HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Vol 19, Issue 3 June Gem Lake NewsSpecial Interest
Articles:
• Well Testing
• Gallery Vadnais
Heights – Planned Unit
Development
• Gem Lake Scholarship
Award Recipients
• Importance of
Stormwater
Management Part Two
• Spring Clean Up
Results
• City News, Page 7
Scheduled Recycling
Dates:
• June 4
• June 18
• July 2
• July 16
• July 30
Well Testing/Future Municipal Water Report for
Gem Lake
The current condition of wells in the City of Gem
Lake was the subject of a special presentation
during the City Council meeting on March 18 at
Heritage Hall. Over thirty people were present,
including city officials, residents, representatives
from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) and others.
Michael Ginsbach, a Hydrologist with MPCA
began the presentation by bringing attendees up
to date on a recent round of well testing that took
place earlier this year. This round focused on Gem
Lake wells that had previously shown some signs
of contamination of 1,4 dioxane, or wells
geographically near the pollution. In general, he
stated that the 1,4 dioxane levels remain stable
and show little sign of movement. Contamination
levels, measured in parts per billion, have either
remained the same or have gone up or down only
slightly.
(Continued on Page 2)
Apartment Complex Receives Planning
Commission Approval
Gallery Vadnais Heights, a five-story apartment
building proposed for a property bordering the City
of Gem Lake, received initial approval from the
Vadnais Heights Planning Commission on April
22. Project planning now proceeds to the Vadnais
Heights City Council for additional review.
The apartment complex, which would be located
on LaBore Road, and near Little Fox Lane, was
the subject of a rezoning request at the meeting.
Chase Real Estate, a Burnsville based housing
developer asked the Vadnais Heights Planning
Commission to rezone the property from
commercial to a Planned Unit Development
(PUD), and also to perform the site review and
approve the final plat. All requests were approved,
following a detailed presentation by city staff and
time for both the commission and the public to ask
questions and provide feedback.
(Continued on Page 3)
Gem Lake News
June 2025 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor
Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8
Well Testing/Future Municipal Water Report for Gem Lake
(continued from page 1)
The State of Minnesota has stringent standards for
drinking water and considers one part per billion to be
contaminated, which is roughly equivalent to a drop of
water in an Olympic sized swimming pool. It is important
to note that the MPCA once again stressed at this
meeting that although the 1,4 dioxane is considered a
long-term problem for drinking water, it is not absorbed
through the skin during bathing. Risk levels are based
on consuming 8 glasses of water per day for 70 years.
Generally, the contamination showed an original
directional tendency of movement southwest, from over
the border in White Bear Township towards the edge
and into the City of Vadnais Heights.
According to the MPCA, regular testing of these wells
and others in the area will continue, especially since
another common contamination, known as PFAS has
shown up in the area, including a number of wells in
Gem Lake. PFAS are Per and polyfluoroalkyl
substances, a group of more than 5,000 human made
chemicals that do not break down over time. Their
extreme resistance to degradation in the environment
and resistance to destruction in wastewater treatment
plants and landfills has led to the nickname “forever
chemicals.” PFAS have been used in many commercial
and industrial applications since the 1940’s. It is now
found in the blood serum of nearly every American.
PFAS has shown up in water all over the State of
Minnesota.
Although it is very difficult for a well owner to
successfully filter away 1,4 dioxane, the same does not
necessarily hold true for PFAS. With the installation of
the proper kind of filter, a homeowner can successfully
filter PFAS out of drinking water. It is important that the
filter system conform to specific standards, such as
NSF/ANSI 53 (for filters) and/or NSF/ANSI 58 (for
reverse osmosis). More information on specifics can be
found at www.health.state.mn.us/communities/
environment/hazardous/topics/pfashometreat.html.
Please note, even if a good filtering system is installed, it
is crucial to change the filters on a regular basis.
Given the growing pollution concerns around the State
of Minnesota, it is increasingly important for the City of
Gem Lake to keep pushing for solutions. These
strategies include the continuing efforts by the MPCA to
try to locate a source for the 1,4 dioxane contamination.
Also, the City of Gem Lake continues to apply for both
State and Federal funding with each legislative cycle to
cover the cost of installing a total or partial municipal
water system.
Several years ago, the city commissioned a
comprehensive water plan, which laid out initial
engineering for a city-wide system, or alternatively, a
multiple phased system that would draw water from one,
two or three of the surrounding cities to serve particular
neighborhoods. When the study was originally done, the
cost of a city-wide system would have been between $6-
$7 million, with smaller neighborhood phased in areas
costing less, but requiring very careful engineering for
water pressure, safety and logistical viability.
The City of Gem Lake was awarded $959,757 almost two
years ago (during the 2023/2024 funding cycle through a
federal grant to pay for a municipal water system, which
would be extended once the project was shovel ready.
The following year, the city was awarded a similar
amount in the 2024/2025 funding cycle. The next year
was spent trying to get enough money at least to start a
neighborhood phase of municipal water installation.
City officials were disappointed to be informed last month
that all unextended earmarks for the 2024/2025 funding
cycle were being cancelled by the federal government.
(Gem Lake retains the original $959,757.) Multiple federal
officials, including Congresswoman Betty McCullum’s
office, have already assisted the city to reapply for an
award during this funding year’s funding cycle. That
application has been submitted and awaits a decision.
Competition for federal and state funds is fierce. The City
of Gem Lake is up against cities whose 1,4 dioxane level
is in the hundreds and where significantly greater
numbers of households would be served. Another
complicating factor is the majority of wells in the city
remain uncontaminated, with some newer households
having new wells and water infrastructure that they are
not eager to let go of. Pollution that has shown up is
heavily weighted towards the northwestern portions of the
city, which would likely be tackled first in municipal water
system installation. Despite these factors, there is a
pressing need to move in the direction of a municipal
water system, due to concerns about the growth of
pollution in the future and the need for the best
firefighting capabilities. Gem Lake is seeking to
coordinate, if at all possible, with Ramsey County’s
proposed resurfacing of Goose Lake Road, between
LaBore Road and Otter Lake Road, which is tentatively
scheduled for 2027. This would be a logical time to install
municipal water infrastructure in that area.
The new apartment building being built on the western
border of Gem Lake in Vadnais Heights also presents an
opportunity to form a joint project with our sister city, as it
extends a water main closer to our borders.
Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8
Apartment Complex Receives Planning Commission Approval
(continued from page 1)
The project would include 360 apartments when fully
completed. The complex would include two buildings,
done in phases. Apartments will range from one to
three-bedroom units, with floor plans from 620-1300
square feet. Rents are expected to be “market value.”
Gallery Vadnais Heights is the tentative name of the
project, which is located on a 9.29-acre property.
A variety of amenities are planned for the project,
including about 6,000 square feet of internal common
areas and 37,000 square feet of external common
areas. The external space would lie within a large
courtyard, surrounded by the two eventual apartment
buildings and would include such things as a swimming
pool, grilling areas, a putting green, benches and tables,
etc.
Parking would be both underground and external
parking lots surrounding the perimeter of the complex.
Two entrances are planned, one on LaBore Road,
across from Little Fox Lane, and one on City Center
Drive, across from City Center Lane.
Questions and feedback at the meeting centered around
things like traffic volume, parking capacity, holding ponds,
the possibility of a walking trail, and other matters. One
member of the public voiced dismay at the idea of
rezoning to allow for a residential use, feeling the
property should remain as mixed commercial/retail.
If final approval is obtained from the Vadnais Heights City
Council at subsequent meetings, construction would
begin this fall. A 14-16 month build out is expected, with a
projected opening in 2027. If all goes as planned, it is
thought that construction on the second building would
begin in 2028. Detailed information on the project is
available on the City of Vadnais Heights website.
Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8
Three Graduates Awarded Gem Lake Scholarship
Three Gem Lake residents and high school seniors were
recently awarded scholarships for post-secondary
education through the Gem Lake Scholarship Program.
This twelve-year-old program is funded by charitable
gambling receipts and has now helped several dozen
students with educational expenses since its inception.
The three students are Lydia Erickson, Jordan Jonas
and Bianca Sauer. Each student has been awarded
$1000 that will be forwarded to the schools of their
choice.
Lydia Erickson will be graduating from Concordia
Academy following an impressive four-year stint as an
Honor Roll student. Her teachers call her “an
outstanding individual with a phenomenal work ethic.
“Lydia takes great pride in her work, giving 110% in
everything she does,” according to John Moore, her
Social Studies Teacher. “Lydia is also very well
respected and is recognized as a leader by her peers
and staff.”
Director of Guidance Kelly Mack says, “she is an active
member of our community, serving as a student
ambassador, athlete, NHS member and has contributed
positively to all of her classes.”
After graduation, Lydia plans to attend Baylor University,
where she will seek a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Jordan Jonas will be graduating from Mahtomedi High
School after four years that were packed with
challenging course work, leadership roles, and
extracurricular activities, including serving as president
of the Mahtomedi High School STEM Club.
Her teachers call her a proactive learner who knows
how to seek help when needed. “As her teacher for
World History, Personal Finance, and as her advisor for
all four years of high school, I have witnessed her
remarkable growth, dedication, and passion for
learning,” says Emily Larson, Social Studies Teacher for
Mahtomedi High School.
Jordan has also been involved in the Maplewood Figure
Skating Club, synchronized skating, and the MHS Choir,
which illustrates her diverse interests and her ability to
balance multiple commitments effectively, according to
Larson.
“Over the past few years, we have seen Jordan grow into
an accomplished young woman with an incredibly bright
future ahead of her,” says Mahtomedi Counselor Ellen
Cole. “She is a hardworking, dedicated and kind member
of our school.”
After graduation, Jordan plans to attend the University of
Minnesota.
Bianca Sauer will complete her high school career after
being home-schooled for the past two years, due to
serious health issues that prevented her from attending
in-person schooling. She has faced and overcome
incredible challenges, while excelling in her academic
studies, taking ownership of her education and even
completing an internship for over a year. Her very proud
mother has acted as her teacher and counselor, when
her daughter needed to transition out of public and
private schools due to her health.
Bianca faced many struggles at a very young age,
including a debilitating spinal injury and heart problems
that necessitated several surgeries. Despite all of that
Bianca has maintained a work ethic that is nothing short
of remarkable, according to her mother Michelle Sauer.
She has also shown incredible resilience and has
successfully balanced academics with a job at a local
restaurant and an internship with Gem Health in White
Bear Lake.
Although her career plans are not set in stone yet, she
did decide she wanted to be a surgeon at the age of 12.
After graduation, Bianca plans to attend the University of
Hawaii. Her goal is to complete a four-year degree and
then pursue further education afterwards, possibly related
to law or political science.
Good luck to all our graduates!
Lydia Erickson Jordan Jonas Bianca Sauer
Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8
The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Two
Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council (portions of this article were generated by AI)
Flood Prevention and Control
In the last newsletter, you were introduced to a new
series covering topics related to the importance of storm
water management in Gem Lake. Part two of the series
will delve into the subject of flood prevention and
control.
In Spring, 2019, flooding occurred along Scheuneman
Road in Gem Lake due to excessive snowfall and
sudden warm temperatures. Given the relatively flat
topography of that area, flooding could happen again.
Some examples of the 2019 flooding along
Scheuneman Road can be seen below:
Here’s more on flood prevention and how storm water
infrastructure can help.
Flood Prevention and Control
Urbanization increases the volume and speed of
stormwater runoff, often exceeding the capacity of natural
and man-made drainage systems. This can result in
localized flooding, property damage, and even loss of life.
Stormwater management strategies are essential for
mitigating these risks.
Infrastructure Protection
Properly designed stormwater systems, including storm
drains, retention basins, and detention ponds, help
control the flow and volume of runoff. These systems are
engineered to handle significant rainfall events, reducing
the likelihood of overwhelmed infrastructure and
subsequent flooding. By directing stormwater away from
vulnerable areas, these systems protect roads, buildings,
and other critical infrastructure from water damage.
Climate Resilience
With the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme
weather events due to climate change, stormwater
management has become even more vital. Climate-
resilient infrastructure takes into account future climate
scenarios, incorporating adaptive measures to manage
stormwater effectively. This proactive approach ensures
that communities are better prepared to face the
challenges posed by a changing climate.
Stay tuned for Part Three on Economic Benefits in the
next newsletter.
Flood waters along Minnesota River, May 2022 Photo by author
Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8
Annual Report from our
Watershed
What is a watershed? A watershed is an area of land
where all water, whether it be rainfall, snowmelt or
runoff, drains into a common point. It is essentially a
geographic area, defined not by municipal borders but
by its topography and how water flows within it.
Virtually every city in the State of Minnesota is part of a
watershed district. Most of Gem Lake is part of the
Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization
(VLAWMO). This group is a unit of local government co-
created by the cities it covers. VLAWMO covers a part of
Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, White Bear Township, White
Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights and North Oaks. The group
uses science and partnerships to protect and improve
the water sources in its district.
Recently the group released its annual report, which
highlighted their major projects, grant programs,
regulations, water conservation efforts, and various
other subjects. This included the installation of various
raingardens, coinciding with street construction projects
in the Cities of White Bear and Vadnais Heights. Also,
VLAWMO worked in partnership with the North Oaks
Homeowner’s Association on restoration efforts on
wetland habitats around the Deep Lake Shoreline.
Wetland enhancements were also accomplished at
Wilkinson Lake
VLAWMO awarded 23 grants in 2024. These grants
helped fund:
o 5 rain barrels
o 7 native plant restorations/pollinator gardens
o 2 no-mow/low-mow turf replacements
o 1 vegetated swale
o 6 curb cut raingardens
o 6 smart irrigation controllers to reduce
groundwater use
The VLAWMO watershed is home to 17 lakes, Lambert
Creek, and over 500 wetlands. Currently, VLAWMO has
7 lakes impaired for nutrients, and Lambert Creek is
impaired for bacteria during storm events. Total
Phosphorus (TP) from excess nutrients is one of the most
common pollutants threatening local waterbodies.
The History of Some of Gem
Lakes Street Names
Most of us pass street signs hundreds of times each year
without knowing much about the folks they are named
after. Sound familiar?
Here are a few fun facts about several local streets in the
Gem Lake area and their name origins:
Hoffman Road is named after Henry Hoffman (1898-
1986), whose family first came to the area in the 1890’s.
Henry owned the land that is now commonly known as
Hoffman’s Corner at the intersection of Highway 61 and
County Road E. He was a progressive businessman and
turned the area into an important shopping hub, where
locals could buy groceries, meats, produce, fresh
hamburgers, gas for their cars, and other necessities.
Henry also served for over a decade as Gem Lake’s first
mayor, beginning his term in 1959.
Tessier Road is named after Joe Tessier, who operated
a farm and apple orchard approximately where the
Structural Wood Company is today. Tessier Road was
originally his driveway. He was born around the turn of
the last century and died about 40 years ago, according
to his nephew Ray Tessier, who still lives in the area.
The origins of the name for LaBore Road are somewhat
less definite. It may be named after Antoine LaBore, an
early settler of possible French-Canadian descent,
whose name begins to show up on land surveys in the
area around 1847. Antoine LaBore owned land in what is
now known as Gem Lake as early as 1874, as did family
members Joseph, Leon and Damasa LaBore.
Scheuneman Road is reportedly named after Augie
Scheuneman, a local farmer of long ago. The street has
been there as long as the late Lloyd LaBore, who was
born around 1920 could remember. When Lloyd was a
child, the road was an unpaved country lane. Mapquest
and other on-line mapping apps have not yet made up
their minds about the correct spelling of this road. Try
googling the Gem Lake Street and you will find
Scheuneman, Schuman, Schueuman, Scheunemann,
and others. According to local historian and City Council
member Jim Linder, the name was originally spelled with
two n’s.
Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8
City News
2025 City Clean Up Day is a Success
For the third year in a row, the City of Gem Lake
partnered with White Bear Township during their Spring
Clean Up Day. Citizens of both Gem Lake and White
Bear Township participated in this free event on May 17,
dropping off everything from mattresses and tires to
electronics and appliances.
Otter Lake Elementary School was the official drop off
site. A total of 34 Gem Lake households participated in
this event, versus 18 a year ago. That’s almost double
the amount of Gem Lake residents. Our thanks to White
Bear Township for sponsoring this event and allowing
Gem Lake to take part in it.
White Bear Lake Vial of Life Program
When every second
counts, Accurate and
Accessible information
is key!
Medical emergencies can
strike without warning and
sometimes leave you
unable to advocate for
yourself. White Bear
Lakes Vial of Life Pocket
can help family members
and rescue workers find
important medical
information FAST!
What are you waiting for?
Protect ALL your loved
ones - prepare a Vial of
Life for everyone in your
household today!
Go to the White Bear Lake Fire Department at 4701
Highway 61 to pick up a blank form or visit
https://www.whitebearlake.org/fire/page/vial-life and fill
out a form online.
Gem Lake Has a Facebook Page
Acting City Clerk Melissa Lawrence has designed and
published a Facebook page for the City of Gem Lake.
The address is: www.facebook.com/CityofGemLakeMN
The Facebook pages focus primarily on special
announcements and news items, events, etc. It is
intended to compliment rather than replace the city
website. Please check it out and “like” and “follow” the
page. We are also looking for a few appropriate Gem
Lake photos. Your feedback is welcome!
Charitable Gambling Donations
Donations of $1500 were approved by the Gem Lake City
Council in March, April and May 2025 to be given to the
White Bear Area Food Shelf. These donations come from
charitable gambling receipts that result from pull-tab and
bingo sales within city limits.
The City’s regular donations help fund the food shelf’s
daily war on food-insecurity in the community. The city
has also helped fund operations at the Food Shelf’s new
Community Market, which is located at the intersection of
County Road F and Bellaire Avenue in White Bear Lake.
Scheduled Office Closures
Heritage Hall will be closed the following days in June.
• 06/09/2025 – Clerk Vacation
• 06/10/2025 – Clerk Vacation
• 06/11/2025 – Clerk Vacation
• 06/12/2025 – Clerk Vacation
• 06/19/2025 – Juneteenth
The City of Gem Lake
Phone:
(651) 747-2790
Fax
(651)-747-2795
City Hall Address:
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
General E-mail:
city@gemlakemn.org
Newsletter E-mail:
Gretchen.artig-
swomley@gemlakemn.org
This newsletter is also posted
on the city’s website under the
“Documents” section and the
“News and Updates” section.
www.gemlakemn.org
After Hours Public Works
Emergency Number:
651-755-9828
(For water main breaks, main
city sewer back up, collapse of
manhole, etc. Or call 911)
Meetings: June and July 2025
The following Gem Lake
meetings will be held in the
months of June and July.
All meetings are held at
Heritage Hall unless
otherwise indicated.
See also the Gem Lake
website for more
information.
June 9, 2025
City Council Workshop is
CANCELED
June 10, 2025
Planning Commission
Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
June 17, 2025
City Council Meeting is at
7:00 p.m.
July 8, 2025
Planning Commission
Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
July 11, 2025
City Council Workshop is
CANCELED
July 15, 2025
City Council Meeting is at
7:00 p.m.
Your Gem Lake City Council
Mayor:
Gretchen Artig-Swomley
Email: gretchen.artig-
swomley@gemlakemn.org
City Council Members:
Joshua Patrick
Email: joshua.patrick
@gemlakemn.org
Len Cacioppo
Email: len.cacioppo
@gemlakemn.org
Ben Johnson
Email: ben.johnson
@gemlakemn.org
Jim Lindner
Email: jim.lindner
@gemlakemn.org
You can also reach each
city council member by
calling 651-747-2790. After
hours you can follow the
prompts for the city council
directory.
CITY OF GEM LAKE
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110