02-07-2024 Work Session
February 7, 2024
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.
Mayor Christine Maefsky called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present:
Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Mike Lubke and Mayor
Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, Public Works Director
Charles Fischer and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried
5-0.
WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN COUNCIL INPUT
Administrator Morell reported on his attendance today regarding the long-range transportation
study being conducted by Washington County. Council member Kronmiller will attend a similar
meeting on February 8th. Morell said that the County is asking for 3 to 5 transportation issues for
the County to better support the goals of the community in their long-range planning. Morell said
the primary topics of concern raised by the participating communities are speed and safety. Other
topics brought up were walkability, multi-modal transportation, connectivity of trails, public
transportation between communities, and planning for growth. The County’s pavement
management plan was brought up with regard that the County be fair and equitable with the
grading system. Morell said he will have continued updates to the Council during this planning
process.
MIDCO LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR LINE EXTENSION GRANT APPLICATION
Administrator Morell presented a draft letter of support for an upcoming Midco grant application
to the Minnesota DEED’s line extension program to expand broadband access to more residents
in Scandia. The program does not require a local match. Midco identified two areas in the
community to service; Oakhill Road north of Highway 97, and the 205th Street/Mayberry Trail
corridor.
Kronmiller, second by Lubke, moved to approve the letter of support to Minnesota DEED
Office of Broadband Development. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING OFFICER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
At the last meeting, the Council directed staff to proceed with establishing a panel of Hearing
Officers as part of the update to the City Code Chapter 32 – Administrative Citations. City
Attorney Larson drafted a Request for Proposals for Hearing Officers for the Council to review.
City Administrator Morell explained that the RFP calls for qualified attorneys with experience. If
approved, the RFP will be posted on the website and advertised in the Country Messenger
newspaper.
Scandia City Council Work Session
February 7, 2024
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Council member Benson asked if the RFP allows a person to submit their own hourly fee.
Morell clarified that the city will choose the fee for a contract to be negotiated and to be
consistent with all the panel officers. Staff will evaluate the rates and decide on an appropriate
fee in the negotiation process.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, to approve the Request for Proposals as presented. Motion
carried 5-0.
FUNDING REQUEST FOR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE SISTER CITY
CHARTER SIGNING CEREMONY
The Sister City Committee has requested $250 to help fund expenses for the second anniversary
celebration of the Sister City charter signing with Mellerud, Sweden, scheduled for April 22,
2024. The City approved a similar funding contribution last year.
Kronmiller, second by Lubke, moved to approve the funding request of $250 towards the
Anniversary Celebration of the Sister City Charter Signing Ceremony. Motion carried 5-0.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETINGS
On April 18, 2023 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 04-18-23-03, providing for the City
Council to act as the Economic Development Authority. On June 7, 2023 the Council reviewed
the revised EDA bylaws and determined to meet in 2024 as the EDA to approve the bylaws and
conduct any business. City Administrator Morell recommended the Council pick a date and time
for an EDA meeting to approve the bylaws, appoint a president and determine the frequency of
meetings.
Lubke, second by Benson, moved to call for a meeting of the EDA at the close of the March
6, 2024 Work Session. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT PURCHASE
Public Works Director Fischer recommended the replacement of the 2012 New Holland skid
steer and the 2013 Ford F550 dump truck as provided by the equipment replacement schedule for
this year. Quotes for the replacement equipment were provided in a staff report. Fischer
explained the prices for the equipment has changed since set in the budget last year.
Fischer recommended the purchase of a New Holland C337 skid steer at a cost of $60,367.64
after factoring in the trade-in value of $16,000. The CIP estimated the replacement cost at
$90,000, resulting in a savings to the 406 CIP fund of $29,632.36.
The replacement for the Class 5 dump truck was estimated at a cost of $84,356; however,
Fischer’s quotes came in over this estimate. Fischer recommended the purchase of a 2024 Ford
F550 with dump body and tool box at a cost of $96,526.86. Fischer recommended the 2013 F550
be placed on auction when the new truck arrives, estimated to sell close to the overage of
$12,170 or higher.
Scandia City Council Work Session
February 7, 2024
Page 3 of 3
Lubke, second by Cusick, moved to approve the purchase of a New Holland C337 skid
steer at a cost of $60,367.64 after factoring in the trade-in value of $16,000 and a 2024 Ford
F550 with dump body and tool box at a cost of $84,356. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk