City of Lake Elmo

The meeting agenda included the approval of the January 2026 minutes and subsequent discussions on several key reports and concepts. Discussions included the Highpointe Crossing Revised Concept Plan, where staff recommended recommending approval to the City Council with the acceptance of cash in lieu of land based on findings that the site is not in a park or trail search area, nor in a gap area according to master plans. The commission also discussed criteria and process for prioritizing future playground replacements across the city's parks. Updates were provided regarding poor ice rink conditions, grooming operations, a Parks and City Council workshop, and the status of the Lions Park funding adjustment. Finally, the election of officers occurred, nominating a new Chair and Vice Chair for the commission.

The meeting addressed several items, including the recognition of a departing commission member and the opening of a vacancy. The agenda was approved, and the minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting were approved. The primary discussion centered on a public hearing regarding a minor subdivision application from the city for the Lake Elmo Firehouse Edition property, which involves reconfiguring nine existing parcels into two. Staff presented findings of fact indicating consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning requirements, and recommended approval based on specific conditions, including obtaining necessary permits and recording the plat within 180 days. The commission also discussed potential future traffic impacts related to new developments near a county road. No new or unfinished business was presented.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of a chair and vice chair for the commission, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the December 8, 2025 planning commission meeting. A public hearing was held concerning a zoning text amendment to increase the mailing distance for public hearing notices from 350 ft to 500 ft. Written comments from citizens regarding notification reach were read into the record, expressing support for the increase but also suggesting wider notification ranges for low-density areas. The commission voted to recommend approval of the text amendment as presented by staff. Subsequent agenda items involved housekeeping zoning text amendments for the 2026 work plan, specifically addressing updates related to trash container placement times (changing from 7 a.m. to 6 a.m. start time) and clarifying setback measurements when property lines cross public streets, as well as updating the definition of a temporary fence to exclude construction or silt fencing.

The workshop primarily focused on the regulation of broadband services through franchising, with legal counsel presenting on the topic. Key discussions included the distinction between broadband and telecommunication services following a 2025 court decision, and the argument for utilizing franchising over permitting for broadband. The benefits of franchising were detailed, such as requiring city-wide buildout, ensuring consistent service quality, establishing customer service standards, and securing franchise fees. Specific examples from Woodbury's first broadband franchise, which established an open-access system, were discussed. The council reviewed franchise fee limitations, buildout timelines (stipulating a five-year buildout period under state law if broadband is classified as a cable communication system), and how franchising addresses service gaps, including issues where service is available on one side of a street but not the other, and serving rural areas. The interface between new broadband franchises and existing cable providers like Comcast, and the handling of infrastructure relocation costs, were also examined.

The meeting's agenda was approved as amended. Key actions included approving the 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan, the 2026 Parks Commission Work Plan, and the acceptance of improvements and security reduction for Bridgewater Bank. Councilmember Dragisich requested staff gather information on potential Metropolitan Council requirements concerning a climate action plan and suggested a discussion regarding a city event for the country's 250th anniversary. The City Engineer reported that bids are being received for the 2026 street and utility project.