerk at: 651-747-3914 or jjohnson@lakeelmo. org. The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Polls open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. In-person voting will take place at City Hall at: 3800 Laverne Ave. N. on Election Day for resdients who live north of CSAH 14. Residents who live south of CSAH 14 will vote at Fire Station 1 at: 3510 Laverne Ave. N. If you are still unsure where you should go to vote, visit the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder at: https://pollfinder.sos. state.mn.us/. Absentee voting opens for the Gen- eral Election on Friday, September 21, 2018. 2018 Election Information Incentive grants for raingardens, small farm projects and shoreline plantings Looking for a little help improving your property? The Brown’s Creek, South Washington, and Valley Branch Watershed Districts offer incentive grants to landowners for projects that improve habitat and re- duce erosion and runoff water pollution. Grants can be used to convert lawn or agricultural fields to prai- rie, fix drainage issues around stables and pastures that cause mud and erosion, or to replace turf along lakeshores and streambanks with deeper-rooted native plants. Best of all, Lake Elmo residents can request a free, no-obligation site visit from the Wash- ington Conservation District (WCD) to discuss po- tential projects, get advice on managing weeds and invasive species, and learn more about the grants. Incentive grant programs help our watershed dis- tricts to stretch their funding for water improvement projects. “Most of the land in Washington County is privately owned, so these public-private partner- ships help everyone,” says Jay Riggs, WCD District Manager. The WCD helps landowners to develop customized plans for their properties, and the wa- tershed grants help to pay for plants, materials, and rental equipment such as tillers and sod cutters. To sign-up for a site visit or ask about grants, go to www.mnwcd.org or call 651-330-8220. Rain Garden on Klawitter Pond 5 Spring/Summer 2018 Grass Clippings, Leaves & Yard Debris in Storm Sewers City storm sewers are designed to carry rain water (com- monly referred to as ‘storm water’), surface run-off and snow melt to wetlands, ponds and lakes. Storm sewers are not designed to handle leaves, grass clippings and other yard debris. During rainstorms, grass clippings, leaves and other yard debris can plug storm drains/grates and accumulate in the pipes, contributing to clogs and back-ups. In heavy rain events these clogs and back-ups can cause flooding. In addition to grass clippings, leaves and debris, storm water often contains materials found in pet wastes, fertil- izers and pesticides. When even small amounts of these materials enter waterways, they become pollutants that can kill fish and reduce water aesthetics. Proper watering and irrigation tips for a healthy lawn and landscape: • Watering deeply once or twice per week is better than watering a little every day. This will mimic natural weather patterns and lead to deep root growth and increased drought, pest and disease tolerance. • The ideal time to water the grass is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Watering at night may promote turf grass diseases. Watering in the day causes water to be lost to evaporation. • Apply any fertilizers, soil conditioners or other treatments prior to rainfall. • Manage thatch to ensure water penetration. Soil surfactants that improve microbial ac- tivity and microorganisms can help manage thatch. • Mow high for increased moisture reserves in the leaf blades and roots. • Equip sprinkler systems with rain sensors. • Ensure sprinkler coverage is even across the lawn. • Grass stressed from lack of water will go dormant, not die. • Mow less frequently during drought and heat stresses on the lawn. • Consider drip irrigation for a garden or when practical, water the soil not the plant leaves or tree trunks. • For trees and shrubs, water away from the trunk, several feet in circumference beyond the canopy of the tree or shrub. • Longterm, mulching can help to improve soil and plant health, improving water manage- ment, water conservation and drought resistance of plants in addition to fast results with soil surfactants. 6 Spring/Summer 2018 Crime Prevention Tips, Information, and Resources from Sgt. Larry Osterman Vacation Checks: One of the Crime Prevention Program services is to offer vacation checks on your home when you are away for any length of time. This is for citizens where the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the local law enforcement agency. If you live in a city that has a local police agency, you should contact them for this service. Visit: https://www.co.washington.mn.us/912/Vacation- Home-Checks for more information and to fill out a request form. Neighborhood Watch Program: Neighborhood Watch (NW) is an association of neighbors who contribute to the safety and security of their neighborhood by working together with the Washing- ton County Sheriff’s Office. Together, the Sheriff’s Office and the neighborhood volunteers work to implement the principles of crime deterrence and detection while encouraging the active reporting of crimes and suspicious activity. The strength of Neighborhood Watch is the communication and dedi- cation of the watch group members. If you are interested in forming a neighborhood watch group or registering your current group please complete call our non-emergency number 651-439-9381. Mail and Package Theft: Please don’t place mail in your mailbox to be picked up by the postal staff! The red flag is supposed to indicate mail to be picked up by postal carriers, however, it has become a signal for thieves. Planning for a package delivery? Have it delivered to you at work, or ask a neighbor that might be home during the day and have your package delivered to him or her. Having packages delivered to your home, when youre not there, creates great opportunity for thieves. Reporting suspicious bevaior: See a strange vehicle or person in your neighborhood? Please call the Sheriff’s Office to report what you saw! We will gladly check into the matter and be proactive rather than taking reports of thefts or worse after they happen. Scams: I assure you, your long lost cousin or friend/relative is not in jail in some foreign county, and we are even more certain that you giving a person your credit card/banking information will not help them. It will most likely empty your savings and/or max out your credit card. It will also leave you with little or no recourse as these cases are very hard to track. If you get a call like this, simply tell them that you’re calling the Sheriff to check on this and they can call you back tomorrow. I’m betting they won’t call back, but be sure to call us so we can look into the scam. Even if they do call back, never give out your financial information! More question or do you just want to meet the Lake Elmo Deputies? Contact myself, Sgt. Larry Osterman, at 651-747-3928 or larry.osterman@co.washington.mn.us. I do work a flex schedule, so it may take a day or two for me to return your call, but I certainly will try to reply within a day. 7 Spring/Summer 2018 New City Staff Sue Iverson, Finance Director Bob Wier started work as a Public Works Operator in April. Bob grew up in Lake Elmo, and his grand- father previously work in the Public Works Depart- ment. He has worked as an automotive technician and in a property maintenance capacity before join- ing the Public Works Department. Matt Leko joined the City of Lake Elmo as a Public Works Operator in January. Prior to coming to Lake Elmo, Matt worked as a heavy equipment mechanic with Tri-County Services and RDO equipment. He was also a Seasonal Pubilc Works employee with Washington County. Matt Leko, Public Works Operator Bob Wier, Public Works Operator Sue Iverson has been working in municipal gov- ernment since 1998, and in Finance Director roles since 2000. Sue has served on both national and Minnesota chapters of the GFOA on boards and committees. She is also a college-level accounting instructor and a Certified Municipal Clerk. Most re- cently, Sue served in various capcaities at the City of Arden Hills including Interim City Administrator, and Finance Director prior to coming to Lake Elmo in April. 8 Spring/Summer 2018 Mayor Mike Pearson Council Justin Bloyer Julie Fliflet Jill Lundgren Christine Nelson City Administrator Kristina Handt Internet: www.lakeelmo.org Email: comments@lakeelmo.org POLICE-FIRE Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergency: (651) 439-9381 A publication of the City of Lake Elmo 3880 Laverne Ave. N., Lake Elmo MN 55042 • 651-747-3900 PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 LAKE ELMO, MN 3880 Laverne Ave. N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042 POSTAL PATRON LAKE ELMO MN 55042 www.facebook.com/LakeElmoMN Public Works Contact Info:Lake Elmo Tennis Camp Public Works: 651-747-3940 Emergency: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. City Hall: 651-747-3900 All other hours and weekends, Washington County Dispatch: 651-439-9381 The City of Lake Elmo has partnered with tennis instructor, Alex Krol, to host youth tennis camps at Pebble Park throughout the summer. Camps will be separated by age groups. If you have additional questions, you can contact Alex directly at: 952-688-2945 or email him at: Alex@ minnesotatenniscamps.com Sally Manzarra Interpretive Nature Center Opening The Sally Manzarra Interpretive Nature Center in Sunfish Lake Park is scheduled to have a grand opening celebration on June 2nd from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information visit: https://sminc-lake-elmo.org, and watch the City’s Facebook for details.