Forest Lake, Minnesota

Information:    www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us

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The City of Forest Lake was incorporated as a village in 1893.  Forest Lake became a Statutory City in 1974 in accordance with a Minnesota state law designed to encourage uniformity in municipal government. The City has shown impressive growth. Its estimated population in 1999 was 6900, compared with 6397 in the 1994 census, 5833 in 1990 and 4596 in 1980. With the unification on September 26, 2001 of the Forest Lake Township the population has increased to over 15,800.

A five-member Council, consisting of a Mayor and four other members, all elected at-large, governs the City. Each Councilmember has equal voting power. The Mayor presides at council meetings and represents the City at civic functions. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term and Councilmembers are elected for staggered four-year terms. The Council meets regularly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers at 220 North Lake Street. Meetings are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. Occasionally there are workshops or special meetings, particularly in November during budget-setting time. Local elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.

Forest Lake City’s full-time Administrator is Chip Robinson and Ellen Paulseth is the Finance Director.  The City has 50 full-time employees, including 22 police officers, as well as a number of part-time and seasonal workers. Other employees include: Clark Quiring, Public Safety Director; David Hebert, City Attorney; Bonestroo & Associates and TKDA, City Engineer Consultants; Keith Wille, Building Official; Doug Borglund, Community Development Director; Mike Tate; Public Works Director and Gary Sigfrinius, Fire Chief.

Community Data Sheet
Population :     6,798   
Avg. age :     34.5 years
Avg. income :    $44,419
Avg. house value :     $122,800

ZIP Code(s) :    55025
Area Code(s) :    651

Elevation :    909 feet
Land Area :    4.2 square miles
Latitude :     45.28 N
Longitude :    92.98 W

Nearby Airports :    Minneapolis-St Paul Intl
St Cloud Regional

Local Colleges :
& Universities :    Century Community And Technical College
Bethel College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Metropolitan State University
Hamline University
St Paul Technical College
Hennepin Technical College