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06.a1 Draft minutes 07-18-2023 Meeting July 18, 2023 A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the Council Chambers. The meeting was conducted in-person and over an electronic platform. All participants who joined the meeting remotely could hear each other and contribute to discussions. Mayor Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken. The following were in attendance: Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Mike Lubke, and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Eric Larson, City Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, Deputy Zach Boesel (virtual), Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Benson, second by Kromiller, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5- 0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT The citation and incidents report for the month of June was provided in the meeting packet. Deputy Boesel joined the meeting later over Zoom and reported that there have been several serious roadway accidents on the state highways in the past few months. Boesel is exploring if extra enforcement and a speed trailer are needed in an effort to document speeds to see if this has been the problem in these incidents. National Night Out will be held on August 1st at the Community Center parking lot. There have been increased calls to the group home on Oland Avenue. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments, and the Public Forum was closed. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) June 20, 2023 Regular Meeting 2) July 5, 2023 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve Special Event Permit for Meisters Fundraising Benefit (July 29, 2023) e) Approve Special Event Permit for the Scandia-Marine Lions Club Taco Daze Event (September 9, 2023) f) Approve Taco Daze Pickleball Registration Event Fee Benson, second by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF PETITION FOR VACATION OF A PUBLIC WAY FOR PEDESTRIAN USE TERMINATING AT GOOSE LAKE July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 2 of 12 (RESOLUTION NO. 07-18-23-01) AND CONSIDER AN ALTERNATE DEDICATED EASEMENT ACCESS TO GOOSE LAKE (RESOLUTION NO. 07-18-23-02) On April 17, 2023, Jim and Peggy Simpson presented a petition to the City Council to vacate and relocate a portion of the pedestrian easement which abuts their property at 14789 Oren Road. The 20’ wide easement terminates at Goose Lake. The City Council set the public hearing for this date. Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Petitioner Jim Simpson, Oren Road, outlined the three steps they’ve taken up to now with requests to vacate the easement: 1) The first petition in 2021 was to vacate the easement before purchasing the land from Bruce Swenson. At this time, the neighborhood signed the petition in agreement. 2) The second petition came to the City in 2022 after the land purchase. Simpson said he requested the easement vacation once he realized how wet the north end is five months out of the year. 3) This third petition to vacate and relocate the easement along the north end of his property, to the west, then south to the city owned Goose Lake access was a suggestion from former staff. Simpson said this is a win for the community by creating a loop for pedestrians, will double the length, will be easy to maintain, and will eliminate liability. Simpson said it will also be a win for his tree farm by eliminating the need to fence the easement down the middle of his tree plantings. Simpson said the Council must make a decision for all of Scandia, and his position is the least important to allow us to farm the land as intended when it was purchased. Simpson said he cannot justify the cost of having to install and go through the necessary gates for the trail if it remains. The new easement will complete the loop for the existing Bone Lake bike route without having to go out to Olinda Trail. The new easement location avoids a wetland and will be less work to improve it to a pedestrian easement. Simpson said the Johannesen letter sent to the Council in opposition was filled with misdirected information, and Simpson addressed his concerns about the letter: the claim that the relocation ends at parking lot is false as it will end at the public access for the lake. Claims of illegal grading is false - Simpson said he can do this on my land. The claim that barbed wire over the trail was placed by Simpson is false, as we cleaned up an 800-foot section along the easement that had been a previous cattle walk and removed miles of wire. Simpson said that someone had placed a loose wire across the easement, but it was not him. The claim that my land is usable, yes but not for me and the way I farm. Simpson said the vacate does benefit two private citizens, but he is asking for the Council to support his farming operation. Simpson said the homes to the north may be concerned on an effect to their property values, but of the past 22 real estate listings, 19 have no mention whatsoever of the trail. This doesn’t change how they can list their property or their valuations. Simpson asked the Council to follow in the footprints of the prior Town Board and to make this decision for all of the community. Simpson said there are many good reasons to relocate it. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 3 of 12 Council member Benson said that on their site visit Council member Lubke proposed an alternative easement across the property to come out at the existing termination on Goose Lake. Benson asked if he has thought more about this. Simpson said that would be problematic for many reasons - fencing would be $20K more in cost, and opens up the DNR conservation area to the public. This conservation area is landlocked now and only Simpson can access this legally. Simpson explained that he purchased the property by $50K less as the value of the land dropped with this easement. Council member Kronmiller said he met with Simpson at the property. Kronmiller asked if he’s worked with the neighborhood for a solution that would meet everyone’s needs. Simpson said yes, he’s offered a meeting and had zero response. Simpson provided photos and explained the drip irrigation hose must be directly on the trees, and not able to have the hose cross the easement. The open spade holes are large and deep and would be too high a liability if someone were to trespass off the existing easement. Terry Gorham, Olinda Lane: Gorham said as the PRC Chair, his comments are related to this role. Is this easement a public trail that can be put on a map for any member of the public to use? If yes, the City is already challenged with funding for the parks amenities. If this new easement were a bike trail, it would be a paved surface and most likely not to happen. Gorham said therefore, the reason that this could be a bike trail is not a valid reason. The City will still have to address funds to maintain this as a pedestrian trail. Ellen St. Sauver, Oldfield Avenue: Said she is opposed to this relocation. If the trail is moved it will be adjacent to her property and she will have increased trespassing problems. Adam H. from Louisiana: Said he is visiting the Holtgreve family while on vacation, and has walked on the trail with his son every day. His sister’s family also enjoys the trail. Asked why buy farmland that cannot be farmed? Why deed a new trail without lake access? Said he is not a member of the community but enjoys the trail. Jim Paul, 230th Street: Said he has known Jim Simpson for 25 years, and he moved to Scandia because of Simpson’s prolific tree business. Paul said he works for a national tree moving company and no other business in the country is so sophisticated as Simpson in growing these trees. Said Simpson has bought the right land to continue to grow trees. His business is a very hard thing to achieve. Paul said Simpson’s offer will create a longer walking path right to the lake at a public landing. Paul said he hasn’t heard a clear resistance of why not this route, other than trespassing potential. More people will be able to use it with this public knowledge. Tony Hayek Olgilvie Avenue: Said he has been on this trail in all seasons. It is wet during snow melt then dry by summer. Said he has never seen a dock at the end of the trail at the lake. Marc Johanssen, Olgilvie Avenue: Said he stands by everything he wrote in the letter to the City Council. The trail is used a lot. Only Simpson wants the trail changed, no one else in the neighborhood is in favor. Johanssen said this was a bad idea when peddled in the first place and still a bad product. Said Simpson wants to take away one of 2 accesses to the lake, and relocate it through inferior property that ends up nowhere; this is a bad alternative that does not benefit the July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 4 of 12 residents of the city, only Simpson. Said Simpson bought the land anyway with the existing easement, and there is no hardship for him in the land itself. Said this is a nice trail that ends at the lake and should be improved with a seating area or fishing pier at the lake. Said the City should not have the luxury of giving away a public access – many use and enjoy it and are steadfastly against vacating it. Johannsen said his letter had practical and legal reasons not to vacate. Said he is asking the Council to deny the petition again as it is bad public policy to take away a benefit to the community. Don Baber, Olgilvie Avenue: Said 9 homeowners bought lots in the development with this easement originally as advertised. Said that 200 people signed a petition last year in opposition to the vacate proposal. Said he is not aware of anyone being approached by Simpson. Asked the Council to not vacate the easement. Bob Hervig, Olgilvie Avenue: Said this topic keeps kicking around the wrong things. This is about maintaining the access from Oren Road to the lake. Walkers can go through the trail with hip waders – this is about maintaining the walkway. Denise Baber, Olgilvie Avenue: Said she wrote several letters to the Council. They bought this property 21 years ago in a beautiful setting with a beautiful walkway to the lake. It was not overgrown then but is now when using it with her grandchildren. The Homeowners Association does maintain the trail north of Simpson’s property. The new trail would not have an aesthetically pleasing end at the boat launch. Said they do use it and love it. Rachel Holtgreve, Olgilvie Avenue: Said they are an avid hiking family and enjoy the natural aspect of the trail. She brings visitors on the trail that is available for the whole city to use. The boat launch is not a comfortable or pleasing site. Hikers need to be prepared with boots for the water in the spring., but it is usable all year around. There were no other comments and Mayor Maefsky closed the hearing at 8:06 p.m. Council member Cusick asked how many complaints has Public Works received about not maintaining the easement – none. Not until now has it had such a great interest. There is massive public land already in the area, offered by the state, county, city and natural areas. Public Works maintains all the parks and roads; it would be unreasonable to add an area like this to serve only a few in the neighborhood. Cusick said the original petition to vacate was then signed by all underlying landowners who bordered the easement. There were seven signers to the petition, but then they changed their position. Why did they change their mind after signing it? Only those who abut the easement can agree to a vacate it. The others have no say as they do not abut the easement. For citizens to use the trail they need to park on Oren Road and walk from there, not cross private property unless they have permission. Cusick said he would have a problem directing PW to maintain a trail that no one has asked for in the past; none had been done since this started 2 years ago. Simpsons, the landowners to the south, have made a very good alternative to relocate the easement to end at the lake. It’s a pedestrian easement to be used as a walking trail. The alternative easement is a great idea and adding to an existing loop. Council member Kronmiller noted that the DNR opposes the vacation proposal. The relocation easement ends at the street then passes houses which then goes to the public landing. Kronmiller July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 5 of 12 said there is a strip of land owned by city to the north of the landing. This endpoint could be a great idea for a compromise. Maintenance of the easement would be a lot to take on for Public Works and a challenge. Kronmiller said he would encourage Simpson to talk with the neighborhood and solve this. Kronmiller reiterated that there is another access here just north of the landing owned by the city. Council member Benson said she would like to clarify that to not vacate the easement is not a vote to direct PW to maintain the trail. Council member Lubke asked if the alternate route proposed is passable, as there appears a wet area at the north end. Mayor Maefsky said her concern is the same as the DNR – vacating is taking away a public access. Council member Kronmiller said the easement begins at Oren Road, not at the cul de sac which the Newell’s are giving permission to cross. Mayor Maefsky said new things keep coming up; now it’s the strip of city land just north of the landing. Maefsky said her concern is removing a second access to Goose Lake. At this point, adding this newly identified site as an access is problematic as we don’t know it can be used. Council member Cusick said only the underlying landowner can put out a dock on the lake. The land at the end to the boat launch is city’s land and the city can put out a dock. There should be no dock at the existing trail end as this is Simpson’s land. Cusick, second by Kronmiller, moved to vacate the current easement with a provision for an alternate easement as proposed by Simpson to be installed later. Council member Lubke asked how can you get through the waterway on the north? This is still not passable. Lubke said he would need more information on which way would be less wet, and he wants more information about the new pathway if it’s passable. Lubke said he is not prepared to vote in favor without this information. Mayor Maefsky called for a vote on the above motion. Motion failed 1-4, with Cusick voting aye. Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to table a decision to allow time to answer questions about passability and the other access land owned by the city. Attorney Larson advised on the statutory deadline for the city to rule on this petition. The maximum 120 days will be around August 15th. Larson recommended the city get the petitioners’ approval to extend a decision beyond the 120-day deadline. Jim and Peg Simpson did give permission to extend the review beyond 120 days and to table the petition to August 15th. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 6 of 12 Council member Benson asked who will do the research? Council members Lubke and Cusick said they gather the information for a report back to the Council. Mayor Maefsky called for a vote on the motion to table the petition. Motion carried 3-2 with Benson and Maefsky opposed. PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Consider the future of Barton Johnson Memorial Park tennis court and ballfield PRC Chair Gorham reported on a request from Nick and Wendy Wojtowicz about the Barton Johnson tennis court being in need of repair. They approached the PRC to explore options for repair of the court in cooperation with the owners, Elim Church. Mayor Maefsky said she is in favor, as there is an increased interest in pickleball courts and finds this appealing. Council member Cusick said he used this tennis court a lot in the past, and is also in favor of exploring the proposal. Gorham said he will work with staff to continue this discussion. PLANNING COMMISSION Minor Subdivision and Variance at PID 15.032.20.23.0004 (Novak Avenue N). Chris Taylor, Applicant. Resolution No. 07-18-23-03 Planner Hofer presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a Minor Subdivision to create one lot and one outlot from a 176-acre parcel at the end of Novak Avenue, and a variance to defer road improvements for the road frontage on Parcel 1. Conditions and findings were presented in a resolution. Hofer said the Council needs to consider the timing of future improvement to the ROW and at what point the improvements are required for completion. Options were described in the staff report. Hofer said that Fire and PW staff were opposed as a wider road and turnarounds are needed for proper access and to accommodate equipment. Council member Kronmiller said the Planning Commission had lots of discussion on this at their meeting. Because previous staff recommended they combine the parcels and now they need this minor subdivision to create one lot, this road improvement condition is triggered. The future alignment is questionable and their road improvements could be a waste of money for one house. The Commission decided the road improvement to 60’ in width didn’t make sense once they mulled through it. They found unusual circumstances to justify the variance. Chris Taylor, applicant: Explained that the existing farm has road access. He is willing to dedicate up to the existing property and not dedicate the entire 600’ if I have to improve it, but only the frontage for parcel 1 (300 feet). Said he is not trying to do a major development, only a parcel separate from the farm trust. He would dedicate the ROW and is not against the future connection to Oakhill Road, but the timing of that is unknown. Said he would agree it be triggered when existing Novak Avenue is improved or there is a future road connection. Fire Chief Hinz said he is looking for the ROW to be improved. A future house on 5-acres becomes a long driveway off of Novak, in essence built to a driveway, and we try to fix this when we can to eliminate an extra-long driveway. Maefsky noted that there is a turnround at the farm to the north. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 7 of 12 PW Director Fischer said they will need to take over all road maintenance of a driveway once the ROW is dedicated. A driveway will require more maintenance versus a new road. Attorney Larson offered an option for an added condition for the variance to defer road improvements: The applicant could enter into an encroachment agreement with the City for the unimproved right of way of Novak Avenue North dedicated as part of the “Taylor Addition” plat. The applicant will have the responsibility of any and all repair, maintenance, and replacement for this section of right-of-way. The encroachment agreement will automatically terminate at the City’s discretion. Benson, second by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-18-23-03, Approving a Minor Subdivision and Variance for Taylor Addition as amended with a condition to have an encroachment agreement between the City and property owner. Motion carried 5-0. Variance for 18794 Layton Ave N. Craig Pittman, Applicant. Resolution No. 07-18-23-04 Planner Hofer presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a variance to replace a legal non-conforming garage at 18794 Layton Avenue. Findings and conditions of approval were presented in a resolution. Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-18-23-04, Approving a Variance for Replacement of a Nonconforming Accessory Structure at 18794 Layton Avenue. Motion carried 5-0. Variance for 18510 Norell Ave N. Eric Boyles and Mickie Dent, Applicants. Resolution No. 07-18-23-05 Planner Hofer explained that the applicants have requested two variances for their property at 18510 Norell Avenue. The Planning Commission recommended denial of an addition to the existing home as it would increase the non-conformity within the setback from Big Marine Lake. The Commission did approve the request to remove a shed illegally placed 6.4’ into the OHWL and replace it with a structure further back at 25’ from the OHWL. The Planning Commission reasoned that this variance be approved as it will be moving the shed further back from the lake. Findings and conditions were presented in a resolution. Council member Kronmiller summarized the commission’s discussion that improving the location of the shed is a reasonable improvement but not necessarily the minimum action. Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve Resolution No. 07-18-23-05, Denying a Variance for an Expansion of a Nonconforming Principal Structure and Approving a Variance for an Accessory Structure. Motion carried 5-0. Amendment to the City’s Unified Development Code for Character Area Standards for the Business and Village Districts. Ordinance No. 2023-05. Findings of Fact Resolution No. 07- 18-23-06. Publication Summary Resolution No. 07-18-23-07 Planner Hofer presented an ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission to amend the Unified Development Code for character area standards in the business and village districts. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 8 of 12 The Commission proposed to make an option for alternate building materials, and revised language requiring wood or wood-clad doors and windows to allow for practical flexibility. Greg Sandager, representing Abrahamson’s Nursery, provided comments about requiring various materials in the ordinance that do not fit the nursery’s current materials that are already in use, with an example that a greenhouse would not look right with wooden doors. Planner Hofer added that alterations to existing buildings at the nursery could be problematic and require a variance, an issue he was just made aware of yesterday. Administrator Morell explained that the Council can pass the ordinance as it’s presented and then look at future amendments where needed. Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to adopted Ordinance No. 2023-05, Amending the Unified Development Code Section 153.400.040 Regarding Character Area Standards. Motion carried 5-0. Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-18-23-06, Approving Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2023-05. Moton carried 5-0. Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-18-23-07, Approving Publication Summary for Ordinance No. 2023-05. Moton carried 5-0. Residential Density Requirements; Laurel Ridge Concept Plan Attorney Larson summarized his memo in the meeting packet which described the moratorium on development passed by the Council on June 20th. When a moratorium applies to an existing housing proposal, statute requires a public hearing be conducted. Larson recommend the Council hold the public hearing next month. Maefsky, second by Cusick, moved to hold a public hearing for an interim moratorium on development for August 15, 2023. Motion carried 50. Concept Review for Laurel Ridge Subdivision Hofer presented a concept plan for Laurel Ridge Subdivision for 13 new lots on 205th Street with staff’s evaluation. Hofer said staff has concerns about stormwater management and street access. Duane Sikich, Continuum Development Group, said he submitted this concept based on the City’s Comprehensive Plan, with no intention of sneaking it in under the noted conflict with the city’s development code. Property owner Mitch Johnson, Hudson: Said he grew up on this property which has been passed onto he and his siblings. He knows that Pratt Homes is a trustworthy topnotch builder who will build high- end homes for the community. Johnson said the preliminary plans show this is a good use for the property. Council member Kronmiller said the concept looks good, but the concern they see is a mistake in the Comp Plan, which has nothing to do with this proposal. The city needs to take the time to fix it with an amendment to the Comp Plan. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 9 of 12 Sikich said it was he who pointed out the conflict with the comp plan and UDC to staff. Sikich said that a one lot per 10-acre proposal probably wouldn’t be pursued. Mayor Maefsky said she is concerned about implications of the proposed road design. Council member Kronmiller said the intention for smaller lots means that there will be city water and sewer. That’s not here with this concept however. Mayor Maefsky said this road going to the west has large lots with less density, and is popular for walking and biking. Maefsky said she has concern with more traffic and its impact. Sikich said the number of access points to 205th Street are similar to that to the east. The road is posted at 45 mph; perhaps the city should look at lowering the speed limit, or post it as a shared road. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE Scandia Internet Action Committee will meet on July 20, 2023. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Chair Sue Dickens participated over Zoom and reported that at the June 27th meeting the Committee went over the feedback from the community garage sale. Next year they will no longer offer the opportunity to sell at the Community Center. The next meeting will review the tourism vision and mission statement. WASTEWATER COMMITTEE The Wastewater Committee will meet on July 19, 2023. CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMMITTEE The CIC met on June 22nd and their recommendations were heard at the July 5th Council Work Session. BUILDING OFFICIAL The June building activity report was in the meeting packet. In June, 23 building permits were issued at a valuation of $1,290,030.00. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported on the fire department’s June activity. Last month the department responded to 28 calls; 15 fire, 12 medicals, and 1 dive call. Hinz reported the generator was installed and the grant reimbursement received which paid for 75% of the cost. There have been a number of severe calls recently, with 4 air lifts in the past 2 months for road accidents. Fire calls have also been up in number. CITY PLANNER Pylon Signs Planner Hofer explained that language in the Unified Development Code has been identified that was erroneously omitted for prohibition of pylon/pedestal signs from the Village and Business Districts. Hofer presented a draft ordinance showing the recommended amendments. Language July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 10 of 12 will be added to eliminate pylon signs in all districts expect for motor vehicle service stations, and where considered for historical context. Staff will schedule a public hearing for the ordinance amendment with the Planning Commission for their September 5th meeting. CITY ENGINEER Engineering Updates City Engineer Goodman provided a report on engineering activities. Resolution No. 07-18-23-08 Authorizing the City of Scandia to Submit a Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) Application for the Bliss WWTP Project Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-18-23-08, Authorizing the City of Scandia to Submit a Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) Application for the Bliss Wastewater Project. Motion carried 5-0. 2023 Street Improvement Project – Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 2 Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 2 and pay $499,165.73 to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation. Motion carried 5- 0. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities in a written report. Fischer provided an update that the playground installation has been delayed one week. CITY ATTORNEY Cannabis Moratorium City Attorney Larson summarized his memo on recent legislation legalizing the use and possession of cannabis in the State of Minnesota effective August 1, 2023, and explained the recommendation to adopt an ordinance prohibiting use of cannabis products in public places. Kirsten Libby, 205th Street, said the ordinance may be too vague and broad. The city shouldn’t make something illegal that is legal now, such as low dose marijuana and hemp products. Staff recommended the Council delay action on the ordinance adoption to their next Work Session to give staff time to research the state statute. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell reported that he has a meeting with Washington County next week on the fiscal agency relationship for the LMCCR grant for the Gateway Trail. Citizen Request for Action - 192nd St Landing Improvement Residents making up the Bliss Advisory Committee are asking for improvements to the city- owned 192nd Street access to Big Marine Lake. Staff met with the group last month, and asked them to submit a narrative and plan about what they want to do. A Watershed Permit and restoration would be required. Any damage to the shoreline may require a DNR permit as well. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 11 of 12 Morell said staff is concerned with additional requests for other accesses to public waters to make similar improvements. Anne Myre, Larkspur Avenue, said they did everything we were asked to do. Administrator Morell explained that they need a drawing and narrative of what work will be done and who would maintain the access. They need a better submission explaining the proposal, as well as to follow the right process by needing a Watershed Permit. Craig Pittman, Layton Avenue, said they chose this project for its simplicity for cleaning up a lake access owned by city that is overgrown and not maintained. The ice ridge and weeds have made it inaccessible. The neighborhood group is offering to clean it up to show good faith to the city and neighbors, but it is turning into an escalated and complicated project. If this is not the right project for us, we will look to you for direction and will back away if not the right project. Administrator Morell explained that the question to the Council is how much more should the city take on for future maintenance. Shawna Theilbar, Layton Avenue, said she lives on the south side of the landing, and her family vehemently opposes the project. The Watershed comments in the first report are that the ice ridge has created a raingarden here that is beneficial to the lake. Civilians taking over the landing doesn’t make sense and could be a city liability. Our family will lose their privacy when everyone starts using it as a park. Marlene Mostad said she is a property owner that abuts the landing. Mostad said she doesn’t understand why people on the lake need someplace else to go to. She questioned how this increased use will impact the lake. Mayor Maefsky said it may be best to direct the Bliss group to look for another project Administrator Morell said he will continue to research this project with the Watershed. Scandia City Center Study Administrator Morell reported that there is a deadline to respond to Washington County on the city’s participation with a City Center Study. The city’s portion of the study is $50,000 which is an expense in the CIP for this year if the Council wishes to participate. Mayor Maefsky said that speed limits in front of the school is the first study that could impact changes and is in favor of going ahead. Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to approve the City’s participation in the Scandia City Center Study. Motion carried 5-0. Payment of Bills Administrator Morell explained that currently, the City pays its bills once a month after the regular Council meeting. The Fire Department has found difficulty in receiving orders when items will not be shipped until payment is received. July 18, 2023 Scandia City Council Page 12 of 12 Morell said he is asking for Council permission to pay bills twice a month, and will bring a report of paid bills to the Council at each regular meeting. Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to approve payment of bills twice a month. Motion carried 5-0. Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce Mayor Maefsky reported that she would like to ask the Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce to attend a Council meeting to see the benefits of being a member. Administrator Morell said he will invite a representative to a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk