HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Vol 18, Issue 2 April Gem Lake NewsSpecial Interest
Articles:
• Federal Grant Received
for Potential Future
Water System
• Gem Lake Annual
Clean-Up Days
• Tree FAQ’s
• Ordinance Revisions
• Gem Lake Scholarship
Program
• City News, Page 7
Scheduled Recycling
Dates:
• April 10
• April 24
• May 8
• May 22
Federal Grant Received for Potential Future
Water System
Last year, the City of Gem Lake applied for various
state and federal funding programs to subsidize the
cost of a municipal water system. This system would
potentially serve several homes, generally in the
northwest part of the city, where small amounts of the
chemical 1,4-dioxane was found in 20-22 wells.
Recently, notification was received that Gem Lake
was awarded $959,757 in federal funding through
support by Congresswoman Betty McCollum and
Senator Amy Klobuchar. The current estimated cost
of the water project is about $6.8M, meaning the
award comprises roughly 14% of what is needed.
The original federal request was $5,488,000, which
was 80% of the project cost and the maximum
amount that could be requested. Due to the
competitive nature of the funding awards, many, if not
most, of the project requests received less than
applied for, according to Community Development
Specialist Kristin Prososki of SEH, the city’s
engineering firm.
Potential next steps for finding more funding sources
was the subject of discussion at the March Gem Lake
City Council meeting on March 19.
(Continued on Page 2)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: City Clean-Up Days:
May 11 and May 18
The City of Gem Lake is once again partnering with
White Bear Township to be part of their Annual Clean
up Days. This year, the event will happen over two
Saturdays in May at Otter Lake Elementary School.
The event will be free to all Gem Lake residents.
(With proof of residency).
May 11 will focus on Mainly hazardous chemicals,
and May 18 will focus on larger items such as tires
and furniture.
(Continued on Page 2)
Gem Lake News
April 2024 | Volume 18 | Issue 2 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor
Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8
Federal Grant Received for
Potential Future Water System
(Continued from page 1)
A bonding bill request was submitted in June of 2023 to
the Minnesota Legislature and is currently being
considered. An outcome on this request is expected this
coming May. Based on feedback from Prososki, it was
suggested that the city reapply for Community Project
Funding through the State of Minnesota, in the amount of
$4,528,243. If awarded, true combined federal amount
would be 80% of the project cost, which is the maximum
that can be obtained. If state bonding bill funds are
obtained, they would be part of the required non-federal
match.
Other possible strategies were also discussed, such as
awaiting next steps from the Environmental Protection
Agency assigned to oversee funding requests. In the
past few years there hasn’t been any immediate need for
the community to make a decision about municipal water
or proceed with next steps within a certain deadline. This
allows time to find out the results of the Minnesota
bonding bill and whether a funding gap remains.
SEH has also suggested that the city apply for another
round of government earmarks, which are expected to
open to applications very soon.
City Clean Up Days – May 11
and May 18 (Continued from page 1)
Here is a complete list of acceptable items for each
date, with the hours and address of where to bring
them:
May 11
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Otter Lake Elementary School
at 1401 County Road H2 in White Bear Township.
Accepted items: antifreeze, batteries (vehicle and
rechargeable) fluorescent lamps, old gasoline, paint,
paint stripper, thinners, wood stains, rodent poison,
mercury items (thermostats, CFLs, thermometers, etc.),
old cell phones, pesticides, propane tanks, aerosol
spray cans, used motor oil, filters, wood preservatives,
weed killer solvents.
May 18
7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Otter Lake Elementary School,
1401 County Road H2 in White Bear Township.
Accepted items: tires, carpeting, furniture, tv sets,
household fixtures, electronics, mattresses, appliances,
building materials, scrap metal, limbs and brush, lawn
mowers (all fluids must be drained.)
Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to get
rid of that junk you’ve been hanging onto for free.
Questions: call the City of Gem Lake at the number
listed on page 8.
Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8
Tree Damage/Ownership/Liability Questions
Tackled by Planning Commission
In response to tree situations and questions that came
up after last summer’s two massive storms, the Gem
Lake Planning Commission decided to look at what
could be done to bring some clarity to tree questions.
The two windstorms in 2023 happened less than a week
apart and caused major tree damage in and around
Gem Lake. Many trees fell down, some spanning
property lines, others landing in streets and pathways.
One tree almost clobbered city hall!
After much discussion, and a look at how other cities
handle these questions, the Planning Commission
decided a short list of Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) and answers to those questions was the best
solution. The following FAQs will be posted on the Gem
Lake website and will be referenced on the city
Facebook page.
Who owns a tree that straddles a property line?
Generally, the location of the trunk is used to determine
ownership. When a tree straddles a property line,
however, various factors are used to determine
ownership, including the intention of the property
owners. For example, was the tree planted jointly? Do
the neighbors treat it as common property through a
written agreement or course of conduct sharing
responsibility for caring for the tree (e.g., splitting costs
for pruning and maintenance).
What if a tree is located on my property but its limbs
hang over a neighboring property?
Branches that overhang or roots that enter a
neighboring property could be considered a nuisance.
“Anything which is injurious to health, or indecent or
offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use
of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable
enjoyment of life or property, is a nuisance.” Minn. Stat.
561.01.
For instance, if a tree planted on your property grows
across the boundary line impacting your
neighbor’s use and enjoyment of their property, it could
be considered a nuisance, and the remedy could be
monetary or removal of the tree.
Can I trim branches that overhang onto my property?
You can prune branches of a neighbor’s tree that
encroaches onto your property. However, you
should take several precautions when doing so. Prune
only to the property line. Get permission from your
neighbor if you need to enter their property to conduct the
pruning. Do not cut down the trunk.
Take reasonable steps to ensure that the pruning will not
be harmful to the tree. For example, pruning at a time of
year that will not leave the tree susceptible to disease.
When in doubt, seek an opinion from a certified arborist
for proper tree maintenance advice.
Can I cut down a tree on my neighbor's property that
overhangs my yard?
No. Cutting down a tree on another’s property without
permission is trespass and carries a specific penalty—
Minnesota law provides that whoever intentionally cuts
down a tree without the tree owner’s permission can be
assessed three times the amount of monetary loss
suffered by the tree owner. Monetary loss can be
measured in terms of the replacement cost for a similar
tree (species, size, health, and location). If the tree
damage is unintentional, then the penalty would not be
tripled but would be the replacement.
Can I be liable if my tree falls and causes damage?
Possibly. If you know, or reasonably should have known,
that your tree is unsound, you could be liable if it falls and
causes damage. You are expected to recognize obvious
symptoms of a potential issue (e.g., dead limbs, visible
decay, leaning perilously). You should also be aware of
targets in the path of a falling like fences, buildings, cars,
etc.
What should I do if I have issues or concerns with my
neighbor’s tree?
Talk to your neighbor. It is almost always better to reach
an amicable agreement than to expend the time, effort
and money in court.
Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8
City Pet Ordinance Gets an
Overhaul
Gem Lake’s Planning Commission recently completed an
overhaul of the city’s Domestic Animals Ordinance No.
140. After much discussion and several meetings, the
group presented a series of suggested changes to the
city council in February. These changes were accepted
and incorporated into the ordinance.
Much of the work centered around better and more
consistently defining who owns, controls, manages and
cleans up after domestic animals. Other matters tackled
included how they must be licensed, what happens when
an animal is considered dangerous, procedures for
dealing with lost or impounded pets, etc.
The newly revised Ordinance No. 140 can be found on
the city’s website.
Beekeeping now Allowed in
Gem Lake
A new section on beekeeping has been added to Gem
Lake Ordinance No. 142, which deals with Agricultural
and Wild Animals. The city’s Planning Commission took
on the task of researching beekeeping regulations in
surrounding cities and determining how Gem Lake should
deal with the subject. Based on their recommendations,
the Gem Lake City Council incorporated their suggested
changes into city Ordinance No. 142 on March 19, during
the city’s monthly meeting.
The Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association’s
sample ordinance for beekeeping was used as a model,
with a nod to similar ordinances used by St. Paul Park,
White Bear Lake and Shakopee.
Here is a summary of additions and changes on this
subject to Ordinance 142:
1. Beekeeping and related terms are defined in
Section 2.4.2
2. A new section 4 was added to the ordinance on
beekeeping operations.
3. Section 4.1 includes Permitted Operations, such
as Location Requirements, Colony Density and
Standards of Practice.
a. Hives will be permitted in rear yards.
b. Hives must meet a minimum setback of 25
feet from property lines, and a 100-foot
minimum setback from principal structures on
adjacent properties.
c. The number of colonies permitted is
determined by lot size. (From 0-8 colonies)
d. The Standards of Practice are similar to
requirements found in other communities.
i. The on-site sale of ‘apiary products
must follow the requirements of the
city’s Home Occupation Ordinance.
4. Section 4.2 includes Permitting and Inspections
a. The ordinance amendment requires a
permit for beekeeping be renewed on an
annual basis.
b. The application must include a site plan of
the lot showing the location of the hives, a
signed agreement that the property may be
inspected for compliance, a certificate of
completion from a beekeeping training
course, and a mailing list of neighbors within
350 feet of the apiary lot.
Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8
Garbage and Refuse
Ordinance Gets a Clean-Up
Under the direction of the City Council, the Gem Lake
Planning Commission discussed potential updates to the
city’s garbage and refuse ordinance (Ordinance No. 45)
over the last few months. The ordinance was adopted in
1983 and has not been updated since. The
commissioners reviewed different examples of garbage
ordinances from nearby communities, discussed the
pros and cons of requiring licenses, and reviewed
results of a survey that was sent out by city staff last fall
to residents and businesses regarding their garbage
hauling service.
Based on the results of the survey and direction from the
Council, the commissioners focused on updates to the
ordinance language to ensure the rules work for the
community today. At their March meeting, the Planning
Commission recommended the council approve an
amended ordinance. This draft included mostly minor
changes and edits.
Here are some highlights:
• Size limitations for garbage containers was
increased from 32 gallons to 96 gallons.
• Sections regarding multiple dwelling residences
and commercial establishments were reformatted
to help with ease of reading and interpretation.
• Hours for hauling were revised to be
consistent/similar with neighboring communities.
• Text was reviewed to address redundancies, to
correct problems with formatting and to update
references to other ordinances and statutes.
The Planning Commission researched the issue of
requiring licensing of haulers in the City, and potentially
joining White Bear Township in their contract for garbage
hauling services. A licensing framework could apply
citywide to both residential and commercial services, or
just residential. The consensus from the commissioners
was to not pursue it at this time, although the ordinance
could be amended to allow this in the future.
Gem Lake Hills Golf Course
Our wacky winter this year had one bright side. The Gem
Lake Hills Golf Course opened for business over one
month earlier than 2023. Enthusiastic golfers turned out
in droves on March 1, to enjoy the balmy weather and a
course that was in surprisingly good shape. The course
continued to be open most days in March, although there
were some weather-related exceptions.
This year, the course will undergo some exciting
improvements that will enhance the golfing experience.
Early spring included major work to remove dead trees
and conduct tree trimming. Some of the work was related
to two summer storms in 2023, including a significant
number of stumps that had to be removed.
Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8
White Bear Montessori School Plans Major Expansion
The White Bear Montessori School (WBMS), which is
located at the corner of County Road E and LaBore
Road, is about to undertake a major expansion. The
school was founded in 1970 by a group of parents who
wanted to bring Montessori to the White Bear Area. It
was originally located on Bloom Avenue in downtown
White Bear, moving to its current location in the late
1990’s. The remodeling of the church that was located
at that site was partially funded at that time by an
Educational Revenue Note through the City of Gem
Lake.
Due to customer demand for Montessori schooling,
enrollment has grown rapidly, especially in the last few
years. “We often have a parent in our community who
attended here as a child, this year we have three, “says
Marnie McPherson, Head of School. “Taking into
consideration a retention rates of over 85%, wait lists
(paid applications) of over 30, we are outgrowing our
current facilities.”
The school’s board of trustees felt this was a good time
expand facilities to keep up with the market for
Montessori services. (The school offers educational
services for toddler through elementary school age
children.) In January of this year, these trustees voted to
approve a major expansion, that will involve the addition
of two large classroom, a storm shelter, expanded office
space, a Home Economics Kitchen and other features. It
is expected that the $3 Million dollar expansion will pay
for itself through increased enrollment over the next
number of years. Currently the school has 125 students,
up significantly from 2020 covid enrollment of 87.
It is hoped that the expansion project will be funded
through the issuance of what is called Conduit Debt
Financing. The City of Gem Lake allows the school to use
its tax-exempt status to get a better rate on bonds, in
exchange for a fee that is paid to the city for
administrative costs. On closing of the initial financing,
the city has no liability for the bonds, and the
arrangement is basically between the school and their
lender. (In this case, Premier Bank) This financing
arrangement was used in 1998 when the school moved
to Gem Lake.
The Gem Lake City Council reviewed details of the
arrangement at the March City Council meeting and
voted to advance the project to the next step. This
involves holding a public hearing on the matter at the
April or May City Council meeting, depending upon
processing deadlines.
Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8
City News
2024 Flat Rate Sewer Rate Changes
Annually, the City’s Treasurer and City Council reviews
the City’s utility rates as rate changes are made to both
Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake rates. The usage
rates listed below generate revenue for operating costs.
The new rates take effect in 2024 – 1st quarter utility bill
for service in January through March.
Residential Customers:
Sewer Only Accounts
Flat Rate Per Quarter 2023 Rate 2024 Rate
Sewer Base Rate (flat fee) $50.00 $55.00
Commercial & Industrial Customers:
Sewer Only Accounts
Flat Rate Per Quarter 2023 Rate 2024 Rate
Sewer Base Rate (flat fee) $50.00 $55.00
Have You Licensed Your Dog?
Dog license renewals were due by January 1, 2024.
Gem Lake Ordinance No. 140 requires the licensing of
all dogs who reside within city limits. All residents were
sent a letter outlining the requirements and provided the
application form to get the job done. It’s quick and easy
and costs $10. You will need to include your current
rabies certificate. In return you will get a dog tag with a
number on it. This could come in handy if your dog ever
relocates itself.
You can mail in the form with payment or call the office
to arrange for credit card payment. Call the Acting City
Clerk at 651-747-2790.
Just a reminder: if you are keeping chickens, driving a
golf cart along city streets or have a rental property, you
also need a license. Call for more information.
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 and $500 were approved by the Gem
Lake City Council in February and March 2024 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.
Gem Lake Scholarship Program
Applications are due April 30 for the Gem Lake
Scholarship Program. To qualify, you must be graduating
from high school this year, and a resident of the City of
Gem Lake. The scholarship program began 15 years ago
and has provided an average of $1000 per winner each
year. The program is funded through charitable gambling
receipts received by the city that result from pull-tab and
bingo sales within city limits.
Applicants must fill out the application form, which is
available through high school guidance counselors and/or
by stopping by Heritage Hall and picking up a copy. The
completed form must be returned by April 30 with at least
two letters of reference from school staff. Awards are
typically made in May.
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: April and May 2024
The following Gem Lake
meeting will be held in the
months of April and May.
All meetings are held at
Heritage Hall unless
otherwise indicated.
See also the Gem Lake
web-site for more
information.
April 8, 2024
City Council Workshop is
CANCELED
April 9, 2024
Planning Commission
Meeting is CANCELED
April 16, 2024
City Council Meeting is at
7:00 p.m.
May 13, 2024
City Council Workshop is
CANCELED
May 14, 2024
Planning Commission
Meeting is at 7:00 p.m.
May 21, 2024
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:
Laurel Amlee
Email: laurel.hynes-
amlee@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