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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2011 Gem Lake Newsletter May, 2011 Volume 5, Issue 4 Gem Lake News Special Interest Articles: • Census Data Released • New Chairperson for Planning Commission • Police Calls Compared to Other Cities • City Clean Up Day is May 21!! Upcoming Recycling Dates: May 4 May 18 June 1 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor Gem Lake's population has declined 6% from 419 in 2000 to 393 in 2010, according to figures released recently from the U.S. Census Bureau. Another noteworthy fact is that the number of households has stayed stable at about 139 from 2000 to 2010. This means the number of people per household has decreased from 3.01 in 2000 to 2.82 today. The number of households in the Met Council data has been somewhat skewed by the fact that all of Hillary Farm's plots were counted as occupied. (Therefore, Met Council says we have 155 households.) In terms of race and ethnicity, 91.1% of residents of our city list themselves as white only. A total of 5.09% list themselves Asian only; 2.54% list themselves as (continued on page 3) Census Shows Gem Lake Now a Bit Smaller Faith Kuny to Chair Gem Lake Planning Commission Gem Lake resident Faith Kuny was appointed to chair the city's planning commission at a recent meeting of the Gem Lake City Council. This meeting took place on April 19. Faith and her husband John recently moved into a home on the south side of the city, which they have been in the process of remodeling for the past year. Faith and her family looked at the house for almost two years before buying it. "It was love at first sight for me and this house, but it was in need of serious renovation to make it safe and family friendly," said Faith." I wanted a house with charm and history. John wanted be in a more rural setting with views of nature and wildlife out the window." The couple moved here from Shoreview with their two teenage daughters. (continued on page 3) Gem Lake Resident Faith Kuny Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 There were a grand total of 281 calls for assistance from Gem Lake residents to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department in 2010, down from 314 the year before. In fact, calls last year reached their lowest point in the past seven years, down from 346 in 2004 and the high of 433 in 2005. Gem Lake's calls to the Sheriff represent 1.16% of the 24,136 calls in 2010 from the seven cities that have contracts with Ramsey County for police coverage. The contract cities are Arden Hills, Gem Lake, Little Canada, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township. Population plays the biggest role in which cities need the most assistance. In 2010, Shoreview residents made 6,298 calls to the Sheriff, comprising about 26% of total calls. This was followed by Little Canada, with about 20% of the calls, Vadnais Heights, with just over 18% of the calls and Arden Hills with about 16% of the calls. White Bear Township residents made just short of 12% of the calls. North Oaks residents made just short of 7% of the calls. The majority of Gem Lake calls that resulted in some sort of investigation fell mainly into the categories of accidents, such as those involving property damage; and miscellaneous crimes, such recovered stolen property and suspicious activity. Unlike other cities around us, Gem Lake recorded zero calls in categories such as assault, robbery, fire investigation, forgery, juvenile offenses, kidnapping, disorderly conduct and indecent exposure. Police Calls In Gem Lake Compared to Other Cities Recycling Results are Impressive in Gem Lake During the first three months of 2011, an average of 79.9% of Gem Lake residents have participated in Waste Management's single-sort recycling program. Although exact figures are not available from previous years, Waste Management estimates that participation in the recycling program has roughly doubled as of this year. In January a total of 2.59 tons of recycling materials were picked up. In February, the figure dropped slightly to 2.12 tons. In March, the number was 2.19 tons. In each month recorded this year, newspaper accounted for roughly half of the material collect, followed by mixed paper products and then mixed glass. See page one for a list of upcoming recycling dates. Gem Lake NewsPage 3 of 6 Hispanic or Latino; 0.51 list themselves as some other race alone, and finally 0.76% say they are two or more races. With an area of only 707 acres, Gem Lake is, of course, tiny compared to its neighbors U.S. Census figures, compared with numbers available from the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provide a snapshot of the typical Gem Lake resident. For example, the highest percentage of residents fall into the age category of 40-44 Census Figures Show Decline in Population (continued from page 1) years. Sixty percent of us have at least some college education, up to, and including advanced degrees. As of 2009, 480 people worked in Gem Lake, down from 567 in 2008. Employment numbers for 2010, although not yet available, are expected to fall significantly short of Metropolitan Council's forecast of 720 people. Median income for residents rose from $64K per year in 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Census, to $80K per year in 2009, according to the American Community Survey, which is also conducted by the Bureau. Third Annual City Clean Up Day Scheduled for 5/21 The home the Kuny's remodeled in Gem Lake was designed by famous architect Edwin Lundie. "I didn't know about Lundie until we looked at another house that he had designed on the White Bear Yacht Club Golf Course. That is how we found this house," which was once part of the original Daniels estate. "Discovering his architecture has been a joy for me. I wanted a special house that we could share with family and friends and I really did my best to preserve the integrity of Lundie's vision" Faith has a background in the financial services field, with some experience with municipal bonding projects. She has worked as a licensed securities representative, and most recently held a position as a compliance and business analyst for Piper Jaffray. "I love Gem Lake. I think it is the best kept secret in town. In reading the history of Gem Lake, I think everything the citizens did to preserve the city's independence and rural character is a legacy that I am honored to be a part of." In speaking of her upcoming service on the commission, Faith said "The way good architecture stands up to the test of time, I hope if and when change and development comes to Gem Lake, we can create something wonderful." Gem Lake's "Third Annual City Clean Up Day" is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at 9:00 a.m. Citizens and other interested parties are asked to show up at Heritage Hall at 4200 Otter Lake Road. Shortly after 9:00 a.m., they will be divided into small teams. People will then fan out onto the city's main thoroughfares, such as Goose Lake, Scheuneman, LaBore, Big Fox and Little Fox Roads, to pick up trash. Based on previous years, the clean up process will probably take about two hours. Volunteers will bring filled bags back to Heritage Hall for disposal. Bags and safety vests will be provided. Please feel free to call Heritage Hall at 651-747-2790 with any questions. Your help would be greatly appreciated on May 21! Faith Kuny to Chair Gem Lake Planning Commission (continued from page 1) Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 City News Page Tips for Spring Clean Up As you are doing your spring clean up, please keep a few important things in mind. First, you should avoid placing your yard materials in the street. This would include things like leaves and twigs. Many residents lost trees or tree limbs as a result of last November's ice storm. You are asked seek out one of the area's compost sites for disposal of the wood, rather than burning it in your yard, which is not permitted. There are compost sites on County Road J and on Phalen Boulevard in St. Paul. (See the Ramsey County web-site for more information.) New Sign for City Hall This summer a permanent sign will be installed in front of Heritage Hall. Gem Lake and White Bear Township will share the cost of the sign, with Gem Lake underwriting 20% of the bill. Bids for the sign project will be sought in the next few months. The sign will advertize Heritage Hall as Gem Lake's city hall, the township's alternate meeting space and the sub-station for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. New Stop Light to Affect Gem Lake Residents The City of Vadnais Heights awarded a contract to one of the bidders for a new traffic light on County Road E at International Drive. The new stop light is necessitated by increased traffic in the area of the new Vadnais Heights Sports Complex. The contract was awarded at the Vadnais Heights City Council meeting on April 19. Incentives for Developers to Be Discussed The subject of possible city sponsored incentives to developers will be discussed at the City Council Workshop on June 6. The Gateway District Zoning Ordinance, which was passed over a year ago calls for a creative vision on mixed used development. (The Gateway District is located on County Road E.) One section of the ordinance creates the possibility that the city might be willing to allow, for instance, increased density, in exchange for more open space. In addition, other incentives could be created at the city's discretion, in order to foster development activities. Ideas on this subject will be discussed at the workshop. You are asked to attend and provide your feedback. Policies and Procedures Formalized for Planning Commission In order to insure good communication between the City Council and the Planning Commission, both groups have formalized a short list of policies and procedures to be followed. These deal with things like agendas, minutes, responsibilities regarding developer requests, and when actions are ready to pass onto the City Council. The list was the subject of discussion at several City Council and Planning Commission meetings. Money Available to Help Property Owners with Landscaping Projects and Rain Barrel Purchases The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) has money available to help property owners with certain landscaping projects. Projects that protect water quality are eligible and include the installation of rain gardens, shoreline restorations, pervious asphalt or pavers, as well as purchasing rain barrels which collect rain water from your gutters, which you can use to water plants and your yard. “We now have two cost share programs for property owners,” said Kristine Jenson, VLAWMO Project Coordinator. “One is geared for rain gardens, shoreline improvements and putting in driveways and patios that allow water to infiltrate through pervious asphalt and pavers. The other program is just for the purchase of rain barrels. Both applications are relatively easy to fill out. The rain barrel one can receive approval right away. The other program has to be approved by the Technical Evaluation Commission which meets monthly.” The Landscaping Cost Share Program will give up to $1000 to cover 50% of the cost of materials and approved labor for a project. The Rain barrel Program gives up to $250 to cover 50% of the cost of two rain barrels. If you are planning to do some landscaping or if you want to purchase rain barrels, let VLAWMO help you pay for it. More information is on the VLAWMO website (www.vlawmo.org) or contact Kristine Jenson at (651) 204-6074. Gem Lake NewsPage 5 of 6 Wildlife Abounds in Gem Lake You only have to walk out your door here in Gem Lake to understand what makes our city so special (and in some ways, so unique.) With spring and the return of migratory birds, the abundance of wildlife in our community is even more evident. Not only do turkey parades stop traffic on Goose Lake Road, but the plaintive call of several loons on Gem Lake has brought a sense of awe to residents. With the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, some wondered if the Common Loon would return peacefully to our area. In addition, several bald eagles have been spotted repeatedly in the wet and marshy areas of the city. Some say they have seen two eagle babies also. Although there is no evidence of an eagle's nest, it does appear that our national symbol is at least using Gem Lake as a drive- through lunch location, feeding on fish from the lake. Several years ago, David and Leslie Gardner began to keep a list of birds and other animals that have been spotted in the city. The list includes 115 birds and 20 other animals. Some of the most commonly sighted birds include those such as the American Goldfinch, the Baltimore Oriole, the Common Loon, the Canadian Goose, the Mallard, the Great Horned Owl, the Pileated Woodpecker, the White Breasted Nuthatch, the American Crow and the Ruby Throated Hummingbird. (Each of these birds actually nest in our community.) Other animals sighted in our city include, of course, the White-Tailed Deer, which often seems more common than the UPS Truck, plus animals like the coyote, red fox, woodchuck, opossum, short-tailed weasel, raccoon, snapping turtle, cotton-tail rabbit, beaver, red squirrel, muskrat, river otter, and skunk. To obtain a complete list of birds and other animals on the Gardner list, send an email to gretchenas@comcast.net. May Meetings The following Gem Lake Meetings will be held at Heritage Hall through March and April of 2011. The City of Gem Lake May 3, 2011 June 6, 2011 Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. City Council Workshop at 7:00 p.m. PHONE: (651) 747-2790 FAX: May 17, 2011 June 7, 2011 (651) 747-2795 City Hall Address: City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. 4200 Otter Lake Road Gem Lake, MN 55110 May 21, 2011 May 2, 2011 GENERAL E-MAIL: June 21, 2011 City Clean Up Day- 9:00 City Council Workshop at 7:00 p.m. City@gemlakemn.org Bob Uzpen-Mayor Phone: 651-492-5083 City Council Members: Gretchen Artig-Swomley Phone: 651-260-9742 Rick Bosak 651-426-9695 Jim Lindner Phone: 651-429-7597 Your Gem Lake City Council a.m. at Heritage Hall. Newsletter e-mail: gretchenas@comcast.net To report incidents for the Neighborhood Watch program or for information on that program contact Block Captain Chuck Watson 651-653-8319; Charles.Watson@bdk.com We’re on the Web! See us at: www.gemlakemn.org CITY OF GEM LAKE 4200 Otter Lake Road Gem Lake, MN 55110 City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tom Rasmussen Phone: 651-426-8854 For more information on meetings, city ordinances, recent events, permit procedures, etc. please consult the Gem Lake web-site. The address is www.gemlakemn.org Each Gem Lake Newsletter is also posted on the web-site under the news section. Please email your ideas, comments and suggestions. See box at left for detailed contact information.