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Telephone: ( 651 ) 426 - 6443 CITY OF GEM LAKE Office of the City Clerk 1369 County Road "E" East Gem Lake, MN 55110-5231 Email: gemlakecity@aol.com Planning Commission Public Hearing, July 10, 2006 ■n?�rl,.11 i Facsimile: ( 651 ) 426 - 6444 The Gem Lake Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed changes to Ordinance 58B Monday, July 10, 2006 in the first floor meeting room of Tousley Ford. Planning Commission members Jim Lindner and Derek Wippich were present to hear public comment. Several city residents were present. Mr. Lindner read the formalities and opened the public hearing at 7:OOPM. He then offered ideas as to where public parkland could be located in Gem Lake and potential uses. He mentioned a bicycle trail could possibly run along utility easements on future land developments inside the city. Gretchen Swomley asked questions regarding easements along the backside of properties which could be a security issue for some residents. Others in the audience agreed with her, but most were comfortable if any proposed trail ran along property frontages. Mayor Emeott commented that 10% of land (or the financial equivalent thereof) is common for cities to require for park dedication. He added that the City of Minneapolis is asking for somewhat more (possibly 14%) but such requirements are rare and may be the subject of legal challenges. Resident Bob Uzpen suggested Gem Lake request the maximum allowed by state statute. As the discussion began to drift off the public hearing topic, Mr. Lindner intervened and asked for any more comment on the topic at hand. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing at 7:45PM. Planning Commission Workshop, July 10, 2006 In the absence of a quorum (Mr. Rafferty out of town, Mrs. Robins unavailable, Mr. Hoeschler resigned) interim chair Lindner convened a workshop at 7:45PM with several members of the community present to discuss various topics important to Gem Lake. Topics included the need for a planned unit development (PUD) and a residential mixed use (RMU) ordinance to help promote development of certain lands in Gem Lake subject to the recent court ruling by Judge Krause. Mayor Emeott distributed a draft of a PUD ordinance to all present and discussed how it would work and how it would enable the City of Gem Lake to work with developers yet maintain a degree of control in exactly how the land is developed. At first glance, most present thought the mayor had made a good effort in getting this process started, though it will take time to get a final product. Through the conversation, it was suggested to Mayor Emeott that he submit a copy of his draft to City Planner Mark Nolan of SEH for review and further development. The possible annexations of several Gem Lake parcels into Vadnais Heights was the driving force for several comments regarding the need to develop Gem Lake, though some present asked why Gem Lake's existing zoning was not sufficient to promote development. Mr. Lindner and Mayor Emeott explained how Judge Krause placed greater expectations upon Gem Lake as a city towards developers than its current zoning and planning have allowed thus far. Community involvement in Gem Lake affairs was also discussed. A city newsletter would help communicate happenings in the city. Others suggested the draft PUD ordinance be circulated for public input (Lindner explained that any ordinance would have to have a dedicated public hearing before the Planning Commission could make a formal recommendation for adoption by the City Council). Through it all, those present said communication was the key for the city to make its residents aware of what is going on with their city. JMr. Lindner reminded all present of two public hearings next week (July 18 and July 20) to gather public comment