HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03-17 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2026 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting
March 17, 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, Jim Lindner, and Joshua Patrick
were present. Councilmember Ben Johnson was absent and excused. Also present: City Attorney
Martin Norder, City Treasurer Tom Kelly, Dustin Cesfasky, SEH Project Manager, and City Clerk Barb
Suciu.
III. Approve of Agenda and Minutes
A. Approve the Agenda for the March 17, 2026, City Council meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept the February 17, 2026, agenda,
seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 4-0.
B. Approve the Minutes of February 17, 2026, 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 4-0.
IV. Special Presentations/Public Hearings
None.
V. Consent Agenda
A. Monthly Financial Report(s)
B. Claims
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
VI. Planning Commission Reports
None.
VII. Old Business
A. Newsletter Updates/Topics/Suggestions
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the next newsletter will be going out early April and some of the
topics include water rates, Phase I Water project update, Comp Plan Kick off, Storm Water
Management articles, rental property, and clean-up day.
B. Resolution No. 2026-08; Resolution Accepting Feasibility Report and Calling for an
Improvement Public Hearing for the Improvement Gem Lake Water Main Extension Phase I
Mayor Artig-Swomley introduced Dustin Cesafsky for the presentation.
Dustin Cesafsky, SEH Project Manager, presented the Feasibility Report for the Improvement Gem
Lake Water Main Extension Phase I. The project is concentrated on the properties on the east side
of Gem Lake. These are the properties that have the highest concentration of Dioxin
contamination.
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2026 2
Rick Bosak, resident, inquired about the previous discussion of using some the grant money to for
connection fees.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo for
Resolution 2026-08; Resolution Accepting the Feasibility Report and Calling for an Improvement
Public Hearing for the Improvement Gem Lake Water Main Extension Phase I. Motion carried 4-0.
VIII. New Business
A. Resolution 2026-09; Resolution Authorizing the City of Gem Lake to Enter into a Joint
Recycling Event Agreement with White Bear Township
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo for
Resolution 2026-09; Resolution Authorizing the City of Gem Lake to Enter into a Joint Recycling
Event Agreement with White Bear Township. Motion carried 4-0.
B. Review of 2050 Comprehensive Plan Kick-off meeting
Mayor Artig-Swomley provided an overview of the process for completing the 2050
Comprehensive Plan including a bid from SEH for the engineering parts, neighborhood meetings
and in-house revisions.
C. Equipment Addition\Replacement
o Uninterrupted Power Supply
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
purchase an Uninterrupted Power Supply. Motion carried 4-0.
o Canon copier
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
purchase a Canon copier and remove the HP 755. Motion carried 4-0.
D. Ordinance 83-Housing and Occupancy Code Revision
Mayor Artig-Swomley provided an overview of the revised Ordinance 83. She suggested the
Planning Commission, City Attorney, Mike Johnson and City Council to read through the language
and at the April meeting there can be a discussion with any amendments.
IX. Community Outreach to other Cities and Government Bodies
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated we are in the process of finalizing the Water Agreement with Vadnais
Heights. This will be settled when the City Engineer is back from vacation.
X. Presentation from the Public
No issues raised.
XI. Open Items for Council Members to Bring up
Mayor Artig-Swomley confirmed that Councilmember Patrick will be at the Lakes Dispensary
ribbon cutting on Saturday, March 21 at noon.
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated office hours will be changing in early May to allow the City Clerk to
participate in a golf league at Gem Lake. She felt this would be good public relations for the city.
XII. Future Council Meetings
Next Planning Commission Meeting - Monday, April 7, 2026
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2026 3
Next City Council Worksession - Monday, April 13, 2026 - Canceled
Next City Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026
XIII. Adjournment.
There being no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Cacioppo, the meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu