News from the City of Lake Elmo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        February 1,  2019
Meetings next week:   

Tuesday, February 5th: City Council Meeting 7:00PM
  
 
Links to the 2019 City Meetings, Agendas and Meeting Minutes: 

City Meetings
 
                                                                               

2/5 - City Council  Meeting Agenda







Protect your pipes!

With the recent extreme cold and little snow cover, frost is being driven deeper into the ground, and waterlines are freezing throughout the  City. It is the resident's responsibility for their water service lines.

It is advised to run water of a cold tap that is closest to the point at which the water service enters the building. The water stream should be between the size of the point of a #2 pencil and a Sharpie marker, and continue to do so until the water temperature reached 40 ยฐ F. Please note that the warm-up this weekend may not be enough to raise water temperatures to the needed 40 ยฐ F, but the running water will certainly be less expensive than thawing or replacing a water line!


Online Bill Pay Update

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.  

Note: that your "Utility Account Numbers" will be required to create a new login, and will require two separate payments for storm water and water/sewer.  Y ou will need to match your storm water account number with the appropriate payment, and do the same for your water/sewer payment and that account number. Please do not credit both payments/charges to one account.


Winter Parking Ordinance Still in Effect!

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

The City's winter parking ordinance is continues to be 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!
The Lake Elmo Fire Department Needs You!

The Lake Elmo Fire Department is looking for paid-on-call firefighters.  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



Volunteers Needed!

Finance Committee:
To aid the City Council in the administration of financial operations of the City of Lake Elmo through the review of financial policies, the quarterly review of financial statements, the annual review of the audit report and the review of the annual operating budgets.









Human Resources Committee:
The Human Resources Committees purpose is to aid the City Council in the administration of personnel policies and staffing through productivity audits, human resource policies, & procedures, wages & rate administration, benefit review and disciplinary procedures.










Maintenance Advisory Committee (MAC): 
The Maintenance Advisory Committee evaluates and recommends maintenance equipment purchases for the City.












The City of Lake Elmo is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on these committees.  

Information on each committee and an application form can be found under the "Government" tab on the City's website:  www.lakeelmo.org.








New Wash. Co. Organics Drop-off Program

The organics drop-off program at the Washington County Environmental Center is now officially
 LIVE!  Residents can drop-off bagged food scraps, paper towels, and more at the Environmental Center during open hours. Known as "organics," these materials can be recycled into compost, a valuable resource that improves soil and decreases the need for fertilizers. The address and hours of the Environmental Center are:

Washington County Environmental Center
 
HOURS:
Tuesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closed on 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Day
   
Similar to dropping off Household Hazardous Waste, residents will use the drive lane and an attendant will collect their bags of organics and give them an equal number of new bags in return, for free. As an incentive to participate, residents who sign up for our email notification system will receive a free starter kit. Starter kits are available for pick up at the Environmental Center during open hours. The email notification system will allow the County to communicate directly with participants regarding any program changes or issues with contamination. To receive a free starter kit, residents must show proof of subscription to the email notification system. They will receive an automatic email from the system once their subscription is complete. The kit includes:
  •          Green, 2 gallon kitchen collection pail (w/ locking lid and handle)
  •          10 compostable bags
  •          Instructions on what is and is not acceptable in organics
  •          Stickers and other promotional materials to post at home
  Additional program information is available here.  
BizRecycling

BizRecycling is a program to help businesses in Ramsey County and Washington County start, expand, improve, and manage business recycling, includi ng organic waste collection, such as food waste.  The BizRecycling program was started in 2013 to help East Metro businesses reduce waste and recycle better. BizRecycling connects businesses with  recycling experts  who can help identify recycling and waste reduction opportunities.  We offer free on-site consultations, technical assistance, expert advice and guidance. Businesses can request free container labels for their trash and recycling bins. We also have business recycling grants available (up to $10K per business!) to start or improve business recycling.

BizRecycling with Sunray BP Gas Station
BizRecycling with Sunray BP Gas Station


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:

SIDEWALKS

ยง 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 48 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.

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.


Study winter constellations with Mike Lynch Feb. 9 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve
 
Get to know Orion the Hunter, Gemini the Twins, Taurus the Bull, and many more winter constellations during a visit with Mike Lynch 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Mike Lynch, meteorologist for WCCO, will bring large reflector telescopes that are among the biggest mobile telescopes in the Midwest. The program will begin at the Nordic Center for a short presentation, and then move outside to the swim pond to get a close-up views of star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial treasures. This is an outdoor event; dress for the weather.

This program is free with a parks vehicle permit ($7/daily or $30/annually. For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email  at:  parks@co.washington.mn.us .  For more Washington County Parks programs and events, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks .

Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks
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Guided morning bird hikes continue with Feb. 9 hike

A rotating schedule of bird hikes throughout Washington County Parks will continue in 2019, with a hike 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Pine Park Regional Park.

An additional hike is planned for March 9 at Big Marine Park Reserve.

Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. The surveys collected will assist the county's Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.

This is a one-hour guided hike; meet at the trailhead kiosk near the main parking lot.  For Washington County park locations, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks . Under park locations, find a county map with park contact information; search "guided bird hikes" on the county website for more information.

The hike will traverse turf, gravel, and paved trail depending on trail conditions. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and the weather. This program is free with a parks vehicle permit ($7/daily or $30/annually), and is open to people of all ages and abilities. ADA accommodations can be made as needed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email at parks@co.washington.mn.us.

For more Washington County Parks programs and events, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks.
Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks.


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Washington County Parks celebrates full moon in February at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

 
Washington County Parks will celebrate winter's full moons with event in February at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
  • A Full Moon Ski will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve starting at the Nordic Center. Glide across the snow on the serene landscape of Lake Elmo Park Reserve under the light of the full moon. This guided ski will be on the unlit Orange trail, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the night. Head lamps are welcome. No reservation are required. Free with vehicle permit. Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at 1515 Keats Ave. N. in Lake Elmo
A Washington County parks vehicle permit ($7/day or $30/annual) is required for entry to the parks. Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks.
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