HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-26 City Council Workshop PacketCity Council Workshop
3880 Laverne Avenue North
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Call To Order
Council Salaries
STAFF REPORT - COUNCIL SALARIES.PDF
Salary Histogram
SALARY HISTOGRAMS.PDF
Legislative Recap And Lobbying Partnership
COUNCIL MEMO -LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP AND LOBBYING
PARTNERSHIP.PDF
2026 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW.PDF
Parks Position
STAFF REPORT - PARKS POSITION.PDF
JOB TASK EXAMPLES.PDF
COMMUNITY EVENTS EXAMPLES.PDF
Future Agenda Items
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.PDF
Adjourn
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership
with our Community
In accordance with the requirements of Minn. Stat. Section 13D.02, members may participate
remotely via interactive technology.
I.
II.
Documents:
1.
Documents:
III.
Documents:
IV.
Documents:
V.
Documents:
VI.
City Council Workshop3880 Laverne Avenue NorthTuesday, June 9, 20266:30 p.m.AGENDACall To OrderCouncil SalariesSTAFF REPORT - COUNCIL SALARIES.PDFSalary HistogramSALARY HISTOGRAMS.PDFLegislative Recap And Lobbying PartnershipCOUNCIL MEMO -LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP AND LOBBYING PARTNERSHIP.PDF2026 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW.PDFParks PositionSTAFF REPORT - PARKS POSITION.PDFJOB TASK EXAMPLES.PDFCOMMUNITY EVENTS EXAMPLES.PDFFuture Agenda Items
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.PDF
Adjourn
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership
with our Community
In accordance with the requirements of Minn. Stat. Section 13D.02, members may participate
remotely via interactive technology.
I.II.Documents:1.Documents:III.Documents:IV.Documents:V.Documents:
VI.
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 2, 2026
WORKSHOP DISCUSSION
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Jennifer Doyle, Administrative Services Director
AGENDA ITEM: Council Salaries
CORE STRATEGIES:
☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community
☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance
☐Managed Growth
☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services
☐ Balanced Finances now and future
☐ Resilient Infrastructure
BACKGROUND:
City Code 3.08.080- Salaries of Mayor and Councilmembers states: “The mayor and councilmembers shall be paid
salaries as determined from time to time by the council and set by ordinance. An ordinance establishing council salaries
shall be adopted before a regular city election and shall not be effective until January 1 following such election.”
Council’s last compensation increase was approved in July of 2012 with an effective date of 1/1/2013. The mayor’s
salary increased from the 2008 approved rate of $3,915 per year to $6,250 and councilmembers’ from $3,130 to $4,860.
As this is an election year, any consideration for an increase to the mayor and council salaries would need to be
approved prior to the November 3rd election.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Does the council want to consider a change to the salary for councilmembers and the mayor effective 1/1/2027?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
It has been 13 years since council has had an increase and per code the salaries were to be evaluated “from time to
time.”
I have attached a list of metro cities mayor and council salaries including cities that were found to be our comparable
cities, determined by the Flaherty & Hood Compensation study, for your review and consideration. If an effective date
was provided, that is also included.
An average of those comparable cities has been calculated as well as percent difference to Lake Elmo’s salaries
compared to the Minimum, Midpoint and Maximum salaries. I calculated the numbers both with and without the
highest and the lowest outliers for our comparable cities as they were significantly outside the “normal range” and
changed the numbers dramatically but wanted you to have all of the information for consideration. I also included salary
amounts for other local cities
ATTACHMENTS:
Council Pay Comparisons
• Page 1-Comparable cities identified by Flaherty Hood for the compensation study
• Page 2- Other local cities
City Effective Date Mayor Council Mayor Diff Council Diff
Lake Elmo 1/1/2013 $6,250 $4,860
Arden Hills 9/9/2024 $8,250 $7,452 -$2,000 -$2,592 Mayor
Dayton $6,210 $4,968 $40 -$108 Lake Elmo Market Min (+/-) %Mkt Avg (+/-) %Mkt Max (+/-) %
Ham Lake $6,000 $4,900 $250 -$40 $6,250 $6,000.00 4.00%$7,224 -15.58%$9,000 -44.00%
Little Canada 1/1/2025 $7,500 $6,250 -$1,250 -$1,390
Mendota Heights 1/1/2005 $5,700 $4,200 $550 $660 Councilmembers
Monticello $8,400 $7,200 -$2,150 -$2,340 $4,860 $4,200.00 13.58%$5,979 -23.02%$7,452 -53.33%
Rogers $8,000 $6,800 -$1,750 -$1,940
Stillwater $9,000 $7,200 -$2,750 -$2,340
Vadnais Heights 1/1/2007 $7,200 $6,000 -$950 -$1,140
Victoria $6,000 $4,800 $250 $60
Waconia $7,200 $6,000 -$950 -$1,140
Average $7,224 $5,979 -$974 -$1,119
Hopkins $15,000 $12,500 -$8,750 -$7,640 Mayor
Hugo $3,000 $2,400 $3,250 $2,460 Market Min (+/-) %Mkt Avg (+/-) %Mkt Max (+/-) %
Average $7,497 $6,205 -$1,247 -$1,345 $6,250 $3,000.00 52.00%$7,497 -19.95%$15,000 -140.00%
Councilmembers
$4,860 $3,000.00 38.27%$6,205 -27.67%$12,500 -157.20%
Numbers including the Outliers
City Effective Date Mayor Council Mayor Diff Council Diff
Andover $12,000 $10,000 -$5,750 -$5,140
Becker $7,500 $6,000 -$1,250 -$1,140
Centerville $6,300 $5,400 -$50 -$540
Champlin 1/1/2025 $10,880 $8,300 -$4,630 -$3,440
Champlin $9,550 $6,610 -$3,300 -$1,750
Columbus $4,500 $3,500 $1,750 $1,360
Cottage Grove $12,585 $9,480 -$6,335 -$4,620 Mayor
Elk River 1/1/2025 $10,000 $7,000 -$3,750 -$2,140 Market Min (+/-) %Mkt Avg (+/-) %Mkt Max (+/-) %
Forest Lake $6,500 $5,500 -$250 -$640 $6,250 $4,500.00 28.00%$9,889 -58.22%$17,430 -178.88%
Fridley*1/1/2012 $10,689 $7,762 -$4,439 -$2,902
Lino Lakes 1/1/2026 $12,400 $10,423 -$6,150 -$5,563 Councilmembers
Mahtomedi $7,200 $6,000 -$950 -$1,140 $4,860 $3,500.00 27.98%$7,843 -61.38%$15,341 -215.66%
Maple Grove $15,500 $13,500 -$9,250 -$8,640
Maplewood $17,430 $15,341 -$11,180 -$10,481
New Brighton 1/1/2025 $8,600 $7,000 -$2,350 -$2,140
North St. Paul 1/1/2023 $6,900 $5,700 -$650 -$840
Ramsey 1/1/2005 $8,000 $6,000 -$1,750 -$1,140
Shoreview 1/1/2025 $10,752 $7,980 -$4,502 -$3,120
St. Anthony $8,700 $7,200 -$2,450 -$2,340
Woodbury $16,680 $12,000 -$10,430 -$7,140
Wyoming $5,000 $4,000 $1,250 $860
Average $9,889 $7,843 -$3,639 -$2,983
*Eligible for Health Insurance
3
1
4
3
-
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
$6,000 $7,000 $8,000 $9,000
Flaherty Hood Comparable Cities Mayor's Salary Histogram
Lake Elmo Mayor's
Salary $6,250
1
3 3
4
-
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
$4,500 $5,500 $6,500 $7,500
Flaherty Hood Comparable Cities City Council Salary Histogram
Lake Elmo City
Council Salary
$4,860
2
5
4
5
1
3
-
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
$5,000 $7,500 $10,000 $12,500 $15,000 $17,500
Other Local Cities Mayor's Salary Histogram
Lake Elmo Mayor's
Salary $6,250
2
6
5
3
2
1 1
-
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
$4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $10,000 $12,000 $14,000 $16,000
Other Local Cities City Council Salary Histogram
Lake Elmo City
Council Salary
$4,860
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 9, 2026
WORKSHOP
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Nicole Miller, City Administrator
AGENDA ITEM: Legislative Session Recap and Lobbying Partnership
CORE STRATEGIES:
☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community
☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance
☐Managed Growth
☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services
☐ Balanced Finances now and future
☐ Resilient Infrastructure
BACKGROUND:
The City Council established key legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Our state representatives, staff and
assistance from staff at Larkin Hoffman represented the city’s interests at the State Capitol during the legislative session.
Margaret Vesel from Larkin Hoffman will be present to provide a 2026 legislative recap and provide information on what
future services would include if the City Council is interested.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Is the Council interested in securing dedicated lobbying services and adding it to the budget for 2027?
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 9, 2026
WORKSHOP
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Nicole Miller, City Administrator, and Jennifer Doyle, Administrative Services Director
AGENDA ITEM: Parks Position Discussion
CORE STRATEGIES:
☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community
☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance
☐Managed Growth
☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services
☐ Balanced Finances now and future
☐ Resilient Infrastructure
BACKGROUND:
Based on the Parks Master Plan, the Parks Commission reviewed the service level needs and summarized them into the
six categories below which were discussed at the September 9, 2025, joint City Council and Parks Commission workshop.
The discussion revolved around a staff position to address the different areas and what should be prioritized.
6 categories for Parks service level needs that were identified by the Parks Commission based on the Parks Master Plan:
1.Recreational Programming- Develop community, recreational and education programming for kids, adults and
seniors. Promote outdoor activities and use of park systems.
2.Increase Community Engagement- Create through website or social sites, promoting ways to donate,
community events and volunteer opportunities.
3.Securing funding- Explore and secure additional funding sources, mechanisms and partners. Identifying,
applying for and securing park and recreation funding via various means, including grant writing.
4.Long-range strategic planning- Promoting Park improvements, expansion of the park and recreation system and
facilities.
5.Coordinating, developing and implementing a city trail network including greater interconnectivity and year-
round accessibility.
6.Environmental Stewardship- Managing sustainability initiatives, conservation efforts, and urban forestry
programs.
Annette Sallman, Executive Director of Community Education will provide information on how the city could partner
with Community Ed to bring more programming to our facilities as desired by the City Council as well as an update on
middle school sports.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should staff move forward with developing a Parks position based on priorities set by council?
Should staff not move forward with developing a Parks position based on priorities set by council?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
During the September 9th workshop:
1.Parks Commission stated they prioritize all 6 areas of the plan, feeling they are all intertwined, but finding
funding would probably be the most important to be able to move forward with the priorities listed in the Parks
Master Plan.
2.Staff heard council communicate they did not feel this position would be a Director level at this time and that
priorities would be:
a.Secure funding
b.Community Engagement (Events)
c.Collaborate with community partners to utilize Lake Elmo parks for their programs (school district, etc.)
d.Evaluate the Parks Master plan to determine implementation feasibility and priorities
This position would also replace the Assistant Public Works Director as the staff Parks Commission liaison.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Per the “Priority Initiatives” from the Parks Master Plan (pg. 91), the estimated cost for a Parks Director is $120,000-
$165,000. We understand we are not looking at a Director level so depending on the priorities/duties council would like
to incorporate, we would analyze the position based on our current SAFE rating system to determine the grade level and
appropriate wage range which would not exceed the amount listed above. Outside of the position wage/benefit costs,
there are also operating expenses to consider. (Computer, resources, supplies, funding for implementing objectives-
such as special events, community engagement events, park improvements, environmental initiatives etc.)
ATTACHMENTS:
Job Task Examples
Community Events Examples
Funding Development and Grant Administration
• Research, identify, and pursue local, state, federal, and private funding opportunities.
• Prepare grant applications, funding proposals, and sponsorship requests.
• Develop partnerships with foundations, businesses, and community organizations to
leverage additional resources.
• Assist in identifying sustainable funding mechanisms to support park development,
maintenance, and programming.
Strategic Planning and Master Plan Implementation
• Lead implementation, monitoring, and periodic updates of the City's Parks Master Plan.
• Develop short- and long-term strategies to enhance parks, trails, recreation facilities, and
natural resource areas.
• Prepare recommendations for capital improvement projects and long-range investments.
• Track performance measures and outcomes associated with strategic plan goals.
Community Engagement and Public Outreach
• Design and facilitate community engagement initiatives to gather public input on parks,
trails, and recreation services.
• Conduct public meetings, workshops, surveys, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Foster partnerships with neighborhood groups, schools, civic organizations, and volunteer
groups.
• Collaborate to develop communication strategies that increase public awareness and
participation in parks and recreation programs.
Recreation Programming and Community Services
• Evaluate community recreation needs and identify opportunities for new programs and
services.
• Support the development, expansion, and evaluation of recreational programming for all
ages and abilities.
• Collaborate with community partners to improve program accessibility, equity, and
participation.
• Analyze participation trends and community feedback to inform future programming
decisions.
• Manage the planning and implementation of special events.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
• Promote sustainable park management practices and environmental conservation
initiatives.
• Develop strategies for habitat restoration, urban forestry, water resource protection, and
natural area preservation.
• Coordinate environmental education and stewardship programs for residents and
community groups.
• Identify funding opportunities that support conservation, sustainability, and climate
resilience projects.
• Ensure park planning and development activities incorporate environmental best practices.
Coffee with Council Thursday, Jan 23rd 4:30 - 5:30 PM Flyby Coffee A chance to connect with new council
members in an informal setting.
City Staff &
Council
Fire & Ice Festival Friday, Feb 7th 5 PM - 9 PM Casey Lake Ice skating & bonfire night with hot chocolate Parks
Citywide Garage Sale Thursday, May 1st -
Saturday, May 3rd
Various times
(3 days) Citywide
Residents register to be listed on our website,
get a sign, and be on the map. (City Clean-Up
Month Activity).
City Staff
City Cleanup Day Saturday, May 10th 8 AM - 11 AM Public Works
Public Works building is open for the public to
dump/ recycle their stuff. (City Clean-Up
Month Activity).
Public Works
Parks Clean-Up Day Saturday, May 17th 10 AM - 12:30
PM Various Parks
Parks commission lead clean-up day. May
21st is the Highschool clean up day. (City
Clean-Up Month Activity).
Parks
Arts & Culture Commission
Event Placeholder
TBD - Arts
Commission TBD TBD TBD Arts & Culture
Guided Art
Nights/Community Classes
(6)
3/20, 4/17, 5/15, 6/19,
10/16, 11/20
6:30 PM - 8:30
PM
Casey Lake
Building
The artist leads a guided art night at the
Casey Lake building.Arts & Culture
Big Truck Night (Sponsor
Car Show)Friday, June 13th 4:30 - 8 PM 7th Ave
PW vehicles are on display for climbing and
exploration. Car show dash plaques, city info
booth.
City Staff + Arts
& Culture
Jazzercize in the Park (1) Wednesday, June
18th 5 PM - 6 PM Hause Park Jazzercize instructor with sound equipment
(Summer workout Series) Parks
Music In The Park (1) - Kids
Band Thursday, June 26th 5 PM - 6 PM Hause Park Kids band playing at Hause Park. A&C And Parks
Pound Fitness Class in the
Park (2)Wednesday, July 9th 6 PM - 7 PM Hause Park Pound class instructor with sound equipment.
(Summer workout Series) Rain date: July 10th Parks
2025 Event Schedule
EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION DESCRIPTION
COMMISSION
ASSIGNED
Music In The Park (2) - Steel
Drums Thursday, July 17th 5 PM - 6:30 PM Silver Lake Steel Drum Band playing at Silver Lake -
Beach party theme.
A&C And
Parks
National Night Out Tuesday, Aug 5th 5 PM - 7 PM City Hall City council visits local block parties. Fire and
PD host an open house.
Fire / PD and
Council
Music In The Park (3)Thursday, Aug 14th 6 - 7:30 PM Casey Lake Timbre Junction band playing at Casey lake
Park.
A&C And
Parks
Movie in the Park (1) - Adult Friday, Aug 15th 8 PM - 9:30 PM Hause Park Summer outdoor movie night - Throwback
Classic Parks
Yoga in the Park (3) Wednesday, Aug
20th 5 PM - 6 PM Hause Park Yoga instructor with sound equipment - bring
your own mat. (Summer workout Series)Parks
Movie in the Park (2) - Kids Thursday, Aug 21st 8 PM - 9:30 PM Hause Park Summer outdoor movie night - Children's
movie.Parks
Autumn Arts Festival Saturday, Sept 13th 11 AM - 6 PM Casey Lake Vendors, bouncy house, food trucks,
performers, facepainting.Arts & Culture
Fall Roundup Parade Thursday, Sept 18th 5:30 - 7:30 PM 7th Ave Decorating two trucks, candy handouts.
Run by the BA.
City Staff, PW
& Council
Fall 5k Run/Walk to support
the Food Shelf Saturday, Sept 27th 10:30 AM - 1 PM Casey Lake Guided 5K run/walk and food drive fundraiser.
Soup fundraiser from local churches. Parks
Therapy Dog Day Friday, Oct 10th TBD City Hall Therapy dogs visit City Hall for World Mental
Health Day.City Staff
Booya Sale Day Saturday, Oct 4th 9 AM - 1 PM Casey Lake
Park Annual Booya Sale day at Casey Lake Park Fire
City Open House/ Career
Day TBD - North High TBD City Hall
North High students visit the diffrent
departments to learn about careers within the
city. Grades 11 & 12.
City Staff
Holly Jolly Night Friday, Dec 5th 5 PM - 9:30 PM Casey Lake Holiday community event with Bonfire, Carol
Sing, and Movie Night. Parks
EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION DESCRIPTION
COMMISSION
ASSIGNED
Date Type Due date for
packet Order Agenda Section Agenda item
6/16/2026 CC Meeting 6/9/26 Closed Session before
meeting Info to follow at a later date (tentative)
Consent Agenda Met Council Water Efficiency Grant
Consent Agenda 180 Acres AUAR Approval (tentative)
Consent Agenda Approve Massage Therapy License Renewal
Consent Agenda Approve Massage Therapy Premises License
Consent Agenda PW Jamica Building parking Lot and Pup Park
Consent Agenda Special Event Permit for Lake Elmo Baseball
Regular Agenda Wash Co. Middle St Croix Valley to Phalen-Keller Regional Trail Long-Range Plan
Regular Agenda Inwood Commercial Preliminary Plat
Regular Agenda Limerick Village Preliminary Plat and PUD
Discussion Pulte Townhomes Concept Plan
Regular Agenda 2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Population Forecasts
Regular Agenda 2026 Crosswalk Improvements
7/7/2026 CC Meeting 6/30/26 Closed Session before
meeting Potential litigation discussion (tentative)
Consent Agenda Approve appointment of election judges
Consent Agenda 2nd Quarter Dashboards and Financials
Regular Agenda 2025 Audit Presentation
Regular Agenda Purchasing Policy
Regular Agenda 2nd Quarter Goals Update
Regular Agenda Stormwater Utility Code Review
7/14/2026 CC Workshop 7/7/26 Discussion Old City Hall
Discussion Sports Complex/76 acre Consultant Discussion (tentative)
Discussion Street parking Royal Golf
Discussion Draft 2027 - 2036 Capital Improvement Program
Discussion Strategic Financial Plan - Initial Review of Models, Assumptions, and Strategic Financial Goals
Closed Session before
meeting Sale of Fire Station and Parks Building (tentative)
7/21/2026 CC Meeting 7/14/26
Consent Agenda Fund Transfers
Closed Session before
meeting Ryan Companies offer (tentative)
Closed Session Discuss sale of 11052 34TH ST N (tentative)
8/5/2026 CC Meeting 7/30/26
Consent Agenda Sunfish Deer Hunting
Consent Agenda PW Snow Groomer Purchase
8/11/2026 CC Workshop 8/4/26
Discussion Draft 2027 Budget & Levy
Future Council Agenda Items
*Please note: This list is subject to change*
Community Engagement Results - City 180
8/18/2026 CC Meeting 8/11/26
9/1/2026 CC Meeting 8/25/26
9/8/2026 CC Workshop 9/1/26 Obstructions in ROW
9/15/2026 CC Meeting 9/8/26 Regular Agenda 2027 Preliminary Levy
Consent Agenda Appoint Election Judges
10/6/2026 CC Meeting 9/29/26 Consent Agenda 3rd Quarter Dashboards and Financials
Regular Agenda 3rd Quarter Goals Update
10/13/2026 CC Workshop 10/6/26 CIP F-012 Ladder 1 Replacement Approval
10/20/2026 CC Meeting 10/13/26 Regualr Agenda CIP F-012 Ladder 1 Replacement Approval
11/4/2026 CC Meeting Regular Agenda Bonding
11/10/2026 Special Meeting Canvass Election Results
11/10/2026 CC Workshop Employee Policies Updates
11/17/2026 CC Meeting
Regular Agenda
12/1/2026 CC Meeting
Regular Agenda
12/8/2026 CC Workshop
12/15/2026 CC Meeting