News from the City of Lake Elmo

April 7 , 2017
 
Monday, April 10: Human Resources Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m.

Monday, April 10:  Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11: City Council Special Meeting 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11: City Council Workshop 6:30 p.m.

Links to the 2017 City Meetings, Agendas and Meeting Minutes: 

                                                                               



National Library Week - The Heart of a Community

"History is rewritten every day. Too often we forget this."

We assume history is the study of past events. The combined story of Lake Elmo individuals, events and various 'acts of god' has compiled a 150-year history of people, growth, local politics, policy, and natural 'acts of god". Today we work on what will be history tomorrow.

An example of ongoing history at work in our community is our downtown community library. A few years ago, It seemed that the city might loose this local institution. However, a group of citizens stepped up to initiate a local volunteer effort. With the support of the city, a building was made available on the northwest corner of the Lion's Park property. It was called the "Ramsey Center for the Arts". This house was once residence of the Hagberg Family, who still operate Hagberg's Market across from Lake Elmo Bank on CR 14. 

When activities and a bo ok collection outgrew this first residence, a building in downtown Lake Elmo (the current library building at 3537 Lake Elmo Avenue) was made available.

Today, partnerships have developed between different activity groups and education advocates to creatively serve the community. Young and old, families with deep local roots and newcomers meet and work together to enjoy each other and their common goals and interests.

Our Community Library is a diamond in the rough! It has grown from the rich soil of local dreams and shared goals; a classic grass root project! It is a place where the community can go for information meet others who share common interests or activities. It has grown from the wishes and efforts of the community.

As we celebrate National Library week (April 9-15), Lake Elmo has a unique local institution that is both a library and community center. It is truly a product of our community that both celebrates our past, serves the broader community in the present and points us toward a future that is capable of meeting changing local needs. 


(Photos of the Ramsey Art Center and the library's current location. Rolf Larson photos.)


  
Lake Elmo Street and Utility Improvements

Work has resumed on the Downtown Lake Elmo Street and Utility Improvement Project.

The following work will occur in 2017:
  • Storm sewer, water, and sanitary sewer installation between 32nd Street and the railroad tracks.
  • Road reconstruction between 32nd Street and the railroad tracks.
  • Completion of sidewalks and landscaping on 30th Street and all areas in the downtown and south of the railroad tracks on County Highway 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue).
  • The final layer of pavement on all roads that were reconstructed in 2016.
  • Any clean-up work, signing, striping, and other miscellaneous work to finalize the project.
Washington County will begin sending out weekly construction updates; as they have over the 2015 and 2016 construction seasons and we will continue to share that information every week in the Fresh.  The current update from Washington County can be viewed here: update.

As in the past, copies of the Washington County updates will be available to pick up at the Lake Elmo Post Office and The Lake Elmo Inn.


Open Book Meetings

I mportant Information Regarding Property Assessments
This may affect your 2018 property taxes
 
Notice is hereby given that the Open Book Meetings for the City of Lake Elmo shall meet on the following dates and locations:
 
Cottage Grove City Hall
Thursday, April 6th, 2017
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Oakdale City Hall
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Woodbury City Hall
Thursday, April 20th, 2017
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Washington County Government Center
Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
2:00pm - 7:00pm
   
Property owners may attend any one of the four regional Open Book meetings.
   
The purpose of these meetings is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor.
   
If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor's office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed.

A copy of the 2017 Washington County Assessment Report may be accessed here: REPORT

Street Sweeping
Spring stre et sweeping will begin April 17 and last approximately 2 weeks.  Du ri ng that time we ask that you limit on street parking
when sweepers are in your neighborhood .

Please use caution around street sweepers and they move slow and make frequent sharp turns in traffic.
Pothole Season Has Arrived!

Crews from Public Works have begun the long, daunting task of pothole patching.  Lake Elmo Public Works is responsible to maintain over 100 miles of city streets.  It takes a great deal of time to cover this amount of area so we ask for your patience during this process.  If you notice large potholes in the lane of travel please contact Public Works at 651-747-3900.  Large holes and areas in the greatest distress will be the focus of priority before shifting to other areas of the city.

Next week at the Lake Elmo Library

  
For more information please click here  EVENTS

 
Controlled prairie burns planned in Washington County this spring

Washington County Parks is planning to conduct controlled prairie burns this spring at Big Marine Park Reserve, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and along County Road 18 between 13th and 18th street.
In addition, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff will be conducting a controlled burn at the Bayport Wildlife Management Area.

The controlled burns help preserve prairies and woodlands by encouraging the growth of native plants and reducing unwanted woody vegetation. Ultimately, these burns enhance wildlife habitat, recycle plant nutrients, and improve nectar resources for pollinators.
The controlled burns are planned with the assistance of local fire departments and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They will occur on a weekday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. only when weather conditions permit a safe and effective burn. Trained personnel with fire-fighting equipment are on-site until the fire is extinguished. 

For additional information, call the Washington County Natural Resources Coordinator at 651-430-4323.