HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 02-23 CC MINUTESCITY OF GEM LAKE, MN
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110-3227
Telephone 651-747-2790
E-mail City(a),zemlakeMN.org
Minutes of Gem Lake City Council Meeting
23 February 2010
Special Session Order: Mayor Uzpen called to order a special meeting to
appoint Richard Bosak to the City Council. Councilmember Rasmussen
motioned to accept the Mayor's recommendation to appoint Richard Bosak to the
City Council: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley:
Ayes — 4, Nays — O.
Swearing in of Richard Bosak: Bill. Short, City Clerk of White. Bear Township
was present at the city council meeting to swear in Richard Bosak. At 6:40 p.m.,
Bill Short swore in Richard Bosak for the Gem Lake City Council position. It was
stated: "I, Richard Bosak, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of
the United States and the State of Minnesota, and faithfully discharge the duties
of the office of City Councilmember of the City of Gem Lake in the County of
Ramsey and the State of Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability. So
help me God. Upon Motion by Councilmember Artig-Swomley and seconded by
Councilmember Bosak, the special session meeting closed at 6:45 p.m.
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake was called to
order by Mayor Uzpen on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the Gem
Lake City Hall meeting room.
The following members were present: Mayor Robert Uzpen, Councilmembers
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Thomas Rasmussen, James Lindner and Richard
Bosak. Other members of the public attended per the sign in sheet sent around
the room.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES
City Council Agenda: Mayor Uzpen called for additions, deletions and
corrections to the agenda. No corrections were made. Upon motion by
Councilmember Artig-Swomley, and seconded by Councilmember Rasmussen,
the agenda was approved for February 23, 2010. Ayes — 5, Nays — 0.
City Council January Meeting Minutes: The January, 2010 minutes were
presented and corrections were needed. Upon motion by Councilmember Artig-
Swornley, and seconded by Councilmember Bosak, the minutes of January 2010
were accepted with corrections being made. AYes — 5, Nays — 0.
Gem Lake City Council Meeting.
Page 2 of 6
Planning Commission December Meeting Minutes: The December, 2009
minutes were presented and corrections were needed. Upon motion by
Councilmember Artig-Swomley, and seconded by Councilmember Lindner, the
minutes of December 2009 were accepted with corrections being made.
Ayes — 5, Nays — 0.
OLD BUSINESS
City Newsletter — March 2010: Councilmember Artig-Swomley requested ideas
for the March newsletter. Some suggestions made were the scholarship
program for the City of Gem Lake, the benefits of recycling within the community,
swearing in new Council Member Richard Bosak.
Local Water Management Plan: It was discussed within the city council to have
Councilmember Lindner receive training with SEH as Councilmember Watson
had. Mayor Uzpen suggested setting up a project plan for each month to stay
within the guidelines of the statue. The first due date is in May and requires an in
flow/out flow map for the City of Gem Lake.
Water Testing: Councilmember Lindner brought 17 water samples to the lab in
St. Paul and the city received satisfactory results. The city decided to have
another water testing on Monday, June 7, 2010 and will let the residents know a
month in advance in the newsletter.
PUBLIC HEARING
High Tech Auto Services: Mayor Uzpen prepared a discussion document for
the Conditional Use Permit. Mayor Uzpen requested to have a motionfor the
council to discuss the discussion document first before opening up the final
hearing. Upon motion by Councilmember Bosak and seconded by
Councilmember Artig-Swomley the discussion document was open. The owners
are applying to open a business on County Road E. The business will be
installing auto accessories and doing minor auto repairs. The Conditional Use
Permit will be no complaints for twelve months and stick to the business hours
stated by the owners.
The Public Hearing officially opened at 7:20 p.m. for the Conditional Use Permit
for High Tech Auto Services. The owners were present and explained what their
business was. This is their second shop as the original shop is located in
Vadnais Heights. The owner would be operating this location in Gem Lake. The
hours of business would be Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
with Sundays closed. Because repairs are done by appointment, there will be no
vehicles overnight in the parking lot. Right now, there are two stalls in the
building, with one stall walled off. The owner would like to open the second stall
and keep traffic on Hoffman Road versus County Road E.
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There were questions raised regarding the size of the signs already on the roof.
The owner already has 3x7 signs and would like to use those signs, but will
check the current ordinance on the web site regarding the size.
Councilmember Linder asked the noise level regarding the tools being used in
the business. The owner stated that it would be as loud as a car.
Mayor Uzpen asked if the public had any questions or concerns regarding the
Conditional Use Permit and none were stated.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:36 p.m.
The Conditional Use Permit would be for twelve months, conditions are not
transferrable and no complaints for twelve months. Installing auto accessories
and minor auto repair. There would be no new or used tires to be stored and
displayed outside and business hours will be Monday through. Saturday, 7:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also all State, Federal and local laws shall be complied.
Gem Lake's Attorney Trevor Oliver recommends that business hours not be
between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic pattern would be entering and exiting from
Hoffman Road. The trash container would be in a screened off enclosure. inside
the building regarding the stalls, Trevor recommends two bays open per one
employee and five parking spaces for this business.
Upon motion by Councilmember Artig-Swomley and seconded by
Councilmember Lindner, motion was to approve the Conditional Use Permit with
the conditions Attorney Trevor Oliver stated, Ayes — 5, Nays g.
Four Seasons Auto: Mr. Newcomb wants to amend the Conditional Use Permit
from 2009. A question from the city council was if this was an amendment or a
new Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Newcomb states that he is keeping the sales in
the back of the property and just moving the office up front and requesting a
change of address with the State of Minnesota and an additional five to seven
parking spots up front by the office. Mayor Uzpen stated that the paperwork was
not consistent with what Mr. Newcomb was requesting verbally with the city
council.
The Public Hearing officially opened at 8:03 p.m. After much discussion between
the city council and Mr. Newcomb, the city council feels that they cannot approve
this without the correct paperwork. The council can approve it, deny it, or table it
for the March City Council meeting and that gives Mr. Newcomb time to have the
correct paperwork in order. Attorney Trevor Oliver stated the issue at hand is the
parking in front for used car sales. Because it is a strip mall, each store gets a
certain number of parking spaces per the square footage. The city council voted
to table the Conditional Use Permit as presented. Mr. Newcomb can bring this
back to the March City Council meeting with proper paperwork. Motioned by
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Geni Lake City Council Meeting
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Councilmember Artig-Swomley and. seconded. by Councilmember Bosak.
.Motion has been motioned and seconded for the Conditional .Use. Permit..
Ayes — 5, Nays — Q.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9 p.m.
Presentation from Todd. Hagen: Todd Hagen gave a presentation to the city
council regarding options the City of Gem Lake can do to work with developers
who want to build in Gem Lake. He presented different options, one being tax
abatement, which is most popular with developers. It is a tax levy that the
developers can use for a pay as you go to offset their special assessment.
payments and will increase the market value. Todd went through the handouts
he gave to the council members explaining all the options. If the City of Gem
Lake went with his company, he would work closely with Trevor Oliver and the
city council.
2010-2011 LMCIT Insurance Package Renewal: Jessie Hart, Treasurer of
Gem Lake sent a memo to the council member concerning the insurance
package and the need to renew the policy. Upon motion from Councilmember
Artig-Swomley and seconded by Councilmember Lindner, motion passes.
Ayes-4, Nays —n.
Approval of New Fee Schedule between Gem Lake and White Bear
Township: Per the memo from Patti Walstad, from White Bear Township, there
are some new fees between White Bear Township and the City of Gem Lake.
The city council looked over the memo and upon motion by Councilmember
Lindner and seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley, motion passes.
Ayes -- 4, Nays O.
Joint Powers. Agreement: City council looked over the information presented to
them to assign joint power because of the fees. Upon motion by Councilmember
Lindner and seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley, motion passes.
Ayes-4, Nays--O.
Sewer Connection Fee for .2010: Mayor •Uzpen .tabled the sewer connection
fee until the next council meeting.
Sheriff's Contract: Trevor Oliver discussed how the payments are done and
recommended approving the motion. Upon motion by Councilmember Lindner
and seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley, motion passes.
Ayes — 4, Nays — O.
Claims for February: The bills for February were discussed and authorized to
pay. Upon motion by Councilmember Lindner and seconded by Councilmember
Bosak, motion passes. Ayes — 4, Nays — 0.
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Monthly Financial Report:
The City Council received and reviewed the current financials and budget for
February and no questions were asked,
Discussion/Approval of Scholarship Application: Mayor Uzpen wrote up a
rough draft and gave copies to the council members. Mayor Uzpen asked the
council to look over the draft and give their feedback. The money will be coming
from the gambling funds in the City of Gem Lake.
Open Items for Council Members: Councilmember Artig-Swomley had
received a call from two people at Barnett and was wondering if employees could
sign up for the free CPR class that Gem Lake sponsors every year. It was
decided that only Gem Lake residents and business owners of Gem Lake are
welcome to attend the free class.
Councilmember Lindner is signed up to attend the Shallow Lake Workshop on
Saturday, February 27, 2010.
PRESENTATION FROM THE PUBLIC
Justin Gese from SEH spoke to the city council regarding the collapsing sewer
on Hoffman Corners. He recommends fixing that section of the sewer and the
contractor will do a spot repair. The City of Gem Lake will be responsible for
payment of the repair. Mayor Uzpen asked Justin for a written report with his
recommendation and an estimated cost and the council will discuss this at the
March city council meeting.
FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Workshop Meeting: March 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting: March 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURN
The February19, 2010 regular meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 9:45
p.m. Upon motion by. Councilmember Lindner, and seconded by Councilmember
Artig-Swomley, the City Council meeting was adjourned.
Ayes-4 Nays-0.
APPROVED:
ATTEST: ATTEST:
Julie Newkirk
Recording Secretary
Robert Uzpen
Mayor
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SIGN IN SHEET:
Justin Gese — SEI I
Steve Herzog
Todd Hagen -- Ehler
Dennis New.eomb — Four Seasons
Rocio Larios — High Tech Auto Service, Inc.
Dan Marier — Gem Lake Planning Commission
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