2006 07-26 CC PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

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'm e� JUN 11 4 2006 permitting processes were illegally misused, there was insufficient evidence to make specific findings of fact in that regard. What is clear is that Gem Lake has resisted and is intent on continuing to resist higher density development as suggested by the Metropolitan Council. In fairness, few of the attempts at development have proceeded far enough through the process to have had an outright and official rejection by the City of Gem Lake. Consequently, there is no way to say definitively what would have happened should any of the proposals have come to a vote by the city council. Vadnais Heights, on the other hand, has recognized the growth and development realities of its location. The zoning ordinances are clear and enforced professionally. It is apparent from the testimony that the owners of the subject property find Vadnais Heights a more welcoming and more efficient entity with which to work toward development than is Gem Lake. (f) Existing levels of governmental services being provided to the subject area, including water and sewer service, fire rating and protection, law enforcement, street improvements and maintenance, administrative services, and 'recreational facilities and the impact of the proposed action on the delivery of the services. The City of Gem Lake has entirely part time staff. Some are employed directly by the city and some are contract employees of private service providers. There are no public parks or other public recreational facilities. Gem Lake relies upon the White Bear Fire Department. Vadnais Heights has its own fire department. Both Gem Lake and Vadnais Heights contract with the Ramsey County Sherriff's Office for police protection. The City of Gem Lake has a municipal sewer system. Despite the recommendations of the Metropolitan Council in 1997, the city has not brought sewer and water connections to much of its developed or undeveloped areas. The City of Gem Lake has, however, recently developed city sewer and water for the businesses and residences along Scheuneman Road on the east side of the city. (g) Existing or potential environmental problems and whether the proposed action is likely to improve or resolve these problems. There are no environmental problems in the City which cannot be resolved with the present forms of government. While the City of Gem Lake understandably has a concern with development that may have an impact on the lake's water characteristics such as quality, runoff, and flooding, both Gem Lake and Vadnais Heights are part of the Vadnais Lakes Area Waste Management 15