HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 12-21 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2021 1 | Page
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – December 21, 2021
Meeting Minutes
Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Len Cacioppo,
Laurel Amlee, Ben Johnson and Jim Lindner were present. Also present: City Attorney Patrick Kelly,
City Treasurer Tom Kelly, Planning Commission Member Joshua Patrick and Planning Commission
Chair Don Cummnigs, and Resident Rick Bosak.
December 21, 2021 Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Linder to accept the agenda, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, agenda accepted.
Minutes
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the
November 16, 2021, City Council Minutes. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, minutes
approved.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to accept the
December 7, 2021, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion
passes, minutes accepted.
Committee Reports – Planning Commission
Planning Commission Chair Don Cummings gave an overview of the Planning Commission Meeting on
December 7, 2021. At the December meeting the Commission voted on moving their meeting dates from
the first Tuesday of each month to the second Tuesday of each month to accommodate the City Planners
schedule. A public hearing has been scheduled for the January 11, 2022 meeting date to discuss a CUP at
3825 Scheuneman Road and to discuss changes to the Home Occupation Ordinance. Discussion on
beginning work on the next Comprehensive Plan was also discussed.
Old Business
Mayor Artig-Swomley presented ideas for the next edition of the Newsletter to include pieces such as
information regarding the MPCA joining the January 2022 City Council Meeting, a story about hydrology
and why certain areas became polluted and others did not and their ideas on how it got from here to there.
Deer harvest report, fire ordinance procedure changes, 2022 budget, and VLAWMO issues regarding
smart salting.
New Business
Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing
City Treasurer Tom Kelly gave an overview of the 2022 budget for the City of Gem Lake. Gem Lake now
has a population of more than 500 people and is required to hold a Truth-in-Taxation hearing. The City
Council is asked to approve (pass) Resolution 2021-15, Adopting the Final 2022 General Fund Budget
and Property Tax Levy. The 2022 Budget is proposed at $523,278, which is a 6.27% increase from the
2021 Budget. Major or large changes from the 2021 Budget to the 2022 Budget are as follows:
1. Based on the 2015 Refunding Bond schedule the debt levy for 2022 is set for $79,477.00. In
addition, in 2018, the City issued bonds for the improvements on Scheuneman Road and the 2022
debt levy for this issue is $7,805.00. The two of these debt levies makes up the City’s 2022 debt
levy of $87,282.
2. Licenses and Permits decreased $900 for less building activity.
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3. City Council contingency was reduced from $10,000 to $8,000.
4. Clerk/General Government budget includes $18,000 for health insurance coverage.
5. Police budget was increased 10.85% to $95,000. The City of White Bear Lake has not set their
budget as of today.
6. The cost of fire services would increase 14.40% to $29,343.00.
7. Building Inspections includes $14,579 for a part-time inspector.
8. Road Maintenance budget includes $15,000 for trimming boulevard trees.
9. Salt/sand reduced to $15,000 and snow plowing contract decreased from $18,500 to $17,000.
10. Included a park maintenance budget of $5,000 for maintaining park area of the Villas of Gem
Lake.
11. The 2022 budget includes $20,000.00 for future improvements.
12. Revenue and other expenditure line items adjusted based on past history.
Based on the changes listed above the City’s proposed 2022 property tax levy would $558,210, which
consists of the following:
General Fund levy $460,202
Fiscal Disparities 10,726
Total General Fund Levy 470,928
Debt Levy 84,777
Fiscal Disparities 2,505
Total City Levy $558,210
The total City levy is proposed to increase 4.25%. The other piece to the tax levy puzzle is the City’s tax
capacity, which decreased 0.85% to $1,426,695. In addition, the median home value increase from
$335,850 to $352,000. Based on these increased tax capacities and the City’s proposed tax levy, the
median valued home would have a City property tax increase of $118.92 or 10.52%.
Mayor Artig-Swomley informed those in attendance that the Council would begin with the Truth-in-
Taxation public hearing, and that the public would have a chance to provide input on the topic.
Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to open the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. on the Truth-in-
Taxation 2022 budget, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all in favor, motion
passes, the public hearing is opened at 7:28 p.m.
The public had no comments on the public hearing.
Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to close the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. on the Truth-in-
Taxation 2022 budget, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all in favor, motion
passes, the public hearing is closed at 7:29 p.m.
Resolution #2021-0015 – Approving 2022 Budget & Levy
City Treasurer Tom Kelly created a resolution for the City of Gem Lake to approve the 2022 budget &
levy. The City Council was requested to pass a resolution adopting the 2022 property tax levy of
$558,210.00. The foregoing resolution was offered by Councilmember Linder and was supported by
Councilmember Cacioppo and was declared adopted based upon unanimous vote in favor.
Resolution #2021-0016 – Approving Operating Transfers
The City Council has the discretion to use unrestricted City funds in the best interest of the City. From
time to time, the City transfers money from one fund to another for various reasons. In order to complete
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these transfers, the City must pass a resolution authorizing these transfers prior to the end of the fiscal
year. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner and was seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo
and was declared adopted based upon unanimous vote in favor.
Resolution #2021-0017 – Country Lounge Tobacco License 2022
The City of Gem Lake is authorized by the State of Minnesota to issue tobacco licenses to approved and
authorized establishments within their municipality. The Country Lounge, 3590 Hoffman Road West,
Gem Lake, has met all the requirements set forth with the City of Gem Lake and the State of Minnesota
for a tobacco license for 2022. The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced
by Councilmember Lindner and seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo, and upon vote being taken
thereon, the Resolution passed with a vote of 4 in favor and 0 against. Councilmember Amlee abstains
from the vote.
Charitable Gambling License Procedures
The City has been charging a charitable gambling fee each year in the amount of $500.00 in error. The
City Clerk was able to track down six years’ worth of receipts to show that the payment had been
accepted from the Country Lounge. Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested to the Council that the City should
refund the Country Lounge for the last six years’ worth of charges, which totals $3,000.00. Mayor Artig-
Swomley would also like to reach out to John Birkeland and explain the situation to him.
Councilmember Lindner made a motion to refund the Country Lounge for the last six years’ worth of
fees, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, 4 in favor, Councilmember Amlee
abstains from the vote, motion passes, refund is approved for the Country Lounge.
Councilmember Lindner made a motion to authorize the Mayor to discuss the situation and come up with
a payment plan with John Birkeland, owner of the Country Lounge, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, 4 in favor, Councilmember Amlee abstains from the vote, motion passes, the
Mayor is authorized to discuss the situation with John Birkeland.
Charitable Gambling Donations
Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested to the Council that the City make a large donation to the White Bear
Area Food Shelf and NewTrax. NewTrax has been helping the White Bear Area Food Shelf by delivering
food to cliants five days a week. Each address they deliver to receives a 25 pound box of food. Mayor
Artig-Swomley recommends a donation of $2,500.00 to each organization. Councilmember Linder made
a motion to donate $2,500.00 to both the White Bear Area Food Shelf and NewTrax, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, checks will be prepared.
Mayor Artig-Swomley also made mention that Merrick, the Country Lounges Charitable Gambling
Manager, made a donation to the White Bear Area Food Shelf in the amount of $500.00 on behalf of the
City of Gem Lake. This donation was made as a request by the owner of the Country Lounge, John
Birkeland. Councilmember Linder made a motion to acknowledge the donation from Merrick on behalf of
the City of Gem Lake, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken. All voted yes, motion
passes, donation acknowledged.
Gem Lake Infrastructure Issues
Hoffman Road Slope Failure Cost Update
Additional work performed was necessary to complete the final project. The original scope
included work for an emergency fix. Given the timeline of the project, additional quotes were
prepared and solicited to ensure the City was receiving the best possible price. The estimated fee
is subject to a not-to-exceed amount of $9,000.00 including expenses and equipment.
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Councilmember Linder made a motion to approve the additional charge for the work to complete
the project, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion
passes, additional charge approved.
Water Supply Report Update – Justin Gese
Documents are being compiled and SEH is hoping to present at the January 18, 2022 City
Council Meeting.
Scheuneman Road Storm Water Study – South End – Justin Gese
The culverts that were located on the South end of Scheuneman Road are non-functioning and
water cannot get to them due to grading changes over the years. A potential solution to the issue
is a ditch made that would drain into a culvert, which would hopefully provide some relief. An
application for public funding has been submitted and Mr. Gese is currently waiting for the
results of the application. SEH will hear back in late January, if awarded, the grant would be for
planning studies, not the actual construction. Councilmember Johnson asked Mr. Gese if he had
any concerns about opening those culverts back up to the rail. Mr. Gese stated that the culverts in
question are grandfathered in and SEH has not addressed these completely yet.
Villas of Gem Lake Update
Mr Gese and City Attorney Patrick Kelly are in communication with Hanson Builders and have
had discussion regarding the punch list items that still need to be completed. There are areas in
the Villas that the Ramsey Washington Watershed is unhappy with and trees need to be replanted,
until that happens the Watershed will not release their escrowed funds. Mr. Gese and City
Attorney Patrick Kelly are working on getting payment for the water used during construction
from Hanson Builders.
Gem Lake Well Update
The MPCA tested every well they could and the total went from 20-22 wells that have trace
contamination of 14 Dioxane. The MPCA does not feel there is a link between this pollution and
the pollution caused by Water Gremlin. The MPCA will be attending the January 18, 2022
meeting and will be available for individual meetings an hour before the scheduled City Council
Meeting. Resident Rick Bosak asked if the MPCA is testing Vadnais Heights as well. The MPCA
will test any and all areas they believe that could be the source of the pollution.
Heritage Hall – Jim Lindner
Councilmember Lindner shared that compared to last year Heritage Hall’s energy consumption is
down, however because of price changes, the bills are still running about the same.
Councilmember Linder also noticed that it is taking longer than it should to get hot water and that
a circulating pump may be necessary to speed up the process and that he can reach out to Metro
Heating and Plumbing to request a quote. COVID Funds may be able to be used if it helps
improve the water quality.
Internal Management Update
2022 Meeting Schedule
The City Clerk prepared the Gem Lake City Council and Planning Commission Meeting
Schedule for the 2022 year. Also included on the sheet is a list of scheduled office closures for
the year. Councilmember Lindner made a motion to approve the 2022 schedule, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, 2022 schedule is
approved and accepted.
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On the topic of schedules Mayor Artig-Swomley asked the Council how they felt about closing
the office for the last week of 2021. Councilmember Lindner made a motion to close Heritage
Hall for the remainder of 2021 beginning December 23, 2021, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, Heritage Hall will be closed for the
remainder of 2021 beginning December 23, 2021.
City Council Clerk Training
The City Clerk has almost completed a full year in the position and will have completed all tasks
that usually come up throughout the year.
City Council/Planning Commission Training Manual
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated that she would like to create a training binder containing documents
that can be given to the Planning Commission and City Council and new members that come in.
Three sections being suggested are: 1) Council Conduct; 2) Land Use; and 3) Meetings. City
Attorney Patrick Kelly has some suggestions that he will send over to the Mayor and
Councilmember Lindner wanted to make sure that all documentation in the manual is as current
as possible.
Health Insurance Stipend Concept
Councilmember Johnson suggested a cost of living increase (COLA) at the beginning of the year.
Mayor Artig-Swomley feels that the Council should do that plus an insurance stipend.
Councilmember Cacioppo feels that the Council should agree on a number that would still be
decent after taxes are taken out. Councilmember Amlee brought up the idea of an HRA, but that
would require the employee to get a certain type of insurance without option, but it would be
untaxed and the employee would be reimbursed.
Councilmember Cacioppo made a motion to apply a COLA salary increase based on the Social
Security Administration, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Voice vote taken, all voted yes,
motion passes, employees will receive a COLA increase starting with the first paycheck of 2022.
Councilmember Amlee made a motion to approve a $750.00 monthly amount based on averages
from MNsure.gov for an additional benefit amount on any Gem Lake employees’ paycheck that
would be taxed starting January 1, 2022 for purposes of purchasing insurance, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, employees will be
given an additional $750.00 per month to cover the cost of buying any insurance they require.
November Credit Card Machine Statement
The Council reviewed the statement for November and decided that the City will need to charge a
fee for each transaction instead of eating the fee. Councilmember Cacioppo suggested after
reviewing the statement that a 3% fee per transaction would be sufficient. Councilmember
Lindner made a motion to charge a 3% fee per transaction to process credit card payments,
seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, the City
will not charge a 3% fee for all credit card transactions.
Historical Documents and Photo Library
Mayor Artig-Swomley has been collecting and copying historical photos and newspaper clippings
from the several residents of Gem Lake and sending them to the City Clerk. The scans are all
saved in a folder on the drive and there is also a folder of prints at the office.
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Public Works and White Bear Township
White Bear Township is happy to take over Gem Lakes public work’s needs. At this time the City is
working on an agreed upon billing system. The cost will most likely end up being slightly more than what
the City currently pays but the work will all be streamlined.
Initial Discussion of Fee Schedule for 2022
All Councilmembers have been given a copy of the current fee schedule to look over and come prepared
with suggested changes to the January 18, 2022 City Council Meeting.
Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies
Things are going well with White Bear Township. The Mayor and City Attorney have reached out to
Vadnais Heights regarding the water billing and Vadnais is asking the City to write a formal proposal and
will run it by their engineer. The Mayor also wrote to the Governor about Purple Line and spoke to a
representative. Councilmember Johnson has been in contact with White Bear Lake.
Claims
Councilmember Lindner mare a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Voice
vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, bills will be paid.
Monthly Financial Report
November financials were submitted for review. No questions from City Council.
Presentations from the public, 2 minutes maximum
Residents in attendance had no comments or questions.
Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up
Mayor Artig-Swomley brought up an anonymous complaint from a resident regarding a property on
Scheuneman Road. The City is in the process of handling the situation. Councilmember Lindner
expressed interest in being the back-up Mayor. Councilmember Lindner also expressed interest in
attending training being conducted by the League of Minnesota Cities in February 2022 with a total cost
of $275.00 a person.
Future Council Meetings
City Council, Tuesday January 18, 2022, Workshop, Monday January 10, 2022 canceled.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo, the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Melissa Lawrence