HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Vol 19, Issue 5 October Gem Lake NewsSpecial Interest
Articles:
• 2026 Preliminary
Budget
• 2024 Audit Results
• County Road E
Corridor Project
• School Supply
Donation
• Archery Deer Hunting
• Mini Gem Opens
• Stormwater
Management
• Senator Gustafson
Receives Award
• Donuts with a Cop
Scheduled Recycling
Dates:
• October 8
• October 22
• November 5
• November 19
• December 3
• December 17
• December 31
Gem Lake News
October 2025 | Volume 19 | Issue 5 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor
Preliminary Gem Lake Budget Set for 2026
Minnesota state statutes require that cities certify their
preliminary property tax levy by September 30 each year.
Once the preliminary budget is approved and certified to
the county, the city can lower the levy during the remaining
budget planning cycle, but cannot exceed the certified
preliminary levy. For this reason, most cities certify a levy
using worst-case budget scenarios, which is the case for
the City of Gem Lake’s 2026 preliminary property tax levy
and budget.
The 2026 preliminary property tax levy is proposed at $768,005, which is a 4.667%
increase over the 2025 certified preliminary property tax levy. The preliminary property
tax levy for 2026 consists of a debt levy of $85,778 (an increase of $2,042 from 2025
preliminary debt levy) and the general operating levy of $682,227 (an increase of 4.955%
from the 2025 preliminary tax levy).
Continued on page 2
Barb Suciu Hired as Gem Lake City Clerk
The City of Gem Lake is pleased to announce the hiring of
Barb Suciu as the new City Clerk, effective August 26.
Barb has over 20 years’ of experience in city clerk and
other municipal roles at the cities of Brooklyn Center,
Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village. She is a certified
Master City Clerk through the International Institute of
Municipal Clerks, which requires years of study to achieve.
She worked as a City Clerk for the City of Brooklyn Center
from 2018 to 2025. Prior to that she was an Supervisor of
Election Administration for the City of Minneapolis from 2015 to 2018. She was also
the City Clerk for Saint Anthony Village from 2004 to 2015.
Barb has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan
State University and an Associate Degree in Accounting from St. Paul College.
Barb has three sons and lives in Little Canada with her husband. She is looking
forward to working for a smaller city, where she can get to know members of the
community.
She replaces Melissa Lawrence, who put in four years of excellent service to the City
of Gem Lake. Melissa is now pursuing her dream of working in Human Resources
and has currently taken a job with the city of Blaine.
Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8
Continued from page 1
The following changes were made from the 2025 adopted
budget as a basis for the 2026 proposed preliminary
property tax levy:
• Based on the 2015 Refunding Bond schedule the
debt levy for the 2026 is set for $77,763. In addition,
in 2018, the City issued bonds for the improvements
on Scheuneman Road and the 2026 debt levy for this
issue is $8,015. These two debt levies make up the
city’s 2026 debt levy of $85,778.
• The City Council contingency was increased to
$15,000, up from $9,000.
• The Clerk/General Government budget includes
$55,000 for wages and $9,900 for health insurance
coverage.
• The Planning and Zoning budget increased
$15,000, based on past expenditures.
• The police budget increased 4.16% to $153,537,
based on the City of White Bear Lake budget
provided to us, and includes $139,470 for police
services and $14,067 for debts payments on the new
public facilities building.
• The cost of fire services increased 1.22% to $53,474.
It includes $35,196 for fire services, $9,087 for fire
marshal services, and $9,191 for depreciation on the
new public facilities building. Overall, the City of
White Bear Lake is expecting Gem Lake to pay
$23,258 for the next 20 years for their new facility.
• The Road Maintenance budget includes $20,000 for
road maintenance and $8,000 for trimming boulevard
trees.
• The salt/sand and plowing budget increased $1,500
to $25,000, based on past expenditures.
• The Heritage Hall budget includes $20,000 for
building improvements and $10,000 for other
equipment and or improvements.
• The park maintenance budget remains $10,000 for
maintaining the trail and open space area in the
southwestern area of the city.
• The 2026 budget includes $20,000 for future
improvements.
• Other revenue and other expenditures line items
have been adjusted based on past history.
These changes resulted in the city proposed
preliminary tax levy of $768,005 for 2026. This
compares to 2025 preliminary levy of $733,757 and
the 2025 final levy of $718,736. Using a 2026
property tax levy of $768,005, and the City’s 2026
estimated tax capacity ($1,884,274) and median
valued home ($460,750) for Gem Lake, that median
valued home would pay city property taxes of
$1,806.40 in 2026, compared to $1,725.55 in 2025
(based on the 2025 preliminary tax levy), an increase
of $80.85, or $126.03 if based on the final tax levy
from 2025.
The preliminary budget and property tax levy was
approved at the September 16 Gem Lake City
Council meeting. A copy of the preliminary budget for
2026 is available at Heritage Hall.
Audit Results Presented
When it comes to audit results, boring is good. Gem
Lake’s recent audit results for 2024 were presented
at the September 16, City Council City Council
meeting and the outcome fit the bill. Boring The
accounting firm of LB Carlson issued a clean opinion
on the City’s financial statements. This means the firm
felt financial statements were fairly presented and
were in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP). There were no
instances of noncompliance with Minnesota laws and
regulations.
Overall, LB Carlson gave an “unmodified opinion” of
the city’s basic financial statements, which is good.
Two deficiencies were cited in internal control over
financial reporting. One is due to inadequate
segregation of duties, which is very typical in smaller
cities. The other deficiency cited had to do with
software conversion and error correction. Neither
deficiency was considered major.
In general, the accounting firm felt the City of Gem
Lake had a solid general fund balance and stable net
positions in all enterprise fund balances. A complete
copy of the 2024 Audit is available at Heritage Hall.
Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8
County Road E Corridor Project:
Branding, Marketing &
Placemaking
NOTE: The follow contains excerpts from ‘Ramsey County
Critical Corridors - Commercial Corridor Initiative 2023’ grant
application materials, LISC Twin Cities’ Corridor Development
Initiative’s ‘County Road E Corridor Action Plan Summary
Report and Final Recommendations’ and materials for online
survey participation and community open house events created
by Tracy Shimek, White Bear Lake Housing & Economic
Development Coordinator. Nolan Wall, Planning/Community
Development Director for Vadnais Heights and Jason Lindahl,
Community Development Director for White Bear Lake
contributed significantly to this effort as well.
County Road E serves as the primary commercial
corridor for the cities of Gem Lake and Vadnais Heights
and a significant residential and commercial corridor for
White Bear Lake, in Ramsey County Minnesota. Given
the prominence of the corridor in the economic vitality of
each of the three cities, it has been a focus of efforts to
attract investment and enhance the quality of life for
community members.
The corridor generally extends from an western boundary
at Centerville Road in Vadnais Heights to a eastern
boundary at Highway 120 in White Bear Lake and one-
half mile to the north and south of County Road E. The
cities of Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights and White Bear
Lake share borders along County Road E. The corridor
serves as a direct access point to major traffic arteries
including Interstate 35E, U.S. Highway 61, and Century
Avenue North (MN State Highway 120), and provides
access to nearby Interstate 694. According to 2020
Decennial Census, approximately 26,100 people reside
in the census tracts abutting County Road E.
County Road E currently offers a multitude of uses
including multi-family residential, single family detached
and attached residential, retail, industrial, service,
consumer and business services, agricultural space,
non-profit organizations, government services,
educational facilities, a sports center, and restaurants
and hotels. Despite, or perhaps because of this variety of
Continued on page 4
Willow Lane Elementary School recently received a
large donation of school supplies for the coming
school year from the City of Gem Lake. This donation
was made using charitable gambling receipts the city
receives from bingo and pull-tab sales within city
limits.
This is the fifth year in a row that Gem Lake has used
a portion of its charitable gambling receipts for this
purpose. Typically, the City Clerk, waits for a list of
supplies the elementary school provides, which
includes items they consider most needed for
incoming students. The goal is to stock the school’s
supply pantry and help the greatest number of
children possible with basic school supply needs.
Once the list is received, the clerk goes on a shopping
spree at Walmart, or a similar discount store and tries
to find all the requested supplies. The resulting pile of
supplies typically keeps the school stocked for
months. Items purchased include everything for
notebooks and scissors to Kleenex and colored
pencils. The city also approved a $500.00 donation
for the school to spend at their own discretion for
children in need.
Katy Bonsell pictured above is Willow Lane
Elementary Schools Administrative Assistant. She
shared with the City Clerk that some of the items the
school goes through the fastest are black expo
markers and glue sticks. She also wanted to let the
city know how much they appreciate this donation
each year because it helps the children and staff so
much.
The City Council also asked the City Clerk to inform
the school that if there is ever a need for additional
supplies throughout the year to reach out and the city
will see what it can do to help.
School Supplies for Willow
Lane Elementary School
Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8
Continued from page 3
uses, the corridor in our communities is primarily an auto-
oriented corridor, viewed as a place to pass through rather
than a desirable area where people choose to spend their
time.
With funding support from Ramsey County, White Bear
Lake, Gem Lake, and Vadnais Heights, enlisted LISC Twin
Cities’ Corridor Development Initiative (CDI) to facilitate a
series of six community workshops from September to
October 2022 to identify recommendations for a County
Road E Corridor Action Plan. The Action Plan includes
near, medium-, and long-term goals and action steps, and
is intended to serve as a tool to attract private investment
through development and infrastructure improvements. It
identified several key themes which emerged throughout
the process and leveraged those to create
recommendations. A primary objective identified in the
Action Plan was to “Create a cohesive theme and overall
sense of place for the corridor.” To accomplish this goal,
near term recommendations included fostering a sense of
place and purpose by:
1. Strengthening the coalition among the three cities to
pursue these recommendations.
2. Initiating a working group to build out programmed
events and activities that give character or personality
to the County Road E corridor.
3. Working with developers to incorporate privately
owned public spaces into larger project sites.
4. Coordinating streetscape elements (e.g., trees,
banners, street light designs, flower planters or
baskets, etc.) to signify both connectivity and
individuality among the cities.
As previously stated, the corridor is the primary
commercial center in Vadnais Heights and Gem Lake, as
well as a significant commercial and residential area for
White Bear Lake. While three communities share the
County Road E Corridor in this area, the municipal
boundaries can be confusing for the lay person. For this
reason, any improvements in one city benefit all three,
particularly when it enhances resident and visitor
perceptions of the corridor.
Establishing a brand identity for the corridor will be
foundational for efforts to foster a sense of place and
purpose. This brand identity will assist in creating a unified
theme for public space improvements, such as wayfinding
signage and other aesthetic enhancements, which
respect the individual identities of each community. These
placemaking efforts will enhance the desirability of the
corridor as a “place to be” as opposed to a “place to drive
through.”
Additionally, creating a cohesive identity, marketing and
placemaking strategy is a key tool for fostering collective
action among stakeholders to revitalize the County Road
E corridor. This effort will continue to build a foundation
for a successful cross-jurisdictional coalition similar to the
Rice and Larpenteur Alliance because it creates direction
for the group.
In late-2024 and into 2025, the three communities
engaged the services of a consultant - CivicBrand - to
establish a brand identity, marketing and placemaking
strategy for the County Road E Corridor to build on the
momentum generated by the County Road E Corridor
Action Plan process in Fall 2022.
A branding and marketing strategy will attract additional
visitors and consumers to the corridor, supporting small
business owners who may not have the capacity for
coordinated marketing efforts of their own. Improving the
image and perception of the corridor and increasing the
frequency or duration of visits along the corridor makes it
more likely for people to discover businesses in the area
they may not have previously known.
The results of the project are intended to inform both
individual and collective action among the County Road E
Corridor communities. The strategies will have a
consumer focus to enhance the perception of the corridor
and attract residents and visitors to the businesses within
it.
The three cities hosted a County Road E Open House on
Thursday, January 16, 2025. Staff estimates between 40-
50 people attended over two hours, including residents
and business owners from along the corridor. People
were asked to give feedback on what aspects they liked
and did not like for three different branding concepts, as
well as share their opinions on whether they agreed with
the ‘place-type’ assessments of different stretches of the
corridor.
BRANDING CONCEPTS
The brand will serve as a
visual identity for the
corridor. Through
consistent visual
communication and
messaging, County Road E
will be recognized and
celebrated as a unified
place. Elements from the
brand will be implemented
physically in the built
environment, and the
specific applications will
vary based on each
*placetype* along the
corridor.
Continued on page 5
Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8
Continued from page 4
PLACETYPES
A placetype represents a holistic vision for a place that incorporates a desired mix of land uses, design, identity, and
density. The description is a combination of actual and aspirational characteristics.
ACTUAL includes description & Land Use, Key intersections, Existing Conditions and Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats (S.W.O.T.).
ASPIRATIONAL includes Pedestrian Amenities, Wayfinding, Catalyst Projects, and Inspiration
There are currently 5 identified placetypes along County Road E. (below) as demonstrated on the following graphics:
Regional Center, Auto Gateway, Community Center, Suburban Residential Corridor, and Neighborhood Center.
Regional
Center
Auto-oriented use
includes gas
stations, strip
centers, big box
stores, medical
and professional
offices, hospitality
use, and
pharmacy and
convenience
stores.
Auto-Gateway
Auto-centric
intersection that will
always be car
dominated and
therefore primarily
serves as a gateway
to individuals
arriving via car.
Large car
dealerships, big
setbacks, high traffic
volume, long
pedestrian
crossings.
Community Center
Mix of commercial and
residential that contains
retail or service uses
servicing the local market
area extending across the
three cities. While most
buildings are currently
single-story in an auto
oriented recent development
includes multistory
apartment buildings allowing
for the highest density place
type along the corridor with
true mixed use.
Suburban
Residential Corridor
Primarily single-family
homes with a scattering of
duplexes on medium sized
lots with large front yard
setbacks. This area also
includes institutional and
civic uses such as schools,
fire stations and churches.
Some single-family homes
have been converted to
commercial but are still in
single family home
structures setback with front
yards.
Neighborhood Center
They contain lower intensity
neighborhood serving
commercial uses and are
positioned along the edges of
surrounding neighborhoods.
These should have human scale
pedestrian amenities to allow
walking and biking from
surrounding neighborhood to
the commercial spaces. Most
sites include single story
buildings with vehicle parking
positioned between it and
County Road E currently serving
as a barrier to pedestrians and
bicycle access.
On April 30, 2025, County Road E Branding/Marketing/Placemaking committee members and representatives from
the cities of White Bear Lake, Gem Lake and Vadnais Heights offered final approval to CivicBrand’s County Road E
branding and marketing proposal. ‘Movement E’ was developed based off of feedback from citizens, stakeholders
and community members, and focused on five principles:
• Build off ‘Eʼ versus introducing a new name
• Intentional daily destination - the place where East Metro gets everything done
• Gateway to diverse experiences, activities and services
• Look to the future but feel realistic today
• Shared ownership across city boundaries
This is an exciting project. Stay tuned for more information as we continue through the E Movement.
Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8
Archery Deer Hunting Licenses
Approved for the Fall
Two archery deer hunting licenses were approved by the
Gem Lake City Council on September 16 for organized
hunts that will take place on private property in the
Daniels Farm Road area of the city. Each will take place
on large lots located near the water body of Gem Lake.
The areas where hunting will take place are tightly
controlled by city regulations, with deer stands located
at least 300 feet from a property line. Each property
owner had to present a list of deer hunters who will be
involved and demonstrate that they have state hunting
license and proper training. Each will take place this fall
on three preplanned sets of dates to allow for notification
of immediate neighbors
Joint Property One & Two Property Three
October 3 - 5 November 7 - 9
November 1 - 3 November 21 - 23
November 14 - 16
The archery deer stands are typically deep within the
property in both cases, so the hunts should go unnoticed
by the general public.
Gem Lake has licensed these private deer hunting
events for over eight (8) years without a problem; due to
the number of rules and regulations each property owner
must follow. The hunts are done to cull the very large
deer populations within city limits.
Mini Gem Opens to the Public
described the course as fun, challenging and absolutely
beautiful.
The course was designed to appeal to golfers of all skill
levels and ages. Unlike the miniature golf attractions of old,
this course was designed to look like a real golf course,
according to General Manager Matt Greer. “The holes were
formed like real golf course greens. Kids will love it, but its
for experienced golfers as well. They could use the course
to work on putting skills.”
A company called Greenspan, which specializes in what is
now called ‘adventure golf’, designed this course. The Mini
Gem emerged after many months of planning and
construction.
According to Greer, it is estimated to take between 30-60
minutes to complete a round at the mini course. Pricing will
be $15 a round, or $12 for children and seniors and $10 for
those who purchased a round of golf on the main course.
The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Four
Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council (portions of this article were generated by AI)
The fourth installment of our stormwater story is about Public Health and Safety. The City of Gem Lake wants to inform
you about health risks associated with storm water. As water collects in poorly drained areas or in debris that may be in
your yard, bacteria and insects may breed and grow and adversely impact outdoor activities.
Public Health and Safety
The health and safety of communities are closely tied to effective stormwater management. Poorly managed stormwater
can create numerous public health hazards, which can be mitigated through proper practices.
Reducing Waterborne Diseases
Contaminated stormwater can carry pathogens, bacteria, and viruses, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. By
filtering and treating stormwater, the risk of such diseases is significantly reduced, protecting public health and reducing
healthcare costs.
Preventing Vector-Borne Diseases
Stagnant water from poor stormwater management can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-
carrying vectors. Implementing strategies to manage and direct stormwater flow helps prevent the accumulation of
standing water, thereby reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Gem Lake Hills Golf
Course opened their 19
hole miniature golf
course to the
enthusiastic crowds on
September 21. The
“Mini Gem” was enjoyed
by over 100 guests on
its opening day. Golfers
Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8
City News
Senator Gustafson Receives
Award
Senator Heather Gustafson, who represents the City of
Gem Lake at the Minnesota State Legislature, has been
selected as a League of Minnesota Cities Legislator of
Distinction for 2025. The League’s Board of Directors
recognized a total of 28 legislators this year, including 16
House members and 12 Senate Members, for their
actions and leadership on a wide variety of legislative
issues of importance to cities across the State of
Minnesota.
In the case of Senator Gustafson, the League recognized
her efforts as instrumental in working on zoning and land
use issues. According to the League, the Senator and her
staff consistently made themselves available to League
staff and worked diligently to convey city positions on a
myriad of key issues including zoning and land use. “Our
members know that to be successful in serving our
common constituents, state and city officials must work
together as partners,” said Wendy Barry, Council
Member, West St. Paul and President of the League of
Minnesota Cities. “City leaders understand that without
the support of legislative leaders (like Gustafson) this
state-local partnership would not be possible.”
Congratulations to Senator Gustafson
Charitable Gambling Donations
Donations of $1500 were approved by the Gem Lake City
Council in August and September 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.
Donuts with a Cop 2025
The White Bear Lake Police Department sponsored
“Donuts with a Cop” on Friday morning August 1 at the
Gem Lake Golf Course. This popular event showcases
police efforts to be involved with the community on a
regular basis. Donuts donated by a local bakery were
handed out all morning to kids involved in junior league
golfing events. It also represented an opportunity for many
in the community to express their thanks to the White Bear
Police Department for their service to the community.
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)
Calendars for October and November 2025
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
October 7, 2025
Planning Commission Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
October 13, 2025
City Council Workshop is CANCELED
October 21, 2025
City Council Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
November 5, 2025
Planning Commission Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
November 10, 2025
City Council Workshop is CANCELED
November 11, 2025
Veteran’s Day – City offices closed
November 18, 2025
City Council Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Day – City offices closed
Mark your calendars –
December 16 -
Truth-In-Taxation Hearing