News from the City of Lake Elmo
                                                                                                                                                                       
  January 17, 2020
Public Meetings Next Week:

City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21 7:00PM


Links to the 2020 City Meetings, Agendas and Meeting Minutes: 

City Meetings
 
                                                                               

Tuesday, January 21 City Council Meeting Agenda


Meeting materials can be accessed here.
City Offices will be closed Monday, January 20th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Snow Removal Ordinance 


The City's snow removal ordinance is now in effect. The snow removal ordinance requires property owners and occupants to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. If ice and snow are not removed within 48 hours after snowfall ends, it will be considered a nuisance and may be abated by the City in accordance with City Code.




The ice rink at Lions Park is open 3PM-9PM on weekdays, and Noon-9PM on weekend and school holidays.


WinterFest will be celebrated January 25th at Lake Elmo Park Reserve


Washington County Parks will celebrate WinterFest 10A.M. to 3P.M. Saturday, January 25 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. WinterFest is an opportunity to get outside and enjoy everything that winter has to offer.  Breathe in the clean, crisp winter air while traversing the trails of Lake Elmo Park Reserve by cross-country ski or fat-tire bike. All equipment is provided, and the programs are free with a valid parks vehicle permit.



 
Fourth quarter utility bills were mailed this week. Stormwater bills will be mailed before the end of the month. As a reminder, utility and stormwater bills are now sent in the form of a postcard. The postcard contains the same billing and payment information. If you have any questions please call the City of Lake Elmo at (651) 747-3900.


The City of Lake Elmo wants your input!
The City is using Polco, a community engagement tool, to gather feedback from residents. If you'd like to provide your feedback to the City on topics ranging from budgeting to parks amenities and everything in-between, visit www.polco.us/lakeelmo  and create an account!





Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center Events

Saturday January 18th 11:00 AM  Les Larson - All About Pigeons and Doves
Learn about these fascinating birds, who each have their own personalities, and are great pets.  In this picture, Pearl the Jacobin Pigeon and Minnie the Ring-necked Dove have been getting acquainted with Whitey, the nature center's latest resident. (Free Will donation)

2nd Saturdays Jan - May at 10:30 AM - Stillwater Schools Early Childhood Family Education
Thursday January 23rd - Julie Schroeder Alcohol Inks Workshop

Draft Airport Zoning Ordinance for Review


A public hearing on the draft airport zoning ordinance is scheduled for Thursday, January 23 2020 at the Oak-Land middle school 820 Manning Avenue North, Lake Elmo. An open house will be held prior to the public hearing starting at 5:15PM, the public hearing will be held at 6:30PM. Documentation is available for public review at Lake Elmo City Hall and Lake Elmo Public library. An electronic version is available here.


Cold Weather Rule Takes Effect Oct. 15
Customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 15 through April 15

The Minnesota Cold Weather rule takes effect Tuesday, and Xcel Energy wants to ensure that residential customers who need assistance paying their energy bills this winter can get the help they need.
Under the rule, residential customers are protected from service disconnection from Oct. 15 through the following April 15, if the disconnection would affect the customer's primary heating source. Customers must immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan if they receive a disconnection notice.

Be aware of scams
Xcel Energy also wants to remind customers to be aware of scams that typically ramp up during the change in seasons.
In most scenarios, the scammer tells the customer their account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn't made - usually within the hour. The scammer then instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card - widely available at retail stores - and demands the customer call back to supposedly make a payment to the utility. These scammers often sound professional and may also manipulate caller ID so numbers look like they're coming from Xcel Energy.

If customers have any doubt about the authenticity of someone claiming to be with Xcel Energy and asking for payment, we recommend that they hang up and check their account status using My Account or our mobile app, or call Xcel Energy Customer Service at 800-895-4999. Xcel Energy's website has much more information to help people avoid phone, email, in person and employment scams.

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the
impact of flooding on private and public structures. It
does so by providing affordable insurance to property
owners, renters and businesses and by encouraging
communities to adopt and enforce floodplain
management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the
effects of flooding on new and improved structures.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Here are some important facts to keep in mind:

* Homeowners and renters insurance does not

typically cover flood damage.

* More than 20 percent of flood claims come from

properties outside high-risk flood zones.

* 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 in flood damage!


Flood insurance plans typically have a 30-day waiting
period before they pay, so residents are urged to buy a
flood insurance policy before the Springtime.

For more information visit www.Floodsmart.gov