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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 October 2009 Gem Lake News October, 2009 Volume 3, Issue 10 Gem Lake News Special Interest Articles: • Hillary Farm Holds Fall Festival • New Ordinances on Peddlers and Pigeons • Unusual Fox in Gem Lake • Profile: Sergeant Eric Bradt Upcoming Recycling Dates: October 21 November 4 November 18 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor Regulating door-to-door sales and better framing the rules that apply to people who keep pigeons are two subjects being tackled by the Gem Lake City Council this month. Cities surrounding Gem Lake generally have ordinances already in place dealing with both these subjects. Recent criminal activity in the area by individuals who were supposedly canvassing door-to-door, selling various items prompted Gem Lake’s decision to tackle the question of regulating Pigeons and Peddlers Get Attention in Gem Lake Fall Festival Sponsored By Hillary Farm Participants at this year’s Fall Festival at Hillary Farm on September 19 had the opportunity to enjoy live music from a blue grass band, rides in a tethered hot air balloon and free cider and apples from the Pine Tree Apple Orchard. This fun filled afternoon was sponsored by McNulty Homes, the developer for the Hillary Farm housing development. The event was designed to showcase the Gem Lake development and expose people to the natural beauty of the area. Large red trolley cars provided by Stillwater Trolley Company took guests on a guided tour of Hillary Farms. peddlers. A draft ordinance has been reviewed by the council that would regulate door-to-door sales and canvassing activities, as well as transient merchant sales within Gem Lake. The ordinance would require that peddlers and merchants engaged in for- profit activities obtain a license from the City in order to offer merchandise for sale. The ordinance would establish standards and procedures for the application and approval of licenses. Solicitors of orders Guests had the chance to spend a few hours under an outdoor tent, where they could meet the builder, Jim McNulty, and enjoy music from a local band. Representatives from Hillary Farm sales office were on hand to answer questions about available lots and potential housing plans. “We had a nice turn out and everyone had a lot of fun,” according to Hillary Farm Sales Manager Felicity Furber. “The weather also cooperated, giving us a wonderful day to show off what we can do.” Gem Lake residents who took advantage of the fun and (continued on page 2) on behalf of for-profit companies would have to register with the city but would not have to obtain a license. Canvassers and people engaged in door-to-door advocacy of political, social or religious organizations or causes would be exempt from registration, but professional fundraisers for any of these causes would still have to register. A property owner or tenant would be entitled to placard their property with signs (continued on page 2) Gem Lake residents enjoyed the view from a tethered hot air balloon at the Fall Festival. Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 Peddlers and Pigeons—continued from page 1 denying entry to any uninvited peddler, solicitor, canvasser or advocate. The draft ordinance spells out the type and size of the sign required to legally tell people you would kindly prefer they give your house a pass. The city council of Gem Lake is also working hard to finalize a new ordinance creating standards and conditions for pigeon facilities and maintenance. A city license would be required, allowing a property owner to keep a maximum of 120 pigeons during peak season, and 90 at other times of the year. Only one license would be allowed per property. The draft ordinance is based on existing pigeon ordinances in cities surrounding Gem Lake. Both draft documents will be discussed at the city council meeting on October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall. You are encouraged to attend and provide your feedback on these subjects. Gem Lake’s City Attorney Trevor Oliver will be present and will answer any questions you may have on how the ordinances were drafted. Fall Festival Draws a Crowd (continued from page 1) Continued from page 1 festivities had the opportunity to watch a beautiful hot air balloon slowly inflating. There were plenty of special activities for the kids, including a jump up inflatable castle. Recently one of the homes in the Hillary Farm development was featured in the 2009 Luxury Home Tour. Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 She wears dog tags, gets an annual rabies shot, enjoys her daily walks on the leash with her owner, and even sits on command. Yet Ivy is several times removed from the canine family. Instead, she is the only pet fox currently living in Gem Lake. Ivy is an Arctic fox, rather than a red fox, which lives in the wild in Gem Lake. She formerly belonged to a young lady who could no longer take care of this unusual animal. Though Lorry Shirley, who lives on Goose Lake Road, had no intention of becoming the owner of an arctic fox, she knew the little animal’s fate was in the balance. Very few people run to the animal shelter to adopt a pet fox. Ivy is a beautiful, smart creature and Lorry decided to make her part of the family. Ivy is now a year and a half old and lives in an outdoor pen on the Shirley’s property. She eats regular dog food and gets roughly the same kind of medical care that a dog would get from the local vet. Lorry enjoys walking her around her lot, sometimes three times a day. The animal loves exploring and once visited the red fox den next door. This socializing with the local fox population by Ivy has led to a few return visits. “There has been a red fox sniffing around Ivy’s pen,” according to Lorry. “They are definitely aware of each other’s existence.” Lorry came into contact with this beautiful animal through the previous owner, who is a friend of Lorry’s daughter. Ivy originally came from the Wild Side Exotic Breeding Company in Ely, Minnesota. She was raised by humans and had no parents to teach her coping skills for a life in the woods. It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No, it’s Ivy the Arctic Fox! In the wild, an Arctic fox lives about five years. In a more domesticated environment, the fox could potential live much longer. “She faces fewer threats than she would if she lived in the woods or in the Arctic,” says Lorry. Also, here in Minnesota, her colorings would make her a target in the wild. This is another reason Lorry wanted to adopt her. Unlike the red fox, Ivy does not blend in with her surroundings. As an Arctic fox living in her natural setting she would be virtually invisible. “We have heard that she can tolerate temperatures in excess of 100 degrees below zero.” Getting to know Ivy has been a lot of fun for the Shirley family. “My husband, Bruce, built her a nice home, complete with a little sleeping hammock. She is used to people now, although she definitely likes women more than men.” The Shirley had a chip put in her by the local vet, in case she ever gets lost. The Shirleys love animals and currently have several dogs, too. No word on how well their little dogs get along with Ivy. “I never pictured myself owning a fox, but I am so glad I adopted her,” says Lorry. Gem Lake News Page 4 of 6 New Signage Ordinance to Receive Public Hearing Gem Lake’s draft signage ordinance will be the subject of a public hearing on October 19 and you are invited to attend. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall. The new draft signage ordinance has been updated to deal with more current technology such as electronic message centers, illuminated signs, signs with moveable copy and products called dynamic display signs. Some of these products pose potential traffic hazards and can interfere with sight lines when not properly regulated. The goal of the new draft ordinance is to bring the code from the 1950’s into the 21st Century, according to city attorney Trevor Oliver. “We are trying to promote public safety and allow businesses to inform the public of their location, without overly regulating sign content.” Although things like height, set-backs, electrical connections, etc. are clearly spelled out, the emphasis will geared towards orderly placements of signs and their proper maintenance. City News Page Public Hearing on Budget in November As a city under 500 in population, Gem Lake does not have to hold a public hearing on its final budget proposal, but we are going to hold one anyway. The hearing will be held on November 17 at Heritage Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. A preliminary budget has been approved for the city for 2010 but the final budget must be completed, per state law, by no later than December 15. In the interests of building better communication with citizens and allowing more time for feedback, the Gem Lake City Council has decided to hold a hearing in November. This will allow the finalized budget to be completed almost a month early. You are invited to attend this hearing. Several examples of signs in Gem Lake’s business district are pictured above. Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 Sergeant Eric Bradt is a 14 year veteran of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, now assigned to supervise the sub-station in Gem Lake. Eric says he loves Gem Lake, due to its similarity with Grant, where he currently lives. “Both environments have a small town feel, the residents know each other and the area is still fairly rural.” His journey towards the assignment in our community began in 1996, when Eric joined the Sheriff’s Department. As with all recruits at the time, he spent several years as an officer guarding prisoners at the county jail. He then moved into court security, apprehension services and other duties within the department. He was promoted from Sheriff’s Deputy to Sergeant several years ago. In addition to supervising officers at the sub-station in Gem Lake, Eric serves as an officer for the Ramsey County Water Patrol, which has jurisdiction over lakes and rivers in Ramsey County. This includes an approximately 13 mile stretch of the Mississippi River. His duties in this capacity involve keeping lakes and trails safe; enforcing laws related to things such as ‘driving under the influence’ and life jacket usage; and even occasional water rescue. The concept of starting a Sheriff’s sub-station in another part of the county has proven to be a great idea for everyone involved. “It has allowed Sergeant Bradt Feels Right at Home in Gem Lake us to spread officers around and increase law enforcement visibility here in this part of the county,” says Eric. “It’s nice to have more coverage here.” Eric feels he has gotten to know the community pretty well and understands what residents feel is important. “I know that traffic enforcement is high on the list for people who live here. There are definitely some streets that see their share of speeding drivers. We are trying to work on that, as well as traffic safety in general.” (Eric’s three tips on that subject: slow down, buckle up and turn your headlights on.) In terms of local trends in criminal activity and law enforcement needs, Eric feels tough economic times may be playing a role. “We are seeing some slight increases in “theft from auto” crimes, which can lead to identity theft. Also property crimes, such as burglary may be up slightly, as well as people in distress, perhaps due to financial trouble. “For instance, a county library under construction saw two incidents last week of the theft of power tools.” Eric’s own personal pet peeve is the crowd of “so called” door-to-door sales people, who are usually up to no good. “They may supposedly be selling some legitimate product, but in actuality they are often out to steal from you. Usually these folks are from out of town and troll from community to community looking for easy pickings.” Eric’s advice is “don’t open the door to strangers, don’t buy into the sales pitch, and feel free to call 911 if someone is on your doorstep and making you feel uncomfortable or alarmed.” Another subject that is also on the Sheriff’s Department radar is planning for the H1N1 Flu epidemic. “We have done important contingency planning so we will be ready to deliver law enforcement services despite any temporary staff shortages. There are a lot of kids out sick right now, but the public should rest assured that we are ready no matter what.” Eric adds that illnesses are tracked daily and there is no reason for alarm. Eric has two daughters, ages 7 and 9. His wife works as a training and development manager for Boston Scientific. In his spare time, Eric likes to work out at the local gym and enjoys regular evenings out with his wife. 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 October: October 19, 2009 City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Draft signage code will be discussed. November 2, 2009 City Council Workshop at October 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 The meeting will include a public hearing on the 2010 Gem Lake City Budget. 7:00 p.m. 2010 City Budget will be discussed November 3, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting at 7:00 p.m. November 17, 2009 City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Chuck Watson Phone: 651-653-8319 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 Portions of each Gem Lake Newsletter also appear on the web-site under the news section. Please email your ideas, comments and suggestions. See box at left for detailed contact information.