HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 08-19 CC MinutesMinutes of Gem Lake City Council meeting, August 19, 2014
Mayor Uzpen called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Present: Mayor Uzpen, Council members Lindner, Artig-Swomley, Kuny, and Bosak. Others in
attendance were Tom Rasmussen, David Gardner, Heidi Peper, Justin Gese, Tom Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Joel
Holstad, Angie Gonzalez, and Alejandro Ruiz.
August agenda
Mayor Uzpen asked for additions to the August agenda. Motion by Lindner and seconded by Bosak the
agenda was approved 5-0.
July City Council minutes
Upon motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak the July minutes were approved, 5-0.
July Planning Commission minutes
Upon motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak, the council voted to accept the July Planning
Commission minutes, 5-0.
Committee reports – none
Old business
City newsletter for September-October, 2014. Several topics including Hilary Farm resident profiles,
ordinance updates, the process for providing city water, the Montessori school, and email subscriptions
to the city newsletter will be considered for inclusion in the next newsletter edition.
New business
Resolution 2014-10. There was general discussion on the wording of the proposed ordinance revision,
particularly as it applies to those businesses currently operating in the Gateway District. Attorney Kelly
added legal input into the discussion. Upon a motion by Bosak and seconded by Artig-Swomley,
Resolution 2014-10 passed 5-0.
August claims. Upon motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Lindner the council voted to approve
the claims for August 5-0.
Mayor Uzpen presented the August financial report and general discussion followed.
Discussion with Sheriff on Kiki’s replacement. Mayor Uzpen informed the council that his discussion
with the sheriff regarding Kiki’s replacement were not successful. The sheriff will not provide a
replacement nor will the sheriff’s office agree to pay any rent for Gem Lake city hall. Mayor Uzpen said
that a temporary receptionist will report to city hall this coming Monday morning and will be with us at
least through September. There was a brief discussion on possible benefits. The mayor will provide the
council with copies of job descriptions he’s obtained from the League of Minnesota Cities and this will
be discussed at the council’s September workshop.
Phase II environmental study, redevelopment grant, feasibility study. Heidi Peper from SEH explained
the process and timelines involved with the Phase II environmental study and applying for a grant to
help defray the costs of the study. She then talked about a redevelopment grant that could help cover
some of the costs for supplying city water to the Hoffman’s Corner redevelopment area. She next
explained the need for a feasibility study as a requirement for the special assessment process. There are
timeframes to complete each of these tasks as well as deadlines for grant applications. SEH will come to
the September council meeting with a proposal for the feasibility study, which is in addition to the $64K
for the Phase II environmental study.
Presentations from the public – David Gardner approached the council to illustrate a discrepancy with
the current comprehensive plan and land use map as they relate to his 2009 purchase of land commonly
known as the “Murphy property,” which he has set aside as a trust and a conservation easement. As
such, this land cannot be developed and this needs to be reflected in the comprehensive plan and land
use map. Upon a motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak, the council voted 5-0 to revise, at a
time when it’s convenient to do so, language in the comprehensive plan and land use map
acknowledging Gardner’s land known as the “Murphy property” will not be developed. This parcel will
be removed from the area defined as the Gateway District.
Joel Holstad, representing a title insurance company who’s working on behalf of Mike Brass and Tom
Hansen, approached the council to ask for what types of development they would prefer to see in the
vacant parcel west of Daniels’ Farm Road. The council explained that the area was known as the
Neighborhood Edge part of the Gateway District and required that development be limited to residential
uses.
Presentations from the council – None.
Adjourn
There being no further business upon motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak, Mayor Uzpen
adjourned the meeting at 8:37PM.