2025 08-19 City Council Meeting Minutes

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City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes August 19, 2025 4 Resolution #2025-024 Approving a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the Continued Operation of the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve resolution #2025-024, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. City Clerk Position Mayor Artig-Swomley shared with the Council and those in attendance an overview of the hiring process for the new City Clerk. There were 18 applicants, with 4 withdrawing their application for various reasons. 9 of those applicants were given a Microsoft Teams interview by the mayor and current Acting City Clerk, and of those 9 applicants, 4 moved on to the in-person interviews conducted by the mayor, current Acting City Clerk, and City Treasurer, Tom Kelly. The mayor discussed with each Councilmember individually before the meeting on who to offer the position to. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to hire the applicant suggested by Mayor Artig-Swomley, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Gem Lake Trail Policy The purpose of the Gem Lake Trail policy is to establish consistent guidelines for the use and maintenance of the public trail. The guidelines were established by City Staff and White Bear Township Public Works recommendations. The policy and procedures related to such use and maintenance are contained in the following statement: The City of Gem Lake intends to create an inviting environment for all Gem Lake residents and non- residents that come to use the public trail. The city has a responsibility to maintain the trail as it sees fit to encourage use and maintain public health and safety. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to adopt the Gem Lake Trail Policy, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Cancellation of September Planning Commission Meeting Mayor Artig-Swomley shared that the planning commission would like to cancel their September meeting and pick back up in October on the first Tuesday of each month. Mayor Artig-Swomley agreed that it would be ok to cancel the September meeting if nothing comes up. Application for Planning Commission and Approval of Alternate Mayor Artig-Swomley again summarized the planning commissions endorsement of Daniel Epelboim to the Planning Commission. This applicant will replace the member that was appointed at the February City Council meeting but failed to make an appearance at all the meetings that took place in 2025. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to appoint the addition of Daniel Epelboim to the Planning Commission beginning with the October 7, 2025, meeting, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Future Charitable Gambling Donations White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested that the Council make a donation in September in the amount of $1,500.00 to the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to request a donation in the amount of $1500.00 for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0. Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies Mayor Artig-Swomley shared that the recent meeting with the City of Vadnais Heights went well. A compromise is being worked out regarding the rate at the Villas of Gem Lake and the new unit being built along Labore Road is a chance to work with Vadnais Heights and bring water down Labore Road. More information will be forthcoming.