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Memorandum To: Gem Lake Planning Commission Project Reference: Alarm Systems Ordinance Review Copies To: Melissa Lawrence, City Clerk Kevin Beck, Attorney TKDA Project No.: 21076.000 From: CJ Sycks, Planner Client No.: Evan Monson, Planner Date: August 26, 2024 SUBJECT: Discussion regarding the Gem Lake Alarm System Ordinance No. 48 MEETING DATE: September 10, 2024 ITEMS REVIEWED: Gem Lake Ordinance No. 48, White Bear Lake False Alarm Ordinance OVERVIEW The City Council has tasked the Planning Commission with reviewing Ordinance No. 48 regarding Alarm Systems. Ord. No. 48 was adopted in August of 1987, and has not been amended since. The ordinance regulates the use of alarm systems, establishes user fees, and provides penalties for false alarms. The city of Gem Lake works with the city of White Bear Lake’s (WBL) Fire Department to respond to triggered fire alarms and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to respond to burglary/robbery alarms. CURRENT ORDINANCE Section 3.3 Definitions, False Alarms. False alarms are defined in the ordinance as “an alarm signal eliciting a response by personnel of the Public Safety Department when a situation requiring a response does not, in fact, exist and which is caused by the activation of the alarm inadvertence of the owner or lessee of an alarm system of his /her employees or agents. False alarms do not include alarms caused by climatic conditions such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, utility line mishaps, violent conditions of nature or any other conditions which are clearly beyond the control of the alarm manufacturer installer or owner.” Section 5. User Fees; Notice. • With every false alarm, the Public Safety Department will file a report with the city. • After three reports in a calendar year, there is a $50.00 fee per false alarm after three. • After 15 false alarms in a calendar year, there is a $150.00 fee per false alarm. • After the 4th false alarm, each incident must be reported to the alarm user requesting the applicable fee. Payments are to be made to the Treasurer within 30 days of notice. Section 8. Alarm Report. • After a 5th false alarm, the user must make a written report to the Administrator explaining their planned course of action moving forward to determine and eliminate the cause of the false alarms. Section 11. Enforcement and Penalties • Violation of the Ordinance is a $700 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both.