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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 5 2. While the pavement to the east of the existing parking lot could have been expanded to increase the number of site parking stalls and provide space for the shed in compliance with the setback, the watershed’s 10,000 SF of new/reconstructed impervious surface threshold for stormwater management would be triggered. The current site plan incorporates 9884 SF of new and reconstructed impervious, only 116 SF less than the threshold. Triggering the management threshold would have required enlarging the existing rain garden in the southwest corner of the site which has the lowest topography for rainwater retention. However, the existing rain garden is at its largest possible size and depth. Therefore, existing pavement and parking stalls would need to be removed and relocated elsewhere, thus requiring more reconstructed impervious, and, therefore, yet more retention volume. Furthermore, enlargement of the rain garden would require additional tree removals which aid in screening the parking lot from the street. The Planning Commission recommends the Council approve the request based on the conditions of the City Planner which can be found on the City Planner memo included with the City Council packet of documents. Resolution #2024-0021 Approving a Variance for 1201 County Road E East Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve Resolution #2024-0021 approving a variance, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Ordinance No. 124B Hunting and Discharge of Weapons Proposed Modifications City Planner Evan Monson prepared a memo for the City Council summarizing the proposed modifications to Ordinance No. 124B. Ord. No. 124B was adopted in November 2016 and updated in August 2021. The ordinance prohibits the discharge or use of dangerous weapons within the City of Gem Lake. There are currently 4 exceptions: (1) Archery Deer Hunting, (2) Target Archery, (3) Defense of Self and Property Against Vicious Animals, and (4) Law Enforcement. The Planning Commission directed staff to consider amendments to the ordinance to add archery turkey hunting. On Tuesday, September 10, the Planning Commission reviewed proposed amendments. A draft of the amended ordinance and City Planner memo is available for the Council to review and is part of the City Council Packet documents. The Council discussed the proposed modifications and the suggested fee for a Turkey Hunting permit. Only one (1) turkey is allowed to be taken during the season and a tag to hunt costs around $25.00, so a minimal fee is suggested based on the bag limit. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve the proposed modifications to Ordinance No. 124B, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Ordinance No. 48 Alarm Systems Proposed Modifications City Planner Evan Monson prepared a memo for the City Council summarizing the proposed modifications to Ordinance No. 48. Ordinance No. 48 was adopted in August of 1987, and has not been amended since. The ordinance regulates the use of alarm systems, establishes user fees, and provides penalties for false alarms. The City of Gem Lake works with the City of White Bear Lake’s (WBL) Fire Department to respond to triggered fire alarms and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to respond to burglary/robbery alarms. Proposed changes are being suggested for Section 5 User Fees; Notice, Section 8 Alarm Report, and Section 11 Enforcement and penalties. A draft of the amended ordinance and City Planner memo is available for the Council to review and is part of the City Council Packet documents. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve the proposed modifications to Ordinance No. 48, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Fee Schedule Updated per Ordinance Suggested Changes The City’s fee schedule currently includes False Alarm User fees within Section 12, Miscellaneous. 3 - 14 false alarms are $50.00/occurrence within a calendar year and $150.00 for 15+ false alarms/occurrence within a calendar year. Rather than raising fees like other communities, it is recommended by City Staff, that the “15+ False Alarms” be reduced to “7+ False Alarms”.