HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-03-25 The Fresh NewsletterOctober 3, 2025
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Schedule
Economic Development Meeting
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 7, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
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
Hydrant Flushing Begins Monday, Oct. 6, 2025
Lake Elmo Public Works Staff will be flushing dead-end hydrants
beginning Monday, October 6th, and lasting for the remainder of the
week.
Unlike our spring flushing, not all hydrants will be flushed during this
time. The flushing of hydrants may cause fluctuations in water
pressure and/or discolored water, with particles potentially flowing
into homes. If this does occur, run cold water to clear the household
water lines.
If you have any questions, please contact the Lake Elmo Public
Works at 651-747-3946.
Early Voting is Open for the School District No. 622
Operating Referendum Election November 4
School District No. 622, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Schools,
will hold an operating referendum on November 4, 2025.
The upcoming school bond referendum asks District 622 residents to
consider approving an increase in per-pupil funding to support
student learning, as well as an investment in technology to keep pace
with today’s educational needs.
If approved, the measure would provide additional tax revenue to
acquire, install, replace, and maintain essential technology, including
software, licenses, computers, upgraded equipment, networks,
infrastructure, and security systems. Funding would also support the
personnel and training needed to ensure these tools are used
effectively in classrooms.
Early voting is available from September 19 to November 3. Polling
locations are listed below:
Vote early (absentee) in-person
VOTING LOCATIONS:
Washington County Gov. Center | 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN
55082
Central Service and License Center | 1261 Woodlane Drive,
Woodbury, MN 55125
Cottage Grove Service Center | 13000 Ravine Pkwy, Cottage Grove,
MN 55016
Hours: Mon-Fri. | 8 am – 4:30 pm
Nov. 1 | 8 am – 3 pm
Nov. 3 | 8 am – 5 pm
For more information, visit ISD No. 622, North St. Paul-Maplewood-
Oakdale Schools or visit Elections | Washington County, MN -
Official Website.
Reid Park Parking Lot Construction
The Reid Park parking lot is still under construction, and restoration
is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 29.
October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week
Your Lake Elmo Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA to
promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 5- 11, Charge
Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.
Help us spread the word about making smart choices when it comes
to buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries—because the
wrong move can lead to a fire. For more info: fpw.org.
Keep up With What's Going on at the City
Did you know Washington County Sheriff's Office publishes a
monthly newsletter to keep residents informed on public safety? You
can find it on our website at Washington County Sheriff's Office |
Lake Elmo, MN.
Also, don't forget to sign up, navigate to the NOTIFY ME to stay
informed on city business. You can go to the Notify Me tab 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
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.
Pebble Park
Pebble Park boasts over 19 acres of fun for all ages. Whether it's the
playsets, the nature space, pickleball courts, walking and biking
trails, or the picnic pavilion, this park has everything you'll want for a
great day outdoors.
Visit Pebble Park at 8160 Lake Jane Trail N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042,
or visit LakeElmo.gov to learn more about our parks.
LIFE IN LAKE ELMO
Got Buckthorn?
Buckthorn is an invasive tree and shrub that is harming our native
habitats. Join us on Wednesday, October 8, at 6 p.m. to learn some
ways of combating this invasive plant on your property.
We'll show you how to identify both types of buckthorn and discuss
removal techniques, including chemical and chemical-free control
methods. This class is timely because fall is the absolute best time
for buckthorn control.
We are excited to collaborate with Washington County Master
Gardeners Kim Dupre and Jane Tyler on this program. This event is
free and open to the public.
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.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Full Moon Forest Bathing
October 6
Experience the calm and magic of the forest under the light of the full
moon at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a slow, mindful walk
that encourages a deep connection with nature through the senses.
This guided evening walk invites you to slow down, breathe deeply,
and take in the sights, sounds, and stillness of an autumn night.
Space is limited. Learn more and register here.
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.
Start organizing your Recycling Materials for Stillwater
Collection Day, Saturday, October 11
Washington County sponsors one-day household hazardous waste
collections during the summer and fall. Paper shredding is offered at
these events. No more than 4 boxes per customer will be accepted
for shredding. Shredding capacity is limited by the size of the truck
and may be reached before the end of the event.
Stillwater Collection Day is Saturday, October 11, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Drop-off Procedures
Place items for drop-off in the trunk of a car, rear of SUV, or
cargo bed. If necessary, please reorganize your waste.
Keep items you do not want us to take separate from items
you are dropping off.
Please stay in your vehicle unless directed to self-unload
large electronics.
Provide the attendant with your driver’s license or other proof
of residency.
For free and convenient disposal of hazardous waste, electronics,
and recyclables all year round, visit a Washington County
Environmental Center.
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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