10 October 2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 Railroad Crossing "Make-Over" (continued from page 1) Gem Lake's current mayor Bob Uzpen, as well as its former mayor Paul Emeott, had asked Ramsey County to address the aging railroad crossing. County Engineer Ken Haider helped to move the project along after seeing how difficult the crossing had become to drive over. "It is a pleasure to finally have the railroad crossing fixed," said Bob Uzpen. "We owe all of this to Ken Haider, Director of the Ramsey County Public Works Department. I know for a fact that this railroad crossing was not an any list of crossings to be fixed through 2010. Ken and his staff were able to get this accomplished after seeing what shape it was in." Weapons Discharge Ordinance Passed (continued from page 1) The City of Gem Lake relied on input from surrounding communities, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, and its own City Attorney Trevor Oliver. What emerged was the fact that allowing hunting in the Metro Area is actually becoming quite rare. Almost all communities ban the use of guns for hunting, most also ban bow hunting in the deer season, with some exceptions. White Bear Township allows some sanctioned, in season bow hunting, with all the correct licensing, but only in several carefully defined areas and only under conditions established periodically by town board resolution. The same holds true for Vadnais Heights. The City of White Bear, which is 100 times larger than Gem Lake, bans it completely. The cities that do allow for bow hunting, do so with many restrictions, such as obtaining the permission of the land owner and neighbors on private land, etc. In the end, it became a question of public safety for the Gem Lake City Council, due partly to the absence of public land. "Over the past two hunting seasons, city hall has received complaints regarding deer hunting within the city," said Mayor Bob Uzpen. "These complaints covered deer running passed school bus stops with arrows sticking out of them, hunters walking private land without permission, carrying bows and arrows, gun shots fired, deer shot and left to die, and the use of unauthorized and illegal baiting stands." Here is what City Council Member Tom Rasmussen had to say about the process of passing the new ordinance. "The Mayor and the City Council of Gem Lake have always worked to preserve the rural feeling of our community. We are a small island of paradise within an increasingly dense area. Allowing bow hunting of deer and other game has long been an example of our desire to retain our 'country' feel. Numerous resident hunters have respectfully enjoyed the opportunity to hunt literally in their own backyards." It was increasing pressure from complaints by residents of outside hunters illegally using the land without permission that pushed the council into action, added Tom. "Operating previously without any ordinance whatsoever, Gem Lake residents concerned for their safety and property (concluded on page 5)