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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes May 17, 2022 2 | Page The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) will approve and issue a permit for site access from Highway 61. Johnson asked if a project may he has is the official project map. Luther representatives stated the map issued on April 26, 2022 is considered the final map. Gem Lake Infrastructure Issues Water Study/Well Situation Update Richard Parr from SEH reviewed the completed draft water plan for Gem Lake, which contained many possible options for serving all, or part, of the City with a municipal water system. SEH used three priority levels: 1) those lots whose private wells exceed Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) health-based guidance levels; 2) those wells with contaminants present but below MDH guidance levels; and 3) properties adjacent to those with contamination levels. The water plan study considered a sole source water provider, as well as smaller, localized plans, where multiple providers may serve Gem Lake depending on proximity to those water providers. Costs are potentially very high, given the project cost and the limited number of contaminated wells. Justin Gese stated SEH has a department that looks into financing these types of water projects. Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested holding a public meeting on the planned date of the September council workshop. (September 12) Gese added there should be a preparatory meeting in August to establish the agenda and how the public meeting will be managed. Lindner moved to accept the water plan study seconded by Cacioppo, all in favor, motion approved. Water Gremlin-Draft Report from the Minnesota Department of Health MDH’s report on Water Gremlin was distributed to the city for comment. Councilmembers all received a copy. Stormwater Discharge and Pipeline License Update – Patrick Kelly Attorney Patrick Kelly gave an update on stormwater pipe access discussions with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. Lindner moved seconded by Artig-Swomley directing Kelly to reach out to BNSF in June for a status update. All in favor, motion approved. Septic System Education Program Mayor Artig-Swomley reviewed the septic system educational materials that will be posted to the city website. Resident Craig Rafferty asked about the annual septic inspections. Artig-Swomley responded on communications between her and the city septic inspector on expectations, scheduling and communication to residents. Facilities Report Energy Consumption – Jim Lindner Lindner provided a report on Heritage Hall energy bills and winter weather data from December, 2021 through February 2022. Electric use is down because of improvements made (lighting retrofits, automation scheduling), but natural gas costs were high due in part to world events and cold temperatures. Motion by Johnson, second by Cacioppo to accept Lindner’s report. All in favor, motion approved. Park and Trail Discussion Mayor Artig-Swomley will get a cost estimate for another park bench. Motion for her to proceed by Lindner, second by Cacioppo. All in favor, motion approved. Discussion then turned to the use of park and trail dedication funds. Attorney Kelly offered an update on a current court case regarding the legality of cities requiring such fund from developers for commercial land. Case is still pending in the court system. Don Cumming stated several Villas residents and the home owner’s association are willing to help maintain the trail and plantings. Cacioppo discussed the trees planted by the Tree Trust. Some trees may be dead. Tree Trust is following up on the status of the trees they planted.