The council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the Lake Elmo Firehouse Edition Minor Subdivision, a proposal to reconfigure nine existing parcels at 3510 Lever Street into two parcels. The project affects the former fire station and parks buildings property, which is zoned for village mixed-use development.

City staff presented the application as a straightforward administrative step to clean up confusing property lines and prepare the site for redevelopment. The proposal aligns with the city's comprehensive plan and zoning standards, and requires no new infrastructure improvements. Multiple city agencies—including Public Works, Fire, and the Department of Natural Resources—reviewed the application and raised no objections. The Valley Branch Watershed District also issued a required permit for the project.

Commissioners expressed strong support for the consolidation. One commissioner noted that in years of service on the planning commission, "there's been something that makes more sense than taking nine parcels into two." Another praised how the project would improve the area by reopening rights-of-way, alleys, streets, and sidewalks. No members of the public commented during the public hearing process.

The city attorney's office provided a legal opinion with requested revisions, which became a condition of approval. The council also addressed a separate traffic concern raised by a resident about increased congestion on County 14 (Stillwater Boulevard) from new nearby developments, including a bank and childcare center. While the discussion acknowledged the road's 55 mph speed limit and existing turn lanes, council members noted ongoing awareness of higher traffic volumes in the area.

The city also announced a vacancy on its Planning Commission following Commissioner Michelle Bolig's relocation out of state. Interested residents can apply through the city's website to join the commission.