Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Monday, October 20, 2025
Washington County Attorney's Office Presentation
Future Discussion on Stormwater Fees and Credits
Fire Station Environmental Review and RFP Update
Votes (4)
Approval of ULI Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for 180-Acre Site
Moved by Council Member Herd [8:20] · Seconded by Council Member [8:20]
The council considered a proposal from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for a Technical Assistance Panel to analyze the city-owned 180-acre site. Meg Flanigan from ULI Minnesota presented the TAP process, its benefits, and different investment options. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommended the longer 2.5-day session at $35,000, which includes more panelists (potentially national experts), extensive stakeholder interviews, and a more in-depth report. The City's goal is to prepare the site for a developer purchase by 2026, aiming for highest and best use and a strong return on investment. The project is funded 50% by a Washington County CDA grant and 50% from the city's community development budget. Council members emphasized the strategic importance of this site, noting its origin from a 3M lawsuit related to water pollution, and the need to 'do it right the first time'.
Accept Bids and Award Contract for Stillwater Area School District Utility Improvements
Moved by Council Member [8:26] · Seconded by Council Member [8:26]
The council reviewed a recommendation to accept bids and award a construction contract for municipal utility extensions to Oakland Junior High School and a new elementary school site. The project involves extending water main, gravity sanitary sewer, and force mains, with the Stillwater Area School District responsible for the majority of the assessment and connection charges. GM Contracting Inc. was identified as the low responsible bidder at $1,044,814. The total estimated project cost, including engineering and administration, is approximately $1.46 million. The city's responsibility includes providing service stubs to the property line and coordinating with the district for construction administration, while the schools are responsible for internal connections and private lift station construction.
Authorize City Administrator for Material Testing Contract for Stillwater Area School District Utility Improvements
Moved by Council Member [8:27] · Seconded by Council Member Cregness [8:27]
Following the approval of the main contract for utility improvements, the council separately authorized the City Administrator to enter into a material testing contract. This contract, with a not-to-exceed amount of $30,000, covers construction phase services essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of the utility project for the Stillwater Area School District.
Parks Commission Appointment
Moved by Council Member Herd [8:30] · Seconded by Council Member Cregness [8:30]
The City Council discussed two candidates, Ms. Tracy Peterson and Mr. Giovani Ber, for one open position on the Parks Commission, filling the remainder of a previous member's term. Council members acknowledged both candidates as strong, but ultimately favored Ms. Peterson due to her specific experience on the Parks Advisory Commission and familiarity with the city's Parks Plan. They also praised Mr. Ber's energy and willingness to serve, encouraging his continued involvement in the community and future applications for city positions.
Notable Quotes (6)
I think one thing is u missing out on the opportunity for national expertise... I think the other thing is you get we get to talk to more stakeholders when it's a longer tap because you know and it gives us an extra day.
it sounds like it's a lot of like how do we make this as appealing as possible to a developer to purchase now like in the next year or so, right? So, that's kind of what we've been tasked with is trying to get this sold basically in 2026.
these 180 acres are a result of a lawsuit. a lawsuit that's from 3M because our water will be polluted for centuries to come. And so to me, this is not all that different from the 70 acres for the sports site in that this is a site which we have an opportunity to do right and we need to do it right the first time.
we're providing service stubs to the property line... it's the school's responsibility to hook to that once it's available for them.
I think just with with Tracy's experience on that park advisory commission, I think that's something that speaks a lot. um you know, she's already done some work there. She has some in um she's gone through that process of seeing the parks plan.
Mr. Bler that the fact that you are obviously far younger than any of us and you're willing to uh offer your time and your services for the city says a lot. And do not take this to be a a negative or a a push back to stop you.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Accepts bids and awards contract for Stillwater Area School District Utility Improvements.
Document outlining the city's parks development, a qualification for a Parks Commission candidate.
Initial cost estimate document for Stillwater Area School District Utility Improvements.
Initial environmental report for the fire station site.
Subsequent environmental report for the fire station site, recommended by Stantech.
Request for Proposals for the fire station site, expected in June.