2023 02-21 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 3 | Page Old Business Newsletter The next copy of the Newsletter will include topics such as the work the City is doing on its Nuisance Ordinance, water system finance prep, clean-up day, corridor project recommendations, how charitable gambling works, and an article on railroad crossings, written by Jim Lindner. Nuisance Ordinance Discussion Over a dozen complaints have been received at Heritage Hall regarding several properties in Gem Lake. Neighbors have expressed numerous concerns about excessive junk, excessive numbers of parked cars, the appearance of industrial or business activity, etc. These concerns have pointed out the need to revisit the city’s nuisance ordinance and see if improvement is possible. At this time these problem properties are not breaking any code that can be identified, however, the properties look distasteful to neighbors. The Planning Commission is working on improving the Ordinance. New Business Gem Lake Water System Planning Mayor Artig-Swomley expressed interest in starting to apply for funding due to the long approval period. While nothing has been decided on in terms of putting in a water system, the Mayor thinks the City should apply for the funds that the City can either accept or deny if approved. The Mayor would like SEH to begin the process of applying. City Engineer Justin Gese stated that most of these grants are match based at 20% and state bonds typically match at 50%. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to allow SEH to explore and start applying for financial assistance, seconded by Councilmember Amlee. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, SEH will begin the lengthy process of applying for grants and bonds. Gem Lake Clean-Up Day Discussion The Mayor and Acting City Clerk have been in communication with White Bear Township about joining the towns clean-up day scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023. At this time the Utilities Commission seems to be in favor of letting us join, and will have a definitive answer after the next meeting on March 20, 2023. The City would pay an agreed upon fee to the Township based on the amount of Gem Lake residents that take part. This should allow for free disposal of certain items such as mattresses and appliances. New Business Inquiries/Code Concern Over the past two weeks the Acting City Clerk has gotten several new business inquiries. One inquiry was about a used car dealership, which according to our code would not be allowed, and the applicant was informed. The other inquiry was about a tobacco/vape shop. After checking with the City Planner this type of business would be zoned for the area they are requesting. The applicants are in the process of filling out the required Gem Lake paperwork and working with the building owner. Charitable Gambling Donations Request for Charitable Gambling Donation Northern Fusion Synchronized Skating Program The City received a request for a donation to support the NFSSP. There is one resident of Gem Lake that belongs to the program. At this time they are requesting a donation in the amount of $500.00. Councilmember Amlee believes that is too large an amount for having only one resident on the team and suggested the City donate $250.00. Councilmember Amlee introduced a motion to authorize a $250.00 donation to the NFSSP, seconded by Councilmember Lindner. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, Acting City clerk will request a donation for $250.00 to be approved at the March City Council meeting.