1 January 2010 Gem Lake News - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Last year was a difficult one for the country, the county and the City of Gem Lake. With the economy in such bad condition, the City Council worked hard to maintain city services, improve efficiencies, control expenses and improve city infrastructure where possible. Here are a some 2009 accomplishments: *Through efficiencies and cost saving measures, the sewer fund loan of $125,000, that was used to pay for attorney fees for the annexation case, was paid back, eliminating the need to budget for this in 2010. *Through efficiencies, cost saving measures and better utilization of funds, the 2010 operating budget was reduced by 16.7% over the 2009 operating budget. No reduction in services will be needed. *The 2008 City Comprehensive Plan and the Surface Water Plan were both completed and submitted to the Metropolitan Council, as required by law every ten years. These plan project the growth of the city over the next 30 years. *A new zoning district was created with cooperative work between the Planning Commission and the City Council. The Hoffman's Corner business district and the two Hansen parcels located on County Road E now compose what is called the "Gateway District." This new district simplifies ordinances for builders to develop or redevelop property. *The city redirected funds to replace the city sign on Haven Lane and fix the very old drainage system located at the end of the street in the culvert. The project was made even more successful through the volunteer efforts of Planning Commission member Beth Herzog who managed the process, thus saving the city money. *In early spring of 2009 business owners on South Scheuneman Road requested that the city repair part of the road, deal with drainage problems that Mayor Uzpen Reflects Upon 2009 Accomplishments had plagued the area for a while, and fix the main sewer pipe that services businesses and homes in the area. This project was successfully completed in November. *In line with an overall goal of bringing city rules and regulations up to date, the Planning Commission and City Council rewrote the signage ordinance that has been in place since the 1950's, bringing sign requirements into the 21st Century. *A pigeon ordinance was completed, with the cooperation and assistance of a local resident who keeps pigeons on his property. Input was also gathered from ordinances from nearby communities and the rules now work for everyone in the community. *In a pre-emptive move to stay ahead of emerging state and county regulations, the city changed from requiring bi-annual to annual septic inspections. The city has also agreed to underwrite a portion of the cost in order to keep the fees as low as possible. This move was required because the Metropolitan Council closely watches communities with septic system s. Also, Ramsey County is now required by the Met Council to have a Septic Ordinance in place. In the long run, this move also helps ensure safe ground water. *The city paid close attention to traffic matters, a subject close to the heart of most Gem Lake residents. In 2009 three meetings were held with the Ramsey County Director of Public Works to discuss the speed limit on Goose Lake Road, the pedestrian crossing at the golf course and the state of our one and only railroad crossing. The city will continue to monitor these matters. *The city signed a new recycling contract with Waste Management. This new contract allows for single service recycling and provides all households with a new recycling container. It is also a real "green" policy for the city, as it will help the environment. "2009 was a very successful year for the City of Gem Lake," according to Mayor Bob Uzpen. "With the state of the economy, 2010 will be equally as challenging. We will continue to work very hard to control costs, improve efficiencies and work for the people of Gem Lake."