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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 11-18 CC MINUTESMinutes of Gem Lake City Council meeting, November 18, 2014 Mayor Uzpen called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM Present: Mayor Uzpen, Council members Lindner, Artig-Swomley, Kuny, and Bosak. Others in attendance were Justin Gese, Planning Commission chair Ben Johnson, Ryan Podewils, Mary Sai (League of Women Voters), CV Wenawan (League of Women Voters), Rich Nordstrom, Carolyn Nordstrom, and Fritz Magnuson. November agenda Mayor Uzpen asked for additions to the November agenda. Motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak the agenda was approved 5-0. October City Council minutes Upon a motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak, the October city council minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0. November 10 special city council meeting Upon a motion by Artig-Swomley seconded by Lindner, the minutes of the special city council meeting of November 10 to certify the November 4 general election were approved 5-0. August and September Planning Commission minutes Tabled until December. Committee reports — Ben Johnson provided a report of the November 5, 2014 Gem Lake Planning Commission. There was a public hearing on Hi Tech Auto's non -conforming use permit. Mr. Johnson explained that the meeting was conducted but that he was unable to provide minutes and a formal recommendation so the matter will be taken up by the city council at its December meeting. Old business City newsletter for December, 2014. Gretchen reviewed her upcoming newsletter issue. Topics include the budget, a profile on the Country Lounge, the recent elections, a descriptive article on development in Gem Lake, and information on Hillary Farm. Public Hearings 2015 city budget. Finance director Tom Kelly presented the final 2015 city budget. Mayor Uzpen opened the public hearing at 7:44. Fritz Magnuson asked how much of the 2015 budget is directed at Hoffman's Corners development. Mr. Kelly responded that all studies will be covered by the capital budget. Mayor Uzpen added that any associated clean-up will be the responsibility of the landowners. Mr. Magnuson then asked who represented Gem Lake at the Ramsey County Sheriff meetings. Council member Kuny explained that she is presently unable to attend but reviews minutes. Mr. Magnuson asked what Gem Lake receives for its money spent with the sheriff's office. Mayor Uzpen replied that the city has to provide police protection to its citizens and that its portion of the sheriff's fees amounts to approximately $20,000, Mayor Uzpen then defined what is meant by the city's "reserve" money. He stated that at the end of the year the city gives back to its citizens a reduction of the city tax burden by using "reserves" to buy down the city's portion of the tax levy. Mayor Uzpen then closed the public hearing at 7:59 PM. Resolution 2014-23. Upon a motion by Bosak and seconded by Artig-Swomley, the city council approved resolution 2014-23 by a voice vote of 5-0. New Business Resolution 2014-24. Upon a motion by Lindner and seconded by Bosak, the council voted 5-0 to approved resolution 2014-24 establishing a fee for its non -conforming use permit to be the same as it charges for a conditional use permit. Resolution 2014-22. Upon a motion by Bosak and seconded by Artig-Swomley, the council voted 5-0 to authorize SEH to perform a city water feasibility study. City employee. Upon a motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Kuny, the council voted 5-0 to hire Gloria Tessier as its new office employee to work 30 hours per week at $15/hour, and receive 15 paid time off days per year. The city will also contribute to the Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERA) for her pension. She will start on January 1. The November claims were approved 5-0 after a motion by Bosak which was seconded by Artig- Swomley. Mayor Uzpen presented the November financial report. Presentations from the public Mary Santi, representing the League of Women Voters from White Bear Lake explained that the League was performing a study on open meeting laws and she was present to observe how Gem Lake communicates with its citizens the official business it conducts. Ryan Podweis of PODS Auto asked the council whether his business was considered non -conforming. He is looking to buy his building from the bank that owns it and needed answers for his pending transaction. The council informed him that his business was existing so therefore it is considered a conforming use. Presentations from the council — Mayor Uzpen suggested to invite Tom Hansen and Mr. Her, the lead gardener of the Hansen parcels, to appear at the next city council meeting to discuss gun shots and to Jconsider installing gates barring access to the fields after the harvest season is complete. Adjourn There being no further business upon motion by Artig-Swomley and seconded by Bosak, Mayor Uzpen adjourned the meeting at 8:25 PM after a council vote of 5-0.