Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1 January 2010 Gem Lake News January, 2010 Volume 4, Issue 1 Gem Lake News Special Interest Articles: • 2009 Accomplishments • Council Member Resigns • Land Donated to Conservation Trust Upcoming Recycling Dates: January 27 February 10 February 24 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor Gem Lake City Council Member Chuck Watson resigned his position in late December, due to increasing job demands and a travel schedule that has forced him to miss multiple city meetings. The city council accepted his resignation with regret and is now seeking interested parties who wish to serve out the remaining eleven months of Chuck's term, which is up for election in November of this year. (See story on page 4) Chuck has been elected to two terms on the city Chuck Watson Resigns from City Council Residents Preserve Gem Lake Land for All Time A desire to preserve some of the natural charm of Gem Lake for future generations prompted a local couple last month to donate a conservation easement on their property to the Minnesota Land Trust. David and Leslie Gardner donated an easement on 26 acres of their land on the south side of the lake, not only to preserve the character of the area for all times, but also to provide a protected habitat for the abundant wildlife that lives here. "We have always loved Gem Lake and felt motivated to council. Prior to that, he filled a vacancy on the Gem Lake City Council when Claire Nielson had to resign due to ill health about nine years ago. During his time in office, Chuck was heavily involved with traffic improvements at the intersection of County Road E and LaBore Road. This project involved working with the City of Vadnais Heights to bring traffic lights and new lane reconfigurations to this busy corner. Chuck was also protect the lake in any way that we could. We were very concerned about what would happen with coming development that might change or alter the lake either visually or environmentally." The Gardners have lived in Gem Lake since the 1986. Their home on Daniels Farm Road was originally purchased from Lee Ward Murphy, who had lived in the area since the 1960's, and who had purchased some of the original Daniels estate land when it was sub-divided in the early 1970's. Murphy (continued on page 2) involved in such important projects as the 2008 Comprehensive Plan and helping the city transition to out-sourced services through White Bear Township several years ago. "I am very proud to have been part of a great team of people. I feel that we have really gotten a lot of good things done for the people of Gem Lake over the last few years particularly, " said Chuck. (continued on page 2) Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 Chuck Watson Resigns From City Council "I am also really proud of the fact that I never lost track of who I was working for on the council. None of us did. It never became a personal agenda," said Chuck. "I tried hard to always remember that we represented the betterment of the entire community." Being on the council is hard work, added Chuck, but it can also be very rewarding. It was very difficult for him to reach the decision to walk away from it. "I feel it was the only fair thing to do. My work responsibilities have changed and I can't count on being able to spend the time I , need on city council matters, let alone attend the required meetings." Chuck was recently promoted by DeWALT Tools and is spearheading a new concept within the company that focuses more on end users. Nearly 20 years as a resident of Gem Lake have left him with a profound respect for this beautiful area. He intends to remain involved in community matters, as time allows, and does not rule out a run for office again in the future. Resident Preserves Gem Lake Land retained ownership of several land- locked parcels and also kept in touch with events and development in the area. Recently Murphy sold one of her remaining parcels to the Gardners, who she felt shared her love for Gem Lake and would be good stewards of the land. This parcel adjoined the Gardners existing property and was about seven acres in size. It is now part of the 26 acres for which a conservation easement has been given to the Minnesota Land Trust. The entire land parcel consists of approximately seven acres of forest, seven acres of open water, eight acres of wetland and four acres of meadow. The land offers significant habitat for a variety of fish, wildlife and plants, including waterfowl and other birds. The Gardners say they have personally observed over 200 species of birds and 20 varieties of animals on, or near, the property. The undeveloped shoreline along Gem Lake helps maintain the water quality of the lake and provides near-shore habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, the open and natural character of the property provides scenic views from Highway 61, providing variety and contrast to the commercial development in the surrounding area. The northern portion of the land dedication has been identified as a regionally significant ecological area by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The conservation easement lasts forever and will prevent development or significant change on the affected property. The Gardners house and the five acres surrounding it are excluded from the terms of the easement. In addition to the knowledge that they have preserved habitat for all time, the Gardners are allowed to take a tax credit for a charitable donation on the value of part of their land. The methods for determining the amount allowed for the donation are complex and have to do with the value of the land before and after the easement was granted. They can spread the whole amount of the donation over the course of several years. "Regardless of tax credit, we simply wanted to do this. It was very important to Leslie and I to have a permanent area for the wildlife that lives here." Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Last year was a difficult one for the country, the county and the City of Gem Lake. With the economy in such bad condition, the City Council worked hard to maintain city services, improve efficiencies, control expenses and improve city infrastructure where possible. Here are a some 2009 accomplishments: *Through efficiencies and cost saving measures, the sewer fund loan of $125,000, that was used to pay for attorney fees for the annexation case, was paid back, eliminating the need to budget for this in 2010. *Through efficiencies, cost saving measures and better utilization of funds, the 2010 operating budget was reduced by 16.7% over the 2009 operating budget. No reduction in services will be needed. *The 2008 City Comprehensive Plan and the Surface Water Plan were both completed and submitted to the Metropolitan Council, as required by law every ten years. These plan project the growth of the city over the next 30 years. *A new zoning district was created with cooperative work between the Planning Commission and the City Council. The Hoffman's Corner business district and the two Hansen parcels located on County Road E now compose what is called the "Gateway District." This new district simplifies ordinances for builders to develop or redevelop property. *The city redirected funds to replace the city sign on Haven Lane and fix the very old drainage system located at the end of the street in the culvert. The project was made even more successful through the volunteer efforts of Planning Commission member Beth Herzog who managed the process, thus saving the city money. *In early spring of 2009 business owners on South Scheuneman Road requested that the city repair part of the road, deal with drainage problems that Mayor Uzpen Reflects Upon 2009 Accomplishments had plagued the area for a while, and fix the main sewer pipe that services businesses and homes in the area. This project was successfully completed in November. *In line with an overall goal of bringing city rules and regulations up to date, the Planning Commission and City Council rewrote the signage ordinance that has been in place since the 1950's, bringing sign requirements into the 21st Century. *A pigeon ordinance was completed, with the cooperation and assistance of a local resident who keeps pigeons on his property. Input was also gathered from ordinances from nearby communities and the rules now work for everyone in the community. *In a pre-emptive move to stay ahead of emerging state and county regulations, the city changed from requiring bi-annual to annual septic inspections. The city has also agreed to underwrite a portion of the cost in order to keep the fees as low as possible. This move was required because the Metropolitan Council closely watches communities with septic system s. Also, Ramsey County is now required by the Met Council to have a Septic Ordinance in place. In the long run, this move also helps ensure safe ground water. *The city paid close attention to traffic matters, a subject close to the heart of most Gem Lake residents. In 2009 three meetings were held with the Ramsey County Director of Public Works to discuss the speed limit on Goose Lake Road, the pedestrian crossing at the golf course and the state of our one and only railroad crossing. The city will continue to monitor these matters. *The city signed a new recycling contract with Waste Management. This new contract allows for single service recycling and provides all households with a new recycling container. It is also a real "green" policy for the city, as it will help the environment. "2009 was a very successful year for the City of Gem Lake," according to Mayor Bob Uzpen. "With the state of the economy, 2010 will be equally as challenging. We will continue to work very hard to control costs, improve efficiencies and work for the people of Gem Lake." Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 New Council Member Sought Residents with an interest in their city government are being sought to potentially fill the spot on the city council vacated by Chuck Watson's resignation. Chuck's term would have expired in November of 2010. City procedures call for the council to appoint someone to fill a vacated term until the next election. The city council position involves working on a variety of city matters and attendance at two or more meetings per month for the next eleven months. Candidates are asked to attend the Gem Lake City Council workshop on February 1, where each interested party will have a chance to describe their background, interests and qualifications to fill this spot until the official expiration of the term. The workshop will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall. The Gem Lake City Council expects to fill the vacated term at its February 23rd City Council meeting. In November the spot will be up for election in the normal manner. Well Testing Underway Insuring a high quality water supply is a priority for Gem Lake. In order to achieve this goal on an ongoing basis, the city has decided to underwrite the entire cost of well water testing for any interested citizen. Ramsey County has supplied the city with well water testing kits. If you are interested in having your well water tested, you can drop off a sample on the morning of January 25, which will then be conveyed to the state lab for analysis. However, you must use one of the water testing kits supplied to us by the county and you must drop off the sample by 9 a.m. on January 25. The sample must be new. Full directions will be listed with the kits. For more information, or to get a testing kit, contact Jean Reiter at Heritage Hall. Deer Hunting Ordinance Being Drafted Regulations regarding deer hunting with bow and arrow within the City of Gem Lake are now being considered by the city council and will be discussed at the next several meetings. A new city ordinance is expected to cover such things as what types of hunting would be allowed by permit, how that permit could be obtained, and where and how hunting could legally take City News Page place. This ordinance would not replace deer tags that would still have to be obtained by hunters through the state licensing procedures. Residents with input are invited to take part in this on-going discussion. Flood Plain Ordinance Will Allow for Flood Insurance for City Residents Although it isn't exactly a glamorous subject, the city council is excited to be working on a flood plain ordinance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has requested that Gem Lake complete and pass an ordinance specifying rules and regulations regarding city flood plains and building within and around flood hazard areas. This will allow FEMA to extend flood insurance coverage to local residents who wish to purchase it. The ordinance will be discussed, drafted and voted on this Spring. It must be completed and in place no later than June in order to comply with FEMA rules. Miracles Happen After years of coming in last on the list of scheduled repairs, it appears that Gem Lake's one and only railroad crossing is now getting some much needed attention from Ramsey County. (Hurrah!) The crossing on Scheuneman Road, near the intersection with Hoffman Road, is now scheduled for repaving and general TLC sometime in 2010, according to the County. Although this may seem vague, it is a big step up from "someday" and city officials are very grateful. Railroad crossings are scheduled for maintenance based on train traffic and automobile volume in the area. Believe it or not, Gem Lake does not score anywhere near the top on either of these indicators. Utility Bill Request If you would like to drop off your sewer utility bill at Heritage Hall, please put it in the mail slot so it doesn't go astray. Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 It seems to be common knowledge that police work on any particular night can swing quickly from dangerous to boring. It is not often that it can be placed in the downright funny category. However, hilarious happens--at least it did one night in early January, and right here in Gem Lake. While on routine patrol, a Ramsey County Deputy was doing his job, checking on businesses in the area of County Road E and Scheuneman Road. He observed a Pepsi delivery truck at the vending business near the Gun Shop and was reminded of when he used to deliver Pepsi himself before joining the Sherriff's Department. He had just cleared the Barnett Chrysler lot when a movement caught his eye. There was a man leaping, or running--it was unclear, but definitely some furtive movements, in the vicinity of the Pepsi delivery truck. The deputy responded immediately to the scene, to find a parking lot full of Pepsi bottles, the hydraulic lift on its side and the lift operator limping and gloveless. (It appears the operator's gloves where somewhere beneath the mess.) Luckily, the operator thought to jump clear when the lift gave out and tipped, or he surely would have been seriously injured---or worse, according to the deputy. After signing himself out on a citizen's assist, the deputy and the Pepsi delivery man began the tedious task of picking up the bottles of Pepsi. A curious passer-by stopped and joined the New Year's fun. After 33 minutes, the three had picked up 1440 bottles of Pepsi. Then, the trio worked together to upright the lift, which was miraculously still working. (Apparently it just wanted a break today....) Pepsi guy found his gloves, deputy and curious guy received hearty handshakes and thanks from the driver, and all parted ways.... “ The Great "Pepsi Bottle Caper"--It Happened Right Here in Gem Lake!! After 63 years of wondering what happened to his war buddy, Gem Lake resident Dick Arcand had a chance to find out last September. Dick had the long-awaited opportunity for a very special reunion with his friend Dwight Applegate, with whom he served for two years in the 81st Field Hospital of the U.S. Army. The mobile medial unit was attached to the 7th Army as it traveled across Europe after D-Day. Both Dick and Dwight had received their basic training together at Camp Barkley in Abilene, Texas. "We lived in the same hut and got to be very good friends," says Dick. Later, they set up tents behind Patton's Seventh Army. The tents provided medical and surgical care to soldiers, but Dick and Dwight performed other "behind the line" functions to keep the unit operating. Both were trained as clerks, but Dick was drafted to cut hair for wounded soldiers and officers. "We lived through a lot together. We were always wet and cold and moving with the unit," adds Dick. "Of course, we were young and we could take it. Now that would probably kill us. At night, the Germans would fly over the unit and spray it with bullets. Neither of us was wounded. We hid under the water tank some nights." Over the years, Dick always wondered what happened to his friend. "I knew he lived somewhere in Iowa, but for some reason, our unit never had any reunions. Unfortunately, we fell out of touch, but I always wanted to see him again." It seems Dwight Applegate had expressed the same feeling to his daughter. Now in his 80's and in poor health, Dwight's daughter felt the reunion should take place sooner rather than later. She found Dick's name after some on-line research and got in touch. "I was so surprised and pleased. My daughter drove me to his home in Marshalltown, Iowa and we spent the whole day together," says Dick. "Dwight smiled so much. I was so glad. We had so much to talk about and we both remembered everything." Dwight now suffers from diabetes and cancer and can't get around well. "His wife has called me to see if they can come up sometime and I hope they do," says Dick. Until then, Dick says he was so happy to see his friend again. A Very Special Reunion Bob Uzpen-Mayor Phone: 651-492-5083 City Council Members: Gretchen Artig-Swomley Phone: 651-260-9742 Jim Lindner Phone: 651-429-7597 Tom Rasmussen Phone: 651-426-8854 The following Gem Lake Meetings will be held at Heritage Hall through February, 2010: January 19, 2010 City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Goals for 2010 will be discussed January/February Meeting Dates Your Gem Lake City Council 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: gretchenas@comcast.net To reach the Gem Lake City Secretary Jean Reiter: Phone: (651) 747-2790 Jean’s E-mail: Jean.Reiter@co.ramsey.mn.us 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 February 23, 2010 City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. February 1, 2010 City Council Workshop at 7:00 p.m. February 2, 2010 Planning Commission Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 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.