5.a)2) Minutes 10-02-13 S. a� �-�
October 2, 2013
A Work Session meeting of the City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present: Mayor Randall Simonson,
Council members Dan Lee, Jim Schneider, Sally Swanson, and Chris Ness. Staff present: City
Administrator Kristina Handt, Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund, Office Assistant Judi Negus and
Fire Chief Mike Hinz. The following members of the Parks and Recreation Committee were also
in attendance: Greg Zauner, Alex Bildeaux, Matt Rasmussen and Mike White. Pam Arnold
arrived at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
JOINT DISCUSSION WITH PARKS AND REC COMMITTEE REGARDING
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES. PROCEDURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Mayor Simonson explained that the purpose of the joint meeting with the Council and Parks and
Rec Committee was to work through concerns and issues stemming from the Taco Daze
dodgeball tournament and to clarify procedures and responsibilities of the Committee.
Members of the Committee concluded that the tournament has been a popular event and they
plan to continue sponsoring the dodgeball tournament and propose to hire referees in the future.
Bildeaux stated that his schedule will allow for him to be more involved next year and that he
has experience in hosting sporting events. All agreed that better communication with staff will
help prevent last minute planning difficulties.
Improved procedures for review of Eagle Scout projects were discussed, as well as planning for
Vinterfest(February 1, 2014). New activities are being planned for Vinterfest, including a
hockey tournament being sponsored by Roberts Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Handt noted that the
Committee members should not be expected to have appointed duties for the tournament and will
have an opportunity to review the Special Event Permit application before it goes to the Council.
Various other duties for the event will be thoroughly planned for and tasks outlined in the next
few months of Committee meetings.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDICAL CALL RESPONSE REVIEW
Administrator Handt explained that the Council had requested a comparison of how surrounding
communities respond to medical calls. Currently, Scandia Fire and Rescue responds to all
medical calls in the service area. Lindstrom, Chisago City and Forest Lake do not respond to any
medical calls. Lake Elmo and Stillwater respond to only Level 1 calls and to those as requested
by 911 dispatch. Fire Chief Hinz explained that Level 1 calls are defined as life threatening,
Leve12 are to a lesser degree, and Leve13 are minor injuries. Of the 18 medical calls in
September, 13 were Level 1, 3 were Level 3 and the nature of the remaining 2 were unknown. It
is mandatory for the department to respond to auto accidents due to the possible need for
extrication.
Council member Schneider stated that there could be significant savings for the city if EMT
training were dropped. He proposed that cutting back on training requirements could also help
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Scandia City Council
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with recruitment. Mayor Simonson added that having the Lakeview Ambulance service stationed
at the fire hall lessens the need to have the entire department trained as EMTs.
Handt pointed out that the Council should consider a cost/benefit analysis of having all
firefighters trained as EMTs and consider what level of service they believe works for Scandia.
Hinz added that all members of the department would still have to be trained as first responders.
After further discussion, Council agreed that the department should drop Level 3 medical
responses unless requested by dispatch and continue to respond to Level 1 and 2 calls. This
procedure will be analyzed after at least six months, and then discussed again to propose
dropping Leve12 calls.
Mayor Simonson directed staff to have this item on the October 1 Sth Consent Agenda.
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR LEGACY GRANT APPLICATION FOR MIDS
Administrator Handt explained that she and Mayor Simonson had recently met with water
quality representatives with a request that the city send a letter of support for the Middle St.
Croix Water Management Organization's grant application for Community Assistance in
implementing minimal impact design standards. If the grant is approved, it would cover 75%of
the cost to review and update the city's ordinances and policies related to development.
Handt stated that the cities of Lindstrom, Chisago City and Center City were involved in this
pilot program and will soon be adopting ordinance revisions. Schneider noted that these cities
share water bodies and participated in the program to offer consistency in development
standards. Schneider did not see a great need for this in Scandia and stated that the local
watersheds are doing a good job of overseeing water quality. Swanson agreed and stated that the
city's ordinances are fairly new and it shouldn't be necessary to review them. Best Management
Practices are in place at this time.
Handt agreed to not proceed with a letter of support,but will review a model ordinance package
once it becomes available.
DISCUSS MET COUNCIL 2040 DEMOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS
Administrator Handt reported on the Met Council's population forecast for 2040. A population
of 4,900 is estimated. Scandia's number fell by 500 since the last projection ten years ago for
2030. Handt explained that this can impact funding for sewer, transit and roads and also sets the
stage for the next Comprehensive Plan.
Handt stated that she will consult with surrounding communities to see if there is a need to
contest the numbers on a regional scale. The creation of the EDA could also influence the
proj ection.
October 2,2013
Scandia City Council
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AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE WORK SESSIONS
The Street Special Assessment Policy will be discussed at the November 6`"Work Session. Steve
and Irene Kronmiller will be invited to attend the meeting to discuss their request related to the
realignment of 188th Street in 2003.
Council member Swanson requested monthly reports the nature of any complaints received by
the City.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk