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Votes at a glance: Lake Elmo council approves Bay West access agreement, Northstar final PUD and Lake Elmo Elementary plat; denies Chavez shoreland variances; O
Summary
The Lake Elmo City Council approved a mix of development, infrastructure and research items at its meeting, including a Bay West PFAS research access agreement, the Northstar Second Edition final plat and the Lake Elmo Elementary final plat, while denying seven shoreland variances and tabling a downtown planting plan.
The Lake Elmo City Council took several formal actions at the meeting. Key outcomes are summarized below.
Approved or adopted - Consent agenda: The council approved a consent agenda that included payment of disbursements and payroll; Pebble Park parking lot expansion; two zoning text amendments (Ordinance 2025.01 and 2025.02 and associated resolutions); Public Works Operator 3 hire; and a site access agreement with Washington County CDA. (Approved by voice vote.)
- Bay West access agreement: Council approved an access agreement allowing Bay West to perform a federally funded, temporary (about 4–5 week) field demonstration of PFAS destruction on city-owned land near the Public Works site/Bridal (Ideal) Avenue. (Motion approved.)
- Northstar Second Edition final plat and PUD: The council adopted Resolution 2025-014 approving the final plat and PUD for Northstar Second Edition (GWSA Land Development) for approximately 61 residential lots; staff included conditions addressing trail connection, stormwater and engineering comments. (Motion approved.)
- Lake Elmo Elementary final plat: The council adopted Resolution 2025-015 approving the final plat for Lake Elmo Elementary (Stillwater Area Public Schools) subject to 23 standard conditions including final engineering, development agreement and permits. (Motion approved.)
Denied or tabled - Chavez variances: The council adopted a resolution denying all seven shoreland variance requests from Joe and Joan Chavez for Outlot B of Northstar First Edition (Resolution 2025-013). Staff and agency reviewers, including the DNR, found the requests did not meet variance criteria under Minnesota Statute 462.357. (Motion approved to deny.)
- Old Village Gardens: Council tabled consideration of the Old Village Gardens planting plan to allow further study of tree feasibility (soil volume and utilities) and additional outreach to Connect Lake Elmo and downtown businesses. (Motion to table approved.)
Other actions - 3M Priority 2 settlement funding: The council authorized staff to submit a letter of intent for the 3M Priority 2 grant fund program to seek funding for park recreational facilities (proposed ball fields and amenities at a planned city park). Staff will follow up with a formal application if the project passes the initial LOI review.
These actions were recorded in motions and resolutions on the meeting agenda; staff will carry out follow-up tasks described in council direction and return with required studies, permits and contracts as applicable.
