HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 11-17 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes November 17, 2020 Page 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – November 17, 2020
Meeting Minutes
Mayor Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Cacioppo, Kuny, and
Lindner were present. Councilmember Amlee was absent (excused). Also present: Justin Gese, City
Engineer, City Attorney Patrick Kelly, City Finance Director Tom Kelly, Ben Johnson, Planning Commissioner
Chair, Emily Jennings, S.E.H. a nd a number of call ins not identified.
November 17, 2020, Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Kuny 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 Kuny to approve the
October 20, 2020, City Council minutes. Voice vote taken, all voted yes, motion passes, minutes
approved.
Committee Reports – Planning Commission
Commissioner Johnson gave an overview of the Planning Commission meeting on November 4th, 2020.
The commission discussed an application for an accessory structure at 1110 Goose Lake Road for a 40 x
44, 25 feet high accessory structure. Because no public hearing was posted, the committee discussed
the application and no formal action was taken. Attorney Kelly asked about the 60 day rule. Chair
Johnson asked if the property owners would agree to an extension request in writing, they agreed, and
agreed to extend the application to 60 days.
Old Business
Newsletter ideas – Good neighbor edition, snow disposal, fires/bon fires, dog licenses, budget, running a
business out of your home, election results, special election. Next issue will be in January, 2021, final
budget, goals for 2021 and a departing thank you for members of the council.
Public Hearing – None
New Business
Resolution 2020-0016 – Adoption of the Final General Fund Budget and Final Amount to Be Raised by
Property Taxation for the Year 2021, Tom Kelly, Finance Director
Mr. Kelly presented an overview of the 2021 budget. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner,
seconded by Councilmember Kuny to support Resolution 2020-0016 Adoption of the Final General Fund
Budget and Final Amount to be Raised by Property Taxation for the Year 2021. A voice vote was taken,
all voted yes, motion passes.
Approval of Abstract for Canvas of the November 3, 2020, Election
The November 12, 2020, special city council meeting approved the Abstract for the Canvas of the
November 3, 2020, Election.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes November 17, 2020 Page 2
Culvert Report – Emily Jennings, S.E.H.
Ms. Jennings presented an overview of the Culvert Report to the Council that covered all culverts in
Gem Lake that were inspected in 2020. Generally speaking the culverts are in overall good shape. S.E.H.
would like to conduct an elevation survey to be completed at the cross culvert and upstream ditch with
elevations taken at flowline and surrounding areas both up and downstream. This information will be
used to complete a hydraulics evaluation of the area. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner,
seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to authorize S.E.H. to conduct an elevation survey, voice vote
taken, all voted yes. S.E.H. authorized to conduct an elevation survey.
Donation to NewTrax
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to donate
$2000.00 to NewTrax and $2000.00 to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf. Voice vote taken, motion
passes. A donation to NewTrax and White Bear Lake Food Shelf for $2000.00 each approved.
Developers Agreement Update – Gem Lake Villas
Still in process, tree planting not completed, spring 2021? Last month the council voted to open the trail
for year round use however the road is still owned by the developer therefore the plowing company
cannot access the road to plow the trail because the road is private. Council directed the City Attorney
to obtain permission from the developer to use the private road when necessary to plow the trail.
In addition, Tree Trust will need access to plant trees in the spring, directed the City Attorney obtain
permission for Tree Trust to use the road to plant trees. A motion was made by Councilmember
Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to direct the City Attorney to obtain permission for
access to the private road for snow plowing of the city owned trail and planting of trees in the spring
2021 for Tree Trust. Voice vote taken, all voted yes. Motion passes.
Special Election February 9, 2021
There will be a special election on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, for the vacancy that exists from former
Councilmember Artig-Swomley position. The council seat term would end December 31, 2022. Filing
period for the position will open December 1 and run until December 15, 2020.
Reimagining the Planning Commission
Mayor Artig-Swomley discussed the Planning Commission and their role with involvement in city
processes. Discussed the home business and archery ordinance and looking at the comp plan regularly.
The home business ordinance was written a number of years ago and does not take into account how
business are existing in the current times. A number of concerns have been brought forward about the
archery ordinance and since their currently are no hunts in progress, this would be a good time to
review that ordinance also. After discussing the zoning and land issues as it regards to the parameters
of the planning commission it was decided that the archery ordinance will be discussed by the full
council. The council and the planning commission agreed to look for land use issues that might need to
be updated in the year ahead.
Claims
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppos to approve the
claims for November, 2020. Voice vote taken, all voted yes. Motion passes, claims approved.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes November 17, 2020 Page 3
Presentations from the Public
Open Items from the Council Members to Bring Up
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to continue to
have virtual meetings, voice vote taken, all voted yes, Council will continue with the virtual meeting
platform. Township will continue to meet in the building, but no public will be allowed, public will have a
call in feature to attend meeting. December meeting will review the fee schedule, update fees if
necessary. A question about the Archery ordinance from Councilmember Kuny, do adjoining properties
have veto power, the last hunt a deer was shot and bleed out, very upsetting to have to come upon this
situation. All adjoining properties do have to agree to a hunt. City Engineer Justin Gese, some new
asphalt technologies are available which could decrease the amount of cost for the Hoffman Road mill
and overlay. Will keep council updated on costs. Discussed possibly having the December 14,
Workshop a virtual retreat.
Next Meetings/Workshop
City Council, Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Workshop, December 14, 2020, cancelled.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo, the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Gloria Tessier.