HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 03-17 CC MINUTESMinutes of Gem Lake City Council Meeting
17 March 2009
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake was called to
order by Mayor Uzpen on. Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:02 pm in the Gem Lake
City Hall meeting room.
The following members were present: Mayor Bob Uzpen, Council members
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Chuck Watson and Jim Lindner. Other members of the
public were also in attendance per the sign in sheet sent around the room.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of City Council meeting of February 10, 2009: Upon motion by Artig-
Swamley and seconded by Watson, the council approved the minutes of the
February 10, 2009 Council meeting.
Ayes -- 4 Nays — 0
City Council Agenda: Mayor Uzpen called for additions, deletions and
corrections to the agenda. Council member Artig-Swomley requested additions
to the Open. Item section as follows: a) discussion of historic Gem Lake photos
and b) the proposed sign code for Gem Lake. Upon motion by Lindner,
seconded by Artig-Swomley, the council approved the agenda for the. March 17,
2009 Council meeting. Ayes — 4 Nays -- 0
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Planning Commission February. Meeting Report: Watson had questions
regarding point 2 from the February 2, 2009 minutes and the section discussing
the corner of Highway 61. Lindner will relook at document and make corrections
as needed. Mayor Uzpen deferred accepting February minutes until the April
Council meeting.
Gem Lake Minutes
March 17, 2009
Page Two
PUBLIC NOTICES
None
OLD BUSINESS
City Newsletter: Artig-Swomley discussed a list of proposed stories for the April
issue of Gem Lake News. This list included a summary of ordinances modified in
February by the city council, a feature story on Bob's Drive -In (a popular Gem
Lake Restaurant in the 1930's and '40's), a story on the CPR training class held
on March 21 and a story on Nelson Marine, as space allows. Artig-Swomley also
mentioned potential future story ideas, such as a comparison by Gem Lake
residents who lived through the Great Depression of current economic conditions
versus conditions in the 1930's. Mayor Uzpen also suggested putting in a
financial feature summarizing actual income and expenses compared to the 2009
budget. The council discussed looking at alternative printing bids for future
issues. The deadline for articles is the r of each month.
CPR Training: At this time there are seven people registered for the class on
Saturday, March 21, 2009. The class can accommodate up to twenty people.
The time of the class is 8:30 am — 12:30 pm. Jean will send out another e-mail to.
notify residents, stressing the point that the class is free of charge.
MS4 Update: Mayor Uzpen asked Watson the status on the MS4 Update.
Watson responded that he had not heard any feedback, which was a good sign.
He will keep the Council members updated.
NEW BUSINESS:
Planning Commission Term Appointment Resolution 2009: Mayor Uzpen
asked for any discussion on the resolution. None was given and Artig-Svvomley
motioned to accept the resolution and Lindner seconded. Mayor Uzpen asked.
for a voice vote on this and all voiced yes. Resolution was passed. Ayes — 4
Nays — 0
Gem Lake Minutes
March 17, 2009
Page Three
Approval of Payment for the March Claims: Mayor Uzpen had a discussion
with Jesse Hart, Treasurer, about reimbursing Jean Reiter, City Secretary,
immediately for any out-of-pocket expenses Jean might incur for Gem Lake.
Lindner motioned, seconded by Artig-Swomley. Ayes — 4 Nays — 0
February Financial Report: Mayor Uzpen will be meeting with Bill Short and
Jessie Hart on Thursday, March 19, 2009 and asked Council Members to
articulate their questions on the financial reports, so they could be discussed
during the meeting. Watson questioned why the budget was so low ($20,000)
when we are spending $35,000. Also Watson questioned why the General Fund
bid was $500, but we paid $1,500.00 going $1,000 over what we budgeted.
Mayor Uzpen will talk to. Bill and Jessie about these issues.
Vadnais Heights Sports Complex: A map of a newly proposed site was shown
to the Council members. This proposal calls for the site to move from the original.
place, near LaBore and County Road E, to a site that is east on County Road E,
near International Drive. Since planning is in the discussion and negotiation
stage, city council members felt it should be briefly discussed, due to different
traffic concerns. It could be built on 16 acres with hockey rinks and other sports
facilities. The sports complex would be used for youth sports activities, with
space and leased by surrounding schools and/or hockey leagues.
OPEN ITEMS
Historical Gem Lake Photo Files: Artig-Swom.ley suggested starting a file
folder of historical Gem Lake photos.; so these important assets. can be
.preserved, and even framed for use in city hall, as the budget allows.
Sign Code: Artig-Swomley found the proposed Gem Lake sign code that she
drafted four years ago She will email the packet to the City Council and the
Planning Commission.
Zoning Ordinance: Lindner updated the Council members about the first
reading of some changes to the Zoning Ordinance that are going to be required
for the Comprehensive Plan. He also gave a copy to the Planning Commission
to view.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Rail Road Crossings in Gem Lake: There is a rail road crossing in Gem Lake
over by Heritage Hall that is need of repair. Ramsey County apparently only
repairs two (2) rail road crossings a year. Because there have been reports of
vehicle damage at the crossing in Gem Lake, Mayor Uzpen will contact Ramsey
County to discuss how the repair can be accomplished.
Gem Lake Minutes
March 17, 2009
Page Four
FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Next City Council Workshop: Will be held on April 6, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
Next City Council Meeting: Will be held on April 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
ADJOURN
The March 17, 2009 regular meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 7:56
pm. Watson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Lindner. Ayes — 4 Nays -- 0
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Julie Newkirk
Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Bob Uzpen
Mayor