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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 3 Committee Reports Planning Commission Chair Joshua Patrick shared with the Council that the Commission reviewed a variance request from the White Bear Montessori School for an already built accessory structure within the side yard setback requirements and recommend the Council approve the request. The Commission also resumed discussion of the Barnett Kia zoning requests. The Commission was waiting for input from other agencies and that feedback was received and the Commission is not recommending approval to the City Council of all three zoning requests. The Commission also discussed additional language and amendments to the archery hunting ordinance to include language on turkey hunting and the alarm ordinance to tighten up language and suggest a new fee rate structure for reported false alarms. Both ordinances are recommended for approval of the suggested changes. Old Business Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions Mayor Artig-Swomley shared that a current City Newsletter is being worked on and will be ready to go after the meeting and she can write up stories based off topics discussed at the September City Council meeting. City Council Pay Discussion The Council revisited the ongoing discussion of possibly increasing the pay rate for the Gem Lake City Council members. Councilmember Johnson is in favor of increasing the pay rate to encourage people to participate and keep up with the times. He also stated that its not about the money, but acknowledgement of the time spent serving on the Council. Discussion on City Council pay also brought up discussion on if the Planning Commission should be receiving any monetary compensation for the work they do. Mayor Artig- Swomley asked City Treasurer Tom Kelly if White Bear Townships pays their Planning Commission. Mr. Kelly responded that they do, but it is only around $10.00 a meeting to help cover the cost of mileage for anything their Planning Commission member may do to research topics being discussed. The Mayor asked if anyone from the Council would be willing to do more research on the topic and bring it back it to the October meeting. Councilmember Cacioppo volunteered to do some research and bring it to the October meeting for further discussion. Planning Commission member Don Cummings shared his thoughts on the topic. He wanted to share that most people that volunteer for a position do not expect money. What is appreciated is the money spent on city staff and outside consultants that help make the Planning Commission meetings run so smoothly and efficiently. New Business Zoning Requests – Barnett Kia (Zoning Compliance Request, Lot Line Adjustment Request, Zoning Amendment Request) City Planner Evan Monson prepared a memo for the City Council summarizing the requests. Located at 3610 Highway 61, Barnett Companies is looking to remove their existing building (31,865 SF) and build a new one (34,060 SF) on the north side of their property. The building would be an upgraded version of their existing one, including spaces for a carwash, service garage, sales floor, vehicle delivery, and administration. The existing building is proposed to remain until the new building is constructed, and then would be removed. Phasing and sequencing plans would be put in place to remain operational during construction. The property to the north, 3700, is also owned by Barnett Properties. Both properties are within the City’s Gateway District and are within the Neighborhood Center (NC) Sub-Zone. The applicant’s proposed building type would not be consistent with the building types currently in the Gateway District, while the proposed use is currently listed as a nonconforming use in the zone.