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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 04-21 CC MinutesCity of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 1 City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting April 21, 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 Ben Johnson, Jim Lindner, and Joshua Patrick were present. Councilmember Len Cacioppo was absent and excused. Also present: City Attorney Martin Norder, City Treasurer Tom Kelly, City Engineer Justin Gese, and City Clerk Barb Suciu. III. Approve of Agenda and Minutes A. Approve the Agenda for the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept the April 21, 2026, agenda, seconded by Councilmember Patrick. Motion carried 4-0. B. Approve the Minutes of March 17, 2026, City Council meeting. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to approve March 17, 2026, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 3-0 (Abstain – Johnson) C. Accept the Minutes of April 7, 2026, Planning Commission meeting A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to accept April 7, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting minutes. Motion carried 4-0. IV. Special Presentations/Public Hearings A. Annual MS4 Presentation Emily Jennings, SEH stated the City of Gem Lake has Phase II Small MS4 which means there is general permit coverage for the city. The city maintains a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and the SWPPP is comprised of six minimum control measures and best management practices. The municipal separate storm sewer system is a conveyance or system of conveyances including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains. The minimum control measures consist of public education and outreach, public participation and involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site run-off control, post-construction run-off control and pollution prevention. The current permit for Gem Lake expired on November 12, 2025. There have been two attempts to solicit feedback on the draft permit. In May 2025, there was requested written feedback and February 2026, an informal pre-public notice. The next step is the MCPA will have a 30-day formal public notice period on the draft permit, and between May and July, the MPCA will issue the new permit. Part two of the application is the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which should be initiated. This document is due in the fall of 2026. A completed Part 2 application will be placed on public notice for 30-days and once completed, permit coverage will be issued. This City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 2 will have updates to regulatory mechanism, standard operating procedures and the SWPPP is required to be completed within 12 months of the permit issuance. All program updates will be completed by late 2027. A motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to open the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. No public input was heard. A motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to close the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. B. Resolution 2026-010; Resolution Ordering Improvements and Authorizing Preparation of Plan and Specification for Improvement Project Gem Lake Municipal Water Phase I. Dustin Cefasky, SEH, presented information regarding the Gem Lake Municipal Water Phase I. The directional drilling costs for water service to dwellings are approximately $60.00 per linear foot and $2,500 for internal home connection. There will be additional fees for sealing of the well, however, the city is exploring funding options for this. There will be a water meter installed in each home that is compatible with the City of Vadnais Heights water system. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will determine water use requirements that align with Vadnais Heights’ appropriations. All irrigation regulations are requirements of the DNR. The sealing of resident’s wells is required by the Minnesota Department of Health and dwellings must be connected within two years of availability if using grant funds or five years otherwise. The total project cost is $2,519,100. The city has received two federal grants totaling $2,051,757, with matching funds of $410,351. This is a total of $2,462,108. There was a special benefit analysis completed, and the maximum parcel assessment is $14,250 per lot per parcel. The proposed assessment for residential properties is $0. For commercial property, the assessment is 10% of the appraised value or $122,750. Tonight there is a public improvement hearing and the council authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications. A motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to open the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. Pat Rottach, resident, asked where the pollution came from. Justin Gese, City Engineer stated the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency can assist with that question. They are currently studying that question. Carl Wallin, resident, asked about the additional funds. Mayor Artig-Swomley indicated the city received an additional Federal grant. Councilmember Johnson asked for clarification on the connection fee costs. Mr. Cefasky stated the cost is approximately $60.00 per linear feet from the curb stop to the home and approximately $2,500 for internal home connection. Gerald Urban, Vadnais Heights resident, asked to see the appraisal for his property and was wondering if a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) has been approved. Justin Gese, SEH, indicated that the JPA is being reviewed by the attorneys currently. City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 3 Councilmember Johnson asked if a Frequently Asked Questions document could be developed to assist with the technical questions. Councilmember Patrick suggested that residents could possibly share some connection costs with their neighbors in joining together in some of the work. A motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to close the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. A motion by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to approve Resolution 2026-010; Resolution Ordering Improvements and Authorizing Preparation of Plan and Specification for Improvement Project Gem Lake Municipal Water Phase I. Motion carried 4-0. V. Consent Agenda A. Monthly Financial Report(s) B. Claims A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick 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 newsletter is in the final phase of preparation and there will be a draft sent to the City Council for proof reading. B. 2050 Comprehensive Plan Proposal Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the city has received a bid from SEH, Inc. and is waiting for a bid from TKDA to make decision. The issue will be discussed at the May meeting. C. Status of 3930 Scheuneman Road Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the homeowner and landlord of 3930 Scheuneman Road has entered into a contract for deed with the current tenant. Going forward the city will address all correspondence to new potential owners. D. Ordinance 2026-02; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 83 – Housing and Occupancy Code Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the City Council could approve the revised ordinance tonight or the city council can wait until next month. A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Patrick to approve Ordinance 2026-02; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 83 Housing and Occupancy Code. Motion carried 4-0. VIII. New Business A. 4180 Otter Lake Road Mayor Artig-Swomley stated this house appeared to be abandoned but this week the city has received a building permit for remodeling. B. Little Fox Lane No Parking City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 4 Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the new construction of the apartment building in Vadnais Heights created a parking issue on Little Fox Lane. The city has posted the road with temporary no parking signs. This development has a second phase to go through and wanted to get a consensus from the other councilmembers about the options of keeping it as is, posting it permanently no parking or no parking 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. The consensus was to poll the residents on Little Fox Lane and bring the information back to the May City Council meeting. C. Archery Turkey Hunting Applications a. 5 Daniels Farm Road b. 7 Daniels Farm Road A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Johnson to approve Archery Turkey Hunting Applications for 5 Daniels Farm Road and 7 Daniels Farm Road. Motion carried 4-0. IX. Community Outreach to other Cities and Government Bodies Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the city is 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 stated the Bruce Vento Trail extension has started. Ramsey County is out clearing trees and starting the project by Buerkle Road. This project will extend down Hoffman Road along the railroad tracks. XII. Future Council Meetings Next Planning Commission Meeting - Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - Canceled Next City Council Worksession - Monday, May 11, 2026 - Canceled Next City Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 XIII. Adjournment. There being no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu