HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 08-18 CC Packet
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
(651) 747 -2790
city@gemlakemn.org
City Council Meeting
August 18, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Heritage Hall
I. Call to Order of City Council Meeting
By Mayor Artig-Swomley at 7:00 p.m.
II. Call of Roll
Artig - Swomley______ Cacioppo _____ Johnson_____ Lindner ______ Patrick_____
III. Approve Agenda and Minutes
A. Approval of the Agenda for August 18, 2026, City Council meeting
B. Approval of the Minutes of July 21, 2026, City Council meeting
C. Accept the Minutes of August 4, 2026, Planning Commission meeting
IV. Special Presentations/Public Hearings
V. Consent Agenda
A. Monthly Financial Report(s)
B. Claims
VI. Planning Commission Reports
None.
VII. Old Business
A. Newsletter Updates / Topics / Suggestions
VIII. New Business
A. Ordinance 2026-02; An Ordinance Amending Ordinance #129; Section 3. Connections
with Water Required.
IX. Community Outreach to Other Cities and Government Bodies
X. Presentations from the Public, 2 minutes maximum
XI. Open Items for Council Members to Bring Up
XII. Future Council Meetings
Next Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Next City Council Workshop, Monday, September 14, 2026
Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Attendance Inquiry
XIII. Adjournment
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026 1
City of Gem Lake
City Council Meeting
July 21, 2026
Meeting Minutes - REVISED
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 Haley
Ranum, and City Clerk Barb Suciu.
III. Approve of Agenda and Minutes
A. Approve the Agenda for July 21, 2026, City Council meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner to accept the July 21, 2026 agenda,
seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo. Motion carried 5-0.
B. Approve the Minutes of June 16, 2026, City Council meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
approve June 16, 2026, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Accept the Minutes of July 7, 2026, Planning Commission meeting.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
accept July 7, 2026, City Council Meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
IV. Special Presentations/Public Hearings
A. 2025 Audit Presentation.
Jim Eichten, LB Carlson presented the 2025 Gem Lake Audit. The auditor’s role is to determine
an opinion on the financial statements and ensure the internal controls and compliance with the
financial audit. In the Management Report you will find the financial statements are fairly
presented in accordance with accounting principles and were given an unmodified opinion on
the basic financial statements. In the testing of the internal controls and compliance, two
deficiencies were discovered: The inadequate segregation of duties and audit adjustment on
reporting of account payable and utility expenses.
In testing the legal compliance, there was one finding of the unclaimed property report that was
not filed. The city didn’t have any unclaimed property; however, the report wasn’t filed stating
such.
The General Fund Balance had an increase of $384,084 due to an increase in revenues and
expenditures that were slightly decreased. The percentage of expenditures increased to 143%,
where the state auditor’s standard is 50%.
The city has two Enterprise Funds: water and sewer funds. The water fund had an operating
revenue of $12,397. The sewer fund had an operating loss of $21,365. There is positive equity in
this fund, but there is a negative cash flow. A rate study analysis could be completed to obtain a
better understanding of the sewer rates.
In conclusion, the City was issued a clean opinion on the financial statements, with two findings
and one reportable item. The General Fund financial condition is improving, and the city
adhered to the general fund balance policy. The net positions of the Enterprise Fund are
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026 2
improving and for 2025 there were new accounting standards implemented. The City of Gem
Lake and the outsource financial team are committed to the audit process and the results of that
process.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
accept the 2025 Audit presentation. Motion carried 5-0.
V. Consent Agenda
A. Monthly Financial Report(s)
B. Claims
C. Resolution No. 2026-17; Resolution Authorizing the City Treasurer to Distribute a Portion of the
Charitable Gambling Funds to Willow Lane Elementary to Use at their Discretion.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
VI. Planning Commission Reports
None.
VII. Old Business
A. Newsletter Updates/Topics/Suggestions
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the articles for the newsletter will include well sealing grant, food
scrap program, election update, and the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Johnson indicated he may have an update on the Bruce Vento Trail for the
newsletter.
B. Code Enforcement Issue Discussion
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the code enforcement issues include Little Fox with branches and
logs on the front easement. She indicated staff are working through the process.
C. City Planning Discussion
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated the city planner has been told there is a limit of $1,000 for free
planning services. Other options would include possible new planning options with an adjoining
city or new consultant
VIII. New Business
A. 2050 Comprehensive Plan Open House
Mayor Artig-Swomley indicated a date in October for an Open House Monday, October 19.
B. Resolution No. 2026-18; Resolution Adopting the Costs for Water Meters for Gem Lake
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated this item is adding the cost for water meters to the fee schedule.
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
approve Resolution Adopting the Costs for the Water Meters for Gem Lake. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Resolution No. 2026-19; Resolution Approving the Permanent Drainage and Utility Easement
for Hunters Run of Gem Lake HOA Inc.
Mayor Artig-Swomley stated this is for an easement for the upcoming water project.
City of Gem Lake City Council Meeting Minutes July 21, 2026 3
A motion was introduced by Councilmember Lindner, seconded by Councilmember Cacioppo to
approve the permanent drainage and utility easement for Hunters Run of Gem Lake HOA Inc.
Motion carried 5-0.
IX. Community Outreach to Other Cities and Governmental Bodies
Mayor indicated the water agreement with Vadnais Heights is completed. Mayor indicated she
did an affidavit for White Bear Township regarding the litigation of the fire contract.
Councilmember Johnson provided an update on the County Road E project and promoted the
Rice & Larpenteur Alliance Block Party on Saturday, August 15 from 11am – 2 pm. He indicated
this alliance is between the cities of Roseville, Maplewood and St. Paul. The indicated that
Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and Gem Lake could mimicking this alliance structure. He also
presented two options of wayfinding and public art for the area. This would be similar to
peanut characters in St. Paul. They will be talking with the White Bear Historical Society about
creating art with QR codes to incorporate some of the history of the area. Additionally, there is
engagement with Ramsey County for pedestrian safety improvements, more traffic control
along County Road E and especially at County Road E and Highway 61.
X. Presentations from the Public, 2 minutes maximum
Jim Wilson stated the open space at the Villas are overgrown. The cages around the trees are
being destroyed.
Mayor Artig-Swomley indicated staff will arrange this to be looked at.
XI. Open Items for Council Member to Bring Up
Sewer televising and starts on Monday. Concern about Scheuneman Road surface.
XII. Future Council Meetings
Next Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Next City Council Workshop, Monday, August 10, 2026 - Canceled
Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, August 18, 2026
XIII. Adjournment
There being no further business, following a motion from Councilmember Lindner, seconded by
Councilmember Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Suciu
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes
August 4, 2026
I. Call to Order of the Planning Commission Meeting
By Chair Don Cummings at 7:00 p.m.
II. Call of Roll
Commission Members Don Cummings, Derek Wippich, Stephanie Farrell and Daniel Epelboim
were present. Commissioner Art Pratt was absent. Also present was City Clerk Barb Suciu.
III. Approve Agenda and Minutes
A. Approve the Agenda for the August 4, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Wippich to approve August 4, 2026, agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Epelboim. Motion carried 4-0.
B. Approve the Minutes of July 7, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Wippich to approve April 7, 2026, Planning Commission
Meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Epelboim. Motion carried 4-0.
IV. Public Hearings
A. 4180 Otter Lake Road – Conditional Use Permit and Special Home Occupation License
Chair Cummings stated it has been requested to table tonight’s public hearing for 4180 Otter Lake
Road to the September 1, 2026 meeting.
A motion was introduced by Commissioner Wippich to table the public hearing for 4180 Otter Lake Road
to September 1, 2026, seconded by Commissioner Cummings. Motion carried 4-0.
V. Old Business
VI. New Business
VII. Open Items for Commission Members to Bring Up
VIII. Future Council Meetings
Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Next Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday, September 1, 2026
o Attendance Inquiry
IX. Adjournment
Commissioner Wippich introduced a motion to adjourn at 7:15 p.m., seconded by Commissioner
Epelboim. Motion carried 4-0.
CITY OF GEM LAKE
Claims For Payment Period Ending: 8/18/2026
Signatures Approving Claims Date of Approval
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor
Ben Johnson, Council
Jim Lindner, Council
Len Cacioppo, Council
Joshua Patrick, Council
Tom Kelly, Treasurer
Fund Totals $ Amount
General Fund 85,696.75
Parks & Playgrounds
2004 Debt Service Fund
2007 Debt Service Fund
2015 Debt Service Fund
2018 Debt Service Fund
Improvement Fund
Scheuneman Road Improvements
Hoffman Road Improvements
602-Sewer Fund 42,033.66
601-Water Fund 25,072.33
Investment Trust Fund
Total All Funds 152,802.74
Claims for Payment Check Numbers 13191 through 13214
CHECK REGISTER FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 08/18/2026 - 08/18/2026
Check Date Check Vendor Name Amount
Bank GEN GENERAL CHECKING
08/18/2026 13191 AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL LLC 36,630.59
08/18/2026 13192 CASH 200.00
08/18/2026 13193 CINTAS 165.51
08/18/2026 13194 City of Vadnais Heights 6,732.99
08/18/2026 13195 City of White Bear Lake 324.62
08/18/2026 13196 City of White Bear Lake 38,384.25
08/18/2026 13197 City of White Bear Lake 13,368.50
08/18/2026 13198 Coverall of the Twin Cities 320.00
08/18/2026 13199 GDO Law 85.00
08/18/2026 13200 Gopher State One Call 24.30
08/18/2026 13201 INVOICE CLOUD INC 1,649.67
08/18/2026 13202 LB CARLSON, LLP 9,177.00
08/18/2026 13203 LOFFLER COMPANIES INC 44.31
08/18/2026 13204 METRO-INET 1,265.00
08/18/2026 13205 Metropolitan Council 3,989.62
08/18/2026 13206 Nykanen Inspections LCC 595.20
08/18/2026 13207 Premier Banks 285.21
08/18/2026 13208 RED LILY 90.00
08/18/2026 13209 REPUBLIC SERVICES 1,132.78
08/18/2026 13210 SEH 31,799.28
08/18/2026 13211 SUCIU, BARBARA 39.80
08/18/2026 13212 TKDA 1,585.65
08/18/2026 13213 White Bear Township 4,025.05
08/18/2026 13214 Xcel Energy 888.41
GEN TOTALS:
Total of 24 Checks:152,802.74
Less 0 Void Checks:0.00
Total of 24 Disbursements:152,802.74
08/18/2026 01:53 PM Page:1/1
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 08/18/2026 - 08/18/2026
Check Date Bank
Account
Check #Payee Description Accoun
t
Dept Amount
Fund: 100 GENERAL
08/18/2026 GEN 13192 CASH PETTY CASH 10200 00000 200.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13193 CINTAS CINTAS RUGS 40319 41940 35.01
CINTAS AED 40319 41940 130.50
Check GEN 13193 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 165.51
08/18/2026 GEN 13196 City of White Bear Lake 3RD QTR 2026 POLICE CONTRACT 40314 42100 38,384.25
08/18/2026 GEN 13197 City of White Bear Lake FIRE SERVICES 40311 42200 11,096.75
FIRE INSPECTIONS 40312 42200 2,271.75
Check GEN 13197 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 13,368.50
08/18/2026 GEN 13198 Coverall of the Twin Cities CLEANING SVCS 8/1/26-8/31/26 40319 41940 320.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13199 GDO Law PROSECUTION MATTERS 41304 41600 85.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13201 INVOICE CLOUD INC INVOICE CLOUD FEES 40309 41500 692.80
INVOICE CLOUD FEES 40309 41500 956.87
Check GEN 13201 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 1,649.67
08/18/2026 GEN 13202 LB CARLSON, LLP FINAL BILLING FOR AUDIT ENDING 2025 40301 41500 9,177.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13203 LOFFLER COMPANIES INC LOFFLER CONTRACT 40580 41940 44.31
08/18/2026 GEN 13204 METRO-INET IT SUPPORT 40309 41900 1,265.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13206 Nykanen Inspections LCC JULY 2026 INSPECTIONS 32213 00000 595.20
08/18/2026 GEN 13207#Premier Banks IIMC ANNUAL DUES 40310 41900 195.00
PAST DUE FEES 34133 00000 90.21
Check GEN 13207 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 285.21
08/18/2026 GEN 13208 RED LILY WEBSITE 40300 41940 90.00
08/18/2026 GEN 13209 REPUBLIC SERVICES REPUBLIC SERVICES 40300 41940 1,132.78
08/18/2026 GEN 13210*#SEH COMP PLAN UPDATES 40303 41910 6,752.56
GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES 40303 41910 5,642.85
Check GEN 13210 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 12,395.41
08/18/2026 GEN 13211 SUCIU, BARBARA MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 40331 41900 39.80
08/18/2026 GEN 13212 TKDA GEM LAKE PLANNING 40308 41910 1,585.65
08/18/2026 GEN 13213#White Bear Township 6/22/26-6/26/26 PUBLIC WORKS 40319 41940 1,640.00
6/22/26-6/26/26 EQUIPMENT 40319 41900 905.00
5/21/26-7/1/26 POSTAGE 40322 41900 292.55
6/26/26-7/10/26 TREASURER 40329 41500 332.50
6/28/26-7/3/26 ACCOUNTING CLERK 40329 41500 855.00
Check GEN 13213 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 4,025.05
08/18/2026 GEN 13214#Xcel Energy XCEL STREET LIGHTS 40386 43122 135.70
XCEL ELECTRIC 40381 41940 713.74
XCEL GAS 40383 41940 38.97
Check GEN 13214 Total for Fund 100 GENERAL 888.41
Total For Fund: 100 85,696.75
Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY FUND
08/18/2026 01:54 PM Page:1/2
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF GEM LAKE
CHECK DATE 08/18/2026 - 08/18/2026
Check Date Bank
Account
Check #Payee Description Accoun
t
Dept Amount
Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY FUND
08/18/2026 GEN 13194*City of Vadnais Heights WATER 40385 43200 5,668.46
08/18/2026 GEN 13210*#SEH WATERMAIN PROJECT 40303 43500 19,403.87
Total For Fund: 601 25,072.33
Fund: 602 SEWER UTILITY FUND
08/18/2026 GEN 13191 AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL LLC SEWER INSPECTIONS 40460 43200 36,630.59
08/18/2026 GEN 13194*City of Vadnais Heights SEWER 40385 43200 1,064.53
08/18/2026 GEN 13195 City of White Bear Lake 2026 2ND QTR 4/1/26-6/30/26 40385 43200 324.62
08/18/2026 GEN 13200 Gopher State One Call JULY 2026 LOCATES 40319 43200 24.30
08/18/2026 GEN 13205 Metropolitan Council WASTEWATER SERVICE SEPTEMBER 2026 40318 43200 3,989.62
Total For Fund: 602 42,033.66
Report Total:152,802.74
'*'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE FUND
'#'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE DEPARTMENT
08/18/2026 01:54 PM Page:2/2
4200 Gem Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
(651) 747-2790
city@gemlakemn.org
MEMORANDUM
To: Gem Lake City Council
From: Barbara Suciu, City Clerk
RE: Ordinance Amendment 2026-02; An Ordinance Amending #129; Section 3; Connections
with Water Required
Date: August 18, 2026
Before you tonight is an ordinance amendment related to the upcoming municipal water project
and the agreement with the City of Vadnais Heights.
At the request of the City Engineer, Justin Gese, this ordinance amendment amends the
timeframe for existing structures to connect to water when available. The amendment would
change from ten (10) years to five (5) years.
1
CITY OF GEM LAKE
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-02
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #129;
SECTION 3. CONNECTIONS WITH WATER REQUIRED
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEM LAKE ORDAINS:
Section 3. Connections with Water Required.
1. Existing Structures. Any buildings presently used or capable of being used for human
habitation or in which a toilet or other plumbing facilities for disposal of human waste is
installed and located on property adjacent to a water main, or in the platted block through
which the system extends, shall be connected to the municipal water system within ten
five years from the date on which a connection is available to such building. Where the
property owner has failed to connect to the system within ten years the following
procedures shall be followed:
Section 2. Severability. Should any section, subdivision, clause, or other provision of this
Ordinance be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or of any part thereof, other than the part held to
be invalid.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after is
passage and publication.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota, this 18th day
of August 2026.
____________________________ _________________________
Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor Barbara Suciu, City Clerk
Published: August 26, 2026