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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Vol 19, Issue 6 December Gem Lake News SPECIAL INTEREST ARTICLES  Water System Planning Continues  MPCA Provides Well Update  Tribute to Dr. Roland Birkebak  2026 Budget  Stormwater Management City News  2026 Recycling Calendar  New Businesses  Winter Parking Restrictions  Annual Dog Licenses SCHEDULED RECYCLING DATES  December 17  December 31  January 14  January 28 Gem Lake News December 2025 | Volume 19 | Issue 6 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor MPCA Provides Well Update Gem Lake Water Update Long-term planning for a municipal water system in Gem Lake, where it would reach, how it would be funded and how it might be rolled out were discussed in detail at the November 18 Gem Lake City Council meeting. After 1,4 dioxane was discovered in several dozen wells in Gem Lake several years ago, the city commissioned a comprehensive water plan. This plan laid out how the city might obtain a municipal water system, where the water might come from and what it would cost. Many alternatives were laid out, including a full system serving all the city, or a partial system, which would initially serve only the main areas affected by well contamination. The plan was high level and necessary order to seek federal and state funding options. After years of seeking grants to help pay for municipal water, the city was awarded a little less than $1M from the federal government. It was decided to start the process of municipal water system engineering to lay out more specific details of how a water system could be built, while continuing to seek the additional funding needed to make the project happen. That engineering has now been completed for what the city is calling Phase One of the adoption of municipal water. This is the first step in a long process involving joint power agreements, public hearings, funding applications, etc. It was decided, based on the current environment for obtaining state and federal money, that it would be best to start with the area of the city most affected by ground water pollution. This area is the northwestern part of the city, encompassing the area where all the several dozen 1,4 dioxane contamination was found. (continued on page 2) An update on the condition of wells in the City of Gem Lake was once again the subject of a presentation by representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) during the November 18th City Council meeting. (continued on page 3) Figure 1. Proposed location map Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8 er System Planning Continues continued from page 2 Water System Planning Continues continued from page 1 Since then, Gem Lake and many cities around us are also discovering PFAS contamination to some degree in private wells, another complicating issue. (See MCPA story) The proposed “Phase One” area encompasses the area shown in the attached map and bordered in red, covering part of the Little Fox/Big Fox neighborhood, Labore Road and halfway down Goose Lake Road, including Tessier and Haven Lanes. The selection of this area required a careful look at things like water pressure, safety, logistical viability and the hope that Vadnais Heights will be willing and able to supply water to Gem Lake. Other factors that play into the selection of this area initially are as follows: 1. The building of a four-story apartment building on Gem Lake’s western border represents an opportunity to possibly work jointly with Vadnais Heights on the extension of a water main down Labore Road to Goose Lake Road, making connections more economically viable. Proposed services map 2. Ramsey County public works department has scheduled road construction on Goose Lake Road in approximately 2027, which represents a logical time for related infrastructure repairs and enhancements. At this point, it is estimated that “Phase One” would cost around $1.9M, which would be paid for by the city’s current federal grant, assessments from benefiting properties, a possible contribution from the city’s general fund and the hope of additional state and federal grants. Currently, the city does not have enough funding to pay for “Phase One.” However, Gem Lake has applied for a variety of State and Federal grants in the current funding cycles. It is unknown exactly what each of the benefiting property would be assessed, but by state law it can only be to the extent to which project appraisal efforts show would increase the value of the affected property. In other words, if independent appraisal shows that the installation of a municipal water system increases the value of house A by $7,000, then that amount can be assessed to that property over the course of a period of years. The assessment period is decided by the city after public hearings, typically 10-20 years. Each household would be responsible for bringing water from the water main in the street up to their house. There are a variety of next steps in this planning process. For instance, the City of Gem Lake is currently meeting with the City of Vadnais Heights regarding a possible joint project and a possible joint powers agreement. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would have to agree to allow Vadnais Heights to draw more water than their current quota from the aquifer to account for Gem Lake’s water needs. As the project becomes more viable, the City of Gem Lake would need to hold the state mandated series of public hearings to obtain possible approval of the project from its citizens and its city council. The City of Gem Lake is also working in partnership with the MPCA and the MDH to monitor water quality and issues of public safety. Regular water testing by these agencies will continue. Please stay tuned for more information. Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8 MPCA Provides Well Update continued from page 1 Michael Ginsbach, Hydrologist with MPCA began by summarizing well testing that happened this spring and summer within the city. The MPCA began with the idea of testing all 181 wells and was able to obtain 148 samples. The goal was to look for 1,4 dioxane, a chemical that has shown up in small amounts in several dozen wells, and recently PFAS, another common contamination seen in wells throughout Minnesota. Of the 148 samples, the 1,4 diox However, traces of PFAS appea However, traces of PFAS appeared in 114 of the wells tested, with 12 of these wells having levels that exceeded state standards. Here is more detail on each of the contamination. As stated in previous articles, Minnesota has stringent standards for drinking water and considers one part per billion of the 1,4 dioxane to be contaminated. This is equivalent to a drop of water in an Olympic sized swimming pool. The MPCA stressed that this chemical is a long-term problem for drinking water but is not absorbed through the skin during bathing, Risks levels are based on long- term, lifetime consumption of 8 glasses of water a day for 70 years, which may lead to an increased change of cancer. Gem Lake’s contamination level of 22-24 wells is in the range of 1-3 parts per billion, in stark contrast to much higher levers in the hundreds of parts per billion in some areas of the state, such as Oakdale. The incidences of PFAS showing up are a bit different. This common contaminated family, known as PFAS has become very prevalent in Minnesota. PFAS are Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of more than 5000 human made chemicals that do not break down over time. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their extreme resistance to degradation in the environment and resistance to destruction in wastewater treatment plants and landfills. Although it is very difficult to filter away 1,4 dioxane, the same does not hold true for PFAS. Once the proper kind of filter system is installed, a homeowner can successfully filter PFAS out of drinking water. However, to be effective, the filtration system must conform to specific standards, such as NSF/ANSI #53 (for filters) and/or NSF/ANSI #58 (for reverse osmosis systems). Important information on the specifics can be found at: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/ha zardous/topics/pfashometreat.html. When the subject comes up, experts always add that even if a good filtering system is installed, it is crucial to change the filters on a regular basis. Given the growing concerns about water pollution in the State of Minnesota and in the City of Gem Lake, MPCA superfund manager Tim Grape says it is increasingly important for the city to keep up its fight for solutions to this long-term problem. He also added that many information resources are available through the MPCA website and through the website of the Minnesota Department of Health. As indicated in this newsletter, the City of Gem Lake is currently planning to install a municipal water system in part of the city in the next few years. Of the 148 samples, the 1,4 dioxane levels remained stable and small in 22-24 wells. These are generally located in the northwestern portion of the city. No significant changes were noted, with no new instances of the chemical showing up. There was also no apparent movement of the chemical to nearby wells. Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8 Tribute to a Long-term Resident of Gem Lake: Dr. Roland Birkebak Dr. Roland (“Rollie”) Birkebak, a long-term resident of Gem Lake, passed away on March 25 of this year at the age of 91. He was born and raised in St. Paul and attended Minnehaha Academy and the University of Minnesota. Birkebak was a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon in St. Paul for 30 years. Prior to starting private practice, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War to serve as a surgeon on Okinawa, a duty he felt honored to serve to help those injured during the war. He rose from the rank of Captain to Major during his tour of duty. According to his son David, the whole family moved to Okinawa during his years of service. “It was a great family time together and a great place.” Dr. Birkebak and his dog Lady. Birkebak moved to Gem Lake in 1972, when there were only two houses in the Big Fox/Little Fox neighborhood. The areas was very rural at the time, a place where you could enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, according to his son David. Over the years, Birkebak used his skills as a surgeon to go on several medical mission trips to Africa. He was a long-time member of the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley. After retiring, he spent his time painting, hunting and caring for his beloved dogs. He sometimes rescued dogs from animal shelters and gave them a forever home. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan and his twin brother Richard Birkebak. He is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren. Birkebak spent over 50 years living in Gem Lake and served on the Gem Lake City Council for ten years, from 1993 to 2003. During that period, Gem Lake was experiencing a good deal of growth which led to long range planning which Dr. Birkebak was involved with. Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8 2026 Recycling Calendar New Website Coming in January The city is very excited to be launching our new website early January. The new website was designed to use the city’s branding and color scheme, with a look and feel that is modern and engaging. The website has been designed from a mobile-responsive perspective so that it will be compatible with all modern desktop browsers. If you recall, the City Council approved a website refresh in 2024. Staff has been working to produce the best website possible. Hopefully, the new website will assist in ease of locating information. The top picture is the website’s new home page. Notice the top button for paying your utility bill. The bottom picture is the City Services and Resources page. Just a couple of the new and improved features for the website. Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8 Conditional Use Permit Approved for The Gem Lake City Council approved a conditional use permit to allow the property at 1599 County Road E East to open as The Lakes Dispensary as soon as all State permits and inspections are completed. Dispensaries are licensed by the State and must register with the city in which they operate, as well as adhering to all zoning guidelines for that city. The Lakes Dispensary expects to open officially in the next few months. Liquor License Approved A liquor license was approved by the Gem Lake City Council on November 18 for Bear Dogs, LLC, a new bar to be located at 1595 County Road E East. The bar will occupy the location once used by White Bear Meadery. The City of Gem Lake is authorized to have a maximum of four on-sale licenses and already has two in place. The City Council approved an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Sales Licenses for Bear Dogs, LLC contingent upon approval from the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety. 2026 Truth-In Taxation Budget Hearing The City of Gem Lake will approve its final 2026 property tax levy and budget at a public hearing on December 16, starting at 7:00 p.m. The City of Gem Lake approved the preliminary budget at the September 16, City Council meeting. Cities then have until the end of December to approve a final budget, allowing time for budget numbers to be redefined and finalized. While a city can reduce its budget numbers for the final budget, it cannot, by law, increase its proposed budget levy from the numbers approved in the preliminary budget. For this reason, most cities certify a preliminary budget using “worse case” budget scenarios. The approved 2026 preliminary property tax levy was $768,005, which was a 4.667% increase over the 2025 certified preliminary property tax levy. The preliminary property tax levy for 2026 consists of a debt levy of $85,778 (an increase of $2,042 from 2025 preliminary debt levy) and the general operating levy of $682,227 (an increase of 4.955% from the 2025 preliminary tax levy. The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Five Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council, (portions of this article were generated by AI) Our stormwater series concludes with a final article on community education and engagement. Putting responsibility for stormwater management into the hands of homeowners allows everyone to become a stakeholder in the management process. I encourage you to read the following then consider participating in a workshop sponsored by our local watershed Vadnais Lake Water Management Organization (VLAWMO). Learn more at www.vlawmo.org. Community Engagement and Education Effective stormwater management requires the active participation and awareness of communities. Educating the public about the importance of managing stormwater and the role individuals can play is crucial for the success of these initiatives. Public Involvement Community-based programs that encourage residents to participate in stormwater management projects, such as rain barrel installations and neighborhood clean-ups, foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Public involvement ensures that stormwater management practices are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of local communities. Educational Campaigns Raising awareness through educational campaigns about the impacts of stormwater pollution and the benefits of green infrastructure can lead to behavioral changes. Schools, local governments, and non-profit organizations can collaborate to provide educational resources and workshops, promoting sustainable stormwater management practices. Conclusion Stormwater management is an indispensable aspect of modern urban planning and environmental stewardship. By implementing effective Through strategies to manage runoff, we can protect water quality, prevent flooding, support ecosystems, and enhance public health and safety. The economic and social benefits of these practices underscore their importance in creating resilient and sustainable communities. As we face the challenges of urbanization and climate change, a comprehensive approach to stormwater management will be essential in safeguarding our environment and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8 Stay up to date with information and announcements on the City’s Facebook page. www.facebook.com/CityofGemLakeMN Winter Parking Regulations Now in Effect Winter parking regulations are in effect through April 1st unless otherwise posted. Parking regulations include: • No parking on any road or street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. • No parking after a snowfall of 1” (one inch) or more of snow. • No vehicles shall park on the streets and boulevard until plowing and snow removal is complete. • On trash and recycling days, place garbage cans at the end of the driveway and behind the street edge, not in the street. • Keep your mailbox clear of snow. Enforcement of this ordinance is through the White Bear Lake Police Department. Questions regarding winter parking regulations can be directed at 651-747-2790. 2026 Annual License Renewals The City of Gem Lake is now taking applications for annual Dog licenses, Chicken/Fowl Keeping licenses, and agricultural animals (Ord. No. 142). Renewal information was sent out to all previously licensed individuals in early November. If you didn’t receive renewal information, scan the appropriate labeled QR code to obtain the applications. Dog Chicken/Fowl Ag. Animals Rental After the application is complete, return the license application along with the appropriate fee to Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, Gem Lake, MN 55110. If you have any questions regarding license renewals, contact city offices at 651-747-2790 Charitable Gambling Donations A donation of $1,500 was approved by the Gem Lake City Council for December 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. The City’s regular donations help fund the food shelf’s daily war on food-insecurity in the community. The city has also helped fund operations at the Food Shelf’s new Community Market, which is located at the intersection of County Road F and Bellaire Avenue in White Bear Lake. Gem Lake City Offices Closed December 12 – Clerk on Vacation December 24 & 25 – Christmas Eve & Christmas Day January 1 – New Years Day January 19 – Martin Luther King Day The City of Gem Lake does not accept wire transfers as a form of payment. If you receive an invoice requesting payment by wire transfer, please contact city hall at 651-747-2790. Gem Lake News Page 8 of 8 The City of Gem Lake Phone: (651) 747-2790 Fax: (651) 747-2795 City Hall Address: 4200 Otter Lake Road Gem Lake, MN 55110 E-mail: city@gemlakemn.org Newsletter E-mail: Gretchen.artig- swomley@gemlakemn.org Facebook: CityofGemLakeMN 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) CITY OF GEM LAKE 4200 Otter Lake Road Gem Lake, MN 55110 The following Gem Lake meetings will be held in December and January. All meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall unless otherwise indicated. Meetings: December and January 2026 December 2, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting December 8, 2025 City Council Workshop-CANCELED December 16, 2025 City Council Meeting January 5, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting January 12, 2026 City Council Workshop January 20, 2026 City Council Meeting Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley Email: gretchen.artig-swomley@gemlakemn.org Councilmember Len Cacioppo Email: len.cacioppo@gemlakemn.org Councilmember Ben Johnson Email: ben.johnson@gemlakemn.org Councilmember Jim Lindner Email: jim.lindner@gemlakemn.org Councilmember Joshua Patrick Email: joshua.patrick@gemlakemn.org Your Gem Lake City Council 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.