HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 02-18 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes February 18, 2020 Page 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – February 18, 2020
Meeting Minutes
Acting Mayor Uzpen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Artig-Swomley, Kuny and
Lindner were present. Councilmember Cacioppo was absent, excused. Other presents: City Attorney
Patrick Kelly, Residents/Guests/Students: Rick Bosak, Lauren Carlson, Sam Deyo, Brian Kinder, Jack Menk,
Lynzy Tran and Aaron Walby.
February 18, 2020, Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to approve
the agenda with the addition of the Luther Plat and change of Ordinance 124B to 124C. Voice vote
taken, all voted yes, motion passes. Agenda approved.
Minutes
A motion was made by Councilmember Artig-Swomley, seconded by Councilmember Lindner to approve
the January 21, 2020, City Council minutes. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, Motion passes, minutes
approved.
Committee Reports – Planning Commission
No meeting in February.
Newsletter
Published after February, 2020, City Council meeting. Water Gremlin restart written by Councilmember
Cacioppo, Rush Line Update written Councilmember Lindner, snow etiquette, charitable donation,
Snowman article, Driver Diversion Program, sewer and water fee increase, Gem Lake Scholarship.
New Business
Resolution 2020-005 2020 Sewer and Water Rates
Noted that sewer rates have not increased in 10 years. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner,
seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to approve Resolution 2020-005, voice vote taken, all voted
yes. Motion passes, Resolution 2020-005 approved.
Driver Diversion Program
Council briefly discussed the Driver Diversion Program which was recently approved by the State. The
DDP program helps people who are stuck in the habitual cycle of having a revoked license. To be
accepted into the program, participants have to pay an enrollment fee and agree to a payment schedule
for all outstanding traffic fines owed to the State. Upon acceptance they immediately get their license
reinstated, subject to successful completion of the program. The program has been supported by the
City Attorney and the Chief of Police and has been used successfully in a number of other municipalities.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to adopt
the Driver Diversion program for violators ticketed within the City of Gem Lake.
Proposal from White Bear Township for Charging Gem Lake for Work
Noted that the latest proposal from White Bear Township for fees for services was $95.00 for all
services, no matter who performed the service. Councilmember Artig-Swomley asked Attorney Kelly if it
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes February 18, 2020 Page 2
was true that a government organization can’t make a profit off another. Attorney Kelly, yes, that is
true.
Brian Kinder, potential finance person
Mayor Uzpen introduced Brian Kinder as a potential finance person to perform financial services for
Gem Lake. Mr. Kinder is a retired Accountant IV from St. Paul schools with over 37 years in government
accounting experience. He has his Master’s in Business Administration from University of St. Thomas
and Bachelors in Business Accounting from the University of Minnesota. Attorney Kelly stated that a
potential position to perform financials services would be structured as an independent contractor with
a clear understanding of job duties.
Sidewalk Discussion
Mayor Uzpen stated that the city has spent over $22,000 year to date on phase I of the sidewalk project.
If we cancel the project we will lose $22,000. Council discussed the project at length, Mayor Uzpen
asked for a vote to postpone the Phase I and II until Ramsey County proposes to widen County Road E,
voice vote taken, Mayor Uzpen voted against, Artig-Swomley, Kuny and Lindner voted yes. Passes,
project postponed.
124C Hunting Ordinance
Council discussed hunting ordinance changes, 124C would refer back to the original ordinance. After a
brief discussion Council tabled further action until the April, 2020, City Council meeting. Members
would bring ideas for changes to the ordinance to the April, 2020, City Council meeting. A motion was
made by Councilmember Linder, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to support the tabling of
the ordinance change. Voice vote taken, all councilmembers voted yes. 124C tabled until April, 2020,
City Council meeting.
Claims
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to approve
the claims for February, 2020. Motion passes, claims approved.
Presentations from the Public
Resident – hope we continue to have deer hunts and wants a sidewalk.
Open Items from the Council Members to Bring Up
Councilmember Artig-Swomley brought up using charitable gambling funds to offer free CPR classes to
citizens and to consider other charities for donations. Discussed and agreed to make a $1,500 donation
to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf summer back pack program used to feed children in the summer
time.
Next Meetings/Workshop
City Council, Tuesday, March 17, Workshop, March 9, 2020, is cancelled.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Artig-Swomley, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Gloria Tessier.