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Council approves Elm Crest corridor agreement, selects Headwaters Parkway option 2 and expands downtown snow removal
Summary
The council authorized a multi-jurisdictional Elm Crest corridor cooperative agreement, designated Option 2 as the preferred Headwaters Parkway alignment for the Southwest Infrastructure Phasing Study, approved the 2026 fee schedule, and voted to add downtown sidewalks to the city's snow/ice removal map. A $10,000 donation to Let's Go Fishing was also approved.
Forest Lake — The city council took several land-use and operations actions, approving a cooperative corridor agreement, selecting a preferred parkway alignment for a southwest infrastructure study, adopting an updated fee schedule, expanding downtown snow-and-ice abatement coverage and authorizing a $10,000 donation to a local Let's Go Fishing chapter.
Abby from planning described a proposed cooperative agreement among Forest Lake and neighboring jurisdictions to develop an Elm Crest Avenue corridor design and to solicit an RFP for a corridor plan. ‘‘At this time, no money is being asked from any of the jurisdictions,’’ Abby said. The council authorized the mayor to sign the agreement.
On the Headwaters Parkway extension in the southwest development area, planning presented two conceptual alignments: Option 1 (shorter, consistent with a 2006 plan but with more immediate wetland impact) and Option 2 (longer, less wetland impact and better access for parcels in the future urban service area). Staff and the EDA favored Option 2, and the council voted to designate Option 2 as the preferred alignment.
Council also reviewed and adopted the 2026 fee schedule ordinance updating administration, building inspection, police and planning fees and, in planning, raising some escrow amounts for major development reviews to better match consultant and review costs.
After debate about equity and workload for public-works crews, the council voted to add downtown sidewalks (the Lake Street corridor around the downtown core described in staff materials) to the city’s existing snow/ice removal map; council recorded one ‘‘no’’ vote and one abstention during that voice vote. Staff described a contractor abatement system triggered at a two-inch snowfall for recurring vacant-property service, and an emergency abatement process for complaints.
The council also approved a $10,000 donation to the new Forest Lake chapter of Let's Go Fishing to help secure boat access and programming for older adults, veterans and residents with disabilities.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with the Elm Crest RFP steps, pursue alignment study next steps (preferred alignment documentation, easements, cost estimates and wetland coordination) and implement the downtown snow/ice map change in operational scheduling.
