2024 03-19 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes March 19, 2024 6 | Page Ordinance No. 142 Agricultural and Wild Animals Beekeeping Section Many communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area have an ordinance regulating beekeeping, whether it be prohibited, permitted with regulations, or permitted in any case. Beekeeping is typically regulated as a permitted use within a community’s zoning ordinance, as a separate ordinance, or within the community’s ordinance that manages agricultural animals and activities. Gem Lake’s ordinances do not mention bees, giving the city the opportunity to either allow or prohibit beekeeping, and determine what permits and requirements are appropriate if the city decides to allow beekeeping. At the February 13th Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners reviewed beekeeping ordinances from cities and townships in the metropolitan area. Commissioners recommended allowing beekeeping as an activity within the city and discussed how they would like to see beekeeping regulated in Gem Lake. The recommendation was for beekeeping regulations to be placed within the ‘Agricultural and Wild Animal Ordinance,’ No. 142. The Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association has a model ordinance for beekeeping. The proposed additions to Ordinance 142 are derived from this model ordinance, as well as the beekeeping ordinances adopted by the cities of St. Paul Park, Shakopee, and White Bear Lake. A summary of the proposed additions and changes to Ordinance No. 142 include the addition of beekeeping related terms, beekeeping operations, permitted operations such as location requirements, colony density, and standards of practice, and permitting and inspections. At the March 12th Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners reviewed and discussed the proposed changes to Ordinance No. 142. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the draft to the City Council for approval of the proposed Ordinance No. 142 permitting beekeeping. The Council reviewed the proposed ordinance addition and liked that it was derived from the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association model ordinance. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve the suggested additions to Ordinance No. 142, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion carried. Future Charitable Gambling Donations White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested that the Council make a donation in April in the amount of $1,000.00 to the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to request a donation in the amount of $1000.00 for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion carried. Following the award of any scholarships in May, it was discussed that the food shelf donation could return to $1,500.00 monthly if possible. Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies City Attorney Kevin Beck sent a letter to the City of White Bear Lake regarding the additional charges for the building upgrades and at this time he has received a response. White Bear Lake does not agree with the statements in the city’s letter and claims that the city knew this charge would be coming. Mr. Beck is hoping to have a discussion with White Bear Lakes lawyer before the April meeting. Mr. Beck also shared that he heard from the City of Vadnais Heights, and they may have a decision in May regarding Gem Lakes proposal. Councilmember Lindner shared that he is once again the chair of VLAWMO Board of Directors. Councilmember Johnson had some information to share regarding the County Road E corridor project involving Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights and The City of White Bear Lake. A vote was taken to approve the recommendation of Civic Brand out of Texas for the RFP request. The first kickoff meeting is set to take place on March 25 where the discussion on brand strategy will take place to combine the three (3) communities. Phase two (2) is just getting started.