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Council actions at a glance: Larkin Hoffman contract, public-works leads, social-host ordinance, collector-road study
Summary
At its July 21 meeting the Lake Elmo City Council approved continuing legislative services with Larkin Hoffman, authorized two public-works lead positions to be posted, adopted a social-host ordinance on underage alcohol, and authorized feasibility and geotechnical services for 2027 collector-road improvements.
Lake Elmo’s City Council took several votes at its July 21 meeting to advance staffing, public-safety and infrastructure work.
The council approved continuing a government-relations relationship with Larkin Hoffman after a presentation by Brandon Strickland of Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs, who outlined a strategy for the 2027 legislative session, including meeting DNR leadership, securing bill hearings and pursuing bonding tour inclusion. Council members said the firm’s prior work yielded tangible savings and supported continuation of services; the motion to accept the proposal passed by voice vote.
On personnel, staff presented job descriptions for two new public-works lead roles (streets/parks lead and utilities lead) intended to provide day-to-day supervisory leadership. Council approved posting both job descriptions and authorized recruitment; staff said the positions were budgeted for 2026 and would address recommendations from the organizational assessment.
Public safety: Sergeant Ty Jacobson presented a proposed social-host ordinance that would allow the city to cite hosts who knowingly allow underage alcohol consumption on property they control. Council discussed enforcement discretion and evidentiary standards; members supported the ordinance and approved it by voice vote.
Streets: The council authorized preparation of a feasibility report (task order approx. $24,548) and authorized the city administrator to sign a geotechnical services agreement not to exceed $20,000 for the 2027 Collector Road improvements (a corridor including portions of East Jane/45th/47th). The council expects a feasibility report in September and possible order of improvements in October to allow design over the winter.
Votes at a glance - Approve Larkin Hoffman proposal: approved by voice vote. (Item: continue government-relations services.) - Adopt ordinance 2026-09 (social-host ordinance): approved by voice vote. (Presenter: Sergeant Ty Jacobson; scope: prohibit hosts from knowingly allowing underage alcohol consumption.) - Approve and post public-works lead job descriptions (streets/parks lead and utilities lead): approved by voice vote. (Staff to recruit.) - Authorize feasibility report for 2027 Collector Road improvements (task order $24,548) and geotechnical services agreement (not to exceed $20,000): both authorized by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will finalize scope and posting for lead positions, work with Larkin Hoffman on next-session priorities as directed, implement the social-host ordinance with training for enforcement, and deliver the collector‑road feasibility report in September.
