10-04-2023 Work Session
October 4, 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.
Acting Mayor Steve Kronmiller called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were
present: Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, and Mike Lubke.
Absent: Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, Public Works
Director Charles Fischer and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Lubke, second by Benson, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0.
INTERVIEW APPLICANT FOR THE INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE – WILL
PERRY
The City has been advertising the vacancy resulting from Marschall Smith’s resignation from the
Internet Action Committee. One application was received by Will Perry who was present for an
interview by the City Council.
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to appoint Will Perry to the Internet Action Committee.
Motion carried 4-0.
RINK BOARD REPLACEMENT PAYMENT #1
Public Works Director Fischer recommended payment #1 for removal of the old rink boards. The
new boards are anticipated for installation in late October.
Cusick, second by Benson, moved to approve Payment #1 to Arena Warehouse, LLC in the
amount of $73,100. Motion carried 4-0.
WYLDEWOOD ACRES HOA SEWER SYSTEM REQUEST
Wyldewood Acres is a 28-unit development constructed in 2003, with a private water and
system. The Homeowners Association drafted a letter to the City Council on September 18th with
a request to discuss options for assistance in upgrading the sewer system to meet new MPCA
guidelines for nitrogen management.
Aaron Soule, Odell Avenue and Paul Hoppe, Odell Avenue, members of the HOA, were present
to explain their proposal. The system needs improvements based on the MPCA’s more rigorous
requirements for nitrate mediation, a costly upgrade. They are asking the city to consider a
subordinate tax district that would enable possible grant funding for the upgrades, or to consider
taking ownership of the wastewater facility with the costs falling on the association members.
Council member Kronmiller said this is similar to the MPCA regulations that are requiring the
City to upgrade the Bliss Sewer System by Big Marine Lake.
Scandia City Council Work Session
October 4, 2023
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City Administrator Morell said that staff is advising time to work with legal counsel about the
various options available. No recommendations can be made at this point, but will be planned for
a future Council meeting.
Lubke, second by Benson, moved to table further discussion on the Wyldewood Acres HOA
proposal to the regular meeting in October. Motion carried 4-0.
SCANDIA CITY CENTER STUDY COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
At their July 18th meeting, the City Council approved participation in the Scandia City Center
Study in partnership with Washington County. The contract was recently awarded to consultant
HKGi, and the project will begin with a kick-off meeting in late October.
City Administrator Morell presented the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Scandia
and Washington County for the study, and recommended approval.
Lubke, second by Benson, moved to approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City
of Scandia and Washington County for a Scandia City Center Study. Motion carried 4-0.
WASTE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
City Administrator Morell reported that revised section 2 of the draft agreement was sent to
Waste Management following the Council’s September work session, but staff has not yet gotten
a response. Morell recommended an extension of the negotiating period for an additional 30
days.
City Administrator Morell noted that some callers to City Hall are advising to go away from a
contract with Waste Management. Morell said he consulted with other communities on their
experiences with the company. There have been some problems due to a driver shortage earlier
in the year, but overall most are satisfied with the company.
Council member Kronmiller said that no other haulers are interested in serving the community
unless they have the entire city. This would require the issuance of an RFP for waste and
recycling services that would take more time. Council member Benson said there is no guarantee
there would be interest from other haulers, and WM may come in with a higher proposal.
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to extend the negotiating period with Waste
Management an additional 30 days. Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Cusick, seconded by Benson, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk