January 2011 Gem Lake Newsletter

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Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 City News Page Tree Trimming Completed After November 13 Ice Storm Various trees in the public right of way gave up their right of way on November 13 during the ice storm that walloped the area. Several weeks later, trimming of all damaged trees was completed by Langer Tree Service. The tree service also hauled away damaged limbs and trees that had been brought to the street by residents who had done their own trimming on these boulevard trees. Everything is all better now. Liquor License Renewals Approved by Council for Two Local Businesses Two liquor license renewals were approved at the City Council Meeting held on December 21. Applications for renewal were made by The Country Lounge and the Gem Lake Hills Golf Course. The Country Lounge received a 2011 license renewal for on-sale liquor, Sunday on-sale liquor, optional 2 a.m. liquor sales, charitable gambling and tobacco sales. The Gem Lake Hills Golf Course received a 2011 renewal for on-sale liquor and Sunday on- sale liquor. 2011 Budget Adopted The Gem Lake City Council recently adopted the 2011 City Budget of $326,156 in general fund revenues and $411,755 in general fund expenses. The difference between revenues and expenditures will be made up by transferring some of the city's fund balance into the general fund to balance the budget. Gem Lake is expected to have a general fund balance of $1,055,552 by January 1 and plans to whittle this down a bit in order to keep property taxes lower. Wind Tower Ordinance Approved Following Public Hearing A draft of a new ordinance dealing with wind energy and wind turbines was approved following a second public hearing on December 21 at Heritage Hall. The ordinance deals with the rules and requirements for putting up wind turbines within city limits. The ordinance evolved as a result of months of meetings at the city council and planning commission levels. For more information, please contact Heritage Hall at 651-747-2790.