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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-26 The Fresh NewsletterFriday, June 5, 2026 Lake Elmo City Center Public Meetings Planning Commission Meeting Monday, June 8, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. City Council Workshop  Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 6:30 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. [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/calendar] How to Watch Watch online [https://www.youtube.com/@CityofLakeElm oMN/videos] or on cable television SCCTV [https://vod.scctv.org/internetchannel/? channel=10] Find meeting agendas and minutes at the City of Lake Elmo, MN [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/agendacenter] *Please Note: Beginning the week of Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day, Lake Elmo City Center's business hours will be: SUMMER HOURS Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM  Friday - 8:00 AM - Noon 2026 Lake Elmo Roadwork and Construction Updates Minnesota's Other Season - Road Construction Welcome to Minnesota’s other season—road construction 🚧 As roadwork ramps up across the community, we’ll keep you informed on projects, timelines, and any impacts throughout the summer. Stay tuned for updates to help you plan ahead and travel safely! UPDATE: CSAH 14 - Stillwater Blvd Closure Westbound from 39th St. to Lake Elmo Ave. N Delayed Further Traffic control and detour setup for the CSAH 14 Watermain Improvements project has been postponed until June 15 due to contractor crew and equipment availability.  Prewarning signs will be installed next week before the detour route is in place. CSAH 14 (Stillwater Boulevard) will be closed to westbound traffic from 39th Street to Lake Elmo Ave. N. (west of the elementary school). Stillwater Boulevard will be eastbound traffic only. All access points to side streets (Lake Elmo Avenue, Laverne Avenue, and Layton Avenue) will be open to turn onto off Stillwater Boulevard.  All residential and commercial driveways that access to Stillwater Boulevard will be open during construction and accessible if traveling eastbound on Stillwater Boulevard. The work is expected to take approximately 2 months to complete (weather dependent). HWY 36 & Lake Elmo Avenue Project Updates  The construction phase of the Hwy 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue project will begin in June. The project is expected to last through the fall of 2027. Access to and from Highway 36 at Lake Elmo Avenue will be closed during construction, and two lanes of traffic in each direction on Highway 36 will stay open and will be separated by concrete barriers.  Access to homes and businesses will stay open as much as possible, but there may be short temporary closures. Property owners will be notified ahead of time about any closures. People in the area may notice extra noise and dust during construction. We appreciate your patience and will do our best to reduce disruptions. Follow this HWY 36 project here. [https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9519d bdf93294a3a84fb1dbc02dbc361] Lake Elmo 2026 Street and Utility Improvement Project The 2026 Street and Utility Improvement project is underway. The project includes roadway work on portions of 26th Street North, 27th Street North, Imperial Avenue North, Innsdale Avenue North, and Inwood Avenue North.  Improvements will include reclaiming and repaving streets, adding concrete curb and gutter, and repairing or extending storm sewer systems where needed. No street widening or major roadway layout changes are planned. “No Parking” signs will also be added in accordance with City policy.  Stay up to date on street project schedules, timelines, and construction details here. [https://clients.bolton- menk.com/lakeelmostreets2026/] City Business City-180 Acres: Community Engagement Now Open! The City of Lake Elmo wants your feedback on upcoming development at the City- owned 180 acres (Ideal Ave. & 34th St.) This acreage is across three parcels The site's development potential, and the high visibility of the parcels have created a unique opportunity for the City. As the City continues to make progress on this project, we want to gather community input and learn about resident priorities.  The City is launching the first round of community engagement and inviting residents to share feedback.  Residents can participate in the survey here. [https://polco.us/n/res/vote/lake-elmo- mn/city-owned-180-acres-or-community- engagement-main-version] City 180-Acre Project page [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/439/City-180- Acres-Ideal-Ave-34th-St]. As part of this launch, the City has also renewed our community engagement platform, Polco, making it easier for residents to stay connected and participate in future City projects and initiatives. Community feedback plays an important role in helping shape City projects and future decisions, and we encourage all residents to participate Lake Elmo Featured in Business View Magazine Lake Elmo is featured in the May issue of Business View Magazine, a publication that highlights communities demonstrating leadership, innovation, and growth. Mayor Charles Cadenhead, Community Development Director Jason Stopa, and City Administrator Nicole Miller recently spoke with the magazine about Lake Elmo’s continued growth, economic development efforts, and vision for the future. The article showcases how the City is thoughtfully planning for growth while preserving the community character and quality of life residents value. We invite you to read the feature [https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil- municipal/may-2026/85/] and learn more about the exciting work happening in Lake Elmo. Now Hiring: Community Development Intern The City of Lake Elmo is accepting applications for a Community Development Intern through June 14. This temporary summer/fall position offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in local government, community engagement, planning research, and land use analysis. The intern will also help explore how AI can support efficiency in city operations. Applicants should be enrolled in or recently graduated from a program related to public administration, public policy, urban studies, economic development, planning, or a similar field. Apply by June 14  [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/Jobs.aspx? UniqueId=100&From=All&CommunityJobs=F alse&JobID=Community-Development- Intern-Temporary-P-12]to join the Lake Elmo team and gain valuable public sector experience. Lake Elmo Launches Public Art Program The City of Lake Elmo is launching a new quarterly Public Art Program featuring rotating exhibits at Lake Elmo City Center.  Local and regional artists, including high school artists, are encouraged to apply and showcase their work in a public setting. The program celebrates creativity and brings local art to the community year- round. Learn more about the program and apply on the website. [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/463/Lake-Elmo- Public-Art-Display-Program] City Council passes amendment to the City Code to Allow Short-Term Rental Properties The City Council passed the amendment to Title 105 of the City Code, which governs zoning regulations related to short-term rental properties Tuesday.  Short-Term Rental Property City Code, Section 105.12.500, allows a home within the city to be rented on a short-term basis, 30 days or less, with appropriate licensing.  The City allows a limited number of Short- Term Rental (STR) licenses to help balance neighborhood character, housing availability, and visitor accommodations.  You can learn more about Short-Term Rentals on the website  [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/457/Short- Term-Rentals]here.  New Polling Location for Primary Elections Heads Up, Lake Elmo Voters! Precincts and polling locations have changed ahead of the August Primary Election. Now is a great time to check your voter registration and polling place. Updated Precinct Locations: City Center – 3880 Laverne Avenue N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 *New this year - Rockpoint Church – 5825 Kelvin Avenue N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Absentee Voting: Early voting begins Friday, June 26. Visit MNVOTES.GOV  [https://www.mnvotes.gov]to learn more about absentee ballots and early voting. Check your polling location: Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website  [http://mnvotes.gov]or contact Lake Elmo City Hall to confirm your assigned polling place. Visit our elections page  [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/175/Elections]on the website for updates this summer.  Washington County Sheriff's Office Monthly Newsletter  Read the latest Washington County Sheriff's Office newsletter for public safety updates, community information, crime prevention tips, and upcoming events across the county. View the newsletter here: https://www.lakeelmo.gov/195/Washington- County-Sheriffs-Office [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/195/Washington -County-Sheriffs-Office] Around Town Mark Your Calendars Summer in Lake Elmo is full of traditions that bring residents together to celebrate our community.  Families can look forward to the beloved 4th of July Kids Parade, where children decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers for a festive morning celebration.  On Tuesday, August 4th, Lake Elmo Night Out returns and offers an evening of connection with neighbors, first responders, and family-friendly activities.  The 100th Anniversary Celebration last fall was so popular, City Council has approved a plan to host an annual street dance and food truck celebration, which will take place Saturday, September 12, in downtown Lake Elmo.   More details to come! Family Nature Day Saturday, June 6, 9:30 a.m. - Noon Join us on June 6th for the annual Sunfish Lake Park Family Nature Day celebration! (9:30 a.m. to noon). We’ll have educational activities for kids and grown-ups, from bees and other pollinators to the geology of Sunfish Lake Park, and everything in-between. Take a stroll on our storybook trail and enjoy a beautiful summer Saturday with the family.  Our friends from Carpenter Nature Center will be back with live animals. We’ll have coffee and lemonade on hand. This event is free and open to all! Learn more at SMINC. [https://sminc-lake- elmo.org/] Connect Lake Elmo's plans are underway for this year's 4th of July Parade The Lake Elmo Kids 4th of July Parade has been a cherished community tradition for nearly 40 years, growing from a small neighborhood parade to an event enjoyed by generations! Follow for more updates on parking, parade route information, and road closures.  15th Annual "More than a Plant Sale" Landscape Revival Nature Plant Expo Join Landscape Revival on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for their annual Plant Sale and Expo at Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo. Shop a wide selection of Minnesota native plants from local growers and connect with conservation and restoration groups offering tips on pollinator-friendly planting that supports wildlife and water quality. Learn more at the St. Paul Birding Alliance here St. Paul Birding Alliance Plant Sale [http://Tiny.cc/LR26] Save Money on Your Water Bill In partnership with the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) the City of Lake Elmo is offering a rebate program for purchases of eligible water-efficient products.  This funding has enabled Lake Elmo to provide a rebate to current water customers who replace existing devices with specified water-efficient products, or who have an irrigation system audit completed by a professional. Qualifying purchases are eligible for a rebate on your water bill. These credits range from $150 to $500, dependent on your rebate type. Go to the Water Rebate Program page  [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/225/Water- Rebate-Program]on the website for guidelines, restrictions, and a list of qualifying items. Recycling Saves Water! Did you know recycling one ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water - so you're saving two resources when you recycle one.  You can safely dispose of sensitive documents at Washington County's free paper shredding event on Wednesday, June 24, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the South Environmental Center. This service is available to Washington County residents and businesses. Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. Event Guidelines: • Proof of Washington County residency is required • Limit of six boxes per participant • Boxes must weigh no more than 30 pounds each • No other materials will be accepted during the shredding event Take advantage of this free opportunity to securely recycle confidential papers and protect your personal information. Visit the website [https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/303 1/Paper-Shredding-Events] to learn more.  Irrigation Restrictions Continue This Year Now that spring is here, please remember the irrigation restrictions affecting The City of Lake Elmo will continue again this year.  To learn more about zone schedules visit the website. [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/261/Watering- Irrigation] What Do My Taxes Pay For?  The City Council adopted the 2026 Budget on December 16, 2025. City Finance staff have developed a downloadable property tax calculator that estimates 2026 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. [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/230/Property- Tax-Calculator] If you need to search your property, you can view the Washington County Property Tax Search here. [https://mn- washington.publicaccessnow.com/] Volunteer, Connect, Get Involved!  Looking to get more involved in the community? Lake Elmo’s local organizations offer great opportunities to volunteer, connect with neighbors, support local causes, and take part in community events and activities.  Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, these groups help make Lake Elmo a welcoming and vibrant place to live. Learn more about Lake Elmo's Community Organizations here. [https://www.lakeelmo.gov/316/Community-Organizations] City of Lake Elmo | 3880 Laverne Ave. N. | Lake Elmo, MN 55042 [https://www.lakeelmo.gov]www.lakeelmo.gov [https://www.lakeelmo.gov] Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Copyright 2026 The City of Lake Elmo. All Rights Reserved. 3880 Laverne Ave. N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Powered by