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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Vol 20, Issue 2 AprilSpecial Interest Articles  Proposed Municipal Water System Advances to Next Steps  Bruce Vento Trail Expansion Begins  MS-4 Public Hearing Held  City Clean Up Day  White Bear Lake Names New Chief of Police  Springtime Maintenance Helps Water  Borrow Recycling and Food Scraps Containers for Events  Lakes Dispensary Ribbon Cutting  Ramsey County Environmental Center  Gem Lake Recycling Impact  Construction Parking Challenges  Rental License Gem Lake News April 2026 | Volume 20 | Issue 2 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor Proposed Municipal Water System Advances to Next Step Gem Lake’s proposed municipal water system took a major step forward when the city council formally ordered the improvement at the conclusion of a public hearing held on April 21. Following the public hearing, the city’s engineering firm was directed to prepare final plans and specifications and to begin the process of obtaining bids. The water system would encompass the northwestern section of the city, (see diagram) including portions of Labore Road, Little Fox Road, Hunter’s Run, Tessier, Haven Lane and Goose Lake Road. The project cost is projected to be approximately $2,519,100. Funding will come from a mixture of federal government grants, required matching funds from the city, and some limited assessment. It is projected that Gem Lake residents affected by this project will have no property assessments, due to careful budgeting and the federal grants made available for the project. (Proposed Municipal Water continued on Page 2) Bruce Vento Trail Expansion Begins Summer Hours May 4 – August 31 M, W, TH – 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. T – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. F - CLOSED Construction has begun on a much-anticipated expansion of the Bruce Vento Regional trail. This expansion will impact Gem Lake, providing trail enhancements that have been planned for more than a decade. Phase One of the expansion extends the trail 2.7 miles from its current end-point at Buerkle Road to the intersection of Highway 61, Hoffman Road and White Bear Avenue. The new trail section will start out on the east side of Highway 61, then continue under Highway 61 near Cedar Avenue and finally follow Hoffman Road to the stoplight intersection to the north. The southbound free right turn onto Hoffman Road will be removed to accommodate the pedestrian crossing and improve overall safety. (Bruce Vento Trail continued on Page 4) Gem Lake News Page 2 of 8 Proposed Municipal Water continued from page 1 Here is a project funding breakdown: APPROXIMATE PROJECT FUNDING ITEM PRELIMINARY COSTS LABORE ROAD (approximately 2,100 LF) $ 651,200 GOOSE LAKE ROAD (approximately 3,100 LF) $ 821,300 HUNTER RUN (approximately 700 LF) $ 153,100 REMAINING STREETS (approximately 3,700 LF) $ 893,500 Project Total $2,519,100 INCOME SOURCE INCOME AMOUNT Federal Grant Funding (through EPA) $ 959,757 City Grant Match $ 191,951 Federal Grant Funding (EPA) $1,092,000 City Grant Match $ 218,400 Funding Match Total $2,462,108 Special assessments in Gem Lake $ 0 Special Assessment Vadnais Heights property $ 122,750 Possible Remaining Funds $ 65,758 As required for a municipal water project, a special benefit analysis was completed to determine how much a municipal water system would add to the value of a property being served. The maximum amount of value increase for a residential property, and therefore the maximum allowable assessment, was determined to be $14,260. The maximum allowable assessment for the one commercial property involved was determined to be 10% of appraised value or $122,750. However, it was decided that the federal funds available could be used to cover project costs for Gem Lake residents, allowing assessment to hopefully remain at $0. The one commercial property involved is located on Labore Road in Vadnais Heights and this property would be assessed due to the major potential benefit to that property. Each property owner would be responsible for the connection costs from the watermain in the public right away to the dwelling and the cost of capping their existing well. However, Gem Lake has applied for a grant to help offset a portion of the cost of well capping and hopes to hear next year if the grant will be awarded to the city. There will be well sealing, irrigation and connection requirements to be determined by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Department of Health and the City of Gem Lake. As part of the homeowner service connections, water meters would be installed in each home when the connection happens. These water meters would be compatible with the Vadnais Heights water system. The DNR will determine water use requirements that align with Vadnais Heights appropriation, or the maximum amount that city is allowed to take from the aquifer. It is hoped that the project schedule will proceed over the next year, approximately as follows: TASK TIMELINE Council approved improvement following public hearing, asks for final plans and specifications April, 2026 Council approves plans and specifications, advertisement for project bids Fall, 2026 Open bids Fall, 2026 Project awarded based on bids Winter, 2026 If you have questions regarding the proposed municipal water project, contact the City Clerk at 651-747-2790. Gem Lake News Page 3 of 8 MS-4 Public Hearing Held A public hearing was held on April 21 on Gem Lake’s annual MS-4 updates, which is a mandatory hearing required by state law, covering stormwater flow within city borders. At the public hearing an overview of Gem Lake’s storm water situation, and anything that would have impacted it in the previous year, was presented. Emily Jennings, from the firm SEH (which acts as Gem Lake’s engineering firm), did a complete presentation covering everything from stormwater system inspections to public education on stormwater control measures the city undertakes to fulfill state requirements. These include what are called Minimum Control Measures (MCM) that must be part of a city’s MS-4 plan. These include: 1. Public Education and Outreach. This includes things like articles in the city newsletter, a stormwater page on the city website, partnerships with the local watersheds, etc. 2. Public Participation and Involvement. This includes things like hosting a city clean-up day. 3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination. This includes educating the public about what an illicit discharge is, as well as preventing them from happening or eliminating the problem of illicit discharge of harmful substances into a stormwater system. 4. Construction Site Run-off Control. This includes making sure proper measures are in place to prevent run-off at construction sites, such as the Barnett KIA construction site. 5. Post Construction Run-off Control. This includes monitoring construction sites after the job is completed. 6. Pollution Prevention. This includes good housekeeping for municipal activities that may impact stormwater run-off. Jennings reported that all stormwater facilities in the city are operating properly. This included 13 outfalls, 1 infiltration basin and 2 ponds. She also added that there were no illicit discharges reported in 2025. The one major construction site in 2025 (Barnett KIA dealership) has properly followed construction control measures to date. What is an MS-4 report? MS-4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. An “MS-4” is a government entity, such as Gem Lake, that is charged with the responsibility of preventing the spread of pollution. MS-4 falls under the direction of another acronym—the NPDES or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. NPDES traces its origins to the 1992 Clean Water Act, that was designed to protect the nation’s water supply. The current MS-4 report is on file at Heritage Hall and is available to anyone who wants to read more about it. City Clean Up Day is May 16 Looking to get rid of some junk, without the big price tag? Once again, the City of Gem Lake will partner with White Bear Township to be part of their city Clean Up Day on May 16. The event will be held at Otter Lake Elementary School located at 1401 County Road H2. Gem Lake residents can bring in a variety of unneeded items for disposal at no charge, including the following:  Appliances  Tires  Automotive Batteries  Mattresses  Furniture  Carpeting  Household Fixtures  TVs  Electronics  Lawn Mowers (with fluids drained)  Building Materials  Limbs and Brush From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. paper shredding is available. Clean up Day runs from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proof of residency in Gem Lake or White Bear Township is required, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8 Other notable enhancements will be pedestrian flashing beacons to be installed at Buerkle Road, connections to existing pedestrian trails and the construction of some sidewalks. Improvements that will particularly impact Gem Lake will include a 12-foot-wide paved off-road trail near the railway bed, trail head access at County Road E, trail access to residential and commercial properties in places, at-grade crossing improvements at Scheuneman Road, site amenities such as signage, and native landscape restoration. Construction mobilization and initial tree and vegetation removal have already begun, to be followed by mass-grading of the expansion area. This summer, construction continues with retaining wall construction, bridge installation, paving and area restoration. By November of 2026, it is anticipated that the expansion will be substantially complete. The Bruce Vento Trail is named for the late U.S. Representative Bruce Vento. It was begun in the late 1990’s when most of the trail was built. A large section along Phalen Boulevard was paved in 2005. The trail is currently seven miles long, prior to this expansion. It occupies the abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad corridor, making it a long flat trail, Bruce Vento Trail continued from page 1 perfect for biking, hiking and in-line skating. In some places the trail goes through residential neighborhoods with views of several lakes and watersheds. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the Bruce Vento trail extension. (Image of trail under County Road E bridge) (diagram of Bruce Vento Regional Trail expansion) City of White Bear Lake Names Police Chief Following a comprehensive selection process, White Bear Lake appointed Erik Johnston to serve as the next chief of police. Recognized for driving community engagement, implementing innovative public safety initiatives, and building diverse, high-performing teams, Johnston brings over 23 years of progressive law enforcement leadership experience to White Bear Lake. He currently serves as deputy chief of police for the Columbia Heights Police Department, a department he has been a leader in since 2002. Additionally, Johnston has served as Captain, Sergeant, Investigator, School Resource Officer, Street Crimes Unit Member, and Patrol Officer throughout his career. “Erik’s dedication to law enforcement, calm and professional demeanor, and commitment to public service make him an excellent fit to assume the role of chief of police for White Bear Lake,” said City Manager Lindy Crawford. She added, “Erik will bring a fresh perspective to the department, and I look forward to welcoming him to our leadership team and strong community.” “I am honored and excited to join the outstanding teams at the White Bear Lake Police Department and the City of White Bear Lake. I look forward to building on the department’s strong tradition of excellence in policing and community engagement, and to serving a community that rightly expects the highest standards of professionalism and service”, said Erik Johnston. Johnston will assume the role on May 9th. Plans to host a community open house to meet him are underway. Johnston follows Dale Hager, who will retire in early May. Hager has served as chief of police for just under three years. Gem Lake News Page 5 of 8 Springtime Maintenance Helps Water Quality by Jim Lindner, City Council member As I write this, we’ve just received nearly a foot of snow, but the calendar says Spring officially began on March 20 meaning that it won’t be long before regular lawn work will resume. Regular lawn and outdoor home maintenance can help stormwater systems perform better. Here are some tasks you probably already do that can help improve stormwater management. Repair plowed or snowblower damage to yards. Snowplows and snowblowers can dig into yards destroying grass and other ground covers. Disturbed vegetation allows soil to wash onto roads or into drainage ditches allowing silt to collect in storm sewers or ditches, which in turn impedes stormwater flow. Reseeding turf grass or replacing sod greatly helps keep soil in place, in your yard. Sweep driveways or sidewalks. Our vehicles collect sand on our tires and when we enter our driveways this sand falls off and can be washed into storm sewers or ditches. Like the situation mentioned above, this sand can impede stormwater flow. You can sweep your driveway, collect the sand, then use it to fill low spots in your yard. Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves from last fall are probably collecting in gutters all around town. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris will help assure rainwater will flow properly away from your home’s foundation thereby minimizing the risk of water damage both inside and outside of your house. Consider purchasing a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect water from your gutters which you can then use to water your lawn or garden. Springtime is nearly upon us and performing the tasks we typically do around our yards and driveways has benefits beyond your property lines. They can help keep the stormwater flowing so it won’t lead to localized flooding which can damage homes and property. For more stormwater information relating to Gem Lake, reach out to the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization at www.vlawmo.org or the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District at www.rwmwd.org. Borrow Recycling and Food Scrap Containers for Events Ramsey County residents can borrow recycling and food scrap containers from the Ramsey County Environmental Center in Roseville. Residents can serve up to two recycling and two food scraps containers for any temporary event such as graduation parties. Recycling container can be used to collect bottles and cans. Food scraps containers (organic recycling) can be used to collect food waste and non-recycled paper. Contact the Ramsey County Environmental Center to reserve recycling and food scraps containers. Residents can reserve containers up to six months in advance. To reserve call 651-266-0200 or by email at PH-EHEventERecycling@ramseycountymn.gov The Lakes Dispensary Celebrates Grand Opening on March 21 The wait is finally over for cannabis enthusiasts in the Gem Lake area. The Lakes Dispensary officially opened its doors on March 21, welcoming a crowd of curious neighbors, longtime advocates, and first-time visitors to its comfy, welcoming storefront. The grand opening featured knowledgeable staff on hand to guide guests through a curated selection of flower, edibles, and concentrates all sourced from licensed Minnesota cultivators. Ribbon- cutting festivities drew a lively turnout, with neighboring business Bear Dogs providing free hot dogs to everyone. Staff expressed enthusiasm about bringing a welcoming, education-first approach to local cannabis retail. "We want everyone who walks through our door to feel comfortable asking questions and leaving informed.” Whether you're a seasoned consumer or simply curious, the shop invites residents to stop in, browse, and discover what responsible, locally-focused cannabis retail looks like. Gem Lake News Page 6 of 8 Ramsey County Environmental Center The Ramsey County Environmental Center continues to expand services for residents. In addition to electronic, residents can now drop off non-working kitchen countertop appliances and small electric items for recycling, free of charge. These items include:  Blenders  Bread makers  Coffee makers (remove coffee pot)  Food sealing equipment  Food processors  Fryers  Microwaves  Mixers  Pressure cookers  Rice cookers  Slow cookers (remove lid and ceramic pot)  Toasters  Toaster ovens Small Electric Items (must weigh less than 20 pounds)  Cameras  Clocks  Electric knives  Electric toothbrushes (remove brush attachment)  Hair dryers  Irons  Massagers  Portable fans  Radios  Remotes  Shaving equipment  Vacuums (remove hose attachments) The Environmental Center is located at 1700 Kent Street in Roseville. Hours are: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Sunday and Monday Closed Gem Lake Achieves Impressive Recycling Numbers in 2025 Participation in Gem Lake’s recycling program by city residents and businesses was up over 10% in 2025, producing a total of 106,938 tons of materials headed for re-use rather than a landfill. This compares to a total of 94,400 tons of materials recycled in 2024, in itself an impressive number. Here is a summary of how much and what type of each material used recycled by residents: (in tons) Type of material Newspaper Glass Cans Cardboard/OCC Plastic 2025 37,964 16,149 4,063 38,392 10,370 2024 29,264 13,028 4,720 38,892 8,496 For more information on Gem Lake’s recycling program, please check the city website. Great job everyone! Construction Parking Challenges Construction work on an emerging five-story apartment building in Vadnais Heights led to some parking problems in Gem Lake recently. The construction site is located on the west side of Labore Road in the City of Vadnais Heights, on Gem Lake’s western border. Due to the number of construction workers involved in this large and complex project, on-site parking quickly became a problem. Workers looking for a place to park were utilizing spaces up and down Little Fox Road in Gem Lake, creating issues for residents, and potential issues for emergency vehicles. After discussing the problem with Vadnais Heights and the White Bear Police Department, Gem Lake established temporary no-parking rules for this street while a longer-term solution can be worked out. Gem Lake is asking residents of this street to weigh- in with their thoughts on solutions, which could include permanent no on-street parking, no on-street parking on weekdays or something else. The issue will be discussed again by the City Council at the May Council meeting. Gem Lake News Page 7 of 8 City News Charitable Gambling Donations The City of Gem Lake continues to support the White Bear Area Food Shelf with monthly donations. These donations as made possible from charitable gambling receipts 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. Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Important Dates Recycling Dates May 6 & 20 June 3 & 17 City Clean Up Day in Conjunction with White Bear Township Saturday, May 16 – Otter Lake Elementary School Heritage Hall Closed Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day Thursday, June 25 – Clerk’s Vacation Ramsey County Offers Compost Bins and Rain Barrels Ramsey County is partnering with the Recycling Association of Minnesota again to sell compost bins and rain barrels. Residents can order from the RAM website and pick up at the Environmental Center on May 2. Compost Bins holds 17 cubic feet or 125 gallons of materials. They are 30” tall and 33” in diameter. Rain Barrels holds 45 gallons and made of 100% recycled plastic. It stands 32” high and is 24” x 24” wide.They include a one (1) year warranty on manufacturers defects. If you are interested in purchasing either the compost bin or rain barrel, you can place your order at recycleminnesota.org or scan this QR code. Be sure to use the promo code to receive $20.00 off. 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. Complete the City’s Rental Application on our website, which can be found under “Permits” or contact the City Clerk, pay the license fee (if you are actively renting), and a brief inspection of the property will be performed by our Building Official. Call 651-747-2790 for more information. Paperless Going paperless saves time and money by eliminating the need for paper printing and mailing of invoices and payments. AutoPay Sign up for AutoPay and pay your utility bill automatically on the due date. If you are interested in joining Paperless or AutoPay, email your name and address to city@gemlakemn.org, UTILITY BILLING 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.org 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: May and June 2026 The following meetings will be held in May and June. All meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Heritage Hall unless otherwise indicated. May 5, 2026 June 2, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting-Canceled Planning Commission Meeting May 11, 2026 June 8, 2026 City Council Workshop – Canceled City Council Workshop May 19, 2026 June 16, 2026 City Council Meeting 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.