Lake Elmo, Minnesota Development News
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Lake Elmo City Council Meeting - 07/07/2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
Southwater Treatment Plant Project Update: Potential Engineering Firm Change Discussed
The city council received an update on the Southwater Treatment Plant project, which is in the preliminary design phase. The current engineering firm, Stantec, is wrapping up its contract after key project managers departed. The city is considering transferring the remaining work to Bolton & Mink, who have hired the former Stantec project managers. This move aims to maintain project momentum and leverage existing expertise, particularly concerning PFAS treatment and negotiations with the MPCA and 3M settlement funds. The project is grant-funded, with remaining funds from the preliminary design budget to be used for final design. Site acquisition is also a pending step. The council was informed of these developments and recommendations for the project's continuation.
Lake Elmo Approves Revised Purchasing Policy, Including Increased Thresholds and Change Order Authority
The council approved revisions to the city's purchasing policy. Key changes included updating the purchasing threshold for city administrative purchases from $10,000 to $15,000 and implementing a system for reporting disbursements. A significant point of discussion and contention was the authority granted to the city administrator to approve change orders up to $100,000 individually, potentially allowing for over a million dollars in total change orders per project without specific council approval or public discussion. Council member Dragassich expressed strong concerns about transparency and accountability, while others argued for the necessity of administrative flexibility to keep projects moving. The policy was ultimately adopted with a 4-1 vote.
Lake Elmo Council Approves Salary Increase for Mayor and Council Members
The council voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-08, which sets the salaries for the mayor and council members. The ordinance includes a salary increase effective November 2027 and an annual cost-of-living increase starting November 2028. This decision follows a workshop discussion where council reviewed salaries from neighboring communities. Council members expressed that the increase is necessary to reflect the work involved and to ensure the position is accessible to a wider range of individuals, rather than being prohibitive due to financial considerations. The increase is not expected to significantly change their lifestyles but aims to provide compensation reflective of their responsibilities and for future officeholders.
Lake Elmo Council Unanimously Approves High Point Crossing Final Plat and Development
The city council adopted resolutions approving the final plat and development agreement for High Point Crossing. This project involves an 18-unit rural residential subdivision on nearly 80 acres. Council member Hearn expressed strong support, calling it a 'favorite development' and praising the 'good process' and the developer's resilience and positive attitude throughout. Hearn believes this development demonstrates that this type of high-quality development is possible in Lake Elmo and hopes it will encourage similar future projects. The approval was unanimous after brief discussion.
Lake Elmo Council Reviews Stormwater Utility Ordinance, Recommends Maintaining Current System
The council reviewed a stormwater utility code review report, which assessed the existing ordinance's methodology, options for utility charges, the appeals process, and stormwater maintenance agreements with HOAs. While the current system, based on residential units and utility factors for non-residential properties, was deemed generally equitable, administratively defensible, and consistent with state statutes, the report identified opportunities for increased transparency and proportionality. Staff recommended maintaining the current methodology due to its straightforwardness and widespread acceptance, while suggesting improvements to the appeals process, including clearer application requirements and eligibility criteria. Concerns were raised by council members regarding equity, particularly the uniform fee for residential properties of varying sizes and impervious surfaces, and the discrepancy between HOA-maintained storm ponds and city-maintained systems. The city attorney will review inconsistencies in the ordinance regarding hardship credits.
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The Lake Elmo News archive
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting - 07/13/2026
Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority Meeting - 06/16/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Meeting - 06/16/2026
Lake Elmo Parks Commission - 06/15/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Workshop - 06/09/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Workshop - 06/09/2026
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