2007 04-24 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CITY OF GEM LAKE, MN 4707 Hwy 61 # 253 _ White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3227 Telephone 651-747-2790 Planning Commission Minutes, 4-3-2007 Planning Commission Chair Lindner opened the March meeting at 7:OOPM. Besides Lindner, Commissioners Wippich and Rafferty were present. Also present were Councilwoman Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Councilman Tom Rasmussen, Kim Anderson, Mayor Paul Emeott, and three members of White Bear Montessori. Kim Anderson asked if the council workshop was scheduled for tonight. Mayor Emeott informed her it was actually yesterday (4-2) and had been announced on the city website as such. Cornerstone Baptist church We briefly discussed last month's appearance by Cornerstone Baptist church. Mr. Lindner stated that about two days after the meeting he received a phone call from pastor Bob Nelson stating he had information that the mayor and council had already made up their minds to reject any variance application. Lindner told Nelson this sounded quite unusual and suggested the pastor and his flock appear at the council meeting scheduled later in March. Per Mayor Emeott, no one from the church was at the March Council meeting. This issue as a result, is now closed. White Bear Montessori Heather, Sam, and Randy were present representing WB Montessori. They wanted to learn the process for a possible expansion project as they may reach their maximum allowed student population under the existing Institutional overlay regulations. Current regulations place a limit of 150 kids per 3 acres. They now have 21 elementary age children and 135 total children. All told, their presence tonight was informational for both them and us. They want to know the process should they reach, or come close to reaching, their maximum allowed student population. We want to know how they plan on growing. Planning Commission suggested they bring their floor plan and site plan to the next meeting they attend. The school will bring all relevant information including results of discussions with surrounding neighbors. This all may take several years to fully unfold, but WB Montessori has been a good community member and we wish to keep their presence in our community. Comprehensive Plan next meeting Dan Jochum, our SEH planner, was not in attendance tonight. However, he would like to meet with Mayor Emeott and JL to get our plan project back on track. Craig Rafferty said he would also be available to attend a meeting (to be held later this week if possible). Paul then gave an overview of the workshop from last night. A Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with White Bear Township was discussed regarding the new joint town hall project. Another JPA with the Township was discussed to upsize the proposed water pipe to the town hall site so Gem Lake may supply water to the northeast portion of the City. Finally they talked about the comprehensive plan, covering everything but land Look for us on the World Wide Web at gemlakemn.org