Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Monday, July 20, 2026
Dedicated Parks Position Status
76-Acre Park Development and Community Engagement
Sunfish Lake Park Buckthorn Removal and DNR Grant
2026 Archery Deer Harvest Program
Ridge Park Playground Replacement
Votes (4)
76-Acre Park Community Engagement Plan and Environmental Impact Evaluation
Dissent: None
Moved by Peter [0:56:56] · Seconded by Commissioner [0:57:00]
The commission reviewed the RFP process for the 76-acre park, focusing on consultant selection and community engagement. Commissioners emphasized the need for active involvement, proposing a task force with commission representation and a formal review process for proposals. A significant discussion arose regarding the potential environmental impacts (sound, light, traffic, wildlife) on Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Sunfish Lake Park, leading to a motion for a formal evaluation.
Sunfish Lake Park Buckthorn Removal DNR Legacy Grant Contribution
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [1:02:08] · Seconded by Commissioner [1:02:18]
Varity and Lissa presented an overview of the highly successful multi-phase buckthorn removal project at Sunfish Lake Park, showcasing ecological improvements, increased biodiversity, and significant volunteer contributions. They requested city funding to contribute to a final Phase 4 DNR Legacy Grant, which would secure matching funds for ongoing maintenance, further invasive removal, and the creation of a forest stewardship plan to prevent regression. The commission lauded the project's success and supported the financial commitment.
2026 Archery Deer Harvest Recommendation
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [1:09:59] · Seconded by Commissioner [1:10:11]
Dan Mcwain from Washington County presented the proposal for a 2026 archery deer harvest, outlining its necessity for managing deer populations, improving ecosystem health, and reducing vehicle collisions. He detailed the planned hunt periods, safety measures including buffer zones and strict MBRB policies, and specific park closures. Commissioners raised questions about safety, the use of crossbows (not allowed), and potential impacts on park users, which were addressed by staff. The program was supported as a necessary measure for wildlife and public safety.
Ridge Park Playground Replacement Options
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [1:17:16] · Seconded by Commissioner [1:17:21]
Adam presented various playground replacement options for Ridge Park, which requires immediate replacement due to safety issues and age. The presented options exceeded the allocated CIP budget of $125,000. Commissioners expressed reservations about selecting a high-cost playground without more direct community input from the relatively small number of local residents (40-60 households) and questioned the fiscal responsibility of exceeding the budget. They also considered the park's future role amidst potential surrounding development and existing connectivity challenges. The discussion concluded with a motion to table the item and seek lower-cost alternatives.
Notable Quotes (10)
We're looking for four main tasks. The first one is really a financial analysis for the sports facilities, different scenarios... Task 1B, it was clear that there are other non-sports amenities to be placed in the park... Task three is development recommendations, phasing and a site plan... And then task four... preparation of a long-term management plan...
I get I'll start. I I guess I look at this completely differently than a normal park we review. I mean, we could be spending six million, we could be spending 20 million. Um, I know the city's not a fan of task forces, but I thought what we did with the master plan worked fairly well.
I would make a motion to recommend to city council an evaluation of how the sports complex may impact Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Sunfish Lake Park to determine whether it's an appropriate location for such a facility.
what we see is other achievements through the last six years. Better wildlife viewing... More wildflower blooms... 180 acres of invasive brush removal... improved wildlife habitat... increases in the diversity of the native plant communities... reduced wildfire risk...
But we don't want to have it slide back into Buckthornne... we really need the support to keep it going.
The Minnesota DNR, um, recommends a range of between 10 to 20 deer per square mile for our metro region... deer also can bring nuisance issues when they're at high populations... the factor of uh vehicle deer collisions...
they have a very strict uh yardage policy... it's an bow and arrow. So, it is going down at 20 yards. So, it's a down to the ground trajectory versus a on the ground trajectory going out.
Our Ridge Park playground was originally stalled in 20 2003... it did have enttrapment issues... understanding that we probably the only way to fix it is to actually remove it and probably reinstall it.
I'll be honest as a commission member and I I do this I've done this for a living. I've picked out playgrounds and I'm not comfortable as a commission picking out a playground for a park. I just don't I I think we need some input.
I don't know that we need to be spending more money than we've allotted when we haven't heard. Maybe we heard a little bit of feedback. Yeah, let's do a playground. But we don't have people saying, 'Yes, we're really excited about this playground. Here's what we'd like to see.'
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
City document guiding park development, referenced in discussions about dedicated park positions and new facilities.
City-wide goals set in January/February, referenced by the Mayor as a focus for the council.
Request for Proposals for the 76-acre park development, released in early June, seeking consultants for planning.
National Community Survey, a platform planned for use in gathering community input for the 76-acre park.
Department of Natural Resources grant, funding for buckthorn removal at Sunfish Lake Park.
Specific type of DNR grant being sought for Phase 4 of buckthorn removal, tied to the CPLDNR grant funding program.
Recommended for development as part of the next phase of Sunfish Lake Park restoration, to guide long-term maintenance.
Requires council approval for a deer harvest in a city park.
Capital Improvement Program item, refers to the budget allocation for the Ridge Park playground replacement ($125,000).
City document outlining future land use, referenced for development plans south of Ridge Park.