HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-26 The Fresh NewsletterFriday, June 26, 2026
Lake Elmo City Center Public
Meetings
No meetings the week of June 29. City
offices will be closed Friday, July 3, in
observance of the 4th of July Holiday.
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
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 Westbound from 39th St.
to Lake Elmo Ave. N. is now
closed.
CSAH 14 (Stillwater Boulevard) is closed to
westbound traffic from 39th Street to Lake Elmo
Ave. N. (west of the elementary school).
Stillwater Boulevard is open to eastbound
traffic only. All access points to side streets
(Lake Elmo Avenue, Laverne Avenue, and
Layton Avenue) are open to turn onto off
Stillwater Boulevard.
All residential and commercial driveways that
access to Stillwater Boulevard are open during
construction and accessible if traveling
eastbound on Stillwater Boulevard. The work is
expected to take approximately 3 months to
complete (weather dependent).
Please note that once construction begins on
Stillwater Boulevard, all area businesses will
remain open and accessible. We encourage
residents and visitors to continue supporting
our local businesses by following the posted
detour routes and shopping, dining, and
utilizing services throughout the construction
period.
Hwy 36 & Lake Elmo Ave.
Intersection Improvement
Project
🚧 Upcoming Highway 36 & Lake Elmo
Avenue Construction Traffic Changes 🚧
Beginning Monday, June 29, crews will begin
a new phase of construction at the Highway
36 and Lake Elmo Avenue (CSAH 17)
intersection.
OVERNIGHT WORK INCLUDES:
🛑 Monday, June 29
12–6 a.m.: Traffic control signs will be
installed, conflicting signs covered or
removed, and pavement markings updated.
2 a.m.: The Lake Elmo Avenue/CSAH 17
intersection at Highway 36 will close.
Closed south of Highway 36 at 57th Street N
Closed north of Highway 36 at 60th Street N
(north frontage road)
4 a.m.: Existing traffic signals at Highway 36
and Lake Elmo Avenue will be removed. Short-
duration lane closures on Highway 36 may
occur as crews complete this workk
🚧Monday, June 29 – Tuesday, June 30 (7
p.m. – 6 a.m.) The north lane of westbound
Highway 36 will be closed overnight while
crews install temporary concrete barriers.
🚧 Tuesday, June 30 – Wednesday, July 1 (7
p.m. – 6 a.m.) An additional overnight
closure of the north lane of westbound
Highway 36 may be needed if barrier
installation is not completed the previous
night.
Please use caution when traveling through
the area, watch for workers and changing
traffic patterns, and allow extra travel time.
Thank you
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
Community Open House - City
Owned 180 Acres
Community Open House: City-owned 180
acres (Ideal Ave. & 34th St/CSAH 14)
The City of Lake Elmo owns approximately
180 acres of undeveloped land on the city’s
western edge. The City’s plan remains to sell
the land and anticipates the project taking
place over three phases.
Lake Elmo residents are invited to learn more
about this project and share feedback at a
community open house:
Date: Tuesday, June 30th
Time: 4:00-6:30pm
Location: City Center: 3880 Laverne Avenue
N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042
What to expect at the Open House:
Self-guided information boards
Overview of project status
Opportunity to share feedback
Planning staff available for conversations
For more information about this project,
please visit City 180 Acres webpage.
[https://www.lakeelmo.gov/439/City-180-
Acres-Ideal-Ave-34th-StCSAH-14]
Community feedback will help inform future
discussions and priorities as development
progresses.
City Offices Are Closed Friday,
July 3
In observance of Independence Day, The
City of Lake Elmo offices will be closed on
Friday, July 3.
Regular business hours will resume Monday,
July 6.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
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] Survey window
closes Friday, July 3.
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
Calling All Artists!
The City of Lake Elmo is launching a new
quarterly Public Art Program featuring
rotating exhibits at Lake Elmo City Center.
Local 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.
Early Voting is Now Open for
the Aug. 11 Primary Election
Voters can cast their ballot before Election
Day at designated Washington County early
voting locations through Monday, Aug. 10.
Early voting is a convenient option for
residents who have a busy schedule, will be
traveling, or simply prefer to vote ahead of
time. Visit MNVOTES.GOV
[https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-
voting/other-ways-to-vote/]to learn more
about absentee ballots and early voting.
Visit Lake Elmo's website
[https://www.lakeelmo.gov/175/Elections] for
updated precinct information, including
maps and polling locations.
Please note Lake Elmo in-person voting
locations have been updated:
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
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.
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!
Summer Camp Spotlight -
Wonder Wednesday
Summer Camp Spotlight: Wonder
Wednesday - Earth’s Elements! Wednesday,
July 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder
Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful
outdoor setting and learn about their
surrounding environment. It is run by
experienced instructors, and the days
include interpretive education, games, crafts
to bring home, free play and hikes.
This session is all about the soil, water and
air. We will learn how soil provides nutrients
and the need for clean water and air. Bring
your favorite rocks and we will identify them!
($85 per camper; ages 7 and up) Learn
more at SMINC. [https://sminc-lake-
elmo.org/]
Plan Ahead for the 4th of July
Kids' Parade
The Lake Elmo 4th of July Kids Parade is just
around the corner! To help make your
morning as smooth as possible, please
review the parade route, road closures,
detour information, and parking locations
before heading to the event.
Participants should plan to arrive and line up
by 9:30 a.m. to ensure the parade begins on
time. Parking areas are marked on the map,
and attendees are encouraged to arrive
early, as roads along the parade route will
be closed prior to the event.
Review the detour map and parking
information before you go. Learn more at
ConnectLakeElmo.org.
[https://connectlakeelmo.org/4th-of-july]
Volunteers Needed to Help
Make the 4th of July
Celebration a Success!
We're still looking for volunteers to help bring
this year's celebration to life. The Lake Elmo
4th of July Kids Parade wouldn't be possible
without community members who donate
their time and talents.
If you've been looking for a way to get
involved, this is a great opportunity!
Sign up to volunteer:
Volunteer Sign-Up Form
[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ
LSdl2J-A8tS9ck5Rq7B60-
4ymTdmHNlC_qzcwrihEaCvUQ5tpw/viewfor
m]
Recycling Saves Energy!
Aluminum is one of the most valuable
recyclables, and making a can out of
recycled aluminum saves 90% of the energy
it would take to make a new can out of
bauxite ore. #ReduceReuseRecycle
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.
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]
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Copyright 2026 The City of Lake Elmo. All Rights
Reserved.
3880 Laverne Ave. N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
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