2022 Vol 16, Issue 5 August Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 City News Septic Inspections Planned for October Annual septic inspections for Gem Lake homeowners will take place in October. These inspections are done by contracted experts who insure that private septic systems ae not creating problems for public health and safety. As October approaches, the city may be able to get more specific on the exact time frame. It will be important to be sure your septic clean out is accessible and can be easily found. The inspections are authorized by City Ordinance. Free Notary Services Residents of Gem Lake and White Bear Township can get notary services at Heritage Hall for no charge. The service is available only during normal business hours for our city hall—which is Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Non-residents can utilize this service for a fee of $5.00 per document certified. License Required for Rental Properties in City Large Donation Given to Food Shelf The Gem Lake City Council voted to donate $1500 in charitable gambling receipts to the White Bear Area Food Shelf. This donation was approved at the July 19 City Council meeting. (Charitable gambling receipts come from the city’s portion of pull-tab sales within the city.) This donation is being made at a time of growing demand for food shelf services and spiraling costs for the food and supplies being distributed by the organization. For instance, in any given month last year, over 1,590 families received food and support from the White Bear Area Food Shelf. That represents a 30% increase from the number of families being helped before the pandemic. There were 19,096 total visits to the food shelf in 2021. According to Second Harvest Heartland, 1 in 12 Minnesotans (1 in 8 children) don’t know where their next meal is coming from. The food shelf says it is increasingly difficult for families to put food on the table due to the rising cost of living, especially for essentials such as food, rent and gas. The City of Gem Lake is committed to helping whenever possible. Two Positions Opening on the Gem Lake City Council There will be two positions up for election on the Gem Lake City Council. The terms of Council Members Jim Lindner and Len Cacioppo will expire at the end of 2022. Council member terms run four years. If you are interested in running for election, you must file with the County between August 2-16 and pay a fee of $2. You can file either at Heritage Hall or at the county. You must be at least 21, be a current resident and be eligible to vote. For more information, see the Ramsey County website under the election section. Upcoming Primary Election The primary election takes place on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The polling place for Gem Lake and White Bear Township Residents is at Heritage Hall, located at 4200 Otter Lake Road. Heritage Hall will be open for voters from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. If you are an unregistered voter or need to update your registration you can do it online with your Minnesota driver’s license, Minnesota identification card, or last four numbers of your Social Security Number at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/. You can also register the day of the elections at your polling place, you will just need proof of residence. You are invited to bring along a donation for the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf while visiting Heritage Hall to vote. Most wanted food shelf items:  Diapers & Baby Wipes  Paper Bags  Cereal  Cooking Oils  Peanut Butter  Gluten-free Pasta  Baby Food & Formula  Ground Coffee