Lake Elmo council orders 2026 street and utility improvements, OKs design contract

The Lake Elmo City Council on Oct. 21 ordered the 2026 Street and Utility public improvements in the Lake Elmo Heights and Eagle Creek Point Estates neighborhoods and authorized a not-to-exceed $138,600 contract for final design and bidding services.

City Engineer Nate Stanley summarized the feasibility findings and recommended rebuilding roadways using full-depth reclamation with concrete curb and gutter (B418 style). He told the council the project area is outside the Metropolitan Urban Service Area and that no sanitary sewer extensions are proposed. Stanley said per city policy, 30% of project costs are eligible for assessment and presented preliminary per-lot assessment estimates.

The council passed a resolution ordering the improvements and later voted to authorize the city administrator to enter a design-and-bid-phase contract with engineering services firm Bolton & Menk for up to $138,600.

The feasibility report described the planned reconstruction as full-depth reclamation using reclaimed existing asphalt mixed with underlying aggregate base, and called for concrete curb and gutter to extend pavement lifecycle. Stanley said the preliminary estimate showed typical assessments of about $15,000 per lot in some areas, smaller lots on a cul-de-sac estimated at $6,800, and larger lots in Eagle Creek Point Estates at just under $16,000. He cautioned the $138,600 contract is a “not-to-exceed” amount that combines staff and consultant time.

Residents at the hearing pressed city staff on sewer plans and material choices. Jim Greenguard of 2677 Imperial Avenue asked, “When do we plan on what's a long range plan for sewer development in that proposed area?” Stanley replied the area is not within the MUSA and that properties remain on private septic systems: “At this time, we have no plans of, putting sewer in that area.”

Greenguard and other residents also asked about curb material. Greenguard asked, “What is the cost benefit analysis of concrete curb versus asphalt?” Stanley said the city did not perform a new cost–benefit analysis for this contract and explained the engineering rationale: historically bituminous curb has been chewed up by snowplows and does not perform as well, while concrete curb confines flexible asphalt, reduces edge cracking and improves drainage. He said the city’s standard plates call for concrete curb and gutter on reconstructed local streets.

Council members asked questions about the project estimate and noted bids were lower or comparable to recent projects; Stanley said bidding this year was competitive and that the not-to-exceed figure consolidates items previously shown separately.

The council opened the required public hearing, received public testimony, closed the hearing and approved the resolution ordering improvements and the contract authorization by voice vote.

The project will proceed to final design and bidding pending preparation of final plans and specifications and is expected to return to the council with contract documents and the assessment roll for affected properties.

Votes at a glance: the council adopted the resolution ordering the 2026 Street and Utility improvements and later approved the design/bidding contract authorization for up to $138,600 (voice votes; passed).