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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-2013 Winter SourceWinter 2012-13 City Hall - 3800 Laverne Avenue North - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 The City of Lake Elmo has increased its tax levy by $50,000 for FY 2013 – a 2.8% increase. The total levy amount will be $3,163,359. The levy use is broken down into three areas: General fund savings were realized by the re-struc- turing of personnel and no increase in police services provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Depart- ment. Lake Elmo residents pay one of the lowest per capita rates for policing in the Twin Cities Metro and the lowest tax rate for a full service city in Minnesota. “2012 was a year we focused on staffing efficiencies and better management of our contracted services. By putting people in the right positions and focusing our efforts on priority items, we were able to achieve an operational savings”, said outgoing Mayor Dean John- ston, who ends ten years of service to the City in Janu- ary. 2013 will focus on two major policy issues for Lake Elmo: 1) the construction of a sewer line from I-94 to the Old Village – a mandate from the Metropolitan Council; 2) an improvement in the City’s water system both in hydraulics and water quality as a result of the 3M contamination. “This is a critical year for our community. We have residents in the Old Village area that are desperate for sewer service due to failing systems. Similarly, we have a number of residents affected by groundwater contamination that need a potable water source. Cou- ple these needs with a year-end deadline to receive $2 million in state grants and we have some heavy lifting to do”, said Mayor-elect Mike Pearson. A taxpayer owning a $300,000 home will see a $23 dol- lar increase in their property taxes. The average Lake Elmo home is valued at $344,000. Washington County has announced that they will not be increasing their tax rate in 2013. City Increases Budget by $50,000, Utilities to be the Focus in 2013 In response to a growing concern about high water bills, City staff will recommend two changes to the wa- ter rate schedule in 2013, At a December 11th work- shop, staff proposed a change to the billing cycle that corresponds to the calendar year, and a rate discount for those installing a new lawn to comply with the City Code. In addition, staff will continue to look at ways to provide a rate credit for summer lawn watering that complements the City’s conservation policy. “Our two month rate case analysis revealed that due to the infrastructure we have had to put in to address the 3M groundwater contamination, our rates need to stay the same to cash flow the water fund”, said Adminis- trator Dean Zuleger who completed the rate case with City Finance Director Cathy Bendel. Incoming Mayor Mike Pearson has asked the staff to look into conservation credits that can be applied to water users who use saturation sensors or other con- servation measures to provide some water bill relief and reduce expenses. Heavy lawn watering in the June through August quarter of 2012 caused a 350% increase in chlorine and fluoride costs. City to Make Minor Changes to Water Rates in 2013 City Hall - 3800 Laverne Avenue North - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 2 Winter 2012-13 The Gateway Corridor’s Alternatives Analysis study is nearly complete and a preferred transit option has been recommended. The Gateway Corridor Commission has identified a new dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury as the best op- tion for the region. The BRT option will have buses running all day on dedicated lanes with station stops every mile to half mile. The line will provide a fast, reliable and convenient trip for travelers downtown St. Paul and on to Min- neapolis and other regional destina- tions. The 10 proposed station stops will provide connections to key des- tinations throughout the Corridor including Union Depot, Metro State University, SunRay Shopping Cen- ter, 3M and multiple commercial and job centers in the eastern suburbs. Transit stations serving the Lake Elmo area include Park and Rides at Crossroads/Oaks Business Park in Oakdale and two stations in Wood- bury at Woodbury Drive and Man- ning Avenue. The Gateway Corridor Commission also released a draft of the Alterna- tives Analysis Final Report for public comment. The public is encouraged to provide additional comments on the narrowing of alternatives by vis- iting the Gateway Corridor website at www.thegatewaycorridor.com. Once all comments are received, the report will be revised as neces- sary. The Commission is scheduled to approve the final report at its Jan- uary 10 meeting. The next phase of the study, prepa- ration of a Draft Environmental Im- pact Statement (DEIS), is expected to start in early 2013. The Com- mission advanced the BRT Option along Hudson Road as well as LRT (Light Rail Transit) along Hudson Road, the second highest ranked option. Both options have the same route, station stops and similar ser- vice plans. For more information on the Gate- way Corridor, please visit www.the- gatewaycorridor.com or the Gate- way Corridor Facebook page. Bus Rapid Transit Service Recommended for Lake Elmo Mo French of Lake Elmo’s Holiday Inn & Suites (formerly Wildwood Lodge) looks on as (L to R) City Council Members Brett Emmons, Mike Pearson, Mayor Dean Johnston, and Council Member Nicole Park cut the ribbon officially welcoming the new hotel chain to the City. Fire Department Accepting Applications for Spring Recruit Class Lake Elmo FD is now accepting ap- plications for their spring recruit class. There are currently 19 active, trained Firefighters (includ- ing officers) and five probationary members. The de- partment is still looking for applicants to serve their community and help get the roster to a full compli- ment of 32 Firefighters. Applications will be accepted through the end of January for the next group. Appli- cations can be retrieved online, picked up at Station #1, or by calling 651-770-5006. Give the LEFD a try! 3 Winter 2012-13 A Road Safety Audit is under way in Lake Elmo to review the Highway 5 Corridor from the Jamaca Avenue roundabout to Manning Avenue. A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal safety review conducted by a mul- tidisciplinary team of Transportation Engineers and Law Enforcement professionals. The audit will result in a RSA Report on the road safety issues and will identify opportuni- ties for improvements to eliminate or mitigate identified safety concerns. The RSA takes into consideration all potential road users. The Minne- sota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is leading and funding this important effort in collaboration with Washington County and the City of Lake Elmo. The Road Safety Audit team will gather stakeholder input from resi- dents, adjacent property owners and roadway users. The RSA Team will meet with stakeholders and con- duct field observations of the corri- dor in December and a final report is expected early next year. MnDOT, Washington County and Lake Elmo City staff have worked collaboratively over the past sev- eral years to identify and mitigate various traffic safety concerns along Highway 5 through Lake Elmo and in the Downtown area. While im- provements have been made over these years, safety concerns and is- sues have continued. Recently, Mn- DOT pursued and secured funding to commission a RSA to gain a fresh and independent perspective. Highway 5 (Jamaca to Manning) Road Safety Audit Staff continues to make progress on the I-94 Corridor and Village Land Use Plans. The amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for these areas are at the following stages: I-94 Corridor. The I-94 Corridor Land Use Plan has proceeded through the adjacent community review stage of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. At this time, the Land Use Plan is now being reviewed by the Metropolitan Council. Once the proposed Land Use Plan is approved by the Met Council, the Comprehensive Plan Amendment can be formally adopted by the City Council. The City anticipates that the I-94 Corridor Land Use Plan may be formally approved sometime in January or February. This adoption of a final land use plan is a necessary step in the process to allow for sewered growth and development in the I-94 Corridor. New urban residential and commercial zoning districts that will be used to implement the future land use plan have already been approved by the Council, and are available for viewing at City Hall and on the City’s web site. Village. With the assistance of the Village Work Group, Staff is currently drafting a proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Village. While the land use pattern of the Village has generally been agreed upon, work related to key factors of implementation of the Land Use Plan is ongoing. These key factors include the provision of open space in the Village, the location of a future Village Green amenity, as well as planning related to storm water management and recreation spaces. The City anticipates that a draft of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Village will be formally presented to the Planning Commission in January, at which time a public hearing will be held. If anyone has any questions related to the ongoing planning processes taking place in Lake Elmo, please contact Planning Staff: Kyle Klatt, Planning Director at KKlatt@ lakeelmo.org, 651-747-3911 or Nick Johnson, City Planner at NJohnson@lakeelmo.org, 651-747- 3912. Comprehensive Plan Amendments Progressing 4 Winter 2012-13 Lake Elmo Septic Surveys In advance of the potential sanitary sewer extension project to the Village, the City Council requested that additional surveys be conducted of properties that are adjacent to the Village to determine the condition of their septic systems and interest in sewer connection. This information will prove valuable in determining whether to make any adjustments to Lake Elmo’s Municipal Urban Service Area (MUSA), or areas guided for urban services (sewer and water). In regards to areas adjacent to the Village, three (3) areas were surveyed to gather information about the existing septic systems that serve these properties, as well as property-owners’ interest in being hooked up to sanitary sewer service. These areas are the following: 1. Legion Avenue North (south of 30th St.) 2. 30th St. N. (south side of 30th St. between Legion Ave. and Lake Elmo Ave.) 3. Lake Elmo Ave. (20th St. to 30th St.) The three areas exhibited the following response rates by the survey deadline: • Legion Ave. N.: 79.0% • 30th St. N.: 86.7% • Lake Elmo Ave. N.: 64.1% Although these surveys are not statistically significant, they do provide anecdotal evidence as to which areas are more interested in sewer connection. The results, found in the Exhibits A, B, and C, demonstrate that there are varying levels of interest in sanitary sewer connection depending on the area surveyed. Moving forward, this data is helpful in that it provides policy makers with a snapshot of the overall views or attitudes regarding the extension of sanitary sewer to these areas. As the City further develops these plans and has a better understanding of the costs associated, it will be important to collect additional feedback from property owners in areas adjacent to the Village. If there are any questions regarding the methodology of the surveys, feel free to contact staff in the Community Development Department. In addition, more detailed reports regarding the survey are available. 52.6% 10.5% 36.8% Exhibit A: Legion Avenue 84.6% 7.7%7.7% Exhibit B: 30th Street 36.0% 48.0% 16.0% Exhibit C: Lake Elmo Avenue Key: In Favor Opposed Unknown 5 Winter 2012-13 What do you look for in a pharmacy? Convenience, cus- tomer service and quality care probably come to mind; all of which can be found in abundance at your local Lake Elmo Pharmacy. The full service pharmacy sup- plies all of the products and services that can be found at a franchise pharmacy but offers the convenience of being located in the heart of Lake Elmo on Stillwater Boulevard. Owner and operator Nicholas Rich and staff take pride in getting to know their customers and provid- ing them with the personal care they need and deserve. Lake Elmo Pharmacy is also unique in that it is a com- pounding pharmacy, one of only a handful located in the twin cities. If you’re not familiar with compounding, it is a process that enables pharmacists to prepare custom- ized medications to meet each patient’s specific needs. Some examples of the specialized medications that can be prepared through compounding include: unique dos- age forms containing the best dose of medication for each individual; medications free of problem-causing excipients such as sugar, lactose, dyes, alcohol, glu- ten or preservatives; combinations of various compat- ible medications into a single dosage form for easier administration and improved compliance; medications that are not commercially available and novel medica- tion delivery systems. Lake Elmo Pharmacy also spe- cializes in women’s health and veterinary medications. Lake Elmo Pharmacy is lo- cated at 11240 Stillwater Blvd. N. Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Learn more about the pharmacy and refill your prescription online at www. LakeElmoPharmacy.com. Featured Business: Lake Elmo Pharmacy Lake Elmo Pharmacy owner and operator since 2008, Nicholas Rich. Lake Elmo Pharmacy, a full service retail and compounding pharmacy is located conveniently on Stillwater Boulevard . On December 1st, the Lake Elmo Fire Department conducted a “Live Burn” training exercise on 10th Street. Three members, Capt. Mike Cornell, Capt. Noah Malmquist and FF/Engineer Brian Johnson re- cently completed the “Live Burn Instructor” training which allowed them to conduct the training without hiring outside instructors. Many hours of preparation went into this drill. They started at 8:00 a.m. conduct- ing live burn evolutions with some of the neighboring Mutual Aid Departments, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Bay- port and Woodbury. During these evolutions, instruc- tors lit a fire in a room of the structure. Once the fire reached a predetermined level and the structure was filed with smoke, the crew made entry, found the fire and extinguished it. Skills learned: fire experience for newer Firefighters, work as a team, communica- tion skills and fire behavior. By late morning the departments had conducted all the burns they could and the struc- ture was allowed to burn, which cleaned up the property for the land owner and the city. The department’s five new recruits, Chris Supan, Dominic Jara, Tom Hilpisch, Alex Hilpisch and Rick Gimpel continue on their journey to become Lake Elmo Firefighters. As part of their probationary period, they are currently enrolled in either First Responder or EMT training. They will all start their Firefighter I & II training in January. Hopefully by spring you will have five new Firefighters. Good luck to them. The department held an Ice Rescue drill on Decem- ber 13th, on Lake Jane. Crews donned cold water survival suits (Gumby suits) and deployed ice rescue sled onto the ice with support personnel on shore. The purpose of drill was to re-familiarize personnel and new recruits with process and equipment. Lake Elmo is trained to provide surface water/ice rescue. Fire Department Welcomes New Recruits; Conducts Training Exercises SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER EMERGENCY CALL RESPONSE Fire: 35, Rescue: 13, Medical: 52 The LEFD performed a “live burn” for training purposes in early December. 6 Winter 2012-13 2013 City of Lake Elmo Work Plan Taxpayer Service 1. Continue to develop a multi- platform information strategy that includes a relevant website, daily, weekly and quarterly news updates, and pertinent mailings on key com- munity issues; 2. Create procedures and standard operation guidelines to ensure a 24- hour turnaround response on all tax- payer issues; 3. Establish a consistent method for taxpayer input that includes web- site polling, citizen surveys, focus groups and neighborhood meetings; 4. Procure and Implement Taxpayer/ Property Tracking Software for more accurate record keeping and tax- payer information; 5. Extend the cable franchise for maximum utilization for consumers and public access broadcasting; 6. Explore implementing the Speak Your Peace civil dialogue project in cooperation with Jaycees and Rotary Land Use Planning 1. Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan for both the I-94 Corridor and Old Village 2. Adoption of Architectural Design Standards and Form Based Codes; 3. Development of a “community theme” that produces continuity and identity between the three ma- jor planning areas and emphasizes sustainability; 4. Streamline & improve Policies/ Procedures for the handling of rou- tine land matters including, but not limited to, variances, site plan re- view, setbacks, etc.; 5. Achieve 10-20% quantitative eas- ing in Met Council REC Unit man- dates and extend deadlines to 2040; 6. Successfully appeal Nass De- tachment Case at Appellate Level. Municipal Code/Recordkeeping 1. Update and Amend Section 96 of the Code regarding “nuisances”; 2. Update and Amend Section 151 of the Code regarding the use of “signs”; 3. Update and Amend Section 95 of the Code regarding “animals”; 4. Convert paper files from years 2000-2012 to Laserfiche record re- tention Finance 1. Approved Financial Policies in the areas of Undesignated Fund Bal- ance, Debt Service Ratio, Repay- ment of the Internal Planning Loan, and Refinancing of Current Debt; 2. Adopt Pro Forma Financing Plan for the installation of New Utilities; 3. Implement Performance Based Budgeting for the 2014 Budget; 4. Complete New Water and Sewer Rates prior to the 2013 summer bill- ing cycle; 5. Complete audit by May 15th/ Maintain Aa2 bond rating 6. Implementation of no-risk devel- oper agreements, escrow policies, and surety bonds to eliminate tax- payer risk through development Public Safety/Quality of Life/ Building Inspection 1. To increase traffic enforcement to improve roadway safety and miti- gate the volume hazard caused by cut-through commuter traffic; 2. To modernize the fire fleet through purchase or contractual arrange- ment that ensures state-of-the-art fire suppression and maximizes fire- fighter safety; 3. To reduce the number of nuisance properties by 80% by the end of fis- cal year 2013; 4. Convert from Washington County to contracted humane officer for ani- mal control; 5. Begin the Train Whistle Quiet Zone application process; 6. Improve permit review time to 5 working days or less. The 2013 City of Lake Elmo Plan of Work has been developed to reflect five core ideas of local government. First, our work must be proactive and taxpayer-centered. Second, the program must add value to the community in all aspects. Third, our operations must be efficient, stable and consistently fair. Fourth, programs must be cross- functional and team based. And fifth, staff members must be allowed to demonstrate expertise in their individual fields. The following represents the major goals & objectives in the City of Lake Elmo’s major areas of work: 7 Winter 2012-13 Public Works & Utilities 1. Revise and implement 7 year road maintenance plan that includes appropriate treatments, such as crack fill, chip seal, overlay, re-use/ reconstruct; 2. Bid and construct sewer exten- sion from the Cottage Grove inter- cept to the Old Village; 3. Construct Keats Ave. trunk water main to relieve head pressure and improve water quality; 4. Negotiate interim water supply agreement with Oakdale to serve the I-94 corridor. Design Inwood trunk water main extension to I-94 corridor; 5. Negotiate the extension of sewer from Oakdale to the Tri-Lakes area; 6. In cooperation with waste haulers, develop a community-wide recycling program that utilizes single-stream recycling, a centralized drop-off for oversized items, and continual edu- cation; 7. Develop 201 sanitary system ac- cess/rehabilitation plan Sustainable Growth 1. Create an Economic Develop- ment Authority with business com- munity representation; 2. Approve sustainability/themed residential development along the I-94 Corridor; 3. Develop business improvement district in the Old Village District – establish TIF District; 4. Create community image/Brand- ing campaign that emphasizes open space character Transportation 1. Develop and recommend a High- way 36 corridor plan; 2. Complete Highway 5 Road Safety Audit; 3. Articulate and extend Lake Elmo Avenue traffic enforcement/Red Zone policing; 4. Partner & enhance Washington County’s Manning Avenue re-con- struction plan Elections 1. Add two voting precincts in anticipa- tion of the 2016 presidential elections Park & Recreation 1. Complete Park Usage Survey (500 sampled) 2. Full implementation of Park Maintainer 3. 2014-2019 Park Capital Improve- ment Plan adopted 4. Begin grant process for Phase 1 of Trail Plan implementation Groundwater/Storm water/ Environmental 1. Work with USEPA, MNDEED, MPCA to secure funds/grants to alle- viate infrastructure costs associated with the provision of clean drinking water to our taxpayers as a result of the 3M groundwater contamination – continue to pursue economic rem- edies of 3M contamination; 2. Create wetland and woodlands overlay districts within land use map; 3. In cooperation with waste haulers, develop a community-wide recycling program that utilizes single-stream recycling, a centralized drop-off for oversized items and continual edu- cation; 4. Work with Washington County and the Valley Water Branch District to mitigate current surface water flooding issues associated with the Old Village Process/Procedure 1. Complete 30 standard operating procedure protocols in six disciplin- ary areas using key success factor looping; 2. Paperless Council and Planning Commission meetings by 3rd Quar- ter 2013 Council/Commission/Board Procedures 1. Complete 24 policy-focused meetings and 10 technically-based workshops; 2. Create a citizen based committee structure utilizing the expertise of the community; 3. Complete, error free record keep- ing and technically sound broad- casting of all Planning Commission and City Council meetings 8 Winter 2012-13 Mayor Mike Pearson Council Justin Bloyer Nicole Park 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 • No horses allowed in Sunfish Lake Park from the first snow until May 15th • No vehicle permit required at County parks on the first non-holiday Tuesday of every month PARK NAME WINTER PARK ACTIVITIES Sliding Hill Groomed Ski Trails Ungroomed Ski Trails Skating Rink Demontreville Wildlife Area 7950 Demontreville Trail Lake Elmo Park Reserve 1515 Keats Avenue N. Lions Park 3525 Laverne Avenue N. Pebble Park 8160 Lake Jane Trail Reid Park 114300 30th Street N. Sunfish Lake Park 10000 Stillwater Lane N. Tablyn Park 8735 Stillwater Boulevard N. Snow Parking After any snowfall, it is unlawful to park any motor vehicle on a public street in the City until after it has been plowed. Upon request of any Police Officer or City employee, the owner of a vehicle parked on a public street shall remove it to permit plowing. Snow Plowing It is against the law to shovel snow into or across a street in the city or to shovel snow onto neighboring property. Keep your snow on your property! Winter Street Safety Winter Park and Safety Information