News from the City of Lake Elmo

March 31, 2017
 
Tuesday, April 4: City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.

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

City Meetings
  City Agendas and Minutes
                                                                               


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.

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


An Afternoon Swim (A Mike Smith Horse Adventure)


Not all practical (or impractical) jokes occur on April Fools Day. Not all are intended to be jokes, they just turn out that way. Pranksters appreciate the art form, no matter the source or time of year. That said, the concept of "April Fools" is more the celebration of an art form than a deadline.
 
This particular tale takes place In the early 1960s when Lake Elmo resident Mike Smith mowed lawns for an entire summer to purchase a horse. "Flash" was the horse's name, the perfect name for a perfectly mischievous partner for mischievous Mike Smith.

The fun started the day a bill of sale was agreed upon. Once the transaction was complete, Mike immediately wanted to take Flash out for a ride. He didn't have a saddle, so he borrowed one from the former owner so they could enjoy a ride together.

It was a sulty hot summer day. Flash liked the idea of a swim on such days. Mike, lacking instruction on how to control a horse; especially one so impulsive, lost control of the beast once they got to Lake Elmo. The horse took control of the situation, trotting straight into the water.

Mike first tried the reigns. This was quickly followed by what Mike perceived to be horse commands. This in turn, was replaced by threats and cussing. Nothing worked. Finally, Mike just held on to the horse's neck like his life depended on it.

Flash didn't stop until he reached the opposite shore. Satisfied, he took both himself and his rider back to the barn. Mike was mad about the unintended swim. The former owner was mad about the wet saddle. The only one delighted with the outcome was Flash.

One can only speculate as to whether the horse saw this as an opportunity for revenge or as a practical joke. However you look at it, the events of the day were in the spirit of this prankster's holiday.

Happy April Fools Eve!

(Mike Smith grew up along the shores of Lake Elmo during the 1950's and 1960's. His Grandmother, Margaret Wier is pictured just to the left of his shoulder. One can only imagine how she viewed his youthful adventures....)


Source: Rolf Larson

  
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.


Next week at the Lake Elmo Library

  
For more information please click here  EVENTS

 
Prescription Drug "Take Back" Events set for April 29, 2017
 


Drive by and drop off! Bring your old and unused medication to Prescription Drug "Take Back" Events in Mahtomedi  or  Stillwater on April 29th. Medications accepted include prescription, over-the-counter and pet medication. You don't even have to get out of the car. Free and anonymous.
 
MAHTOMEDI: 9 TO NOON
Mahtomedi School District Education Center
1520 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
 
STILLWATER: 8 TO NOON
Washington County Government Center
Parking Lot A, 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082
 
Can't make it to this event? Drop boxes are also available year-round in Forest Lake, Stillwater and Cottage Grove. More info online  or call the Sheriff's Office: 651-430-7800