Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Friday, October 24, 2025
Land Use and Park Dedication for Clear Lake Project
Bob and Holly Crest Park Bench Donation
2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review and Amendments
Votes (3)
Clear Lake Project - Fee in Lieu of Land Recommendation
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:00] · Seconded by Unknown [00:02]
Discussion centered on the Clear Lake project, with one commissioner stating it represented a 'much better use of the land' compared to prior applications. The motion included specific details regarding park dedication credit for a trail along Keats Avenue, based on findings from a staff report.
Bob and Holly Crest Donation for Sunfish Lake Park Bench
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [03:00] · Seconded by Commissioner [03:10]
The commission reviewed a proposal for a $1,650 donation to purchase a park bench for Sunfish Lake Park, including a plaque. Staff outlined criteria for accepting donations (value, lifespan, replacement expectations, city costs). Commissioners discussed potential challenges with bench placement due to soft ground and noted the increasing frequency of donations from non-city residents, suggesting publicizing these opportunities.
2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Discussion and Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [16:03] · Seconded by Commissioner [16:21]
The commission extensively reviewed and proposed amendments to the 2026-2035 CIP, a 10-year plan for major park infrastructure. Key discussions included increasing the budget for the Dog Park parking lot to $50,000, adding Limmerch Village Area Park Development for $400,000 in 2029, increasing Lions Park Concession Stand funds to $300,000, adding Ridge Park Reconstruction for $325,000 in 2026, and increasing Lions Park Playground Equipment to $275,000. There was a notable discussion about clarifying the distinction between 'outdoor fitness park' and 'outdoor fitness equipment for trails'. Other adjustments included rescheduling trail additions and invasive species management, and adding previously omitted projects like Hams Park replacement and Lions Park ice rink resurfacing.
Notable Quotes (6)
Yeah, I feel this is a much better uh use of the land than the previous uh application.
Yeah, I think with our communications director, you know, um if this one goes through council, it'd be a great opportunity to promote that, put that out on our facial things as well.
I would like it when you present this to city council to remind them that the people from outside the city enjoy our parks.
our capital improvement program is a multi-year 10 years. So again, reminder that that used to be a fiveyear uh but we expanded that about two years ago to 10 just to kind of have a better broader vision of what to expect uh going down
Um if we could go through the budget pages. Okay. because that's really where the metal meets the road, the rubber meets the road. So, I mean, we could dance all over with questions all over the place, but the key thing here is do is the amount is the amount that we're spending is the project good? Is the amount we're spending good? Is it in the right years?
Yeah, and in that if anything, I would, you know, I would increase to match maybe that central complex area, but then in consideration when we bring those items forward to say, you know, hey, let's go with the lower option. It's always that's always easier, you know, it's always easier to go with the lower option than it would be to go continue to go above what we're expecting, right?
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Findings from the staff report were the basis for recommending acceptance of a fee in lieu of land for the Clear Lake project.
A multi-year (10-year) plan identifying major capital projects for city infrastructure (streets, parks, utilities, equipment, public buildings), their costs, and financing. The 2026-2035 plan was reviewed and amended.
A guiding document for park development, referenced in discussions about the outdoor fitness park.
Contains requirements for park dedication funds, specifying their use for acquisition, development, or redevelopment of parks and facilities, not ongoing operations or maintenance.
Specific project number for a trail addition along Country Road 14 and Hudson Boulevard, moved to 2027.
Specific project number for court resurfacing, moved to 2031 due to previous delays.
Specific project number for invasive species management, moved to 2030.
Specific project number for adding Hams Park to the playground replacement program, scheduled for 2037.
Specific project number for resurfacing basketball courts at various parks.
Specific project number for Lions Park playground equipment replacement, funding increased to $275,000.
Specific project number for the outdoor fitness park concept, discussed for clarity and potential integration into other parks/trails.
Specific project number for a skateboard park.
Specific project number for acquiring land for trail connections.