HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-26 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 3, 2026
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting Mayor Holtz called the meeting to order at 7: 00 pm.
PRESENT: Acting Mayor Jeff Holtz and Councilmembers, Nick Dragisich, Matt Him and Nick
Kragness.
Staff present: Administrator Miller, City Attorney Sonsalla, City Engineer Stanley, Public Works
Director Tholen, City Planner Monterusso, Finance Director Hadler and Administrative Services
Director Doyle,
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Dragisich, seconded by Councilmember Him, moved TO APPROVE THE
AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 4 — 0.
PRESENTATIONS
Minnesota GreenStep Program
City Planner Monterusso and Kristin Moroz, MPCA, reviewed the city's GreenStep program status
and outlined the program steps and actions. Ms. Moroz presented the city with Gold Leaf awards
based on actions the city has taken.
PUBLIC COMMENTS/INQUIRIES
None
ACCEPT MINUTES
Councilmember Him, seconded by Councilmember Dragisich, moved TO ACCEPT THE
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.
Motion passed 4 — 0.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve Payment of Disbursements
2. Approve Farm Lease for City Owned 180 Acres
3. Approve Lake Elmo Strategic Communications Plan
4. Approve Massage Therapy License Renewal
5. Approve Lake Elmo Firehouse Addition
6. Approve Lake Elmo Fire Department VBWD Training Agreement
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 3, 2026
Councilmember Hirn, seconded by Councilmember Kragness, moved TO APPROVE THE
CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 4 - 0.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM 1: Class and Compensation Update
Administrative Services Director Doyle reported that the city received three proposals for a
compensation update and staff is recommending moving forward with Flaherty & Hood.
Brandon Fitzsimmons, Flaherty & Hood, presented an overview of the company and the scope of
the proposed compensation update. Discussion was held regarding cost effectiveness of adjusting
staff compensation.
Councilmember Kragness, seconded by Councilmember Dragisich, moved TO APPROVE
THE FLAHERTY & HOOD AGREEMENT PROVIDING COMPENSATION UDPATE
SERVICES. Motion passed 4 — 0.
ITEM 2: Stormwater Utility Code Review
City Administrator Miller noted that the Stormwater Utility was discussed a workshop and a scope
for review was included in the current budget. Discussion was held regarding issuing an RFP for
an in depth review, the appeal process, income based credits, equitable fees, stormwater fund for
projects, HOA maintenance agreements and impervious surface calculations. Engineer Stanley
Councilmember Kragness, seconded by Acting Mayor Holtz, moved TO APPROVE THE SCOPE
FOR REVIEW OF STORMWATER FEE AS PROVIDED BYBOLTON & MENK. Motion failed 0
—4.
Councilmember Dragisich, seconded by Councilmember Hirn, moved TO UNDERTAKE A
REVIEWOFTHESTORMWATER UTILITY, TOLOOKATTHE CHARGED SYSTEMAND
TO MAKE SURE IT IS FAIR AND EQUITABLE AND PASSES THE COST ON TO EACH
CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY IN THE MOST FAIR WAYAND REQUEST BOLTON
AND MENK PROVIDE A PROPOSAL FOR THAT WORK. TO DIRECT THE FINANCE
DEPARTMENT TO WORK ON THE FEES, FINANCING OF PROJECT, APPEALS
PROCESSAND ADD REVIEW OFHOA A GREEMENTSASATASKTOBEDONE. Motion
passed 4 — 0.
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LAI{E ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 3, 2026
COUNCIL REPORTS
None
STAFF REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Miller: Reported annual employee recognition event coming up and
employee survey will also be issued soon.
Finance Director Hadler: Commented on the effectiveness of the new finance software and
utility billing.
Public Works Director Tholen: Introduced himself to the Council
Fire Chief Kalis:
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
ATTEST:
J lie John on, ity Clerk
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
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