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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes May 17, 2022 1 | Page City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting – May 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Len Cacioppo, Laurel Hynes-Amlee, Ben Johnson and Jim Lindner were present. Also present: City Attorney Patrick Kelly, City Treasurer Tom Kelly, Landform Principal Steve Sabraski, Luther Auto Representative Linda McGinty, Attorney Peter Beck, SEH representative Richard Parr, resident Craig Rafferty, Planning Commission Chairman Don Cummings and Planning Commission Member Joshua Patrick. May 17, 2022 Agenda Mayor Artig-Swomley added two agenda items, one for discussion of the Gem Lake Trail and open space area, another for discussion of the City’s social media policy, in light of the new Facebook page. A motion was made by Councilmember Linder to accept the modified agenda, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. All in favor, motion approved. Minutes A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the April 19, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes. Voice vote taken, all in favor, motion passes, minutes approved. Committee Reports – Planning Commission Planning Commission Chairman Don Cummings provided a brief report on the upcoming presentation of the Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan and the important work that would follow final acceptance of the plan by the Metropolitan Council, which is anticipated to happen soon. He thanked the council for the cooperative support and look forward to the work ahead. Old Business Mayor Artig-Swomley presented ideas for the next edition of the City Newsletter to include pieces such as information on the Gem Lake Water Plan, the Luther Cadillac Project, the new Public Works arrangement with White Bear Township and other potential stories. Lindner suggested that he write an article on constructing a “pollinator” garden. Artig-Swomley noted that Acting City Clerk would be working remotely for the remainder of the week. New Business Special Presentation: Nate Sparks, Northwest Consulting Artig-Swomley opened the joint City Council and Planning Commission Presentation of the 2020 Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan and introduced Nate Sparks of Northwest Consulting, who helped write the document. Sparks reviewed the plan and its required sections. He explained the Metropolitan Council’s requirements for completion and where the plan stands at this time, in terms of final approval. Artig-Swomley asked that the Gem Lake trail in the southwestern section of the city be added to the appropriate section of the plan for the final edit. Sparks agreed to do this. He stated that final approval by the Met Council was expected in mid to late May. Following this, the City Council would be required to do an official resolution accepting the plan. Luther Cadillac Project-Developer’s Agreement The Developer’s Agreement between Gem Lake and Luther Cadillac was presented and discussed. Linder motioned to approve the agreement as presented, Cacioppo seconded, all in favor, motion approved. Haynes-Amlee expressed concerns about road access and contractors blocking her driveway, which is located next to the construction site. Peter Beck, attorney for Luther fielded questions on this matter. It was agreed that on May 18, three trucks with lowboy trailers will bring equipment to the site. Another truck will be for erosion control materials on the same day, weather permitting. These vehicles will access the site from existing road. They will then construct the site access entryway from Highway 61. City Engineer Justin Gese stated expectations that after May 18, all traffic is to access the site from the new entry point and no truck traffic will enter/leave the site from existing roadway. Developer’s Agreement, Section 4.5 covers site access.