Lake Elmo City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Public Works Operational Assessment
Pickleball Courts Noise Complaints
Lions Park Playground Replacement
Votes (3)
Public Works Operational Assessment
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Holtz [00:30:11] · Seconded by Nick [00:30:17]
Brian Kersh of Rap Talis presented the final report, emphasizing Lake Elmo's unique growth challenges and light staffing compared to peer cities. Key recommendations included adding 2 FTEs in 2025 and 1 in 2026, creating an annual work plan, establishing utility specialists, hiring an administrative assistant, reconsidering in-house auto repair, defining the Parks Director role, and fully implementing Beehive as a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Council members discussed the current status of Beehive implementation, the feasibility of in-house mechanic certification, and the budgeting implications of new FTEs, confirming positions were included in future budgets.
Pickleball Courts Noise Complaints
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Holtz [01:05:43] · Seconded by Council member Jackson [01:06:01]
The assistant director presented on noise complaints from Ivywood and Pebble Park, noting that measured noise levels were within city ordinance limits but also that existing courts are closer than the 600ft setback recommended in the new Parks Master Plan. Staff did not recommend immediate sound barriers due to cost and structural issues. Public comments detailed the 'impulsive' and stressful nature of pickleball noise, as well as issues with court lighting, dust, and groups monopolizing court time. Council discussion explored various mitigation options, including different sound barrier types, their effectiveness, cost, structural impact on fences, potential for natural landscaping, and enforcing quiet hours or banning external music. There was debate over optimal hours and the scope of implementation (all parks vs. specific ones).
Lions Park Playground Replacement
Dissent: None
Moved by Mayor [01:19:40] · Seconded by Council member Jackson [01:19:46]
Staff presented a proposal to replace the 25-year-old playground at Lions Park, a highly visited park with high playground usage, based on Parks Commission and community recommendations for Option #4 ($317,000). The current CIP allocates $300,000, with additional funds from park dedication. Council members raised questions about the broader strategy for park maintenance and replacement city-wide, including the potential for consolidating parks or focusing larger investments on central parks like Lions Park, rather than yearly replacements across all neighborhood parks. Given an upcoming workshop with the Parks Commission on this topic, the Council opted to table the motion for further strategic discussion.
Notable Quotes (12)
Lake Elmo's service needs differ from its peers... Lake Omo is if anything more lightly staffed than its peers.
The department last added an operator position in 2019... From 2019 to 2023, the department has had rapid growth in its major service areas.
These three FTEEs are really kind of keeping pace with the growth that the city has been experiencing for the last few years as opposed to greatly expanding the department out of the blue if you will.
I have my preference for service contract over continuing to use staff myself...
Current city ordinances restrict noise that exceeds six dB above the ambient noise levels that are designated in Minnesota statutes, which is 60 dB during park hours.
The incredibly loud sound of paddles hitting balls is an is known as an impulsive sound... impulsive noises trigger a stress response in humans and this leads to serious health consequences over time.
I spoke against putting these pickle ball courts in Pebble and at Tablin because they were too close to people's houses. But um we're here now.
Other non spendy problems of limiting play has been successful and it was for us in Florida. Uh player awareness and education is helpful.
I think we should have a sign that bans radios and other noise making because we're hearing a loud complaint about that from neighbors and I can understand that they're blurring their radio.
Lions Park as one of the number number one most park visited by users. Survey results also show that that park was his second most common common activity to use at the park was the playground.
Do we want to be spending 250 to $350,000 every single year replacing these parks? My viewpoint is I see it that people are using parks nowadays more as um they're using them in organized sports.
this isn't a $90,000 one in a neighborhood that needs that is falling apart. This is substantially more. So I think it's a worthwhile group discussion given we've already had the ball rolling on this concept.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Primary data source for public works benchmarking.
Report conducted by Rap Talis on the efficiency and staffing needs of the city's Public Works department.
City document recommending a 600ft setback for pickleball courts and guiding park development.
Regulations on noise levels, limiting noise that exceeds 6 dB above ambient or 60 dB during park hours.
Outlines fiscal impacts and allocations for projects like park replacements.
City regulation for stormwater management, under review for potential changes.