HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 08-18 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes August 18, 2020 Page 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – August 18, 2020
Meeting Minutes
Acting Mayor Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Cacioppo, Kuny and
Lindner were present. Also present: Laurel Amlee, Planning Commission member, Justin Gese, City Engineer,
City Attorney Patrick Kelly, City Finance Director Tom Kelly and Emily Jennings, S.E.H.
August 18, 2020, Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the
agenda. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes. Agenda approved.
Minutes
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the
July 21, 2020, City Council minutes. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, minutes approved.
Committee Reports – Planning Commission
No meeting.
Old Business
Newsletter ideas – Rush Line, MS4, budget, candidates.
New Business
Approve Preliminary Budget – Tom Kelly, Finance Director
Mr. Kelly gave an overview of the budget.
2nd Quarter Financial Report – Approval – Tom Kelly, Finance Director
Mr. Kelly presented the 2nd quarter financial report.
Potential RFP – Financial Audit – Tom Kelly
Mr. Kelly presented a sample RFP for an auditor for the City. The council discussed going out for an RFP
for an auditor for the yearly audit. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Kuny to have White Bear Township staff prepare an RFP for audit services for the City of
Gem Lake. Voice vote taken, all yes, motion passes, RFP for audit services to proceed.
Filing Vacancy on the Council
With the passing of Mayor Uzpen, the appointment of Councilmember Artig-Swomley to the Mayor
position, a vacancy has opened up with the City Council. Ms. Laurel Amlee has applied and been vetted
and approved for vacant position. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo to appoint Ms. Amlee to the vacant city council seat. Voice vote taken, all yes.
Ms. Amlee sworn in, using the Oath of Office.
MS4-Report – Emily Jennings – S.E.H.
Ms. Jennings gave a brief overview of the MS4 program, discussed the changes in the permit process,
and Gem Lake’s status.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes August 18, 2020 Page 2
Deer Hunting Ordinance
Currently there are no applications for a hunt, Mayor Artig-Swomley asked members of the council to
review the ordinance. Councilmember Kuny mentioned Section 4.1.3. distance from the property line.
More discussion to follow at a later date.
Initial Discussion of Hoffman Road Repair Options/Storm Sewer Fund
Council discussed a potential ordinance for a storm water utility fee, possible workshop item, asked City
Engineer Gese to come up with a possible fee.
Council discussed Hoffman road options, mill and overlay, Bituminous replacement and reconstruction,
what would be a fair solution to the property owners, are we going to be coming back here again in five-
ten years with whatever option the council chooses? Mayor Artig-Swomley will meet with the two
property owners to discuss their future plans for their properties. Council agreed that the mill and
overlay process would be the least expensive process. City Engineer noted that the projected costs on
the spreadsheet are 2 ½ years old and costs may have increased by 5% each year.
Mayor Bob’s Ben engineering/options/update
A location and cost for the Mayor Bob’s bench has been completed. Initial cost for the bench is $1,700
without installation. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Kuny
to budget $3000.00 or less for installation and purchase. Voice vote taken, all voted yes. Motion
passes, bench project moves forward.
Election Update
Primary went well, requests for mail in ballots has increased by 4,000 percent. This information is from
Ramsey County and it covers the whole county. Gem Lake has two council positions open and one
Mayor candidate. Candidate basics will be covered in Gem Lake News.
Sanitary Sewer Manhole Inspections
Council discussed S.E.H.’s proposal to inspection and assess the condition of the City’s sanitary sewer
manholes. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Kuny to have
S.E.H. complete the inspection and assessment of the City of Gem Lake’s sanitary sewer manholes.
Cost of the project is $9,500. Voice vote taken, all voted yes. Motion passes, project to proceed.
Claims
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the
claims for August, 2020. Voice vote taken, all voted yes. Motion passes, claims approved.
Presentations from the Public
Briefly discussed the Gem Lake Villas project, contractor is addressing the punch list items, curb and
gutter, trees to be planted. Items to be completed in late fall. City will take over the road when the
developer's agreement has been met.
Open Items from the Council Members to Bring Up
Councilmember Amlee suggested that due to our lack of funds in the charitable gambling budget, Mr.
Birkeland could ask Merrick if more charitable gambling funds can be allocated to Gem Lake for their
scholarship fund. Tree Trust trees – planting will take place in the spring of 2021.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes August 18, 2020 Page 3
Next Meetings/Workshop
City Council, Tuesday, September 15, September workshop cancelled.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Gloria Tessier.