City of Lake Elmo

This document outlines a proposed amendment to the City of Lake Elmo's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, focusing on adjusting population and household forecasts. It details the process of negotiating updated forecasts with the Met Council for 2030 and 2040, addressing the impact of regional trends and constraints related to the White Bear Lake Area Court decision and water supply. The amendment incorporates revised projections to accommodate regional growth while acknowledging limitations, ultimately aiming to finalize the city's long-range planning forecasts.

The Parks Commission discussed the Lions Park Master Plan, including the scope and RFQ for future improvements. They reviewed the 2027-2036 Parks Capital Improvement Plan, incorporating changes for trail connections and a new pickleball complex. Discussions were held regarding pickleball noise mitigation, resulting in a decision not to install a new fence and sound guard at Pebble Park. The Commission also reviewed the Bridgewater Village Townhomes Concept Plan and considered a donation request from Tony Manzara for an evergreen tree to be planted in Lions Park.

The meeting focused on holding a public hearing regarding the sale and development of 180 acres of City-owned vacant land near Ideal Ave and 34th St, which is planned for development in three phases. Other business items included discussions on the Old City Hall, the sale of the old fire station and park properties, a solar landfill update, and the feature of the city in Business View Magazine.

This staff report addresses proposed amendments to the City of Lake Elmo's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, specifically concerning household and population forecasts. The amendments aim to reconcile local development trends with revised regional growth limitations imposed by the Met Council, particularly due to water availability constraints outlined in the White Bear Lake Methodology Memo. The plan seeks to establish realistic population projections for 2030 and 2040 to ensure predictable development and prepare for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update.

The council agenda included several items for approval, such as a Metropolitan Council water efficiency grant agreement, a massage therapy license renewal, landscape security release for Northport additions, and a license agreement for entering Lions Park. Bids were accepted for parking lot improvements at Elmo's Pup Park and a crack seal project. The council reviewed items related to street and utility improvements, a special event permit for Lake Elmo Baseball, and grant terms for highway improvements. Discussion topics under the regular agenda involved the Inwood Commercial preliminary plat, a sketch plan review for Bridgewater Village Townhomes, a comprehensive plan update for community forecasts, and revisions to the crosswalk policy and 2026 crosswalk improvements.