News from the City of Lake Elmo
December 21,  2018
Meetings next week:  

 
 
 
 
There are no meetings scheduled for next week.

Note: City offices will be closed on Monday 12/24 and Tuesday 12/25

Links to the 2018 City Meetings, Agendas and Meeting Minutes: 

City Meetings
 
                                                                               

City Offices Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

City offices will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Snow Removal Ordinance Change

At their 12/4 meeting, Council voted to update the City ordinance relating to snow removal.  These changes require residents to clear sidewalks that are adjacent to their property, and reads as follows:

§ 96.03 PUBLIC NUISANCES AFFECTING PEACE AND SAFETY.
(A)      The following are declared to be nuisances affecting peace and safety.
(23)   Snow on streets and sidewalks. All snow and ice not removed from public sidewalks 48 hours followingthe termination of any snow or ice formation. Snow plowed or shoveled into a public street shall also be a nuisance;
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title IX, Chapter 93, Streets and Sidewalks, by adding a new Section 93.50, Sidewalks which shall read as follows.

SIDEWALKS

§ 93.50 SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL.            
(A)       Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. The owner or occupant of any property within the city's corporate limits that fronts upon any public street that has an abutting sidewalk must remove any snow or ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours following the termination of any snow or ice formation. The owner or occupant of the property abutting the sidewalk must keep the abutting sidewalk reasonably clear and free of any snow or ice.
(B)       Nuisance. Failure by the owner or occupant of the property abutting the sidewalk to comply with this section shall constitute a nuisance and the nuisance may be abated by the city in accordance with Chapter 96 of the city code.

Odd/Even Watering Restriction Charges

At their 12/4 meeting Council adopted updated penalties for the violation of the City's odd/even watering restriction.  Violations will be addressed as follows:

1st violation - Warning
2nd violation - $100
Each subsequent violation - Penalty increased by $100 for the same property owner within the same calendar year up to a maximum of $500
The City is Looking for New Commission Members for 2019!

The City of Lake Elmo is experiencing an exciting time of community growth. The city is fortunate to have active and involved residents on its commissions providing valuable input for future projects and growth. The city's number one value statement is to foster an environment based on trust and ethics. These philosophies and practices help the city in recruiting and retaining exceptional community servants in this capacity . 
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Accepting Applications for Commissioners on the following Commissions:
PLANNING COMMISSION
PARKS COMMISSION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
 
The City of Lake Elmo is currently accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission, the Parks Commission and Economic Development Authority. Commissioners serve a three year term. The Planning Commission advises the City Council regarding matters relevant to city planning and zoning practices, initiatives, applications, city code and the comprehensive plan. The Parks Commission advises the City Council on matters relevant to the city's parks and trail systems. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) advises the Council on economic development matters including business retention, expansion and recruitment.

The city is currently seeking volunteers who have an interest in providing service and representing the community on the above commissions.

If you are interested in serving the community in this capacity, please find the appropriate application below. Applications are also available on our website at www.lakeelmo.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. First review of those received by Friday, December 21, 2018. Thank you for your interest in the City of Lake Elmo.
 
 
PLEASE CONTACT CITY ADMINISTRATOR KRISTINA HANDT AT 651.747.3905 OR KHANDT@LAKEELMO.ORG WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON ONE OF THE CITY'S COMMISSIONS OR BOARDS.

Planning Commission Application 
Parks Commission Application
General Committee/Commission Application (use for all other committees/commissions/EDA)


CSAH 14/15 Realignment Update

Phase 2 (Under Construction)

The second phase of the Manning Avenue (County Highway 15) Corridor Management and Safety Improvement Project will include a realignment of County Highway 14 (old TH 5) and Manning Avenue near the County Fairgrounds.
Click the links below:
Construction Photos
A camera is placed on-site and takes a picture every 12-14 minutes during the entire construction project. This is a great way to view recent activity and the progress throughout construction.


North camera

Online Bill Pay Now Available

The City of Lake Elmo has launched a new online bill pay option for utility bills.  To pay your bill online, visit the City's website at: www.lakeelmo.org.  

Once on the website, click on the "Online Bill Pay Now Available" article under the City News & Events heading.  Click the "Pay Online" button and create new account using the "First-time User" button on the next page.  

After your account is created you will be able to login with your email address and your newly created password.  Please note that your "Utility Account Number" will be required to create a new login, so have your utility bill ready!
County to request speed studies on county roads

The Washington County Board of Commissioners requested Dec. 18 that the Minnesota Department of

The studies will help determine the reasonable and safe speed limit on the roadway segments to be studied, and MnDOT will authorize the County Engineer to install and maintain the appropriate signs on the roadways. Transportation (MnDOT) conduct a number of speed studies on county roads in 2019.

The Lake Elmo roadways that will be reviewed are CSAH  14, from 39th Street North to Mendel Avenue North in the City of Lake Elmo and Baytown Township; and CSAH 15, from 30th Street North to 43rd Street North in the City of Lake Elmo and Baytown Township.
Winter Parking Ordinance Now in Effect!

City plow truck on Marquess Lane blocked by cars parked on the road

With winter weather rapidly approaching, the City's winter parking ordinance is now in effect.  The winter parking ordinance prohibits parking on Lake Elmo streets from November 1 through March 31 between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM, or during a snow event outside of those hours.


 

Remember, if the City's trucks are blocked they can't plow your streets!
Christmas Tree Recycling in Washington County

Are you wondering what to do with your Christmas  tree after the holiday? You can recycle your tree by dropping them off at one of the designated locations in Washington County. 

Visit https://www.co.washington.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/2572/Christmas-Tree-Drop-Off-Locations?bidId for more information.  See the postcards below for more information on recycling at home.


Now Hiring Seasonal Warming House Attendants!

The City of Lake Elmo is looking for warming house attendants at Lion's Park. Attendants will represent the City of Lake Elmo and are responsible for the warming house and surrounding ice rinks during hours of operation. The Attendant will maintain a safe, clean environment during each shift. These are seasonal positions; dates and hours of employment are subject to seasonal warming house/rink operation requirements. 

If you are interested please fill out the application below.  







Completed applications can be mailed to:
City of Lake Elmo
Attn: Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator
3880 Laverne Ave. N., Lake Elmo MN

or emailed to: jfoster@lakeelmo.org
Business lighting displays play a roll in Lake Elmo's 2018 skyline.

As always, the lavish lighting displays at Lake Elmo Inn dominates the Old Village along Lake Elmo Avenue/Old Main Street (Top photo). There is also a short stretch of Old Main Street that still valiantly lights up for the holidays (the first photo in the film strip).

Along Highway 14, Lake Elmo Bank shows its colors. This singular display is located on formerly MN 5, US 212, Stillwater Stage Road, a trapper trail, etc. At one time it was part of the Yellowstone Highway, the first paved road to connect the East and West coasts. This path generally predates our hamlet by centuries! (this is the second photo on the filmstrip).

The "Star of St. Elmo", glows over Lake Elmo Avenue and the Northeast corner of our actual Lake Elmo. I consider this a representative of the farming industry in our community. After all, it is attached to a real windmill.

The final frame is from Rockport Church's bold light show and manger scene to represent the religious community.
As always, homes throughout the city share smaller displays emphasizing rooflines, sidewalks and the varying shapes of greenery in their yards, worthy gifts to neighbors and others who choose to visit Lake Elmo - both the established and yet evolving neighborhoods. 

Happy Holidays to all!
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(Photos courtesy of Rolf Larson)
Lion's Park Signs

The City is taking orders for new signs at Lion's Park for the 2019 season.  If you'd like to purchase a sign to advertise on the Lion's Park ballpark fence, or renew your current sign, the deadline to do so is April 1, 2019.

The cost of the signs are $500 per year for a 4'x8' sign, and $900 per year for a 4'x16' sign.  To begin work on designing your sign, email Kathy Weeks at weeksendsigns@aol.com.  For all other questions contact City Administrator, Kristina Handt at khandt@lakeelmo.org or 651-747-3905.


December Kindness Campaign

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness."
- William Arthur Ward

 
We hope you all had a fabulous month loaded with extra smiles and magical moments!
 

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."
- Lucius Annaeus Seneca
 
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Here's a great calendar to help spread kindness throughout this most wonderful time of the year!


We hope you'll share your kindness story with us at www.lakeelmorotary.org and always remember... kindness is extraordinary!