HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 01-20 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting
January 20, 2026
Meeting Minutes
I. Call to Order
Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Call of Roll
Mayor Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Councilmembers Len Cacioppo, Ben Johnson, Jim Lindner, and
Joshua Patrick were present. Also present: City Attorney Martin Norder, City Treasurer Tom Kelly,
White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Gustafson, White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager, and City
Clerk Barb Suciu.
III. Approve of Agenda and Minutes
A. Approve the Agenda for the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept the January 20, 2026,
agenda, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
B. Approve the Minutes of December 16, 2025, City Council meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo to approve December 16, 2025, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Accept the Minutes of January 6, 2026, Planning Commission meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember
Cacioppo to accept January 6, 2026, Planning Commission minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
IV. Special Presentations/Public Hearings
A. White Bear Lake Police and Fire Department Report
Fire Chief Gustafson presented an overview of the area of coverage, staffing levels and call
volumes for the department.
Police Chief Hager presented an overview of staffing levels of the department. He
highlighted events that happened in 2025 and items coming in 2026.
V. Consent Agenda
A. Resolution No. 2026-01; Resolution Approving the 2026 Gem Lake Appointments List
B. Resolution No. 2026-02; Resolution Opting to Not Waive Limited Tort Liability for 2026
C. Monthly Financial Report(s)
D. Claims
Item C was removed from the agenda and all other 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 except item C, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
VI. Planning Commission Reports
A. Resolution No. 2026-03; Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for 3550 Hoffman
Road, Parcel ID 343022120052, White Bear Floral on behalf of Superior Molecular, Inc. to
allow Cannabis Cultivation through a Microbusiness License, Planning Case No. 2025-013.
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 2
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated with the information provided by the city planner was very thorough and
asked for any questions.
Councilmember Lindner introduced a motion to approve Resolution 2026-03; Approving a Conditional
Use Permit for 3550 Hoffman Road, Parcel ID 343022120052, White Bear Floral on behalf of Superior
Molecular, Inc. to allow Cannabis Cultivation through a Microbusiness License, Planning Case No. 2025-
013 all the items listed on the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried
5-0.
VII. Old Business
A. Newsletter Updates/Topics/Suggestions
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the newsletter is almost complete and the Council can expect a draft early
next week.
B. Rental License Update
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated one rental license has not renewed their license for 2026. A second notice
has been mailed, and they have been given until the end of January to apply for their license.
C. Heritage Hall Generator Status
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the contractor that was awarded the bid for installing the generator has
withdrawn their bid and we will have to start over. Mayor Artig-Swomley asked Councilmember Patrick
to work with the City Clerk to obtain two (2) bids.
D. Water System Update Neighborhood Meeting
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the neighborhood meeting was held on January 12 and there was a good
turnout of residents. The participants were engaged and inquisitive about the cost of the project.
VIII. New Business
A. Resolution 2026-04; Resolution Authorizing the City Treasurer to Distribute a Monthly
Donation in the amount of $1,500 of the Charitable Gambling Fund to the White Bear Lake
Area Food Shelf if the Funds are Available.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo authorizing
the City Treasurer to Distribute a Monthly Donation in the amount of $1,500 of the Charitable Gambling
Fund to the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf if the Funds are Available. Motion carried 5-0.
B. Ordinance 2026-001; 2026 Fee Schedule
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to approve
Ordinance 2026-001; 2026 Fee Schedule. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Employee Handbook Update – Meals & Other Break Periods
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Johnson to approve
the Employee Handbook Update – Meals & Other Break Periods. Motion carried 5-0.
D. League of Minnesota Cities “Day on the Hill”
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated this is just informational and no action is needed.
E. Preliminary Planning for the next Comprehensive Plan
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the 2050 Comprehensive Plan needs to be started and she is thinking of
holding a meeting in March to start the planning process. To save money, she would like to see the
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 3
council and planning commission along with staff will do most of the work and pull in consultants as
needed.
IX. Community Outreach to other Cities and Government Bodies
No issues raised.
X. Presentation from the Public
No issues raised.
XI. Open Items for Council Members to Bring up
No issues raised.
XII. Future Council Meetings
Next City Council Workshop - Monday, February 9, 2026 – Canceled
Next City Council Meeting - Tuesday, February 17, 2026
XIII. Adjournment.
There being no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu