09.c Internet Action Committee Minutes 08 17 23
14727 209th St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433-2274 | Fax (651) 433-5112 | www.cityofscandia.com
CITY OF SCANDIA
INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Thursday, August 17, 6:30 p.m.
Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th Street North
Attendance: Bob Wilmers, Steve Bradley, John Carney, and Patti Ray. Absent: None
Also in Attendance: Council Liaison Steve Kronmiller and City Administrator Kyle Morell. Absent: None
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Chair Wilmers at 6:30 pm.
Approval of Agenda – Motion by Ray, seconded by Wilmers, to approve the agenda with the addition of
Welcoming Steve Bradley, Marschall Smith’s Resignation, and Voting for a new Vice-Chairman. Motion
Carried 4-0.
Approval of Minutes – The July 20 meeting minutes were approved on a Motion by Ray, seconded by
Wilmers. Motion Carried 4-0.
Public Comments - No comments were offered.
Welcoming Steve Bradley
The Committee welcomed Steve Bradley, whom Council recently appointed to fill a vacancy. Steve has lived in
Scandia for a couple of years and lives in one of the City’s underserved areas.
Marschall Smith Resignation
Due to health reasons, committee member Marschall Smith resigned from his position on the Internet Action
Committee on Friday, August 11, 2023. The City will post again for another participant.
Committee Vice-Chairman
Marschall resignation has left the Committee without a Vice-Chairman. Committee member Ray volunteered to
fill the position.
A motion was made by Wilmers, seconded by Bradley, to nominate Patti Ray as Committee Vice-
Chairman. Motion Carried 3-0. Ray abstained.
Midco Update
There was not much to report. Midco has submitted two Line Extension grants to DEED. Melissa will be at the
September meeting to talk more about future projects.
Capital Investment Committee Request Update – Morell informed the Committee that the Council requested a
revised 2024 budget that lowered the proposed tax rate and identified the Committee’s requested funds as the first
to be reduced. This resulted in a reduction of requested funds from $250,000 to $100,000 in both 2024 and 2025.
The Committee is concerned that the reduction in funds will affect upcoming grant opportunities. With the
upcoming availability of BEAD funds and Midco’s apparent commitment to complete their expansion within the
City, a loss in funding could delay the Committee’s goals. Committee members discussed appearing at the
Scandia Internet Action Committee Draft Minutes
May 18, 2023
Page 2 of 2
September 5 Council Work Session to express their concerns over the proposed loss in funding and remind
Council of the importance of the Internet to the community.
Internet Expansion Cost Summary – Council Liaison Kronmiller presented updated cost estimates, including
the applied for, but not yet awarded, Line Extension grant locations.
Next Areas for Expansion and Timing – The Committee discussed focusing on reaching residents living on
197th St N. and Quinnell Ave N. east of Hwy 95. This area is underserved and has been difficult to reach due to
its rocky soil conditions. Using the fall Line Extension Grant program may be a good way to get the area served.
Committee member Bradley, who lives in the area, will help inform residents of the need to apply for the grant.
Committee member Ray volunteered to help if needed.
Internet Action Committee Charter – This item was tabled until the September meeting.
Midco Day – Ray gave an update on Midco Day, which is scheduled for Wednesday, August 23, from 3:30 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m. 400 green bags have been ordered. The City has ordered 144 ice cream sandwiches from the
Mercantile. Council Liaison Kronmiller presented graphs to be displayed at the Committee’s booth, showing the
percentage of total investment over the last four years by funding source and the number of connected homes,
before and after the expansion projects began. He also provided postcards advertising the Line Extension Grant
program.
Items for Future Discussion – The Committee asked to include an update on the 2024 budget and CIP funding.
They will review Midco Day and continue the Charter Review.
Next Meeting – The committee noted that its next meeting would be held Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at
6:30 PM at the Community Center to ensure Chairman Wilmers is able to attend.
Adjournment – Motion by Ray, seconded by Carney, to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 pm. Motion Carried
4-0.
_________________________________
Kyle Morell, City Administrator