HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Vol 20, Issue 1 FebruarySpecial Interest Articles
Neighborhood Meets
to Discuss Municipal
Water System
Deer Hunt Proves
Successful
What is Smart
Salting?
White Bear Lake
Police and Fire 2025
Overview
Vial of Life
Medicine Disposal
Gem Lake Planning
Commission Vacancy
Gem Lake Launches
New Website
Rental License
Required
Utility Billing Options
Donations to White
Bear Lake Food Shelf
Winter Snow
Regulations
Applications for City
Scholarships Now
Open
White Bear Press Box
Gem Lake News
February 2026 | Volume 20 | Issue 1 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor
Gem Lake Approves 2026 Budget
Minnesota State Statutes require all cities to certify
their final property tax levy by December 31. That levy
funds each city’s operating budget (General Fund) and
any debt payments. If a final levy is not approved by the
deadline, then the previous years final levy is used.
The Gem Lake City Council held its “Truth in Taxation”
public hearing on December 16, approving a final property tax levy of $715,830, which
is a 0.4% decrease from the 2025 final tax levy. The tax levy consists of a debt levy in
the amount of $85,778 (an increase from the 2025 debt levy of $2,042) and the general
operating levy in the amount of $630,052 (a decrease of 0.78% over 2025).
The final tax levy of $715,830, is down $52,175 from the preliminary tax levy.approved
in September, which is somewhat typical in the budgeting cycle. By state law, the final
budget cannot exceed the preliminary estimate, which is used for truth in taxation
notices to citizens. This means that most cities do worst case scenario budgeting, while
they gather final budget numbers.
(2026 Budget continued on Page 2)
Neighborhood Meets to Discuss Municipal
Water System
Neighbors from a section of Gem Lake gathered on January 12 to discuss the
possibility of a municipal water system within the city. This system would cover
generally the northwestern part of the city, including Labore Road from Little Fox Road
to Goose Lake Road, approximately half of the distance of Goose Lake Road,
extending east from Labore and residents on Tessier and New Haven Lanes. It is
called Phase I of larger municipal water system that might emerge over the next
decade, covering more of the city as funds allow.
About 30 people were present for the meeting at Heritage Hall, including residents from
the affected area, as well as experts from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Public Works Director from the
City of Vadnais Heights.
Representatives from SEH (the city’s designated engineer) presented the broad
outlines of the plan to install a proposed water system, beginning with the benefits of
moving in this direction. These benefits included access to a water source that is
reliable and convenient, the fact that municipal water is regularly treated to remove
contamination, and the fact that municipal water system provided fire protection at the
street from regularly spaced fire hydrants.
(Municipal Water continued on Page 3)
Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8
2026 Budget (continued from page 1)
Here are some changes that were made between the
2025 and 2026 Gem Lake Budget:
• Based on the 2015 Refunding Bond schedule, the
debt levy for 2026 is $77,763. In addition, in 2018,
the City issued bonds for the improvements on
Scheuneman Road and the 2026 debt levy for this
is $8,015. The two of these debts levies make up
the City’s 2026 total debt levy of $85,778.
• City Council wages remained at $9,000 for the year,
which is the same as 2025.
• The City Council contingency was left at $9,000.
• Clerk/General Government budget included
$55,000 for wages and $9,900 for health insurance
coverage. Based on current rates and COLA
increases, this should be sufficient.
• The line items for financial administration and legal
services were reduced, based on past expenditures.
• The Planning & Zoning budget was increased
$12,000, based on past expenditures.
• The Police Budget increased 4.16% to $153,537
based on the City of White Bear Lake budget and
includes $139,470 for police services and $14,067
for the public facilities building.
• The Fire Services is expected to increase 1.22% to
$53,474.00. It includes $35,196 for fire services,
$9,087 for Fire Marshal services, and $9,191 for the
public facilities building.
• The Road Maintenance budget included $18,000 for
road maintenance and repair and $8,000 for
trimming boulevard trees.
• The Ice & Snow Removal budget was increased
2.13% to $24,000, based on past expenditures.
• The Heritage Hall budget included $10,000 for
building improvements and $10,000 for other
improvements.
• The Park Maintenance budget is established at
$14,500 for maintaining the trail area near of the
Villas of Gem Lake and replacing trees as needed.
• The 2026 budget included $20,000 for future
improvements.
• Revenue and other expenditure line items were
adjusted based on history.
These changes resulted in the City’s operating budget to
increase 3.98% and the city to have a final tax levy of
$715,830 for 2026. This compares to the preliminary tax
levy of $768,005, approved in September, and the 2025
final tax levy of $718,736.
Using a 2026 property tax levy of $715,830 and the City’s
2026 tax capacity ($1,884,274) and median valued home
($460,750), that median valued home would pay city
property taxes of $1,680 in 2026 compared to $1,806 in
2025, a decrease of about $126. A complete copy of the
2026 City of Gem Lake Budget is available on the City’s
website or at Heritage Hall.
Deer Hunts Prove Successful
The City of Gem Lake approved
licenses for a deer hunt on several
private properties located in the
south-central part of the city. The
hunt took place over the course of
several approved weekends and
proved to be highly successful. A total of 20 deer were
harvested on these properties. The majority of harvested
deer were doe, which is the best way to control the
population in the area. While the season started slow due
to unseasonably warm weather, the later season hunts
proved to be more effective. Property owners involved
expressed their appreciation for the dedicated team of
hunters that donate their time and expertise to help
manage the ever-growing herd in Gem Lake.
The harvest will help support local families by providing a
valuable source of venison both to the hunters as well as
the community. This year a total of 7 deer were donated to
the local food shelf thanks to a partnership with the
Minnesota DNR and White Bear Butchery. This
partnership uses a part of each license fee to cover the
processing and donation.
Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8
What is “Smart Salting”?
Smart salting is a new phrase that you may be hearing
these days. The concept refers to being thoughtful about
your use of winter salting to maintain groundwater quality
and help the environment.
According to the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management
Organization (VLAWMO), you can keep outdoor surfaces,
such as sidewalks, safe, while keeping groundwater
clean. VLAWMO points out that one teaspoon of salt
permanently pollutes five gallons of freshwater. Chlorides
found in road salt are harmful to wildlife, soil and
groundwater. They also disrupt the seasonal lake cycles
that make our lakes enjoyable, and corrode cars, bridges
and streets.
Sometimes salt is needed to make sidewalks and
entryways safe for everyday use. When necessary, salt
can be used in a smarter way by adopting the motto:
Shovel, Select, Scatter, Sweep.
Shovel
Store shovels and tools in convenient
locations before winter weather strikes.
Consider both a scoop and push shovel
for maximum preparedness. Use tools
first: shovel, scraper or broom.
Select
Select a de-icing product carefully, depending on
temperature, and allow for the expected melt time. Use
sand or grit for temporary traction.
Scatter
Use salt only where it’s critical, striving for 3” between
crystals. Plan ahead and practice to make smart
estimates quick and easy. Plan for the space you expect
to maintain during the winter and keep a 12-ounce cup in
a convenient place with the salt storage. Cover storage
buckets or store salt indoors to keep it dry.
Disperse salt and other deicers evenly, without piles. The
goal is not to form a blanket, but to break the bonds of
ice/compacted snow. Once salt crystals infiltrate the
ice/compacted snow, a scraper can chop and scrape the
surface. Shoveling off ice chunks reduces the need to re-
apply. Salt that is diluted with meltwater becomes less
effective: re-freezing occurs and raises the risk for falls.
More products don’t mean faster results. The chemical
reaction depends on temperature. Excess product
remains in meltwater and runoff. Never apply deicers to
dry pavement or loose snow.
Sweep
Sweep up extra salt, sand and grit. Salt and grit can be
re-used, but sand will likely lose its traction and should be
thrown in the trash.
Municipal Water (continued from page 1)
Street Preliminary Cost
Labore Road (approx. 2,100 LF) $651,200
Goose Lake Road (approx. 3,100 LF) $821,300
Remaining Streets (approx. 3,700 LF) $893,500
Project Total (8,900 LF) $2,366,900
The approximate costs of Phase I would be $2,366,900
to service the areas described above. (See diagram) This
could be paid for through federal grants, a grant from the
City of Gem Lake in the amount of $200,000, and
approximate funding from resident special assessments
of about $668,000. The potential budget shortfall for the
project that was discussed at the Neighborhood meeting
on January 12 was made up by a second Federal Grant
that was recently awarded to the city.
The special assessments of benefitting properties would
range from approximately $13,000 to $16,000 per
residential dwelling and approximately 10% of appraised
value of commercial properties. Assessment would be
spread over 10-15 years, to be determined by the City
Council.
Each property would be responsible for connection costs
from the connection point in the street right of way.
Directional drilling costs for water service to the dwelling
or building roof be approximately $60 per linear foot and
about $2,500 for internal connection, which includes the
installation of a water meter compatible with the City of
Vadnais Heights water system. Irrigation regulations
would be required by the Minnesota DNR. Once
connected to the water system, a property would be
required to seal their well at their own expense.
Connections would be required in a time period
determined by the city, typically 5-10 years.
There are a variety of steps required to move the process
along, which are going to be determined primarily by
funding concerns. For instance, the City would next need
to receive the feasibility report and order formal public
hearings. After holding the public hearings, the city could
order the improvements to proceed. Next the City would
approve final plans and order an ad for the bids to be
published. After opening for bids, receiving bids and
awarding a contract for construction, the improvements
would take place. The earliest this would happen would
be from February to October of this year. Depending on
funding options, this could also happen in the same time
frame of 2027.
Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8
White Bear Police and Fire Departments provided their annual report to the City of Gem Lake at the January 20
City Council Meeting. The city contracts for public safety services through White Bear Lake, an arrangement that
has existed for many years.
Police Department Report
Police Chief Dale Hagar provided a presentation and was then present to answer
questions on 2025 details of the public safety relationship.
According to Hagar, there were 21,581 case numbers recorded in 2025 for the total
area served by the White Bear Lake Police Department. This covers both White Bear
and Gem Lake. Of this number, 398 of them were from Gem Lake. A case number
covers anything from a traffic stop to a report of suspicious activity. In total, case
numbers are up 17% in 2025 over 2024, but for Gem Lake, the number represents
a 9% decrease.
There were five arrests in Gem Lake last year, a 44% decrease from 2024, when there were 9 arrests. There was a
dramatic increase in traffic stops in Gem Lake in 2025, clocking in at 114 stops, compared to 84 the year before, up
26%. Theft reports were up 29% in 2025 over 2024, which sounds ominous. However, keep in mind that there were
5 reports in 2024 and 7 in 2025. Gem Lake had no domestic incidents in 2025 and only one the year before.
In an effort to promote communication in the community, the White Bear Police Department made it a goal to become
even more involved in 2025. With this in mind, they participated in 95 community events in 2025, versus 75 in 2024
and 30 in 2023. Events included things like “Polar Plunge” and “Donuts with a Cop”. According to Hagar, it’s all about
building relationships. “We are committed to the improvement of the quality of life in our community,” according to
the department’s overall motto.
Staffing within the department has increased slightly over the year before, due to some strategic hiring. There are
now 30 sworn officers, and the department is authorized for 32. The department includes one police chief and two
captains (one patrol and one administrative). In addition, there are 16 police officers assigned to patrol, 3
investigators, 3 school resource officers, 5 community service officers, and 4 administrative staff.
Highlights of 2025 included an audit of the evidence room, which passed with flying colors. In addition, the
department acquired 4 new squad cars and a Polaris side by side.
Fire Department Report
Fire Chief Greg Peterson began his presentation by outlining the huge area covered
by the White Bear Fire Department. While the White Bear Police Department has only
one contract city (Gem Lake), the Fire Department serves four contract cities in addition
to their own city. These include Gem Lake, White Bear Township, Dellwood and Birchwood.
In total the department covered 35 square miles and served a population of around 38,000
people.
Public Safety Report Presented to City Council
Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8
Day Parade, Fridays with Firefighters, Fire Safety with
Santa, their Annual Open House and many other events.
The Citizen’s Fire Academy is back by popular demand and
is very well attended. During this multi-week training event,
residents learn about basic firefighting, and experience
things like search and rescue, repelling down a building,
donning typical firefighting gear, and more.
Gem Lake thanks our public safety partners for their
superior service to our community.
Vial of Life Program
When every second counts,
Accurate and Accessible
Information is key!
Medical emergencies can strike
without warning, and sometimes
leave you unable to advocate for
yourself. The Vial of Life pocket
can help family members and
rescue workers find important
medical information FAST! Life
What are you waiting for? Protect
ALL your loved ones- prepare a
Vial of Life for everyone in your
household today!
They are available at Heritage Hall
or White Bear Lake Fire
Department, 4701 Highway 61
The department has one chief, two assistant chiefs, 3
full-time captains, 15 full-time firefighter/paramedics, 3
full-time firefighter/EMTs (Emergency Medical
Technicians), and 8 part-time firefighter/EMTs. Due to
the amount of training involved in keeping staff up to
date on techniques, practices and technology, the
department is moving away from hiring more part-time
personnel and would opt for full-timers instead.
Peterson highlighted trends in call volume, beginning
with the fact that overall call volume in 2025 was up 7%
from 2024. Calls for service broke into two main
categories: 28% were fire/rescue calls and 72% were
medical calls. This is due in part to the fact that 64% of
patients encountered are over the age of 60. Peterson
pointed out that Minnesota’s 65 and over age group is
expected to double from 2024 to 2075. Medical call
types were led by the classification of “sick person,”
followed by falls. The next three reasons for the
emergency call were divided fairly equally between
breathing problems, unconscious individual and
psychiatric problems.
Call Volume
The call volume for the fire department was 5,112 in
2025, compared to 4,784 in 2024. This is still down
from the high of 5,283 calls in 2022.
The fire department recently obtained the Certificate of
Clinical Excellence from the Minnesota Office of
Emergency Medical Services, which recognizes White
Bear’s ability to provide exceptional clinical care. The
department has also embarked on a medication trail for
the use of IV acetaminophen as an alternative pain
control method for ambulance calls. This allows the
department to reduce the use of narcotics when
possible.
The White Bear Fire Department is also involved in
numerous community events, as is the police
department. These include the Polar Plunge, Memorial
Medicine Disposal
Did you know that you can
drop off unused medication
at the White Bear Lake
Public Safety Building,
4701 Highway 61.
Please keep medicines in
their original container for
legal transport. Put loose
medicines in a clear,
resealable plastic bag and
label it with the medicine
name.
Seal all containers in clear, resealable plastic bags,
ideally one-gallon or smaller size. Place the bag with
medicine into the drop box.
Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8
The Gem Lake Planning Commission
Needs You!
Are you interested in serving your community? Apply for
the Gem Lake Planning Commission. You can assist in
actively shaping our community’s future by influencing
land use, development, and overall planning decision. It
provides an opportunity to contribute to the community’s
vision, implement its goals, and ensure responsible
growth.
Being a planning commissioner involves tasks such as
evaluating development requests that come before the
city, helping to draft new or improve existing city
ordinances, and generally all matters pertaining to
planning and zoning.
The Gem Lake Planning Commission relies on expert
help from a professional city planner and has staff
support from the city clerk. Duties involve attending
monthly meetings and reading a monthly meeting packet
in advance of the meeting. To serve on the commission
you must be a resident of Gem Lake.
If you are interested in serving on the Gem Lake
Planning Commission, contact Barbara Suciu at
Heritage Hall or download an application from the Gem
Lake website and submit your application by March 31,
2025, to be considered.
Gem Lake Launches New Website
The City of Gem Lake launched of our new website which
took place on Monday, January 6, 2026. If you recall, the
City Council approved an RFP for a new website in
December 2024. City staff worked diligently throughout
2025 to create and publish the new website.
All agendas and packets are now retained in Laserfiche.
This program eliminates adding many files directly to the
website and allows the website to have a higher
performance.
Additionally, graphics and information have been
updates. We hope you check out the new website!
Utility Billing Options
AutoPay
Sign up for AutoPay and pay your utility bill
automatically on the due date.
If you are interested in joining AutoPay, email
your name and address to city@gemlakemn.org
Paperless
Going paperless saves time and money by
eliminating the need for paper printing and
mailing of invoices and payments.
If you are interested in joining Paperless, email
your name and address to city@gemlakemn.org
License Required for Rental Properties in City
If you are renting out your house in Gem Lake, you need a rental license. If you own rental property but are not
currently renting it, you still need to fill out a rental license application to keep the City updated. The application
process is easy. Fill out our form located on our website, which can be found under “Permits” or contact the City
Clerk, pay a license fee (if you are actively renting), and go through a brief inspection of the property by our code
enforcement officer. Call 651-747-2790 to find out more.
Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8
City News
Charitable Gambling Donations
The City of Gem Lake gives monthly donations 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. In 2025, the
City of Gem Lake donated over $17,000 to support the
efforts to end food insecurity in our community.
Winter Parking Regulations
Now in Effect
Winter Parking Regulations are in effect from November 1
through April 1.
• No parking on any road or street between the hours
of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• No parking after a snowfall of 1” (one inch) or more
until plowing and snow removal is complete
• On trash & recycling days, place containers at the
end of the driveway and behind the street edge,
not in the street
• Keep your mailbox clear of snow
• Don’t push snow onto your neighbor’s property or city
property.
Your neighbors, public works department, mail carriers,
and trash/recycling haulers appreciate your
cooperation this winter.
Gem Lake Scholarship Program
The City of Gem Lake is accepting applications
for the Gem Lake Scholarship Program through
April 30. To qualify, you must be graduating from
high school this year, and a resident of the City of
Gem Lake. The scholarship program began 17
years ago and has provided an average of $1,000
per winner each year. The program is funded
through the City’s charitable gambling proceeds.
Applicants must complete an application form,
which is available through high school guidance
counselors and/or by stopping by Heritage Hall
and picking up a copy. The completed form must
be returned by April 30 with at least two letters of
reference from school staff. Awards are typically
made in May.
Scheduled Office Closures
Heritage Hall will be closed the following
days:
February 5 & 9 – Clerk’s vacation
February 16 – President’s Day
March 5 – Clerk’s vacation
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming
Important Dates
Recycling Dates -
February 11 & 25
March 11 & 25
Gem Lake Scholarship
Application Deadline April 30
City Clean Up Day In Conjunction with White Bear
Township
Saturday, May 16
White Bear
Press Box
Have you noticed the
White Bear Press box
outside Heritage Hall?
There are copies of
the most current White
Bear Press
newspaper.
City of Gem Lake
Phone: 651-747-2790
Fax: 651-747-2795
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
city@gemlakemn.org
Newsletter email:
Gretchen.artig-
swomley@gemlakemn.or
g
This newsletter is also
posted on the city’s
website
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
Meetings: February and March 2026
The following meetings will be held in February and March. All meetings are held at 7
PM at Heritage Hall unless otherwise indicated.
February 9, 2026 March 3, 2026
City Council Workshop - Canceled Planning Commission Meeting
February 17, 2026 March 9, 2026
City Council Meeting City Council Workshop
March 17, 2026
City Council Meeting
Your Gem Lake City Council
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
You can also reach each
city councilmember by
calling 651-747-2790.
After hours you can follow
the prompts for the city
council directory.