Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Lawful Gambling City Code Update and Revenue Spending
Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan Benefit Increase
Lake Elmo Airport Advisory Committee Report and Aviation Pathway Initiative
Votes (5)
Adoption of Lawful Gambling City Code Update
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:13:50] · Seconded by Council Member [00:13:55]
The discussion centered on modernizing the 1997 city ordinance for lawful gambling, including removing the 3% gross receipts requirement and premise permit fees, and updating the definition of 'trade area' where funds can be spent. The ordinance implicitly maintained the city's right to a 10% revenue share.
Authorization of Publication Summary for Lawful Gambling Ordinance
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:16:00] · Seconded by Council Member [00:16:35]
A procedural item to authorize the publication of a summary for the newly adopted lawful gambling ordinance.
Authorization of Lawful Gambling Revenue Allocation
Dissent: Councilman Hearn and two other Council Members opposed the allocation to the law enforcement contract, advocating for alternatives or no collection.
Moved by Council Member [00:17:00] · Seconded by Council Member [00:17:10]
The motion proposed dedicating the 10% lawful gambling revenue to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Councilman Hearn expressed preference for not collecting the 10% from youth sports organizations or using the funds for community events like the July 4th parade, rather than a general contract reduction. Staff clarified that funds could be held without immediate allocation.
Motion to Reconsider Lawful Gambling Ordinance 2025-017
Dissent: Two Council Members opposed reconsidering the ordinance, resulting in a tie and the motion's failure.
Moved by Council Member [00:26:20] · Seconded by Council Member [00:26:25]
Following the failed allocation motion, staff clarified that the recently adopted ordinance still contained the 10% collection clause. A motion was made to reconsider the ordinance, likely to amend this clause.
Increase to Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan Benefit Level
Dissent: None
Moved by Council Member [00:33:00] · Seconded by Council Member [00:33:20]
Chief Callus recommended increasing the pension benefit from $8,000 to $9,000 per year of service, citing the plan's healthy funding status (134% funded) and the need to remain competitive in attracting and retaining volunteer firefighters. Funding primarily comes from state fire aid, which has significantly increased.
Notable Quotes (6)
It was originally adopted in 1997 and it was more restrictive than state statute. So, we had the premise permit issuance updated to not include um an address from the organization within the city of Lake Ao and it defaulted to the state regulations for that.
I just I would prefer to um I think this is something we could come back to in the future. Um if there's other uses or uh way that gambling is is being done in the city, I feel like for this these are specifically for sports organizations or they're fundraising money for kids to be able to play sports... I would prefer to just I guess kind of continue with what we've been doing. Um, but I guess just make it concrete that we don't actually have a revenue share.
So we could use as a ad hoc situation in 2026 when we want to have um so something special for July 4th parade so long as it fits within those statutory uh requirements for those funds. Yeah, that's absolutely correct. You can use it for the Fourth of July parade actually.
The ordinance that you just adopted has the 10% in it. Yes. So, I don't know if you want to go back and amend that or not or if you just want to leave it in there and not enforce it like you were doing. I guess that's an option, too.
Our current benefit level stands at $8,000 per year of service and asking to increase our benefit level to $9,000 per year of service. [...] our funds well funded um is in good standing and um asking council for support to move to our benefit level to $9,000 per year service.
I think this is a good move for the city. We need to have something that makes worthwhile for people to serve as volunteer firefighters and we need to be competitive with our neighbors or we won't be able to get volunteers. And um I I think this is a very wise decision on the part of the city and I thank them for their volunteer service.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Amending Chapter 11.04 of the Lake Elmo City Code relating to lawful gambling.
Authorizing the publication summary of Ordinance 2025-017.
Opting to increase the benefit level for firefighters in the statewide volunteer firefighter plan to $9,000 per year of service.
Grant agreement for the north water treatment plant, approved on consent agenda.
First amendment approved on consent agenda.
Approved on consent agenda.
Pension plan for paid on-call firefighters, administered by Minnesota PAR.