2021 Vol 15, Issue 1 January Gem Lake News

Home

Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 February Meetings to be Virtual Due to COVID-19 numbers in Minnesota, City Meetings in Gem Lake will be held virtually in February. See page 6 for a list of meeting dates. The City Council arrived at this decision at the January council meeting, based on pandemic trends. Meetings were held virtually for months last year, with much success. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings on-line. To do so, make sure Gloria Tessier, Acting City Clerk, has your contact information. Several days prior to each meeting, she emails everyone with a link to the meeting call-in. See her contact information on page 6. Trail to be Open Year Round The Gem Lake trail, which borders the city open space on the west side of the Gem Lake Villas project, is now open year-round. Previously, the newly established trail was closed between November 1 and April 1. The council voted to keep the trail open and to have it plowed when a snowfall event reaches 2”. The trail will generally not be salted or sanded. New Members Appointed to Gem Lake Planning Commission Two Gem Lake residents were appointed at the January 19 City Council meeting to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission. Joshua Patrick has been a resident of Gem Lake for a little over a year, but has worked as a caretaker for a city resident for over 10 years. Professionally, he is a licensed Boiler Engineer, Building Engineer, and LEED Certified Operations Manager. He sees his fit on the Planning Commission as someone who can apply real-world building and facilities experience to assist with code review and mechanical recommendations. He is also someone who appreciates how unique Gem Lake is. He is a big proponent of keeping the charm of the city and not trying to overbuild. City News Stephanie Farrell has been a Gem Lake resident for about two years. She attended college at the University of Minnesota Duluth and majored in International Business. She lived in Blaine, following a three-year stint in China. She and her husband and two daughters finally landed in Gem Lake. “I am interested in serving on the Planning Commission because I love Gem Lake and would love to have an active role in the future growth and changes of the community. I am hoping my diverse background will lend a helping hand in the decision-making process. While living in China, I was a member of both the International Women’s Club and the PTA of my daughters’ international school. In both committees, I provided insight, gathered information, and assisted in the decision-making process, which ultimately led to the successful execution of numerous events. I am excited to meet new people and get more involved in my community.” Special Gem Lake Election Set for February 9 Due to Mayor Bob Uzpen’s death last May, an opening was created on the City Council. When Council Member Artig-Swomley was appointed to fill the role of Acting Mayor until the election, the open position of council member was fill by Laurel Hynes-Amlee. When she ran for a spot on the council and won a seat, her position became vacant. That spot is the subject of a special election on February 9. You can apply for a mail in ballot or you can vote in person at Heritage Hall on the day of election. Anyone interested in running was eligible to file for election between December 1- 15. Jim Lindner is the candidate for the special election. Jim has served on the Gem Lake City Council for 12 years, served on the Planning Commission for 10 years, and served on the VLAWMO (our watershed organization) board of directors for 10 years.