HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-15 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – March 15, 2016
Meeting Minutes
Mayor Uzpen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Artig-Swomley, Bosak, Kuny and
Lindner were present. Others in attendance: Justin Gese S.E.H., Nate Fair, Landmark Development,
Beth and Tom Hansen, residents, City Attorney, Patrick Kelly and Susette Parenteau.
March 15, 2016, Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Artig-Swomley, seconded by Councilmember Bosak to approve
the Agenda for March 15, 2016, motion passed. Agenda approved.
Minutes
Councilmember Artig-Swomley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Lindner to approve the
minutes for the February 16, 2016, City Council meeting with a change to the wording in newsletter
ideas – from history on water to history of water project, motion passed. Minutes approved.
Committee Reports
None
Old Business
Newsletter ideas: Blake Huffman, County Commissioner lead story, Waste Management recycling
report, trash to treasure reminder, rain garden seminar, flag pole update, water project construction
starting in April, schedule on construction project, severe weather awareness, Montessori school
history.
New Business
Blake Huffman, Ramsey County Commissioner, update
Commissioner Huffman updated the council on current projects taking place in Ramsey County – roads,
Highway 96, Vadnais Sports Center, a newly created division within Ramsey County – Economic
Development Authority, Shoreview library, Rice Creek Commons, Resource Recovery facility purchased
by Ramsey/Washington Counties, Public Safety – chair of the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board
and update on the Rush Line Corridor.
Resolution 2016-04- Waste Management Contract Extension for Six Months
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Bosak to approve
Resolution 2016-04 – Waste Management Contract extension, motion passed.
Resolution 2016-05 Replotting of 1401/1433 Goose Lake Road
Beth and Steve Herzog, 1433 Goose Lake Road purchased the property next to them at 1401 Goose Lake
Road. They wish to take two acres from 1401 and add it to 1433 Goose Lake Road. Ramsey County
requires a recommendation/approval from the City of Gem Lake to allow this to happen.
Councilmember Artig-Swomley made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-05, seconded by
Councilmember Lindner, motion passed.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 2
Motion to Renew Interim Use Garden Permit for Hansen, LLC
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to approve
the Garden Permit for County Road E, Garden Overlay District, effective 3/15/2016-3/15/2017, motion
passed.
Motion on Liability Insurance to not waive the limits
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Artig-Swomley to approve
the motion to not waive the insurance liability limits. Motion passed.
Flag Pole Discussion
A brief discussion about installing a flag pole at City Hall took place. Council decided that the flag would
have extra stitching and the pole would have a dark bronze finish. Council instructed Ms. Tessier to
contact the electrician to start the process. A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded
by Councilmember Bosak to approve $5,000 for the City Hall flag pole, motion passed. Noted that White
Bear Township would pay 25% of the costs. Mayor Uzpen thanked Councilmember Artig-Swomley for
her work in coordinating the project.
Claims for March, 2016
A motion was made by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Bosak to approve the
claims for March, 2016. Motion passed.
Monthly Financial Reports
Accepted.
Open Items for the Councilmembers to Bring up
Councilmember Artig-Swomley has created a book of her past articles from the Gem Lake News. Several
citizens have requested a copy. Council directed Ms. Tessier to have 20 copies made of the booklet and
offer them for sale at the City offices.
Currently the gambling fund balance is $4,400.00. Part of the funds will be spent on any scholarship
applications that the City receives in 2016, $1,500 - $2000.00 will be earmarked to be sent to Willow
Lane School.
Discussion took place about John Birkeland’s property and the possibility of it being sold to a developer
in the future. It was suggested that when and if this takes place the City hire Mark Putnam to oversee
the process. Two City Councilmembers would work with Mr. Putnam when and if this happens. The
ordinance or ordinances governing the potential development would state that the costs of Mr. Putnam
would be billed directly to the developer.
Councilmember Lindner is working on updating the ordinances. They have had one meeting so far. He
will update the Council on their progress at May, 2016, workshop.
City of Gem Lake City Council meeting minutes, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 3
Councilmember Kuny has been receiving calls from citizens, etc. thinking that her phone number is City
Hall. She asked to have the City Hall phone number on our website in bigger numbers to eliminate the
confusion as to what is the number for City Hall. Ms. Tessier will change the information on the website.
Presentations from the Public
Tom Hansen, Gem Lake resident, currently has an 18 acre property for sale on County Road E that
Landmark Development has submitted an application for a proposed development. Mr. Hansen
thanked the council for their hard work and asked the City to be flexible in their consideration of the
development. He talked about the past history of the property and the potential developments that
have come and gone and his scenarios as to why that may have happened. He shared a story about his
past work on the Gem Lake City Council specifically about IC Systems desire to build on his property in
Gem Lake in the 1980’s and his experience with recusing himself and then actually having to resign from
the Council. He thanked the council for their hard work and appreciated their challenges with the
process.
Nathan Fair, Landmark Development addressed the Council in regard to Landmark Development’s
current application process. He handed out a revised site plan to the Council. After conversations
between the Council and Mr. Fair, the Council recommended that Landmark Development attend the
City Council workshop on April 11, for an informal one hour discussion about a revised sketch plan and
density. Councilmember Lindner and Bosak asked if Landmark could bring potential house plans and
home placement to the workshop. Mr. Fair agreed.
Next Meetings
April 11, 2016, City of Gem Lake Workshop meeting, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road
Next City Council meeting, Tuesday, April 19, 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Bosak, Mayor Uzpen adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Gloria Tessier