HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 07-15 CC PacketCITY OF GEM LAKE
Heritage Hall
4200 Otter Lake Road | Gem Lake, MN 55110
651-747-2790/92 | 651-747-2795 (fax)
E-mail city@gemlakemn.org
City Council Meeting – July 15, 2025
Call to Order of City Council Meeting
By Mayor Artig-Swomley at 7:_____ p.m.
Call of Roll
Artig-Swomley Cacioppo Patrick Johnson Lindner
Approve Agenda and Minutes
• Accept the Agenda for the July 15, 2025, City Council Meeting
• Approve the Minutes from the June 17, 2025, City Council Meeting
• Accept the Minutes from the July 8, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting
Special Presentations/Public Hearings
• Municipal Water and Sewer Ordinances Public Hearing
Consent Agenda
• Resolution #2025-020 July 2025 Donation to White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf
• Monthly Financial Report(s)
• Claims
Committee Reports
• Planning Commission
Old Business
• Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions
• Code Enforcement Issues Discussion
• Councilmember Head Shots for Website Discussion
• Potential Water System Funding / Future Water System Planning
• KIA Project Update
New Business
• August Planning Commission Meeting
• Future Charitable Gambling Donations
o White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf
Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies
Presentations from the Public, 2 minutes maximum
Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up
Future Council Meetings
• Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, August 19, 2025
o Attendance Inquiry
• Next City Council Workshop, Monday, August 11, 2025 – CANCELED
Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at ________
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting – June 17, 2025
Meeting Minutes
Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Jim Lindner, Len
Cacioppo, Ben Johnson and Joshua Patrick were present. Also present: City Attorney Martin Norder, City Treasurer
Tom Kelly, City Engineer Justin Gese, SEH Project Manager Dustin Cesafsky, and Acting City Clerk Melissa
Lawrence.
June 17, 2025, Agenda
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Linder to accept the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo.
Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve the May
20, 2025, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to accept the June 10,
2025, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
Special Presentations/Public Hearings
None
Consent Agenda
Resolution #2025-018 June 2025 Donation to White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf
Monthly Financial Report(s)
Claims
All items on the consent agenda were reviewed by the Council. Councilmember Lindner introduced a
motion to approve all the items listed on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo.
Motion carried 5-0.
Committee Reports
Planning Commission Chair Don Cummings summarized for the council the revisions that are being made to the
Consolidated Land Use Ordinance and what the commission is going to work on doing to fix the attendance issues
of commission members at the monthly meetings. The Sewer and Water Ordinances are being pushed through for
approval of the suggested changes. He also shared that Mayor Artig-Swomley gave the commission a report on the
meeting she had with the Met Council.
Old Business
Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions
Some topics for the next newsletter would include the Corridor Project, a summary of the Public Safety
visits, the KIA Dealership, the first turkey hunt and the 3rd stormwater article written by Jim Lindner.
Code Enforcement Issues Discussion
Progress is being made to clear up existing code enforcement issues. It was also brought to the attention of
the city that there is a rental property that is not licensed. The City Clerk will look into this.
Potential Water System Funding / Planning
Resolution #2025-019 2026 Bonding Bill Request
The bonding bill request was submitted to the state for 2026. A resolution approving the request is
needed to go along with the submission. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve
the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
SEH Engineering Proposal
City Engineer Justin Gese and SEH Project Manager Dustin Cesafsky summarized the engineering
proposal and the timeline. A study was completed in 2022 and the main area that will be focused
on is the priority level 1 area. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve the
engineering proposal from SEH, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Councilmember Head Shots for Website Discussion
Mayor Artig-Swomley informed the council that a photographer would be coming to take head shots before
the July 15 meeting. Discussion on the suggested clothing took place and asked that everyone show up an
hour before the City Council meeting for pictures. All Council Members were available to come early for
pictures that day.
Ordinance No. 64F, 129, and 131 Report
Mayor Artig-Swomley shared that the Planning Commission reviewed the Ordinances and are
recommending approval of 64F and 129 to the Council. The Commission would like a little more time to
go over 131. Mayor Artig-Swomley informed the Council that a public hearing would need to be held
before 64F and 129 can be accepted. The public hearing will be held at the July City Council meeting.
Future Charitable Gambling Donations
White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf
Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested that the Council make a donation in July in the amount of
$1,500.00 to the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. Councilmember Lindner introduced a
motion to request a donation in the amount of $1500.00 for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food
Shelf, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies
Mayor Artig-Swomley shared that Gem Lake is still in communication with Vadnais Heights on what can be done to
help with the water bills in the Villas. City Engineer Justin Gese will be meeting with Vadnais Heights Public
Works to see if any progress can be made.
Presentations from the Public, 2 Minutes Maximum
None
Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up
None
Future Council Meetings
City Council, Tuesday, July 15, 2025. City Council Workshop, Monday, July 14, 2025, is CANCELED.
Attendance Inquiry
At this time all Councilmembers in attendance will be at the June meeting.
Adjournment
Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo, the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Melissa Lawrence
City of Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 1
City of Gem Lake
Planning Commission Meeting – July 8, 2025
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission Chairman Don Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Commission Members Art
Pratt and Derek Wippich were present. Not present were Commission Members Stephanie Farrell and Laurel Amlee.
Also present was City Planner CJ Sycks and intern Sarah Scott from TKDA and Commission Member Alternate
Brad Naylor and Acting City Clerk Melissa Lawrence.
July 8, 2025
A motion was introduced by Commission Chair Cummings to accept the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Pratt.
Motion carried 3-0.
Minutes
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Pratt to approve the June 10, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting
minutes, seconded by Commission Chair Cummings. Motion carried 3-0.
Public Hearings
None
Commission Chair Cummings wanted the first conversation to be about the meeting schedule. The agenda is being
shifted slightly to accommodate that.
New Business
Meeting Schedule Discussion
Commission Chair Cummings discussed the reason for changing the Planning Commission meetings to the
second Tuesday of every month, which was because the previous City Planners only had availability to
attend meetings on that night. The new City Planner, CJ Sycks, has more availability allowing the
Commission to return to its first Tuesday of each month if it feels that it works better for the commission
members. Commission Chair Cummings would also like to advertise in the next Newsletter that the
Commission is looking for more volunteers to fill upcoming vacancies.
Commissioner Pratt introduced a motion to change the meeting schedule for the Planning Commission
beginning with the 4th quarter of 2025 back to the first Tuesday of every month, seconded by
Commissioner Wippich. Motion carried 3-0.
Old Business
Ordinance No. 131, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, and 16 Proposed Amendments
City Planner CJ Sycks summarized the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 131. Amendments were
made to provide clarity on permitting within each zoning district. This includes updated formatting,
language, and division of sections, as well as the minor changes of writing conventions. In addition to the
written explanation of permitting within each zoning district, a “table of uses” was proposed to provide a
clear and quick reference guide for users of Ordinance No. 131.
The Planning Commission discussed the proposed amendments and asked CJ to make a couple extra
additional amendments. These changes will be reviewed at the next Planning Commission meeting.
Ordinance No. 131 Appendix A Definition Updates
City Planner CJ Sycks summarized the added and changed definitions in Appendix A. The Planning
Commission reviewed these changes and were ok with the updates. These changes will continue to be
discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting.
Commission Chair Cummings suggested that the August meeting be cancelled to give the City Planner
some more time to implement all the suggested changes from the Commission and to go over them again at
City of Gem Lake Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2025 2
the September meeting before holding a public hearing to discuss the amendments and then recommending
approval to the City Council. Acting City Clerk Melissa Lawrence will discuss the cancellation of the
August meeting with the City Council at their July 15 meeting.
Open Items for Commission Members to Bring Up
None.
Future Meetings
City Council Meeting, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Heritage Hall, and Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday,
August 12, 2025, at Heritage Hall.
Attendance Inquiry
Commission Chair Cummings surveyed the Commission to see if any of the members would have any
issues attending the August meeting if the City Council does not cancel it. At that time those in attendance
had no conflicts.
Adjournment
There being no further business, following a motion from Commissioner Wippich, seconded by Commissioner Pratt,
the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Melissa Lawrence
Memorandum
To: Gem Lake City Council Project Reference: Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer
Ordinance Review
Copies To: Melissa Lawrence, City Clerk
TKDA Project No.: 22428.000
From: CJ Sycks, Planner Client No.:
Date: June 11, 2025
SUBJECT: Gem Lake Municipal Sewer Ordinance (No. 64) and Municipal Water Ordinance (No.
129) Ordinance Updates
MEETING DATE: June 17, 2025
ITEMS REVIEWED: Gem Lake Ordinance No. 64E, Gem Lake Ordinance No. 129
OVERVIEW
There are currently two active Ordinances: 64E and 129. Ordinance 129 regulates both sewer and water.
Ordinance 64E regulates sewer. After review of the ordinances, it appears that Ordinance 64E was intended to be
repealed upon the adoption of 129 in 2016.
Proposed are two ordinances separating sewer “back” into Ordinance 64F and municipal water systems remain in
Ordinance 129. These amendments have been reviewed by the City Engineer and Clerk; comments have not
been received from the City Attorney at the time of writing the report (6/11/26, 8:00AM).
ORDINANCE HISTORY
Table 1: Sewer and Water Ordinance History
Ordinance Year Description
64 1994 Originally enacted to regulate the operation of the municipal sanitary
sewer system
81 2003 An amendment to Ord. 64 by expanding definitions and updating MCES
references
64D 2004 Updates to formatting
64E 2004 An amendment to Ord. 64 by adding definitions, amending connection
requirements and rate, and amending licensing costs
93 2009 An amendment to Ord. 64E by adding a provision for the certification of
unpaid connection charges to the County Auditor
64E 2013 An amendment, uncertain in its nature, active
129 2016 First combined ordinance presenting regulations on municipal water
AND sanitary sewer
129 2022 Active, with updates to formatting.
Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer Ordinance Review
Gem Lake City Council Meeting 6/17/2025
June 11, 2025
Page 2
PROPOSED UPDATES
Municipal Sewer Ordinance No. 64F
Below is a summary of the changes to the sewer ordinance.
• Revised formatting throughout to be consistent with formatting of other ordinances.
• Updated definitions.
• Updated language regarding connections, permits, and sewer availability charges (SAC) in order to be
consistent with city and Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) practices.
• Combined language and requirements from Ordinance Nos. 64 and 129 regarding sewer. Reviewed
language between 64 and 129 and removed any inconsistencies and conflicting requirements.
• Reviewed requirements for licensing and charges with city staff.
• Reviewed requirements for materials and construction requirements with Building and Engineering
Department staff.
• Updated references to state or MCES rules/requirements.
Municipal Water Ordinance No. 129
Below is a summary of the changes to the water ordinance.
• Revised formatting throughout to be consistent with formatting of other ordinances.
• Created a definitions section, defined terms used throughout the ordinance.
• Reviewed requirements for connections and charges with city staff.
• Move permitting and licensing fees to the Fee Schedule.
• Move sections regarding municipal sewer to Ordinance No. 64.
• Updated the water use charge payment deadline, as advised by city staff.
• Updated the language for delinquent payments.
o The ordinance currently states, “The City reserves the right to shut off water service if the account
is delinquent for an unreasonable length of time as determined by the City Council.”
o Proposed language reads, “The City reserves the right to shut off water service, given the City
provides the property owner with a 30-day notice, if the account is delinquent for an unreasonable
length of time as determined by the City Council. A water shut off/turn on fee will be incurred for
shut off due to delinquent payment. The property owner may request a hearing to appeal the
disconnection or request a payment plan. Minnesota State Statute provides regulations on when
water shut offs are permitted and prohibited. The City of Gem Lake abides by Minnesota State
Statutes 216B as amended from time to time.”
Fee Schedule
In addition to the changes above, staff recommends moving any fees or charges out of these ordinances and into
the city’s fee schedule. This is consistent with recent updates to other city ordinances and ensures that any fees
or charges are housed in one spot.
Table 2: Proposed Fee Schedule Amendments
Fee Types Fee Amounts
Sewer Inspection Fee $40.00
Public Right-of-Way Restoration Deposit $5,000
Water Shut Off/Turn On Fee $50.00
TYPE OF STRUCTURE # UNITS
Each Single-Family Dwelling 1 Unit(s)
Each Hotel Or Motel Unit 1/3 Unit(s)
One Mobile Home Unit Or Apartment Unit ½ Unit(s)
Industrial Or Commercial structures (per 1,000 sq.ft. of floor area) ½ Unit(s) Minimum 2 Unit(s)
Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer Ordinance Review
Gem Lake City Council Meeting 6/17/2025
June 11, 2025
Page 3
ACTION
The City Council should review each recommendation and act separately. The Council may approve the adoption
and amendment as proposed by staff or may table the items for further review. If the Council desires additional
changes, direction regarding ordinance changes should be provided for staff
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends the following four actions, all contingent on review by the City Attorney:
1. Formally repeal Ordinance 64E (sewer only).
2. Adopt proposed Ordinance 64F (sewer only) as proposed by staff.
3. Amend Ordinance 129 (water and sewer, water only proposed) as proposed by staff.
4. Adopt revisions to Ordinance 135 (City’s Fee Schedule) as proposed by staff.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 1 of 11
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems
Ordinance No. 12964F
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING, FOR MUNICIPAL SEWER
SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE
Section 1. Rules and Definitions.
1. Definitions Of Terms: The following words and terms, whenever they occur in this Ordinance, are defined
as follows:
1. Assessment. A charge made to affected property owners for improvements that increases or
maintains their property’s value or enhances the health and safety of their neighborhood.
2. Connection. The physical connection between the sewer piping in a residence or building and
the Municipal sanitary sewer systemmunicipal sewer system.
3. Connection Permit. A permit, issued by the City of Gem Lake, which allows connection to the
Municipal sanitary sewer systemmunicipal sewer system.
4. Extension. An addition to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer Systemmunicipal sewer system
determined to be added by petition, decree or for health and safety reasons.
5. Industrial Strength Charge. An additional charge levied to the City of Gem Lake by the MCES
to treat certain industrial wastes.
6. Inspection Fee. A fee paid to the City of Gem Lake to cover the costs of inspecting the new
connection to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer Systemmunicipal sewer system.
7. ISTS. An Individual Sewage Treatment System.
8. MCES. Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, the primary owner and operator of the
regional wastewater sewer system and its successors and assigns.
9. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System (MSSS). The sanitary sewer system owned and operated by
the City of Gem Lake as a public utility and convenience from which revenues will be derived.
Also referred to within this ordinance as the “municipal sewer system”.
10. Permit, Changeover. A permit that allows changing from an on-site individual sewage treatment
system (ISTS) to the municipal sewer systemMunicipal Sanitary Sewer System. This permit
requires that the on-site system be properly disconnected and sealed.
11. Replacement. Replacing or rebuilding of sections of the sanitary sewer system, that may be
found necessary due to age, damage or changing surface conditions.
12. Sewer Access Charge (SAC) Charge, Gem Lake. A charge levied to each new user of the
Municipal Sanitary Sewer Systemmunicipal sewer system to help pay for continued maintenance
of the system.
13. Sewer Access Charge (SAC) Charge, MCES. A charge levied to the City of Gem Lake by
MCES to reserve unused capacity in the sewage treatment and metro collection system.
14. Sewer Contractor. A person engaged in the business of Contractor building or repairing that
portion of the house or building sewer extending from the house or building to the main sewer
or other outlet.
15. Surface Water. Roof, storm, surface, ground water or water discharged from an air conditioning
unit or system.
16. Unit. A method of measuring the sewage put into the sanitary sewer system as well as a method
for calculating the costs for use of the system.
Section 2. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System. The City's municipal sanitary sewer systems, consisting of lift
stations, manholes, collection piping, service piping, force main, and associated appurtenances located within the
public right-of-way and applicable easements, shall be operated as a public utility and convenience from which
revenue shall be derived, subject to the provisions of this chapter.This chapter shall be referred to as the City's
Utility Regulations.
Compliance with Regulations. No person, firm or corporation shall connect any water or sanitary sewer
service to the municipal systems or make use of the systems except in the manner provided in this chapter.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 2 of 11
All connections to or extensions of the systems shall be in accordance with relevant portions of the
Minnesota Building Code, Minnesota Plumbing Code, and City of Gem Lake Standard Details for utility
construction.
1.
1.
2. Sanitary Sewer Fund. The City shall maintain on the official books and records of the City a separate and
special fund to be designated as the Sanitary Sewer Fund, which shall be held and administered by the City
separate and apart from all other funds until the purposes for its creation have been accomplished.
2.
Section 4. Connections with Sewer Required.
1. Existing Structures. Any buildings presently used or capable of being used for human habitation or in
which a toilet or other plumbing facilities for disposal of human waste is installed and located on property
adjacent to a sewer main, or in the platted block through which t he system extends, shall be connected to
the Municipal municipal Sanitary sSewer Ssystem within one year from the date on which a connection is
available to such building. Where the property owner has failed to connect to the sanitary sewer system
within ten years or within six months if the septic system fails, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The property owner shall be notified that it is the intent of the City to connect the property to the
sanitary sewer system and assess the cost of connection against the property owner. The notice
shall be mailed by registered mail to the property address.
2. The cost of the improvement shall include all costs incurred by the City in order to connect the
property to the main sewer line and shall include City permit and connection charges which must
be submitted to the Metropolitan Council Environmental ServicesMCES.
2. New Structures. All buildings hereafter constructed within the City on property adjacent to a sewer main
or in a platted block through which the Municipal Sanitary municipal Ssewer sSystem extends, shall be
provided with a connection to the municipal sewer system for disposal of all human waste before
occupancy of the building shall be allowed or a certificate of occupancy issued.
3. Sewer Not Available. Where sewer is not available to a building, the building shall be connected to and
deliver waste to an ISTS meeting the requirements of Ordinance 67D.
Section 5. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Charges. A portion of the cost of constructing and maintaining the
municipal sanitary sewer systemmunicipal sewer system shall be recovered by the imposition of special assessments
pursuant to Minnesota Statute 429, a connection charge, and a sewer availability charge (SAC) collected on behalf
of the Metropolitan CouncilMCES.
1. Connection Charge and Connection Permits. A connection charge, as determined from time to time by the
City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance shall be collected when properties are connected to the Municipal
Sanitary Ssewer sSystem. In addition, before a connection permit will be issued, the City shall determine that
one of the following conditions exist:
1. The lot or tract of land to be served by such connection has been specially assessed for the cost of
construction of the sanitary sewer main with which the connection is made; or
2. If no special assessment has been levied for such construction cost, the proceedings for levying the
special assessments have been or will be commenced and completed in due course; or
3. If no special assessment has been levied, and no special assessment proceedings will be completed in
due course, a sum equal to the portion of the cost of construction of the sanitary sewer main which
would be assessable against said lot or tract has been paid to the Citycity; or
4. If none of the above conditions are met, no permit to connect to any sanitary sewer main shall be
issued unless the applicant shall pay an additional connection fee which shall be equal to the portion of
the cost of construction of the said sanitary sewer main which would be specially assessed against said
lot or tract served by such connection. Said assessable cost is to be determined by the Engineer upon
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 3 of 11
the same basis as any special assessment previously levied against other property for said main. If no
special assessment has been levied, the assessable cost will be determined upon the basis of the
uniform charge which may have beenbeen, or which shall be charged for similar connection with said
sanitary sewer main.
4.5. In the event that the City of Gem Lake is serving a property in an adjacent city, the connection charge
applied by Gem Lake will be in addition to any connection charge required by the city in which the
property is located.
Section 6. Sewer Availability Charges (SAC).
1. The Metropolitan Council has established sewer service availability and connection charges
(SAC) for all buildings constructed or connected to the Metropolitan Disposal System. SAC is in
addition to the City’s connection charges.
2. In addition to Metropolitan Council SAC, local SACs are established. The City Council shall
annually, by resolution at its first meeting in January, determine the SAC charge for each building
or connection and shall order the City Clerk or Treasurer to collect the applicable charge before
issuance of a permit. The MCES will help determine SAC units if necessary and will make the
final decisions regarding the correct number of units to assess.
Section 7. The sewer rates for commercial, industrial, institutional and all other users not covered in the rateUnit
table set in the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance above shall be as follows:
1. For users who have municipal water, the sewer charge will be based on each one thousand (1,000)
gallons, or part thereof of water consumption. The sewer use rate, per each 1,000 gallons of
water, will be set by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in January. A minimum
charge for each quarter also will be set by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in
January.
2. For a commercial, industrial, institutional or other user that does not have municipal water, the
charges shall be as follows:
1. The user may, at his own expense, install a meter, approved by the City Building
Official, to measure the amount of water consumption. This meter shall be installed
by a Licensed Plumber and inspected by the Plumbing Inspector before any use is
allowed. The rate for each 750 gallons will be set by resolution of the City Council
at its first meeting in January.
3. If the commercial, industrial, institutional or other user has more than one source of water for one
building or use, each of the sources must be metered and the total amount of water metered be
used for calculating sewer rates.
Section 8. Starting Of Sewer Charges. The sewer charges, described in this Ordinance, shall start thirty (30) days
after a sewer connection is applied for.
Section 10. Restrictions On Connection Permits. Connection permits shall be issued only to property owners or to
such persons, who are duly licensed by the City of Gem Lake, to engage in the business as Sewer Contractors and
who have filed bonds and insurance as required by sSection 9.428 of this Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 4 of 11
Section 11. Expiration Of Connection Permits
1. All connection permits shall expire ninety (90) days after the date of issuance, and any and all fees
forfeited, unless the work planned and authorized is in actual progress.
Section 12. Costs For Major Repairs Or Replacement
1. The costs for major repairs or replacement of portions or all of the existing mMunicipal sSanitary sSewer
System shall be borne by the end users of the system. The system is operated as a public utility and exists
to serve it users.
2. If a major repair or replacement of the existing system is necessary, all costs of replacement or major
repair of any and all parts of the system shall be assessed against the properties served and buildings
connected to the existing system. Whenever possible, a project for major repair or replacement will be
initiated by the City Council, the City Engineer will prepare specifications, bids taken, and public hearings
will occur before major repair or replacement would start.
1.3. In cases of emergency replacement or repair of the system, the City Council will initially arrange for
payment for such replacement or repair and then assess all costs of such repairs or replacement to the
system users.
Section 13. Licensing of Sewer Contractors
1. Eligibility
1. Any person who has had at least three (3) years of experience in responsible charge of minor
sewer work involving a knowledge of trenching, bracing, tunnel work, pipe laying in public
streets and all other matters pertaining to and incidental to such sewer work and is a Licensed
Plumber or an Unlicensed Plumber who has received and provides copies of a contractor’s bond
in the amount of $25,000 issued by the State of Minnesota Department of Health for doing sewer
work is eligible to receive a license as a Sewer Contractor in the City of Gem Lake.
2. Application For License
1. Any person desiring to become a sewer contractor shall make application to the City Clerk and
shall, if necessary, be required to submit himself to an examination as to his qualifications before
the City Engineer or Plumbing Inspector.
3. Examination And Licensing
1. The City Council may approve or reject said application, or may refer the same to the City
Engineer or the Plumbing Inspector, for examination as to the applicant's qualifications. If the
City Council approves the application, a license authorizing the applicant to engage in the
business of sewer contracting shall be issued, but only after the execution and filing of the bond
and insurance requirements and payment of the fee is accomplished.
4. Bond And Insurance
1. Before the Sewer Contractor’s License is issued, the licensee shall file, with the City Clerk, the
following Bond and Insurance certificate:
1. A bond in favor of the City of Gem Lake, as obligee, with an approved Corporate Surety,
in the penal sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the conditions of which bond shall
be that the licensee shall keep the obligee harmless from all costs and charges that may
accrue on account of the doing of any work authorized or permitted in making sewer
connections in the City of Gem Lake per this Ordinance, that the licensee shall save the
obligee harmless from any loss or damage by reason of improper or inadequate work
performed by the licensee on projects done per this Ordinance and further that the
licensee shall save the obligee harmless from any damage to utility lines, curbs, street,
street surfaces or sidewalks.
2. A certificate that insurance is in force covering the licensee for the period covered by
the licensee in the following minimum amounts: Property damage, one hundred
thousand dollars ($ 100,000.00); Public Liability, two -hundred fifty thousand dollars ($
250,000.00) each person; and five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for each
accident. The certificate shall state that the policies covering the lice nsee shall not be
canceled without ten (10) days written notice to the City of Gem Lake. 3) A certifica te
that worker's compensation insurance is in force covering any employee of the licensee
for the period covered by the insurance.
5. Re-examination
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 5 of 11
1. Should the applicant not be approved by the City Council, he may file a second application for
subsequent consideration by the City Council, with such examination as to qualifications as the
City Council may require, but no applicant shall file more than two (2) applications with a period
of one (1) year.
6. Fees
1. The annual license fee shall be that set annually by the City Council at its first meeting in January.
Any person allowing his license to expire shall not be permitted to do any of the work authorized
under said license during the time between expiration and the issuance of a new license.
7. License Not Transferable
1. A Sewer Contractor's license shall not be transferable. No person holding a license shall allow
his name to be used by any other person for the purpose of obtaining permits or to do any of the
work for which said license is issued.
8. Revocation Of License
1. The City Council shall have the power to revoke any license upon satisfactory proof that the
holder of said license has willfully violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance. A revoked
license shall not be re-instated in any manner for a period of six (6) months. The failure to pay,
within sixty (60) days, any legitimate claim the City of Gem Lake may have against a sewer
contractor shall constitute cause for revocation of a license.
9. Connection To The Municipal Sanitary Sewer System
1. License Required. Only contractors who are licensed as Sewer Contractors by the City of Gem
Lake may install sewer pipe materials for commercial/industrial structures and make final
connections to the municipal sanitary sewer systemmunicipal sewer system for all types of
structures.
1.2. No License Required. No license shall be required of contractors or homeowners installing the
sewer pipe materials from residential structures to the connection point.
Section 14. Statements for Sanitary Sewer Use Charges
1. Charges. The City Clerk shall compute the amount due to the City for sewer charges and render a
statement thereof quarterly. All amounts due as shown on the statement shall be payable at the Municipal
Building City Hall? on or before the fifth (5th) day of the month following the month the statement is
presented. Where service is for less than a quarterly period, the quarterly charge shall be pro -rated on a
monthly basis. If a water meter is found to have been operating in a faulty manner, the amount of water
used will be estimated in accordance with the amount used previously in comparable periods of the year.
2. Penalties for Delinquent Payments. A penalty of ten (10%) percent shall be added to all accounts that are
not paid in full by said due date. This penalty shall be computed on the unpaid balance of the last billing
not paid by the appropriate date at the time each quarterly statement is pre pared and presented. The City
reserves the right to shut off service if the account is delinquent for an unreasonable length of time as
determined by the City Council.
3. Collection of Delinquent Accounts. Each charge levied by and pursuant to this chapter is hereby made a
lien upon the corresponding lot, land or premises served by a connection to the sewer system of the City
and all such charges which are on July Thirty -First (3lst) of each year more than thirty (30) days past due
and having been properly billed to the occupant of the premises served, shall be certified by the City Clerk
to the Auditor of Ramsey County before the tenth (10th) day of October of each year. An administrative fee
of fifty ($50.00) dollars shall be added to the delinquent amount. The City Clerk in so certifying such
charges to the County Auditor shall specify the amount the reof, the descriptions of the premises served and
the name of the owner thereof. The amount so certified shall be extended by the Auditor on the tax rolls
against such premises in the same manner as other taxes, collected by the County Treasurer and paid t o the
City Clerk, along with other taxes.
2.
Section 15. Need for Changeover Permit
1. When a request is made for a residential sewer Connection Permit, where an Individual Sewage Treatment
System (IST S) is now being used, a Changeover Permit shall also be required. Both the Connection Permit
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 6 of 11
and the Changeover Permit shall be issued at the same time. This Changeover Permit is to ascertain that the
existing Individual Sewage Treatment System is properly disconnected and sealed. The Changeover Permit
Fee shall be as set annually by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in January.
Section 16. Surface or Ground Water. It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, or user of any premises to
direct into or allow any storm water, surface water, ground water, well water, or water from industrial or commercial
air conditioning systems to drain into the City's sanitary sewer system. roof drains, foundation drains, sump pumps,
and other forms of surface drainage shall not be connected to or discharged to the sanitary sewer system. The City
shall periodically perform Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) inspections to verify that conne ctions to the City's sanitary
sewer system are in compliance with the provisions of this section.
Section 17. Materials to be Used. The materials and construction methods described in this section of this
Ordinance shall be exclusively used in making sewer connections to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer SystemMunicipal
sewer system of the City of Gem Lake:
1.
DESCRIPTION CLASS SPECIFICATION JOINT
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Sewer
Pipe
SDR 35 ASTM D3034 Elastomeric Gasket
Vitrified Clay Sewer Pipe Extra Strength ASTM D1785 ASTM C425
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Sewer
Service Pipe
Schedule 40 ASTM D1785 Gasket
Cast Iron Soil Service Pipe Service Weight ASTM A-74 Gasket
2. Unless otherwise stated, a sanitary sewer main of eight (8 ") inch diameter shall be expected as the minimum
size and service connection pipe shall be at least four (4") inches in diameter. The service connection pipe shall
be installed at grades approved by the City Engineer.
3. Joints And Connections. Joints for cast iron pipe and vitrified clay sewer pipe or for joints or connections
between different types of pipe shall be in the manner and of a kind prescribed by the City Engineer. The City
shall provide a list of various types and kinds of joints and connections which are approved by the City Engineer
and the types and kinds of joints that are prohibited.
4. Unless otherwise authorized, all house sewers shall have a grade of not less than one -eighth (1/8") inch per foot.
A grade of one-quarter (1/4") inch should be used whenever practical. The contractor shall check grades before
construction proceeds and he shall install the house sewer by exposing the wye at the sewer main or the service
stub and at the property line. He shall connect to the wye or service stub and shall lay the house sewer line from
the wye or service stub to the building. Whenever possible the connecting sewer shall joint the building at an
elevation which is below the basement floor of such building.
5. Alignment. No connecting sewer shall contain bends or a combination of bends which at any point shall be greater
than forty-five (45°) degrees and no more than two (2) bends, regardless of angle, shall be permitted in any single
house connection except where manholes or clean-outs are constructed at such points and in the manner as
directed by the City Engineer. No connecting sewer shall be laid parallel to any bearing wall or footing unless it
is placed at least three (3') feet from any such bearing wall or footing. No connecting sewer shall be laid within
twenty (20') feet of any existing well unless cast iron soil pipe is used.
6. Authorized by the City Engineer. The foundation of the trench shall be formed to prevent any subsequent
settlement of the pipes. If the foundation is good and firm earth, the earth shall be pared and molded to give a
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 7 of 11
full support to the lower third (1/3) of the pipe. Bell holes shall be dug to provide sample space for bells. Care
must be exercised in back filling below the center line of the pipe in order to give it proper support. Back filling
shall be placed in layers and solidly tamped or packed to two (2') feet above the pipe. Back filling shall not be
done until the section to be back filled has been inspected by the City Engineer, his representative and the
Plumbing Inspector.
7. Use Of Old House Sewers. Old house sewers or portions thereof may be approved for use by the City Engineer.
The City Engineer may request that the old sewer be excavated for the purpose of facilitating inspection.
8. Existing Individual Sewage Treatment System. No house sewer shall be laid across or over any existing
cesspool or septic tank unless the existing cesspool or septic tank shall first be pumped clean and filled with
earth to the surrounding ground level. Where a sewer connection is laid across or over an existing cesspool or
septic tank, only cast iron solid pipe, confirming to ASTM Standard Specifications shall be used for that portion
of the connecting sewer.
9. The contents of the existing cesspool or septic tank shall not be discharged into the City of Gem Lake Municipal
Sanitary Sewer Systemmunicipal sewer system, but must be disposed of outside the City Limits.
10. Every connecting sewer shall be connected to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer Systemmunicipal sewer system
at the wye designated for the property served by the connection, except where otherwise expressly authorized
by the City Engineer. All connections made at point other than the designated wye shall be made only under
the direct supervision o fof the City Engineer and in such a manner as he may direct.
11. Tunneling for a distance of not more than six (6) feet is permissible in yards, courts or driveways of any
building site. When pipes are driven, the drive pipe shall be at least one size larger than the pipe to be laid.
12. Independent System Required. Drainage and plumbing system of each new building and of new work
installed in an existing building shall be separate from and independent of that of any other building except
where provide for in Section 10.11 of this Ordinance . Every Building shall have an independent connection
with the sanitary sewer system when such is available, or as approved by the City Engineer.
Exception To Requirement Of Independent System. Where one building stands to the rear of another
building on an interior lot, and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building
through an adjoining alley, court, yard or driveway, the building drain from the front building may be
extended to the rear building and the whole will be considered as one building drain.
Where such a building is extended, a clean out shall be provided immediately inside the rear wall
of the front building.
13. Repair Of Public Right-Of-Way. For each connection permit issued, a deposit as indicated in the City’s fee
schedule as adopted from time to time, shall be paid to the City Clerk, for restoration of public right -of-way
before starting of the project. This deposit will be returned upon satisfactory completion of the connection.
Forfeiture of the deposit does not exonerate the permit holder from satisf actory completion of the work.
14. Costs And Expenses For Installation And Connection. eMunicipal sewer system shall be borne by the owner.
The owner shall indemnify the City of Gem Lake for any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be
occasioned by the installation of the sewer connection, including the restoring of streets and street surface.
Section 18. Treatment of Prohibited Wastes. Where it is determined that any waste discharged or to be discharged
has certain characteristics or elements which are or may be harmful to the structures, processes, or operation of the
sanitary sewer system or persons operating it, such discharge shall be discontinued or the waste shall be treated prior
to its discharge into the system in a manner which will eliminate such characteristics or elements , in accordance with
MN Statute, Chapter 473 and MN Rules, Chapter 7049.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 8 of 11
Section 19. Prohibited Waste Discharge.
No person shall discharge, cause, or allow to be discharged into the sanitary sewer system, any waste containing
concentrations in excess of the parameters established by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Waste
Discharge Rules Article IV, Section 406.00.
Section 20. Waste Trap and Separators. Oil, grease, and sand waste traps and separators shall be installed for the
proper discharge of waste waterwastewater containing excessive amounts of oil, grease, sand, or flammable liquids
when required by the Minnesota Plumbing Cod e, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4714, the Regional Administrator of the
Metropolitan Council, or when the city determines such traps or separators are necessary. Waste traps and separators
shall be maintained in efficient operating conditions by the owner and at the owner's expense, through the periodic
removal of any accumulated residue. If a trap or separator is not properly maintained, the city may have the system,
including affected city sewers, cleaned at the owner's expense.
Section 21. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the Municipal Sewer or Water Systems.
Section 22. Certain Connections Prohibited. No buildings located on property lying outside the limits of the City
of Gem Lake shall be connected to that portion of the systems of the City discharging into the Met Council Sanitary
sewer systemMCES, except that the City may permit the installation, maintenance, and operation of a sanitary sewer
service connection between its public sewer system and the following described real property, lying beyond the
corporate limits of the City, and situated in the City/Village of Gem Lake, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota,
to-wit:
The connection of any of the above –described areas of the sanitary sewer system of the City is dependent upon
express authorization for such connection being obtained from the City Council.
Section 23. Maintenance of Sewer Service.
3.4. Liability. The City assumes ownership of the sanitary sewer service from the main collector
line to the connection. If based on an inspection by the City this portion of the sewer service
requires repair the City shall assume all costs associated with the repair. Th e owner of the
premises shall be liable for all repairs required to the portion of the sewer service from the
connection point to the residence.
4.5. Maintenance. Subject to the City’s powers under subparagraph 1, the owner of the premises
is responsible for maintaining The owner of the premises is responsible to maintain the sewer
service from the main collector to the residence in functioning condition.
Section 24. City Access. Authorized City employees shall have access at reasonable hours of the day to all
buildings and premises connected to the municipal sanitary sewer systemmunicipal sewer system for the purpose of
infiltration and inflow inspections without charge to the sanitary sewer consumer. In the event the sanitary sewer
consumer denies authorized City employees access, the sanitary sewer consumer will, at their own cost, provide for
infiltration and inflow inspections by a licensed plumber, and said licensed plumber shall be required to provide
documentation to City as to validity of the work performed. Authorized City employees shall have access to all
buildings and premises connected to the municipal sewer system in the event of an emergency.
Section 25. Non-Compliance Surcharge. A quarterly surcharge, as determined by City Council ordinance, shall be
added to the utility billing statement for a property where:
1. An inspection has not been allowed or certification provided within thirty (30) days after notice by the City.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 9 of 11
2. The necessary installations, inspections, and/or repairs have not been made within the time specified.
A surcharge will be added for every quarter during which the property is not in compliance, whether the non-
compliance has been for the entire quarter or a portion thereof
.
Section 26. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the sewer systems.
Section 27. Violations and Penalties
1. The City of Gem Lake shall have the right to enforce all sections of this Ordinance by injunction or by any
other legal remedy, including the right to prohibit the use of the Municipal Sanitary Sewer
SystemMunicipal sewer system by a person violating or operating contrary to these provisions.
2. Any person, firm, corporation or voluntary association which violates or refuses to comply with any of the
pro visions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof be subject to a
find of not more than One Hundred Dollars ( $100.00) and cost for every offense or to imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 28. Appeals.
1. Application. Application to appeal a sewer bill shall be made on forms provided by the City Clerk, who
shall forward completed applications that include the required information to the City Council, which shall
act as the Board of Appeals for review.
2. Deadline for Application. Appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the City Clerk within 15
business days of the date the sewer bill was placed in the United States Mail by the City.
3. Review Process. The City Clerk shall refer the Applications to the City Council and establish a date for
hearing on the Application. All Applications shall be processed within 30 days of receipt of the
Application by the City Clerk.
4. Notice. Notice of the purpose, time and place of a hearing shall be mailed at least 10 days before the date of
the hearing to the Applicant.
5. Decision. The decision of the City Council acting as Board of Appeals to grant or deny the appeal requires
majority vote of the members present. Decisions of the City Council on appeals shall be final.
Section 29. Severability. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City of Gem Lake that the provisions of this
Ordinance are severable. If any provisions or the application thereof to any Person or circumstances is held to be
illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Ordinance or the application of
said provisions to any other Person not specifically included in said determination. To this end, the provisions of this
Ordinance and the various applications thereto are declared to be severable.
Section 30. Repeal of outdated Ordinance. This Ordinance supersedes, replaces and repeals all prior Ordinances
relating to the same subjects contained within this Ordinance. Any portion of such prior Ordinances not incorporated
within this Ordinance is expressly repealed.
Section 31. Enactment. This Ordinance No. 64F is placed in full force and effect on July 15, 2025 by a _____ vote
of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake.
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 10 of 11
Adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota on 15 of July 2025.
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk
Ordinance No. 129 64F Municipal Water and Sanitary Sewer System Page 11 of 11
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Sanitary Sewer Systems
Ordinance No. 64F
The Sanitary Sewer System Ordinance of the City of Gem Lake was originally enacted by the City Council as City
of Gem Lake Ordinance No. 64 on 28 March 28, 1994. Since that time, the City Council has adopted several
changes in keeping with the changing times and needs and wishes of the community. The following table is added to
Ordinance No. 64 as an historic reference to those changes. All changes shown below have been incorporated into
Ordinance No. 64 and placed in the public domain or made available to the public following the dates shown.
Ordinance Description Enactment
64 An Ordinance Regulating The Operation Of The Municipal Sanitary
Sewer System; Requiring Connections To Be Made To The Municipal
Sanitary Sewer System; Establishing Regulations As To Type And Kinds
Of Waste That May Be Disposed Of In The Municipal Sanitary Sewer
System; Prohibiting The Discharge Of Any type Or Kind Of Surface
Waters Into The Municipal Sanitary Sewer System; Prescribing Rates
And Charges For Sewage Disposal Services; Providing For The Issuance
Of Permits For and Supervision Of All Connections To The Municipal
Sanitary Sewer System; Prescribing Certain Materials And Methods To
Be Used For Said Connections; Providing For Licensing Of Sewer
Contractors; and, Prescribing Penalties For The Violation Of The
Provisions Of This Ordinance
March 28, 1994
81 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 By Recodifying And
Expanding Section 3.2 Definitions, Upgrading References To The
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, Recodifying Table
5.41(4)d, and Providing For Administration Of The Ordinance.
January 21, 2003
64D City Clerk Magnuson recodified by adding the word Section to each
section and subsection consistent with other ordinances and amended
section numbering of Section 13 to properly reflect codification. Section
12 was added for purposes of codification only. No words, language or
content were amended in any way that would affect the content of this
ordinance.
April 6, 2004
64E 64E An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 By Adding and
amending Definitions, Connection Requirements, Rates and Charges,
Contractor Licensing and Cost Assessment and incorporating changes
into Ordinance No. 64 as Ordinance No. 64E.
July 14, 2004
93 An Ordinance amending Ordinance 64E by adding a provision to the
existing text of Section 5.2.1 providing for the certification of unpaid
connection charges to the County Auditor.
February 10, 2009
64F Moving sections related to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer System from
Ordinance 129 to 64F, revising definitions and city procedures and
processes, moving fees to the City’s Fee Schedule, and updating
formatting.
July 15, 2025
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 1 of 10
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Sanitary Sewer System
Ordinance No. 64F
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING, FOR MUNICIPAL SEWER
SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE
Section 1. Rules and Definitions.
1. Definitions Of Terms: The following words and terms, whenever they occur in this Ordinance, are defined
as follows:
1. Assessment. A charge made to affected property owners for improvements that increases or
maintains their property’s value or enhances the health and safety of their neighborhood.
2. Connection. The physical connection between the sewer piping in a residence or building and
the municipal sewer system.
3. Connection Permit. A permit, issued by the City of Gem Lake, which allows connection to the
municipal sewer system.
4. Extension. An addition to the municipal sewer system determined to be added by petition, decree
or for health and safety reasons.
5. Industrial Strength Charge. An additional charge levied to the City of Gem Lake by the MCES
to treat certain industrial wastes.
6. Inspection Fee. A fee paid to the City of Gem Lake to cover the costs of inspecting the new
connection to the municipal sewer system.
7. ISTS. An Individual Sewage Treatment System.
8. MCES. Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, the owner and operator of the regional
wastewater sewer system and its successors and assigns.
9. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System (MSSS). The sanitary sewer system owned and operated by
the City of Gem Lake as a public utility and convenience from which revenues will be derived.
Also referred to within this ordinance as the “municipal sewer system.”
10. Permit, Changeover. A permit that allows changing from an on-site individual sewage treatment
system (ISTS) to the municipal sewer system. This permit requires that the on-site system be
properly disconnected and sealed.
11. Sewer Access Charge (SAC) Charge, Gem Lake. A charge levied to each new user of the
municipal sewer system to help pay for continued maintenance of the system.
12. Sewer Access Charge (SAC) Charge, MCES. A charge levied to the City of Gem Lake by
MCES to reserve unused capacity in the sewage treatment and metro collection system.
13. Sewer Contractor. A person engaged in the business of Contractor building or repairing that
portion of the house or building sewer extending from the house or building to the main sewer
or other outlet.
14. Surface Water. Roof, storm, surface, ground water or water discharged from an air conditioning
unit or system.
15. Unit. A method of measuring the sewage put into the sanitary sewer system as well as a method
for calculating the costs for use of the system.
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 2 of 10
Section 2. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System. The City's municipal sanitary sewer system, consisting of lift
stations, manholes, collection piping, service piping, force main, and associated appurtenances located within the
public right-of-way and applicable easements, shall be operated as a public utility and convenience from which
revenue shall be derived, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
1. Compliance with Regulations. No person, firm or corporation shall connect any water or sanitary sewer
service to the municipal systems or make use of the systems except in the manner provided in this chapter.
All connections to or extensions of the systems shall be in accordance with relevant portions of the
Minnesota Building Code, Minnesota Plumbing Code, and City of Gem Lake Standard Details for utility
construction.
2. Sanitary Sewer Fund. The City shall maintain on the official books and records of the City a separate and
special fund to be designated as the Sanitary Sewer Fund, which shall be held and administered by the City
separate and apart from all other funds until the purposes for its creation have been accomplished.
Section 4. Connections with Sewer Required.
1. Existing Structures. Any buildings presently used or capable of being used for human habitation or in
which a toilet or other plumbing facilities for disposal of human waste is installed and located on property
adjacent to a sewer main, or in the platted block through which t he system extends, shall be connected to
the municipal sewer system within one year from the date on which a connection is available to such
building. Where the property owner has failed to connect to the sanitary sewer system within te n years or
within six months if the septic system fails, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The property owner shall be notified that it is the intent of the City to connect the property to the
sanitary sewer system and assess the cost of connection against the property owner. The notice
shall be mailed by registered mail to the property address.
2. The cost of the improvement shall include all costs incurred by the City in order to connect the
property to the main sewer line and shall include City permit and connection charges which must
be submitted to MCES.
2. New Structures. All buildings hereafter constructed within the City on property adjacent to a sewer main
or in a platted block through which the municipal sewer system extends, shall be provided with a
connection to the municipal sewer system for disposal of all human waste before occupancy of the building
shall be allowed or a certificate of occupancy issued.
3. Sewer Not Available. Where sewer is not available to a building, the building shall be connected to and
deliver waste to an ISTS meeting the requirements of Ordinance 67D.
Section 5. Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Charges. A portion of the cost of constructing and maintaining the
municipal sewer system shall be recovered by the imposition of special assessments pursuant to Minnesota Statute
429, a connection charge, and a sewer availability charge (SAC) collected on behalf of MCES.
1. Connection Charge and Connection Permits. A connection charge, as determined from time to time by
the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance shall be collected when properties are connected to the
sewer system. In addition, before a connection permit will be issued, the City shall determine that one of
the following conditions exist:
1. The lot or tract of land to be served by such connection has been specially assessed for the cost of
construction of the sanitary sewer main with which the connection is made; or
2. If no special assessment has been levied for such construction cost, the proceedings for levying the
special assessments have been or will be commenced and completed in due course; or
3. If no special assessment has been levied, and no special assessment proceedings will be completed
in due course, a sum equal to the portion of the cost of construction of the sanitary sewer main
which would be assessable against said lot or tract has been paid to the city; or
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 3 of 10
4. If none of the above conditions are met, no permit to connect to any sanitary sewer main shall be
issued unless the applicant shall pay an additional connection fee which shall be equal to the
portion of the cost of construction of the said sanitary sewer main which would be specially
assessed against said lot or tract served by such connection. Said assessable cost is to be
determined by the Engineer upon the same basis as any special assessment pr eviously levied
against other property for said main. If no special assessment has been levied, the assessable cost
will be determined upon the basis of the uniform charge which may have been, or which shall be
charged for similar connection with said sanitary sewer main.
5. In the event that the City of Gem Lake is serving a property in an adjacent city, the connection
charge applied by Gem Lake will be in addition to any connection charge required by the city in
which the property is located.
Section 6. Sewer Availability Charges (SAC).
1. The Metropolitan Council has established sewer service availability and connection charges (SAC) for all
buildings constructed or connected to the Metropolitan Disposal System. SAC is in addition to the City’s
connection charges.
2. In addition to Metropolitan Council SAC, local SACs are established. The City Council shall annually, by
resolution at its first meeting in January, determine the SAC charge for each building or connection and
shall order the City Clerk or Treasurer to collect the applicable charge before issuance of a permit. The
MCES will help determine SAC units if necessary and will make the final decisions regarding the correct
number of units to assess.
Section 7. The sewer rates for commercial, industrial, institutional and all other users not covered in the Unit table
set in the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance shall be as follows:
1. For users who have municipal water, the sewer charge will be based on each one thousand (1,000) gallons,
or part thereof of water consumption. The sewer use rate, per each 1,000 gallons of water, will be set by
resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in January. A minimum charge for each quarter also will
be set by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in January.
2. For a commercial, industrial, institutional or other user that does not have municipal water, the charges
shall be as follows:
1. The user may, at his own expense, install a meter, approved by the City Building Official, to
measure the amount of water consumption. This meter shall be installed by a Licensed Plumber
and inspected by the Plumbing Inspector before any use is allowed. The rate for each 750
gallons will be set by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in January.
3. If the commercial, industrial, institutional or other user has more than one source of water for one building
or use, each of the sources must be metered and the total amount of water metered be used for calculating
sewer rates.
Section 8. Starting Of Sewer Charges. The sewer charges, described in this Ordinance, shall start thirty (30) days
after a sewer connection is applied for.
Section 9. Restrictions On Connection Permits. Connection permits shall be issued only to property owners or to
such persons, who are duly licensed by the City of Gem Lake, to engage in the business as Sewer Contractors and
who have filed bonds and insurance as required by this Ordinance.
Section 10. Expiration Of Connection Permits
1. All connection permits shall expire ninety (90) days after the date of issuance, and any and all fees
forfeited, unless the work planned and authorized is in actual progress.
Section 11. Costs For Major Repairs Or Replacement
1. The costs for major repairs or replacement of portions or all of the existing municipal sanitary sewer
System shall be borne by the users of the system. The system is operated as a public utility and exists to
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 4 of 10
serve it users.
2. If a major repair or replacement of the existing system is necessary, all costs of replacement or major
repair of any and all parts of the system shall be assessed against the properties served and buildings
connected to the existing system. Whenever possible, a project for major repair or replacement will be
initiated by the City Council, the City Engineer will prepare specifications, bids taken, and public hearings
will occur before major repair or replacement would start.
3. In cases of emergency replacement or repair of the system, the City Council will initially arrange for
payment for such replacement or repair and then assess all costs of such repairs or replacement to the
system users.
Section 12. Licensing of Sewer Contractors
1. Eligibility
1. Any person who has had at least three (3) years of experience in responsible charge of minor
sewer work involving a knowledge of trenching, bracing, tunnel work, pipe laying in public
streets and all other matters pertaining to and incidental to such sewer work and is a Licensed
Plumber or an Unlicensed Plumber who has received and provides copies of a contractor’s bond
in the amount of $25,000 issued by the State of Minnesota Department of Health for doing sewer
work is eligible to receive a license as a Sewer Contractor in the City of Gem Lake.
2. Application For License
1. Any person desiring to become a sewer contractor shall make application to the City Clerk and
shall, if necessary, be required to submit himself to an examination as to his qualifications before
the City Engineer or Plumbing Inspector.
3. Examination And Licensing
1. The City Council may approve or reject said application, or may refer the same to the City
Engineer or the Plumbing Inspector, for examination as to the applicant's qualifications. If the
City Council approves the application, a license authorizing the applicant to engage in the
business of sewer contracting shall be issued, but only after the execution and filing of the bond
and insurance requirements and payment of the fee is accomplished.
4. Bond And Insurance
1. Before the Sewer Contractor’s License is issued, the licensee shall file, with the City Clerk, the
following Bond and Insurance certificate:
1. A bond in favor of the City of Gem Lake, as obligee, with an approved Corporate Surety,
in the penal sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the conditions of which bond shall
be that the licensee shall keep the obligee harmless from all costs and charges that may
accrue on account of the doing of any work authorized or permitted in making sewer
connections in the City of Gem Lake per this Ordinance, that the licensee shall save the
obligee harmless from any loss or damage by reason of improper or inadequate work
performed by the licensee on projects done per this Ordinance and further that the
licensee shall save the obligee harmless from any damage to utility lines, curbs, street,
street surfaces or sidewalks.
2. A certificate that insurance is in force covering the licensee for the period covered by
the licensee in the following minimum amounts: Property damage, one hundred
thousand dollars ($ 100,000.00); Public Liability, two -hundred fifty thousand dollars ($
250,000.00) each person; and five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for each
accident. The certificate shall state that the policies covering the lice nsee shall not be
canceled without ten (10) days written notice to the City of Gem Lake. 3) A certifica te
that worker's compensation insurance is in force covering any employee of the licensee
for the period covered by the insurance.
5. Re-examination
1. Should the applicant not be approved by the City Council, he may file a second application for
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 5 of 10
subsequent consideration by the City Council, with such examination as to qualifications as the
City Council may require, but no applicant shall file more than two (2) applications with a period
of one (1) year.
6. Fees
1. The annual license fee shall be that set annually by the City Council at its first meeting in January.
Any person allowing his license to expire shall not be permitted to do any of the work authorized
under said license during the time between expiration and the issuance of a new license.
7. License Not Transferable
1. A Sewer Contractor's license shall not be transferable. No person holding a license shall allow
his name to be used by any other person for the purpose of obtaining permits or to do any of the
work for which said license is issued.
8. Revocation Of License
1. The City Council shall have the power to revoke any license upon satisfactory proof that the
holder of said license has willfully violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance. A revoked
license shall not be re-instated in any manner for a period of six (6) months. The failure to pay,
within sixty (60) days, any legitimate claim the City of Gem Lake may have against a sewer
contractor shall constitute cause for revocation of a license.
9. Connection To The Municipal Sanitary Sewer System
1. License Required. Only contractors who are licensed as Sewer Contractors by the City of Gem
Lake may install sewer pipe materials for commercial/industrial structures and make final
connections to the municipal sewer system for all types of structures.
2. No License Required. No license shall be required of contractors or homeowners installing the
sewer pipe materials from residential structures to the connection point.
Section 13. Statements for Sanitary Sewer Use Charges
1. Charges. The City Clerk shall compute the amount due to the City for sewer charges and render a
statement thereof quarterly. All amounts due as shown on the statement shall be payable at the City Hall?
on or before the fifth (5th) day of the month following the month the statement is presented. Where service
is for less than a quarterly period, the quarterly charge shall be pro-rated on a monthly basis. If a water
meter is found to have been operating in a faulty manner, the amount of water used will be estimated in
accordance with the amount used previously in comparable periods of the year.
2. Penalties for Delinquent Payments. A penalty of ten (10%) percent shall be added to all accounts that are
not paid in full by said due date. This penalty shall be computed on the unpaid balance of the last billing
not paid by the appropriate date at the time each quarterly statement is pre pared and presented. The City
reserves the right to shut off service if the account is delinquent for an unreasonable length of time as
determined by the City Council.
3. Collection of Delinquent Accounts. Each charge levied by and pursuant to this chapter is hereby made a
lien upon the corresponding lot, land or premises served by a connection to the sewer system of the City
and all such charges which are on July Thirty -First (3lst) of each year more than thirty (30) days past due
and having been properly billed to the occupant of the premises served, shall be certified by the City Clerk
to the Auditor of Ramsey County before the tenth (10th) day of October of each year. An administrative fee
of fifty ($50.00) dollars shall be added to the delinquent amount. The City Clerk in so certifying such
charges to the County Auditor shall specify the amount thereof, the descriptions of the premises served and
the name of the owner thereof. The amount so certified sha ll be extended by the Auditor on the tax rolls
against such premises in the same manner as other taxes, collected by the County Treasurer and paid to the
City Clerk, along with other taxes.
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 6 of 10
Section 14. Need for Changeover Permit
1. When a request is made for a residential sewer Connection Permit, where an Individual Sewage Treatment
System (IST S) is now being used, a Changeover Permit shall also be required. Both the Connection Permit
and the Changeover Permit shall be issued at the same time. This Changeover Permit is to ascertain that the
existing Individual Sewage Treatment System is properly disconnected and sealed. The Changeover Permit
Fee shall be as set annually by resolution of the City Council at its first meeting in Januar y.
Section 15. Surface or Ground Water. It shall be unlawful for any owner, occupant, or user of any premises to
direct into or allow any storm water, surface water, ground water, well water, or water from industrial or commercial
air conditioning systems to drain into the City's sanitary sewer system. roof drains, foundation drains, sump pumps,
and other forms of surface drainage shall not be connected to or discharged to the sanitary sewer system. The City
shall periodically perform Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) inspections to verify that connections to the City's sanitary
sewer system are in compliance with the provisions of this section.
Section 16. Materials to be Used. The materials and construction methods described in this section of this
Ordinance shall be exclusively used in making sewer connections to the Municipal sewer system:
1.
DESCRIPTION CLASS SPECIFICATION JOINT
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Sewer Pipe
SDR 35 ASTM D3034 Elastomeric Gasket
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Sewer Service Pipe
Schedule 40 ASTM D1785 Gasket
2. Unless otherwise stated, a sanitary sewer main of eight (8 ") inch diameter shall be expected as the
minimum size and service connection pipe shall be at least four (4") inches in diameter. The service
connection pipe shall be installed at grades approved by the City Engineer.
3. Joints And Connections. Joints for cast iron pipe and vitrified clay sewer pipe or for joints or connections
between different types of pipe shall be in the manner and of a kind prescribed by the City Engineer. The
City shall provide a list of various types and kinds of joints an d connections which are approved by the City
Engineer and the types and kinds of joints that are prohibited.
4. Unless otherwise authorized, all house sewers shall have a grade of not less than one -eighth (1/8") inch per
foot. A grade of one-quarter (1/4") inch should be used whenever practical. The contractor shall check grades
before construction proceeds and he shall install the house sewer by exposing the wye at the sewer main or
the service stub and at the property line. He shall connect to the wye or service stub and shall lay the house
sewer line from the wye or service stub to the building. Whenever possible the connecting sewer shall joint
the building at an elevation which is below the basement floor of such building.
5. Alignment. No connecting sewer shall contain bends or a combination of bends which at any point shall be
greater than forty-five (45°) degrees and no more than two (2) bends, regardless of angle, shall be permitted
in any single house connection except where manholes or clean-outs are constructed at such points and in the
manner as directed by the City Engineer. No connecting sewer shall be laid parallel to any bearing wall or
footing unless it is placed at least three (3') feet from any such bearing wall or footing. No connecting sewer
shall be laid within twenty (20') feet of any existing well unless cast iron soil pipe is used.
6. Authorized by the City Engineer. The foundation of the trench shall be formed to prevent any subsequent
settlement of the pipes. If the foundation is good and firm earth, the earth shall be pared and molded to give
a full support to the lower third (1/3) of the pipe. Bell holes shall be dug to provide sample space for bells.
Care must be exercised in back filling below the center line of the pipe in order to give it proper support.
Back filling shall be placed in layers and solidly tamped or packed to two (2') feet above the pipe. Back filling
shall not be done until the section to be back filled has been inspected by the City Engineer, his representative
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 7 of 10
and the Plumbing Inspector.
7. Use Of Old House Sewers. Old house sewers or portions thereof may be approved for use by the City
Engineer. The City Engineer may request that the old sewer be excavated for the purpose of facilitating
inspection.
8. Existing Individual Sewage Treatment System. No house sewer shall be laid across or over any existing
cesspool or septic tank unless the existing cesspool or septic tank shall first be pumped clean and filled with
earth to the surrounding ground level. Where a sewer connection is laid across or over an existing cesspool
or septic tank, only cast iron solid pipe, confirming to ASTM Standard Specifications shall be used for that
portion of the connecting sewer.
9. The contents of the existing cesspool or septic tank shall not be discharged into the City of Gem Lake
municipal sewer system, but must be disposed of outside the City Limits.
10. Every connecting sewer shall be connected to the municipal sewer system at the wye designated for the
property served by the connection, except where otherwise expressly authorized by the City Engineer. All
connections made at point other than the designated wye shall be made only under the direct supervision
of the City Engineer and in such a manner as he may direct.
11. Tunneling for a distance of not more than six (6) feet is permissible in yards, courts or driveways of any
building site. When pipes are driven, the drive pipe shall be at least one size larger than the pipe to be laid.
12. Independent System Required. Drainage and plumbing system of each new building and of new work
installed in an existing building shall be separate from and independent of that of any other building. Every
Building shall have an independent connection with the sanitary sewer system when such is available, or as
approved by the City Engineer
13. Repair Of Public Right-Of-Way. For each connection permit issued, a deposit as indicated in the
City’s fee schedule as adopted from time to time, shall be paid to the City Clerk, for restoration of public
right-of-way before starting of the project. This deposit will be returned upon satisfactory completion of
the connection. Forfeiture of the deposit does not exonerate the permit holder from satisf actory
completion of the work.
14. Costs And Expenses For Installation And Connection. eMunicipal sewer system shall be borne by the
owner. The owner shall indemnify the City of Gem Lake for any loss or damage that may directly or
indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the sewer connection, including the restoring of streets and
street surface.
Section 17. Treatment of Prohibited Wastes. Where it is determined that any waste discharged or to be discharged
has certain characteristics or elements which are or may be harmful to the structures, processes, or operation of the
sanitary sewer system or persons operating it, such discharge shall be discontinued or the waste shall be treated prior
to its discharge into the system in a manner which will eliminate such characteristics or elements , in accordance with
MN Statute, Chapter 473 and MN Rules, Chapter 7049.
Section 18. Prohibited Waste Discharge. No person shall discharge, cause, or allow to be discharged into the
sanitary sewer system, any waste containing concentrations in excess of the parameters established by the
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Waste Discharge Rules Article IV, Section 406.00.
Section 19. Waste Trap and Separators. Oil, grease, and sand waste traps and separators shall be installed for the
proper discharge of wastewater containing excessive amounts of oil, grease, sand, or flammable liquids when
required by the Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4714, the Regional Administrator of the
Metropolitan Council, or when the city determines such traps or separators are necessary. Waste traps and separators
shall be maintained in efficient operating conditions by the owner and at the owner's expense, through the periodic
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 8 of 10
removal of any accumulated residue. If a trap or separator is not properly maintained, the city may have the system,
including affected city sewers, cleaned at the owner's expense.
Section 20. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the Municipal Sewer Systems.
Section 21. Certain Connections Prohibited. No buildings located on property lying outside the limits of the City
of Gem Lake shall be connected to that portion of the systems of the City discharging into the MCES, except that
the City may permit the installation, maintenance, and operation of a sanitary sewer service connection between its
public sewer system and the following described real property, lying beyond the corporate limits of the City of Gem
Lake, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, to -wit:
The connection of any of the above –described areas of the sanitary sewer system of the City is dependent upon
express authorization for such connection being obtained from the City Council.
Section 22. Maintenance of Sewer Service.
1. Liability. The City assumes ownership of the sanitary sewer service from the main collector line to the
connection. If based on an inspection by the City this portion of the sewer service requires repair the City
shall assume all costs associated with the repair. The owner of the premises shall be liable for all repairs
required to the portion of the sewer service from the connection point to the residence.
2. Maintenance. Subject to the City’s powers under subparagraph 1, the owner of the premises is responsible
for maintaining the sewer service from the main collector to the residence in functioning condition.
Section 23. City Access. Authorized City employees shall have access at reasonable hours of the day to all
buildings and premises connected to the municipal sewer system for the purpose of infiltration and inflow
inspections without charge to the sanitary sewer consumer. In the event the sanitary sewer consumer denies
authorized City employees access, the sanitary sewer consumer will, at their own cost, provide for infiltration and
inflow inspections by a licensed plumber, and said licensed plumber shall be required to provide documentation to
City as to validity of the work performed. Authorized City employees shall have access to all buildings and premises
connected to the municipal sewer system in the event of an emergency.
Section 24. Non-Compliance Surcharge. A quarterly surcharge, as determined by City Council ordinance, shall be
added to the utility billing statement for a property where:
1. An inspection has not been allowed or certification provided within thirty (30) days after notice by the City.
2. The necessary installations, inspections, and/or repairs have not been made within the time specified.
3. A surcharge will be added for every quarter during which the property is not in compliance, whether the
non-compliance has been for the entire quarter or a portion thereof .
Section 25. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the sewer system.
Section 26. Violations and Penalties
1. The City of Gem Lake shall have the right to enforce all sections of this Ordinance by injunction or by any
other legal remedy, including the right to prohibit the use of the Municipal sewer system by a person
violating or operating contrary to these provisions.
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 9 of 10
2. Any person, firm, corporation or voluntary association which violates or refuses to comply with any of the
pro visions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof be subject to a
find of not more than One Hundred Dollars ( $100.00) and cost for every offense or to imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 27. Appeals.
1. Application. Application to appeal a sewer bill shall be made on forms provided by the City Clerk, who
shall forward completed applications that include the required information to the City Council, which shall
act as the Board of Appeals for review.
2. Deadline for Application. Appeals must be made in writing and submitted to the City Clerk within 15
business days of the date the sewer bill was placed in the United States Mail by the City.
3. Review Process. The City Clerk shall refer the Applications to the City Council and establish a date for
hearing on the Application. All Applications shall be processed within 30 days of receipt of the
Application by the City Clerk.
4. Notice. Notice of the purpose, time and place of a hearing shall be mailed at least 10 days before the date of
the hearing to the Applicant.
5. Decision. The decision of the City Council acting as Board of Appeals to grant or deny the appeal requires
majority vote of the members present. Decisions of the City Council on appeals shall be final.
Section 29. Severability. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City of Gem Lake that the provisions of this
Ordinance are severable. If any provisions or the application thereof to any Person or circumstances is held to be
illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Ordinance or the application of
said provisions to any other Person not specifically included in said determination. To this end, the provisions of this
Ordinance and the various applications thereto are declared to be severable.
Section 30. Repeal of outdated Ordinance. This Ordinance supersedes, replaces and repeals all prior Ordinances
relating to the same subjects contained within this Ordinance. Any portion of such prior Ordinances not incorporated
within this Ordinance is expressly repealed.
Section 31. Enactment. This Ordinance No. 64F is placed in full force and effect on July 15, 2025, by a _____ vote
of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake.
Adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota on 15 of July 2025.
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk
Ordinance No. 64F Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Page 10 of 10
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Sanitary Sewer System
Ordinance No. 64F
The Sanitary Sewer System Ordinance of the City of Gem Lake was originally enacted by the City Council as City
of Gem Lake Ordinance No. 64 on March 28, 1994. Since that time, the City Council has adopted several changes in
keeping with the changing times and needs and wishes of the community. The following table is added to Ordinance
No. 64 as an historic reference to those changes. All changes shown belo w have been incorporated into Ordinance
No. 64 and placed in the public domain or made available to the public following the dates shown.
Ordinance Description Enactment
64 An Ordinance Regulating The Operation Of The Municipal Sanitary
Sewer System; Requiring Connections To Be Made To The Municipal
Sanitary Sewer System; Establishing Regulations As To Type And Kinds
Of Waste That May Be Disposed Of In The Municipal Sanitary Sewer
System; Prohibiting The Discharge Of Any type Or Kind Of Surface
Waters Into The Municipal Sanitary Sewer System; Prescribing Rates
And Charges For Sewage Disposal Services; Providing For The Issuance
Of Permits For and Supervision Of All Connections To The Municipal
Sanitary Sewer System; Prescribing Certain Materials And Methods To
Be Used For Said Connections; Providing For Licensing Of Sewer
Contractors; and, Prescribing Penalties For The Violation Of The
Provisions Of This Ordinance
March 28, 1994
81 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 By Recodifying And
Expanding Section 3.2 Definitions, Upgrading References To The
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, Recodifying Table
5.41(4)d, and Providing For Administration Of The Ordinance.
January 21, 2003
64D City Clerk Magnuson recodified by adding the word Section to each
section and subsection consistent with other ordinances and amended
section numbering of Section 13 to properly reflect codification. Section
12 was added for purposes of codification only. No words, language or
content were amended in any way that would affect the content of this
ordinance.
April 6, 2004
64E 64E An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 64 By Adding and
amending Definitions, Connection Requirements, Rates and Charges,
Contractor Licensing and Cost Assessment and incorporating changes
into Ordinance No. 64 as Ordinance No. 64E.
July 14, 2004
93 An Ordinance amending Ordinance 64E by adding a provision to the
existing text of Section 5.2.1 providing for the certification of unpaid
connection charges to the County Auditor.
February 10, 2009
64F Moving sections related to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer System from
Ordinance 129 to 64F, revising definitions and city procedures and
processes, moving fees to the City’s Fee Schedule, and updating
formatting.
July 15, 2025
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 1 of 9
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Water Systems
Ordinance No. 129
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING, FOR MUNICIPAL WATER
SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE
The City Council of the City of Gem Lake ordains:
Section 1. Definitions.
1. Definitions: The following words and terms, whenever they occur in this Ordinance, are defined as
follows:
1. Assessment. A charge made to affected property owners for improvements that increases or
maintains their property’s value or enhances the health and safety of their neighborhood.
2. Connection. The physical connection between the water piping in a residence or building and
the municipal water system.
3. Connection Permit. A permit, issued by the City of Gem Lake, which allows connection to the
municipal water system.
4. Extension. An addition to the municipal water system determined to be added by petition, decree,
or for health and safety reasons.
5. Inspection Fee. A fee paid to the City of Gem Lake to cover the costs of inspecting the new
connection to the municipal water system.
6. MCES. Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, the primary operator of the regional
sewer system and its successors and assigns.
7. Municipal Water System. The water system of the city of Gem Lake. Also referred to within
this ordinance as “municipal water system.”.
8. Water Availability Charge (WAC). A charge levied to each new user of the municipal water
system to help pay for continued maintenance of the system.
9. Unit. A method for calculating the costs for use of the system.
Section 2. Municipal Water. The City’s municipal water system consists of water main, meter vaults, service
piping, and appurtenances located within the public right-of-way and applicable easements. The municipal water
system. shall be operated as a public utility from which revenue shall be derived, subject to the provisions of this
chapter. By connecting to the City’s municipal water system the owner and occupant of said property agrees to be
bound by all rules and regulations contained in this ordinance or otherwise adopted by the City .
Compliance with Regulations. No person, firm, or corporation shall connect any water service to the
municipal water orsystem or make use of the systems except in the manner provided in this chapter. All
connections to or extensions of the systems shall be in accordance with relevant portions of the Minnesota
Building Code, Minnesota Plumbing Code, and City of Gem Lake Standard Details for utility constru ction.
1.
2. Water Fund. The City shall maintain on the official books and records of the City a separate and special
fund to be designated as the Water Fund, which shall be held and administered by the City separate and
apart from all other funds until the purposes for its creation have been accomplished.
2.
Section 2. Connections with Water Required.
1. Existing Structures. Any buildings presently used or capable of being used for human habitation or in
which a toilet or other plumbing facilities for disposal of human waste is installed and located on property
adjacent to a water main, or in the platted block through which th e system extends, shall be connected to
the municipal water system within ten years from the date on which a connection is available to such
building. Where the property owner has failed to connect to the system within ten years the following
procedures shall be followed:
2.1.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 2 of 9
1. The property owner shall be notified that it is the intent of the City to connect the property to the
water system andsystem and assess the cost of connection against the property owner. The notice
shall be mailed by registered mail to the property address.
2.1.
3. The cost of the improvement shall include all costs incurred by the City in order to connect the
property to the main water line and shall include City permit and connection charges which must
be submitted to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services , if connected to the municipal
wastewater system.
4.2.
3.2. New Structures. All buildings hereafter constructed within the City on property adjacent to a water line or
in a platted block through which the municipal water system extends, shall be provided with a connection
to the water system before occupancy of the building shall be allowed , or a certificate of occupancy issued.
Section 3. Municipal Water System Charges. A portion of the cost of constructing and maintaining the water
system shall be recovered by the imposition of special assessments pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429,
trunk water facilities charges, and connection charges.
1. Trunk Water Facility Charges. The trunk water facility charge shall be collected when the property is
platted, subdivided, or otherwise developed. These charges are required to be paid to the City prior to the
City accepting the lateral water mains, pipes, and appurtenances constructed by the property owner. The
charge is calculated as a lump sum amount determined by multiplying a front foot charge , (as established
by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinance) times the lineal feet of all streets within or abutting
the plat, subdivision or development and shall be computed by the EngineerCity Engineer and paid by the
property owner to the City prior to the issuance of any building permit.
2.1.
3. Connection Charge. A connection charge, as established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by
ordinance, shall be collected when housing units are connected to the municipal water system. In addition,
before a connection permit will be issued, the City shall determine that one of the following conditions
exist:
4.2.
1. The lot or tract of land to be served by such connection or tap has been specially assessed for the
cost of constructing the water main and trunk water systems with which the connection is made; or
2.1.
3. If no special assessment has been levied for such construction cost, the proceedings for levying
special assessments have been or will be commenced and completed in due course; or
4.2.
5. If no special assessment has been levied, and no special assessment proceedings will be completed
in due course, a sum equal to the portion of the cost of constructing the water main and trunk
water system, which would be assessable against said lot or tract, has been paid to the City; o rr
6.3.
4. If none of the above conditions are met, the applicant shall pay an additional connection fee which
shall be equal to the portion of the cost of constructing the water main and trunk water system
which would be assessable against said lot or tract serviced by the connect ion. Said assessable cost
is to be determined by the City Engineer upon the same basis as any assessment previously levied
against other property for the water main and trunk water system. If no special assessment has
been levied, the assessable cost will be determined upon the basis o f the uniform charge which
may have been or which shall be charged for similar tapping or connection with said main and
trunk system, determined on the basis of the total assessable cost of the water main and trunk
water system, allocated on a frontage basis, plus the cost of service or services.
7.5. In the event that the City of Gem Lake is serving a property in an adjacent city or jurisdiction, the
connection charge applied by Gem Lake will be in addition to any connection charge required by
the city in which the property is located.
Section 4. Municipal Water Connection Permits. A permit must be obtained to connect to the water system. The
connection permit fee, as established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinance, shall be submitted at the
time of permit application. All permits for service installations shall be made by the owner of the property, or their
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 3 of 9
duly authorized agent, and shall state the size and location of the service connection and all other information as
required. The applicant shall pay to the City prior to the issuance of the permit, the total amount of fees or deposit
required for the installation of the service connection as herein provided. City inspections are required for all
connections to, and extensions of, the municipal water system.
Section 5. Statements for Water Use Charges
1. Charges. The City Clerk shall compute the amount due to the City for water charges and render a
statement thereof quarterly. All amounts due as shown on the statement shall be payable at the Municipal
BuildingCity Hall on or before the fifth (5th) day of the month following the month within 35 days
following the date the statement is presented. Where service is for less than a quarterly period, the quarterly
charge shall be pro-rated on a monthly basis. If a water meter is found to have been operating in a faulty
manner, the amount of water used will be estimated in accordance with the amount use d previously in
comparable periods of the year.
2.1.
3. Penalties for Delinquent Payments. A penalty of ten (10%) percent shall be added to all accounts that are
not paid in full by said due date. This ten (10%) percent penalty shall be computed on the unpaid balance of
the last billing not paid by the appropriate date at the time each quarterly statement is prepared and
presented. The City reserves the right to shut off water service , given the City provides the property owner
with a 30-day notice, if the account is delinquent for an unreasonable length of time as determined by the
City Council. A water shut off/turn on fee will be incurred for shut off due to delinquent payment. The
property owner may request a hearing to appeal the disconnection or request a payment plan.
1. Minnesota State Statute provides regulations on when water shut offs are permitted and
prohibited. The City of Gem Lake abides by Minnesota State Statutes 216B as amended from time
to time.
4.2.
5.3. Collection of Delinquent Accounts. Each charge levied by and pursuant to this chapter is hereby made a
lien upon the corresponding lot, land, or premises served by a connection to the water system of the City
andsystem, and all such charges which are on July Thirty-First (3lst) of each year more than thirty (30)
days past due and having been properly billed to the occupant of the premises served, shall be certified by
the City Clerk to the Auditor of Ramsey County before the tenth (10th) day of October of each year. An
administrative fee of fifty ($50.00) dollars shall be added to the delinquent amount. The City Clerk in so
certifying such charges to the County Auditor shall specify the amount thereof, the descriptions of the
premises served and the name of the owner thereof. The amount so certified shall be extended by the
Auditor on the tax rolls against such premises in the same manner as other taxes, collected by the County
Treasurer and paid to the City Clerk, along with other taxes.
Section 6. Service Charges Relating to Municipal Water Utility. When actions or activities of water customers
require coordination with or a call out of City utility personnel (e.g.e.g., turning water supply on/off at curbs tops), a
water service charge shall be assessed to the utility account. When the call out occurs outside of normal business
hours, it will be deemed an emergency call out. The service charges for regular and emergency call outs will be
established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinanceGem Lake City Council ordinance.
Section 7. . Discontinuance of Water Service.
1. Conditions. The City reserves the right to discontinue service to any consumer of the municipal water
system whenever:
1. The owner or occupant of the premises served, or any persons working on any pipes or equipment
thereon which are connected with the water system, has violated or threatens to violate or causes
to be violated, any of the City's water utility regulationsthe requirements of this chapter.
2.1.
3. In the judgment of the City or its designee, such action is necessary to protect the purity of the
municipal water supply or the safety of the water system and/or life, health, or safety of its
consumers.
4.2.
5. Any charge for water, service, meter, or other financial obligation imposed on the present or
former owner or occupant of the premises served, is not paid.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 4 of 9
6.3.
7. The owner or occupant of the premises served has made fraudulent statements or
misrepresentations in connection with an application for service.
8.4.
9. The property is unsecured and/or vacant.
10.5.
2. Procedure. Prior to shut off, the property will be posted, and the owner and/or occupant of the property
shall be mailed notice to the last address shown on the application on file with the City and current billing
statements. Said notice shall advise the owner and/or occupant of the reason for the proposed shut off and
that a hearing may be requested in writing within ten (10) days of the date shown on the notice given to
them. It shall further provide that failure to request a hearing in writing to the Ci ty shall be deemed a
waiver and that thhe water will be shut off upon the expiration of the ten (10) days.
Section 8. Authorized Water Shutdowns. The City shall not be liable for any deficiency or failure in the supply of
water to consumers, whether occasioned by shutting the water off for the purpose of making repairs or connections,
or from any other cause whatever. In case of fire, or alarm of fire, water may be shut off to insure a supply for
firefighting. When making repairs to existing infrastructure or construction of new infrastructure, water may be shut
off at any time and kept shut off as long as necessary.
Section 9. Maintenance of Service Pipe. It shall be the responsibility of the consumer or owner to maintain the
service pipe from the curb box into the house or building. In the case of failure upon the part of any consumer or
owner to repair any leak occurring in the pipe within twenty-four (24) hours after verbal or written notice by the
City thereof, the water will be shut off. When the waste of water is great, or when damage is likely to result from the
leak, water may be turned off immediately pending repairs.
Section 10. Water Service Lines. In order to eliminate a health or safety hazard from private property, the City is
authorized to install or repair water service lines from a city water main to a private dwelling or to contract for such
work. The cost of installing or repairing water service lines may be specially assessed against the benefited property ,
and the city may issue obligations to defray the expense of such work all pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 429 and its subdivisions.
Section 11. Cross-Connection Control. Cross-connection between the water system and other systems, private
wells, or equipment containing water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety are prohibited, except
when and where, as approved by the Citycity, suitable backflow prevention devices are installed, tested, and
maintained to ensure proper operation on a continuing basis as per the following requirements:
1. A backflow prevention device is to be owned, tested, and maintained by the customer/owner of the
premises being served..
2.1.
3. Installation, maintenance, and testing of backflow preventers shall be according to the State of Minnesota
Plumbing Code.
4.2.
1. It is required that reduced pressure zone backflow preventers be tested annually and overhauled at
intervals not to exceed five years. Testing shall be performed by a qualified backflow tester . A
licensed plumber qualified in backflow testing shall perform all internal maintenance to the
device. Test results shall be furnished to the cCity.
2.1.
3. A person who is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health Labor and Industry as a
backflow preventer tester is considered qualified by the Citycity to test backflow preventers and
certify them to be functional.
4.2.
5.3. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be cause to discontinue water service as outlined
under Section 7.
Section 12. Water Use Restrictions. A sprinkling ban is adopted in order to encourage water conservation, and to
ensure availability of an adequate supply of City water without incurring unnecessary capital expenditures.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 5 of 9
1. Water Use Restriction. Except as hereinafter provided, the watering of lawns, gardens, and shrubs is
prohibited from May 15 through September 15 annually.
2.1.
1. Exceptions.
2.1.
1. Properties with odd numbered postal addresses may water on odd numbered days.
2.1.
3. Properties with even numbered postal addresses may water on even numbered days.
4.2.
5. Private wells may be used on any day.
6.3.
7. Watering newly sodded or seeded yards is allowed upon receipt of an exemption permit
from the Public Works Department for a period of two (2) weeks ..
8.4.
9. Attended watering of plants, shrubs, and gardens may be watered by hand on any day..
10.5.
3. Enforcement. Violations of the water use restrictions will result in a warning letter for first
violations. Subsequent violations will result in the imposition of administrative fines and the
imposition of administrative fines that will be reflected on the next utility bill or in the issuance of
a citation in accordance with adopted Council ordinance.
4.2.
5. City Council Resolution. During dry weather periods, the City Council may impose additional
restrictions on the use of City water by the adoption of an appropriate resolution. Any violation of
the water restriction resolution shall be referred to the City Attorney for prosecution as a
misdemeanor.
Section 13. Operation of Fire Hydrants. No person other than authorized City employees shall operate fire
hydrants, or interfere in any way with the water system without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Permit. A hydrant meter permit to use a fire hydrant for the purpose of purchasing water from the Citycity
is required. The permit shall state the applicant's name and address, phone number, location of the work
site, and type of work being conducted.
2.1.
3. Deposit. The applicant shall be required to make a deposit, as determined by City Ordinancethe City’s Fee
Schedule as adopted by ordinance, to guarantee payment for water used and to cover breakage and/or
damage to the hydrant or meter. Charges will be deducted from the deposit, and a billing or refund will be
generated.
4.2.
5.3. Charges. The applicant shall pay rental charges for each thirty-day period or fraction thereof, and water
use charges as determined by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance.
Section 14. Water Service Contractors. A license is required. All water service work shall be performed by
certified contractors licensed by the appropriate State authority. This section shall not apply to homeowners
performing work on their own premises.
Section 15. Water Meters. Except for extinguishing of fire, no person except authorized City employees shall use
water from the water supply system or permit water to be drawn therefrom unless the same be metered by passing
through a meter supplied or approved by the City. Only per sons authorized by the City shall connect, disconnect,
take apart, or in any manner change or cause to be changed, or interfere with any such meter or the action thereof.
1. Charge. At the time of the initial connection to the water system, a charge for water meters shall be paid to
the City by customers before delivery of the water meter for installation. Said charge shall be determined
by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance.
2.1.
3. Maintenance. The City shall retain ownership of water meters and shall be responsible for standard
maintenance and repair. Costs associated with replacement, repair, or adjustment of a meter due to any act,
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 6 of 9
carelessness, or neglect of the owner or occupants of the premises shall be charged against and collected
from the water consumer. Water service may be discontinued , as outlined under Section 7, until the cause is
corrected and the amount charged is collected.
4.2.
5. Testing. Upon written request, the City will re-read water meters and test the meter for accuracy, if
necessary. In case a test should show an error of over five percent of the water consumed in favor of the
Citycity, a correctly registering meter will be installed and adjustments to water billing statements will be
considered. In case the test shows an accurate measurement of water or an error in favor of the consumer,
the expenses of making such a test, and the additional costs, if any, will be included on the next quarterly
statement. The meter testing charges will be established by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by
ordinanceCity Council ordinance.
6.3.
City Access. Authorized City employees shall have access at reasonable hours of the day to all buildings
and premises connected to the municipal water system for the purpose of maintenance of water meters
without charge to the water consumer. In the event the water co nsumer denies authorized City employee
access, the water consumer will, at their own cost, provide for meter replacement or maintenance by a
licensed plumber, and said licensed plumber shall be required to provide documentation to City as to
validity of the work performed.
7.4.
Section 16. Private Wells. The use of private wells may continue after connection is made to the water system,
provided there is no means of cross-connection between the private well and the municipal supply at any time. Hose
bibs that will enable a cross connection of the two systems are prohibited on internal and external piping. The
threads on the boiler drain of the well volume tank shall be removed or the boiler drain hose bib replaced with a sink
faucet. When both private and municipal water systems are in use, outside hose bibs shall not be installed on piping
connected to the municipal water system.
Section 17. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the Municipal Sewer or Water Systems
municipal water system.
Section 18. Violations and Penalties.
1. The City of Gem Lake shall have the right to enforce all sections of this Ordinance by injunction or by any
other legal remedy, including the right to prohibit the use of the water system by a person violating or
operating contrary to these provisions.
2. Any person, firm, corporation or voluntary association which violates or refuses to comply with any of the
pro visions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof be subject to a
find of not more than One Hundred Dollars ( $100.00) and cost for every offense or to imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 19. Severability. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City of Gem Lake that the provisions of this
Ordinance are severable. If any provisions or the application thereof to any Person or circumstances is held to be
illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Ordi nance or the application of
said provisions to any other Person not specifically included in said determination. To this end, the provisions of this
Ordinance and the various applications thereto are declared to be severable.
Section 20. Repeal of outdated Ordinance. This Ordinance supersedes, replaces, and repeals all prior Ordinances
relating to the same subjects contained within this Ordinance. Any portion of such prior Ordinances not incorporated
within this Ordinance is expressly repealed.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 7 of 9
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 8 of 9
Section 21. Enactment. This Ordinance No. 129 is placed in full force and effect on July 15, 2025, by a _____ vote
of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake.
Adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota on 15 of July 2025.
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 9 of 9
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Water Systems
Ordinance No. 129
This ordinance regarding requirements and funding, for municipal water services, and providing for the collections
of charges in the City of Gem Lake, was originally enacted by the city on October 18, 2022. The City Council has
made amendments to the Ordinance in keeping with changes in State law and the wishes of the community. The
following table indicates the original Ordinances and the said amendments.
Ordinance Description Enactment
129 Ordinance adopted originally as “AN ORDINANCE
REGULATING RATES FOR MUNICIPAL WATER
AND SEWER SERVICES AND
PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF
CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE”
October 2022
129 Amendment moving the requirements of the sanitary
sewer system into Ordinance 64F, reformatting of
content, and updating definitions.
July 15, 2025
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 1 of 7
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Water System
Ordinance No. 129
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING, FOR MUNICIPAL WATER
SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE
The City Council of the City of Gem Lake ordains:
Section 1. Definitions.
1. Definitions: The following words and terms, whenever they occur in this Ordinance, are defined as
follows:
1. Assessment. A charge made to affected property owners for improvements that increases or
maintains their property’s value or enhances the health and safety of their neighborhood.
2. Connection. The physical connection between the water piping in a residence or building and
the municipal water system.
3. Connection Permit. A permit, issued by the City of Gem Lake, which allows connection to the
municipal water system.
4. Extension. An addition to the municipal water system determined to be added by petition, decree,
or for health and safety reasons.
5. Inspection Fee. A fee paid to the City of Gem Lake to cover the costs of inspecting the new
connection to the municipal water system.
6. MCES. Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, the primary operator of the regional
sewer system and its successors and assigns.
7. Municipal Water System. The water system of the city of Gem Lake. Also referred to within
this ordinance as “municipal water system.”
8. Water Availability Charge (WAC). A charge levied to each new user of the municipal water
system to help pay for continued maintenance of the system.
9. Unit. A method for calculating the costs for use of the system.
Section 2. Municipal Water. The City’s municipal water system consists of water main, meter vaults, service
piping, and appurtenances located within the public right-of-way and applicable easements. The municipal water
system shall be operated as a public utility from which revenue shall be derived, subject to the provisions of this
chapter. By connecting to the City’s municipal water system the owner and occupant of said property agrees to be
bound by all rules and regulations contained in this ordinance or otherwise adopted by the City .
1. Compliance with Regulations. No person, firm, or corporation shall connect any water service to the
municipal water system or make use of the system except in the manner provided in this chapter. All
connections to or extensions of the systems shall be in accordance with relevant portions of the Minnesota
Building Code, Minnesota Plumbing Code, and City of Gem Lake Standard Deta ils for utility construction.
2. Water Fund. The City shall maintain on the official books and records of the City a separate and special
fund to be designated as the Water Fund, which shall be held and administered by the City separate and
apart from all other funds until the purposes for its creation have been accomplished.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 2 of 7
Section 2. Connections with Water Required.
1. Existing Structures. Any buildings presently used or capable of being used for human habitation or in
which a toilet or other plumbing facilities for disposal of human waste is installed and located on property
adjacent to a water main, or in the platted block through which th e system extends, shall be connected to
the municipal water system within ten years from the date on which a connection is available to such
building. Where the property owner has failed to connect to the system within ten years the following
procedures shall be followed:
1. The property owner shall be notified that it is the intent of the City to connect the property to the
water system and assess the cost of connection against the property owner. The notice shall be
mailed by registered mail to the property address.
2. The cost of the improvement shall include all costs incurred by the City in order to connect the
property to the main water line and shall include City permit and connection charges which must
be submitted to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services , if connected to the municipal
wastewater system.
2. New Structures. All buildings hereafter constructed within the City on property adjacent to a water line or
in a platted block through which the municipal water system extends, shall be provided with a connection
to the water system before occupancy of the building shall be allowed , or a certificate of occupancy issued.
Section 3. Municipal Water System Charges. A portion of the cost of constructing and maintaining the water
system shall be recovered by the imposition of special assessments pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429,
trunk water facilities charges, and connection charges.
1. Trunk Water Facility Charges. The trunk water facility charge shall be collected when the property is
platted, subdivided, or otherwise developed. These charges are required to be paid to the City prior to the
City accepting the lateral water mains, pipes, and appurtenances constructed by the property owner. The
charge is calculated as a lump sum amount determined by multiplying a front foot charge (as established by
the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinance ) times the lineal feet of all streets within or abutting the
plat, subdivision or development and shall be computed by the City Engineer and paid by the property
owner to the City prior to the issuance of any building permit.
2. Connection Charge. A connection charge, as established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by
ordinance, shall be collected when housing units are connected to the municipal water system. In addition,
before a connection permit will be issued, the City shall determine that one of the following conditions
exist:
1. The lot or tract of land to be served by such connection or tap has been specially assessed for the
cost of constructing the water main and trunk water systems with which the connection is made; or
2. If no special assessment has been levied for such construction cost, the proceedings for levying
special assessments have been or will be commenced and completed in due course; or
3. If no special assessment has been levied, and no special assessment proceedings will be completed
in due course, a sum equal to the portion of the cost of constructing the water main and trunk
water system, which would be assessable against said lot or tra ct, has been paid to the City; or
4. If none of the above conditions are met, the applicant shall pay an additional connection fee which
shall be equal to the portion of the cost of constructing the water main and trunk water system
which would be assessable against said lot or tract serviced by the connection. Said assessable cost
is to be determined by the City Engineer upon the same basis as any assessment previously levied
against other property for the water main and trunk water system. If no special assessment has
been levied, the assessable cost will be determined upon the basis of the uniform charge which
may have been or which shall be charged for similar tapping or connection with said main and
trunk system, determined on the basis of the total assessable cost of the water main and tr unk
water system, allocated on a frontage basis, plus the cost of service or services.
5. In the event that the City of Gem Lake is serving a property in an adjacent city or jurisdiction, the
connection charge applied by Gem Lake will be in addition to any connection charge required by
the city in which the property is located.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 3 of 7
Section 4. Municipal Water Connection Permits. A permit must be obtained to connect to the water system. The
connection permit fee, as established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinance, shall be submitted at the
time of permit application. All permits for service installations shall be made by the owner of the property, or their
duly authorized agent, and shall state the size and location of the service connection and all other information as
required. The applicant shall pay to the City prior to the issuance of the permit, the total amount of fees or deposit
required for the installation of the service connection as herein provided. City inspections are required for all
connections to, and extensions of, the municipal water system.
Section 5. Statements for Water Use Charges
1. Charges. The City Clerk shall compute the amount due to the City for water charges and render a
statement thereof quarterly. All amounts due as shown on the statement shall be payable at the City Hall
within 35 days following the date the statement is presented. Where service is for less than a quarterly
period, the quarterly charge shall be pro-rated on a monthly basis. If a water meter is found to have been
operating in a faulty manner, the amount of water used will be estimated in accordance with the amo unt
used previously in comparable periods of the year.
1. Penalties for Delinquent Payments. A penalty of ten (10%) percent shall be added to all
accounts that are not paid in full by said due date. This penalty shall be computed on the unpaid
balance of the last billing not paid by the appropriate date at the time each quarterly statement is
prepared and presented. The City reserves the right to shut off water service , given the City
provides the property owner with a 30 -day notice, if the account is delinquent for an unreasonable
length of time as determined by the City Council. A water shut off/turn on fee will be incurred for
shut off due to delinquent payment. The property owner may request a hearing to appeal the
disconnection or request a payment plan. Minnesota State Statute provides regulations on when
water shut offs are permitted and prohibited. The City of Gem Lake abides by Minnesota State
Statutes 216B as amended from time to time.
2. Collection of Delinquent Accounts. Each charge levied by and pursuant to this chapter is hereby made a
lien upon the corresponding lot, land, or premises served by a connection to the water system, and all such
charges which are on July Thirty-First (3lst) of each year more than thirty (30) days past due and having
been properly billed to the occupant of the premises served, shall be certified by the City Clerk to the
Auditor of Ramsey County before the tenth (10th) day of October of each year. An administrative fee of
fifty ($50.00) dollars shall be added to the delinquent amount. The City Clerk in so certifying such charges
to the County Auditor shall specify the amount thereof, the descriptions of the premises served and the
name of the owner thereof. The amount so cer tified shall be extended by the Auditor on the tax rolls against
such premises in the same manner as other taxes, collected by the County Treasurer and paid to the City
Clerk, along with other taxes.
Section 6. Service Charges Relating to Municipal Water Utility. When actions or activities of water customers
require coordination with or a call out of City utility personnel (e.g., turning water supply on/off at curbs tops), a
water service charge shall be assessed to the utility account. When the call out occurs outside of normal business
hours, it will be deemed an emergency call out. The service charges for regular and emergency call outs will be
established by the City’s Fee Schedule and adopted by ordinance.
Section 7. Discontinuance of Water Service.
1. Conditions. The City reserves the right to discontinue service to any consumer of the municipal water
system whenever:
1. The owner or occupant of the premises served, or any persons working on any pipes or equipment
thereon which are connected with the water system, has violated or threatens to violate or causes
to be violated, the requirements of this chapter.
2. In the judgment of the City or its designee, such action is necessary to protect the purity of the
municipal water supply or the safety of the water system and/or life, health, or safety of its
consumers.
3. Any charge for water, service, meter, or other financial obligation imposed on the present or
former owner or occupant of the premises served is not paid.
4. The owner or occupant of the premises served has made fraudulent statements or
misrepresentations in connection with an application for service.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 4 of 7
5. The property is unsecured and/or vacant.
2. Procedure. Prior to shut off, the property will be posted, and the owner and/or occupant of the property
shall be mailed notice to the last address shown on the application on file with the City and current billing
statements. Said notice shall advise the owner and/or occupant of the reason for the proposed shut off and
that a hearing may be requested in writing within ten (10) days of the date shown on the notice given to
them. It shall further provide that failure to request a hearing in writing to the Ci ty shall be deemed a
waiver and that the water will be shut off upon the expiration of the ten (10) days.
Section 8. Authorized Water Shutdowns. The City shall not be liable for any deficiency or failure in the supply of
water to consumers, whether occasioned by shutting the water off for the purpose of making repairs or connections,
or from any other cause whatever. In case of fire, or alarm of fire, water may be shut off to insure a supply for
firefighting. When making repairs to existing infrastructure or construction of new infrastructure, water may be shut
off at any time and kept shut off as long as necessary.
Section 9. Maintenance of Service Pipe. It shall be the responsibility of the consumer or owner to maintain the
service pipe from the curb box into the house or building. In the case of failure upon the part of any consumer or
owner to repair any leak occurring in the pipe within twenty-four (24) hours after verbal or written notice by the
City thereof, the water will be shut off. When the waste of water is great, or when damage is likely to result from the
leak, water may be turned off immediately pending repairs.
Section 10. Water Service Lines. In order to eliminate a health or safety hazard from private property, the City is
authorized to install or repair water service lines from a city water main to a private dwelling or to contract for such
work. The cost of installing or repairing water service lines may be specially assessed against the benefited property ,
and the city may issue obligations to defray the expense of such work all pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 429 and its subdivisions.
Section 11. Cross-Connection Control. Cross-connection between the water system and other systems, private
wells, or equipment containing water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety are prohibited, except
when and where, as approved by the city, suitable backflow prevention devices are installed, tested, and maintained
to ensure proper operation on a continuing basis as per the following requirements:
1. A backflow prevention device is to be owned, tested, and maintained by the customer/owner of the
premises being served.
2. Installation, maintenance, and testing of backflow preventers shall be according to the State of Minnesota
Plumbing Code.
1. It is required that reduced pressure zone backflow preventers be tested annually and overhauled at
intervals not to exceed five years.. A licensed plumber qualified in backflow testing shall perform
all internal maintenance to the device. Test results shall be furnished to the city.
2. A person who is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a backflow
preventer tester is considered qualified by the city to test backflow preventers and certify them to
be functional.
3. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be cause to discontinue water service as outlined
under Section 7.
Section 12. Water Use Restrictions. A sprinkling ban is adopted in order to encourage water conservation, and to
ensure availability of an adequate supply of City water without incurring unnecessary capital expenditures.
1. Water Use Restriction. Except as hereinafter provided, the watering of lawns, gardens, and shrubs is
prohibited from May 15 through September 15 annually.
1. Exceptions.
1. Properties with odd numbered postal addresses may water on odd numbered days.
2. Properties with even numbered postal addresses may water on even numbered days.
3. Private wells may be used on any day.
4. Watering newly sodded or seeded yards is allowed upon receipt of an exemption permit
from the Public Works Department for a period of two (2) weeks .
5. Attended watering of plants, shrubs, and gardens may be watered by hand on any day .
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 5 of 7
2. Enforcement. Violations of the water use restrictions will result in a warning letter for first
violations. Subsequent violations will result in the imposition of administrative fines and the
imposition of administrative fines that will be reflected on the next utility bill or in the issuance of
a citation in accordance with adopted Council ordinance.
3. City Council Resolution. During dry weather periods, the City Council may impose additional
restrictions on the use of City water by the adoption of an appropriate resolution. Any violation of
the water restriction resolution shall be referred to the City Attorney for prosecution as a
misdemeanor.
Section 13. Operation of Fire Hydrants. No person other than authorized City employees shall operate fire
hydrants, or interfere in any way with the water system without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Permit. A hydrant meter permit to use a fire hydrant for the purpose of purchasing water from the city is
required. The permit shall state the applicant's name and address, phone number, location of the work site,
and type of work being conducted.
2. Deposit. The applicant shall be required to make a deposit, as determined by the City’s Fee Schedule as
adopted by ordinance, to guarantee payment for water used and to cover breakage and/or damage to the
hydrant or meter. Charges will be deducted from the deposit, and a billing or refund will be generated.
3. Charges. The applicant shall pay rental charges for each thirty-day period or fraction thereof, and water
use charges as determined by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance.
Section 14. Water Service Contractors. All water service work shall be performed by certified contractors licensed
by the appropriate State authority. This section shall not apply to homeowners performing work on their own
premises.
Section 15. Water Meters. Except for extinguishing of fire, no person except authorized City employees shall use
water from the water supply system or permit water to be drawn therefrom unless the same be metered by passing
through a meter supplied or approved by the City. Only per sons authorized by the City shall connect, disconnect,
take apart, or in any manner change or cause to be changed, or interfere with any such meter or the action thereof.
1. Charge. At the time of the initial connection to the water system, a charge for water meters shall be paid to
the City by customers before delivery of the water meter for installation. Said charge shall be determined
by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by ordinance.
2. Maintenance. The City shall retain ownership of water meters and shall be responsible for standard
maintenance and repair. Costs associated with replacement, repair, or adjustment of a meter due to any act,
carelessness, or neglect of the owner or occupants of the prem ises shall be charged against and collected
from the water consumer. Water service may be discontinued , as outlined under Section 7, until the cause is
corrected and the amount charged is collected.
3. Testing. Upon written request, the City will re-read water meters and test the meter for accuracy, if
necessary. In case a test should show an error of over five percent of the water consumed in favor of the
city, a correctly registering meter will be installed and adjustments to water billing statements will be
considered. In case the test shows an accurate measurement of water or an error in favor of the consumer,
the expenses of making such a test, and the additional costs, if any, will be included on the next quarterly
statement. The meter testing charges will be established by the City’s Fee Schedule as adopted by
ordinance.
4. City Access. Authorized City employees shall have access at reasonable hours of the day to all buildings
and premises connected to the municipal water system for the purpose of maintenance of water meters
without charge to the water consumer. In the event the water co nsumer denies authorized City employee
access, the water consumer will, at their own cost, provide for meter replacement or maintenance by a
licensed plumber, and said licensed plumber shall be required to provide documentation to City as to
validity of the work performed.
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 6 of 7
Section 16. Private Wells. The use of private wells may continue after connection is made to the water system,
provided there is no means of cross-connection between the private well and the municipal supply at any time. Hose
bibs that will enable a cross connection of the two systems are prohibited on internal and external piping. The
threads on the boiler drain of the well volume tank shall be removed or the boiler drain hose bib replaced with a sink
faucet. When both private and municipal water systems are in use, outside hose bibs shall not be installed on piping
connected to the municipal water system.
Section 17. Tampering with Municipal System is Prohibited. No person shall maliciously, willfully, or
negligently damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any part of the municipal water system.
Section 18. Violations and Penalties.
1. The City of Gem Lake shall have the right to enforce all sections of this Ordinance by injunction or by any
other legal remedy, including the right to prohibit the use of the water system by a person violating or
operating contrary to these provisions.
2. Any person, firm, corporation or voluntary association which violates or refuses to comply with any of the
pro visions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof be subject to a
find of not more than One Hundred Dollars ( $100.00) and cost for every offense or to imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 19. Severability. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City of Gem Lake that the provisions of this
Ordinance are severable. If any provisions or the application thereof to any Person or circumstances is held to be
illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Ordinance or the application of
said provisions to any other Person not specifically included in said determination. To this end, the provisions of this
Ordinance and the various applications thereto are declared to be severable.
Section 20. Repeal of Outdated Ordinance. This Ordinance supersedes, replaces, and repeals all prior Ordinances
relating to the same subjects contained within this Ordinance. Any portion of such prior Ordinances not incorporated
within this Ordinance is expressly repealed.
Section 21. Enactment. This Ordinance No. 129 is placed in full force and effect on July 15, 2025, by a _____ vote
of the City Council of the City of Gem Lake.
Adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota on 15 of July 2025.
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk
Ordinance No. 129 Municipal Water System Page 7 of 7
City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota
Municipal Water System
Ordinance No. 129
This ordinance regarding requirements and funding, for municipal water services, and providing for the collections
of charges in the City of Gem Lake, was originally enacted by the city on October 18, 2022. The City Council has
made amendments to the Ordinance in keeping with changes in State law and the wishes of the community. The
following table indicates the original Ordinances and the said amendments.
Ordinance Description Enactment
129 Ordinance adopted originally as “AN ORDINANCE
REGULATING RATES FOR MUNICIPAL WATER
AND SEWER SERVICES AND
PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF
CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE”
October 2022
129 Amendment moving the requirements of the sanitary
sewer system into Ordinance 64F, reformatting of
content, and updating definitions.
July 15, 2025
Section 6
Updated January 1, 2025 4
Septic Permits
Residential Septic Permit Fees
Permit Type Permit Fee Comments
Abandon Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) $125.00
Install New Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) $300.00
Repair Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) $75.00
Replace Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) $125.00
ISTS Septic Inspection (performed annually) $45.00 Effective 1/1/2025
ISTS Re-Inspection $80.00
Section 7
Sewer & Water Permits
Residential Sewer & Water Permit Fees
Permits are based on the fees below, plus $1.00 state surcharge.
Permit Type Permit Fee Comments
New Outside Sewer Line $75.00
New Outside Water & Sewer Line $125.00
New Outside Water Line $75.00
Open Cut of Road to Tap Main $75.00
Repair Outside Sewer Line $75.00
Repair Outside Water & Sewer Line $125.00
Repair Outside Water Line $75.00
Sewer Inspection Fee $40.00
Sewer Tap $175.00
Sewer & Water Tap $225.00
Sewer Re-Inspection Fee $80.00
Water Tap $175.00
Commercial Sewer & Water Permit Fees
Fee is 1% of the valuation with a minimum of $125.00 and a surcharge of .0005 × valuation
Sewer and Water Connection Fees
Buildings or dwellings existing or constructed in the City of Gem Lake must connect to the municipal water and sanitary sewer system so long as it is reasonably
available. Commercial buildings must connect within one (1) year and residential buildings must connect within ten (10) years from the time a connection is available to
any such property.
Metropolitan Council Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) units and fees are established by the Metropolitan Council per state statute MN 473.517. Prior to connecting to
public utilities, the owner or representative must pay the following fees:
Sewer Connection Fees
Dwelling Type Fees Comments
Single Family Dwellings $75.00 Plus SAC per unit (Sewer Changeover Permit from Septic or New Construction)
Two-Family Dwellings $75.00 Plus SAC per unit (Sewer Changeover Permit from Septic or New Construction)
Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) - City $1,000.00 per unit As established by the City. See the table below for the unit basis.
Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) – Met Council $2,485.00 As established by the Metropolitan Council
Public Right-of-Way Restoration Deposit $5,000 Ord 64F Section 17.13, “This deposit will be returned upon satisfactory completion
of the connection.”
Water Connection Fees
Dwelling Type Fees Comments
Single Family Dwellings $75.00 Plus WAC per unit (Water Changeover Permit from Well or New Construction)
Two-Family Dwellings $75.00 Plus WAC per unit (Water Changeover Permit from Well or New Construction)
Water Availability Charge (WAC) – Gem Lake $1,500.00 per unit As established by the City
Water Shut Off/Turn On Fee $50.00 Ord 129 Section 5.2
The annual local charge for use of the Municipal Sanitary Sewer System shall be based upon a UNIT system, with one unit being equal to 100,000 gallons of flow or
part thereof. The following types of structures or business shall have UNIT ratings based as shown in below:
Structure Type # Units Type Of Structure
Each Single Family Dwelling 1 Unit(s) Each Single Family Dwelling
Each Hotel Or Motel Unit 1/3 Unit(s) Each Hotel Or Motel Unit
One Mobile Home Unit Or Apartment Unit ½ Unit(s) One Mobile Home Unit Or Apartment Unit
Industrial Or Commercial structures (per 1,000 sq.ft. of
floor area)
½ Unit(s) Minimum
2 Unit(s)
Industrial Or Commercial structures (per 1,000 sq.ft. of floor area)
Commercial Sewer & Water Connection Fees
Fee is 1% of the valuation with a minimum of $125.00 and a surcharge of .0005 × valuation, plus SAC and WAC per unit
Section 8
City of Gem Lake
County of Ramsey
State of Minnesota
Resolution No. 2025-020
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TREASURER TO DISTRIBUTE A
PORTION OF THE CHARITABLE GAMBLING FUNDS TO THE WHITE BEAR
LAKE AREA FOOD SHELF.
WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake participates in the distribution of charitable gambling funds
received from the Country Lounge
WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake distributes these funds to local 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
organizations
WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake City Council suggested a donation at their June 17, 2025,
meeting in support of the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Gem Lake, Minnesota, the City
Treasurer is authorized to send $1,500.00 to support the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf for
the month of July 2025.
The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced by Councilmember
__________ and supported by Councilmember __________, and upon vote being taken thereon,
the resolution passed with a vote of _____ in favor and _____ against.
ATTEST
I, Melissa Lawrence, the duly qualified Acting City Clerk of the City of Gem Lake, County of
Ramsey, State of Minnesota, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and
accurate representation of action taken by the City Council of the City of Gem Lake on the date
first written.
July 15, 2025
Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk Date
CITY OF GEM LAKE
Claims For Payment Period Ending: 7/15/2025
Signatures Approving Claims Date of Approval
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor
Ben Johnson, Council
Jim Lindner, Council
Len Cacioppo, Council
Joshua Patrick, Council
Tom Kelly, Treasurer
Fund Totals $ Amount
General Fund 78,446.93
Parks & Playgrounds
2004 Debt Service Fund
2007 Debt Service Fund 2,957.50
2015 Debt Service Fund
2018 Debt Service Fund 8,050.00
Improvement Fund
Scheuneman Road Improvements
Hoffman Road Improvements
602-Sewer Fund 639.77
601-Water Fund 2,539.77
Investment Trust Fund
Total All Funds 92,633.97
Claims for Payment Check Numbers 12863 through 12895
CHECK REGISTER FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 07/15/2025 - 07/15/2025
Check Date Check Vendor Name Amount
Bank GEN GENERAL CHECKING
07/15/2025 12863 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 1,000.00
07/15/2025 12864 BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPORATI 2,957.50
07/15/2025 12865 BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPORATI 8,050.00
07/15/2025 12866 BS&A SOFTWARE 10,825.00
07/15/2025 12867 CINTAS 130.50
07/15/2025 12868 CINTAS 31.95
07/15/2025 12869 City of Vadnais Heights 3,161.99
07/15/2025 12870 City of White Bear Lake 36,518.25
07/15/2025 12871 City of White Bear Lake 12,306.25
07/15/2025 12872 Coverall of the Twin Cities 320.00
07/15/2025 12873 GDO Law 55.00
07/15/2025 12874 Gopher State One Call 17.55
07/15/2025 12875 Innovative Office Solutions, 54.44
07/15/2025 12876 INVOICE CLOUD INC 565.00
07/15/2025 12877 Kelly & Lemmons, PA 579.00
07/15/2025 12878 LMC INSURANCE TRUST 322.00
07/15/2025 12879 Melissa Lawrence 15.54
07/15/2025 12880 METRO-INET 1,160.00
07/15/2025 12881 Nykanen Inspections LCC 40.00
07/15/2025 12882 PRAIRIE RESTORATIONS INC 725.00
07/15/2025 12883 Premier Banks 140.50
07/15/2025 12884 Press Publications 84.35
07/15/2025 12885 Ramsey County 916.00
07/15/2025 12886 RED LILY 90.00
07/15/2025 12887 REPUBLIC SERVICES 1,084.71
07/15/2025 12888 TKDA 2,164.00
07/15/2025 12889 Trade Press Inc 398.00
07/15/2025 12890 UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII 1,000.00
07/15/2025 12891 UNIVERSITY OF MN 1,000.00
07/15/2025 12892 White Bear Lake Emergency Foo 3,000.00
07/15/2025 12893 White Bear Township 2,754.36
07/15/2025 12894 WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP UTILITY B 262.10
07/15/2025 12895 Xcel Energy 904.98
GEN TOTALS:
Total of 33 Checks:92,633.97
Less 0 Void Checks:0.00
Total of 33 Disbursements:92,633.97
07/15/2025 02:38 PM Page:1/1
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 07/15/2025 - 07/15/2025
Check Date Bank
Account
Check #Payee Description Accoun
t
Dept Amount
Fund: 100 GENERAL
07/15/2025 GEN 12863 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 2025 FALL TUITION PAYMENT 22001 00000 1,000.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12866 BS&A SOFTWARE BSA ANNUAL FEE 40570 41900 10,825.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12867 CINTAS CINTAS AED 40319 41940 130.50
07/15/2025 GEN 12868 CINTAS CINTAS RUGS 40319 41940 31.95
07/15/2025 GEN 12870 City of White Bear Lake 3RD QTR 2025 POLICE CONTRACT 40314 42100 34,309.98
PRINCIPAL ON POLICE FACILITY 40314 42100 2,208.27
Check GEN 12870 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 36,518.25
07/15/2025 GEN 12871#City of White Bear Lake 3RD QTR 2025 FIRE SERVICES 40314 42100 8,808.10
3RD QTR 2025 FIRE INSPECTIONS 40312 42200 1,452.90
3RD QTR 2025 PRINCIPAL FIRE FACILITY 40314 42100 2,045.25
Check GEN 12871 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 12,306.25
07/15/2025 GEN 12872 Coverall of the Twin Cities CLEANING SVCS 7/1/25-7/31/25 40319 41940 320.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12873 GDO Law PROSECUTION MATTERS 41304 41600 55.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12875 Innovative Office Solutions, LLC ENVELOPES 40200 41400 54.44
07/15/2025 GEN 12876 INVOICE CLOUD INC BILLER PORTAL FEE 40309 41500 565.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12877 Kelly & Lemmons, PA GENERAL COUNSEL 40304 41600 579.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12878 LMC INSURANCE TRUST WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE 40151 41900 322.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12879 Melissa Lawrence MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 40331 41900 8.54
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 40331 41900 7.00
Check GEN 12879 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 15.54
07/15/2025 GEN 12880 METRO-INET Computer Services 40309 41900 1,160.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12881 Nykanen Inspections LCC JUNE 2025 INSPECTIONS 32213 00000 40.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12882 PRAIRIE RESTORATIONS INC SERVICE OVERSPRAY 40300 41940 725.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12883 Premier Banks CUB FOODS- MBTA MEETING 40200 41900 32.96
WALMART- MISC SUPPLIES 40200 41900 80.47
BIG APPLE BAGELS- MBPTA 40200 41900 27.07
Check GEN 12883 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 140.50
07/15/2025 GEN 12884 Press Publications PRESS PUBLICATIONS 40351 41900 84.35
07/15/2025 GEN 12885 Ramsey County 2025 ELECTION SERVICES 3RD QTR 40300 41410 916.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12886 RED LILY WEBSITE MAINTENANCE 40300 41940 90.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12887 REPUBLIC SERVICES REPUBLIC SERVICES JUNE 2025 40384 41900 1,084.71
07/15/2025 GEN 12888 TKDA GENERAL ENGINEERING SVCS 40308 41910 2,164.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12889 Trade Press Inc NEWSLETTERS 40352 41900 398.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12890 UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII 2025 FALL TUITION PAYMENT 22001 00000 1,000.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12891 UNIVERSITY OF MN 2025 FALL TUITION PAYMENT 22001 00000 1,000.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12892 White Bear Lake Emergency Food She JULY 2025 DONATION 22001 00000 1,500.00
07/15/2025 02:39 PM Page:1/2
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 07/15/2025 - 07/15/2025
Check Date Bank
Account
Check #Payee Description Accoun
t
Dept Amount
Fund: 100 GENERAL
JUNE 2025 DONATION 22001 00000 1,500.00
Check GEN 12892 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 3,000.00
07/15/2025 GEN 12893#White Bear Township TREASURER 5/30/25-6/13/25 40329 41500 973.75
STREET SWEEPING INVOICE # 12613 40319 41940 625.00
COMSTOCK & SONS INVOICE # 15239 40319 41940 45.00
POSTAGE 5/22/25 40322 41900 13.11
PUBLIC WORKS 4/15/25 40319 41940 280.00
EQUIPMENT 4/15/25 40319 41900 237.50
EQUIPMENT 4/15/25 40319 41900 80.00
RECYCLING DAY FEE 40384 41900 500.00
Check GEN 12893 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 2,754.36
07/15/2025 GEN 12894 WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP UTILITY BILLIN 2ND QTR 2025 UTILITIES 40385 41940 262.10
07/15/2025 GEN 12895#Xcel Energy XCEL STREET LIGHTS 40386 43122 135.30
XCEL ELECTRIC 40381 41940 715.85
XCEL GAS 40383 41940 53.83
Check GEN 12895 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 904.98
Total For Fund: 100 78,446.93
Fund: 304 2007 DEBT SERVICE FUND
07/15/2025 GEN 12864 BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPORATION INTEREST 40610 47000 2,957.50
Total For Fund: 304 2,957.50
Fund: 305 2018 DEBT SERVICE FUND
07/15/2025 GEN 12865 BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPORATION GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND 2018A 40610 47000 8,050.00
Total For Fund: 305 8,050.00
Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY FUND
07/15/2025 GEN 12869*City of Vadnais Heights WATER 1/1/2025-3/31/2025 40385 43200 2,539.77
Total For Fund: 601 2,539.77
Fund: 602 SEWER UTILITY FUND
07/15/2025 GEN 12869*City of Vadnais Heights SEWER 1/1/2025-3/31/2025 40385 43200 622.22
07/15/2025 GEN 12874 Gopher State One Call LOCATE TICKETS JUNE 2025 40319 43200 17.55
Total For Fund: 602 639.77
Report Total:92,633.97
'*'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE FUND
'#'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE DEPARTMENT
07/15/2025 02:39 PM Page:2/2