3. 08.23.2023 Minutes TC DRAFT
Scandia Tourism Committee Minutes
August 22, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
Meeting at Community Center
Members in Attendance: Sue Dickens, Chrissi Larsen, Sarah Porubcansky, and Jim Gribble. Absent:
Lynne Moratzka. Additional Attendees: Christine Maefsky (Mayor,) Kyle Morell (City
Administrator,) and Brenda “Bee” Stignani (Office Assistant.)
Call to Order –Chair Dickens called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m., a quorum is present.
Approve the Agenda –Dickens moved, Porubcansky seconded, to approve the agenda with
Flexibility. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve the Minutes – Dickens moved, Porubcansky seconded, to approve the July 25, 2023
minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Review Tourism Vision and Mission Statement – Larsen prepared a revised Tourism vision and
Mission Statement draft. Committee feedback suggested changing the word drive to welcome in the new
“Tourism Committee Mission” section and insert the additional description Annual Community to the
Garage Sale event listed.
Porubcansky moved, Dickens seconded, to accept the updated Tourism Vision and Mission
Statement with the suggested changes. Motion carried unanimously.
Wayfinding Signs – Morell presented information from the MnDOT regarding Wayfinding Signs
and their requirements for a Sign Master Plan. Morell reported consulting with Director of Public
Works Fischer and Bolton-Menk for general information. Depending on the level of detail
predetermined, these plans cost $5k - $15k. Discussion concluded that more information is needed
regarding phrases allowed on the signs (i.e., since private businesses are prohibited, is the description
“restaurants” allowed?) and clarification if existing signs purchased by individual businesses are
allowed to remain. Maefsky would like to re-examine the examples from Osceola. Discussion tabled
for Morell to research.
Advertisement – 2024 Saint Croix Valley Visitor Guide – Dickens facilitated discussion about
suggested changes in the city’s paid advertisement. Staff clarified that Rosemary Mansfield is seeking
edits or updates regarding both pages, and only the squares of quarter page advertisements for
Gammelgarden, Crabtree’s, and Rustic Roots are not available to change as they are paid
advertisements. The rest is open to suggestions. Porubcansky suggested replacing one candid photo
from Gammelgarden with the new playground at the Community Center. Gribble suggested the large
section regarding Rustic Roots should be edited to be more inclusive of other Scandia businesses.
Staff to clarify with Mansfield exactly which sections of the advertisements are paid by private
businesses and when the deadline for changes would be due. Preliminary changes to note: replace
Eko Bakken with Big Marine Lake Park Preserve under THE GREAT OUTDOORS, correct the
website to www.visitscandia.com, add Vinterlights to the EVENTS in November, and consider adding
a QR code.
Upcoming Events –
• Best of Scandia – Dickens reported investigating banners for Vinterlights and Best of Scandia
Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. Discussion concluded a new name and design will be
Scandia Tourism Committee Minutes
August 22, 2023
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discussed in the future. Dickens will consult with a printer to provide graphic design
suggestions and will consider how to create a single flyer for publicity.
• Scandia Evening Adventures – Dickens reported 5 of 15 past participants have committed to
participating this year already. Mary Jo Milbrandt provided original artwork to be used for
promotional material. Porubcansky will coordinate efforts for a digital map for each of the
three event days, Dickens will distribute paper versions of this map. Staff to add to the Visit
Scandia website.
Gribble noted recent communication with a person who has commuted regularly through Scandia
for the past 12 years, and yet is unaware of Taco Daze or other community events. Gribble
clarified that his purpose to make this comment is to highlight the importance of increasing passive
advertising (banners) and consider future centralized signage for advertising events for all of
Scandia’s entities.
Adjournment –Motion by Dickens, seconded by Porubcansky, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant