News from the City of Lake Elmo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        May 17,  2019
Meetings next week:   

Monday, May 20th: Parks Commission Meeting 6:30PM
Tuesday, May 21st: City Council Meeting 7:00PM
 

Links to the 2019 City Meetings, Agendas and Meeting Minutes: 

City Meetings
 
                                                                               

5/20 - Parks Commission Meeting Agenda
5/21 - City Council Meeting Agenda
How would you rate the City's streets?
 
New parks-related questions have been posted on the City's Polco tool.  Let us know what you think about Lake Elmo's streets!  Provide your responses at www.polco.us/lakeelmo.



Conserve water through WaterSense
 
Up to 30% of household water use is done outdoors according to the EPA. If you're thinking about ways to manage your outdoor water usage, consider checking out the guide to a Water Conscious landscaping arrangement below. Some things to consider are plants that are native to our area, and finding species that don't require as much water, fertilizer, and pesticides. 

This is a great idea to keep your yard looking green without having to reach for the hose!






















 
Applications are now being accepted for expedited projects funded by the 3M settlement money 

The MPCA and DNR are making about $25 million from the 2018 3M settlement available for time-sensitive projects that are consistent with the settlement's top priority - ensuring safe drinking water for communities in the East Metropolitan Area.  For more information and criteria on what constitutes an "expedited project" see the .PDF below

Criteria for screening, evaluating drinking water supply projects

The MPCA, DNR, Citizen-Business Group and Government and 3M Working Group have created a set of criteria that will be used to screen and evaluate proposed drinking water supply projects. Those criteria are in the file below.

Well sampling/testing in the east metro area

Between now and the end of June 2019, the MPCA and MDH expect to sample approximately 1,100 more private wells in the east metro.  If you live in the area that is a priority for testing, you can request that your private well water be tested.  You can find out if you are within the priority testing area by using this interactive map.

If you live in the priority sampling area, you can request to have your well tested by filling out and submitting this online form.

Help Lake Elmo Name Parks and Trails
 
At their April 2nd meeting, City Council approved a new park naming policy to give names to new parks, trails, and facilities and existing parks, trails, and other facilities that are unnamed.  There is also potential to rename existing parks and facilities to create more cohesiveness throughout the City.  The full policy that was approved can be viewed here.

The City is currently looking for name suggestions for the newly approved park that will be located between the Wildflower and Village Preserve developments.  Park names deemed derogatory or offensive in nature will not be considered.  Park names shall not be duplicated or named after a specific development.

For more information and an application to submit a park name, email City Planner, Ben Prchal at bprchal@lakeelmo.org 



CSAH 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) Phase 3 Project Update

 
Project Schedule

This Week
  • Crews worked on clearing and grubbing throughout the project.
  • Erosion control devices were installed.
  • Mailboxes were removed and temporary mailboxes were set up near 14th Street and 30th Street.
  • Residents are asked to roll their trash cans out to the curb as they normally do, on the scheduled pick up day. The contractor will ensure that the containers are emptied.
  • Beginning Thursday, May 9, the north bound lane will be closed on Lake Elmo Avenue in order for crews to begin removing the pavement surface on the east half of the road. The road will remain open in the south bound direction only.

Upcoming Work
  • Crews will begin installing storm sewer on the east half of the road.
  • Turn lane construction will begin at the entrance to the old Tartan Park ball fields.
  • Turn lane construction will begin on CSAH 10 a quarter mile west of Manning Avenue.

For more information visit the project website at:  https://www.co.washington.mn.us/LakeElmoPhase3 






2019 Citywide National Night Out Event is Looking for Business Participants!
 
The 2019 Citywide Nation Night Out event committee is looking for local businesses to participate in the event.  If you are a local business representative, and would like to participate, please complete the form below.


Completed forms can be sent to:

Lake Elmo National Night Out Coordinating Committee, c/o Molly Brendmoen, 
3631 Laverne Ave. N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(or drop the form off at the Lake Elmo Library)

Completed forms must be returned by Friday, May 31, 2019.


Explore Your Parks Day in Washington County June 1
 
All Washington County Parks are free to enter on Explore Your Parks Day June 1, and a number of activities are planned.

A t the Historic Courthouse, Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bikes and Trails in Washington County Exhibit will have its grand opening.

Minnesota is considered the second most bike-friendly state in the United States, with residents riding bikes as a pastime, a mode of transport, a physical activity and a sport. To celebrate the history of the bicycles and to highlight the network of trails and paths in Washington County, including the history of rails to trails, the Washington County Historic Courthouse is hosting an exhibit Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bikes and Trails in Washington County, which will open June 1 and run through 2019.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve will have a Campfire Program at 7:15 p.m., Nature Bracelets presented by the Washington County Library at the outdoor amphitheater in the modern campground for a 45-minute program.

See the Washington County website for park locations. Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks.


  
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










CSAH 14/15 Realignment Project
 
County 14/Stillwater Boulevard on the western project limits will shift traffic to the south side of the roadway and close 39th Street North as the intersection and mainline construction in this area is completed. Stillwater Way North (reconstructing the Old Highway 5 alignment) will be closed with access for residents from one direction. The final stages will be completed during the spring and summer months. 

For more information visit the project website at www.co.washington.mn.us/2300/Phase-2 or contact the Washington County Project Manager, Nathan Arnold at 651.430.4384 or  Nathan.Arnold@co.washington.mn.us 




Enjoy guided fitness hikes in Washington County Parks, next one May 24
 
Explore the Washington County Parks trail system with guided fitness hikes, with the next hike at 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Meet at the Nordic Center.

The one-hour hikes involve a warm-up and fitness challenges along the way. Trails are a mix of turf, gravel, grass, snow, and pavement depending on trail conditions, time of year, and location. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. If light rain or snow, hike will go on as scheduled. The program is for those ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

An additional hike will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at Pine Point Regional Park as part of Explore Your Parks Day when no vehicle permit is required.
These programs are free with a parks vehicle permit ($7/day or $30/annual) with the exception of Free Tuesdays.

Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks

Campfire programs start season with Animals of the St. Croix, May 25 

Washington County Parks will begin its summer campfire program season the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend with programs at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.

Carpenter Nature Center will present a program on "Animals of the St. Croix" at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
The programs are free with the park entry fee, $7 daily or $30 annually.
See the commplete season of scheduled campfire programs at https://www.co.washington.mn.us/1560/Campfire-Programs
 
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10 (one mile north of Interstate 94) in Lake Elmo. The program will be in the campground amphitheater. Call 651-430-8370 or see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks  for additional information on this and other programs.

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park is along the St. Croix River on County Road 21, between County Road 76 and County Road 78, in Denmark Township. The program will be in the campground amphitheater.  Call 651-430-8240 or see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks  for additional information on this and other programs.

Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve modern campground will get new playground
 
The modern campground in Lake Elmo Park Reserve will get a new playground, after the Washington County Board approved a contract with Landscape Structures May 14.

The contract is for $141,546.

The modern campground has 80 camping spots and is near maximum capacity for the entire camping season. The current playground is 17 years old with limited handicap accessibility and a sand base surface; while well maintained, the equipment is out of date such that parts for repair and upgrades are no longer manufactured.

The new playground will have new play structures for children ages 2 to 12 on a poured-in-place surfacing. Poured-in-place surfacing allows a safer and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible surface for the playground. 

The county chose to use the state-approved contract list for direct selection of a playground manufacturer and installer for efficiency in the selection process. The state goes through a competitive bid process and creates the approved contract list, which allows counties to directly select contractors off this list at an approved low price.

Total project costs of $167,000 will come from state funds for regional park improvements. In addition to the contract with Landscape Structures, site restoration and landscaping will cost $26,000, after the equipment is installed.

Construction is expected to start Sept. 9, after the Bluegrass Festival.

Contact: Eden Rogers, Engineer I, 651-430-4352


 
Outdoor yoga opens for summer season at Lake Elmo Park Reserve May 30
 
Tune into the sights and sounds of nature and release stress through guided yoga sequences designed to improve balance, flexibility, breath awareness, and muscle tone 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, May 30 through Aug. 22, at the North Picnic Pavilion at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

The program is open to all levels. Dress for outdoor yoga, bring a mat, and arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Check the county website or the park office for information. In case of inclement weather, class will be at the Nordic Center.

Registration is required for Outdoor Yoga; each class is $7 per person, or a discount season pass is available for $75 per person. Vehicle permits are also required, which are $7 daily or $30 annually, which is not included in the individual class or season pass price. Call the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Contact Station for information at 651-430-8370 or see the Washington County website at www.co.washington.mn.us and search "outdoor yoga" to register online.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10 (one mile north of Interstate 94) in Lake Elmo.

Follow Washington County Parks on social media at @WashCountyParks.