2025 Vol 19, Issue 6 December Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8 Conditional Use Permit Approved for The Gem Lake City Council approved a conditional use permit to allow the property at 1599 County Road E East to open as The Lakes Dispensary as soon as all State permits and inspections are completed. Dispensaries are licensed by the State and must register with the city in which they operate, as well as adhering to all zoning guidelines for that city. The Lakes Dispensary expects to open officially in the next few months. Liquor License Approved A liquor license was approved by the Gem Lake City Council on November 18 for Bear Dogs, LLC, a new bar to be located at 1595 County Road E East. The bar will occupy the location once used by White Bear Meadery. The City of Gem Lake is authorized to have a maximum of four on-sale licenses and already has two in place. The City Council approved an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses for Bear Dogs, LLC contingent upon approval from the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety. 2026 Truth-In Taxation Budget Hearing The City of Gem Lake will approve its final 2026 property tax levy and budget at a public hearing on December 16, starting at 7:00 p.m. The City of Gem Lake approved the preliminary budget at the September 16, City Council meeting. Cities then have until the end of December to approve a final budget, allowing time for budget numbers to be redefined and finalized. While a city can reduce its budget numbers for the final budget, it cannot, by law, increase its proposed budget levy from the numbers approved in the preliminary budget. For this reason, most cities certify a preliminary budget using “worse case” budget scenarios. The approved 2026 preliminary property tax levy was $768,005, which was a 4.667% increase over the 2025 certified preliminary property tax levy. The preliminary property tax levy for 2026 consists of a debt levy of $85,778 (an increase of $2,042 from 2025 preliminary debt levy) and the general operating levy of $682,227 (an increase of 4.955% from the 2025 preliminary tax levy. The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Five Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council, (portions of this article were generated by AI) Our stormwater series concludes with a final article on community education and engagement. Putting responsibility for stormwater management into the hands of homeowners allows everyone to become a stakeholder in the management process. I encourage you to read the following then consider participating in a workshop sponsored by our local watershed Vadnais Lake Water Management Organization (VLAWMO). Learn more at www.vlawmo.org. Community Engagement and Education Effective stormwater management requires the active participation and awareness of communities. Educating the public about the importance of managing stormwater and the role individuals can play is crucial for the success of these initiatives. Public Involvement Community-based programs that encourage residents to participate in stormwater management projects, such as rain barrel installations and neighborhood clean-ups, foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Public involvement ensures that stormwater management practices are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of local communities. Educational Campaigns Raising awareness through educational campaigns about the impacts of stormwater pollution and the benefits of green infrastructure can lead to behavioral changes. Schools, local governments, and non-profit organizations can collaborate to provide educational resources and workshops, promoting sustainable stormwater management practices. Conclusion Stormwater management is an indispensable aspect of modern urban planning and environmental stewardship. By implementing effective Through strategies to manage runoff, we can protect water quality, prevent flooding, support ecosystems, and enhance public health and safety. The economic and social benefits of these practices underscore their importance in creating resilient and sustainable communities. As we face the challenges of urbanization and climate change, a comprehensive approach to stormwater management will be essential in safeguarding our environment and ensuring the well-being of future generations.