HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-25 The Fresh Weekly NewsletterSeptember 26, 2025
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Schedule
No Meetings next week! Welcome October!
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
CITY BUSINESS
Watch Water Tower 1 Coming Down!
Water Tower 1 is a 75,000-gallon water tower constructed by Universal Tank & Iron Works, Inc. in 1962 to
serve the Old Village area of Lake Elmo. Water Tower 2 was built in 2007, adjacent to the Lake Elmo Public
Works Shop, and was designed to hold 750,000 gallons, aiding in meeting the growing city’s water
demand.
In 2018, the Inwood Avenue water tower was constructed, replacing Water Tower 1. The Inwood Water
Tower was designed to hold 1,000,000 gallons of water, serving the southwest quarter of the city. Tower 1
was taken offline later that year. Water Tower 1 was disconnected from the distribution system in July 2022,
but continued to support several communication cell antennas for the area. Water Tower 1 required
substantial repairs that were not cost-effective to complete. Water Tower 1 was taken down last week.
Reid Park Parking Lot Construction
The Reid Park parking lot is still under construction, and restoration
is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 29.
Pickleball Court Changes
We understand that pickleball has quickly grown in popularity and
brings many neighbors together, but we also recognize concerns
about noise from the courts.
To help balance recreation with neighborhood peace, the City has
set all city park pickleball court hours from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Play is limited to daylight hours only, and no lighting will be used or
allowed after sunset. These guidelines ensure everyone can enjoy
the courts while respecting the quiet and comfort of nearby homes.
Out of respect for our surrounding neighborhoods, the practice walls
at the Pebble and Tablyn courts will be removed to eliminate extra
noise. Park users are reminded that amplified music is not permitted
on the courts.
To further reduce sound impacts, the City will research and
recommend options like sound-reducing barriers and additional
landscaping with trees and bushes for consideration in 2026. These
steps continue our effort to balance recreational opportunities with
the comfort of nearby residents.
Keep up With What's Going on at the City
Stay updated on news and other topics in Lake Elmo. Our new
website offers notifications about updates on road and trail closures,
detours, and important announcements through our Notify
Me option.
To sign up, navigate to the NOTIFY ME from the notifications tab in
the center of the home page at LakeElmo.gov, choose email options,
and/or if you prefer text messages on your phone, select that. Then
choose from different lists, such as News Flashes, Agendas, and
Calendars. It’s an easy way to stay informed about ongoing
developments. You can unsubscribe anytime!
ROAD PROJECTS
Temporary Road Closure on CSAH 10 (10th Street N.)
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Washington County has approved a permit request for connection to
city utilities affecting portions of County Highway 10 (10th St N) in
the City of Lake Elmo.
For this work to occur safely, County Highway 10 must be
temporarily closed to all traffic between the intersections of County
Highway 17 (Lake Elmo Ave N) and Laverne Ave N overnight on
Thursday, October 2.
The closure is expected to begin at approximately 7:00 PM and
reopen by 6:00 AM. If, for any reason, the closure is delayed or
cancelled, we will update our notifications as soon as possible.
Road Closure on Hudson Blvd East of Inwood
Hudson Boulevard east of Inwood Avenue will be closed to
westbound traffic, along with a full closure of Hudson Boulevard east
of Eagle Point Boulevard, starting September 11, 2025, to complete
a forcemain replacement project. Business access will be fully open
west of Julia to the point of the road closure.
The closure and detour route are shown on the attached drawing.
Pre-warning signs were installed last week to notify drivers of the
upcoming work. It is expected to remain in place for about 7 weeks,
weather permitting. Emergency services and school district
transportation representatives have also been notified.
Washington County / Lake Elmo Summer Road Projects
Washington County's Phase 3 of the County Highway
15 (Manning Avenue)
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.
Lions Park
Lions Park has everything to keep you active throughout the year.
With more than three acres of park space, visitors can enjoy
activities such as playing pickleball, using the ballfields, and playing
sand volleyball, as well as ice skating outdoors in the winter.
The playground features picnic tables and benches, a shelter, and
permanent restrooms.
Visit Lions Park at 3525 Laverne Ave. N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, or
visit LakeElmo.gov to learn more about our parks.
LIFE IN LAKE ELMO
Celebrate Lake Elmo's 100th Anniversary at Sunfish
Lake Park on Sunday!
Lake Elmo turns 100 this year! Join us for Pioneer Day @ the
SMINC on Sunday, September 28 from 1 to 4 at the Sally Manzara
Interpretive Nature Center at Lake Elmo's Sunfish Lake Park.
We’re going to take a trip back in time and see how things were done
in those bygone days. We’ll have sewing demos, cooking demos, old
fashioned games. Ever wonder how they turned corn into cornmeal?
Or how they made noodles? Come find out!
We'll have ice cream sundaes with homemade fudge and caramel
and root beer floats while supplies last (freewill donation of $5
appreciated).
This is a free event, and fun for the whole family.
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
It's Fall in Min n eso t a - the perfect time to get outside!
Fall is here, and it's the perfect time to get outdoors. Whether you
hike, bike, or stroll, follow Minnesota State Parks and Trails to find
where the colors are peaking this season.
For those interested in covering more ground, take a scenic drive
through Minnesota's state forests.
"Minnesota’s 60 state forests span 4.2 million acres and offer some
of the most scenic fall color drives in the Midwest. From the boreal
beauty of Finland State Forest in the northeast to the hardwood hills
of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in the
southeast, each forest offers a unique experience. Depending on the
destination, visitors will see a spectacular mix of dark evergreen and
vivid broadleaf trees set against a backdrop of bluffs, lakes, or
winding rivers," MN DNR.
To keep things local, visit the St. Croix State Forest and, within the
forest, explore St. Croix State Park. Those planning to visit the state
park will need to purchase a day or annual park vehicle permit on the
DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/permit.html) before arriving.
Waste Hauler Collection Time Change to 6:00 a.m.
Effective Immediately
The Lake Elmo City Council has adopted an update to the city's code
of ordinances, amending the solid waste chapter to change the start
time for waste haulers to 6:00 a.m.
Please leave your waste bins in front of your driveways by 6:00 a.m.
on the day of your scheduled service pickup.
Keep Leaves Out of Streets and Storm Drains
Fallen leaves may seem harmless, but when they pile up in storm
drains, they can cause blockages that lead to street flooding and
water pollution. As leaves decompose, they release nutrients that
can pollute local lakes, rivers, and streams.
Do your Part:
Rake and properly dispose of leaves, grass clippings, and
yard debris.
Compost yard waste at home to produce free, nutrient-rich
fertilizer.
Drop off yard waste at local compost sites. See Washington
County Yard Waste Collection Sites.
Til leaves into your garden to improve soil health.
Protect our water -- keep leaves off streets and out of drains. Small
actions like these make a big difference in protecting our
community’s stormwater system and natural waterways.
Businesses Are Still Open On Hudson Blvd During the
Construction Project
Construction may have Hudson Blvd closed to through traffic
between Inwood Ave. and Julia Ave N, but businesses along the road
are still OPEN! Your support keeps our community thriving.
Please follow detour signs, plan a few extra minutes, and remember
—every visit makes a difference for Lake Elmo businesses. Let’s
show our local favorites some love during construction!
October is National Crime Prevention Month
This week marks the start of Crime Prevention Month!
Neighborhood Safety Tips For Parents
Unfortunately, no neighborhood is completely immune to crime. However, there are steps you can take to
help keep your family and your neighborhood safe.
Know where your children are. Have your children tell you or ask permission before leaving the
house and give them a time to check in or be home. When possible, have them leave a phone
number where they can be reached.
Help children learn important phone numbers. Have your children practice reciting their home phone
number and address, and your work and cell phone numbers. If they have trouble memorizing these,
write them down on a card and have them carry it at all times. Tell your children where you will be
and the best way to reach you.
Set limits on where your children can go in your neighborhood. Do you want them crossing busy
roads? Playing in alleys or abandoned buildings? Are there certain homes in your neighborhood that
you don’t want your children to go to?
Get to know your children’s friends. Meet their parents before letting your children go to their home,
and keep a list of their phone numbers. If you can’t meet their parents, call and talk to them. Ask
what your children might do at their house and if they will be supervised.
Choose a safe house in your neighborhood. Pick a neighbor’s house where your children can go if
they need help. Point out other places they can go for help, like stores, libraries, and police stations.
Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists. Role-play talking out problems, walking
away from fist fights, and what to do when confronted with bullies. Remind them that taunting and
teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.
Work together with your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious and unusual behavior in your
neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their children so you can look out for one another.
National Crime Prevention Council Podcast
Join the Lake Elmo Rotary
Come and join the Lake Elmo Rotary Club. We are a dynamic group
of women and men doing great work in the community and looking
for other members of the community who believe in providing service
to others, promoting integrity, and understanding to others.
Lake Elmo Rotary Club - Free Breakfast Coupon
Join us the 1st or 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 AM
Lake Elmo Inn, 3442 Lake Elmo Ave., Lake Elmo MN
Please RSVP Mondays by noon - text Liz at 651.283.8794
Expires January 30, 2026
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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