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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 11-18 CC PacketCITY OF GEM LAKE Heritage Hall 4200 Otter Lake Road | Gem Lake, MN 55110 651-747-2790/92 | 651-747-2795 (fax) E-mail city@gemlakemn.org City Council Meeting – November 18, 2025 Call to Order of City Council Meeting By Mayor Artig-Swomley at 7:_____ p.m. Call of Roll Artig-Swomley Cacioppo Patrick Johnson Lindner Approve Agenda and Minutes • Accept the Agenda for November 18, 2025, City Council Meeting • Approve the Minutes of October 21, 2025, City Council Meeting • Approve the Minutes of November 10, 2025, City Council Special Meeting Special Presentations/Public Hearings • Metropolitan Pollution Control Agency Consent Agenda • Resolution #2025-034; Resolution Authorizing the City Treasurer to Distribute a Portion of the Charitable Gambling Funds to the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf • Resolution #2025-035; Resolution Approving the 2026 SCORE Grant from Ramsey County • Monthly Financial Report(s) • Claims Committee Reports • Planning Commission Old Business • Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions • Future Water System Planning • The Joint/dba The Lakes Dispensary update New Business • Future Charitable Gambling Donations - White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf • Minnesota Paid Leave Law • Approval of an On-Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Sales Liquor Licenses - Bear Dogs • Ordinance 2025-01; An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 144, Section 3, Subdivision 3 Winter Parking Restrictions • Data Destruction and Records Management Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies Presentations from the Public, 2 minutes maximum Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up Future Council Meetings • Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, December 16, 2025 o Attendance Inquiry • Next City Council Workshop, Monday, December 8, 2025 – Joint meeting with Planning Commission regarding 2050 Comprehensive Plan Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at ________ City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 1 City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting – October 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Ben Johnson, Jim Lindner, and Joshua Patrick were present. Councilmember Len Cacioppo was absent. Also present: City Attorney Martin Norder, City Treasurer Tom Kelly, City Planner Andrew Boucher, Clerk Barb Suciu, and Gem Lake residents David Birkebak, Tom Hoffman, Tim Dillon. Jeff Foley, Nikki Foley, Kale Hassan, Carol Schacht, Randy Bachus and Heather Bachus. October 21, 2025, Agenda A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Motion carried 4-0. Minutes A motion was introduced by Councilmember Patrick, seconded by Mayor Artig-Swomley to approve September 16, 2025, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 3-0-1, Councilmember Lindner abstained. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to accept the October 7, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting minutes. Motion carried 4-0. Special Presentations/Public Hearings None. Consent Agenda Resolution #2025-027; Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquent Public Utility Service Accounts to the Ramsey County Property Tax Rolls - Utility Billing Resolution #2025-028; Certifying Special Assessments for Delinquent Public Utility Service Accounts to the Ramsey County Property Tax Rolls – 2024 Annual Septic Maintenance Inspections Resolution #2025-029; Resolution Authorizing the City Treasurer to Distribute a Portion of the Charitable Gambling Funds to the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf Monthly Financial Report(s) Claims All items on the consent agenda were reviewed by the Council. Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve all the items listed on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Motion carried 4-0. Committee Reports Old Business Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions The mayor stated the next newsletter will be mailed in early December and current articles are an overview of the November City Council meeting MPCA presentation, update on the municipal water system, and an article on Dr. David Birkebak who recently passed away. Other suggestions included salt and sand uses, information on the Truth and Taxation hearing and results of the deer hunt. Future Water System Planning Mayor Artig-Swomley provided an update on the municipal water system for Gem Lake including the engineering report is complete, an archeological review is needed, the city engineer is in negotiations with Vadnais Heights and narrowing down what each home could be assessed. City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2025 2 New Business A Variance and Special Home Occupation License for an In-Home Financial Business using over 50% of the residence, more than one non-resident employee, and more than three off-street parking spaces at 3646 Labore Road. Andrew Boucher, City Planner provided an overview of the Variance and Special Home Occupation License for an In-Home Financial Business at 3646 Labore Road. He added the Conditional Use Permit has been withdrawn based on the information sent to the city from the applicant that there would be less than 50% of the house used for the business. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to deny a Variance for 3646 Labore Road, Parcel ID 283022440005, seconded by Councilmember Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to deny a Variance for 3646 Labore Road, Parcel ID 283022440005, seconded by Councilmember Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. Accept an Estimate for Installation of Evergreen Trees northwest of Summit Farm Lane – Willow River Company A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept an Estimate for installation of evergreen trees northwest of Summit Farm Lane, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Motion carried 4-0. Future Charitable Gambling Donations - White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf Mayor Artig-Swomley suggested that the Council make a request in October in the amount of $1,000 to the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to request a donation in the amount of $1,000 for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf, seconded by Mayor Artig-Swomley. Motion carried 4-0. Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies Mayor Artig-Swomley indicated the city is negotiating with Vadnais Heights for municipal water. Presentations from the Public, 2 Minutes Maximum Carol Schadt thanked the city council for using the zoning code and enforcing the zoning code for the item on the agenda tonight. Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up None Future Council Meetings City Council Special Meeting, Monday, November 10, 2025. City Council Meeting, Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Attendance Inquiry At this time, all Councilmembers will be in attendance for the November meeting. Adjournment There being no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick, the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu City of Gem Lake City Council Special Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 1 City of Gem Lake City Council Special Meeting – November 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes Mayor Pro Tem Jim Lindner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. noting that the special meeting had been properly noticed. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Lindner, Councilmember Len Cacioppo, Ben Johnson and Joshua Patrick were present. Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley absent November 10, 2025, Agenda A motion was introduced by Councilmember Cacioppo to accept the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Motion carried 4-0. Presentation/Public Hearing Resolution No. 2025-033; Approving a Conditional Use Permit for 1599 County Road E East, Parcel ID 273022120007 A motion was introduced by Councilmember Cacioppo to open the public hearing at 7:01 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. Mitchell Vannelli stated the roll out from the State hasn’t been very smooth and he appreciates everyone that is working to get the Conditional Use Permit processed. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Cacioppo to close the public hearing at 7:04 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Johnson. Motion carried 4-0. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve a conditional use permit for 1599 County Road E East, Parcel ID 273022120007, seconded by Councilmember Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. Adjournment Being there no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Cacioppo, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu City of Gem Lake County of Ramsey State of Minnesota Resolution No. 2025-034 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TREASURER TO DISTRIBUTE A PORTION OF THE CHARITABLE GAMBLING FUNDS TO THE WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA FOOD SHELF. WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake participates in the distribution of charitable gambling funds received from the Country Lounge WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake distributes these funds to local 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake City Council suggested a donation at their September 16, 2025, meeting in support of the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Gem Lake, Minnesota, the City Treasurer is authorized to send $1,000.00 to support the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf for the month of November 2025. The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced by Councilmember _____ and supported by Councilmember _____, and upon vote being taken thereon, the resolution passed with a vote of ___ in favor and ___ against. ATTEST I, Barbara Suciu, the duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Gem Lake, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and accurate representation of action taken by the City Council of the City of Gem Lake on the date first written. November 18, 2025 Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Date City of Gem Lake County of Ramsey State of Minnesota Resolution No. 2025-035 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2026 SCORE GRANT FROM RAMSEY COUNTY WHEREAS, The City of Gem Lake currently operates a Municipal Curbside Recycling Program for all single-family residences within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council realizes that increased public awareness, education and participation in this program is in the best interests of all citizens and wishes to expand the current program within the administrative guidelines established for current City staff; and WHEREAS, the Ramsey County Public Health Department, Solid Waste Division, is providing a SCORE grant base funding in the amount of $10,905.00 and an incentive funding in the amount of $14,009.00, for a total grant funding possible of $29,914.00 to the City of Gem Lake for the year 2026; and WHEREAS, the City of Gem Lake has completed the grant application which provides a breakdown of how the City of Gem Lake will allocate their grant monies; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Gem Lake accepts the grant monies provided by SCORE funds and will administer the monies as provided by in the 2026 SCORE Funding Grant Application. The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced by Councilmember ______ and supported by Councilmember _____, and upon vote being taken thereon, the resolution passed with a vote of ___ in favor and ___ against. ATTEST I, Barbara Suciu, the duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Gem Lake, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and accurate representation of action taken by the City Council of the City of Gem Lake on the date first written. November 18, 2025 Barbara Suciu City Clerk Date CITY OF GEM LAKE Claims For Payment Period Ending: 11/18/2025 Signatures Approving Claims Date of Approval Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Ben Johnson, Council Jim Lindner, Council Len Cacioppo, Council Joshua Patrick, Council Tom Kelly, Treasurer Fund Totals $ Amount General Fund 40,434.37 Parks & Playgrounds 2004 Debt Service Fund 2007 Debt Service Fund 2015 Debt Service Fund 2018 Debt Service Fund Improvement Fund Scheuneman Road Improvements Hoffman Road Improvements 602-Sewer Fund 4,307.54 601-Water Fund 16,720.08 Investment Trust Fund Total All Funds 61,461.99 Claims for Payment Check Numbers 12984 through 13006 CHECK REGISTER FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE CHECK DATE 11/18/2025 - 11/18/2025 Check Date Check Vendor Name Amount Bank GEN GENERAL CHECKING 11/18/2025 12984 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 429.59 11/18/2025 12985 BEN JOHNSON 60.00 11/18/2025 12986 BS&A SOFTWARE 76.00 11/18/2025 12987 CINTAS 130.50 11/18/2025 12988 Coverall of the Twin Cities 320.00 11/18/2025 12989 Gopher State One Call 25.65 11/18/2025 12990 Innovative Office Solutions, 22.46 11/18/2025 12991 INVOICE CLOUD INC 1,923.91 11/18/2025 12992 Jim Lindner 40.00 11/18/2025 12993 Kelly & Lemmons, PA 1,812.25 11/18/2025 12994 METRO-INET 1,160.00 11/18/2025 12995 Metropolitan Council 4,281.89 11/18/2025 12996 Nykanen Inspections LCC 40.00 11/18/2025 12997 Press Publications 77.00 11/18/2025 12998 RED LILY 90.00 11/18/2025 12999 REPUBLIC SERVICES 2,169.42 11/18/2025 13000 SEH 30,500.41 11/18/2025 13001 SUCIU, BARBARA 7.00 11/18/2025 13002 TKDA 5,424.54 11/18/2025 13003 White Bear Lake Emergency Foo 1,000.00 11/18/2025 13004 White Bear Township 8,468.30 11/18/2025 13005 WILLOW RIVER COMPANY 2,910.00 11/18/2025 13006 Xcel Energy 493.07 GEN TOTALS: Total of 23 Checks:61,461.99 Less 0 Void Checks:0.00 Total of 23 Disbursements:61,461.99 11/18/2025 10:52 AM Page:1/1 CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE CHECK DATE 11/18/2025 - 11/18/2025 Check Date Bank Account Check #Payee Description Accoun t Dept Amount Fund: 100 GENERAL 11/18/2025 GEN 12984 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES DYMO LABELWRITER , STAND UP DESK 40200 41400 323.96 MISC. OFFICE SUPPLIES 40200 41400 190.57 CREDIT MEMO- ANGEL SOFT TP 40200 41400 (84.94) Check GEN 12984 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 429.59 11/18/2025 GEN 12985 BEN JOHNSON WHITE BEAR CONDO ASSOC. MEETING 36400 00000 60.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12986 BS&A SOFTWARE PERMIT APP SERVICE FEE 40570 41900 76.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12987 CINTAS CINTAS AED 40319 41940 130.50 11/18/2025 GEN 12988 Coverall of the Twin Cities CLEANING SVCS 11/1/25-11/30/25 40319 41940 320.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12990 Innovative Office Solutions, LLC CUPS, LABELS 40200 41400 22.46 11/18/2025 GEN 12991 INVOICE CLOUD INC INVOICE CLOUD 40309 41500 1,923.91 11/18/2025 GEN 12992 Jim Lindner OTTER LAKE TECHNOLOGIES MEETING 36400 00000 40.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12993 Kelly & Lemmons, PA GENERAL COUNSEL 40304 41600 1,812.25 11/18/2025 GEN 12994 METRO-INET IT SUPPORT 40309 41900 1,160.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12996 Nykanen Inspections LCC OCTOBER 2025 INSPECTIONS 32213 00000 40.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12997 Press Publications PRESS PUBLICATIONS 40351 41900 77.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12998 RED LILY WEBSITE MAINTENANCE 40300 41940 90.00 11/18/2025 GEN 12999 REPUBLIC SERVICES REPUBLIC SERVICES CONTRACT: 115432 40384 41900 2,169.42 11/18/2025 GEN 13000*#SEH GENERAL ENGINEERING SVCS 40303 41910 5,788.61 GENERAL ENGINEERING SVCS 40303 41910 7,991.72 Check GEN 13000 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 13,780.33 11/18/2025 GEN 13001 SUCIU, BARBARA MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 40331 41900 7.00 11/18/2025 GEN 13002 TKDA 2025 PLANNING 40308 41910 5,424.54 11/18/2025 GEN 13003 White Bear Lake Emergency Food She 2025 NOVEMBER DONATION 22001 00000 1,000.00 11/18/2025 GEN 13004#White Bear Township PUBLIC WORKS 40319 41940 2,000.00 EQUIPMENT 40319 41900 1,410.00 TREASURER 40329 41500 1,710.00 ACCOUNTING CLERK 40329 41500 1,330.00 PUBLIC WORKS 40319 41940 160.00 EQUIPMENT 40319 41900 60.00 TREASURER 40329 41500 332.50 ACCOUNTING CLERK 40329 41500 997.50 POSTAGE 40322 41900 468.30 Check GEN 13004 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 8,468.30 11/18/2025 GEN 13005 WILLOW RIVER COMPANY PINE TREES REMOVAL 40319 41940 2,910.00 11/18/2025 GEN 13006 Xcel Energy ELECTRIC SERVICE 40381 41940 412.99 GAS SERVICE 40383 41940 80.08 Check GEN 13006 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 493.07 Total For Fund: 100 40,434.37 11/18/2025 10:53 AM Page:1/2 CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE CHECK DATE 11/18/2025 - 11/18/2025 Check Date Bank Account Check #Payee Description Accoun t Dept Amount Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY FUND 11/18/2025 GEN 13000*#SEH WATERMAIN PROJECT 40303 43200 16,720.08 Total For Fund: 601 16,720.08 Fund: 602 SEWER UTILITY FUND 11/18/2025 GEN 12989 Gopher State One Call OCTOBER 2025 LOCATES 40319 43200 25.65 11/18/2025 GEN 12995 Metropolitan Council DECEMBER 2025 WASTE WATER SERVICES 11500 00000 4,281.89 Total For Fund: 602 4,307.54 Report Total:61,461.99 '*'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE FUND '#'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE DEPARTMENT 11/18/2025 10:53 AM Page:2/2 City of Gem Lake, MNWater Main Project Update November 18, 2025 Location Map Proposed Improvements Project Costs •Service extension and connection cost from main to curb stop (at ROW) is +/-$4,000 per home •HDD costs for water service approx. $60/LF and $2,500 for internal home connection Street Preliminary Cost Labore Road $462,500 Little Fox Lane $251,200 Big Fox Road $115,600 Goose Lake Road $798,800 Tessier Road $148,100 Haven Lane $130,300 Total $1,906,400 Vadnais Heights Connection Request No Meter Manholes Required Waived connection fees Base meter will be removed; Vadnais Heights proposes $30/quarter per connection administrative fee. Fee will increase to align with meter base fee increases. Each home will install a dwelling meter compatible with the radio read system. Wholesale water rate $4.00 per 1000 gals. If irrigation meter is present, highest bulk rate will be applied +25% Vadnais Heights will bill Gem Lake for all usage; Gem Lake will be responsible for billing residents. Vadnais Heights Connection Requests Benefitting properties along Labore will pay a portion of watermain installation costs through an assessment. Gem lake will pass similar ordinances as Vadnais Heights for irrigation usage. Future connections will be subject to DNR appropriation permit adjustments Meeting TBD with DNR & VH Create an Agreement between VH and GL – Attorneys Special Benefit Analysis Special Benefit Analysis was received for $7,125 per single family home Should the special assessment for 3781 Labore Road be calculated as a residential property like the rest of the parcels? Next Steps Receive SHPO final concurrence Meet with DNR for appropriation permitting Meet with property owners to determine water connection methods for the 2 options that could be extended onto private property. Feasibility Report must be accepted by council Council must Ordering Improvement Hearing Council Meeting to hold public improvement hearing/ Authorizes preparation of plans and specifications Council must let the contract for the improvements or order all/part of the work done within one year of the adoption of the resolution ordering the improvements unless a different time limit is specifically stated in the resolution. Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Effective Date: January 1, 2026 Applies To: All eligible employees of the City of Gem Lake 1. Policy Statement: Beginning January 1, 2026, eligible employees may receive paid leave benefits through the Minnesota PFML program, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). These benefits are intended to support employees during significant life events while maintaining job protection and continuity of benefits. 2. Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by DEED based on wages earned in Minnesota. The City of Gem Lake does not determine eligibility or benefit amounts. 3. Covered Leave: Employees may apply for PFML for the following reasons: • Personal serious health condition • Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, foster care) • Caring for a family member with serious health conditions • Safety leave (domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking) • Military-related exigencies 4. Duration and Benefits • Up to 20 weeks of paid leave per 52-week period • Wage replacement is calculated and paid by the State of Minnesota • Leave may be taken continuously or intermittently, as approved by DEED 5. Payroll Contributions: Employer will pay 50% of contributions. 6. Job Protection and Benefits: Employees approved for PFML are entitled to: • Reinstatement to the same or equivalent position • Continuation of health insurance benefits during leave 7. Notice and Documentation: Employees must: • Provide 30 days’ notice for foreseeable leave • Notify your supervisor as soon as practicable for unforeseeable leave • Submit required documentation to DEED for benefit approval 8. Coordination with Other Leave: PFML may run concurrently with other leave entitlements, including: • Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) • City-provided paid time off (vacation) CITY OF GEM LAKE Heritage Hall 4200 Otter Lake Road | Gem Lake, MN 55110 651-747-2790 | 651-747-2795 (fax) E-mail city@gemlakemn.org MEMORANDUM To: Gem Lake City Council From: Barbara Suciu, City Clerk RE: On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses The city has received an application for an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses for Bear Dogs LLC to be located at 1595 County Road E East. According to Ordinance 146 Section 5, subd. 5, the city is authorized to have a maximum of four on-sale license in Gem Lake. Gem Lake currently has two on-sale licenses. The liquor licenses were processed and deemed complete. The background check was completed with no issues. At this time, staff are requesting the City Council to approve an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses for Bear Dogs, located at 1595 County Road E East contingent on approval from the Department of Public Safety. Staff will be sending all the necessary information for the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses to the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety for processing. CITY OF GEM LAKE Heritage Hall 4200 Otter Lake Road | Gem Lake, MN 55110 651-747-2790 | 651-747-2795 (fax) E-mail city@gemlakemn.org MEMORANDUM To: Gem Lake City Council From: Barbara Suciu, City Clerk RE: Amending Ordinance 144, Traffic & Vehicles Recently it was discovered there are signs posted in the city that conflict with Gem Lake’s Ordinance 144 – Traffic & Vehicles, Section 3 – Parking Regulations, Subdivision 3 – Winter Parking Restrictions. The ordinance currently states: Winter Parking Restrictions. The parking of any motor vehicle upon any road or street in Gem Lake is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st of each year. We are proposing to add “unless otherwise posted” at the end of the sentence. The new subdivision would read: Winter Parking Restrictions. The parking of any motor vehicle upon any road or street in Gem Lake is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st of each year unless otherwise posted. City of Gem Lake Ramsey County, Minnesota Traffic and Vehicle Ordinance No. 2025-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 144, SECTION 3, SUBDIVISION 3 WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Section 3. Winter Parking Restrictions. 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st of each year unless otherwise posted. Section 2. Effective Date. The above amendment was adopted at the regular City Council Meeting for the City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County Minnesota, on November 18, 2025, by a motion made by Councilmember _____ and seconded by Councilmember _____. APPROVED: ATTEST: Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Barbara Suciu, City Clerk