07-05-2023 Work SessionJuly 5, 2023
A work session meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. The meeting
was conducted in the Council Chambers at the Scandia Community Center and over an
electronic platform. All participants who joined the meeting remotely could hear each other and
contribute to discussions.
Mayor Christine Maefsky called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present:
Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Mike Lubke and Mayor
Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, Public Works Director
Charles Fischer and City Treasurer Colleen Firkus.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0.
STEVE COLLIER RESIGNATION FROM INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Steve Collier resigned from his position on the Internet Action Committee effective June 15,
2023. Council did interview two candidates in April. City Administrator Morell asked if the
Council wanted to appoint one of the interviewed candidates, or post for the position. Maefsky,
seconded by Benson, moved to post position two weeks and check the interest of prior
applicants. Motion carried 5 — 0.
WASTE MANAGEMENT NEGOTIATION EXTENSION
City Administrator reported on new complaints received about pickups by WM. Staff is working
with Washington County on the language of a new solid waste ordinance, but the negotiating
period ends July 8, 2023. Staff recommends a 30-day extension be approved. Benson, seconded
by Kronmiller, moved to extend the negotiation period by 30 days. Motion carried 5 — 0.
HIRING FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE WORKER
Public Works Director Fischer recommended hiring Charles Hervin; one of four applicants
interviewed. Fischer proposed starting at Step 5 as Hervin's current wage exceeds this rate, or
start at Step 4 with 6-month evaluation before moving to an increased wage. Kronmiller,
seconded by Cusick, moved to offer position to Charles Hervin at a Step 4 wage rate for 6
months, then evaluate before increasing wage to Step 5. Motion carried 5 — 0.
RESOLUTION 07-05-23-01— PARK BENCH DONATION
Public Works Director Fischer recommended approving the donation of $1,601.15 to be applied
towards the cost of a memorial bench and plaque. Benson, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to
adopt Resolution 07-05-23-01 to accept the donation of $1,601.15 from Karen Svendsen for
the purchase of a memorial park bench with plaque. Motion carried 5 — 0.
MSA PARK PLAN PRESENTATION — TERRY GORHAM
Park Board Chair Terry Gorham presented the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
prepared by MSA. The goal was to update the 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails and Open
Space and Recreation Plan. As part of the plan update, MSA completed a facilities inventory,
gathered community input through meetings and surveys, and the plan provided input to
Scandia City Council Work Session
July 5, 2023
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programming and parks infrastructure funding priorities. The Plan was reviewed by city staff to
assure MET Council requirements were met. Key take-aways included a great deal of
background information is in the plan with steps for forward action, focus on community center,
maintain natural wildlife area, collaborate with SHA, Gateway trail, and other regional parks and
trails efforts, look for recreation opportunities for all ages, provide priorities for capital spending,
and identify funding. After City Council review, the Planning Commission will have a public
hearing in August or September. Prior to application to MET Council and final City Council
approval, the City must conduct an Adjacent Jurisdiction Review allowing all adjacent Cities,
School Districts, Watershed Districts, the County, DNR and MnDOT to comment. The Adjacent
Jurisdiction Review and MET Council review can each take up to 60 days.
2024 DRAFT PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Administrator Morell presented the 2024 preliminary budget starting with the 2024 Capital
Investment Committee recommendations and the projects in the four capital funds. The
presentation included details of the 2024 projected revenues and expenses for the Capital Funds,
the assumptions used in the assembling the preliminary budget and a summary budget showing
the complete levy picture with the proposed 2024 tax rate.
The General Fund levy is expected to increase 1% over 2023. Expenditure numbers will change
as more information becomes available about compensation needs, and changes in insurance
rates, cost of the police service contract, and the savings on a Waste Management Contract.
The projected Net Levy is $2,991,057, a $310,779 increase over 2023, and a tax rate of 26.910%,
which is a 1.452% increase over 2023. The next budget work session is August 2.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Firkus
Treasurer