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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 be sponsored inexpensively These ideas included sponsoring another CPR class, which can be paid for by utilizing the city's portion of the charitable gambling income. This would allow the class to be provided free to residents. Another event could be a repeat of the city idea session that took place two years ago at the old White Bear Township city hall. At this session a consultant gathered information on what citizens perceived as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as the city moved into the future. The information was used to form the basis of the comprehensive plan. A new session could be designed to celebrate the past, present and future of the city. One idea floated was to begin with several of the city's older residents providing insights on the Gem Lake of generations past and then to move into another brainstorming session during which citizen participation would be key. The goal would be to draft a roadmap for the future of Gem Lake based on resident input. *Some of the proposed goals discussed for 2010 were financial. The council would like to find ways to reduce discretionary spending by 5-10% if possible. Through efficiencies, cost saving measures and better utilization of funds, the 2010 operating budget was already reduced by 16.7% over the 2009 operating budget. *The city newsletter was deemed to be an important vehicle for building a sense of community and increasing communication among citizens. In the year ahead, a goal would be to increase the number of people who get the newsletter electronically, thus reducing printing and postage costs. The council is also determined to get the newsletter, as well as other news, onto the web-site more quickly. *Although they don't rate high on the glitz and glamour scale, several goals discussed City Council Discusses Goals for 2010 (continued from page 1) revolve around city ordinances. The council wants to pass a deer hunting ordinance, which would require people bow hunting within city limits to get a license from the city. No charge for the license is anticipated. The dog ordinance needs a bit of clean up and clarification. Also, the city is now drafting a flood plain ordinance, so Gem Lake will qualify for the federal flood insurance program. *A new zoning district was created last year 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 comprise what is called the "Gateway District." This new district simplifies ordinances for builders to develop or redevelop property. To further encourage development within the city, the council has a 2010 goal of becoming more educated on possible incentives that could be offered to developers without undue risk or expense to the city. "Thoughtful development on some of our open parcels is going to benefit everyone in Gem Lake if it is carefully done," says City Council Member Tom Rasmussen. *Infrastructure and reporting issues are on the 2010 draft goals list. For instance, a map of inflow/outflows for storm water along the city borders needs to be completed for a storm water report that is due to the State of Minnesota. Also, sometime in 2010, the city's sewer system will need to be flushed out. (Fun) There was some discussion about potential repairs of the sewer system in the Hoffman's Corner area. The city would also like to install a flag pole outside the entrance of Heritage Hall. Finally, re-stripping Scheuneman Road might be necessary. *The City Council also wants to establish demographic and data on the goals. The Mayor would like to come up with real and up-to-date numbers for the (continued on page 5)