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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 Fall SourceFall 2014 City Hall - 3800 Laver ne Avenue Nor th - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 At its September 2nd, 2014 meeting, the Lake Elmo City Council voted 4-0 to reduce the property tax levy which may result in a lower tax rate for Lake Elmo residents for 2015. The 2015 tax levy will be approximately $3,137,000 or approximately $25,600 lower than in 2014. “In light of the recent passage of the school referendum and the upcom- ing growth the City faces, the Council thought it was important to keep the lo- cal portion of property taxes as low as possible,” said Council Member Wally Nelson, who is also Chairman of the Finance Committee. A base assumption to the 2015 bud- geting process was that if at all pos- sible there was to be no municipality tax increase. The debt service compo- nent of the levy was scheduled to in- crease by approximately $250,000 in 2015. Due to the projected increase in revenue as a result of new construc- tion projects, this scheduled debt ser- vice increase was able to be absorbed within the General Fund budget rather than being passed along to the tax- payer through a tax levy increase. The Council voted to lower the levy by keeping the ad valorem tax levy the same as 2014, maintain the debt ser- vice levy at the 2014 level and drop- ping the library portion of the levy by $25,600. (Note: A recent survey of Minnesota Cities note an average tax levy increase of 3.68%.) 2015 is also the first time that the City has used a performance based pro- cess as a means of fully understanding the cost of local government. Depart- ment heads tore down their budgets to “zero” and built them back up using performance metrics, trend analysis, and growth forecasting. Personnel costs were held in the 40% range of the overall budget as opposed to the Minnesota average of 55-60%. The Washington County Sheriff’s contract increased by $12,000 but still remains at $61 / per capita – one of the lowest in the east metro. “With the establishment of our new Fi- nance Committee, which has a make- up of both elected officials and ap- pointed experts in accounting, we took this opportunity to review our budget with a fine tooth comb. In addition, we have built comprehensive financial models to understand the impact each new component of growth has on our bottom line,” said Nelson. The 2015 General Fund budget also contains a new permanent line item for street maintenance (seal coating, crack filling) that insures proper care of the city’s road infrastructure will take place each year. “Traditionally, street maintenance is one of the areas that municipalities cut when trying to balance their budget. This Council has made a commitment to a structured street maintenance program that will extend the life of our infrastructure. By adding the perma- nent line item we hope to guaranty that those front door issues that are impor- tant to our residents are always taking care of,” said Mayor Mike Pearson. The overall 2015 General Fund op- erating budget will increase from $3,303,000 to $3,798,000 with all of the increased revenue and expense being paid for by new development via permit fees, escrow agreements, and developer agreements. “This Council has said all along that “growth will pay for growth” and not the current taxpayers of Lake Elmo. This budget is a practical application of that policy,” said Nelson. The City of Lake Elmo will host their annual Truth in Taxation Budget Hear- ing on December 2, 2014 at 7 p.m. City Council Cuts Local Property Tax Levy City Hall - 3800 Laver ne Avenue Nor th - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 2 Fall 2014 The 2014 elections include, a U.S. Senate seat, all U.S. House of Representative seats, Governor, Lt. Governor, State Auditor, Secre- tary of State, Attorney General, all State Representative seats, coun- ty, judicial and local offices. The 2014 local races will include two City Council seats. Voters may vote for up to two candidates on the November ballot. City Council elections are nonpartisan and can- didates run for their seats at large. Terms for these Council positions are four years beginning in Janu- ary of 2015 and ending January 4, 2019. Absentee voting opened for the general election on September 19, and will close on November 3. The general election will be held Tues- day, November 4, 2014. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Poll- ing sites are as follows: Precinct 1 – Lake Elmo Fire Hall located at 3510 Laverne Avenue North for voters residing south of Highway 5 and Precinct 2 – Lake Elmo City Hall located at 3800 Laverne Ave- nue North for voters residing north of Highway 5. Two City Council Seats Up for Re-election on November Ballot November 4 Voter Information and Candidate Profiles MEETTHE CANDIDATES Family: Married 18 years to husband, Todd. One daughter Chloe who is 8 years old, and one yellow lab Duke who is 3 (yes, he is part of the family) Occupation: Director of Finance/CPA for local nonprofit organizations for 20+ years Education: B.S. in Accounting and CPA Years as an Elected Official: 0 Other Activities: 8 years on Lake Elmo Planning Com- mission, member of the Village Area Planning Work- group, Member of the city’s Finance Committee, Se- lected Participant in the Citizens League national study of citizen involvement in local development decisions, SCVAA volunteer softball coach, Girl Scout volunteer cookie mom What is one thing that describes your reason for running for elected office? I am dedicated to working hard to keep Lake Elmo special. Julie Fliflet Jill Lundgren Family: Married with four children and four grandchildren Occupation: Registered Nurse for Pul- monary and Sleep Doctors. Work at Ab- bott Northwestern Hospital and Clinic Education: Nursing degree from the University of Arkansas Years as an Elected Official: Current Lake Elmo Plan- ning Commission Member. Other Activities: Recording Secretary of the Minnesota Mineral Club. Member of Civil Defense Corps and Minne- sota Medical Reserve Corps. Certified National Weather Spotter. Member of Tri-Lakes and Lake DeMontreville/ Olson. Consociate with the Sisters of St. Joseph. What is one thing that describes your reason for running for elected office? As a member of the plan- ning commission I have seen the rapid influx of develop- ment requests that have been coming to our community. I believe that growth should happen. However, with the current Met Council mandate lifted we need to stay fo- cused on how we are choosing to grow. We need open spaces, parks, and trails for connectivity; areas that will build community with one another. Now is the time to ensure growth is well thought out and sustainable for all. We must guard against reckless development. We cannot allow the prospective developers to define OUR community. We need to ask ourselves. Whom is the de- velopment going to benefit? Our open space feel and attractive park system are the legacy we can leave for future generations. Join me in “Preserving what is best, while preparing for the future.” 3 Fall 2014 Wally Nelson (Incumbent) Family: Married to my beautiful wife Karen for Twenty years. We have two daughters - Sarah, a Stillwater Area High School Graduate and current Kansas State University student and Grace, a sophomore at Hill Murray High School. Occupation: Small Business Owner Education: Graduate of UW-River Falls with a degree in accounting. Years as an Elected Official: Two Other Activities (civic, church etc.): Prior St. Croix Catholic School board member and fundraiser; Prior Board member of the Fields of St. Croix Home Own- ers Association; Current Lake Elmo Finance Committee Chairman; Current Lake Elmo EDA member, Current Lake Elmo Fire Relief Association Board member, and Current Lake Elmo Public Safety member. Hobbies in- clude golf, hockey, and boating. What is one thing that describes your reason for running for elected office? Lake Elmo is a jewel in Minnesota, it is indeed a very special city. However, we know growth is coming to our town. Managing this growth is crucial in order to maintain what we love about Lake Elmo. With my business background and my role as Lake Elmo’s Finance Chairman, I believe I am uniquely qualified in offering the necessary leader- ship to both manage the growth and protect the charm of Lake Elmo. I am your tax payer guardian. Mike Reeves (Incumbent) Family: I’ve been married to my wife, Kathy, for 44 years. Our son Patrick and his wife own and operate their own busi- ness and currently reside in Apple Valley. Occupation: Retired Business Execu- tive (Deluxe Corporation and Minnesota Sports and En- tertainment/Minnesota Wild) and Community Volunteer Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from University of Missouri at St. Louis Years as Elected Official: 2+: appointed to the Lake Elmo Planning Commission in 2012 and the Lake Elmo City Council in 2013 Other Activities: Like many members of our baby boomer generation, we’ve been transitioning to what comes after your work career is over. For me, it’s “Pur- suing Meaningful Engagement” • General Board (and past Board Chair): YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities • Advisory Board: Minnesota chapter of Positive Coaching Alliance • Volunteer: Special Olympics of Minnesota • Organizational Advisor to mission driven organiza- tions in the Twin Cities • Enjoy outdoor activities and traveling with family and friends What is one thing that describes why you’re run- ning for elected office: I currently serve on the city council and am proud of what our council, commissions, committees, and staff have accomplished in the past few years. We’re build- ing a foundation where Lake Elmo can be known for: effective and responsive government, fiscal respon- sibility, building community partnerships, balancing economic development with rural character and open space, respectful civil discourse, and ultimately getting things done for the benefit of its residents and business community. My leadership and experience in facilitat- ing organizational change and transition can make a dif- ference in helping Lake Elmo achieve that future. More information can be found at: www.mfreeves.org The 2014 General Election is November 4 Get informed at www.lakeelmo.org/voting-information Tune into the candidate forum live on channel 16 at 7 p.m., on October 22 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 5 Fall 2014 FamilyMeans Cimarron Youth Program Anticipates Arrival of New Youth Center Youth in Lake Elmo’s Cimarron Manufactured Home Park are looking forward to a new space to call their own. FamilyMeans, a non-profit organization that runs after-school and summer programming for Cimarron youth ages 6-18. The program is currently operated out of a 900-square- foot space in an existing facility. The new 4,000 youth center will feature separate areas for teens and chil- dren, a central large multi-use space, separate quiet rooms for study space and small groups, and a centrally located commercial-grade kitchen used for preparing food and teaching purposes. The larger building will support and allow for the growth of Cimarron’s youth programming. Youth currently have the opportunity to explore art, science, music, sports, cooking and computer skill-building in an open free- choice environment. Expanded summer programming offers a soccer club, bike program and entrepreneur- ial garden project. Activities also include field trips and community service efforts. Help with school work is available daily, and teens explore post-secondary edu- cation options. Construction for the facility began this fall, and the build- ing is expected to be complete early in 2015. Groundbreaking Ceremony Held on September 8, 2014 Above, Mayor Mike Pearson speaks at the September 8 ground breaking ceremony for the new FamilyMeans Cimarron Youth Program Facility. Below, a concept drawing of the new facility Looking for a new and refreshing way to welcome autumn in the St. Croix Valley? The City of Lake Elmo will be hosting a community Volksmarch from 10 am to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oc- tober 11, in Sunfish Lake Park (one of the most picturesque and least known nature parks in the East Metro). Registration is $5/adult (children 12 and younger are free), and includes access to all event activities, com- memorative medal, and raffle prize drawings. Best of all – event proceeds will be donated to FamilyMeans, a nonprofit offering many programs to help families and individuals in need, including counseling, debt manage- ment, financial planning, and money management, care- giver support, youth programs, and more. Volksmarching, “people’s march” in German, is a form of non-competitive fitness walking that developed in Eu- rope. Participants typically walk 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) on an outdoor path. The Lake Elmo Volksmarch will in- clude several routes to accommo- date all fitness levels that will weave through Sunfish Lake Park. Along the way, participants will enjoy interpre- tive stations, activities, and a few surprises! German fare and drink will be available at the end of the route, pre- pared and served by the Lake Elmo Inn. Music and a mobile zoo for the children will also add to the festivities. The following organizations have contributed to this event: Abrahamson Nurseries, C.A. Gerbitz Co., Fo- cus Engineering, Gorman’s Restaurant, J Colemer and Sons, Lake Elmo Baseball, Lake Elmo Inn, Lake Elmo Jaycees, Lake Elmo Lions Club, Lake Elmo Oil, Inc., Lake Elmo Rotary Club, Monster Tree Service, Myron’s Service Center, Rockpoint Church, Weeks-End Signs & Graphics, and Zignego Insurance. Visit www.lakeelmo.org/volksmarch for more information. First Annual Lake Elmo Volksmarch to Benefit FamilyMeans 6 Fall 2014 Community Feature Community Thread is a community supported nonprofit that has been serving the St. Croix Valley since 1967. They strengthen neighbor- hoods by connecting volunteers to community needs. Community Thread’s primary ser- vice demographic is those of the senior population. The organization serves seniors by offering resources that can help people stay indepen- dent and connected, and also pro- motes active and healthy aging by offering opportunities for social, nu- tritional and physical wellbeing. Last year 1,386 older adults participated in Senior Center activities, and the organization provided 1,885 hours of programming. Community Thread’s outreach goes beyond the senior population. They believe that each act of service con- nects people, neighborhoods, and lives together for the betterment of the community. Working with more than 2,000 volunteers annually, they offer a searchable volunteer data- base that links volunteers to mean- ingful experiences for all ages and abilities, including groups. Their da- tabase receives about 1,500 visits each month from people looking for volunteer opportunities. Want to get involved? Community Thread is seeking volunteers to par- ticipate in Rake-A-Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014. Par- ticipants will help seniors through- out Washington County rake their yards. This family-friendly volunteer activity engages approximately 700 volunteers to rake approximately 80 yards each year. To participate con- tact Sara Pennebecker at 651-439- 7434 or sara@communitythreadmn. org. Registration forms and applica- tions are due by Friday, October 10, 2014. For more information visit www.communitythreadmn.org. Community Thread: Strengthening Our Neighborhoods One Volunteer at a Time If you head to the Lake Elmo Public Library, be prepared to see a new face. The City of Lake Elmo welcomed Nate Deprey as the new Library Director in September 2014. Deprey comes to Lake Elmo equipped with more than 9 years of experience in similar roles in several communities in Wisconsin. Deprey’s primary draw to work in the library industry is community building. “Libraries are all about creating a place where everyone feels comfortable and safe,” said Deprey. He plans to focus on technology and youth services in order to build on the sense of community in Lake Elmo. The very first thing Deprey tackled was increasing the Library’s social media presence. Within his first week of coming to Lake Elmo, a Lake Elmo Library Facebook page was created, and a Lake Elmo YouTube Channel is in the works. Deprey also intends to increase program offerings for youth. Deprey lives in Dresser, Wisconsin with his wife, Cole, a youth librarian at St. Croix Falls Public Library. Connect with the Lake Elmo Public Library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lakeelmopubliclibrary, or visit http://lakeelmopubliclibrary.org. Lake Elmo Pubilc Library Welcomes New Director Nate Deprey joined the City of Lake Elmo in September, as the new Library Director. What: Community Thread Rake a Difference Day Date: Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 Time: Raking usually takes place between 9 am and Noon. Information and Registration: www.communitythreadmn.org Volunteer to Rake a Difference 7 Fall 2014 Council Approves Water System Plan That Will Save $1.7 Million The Lake Elmo City Council voted 5-0 to install a 16” water main along 39th Street from Lake Elmo Avenue to Laverne Avenue at a cost of $118,000 that will pro- vide enough water pressure and volume to eliminate a planned water tower, saving the community $1.7 million. The installation will take place in concert with new roads and sewer installation that will serve four new develop- ments around the Old Village. City staff has been working with its water consultant AE2S to identify and configure the water system need- ed to support growth while servicing existing utility cus- tomers. During this process a detailed reconfiguration of pipe sizing, water storage requirements and other hydraulic needs were examined to create as efficient a water distribution system as possible. The water system modeling identified an opportunity to increase the size of the Village trunk water main, together with redefin- ing pressure zone boundaries in and around the Village area that will eliminate the need for a new water tower downtown. “One thing this City Council has worked on is stabiliz- ing and properly cash flowing our water utility. In the past year we have obtained $3.5 million is state fund- ing, secured $1.2 million in future water availability fees, and now we have saved $1.7 million in expenses by reexamining our distribution system. If you couple this work with the $435,000 of interest savings achieved through refinancing the $4 million in debt we inherited from previous councils – that is almost $7 million dollars of positive cash flow management to our water utility,” said Mayor Mike Pearson. By adding the 16” water main on Lake Elmo Avenue that would connect to the City’s new well on 50th Street, it was found that there was the proper hydraulics to serve the Old Village and the low pressure system along the I-94 corridor east of Lake Elmo Avenue. The City is served by two major pressures zones due to community elevation. The high pressure zone is north and west of Keats Avenue and I-94. “While growth in the Old Village has come a little faster than normal, the savings in sewer and water costs to current taxpayers due to these projects will be approxi- mately $2.5 - $2.7 million. In addition, the work in the north and east of the Old Village looks like it will substan- tially reduce, if not eliminate localized flooding that has plague the area for generations,” concluded Pearson. The City is working cooperatively with homeowners to implement stormwater Best Management Prac- tices to help protect drinking water supplies. There are several steps you can take with routine tasks in your ga- rage or yard: • Properly dispose of household products such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, etc... Don’t pour them onto the ground or into storm drains. • Don’t over water your lawn. • Use pesticides and fertilizers spar- ingly. When necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts and always sweep off sidewalks and driveways. • Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains. • Remember to pick up all pet waste and dispose of it properly. • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. • Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations. You can further make an impact on the quality and supply of drinking water in the home by: • Save water by fixing leaky fau- cets, running full loads of laun- dry or dishes, and taking shorter showers. • Use soaps, lotions, and deter- gents that are biodegradable and less toxic. • Use water-saving appliances. Look for the WaterSense label. For additional information visit www. pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater/ index.html or http://www.mrwa.com. City Encourages Residents to be Proactive toward Protecting Drinking Water Supplies 8 Fall 2014 Mayor Mike Pearson Council Justin Bloyer Wally Nelson Mike Reeves Anne Smith City Administrator Dean Zuleger 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 3800 Laverne Ave. N., Lake Elmo MN 55042 • 651-747-3900 PRSTD STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 LAKE ELMO, MN 3800 Laverne Ave. N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042 POSTAL PATRON LAKE ELMO MN 55042 www.facebook.com/LakeElmoMN Lake Elmo City staff and elected officials got out in the community this sum- mer to meet with residents at a series of neighbor- hood meetings. Meetings were held at Pebble Park, Carriage Station Park, Stonegate Park, and Reid Park. Getting Out in the Community!