03-06-2024 Work Session
March 6, 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
Morell announced an addition to the agenda – 4.a) Waste Management discussion.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried
5-0.
PRESENTATION FROM LAKES CENTER FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES – LINDA
MADSEN, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Linda Madsen, Community Outreach Coordinator for Lakes Center for Youth and Families,
provided an annual report on the services offered by the non-profit, which focuses on youth and
family counseling, intervention, and enrichment. Madsen stated her appreciation for the city’s
support over the past years.
LAKES AREA TV – PAUL PETERSON
Paul Peterson, Lakes Area TV Access Coordinator, was present to discuss a proposed fee
increase to $310 per meeting to provide a videographer at each month’s Planning Commission
meeting and regular City Council meeting. The City is currently paying $230 per meeting for
their service; however, there was never a signed contract. Peterson said this fee was set over 5
years ago, and the new rate is more closely aligned with a standard rate offered by other cable
access stations.
Peterson explained the history of a Joint Powers Agreement between Midco, Forest Lake and
Columbus which Scandia exited in 2017. The Council discussed terms and benefits of re-
entering the JPA or continuing to host the city’s meeting streams on its Boxcast channel. Council
directed staff to research cost figures and value of re-joining the JPA or remaining an
independent broadcaster.
Mayor Maefsky stated that the city should enter into the proposed agreement with Lakes Area
TV for filming meetings. Peterson explained that if the city decides to re-join the JPA before the
end of the one-year term, the contract would go away and videographer services would be
provided at no cost, as a benefit of the JPA.
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve the Production Contract Agreement with
LATV at a rate of $310 per meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Scandia City Council Work Session
March 6, 2024
Page 2 of 2
192ND ST. N RETAINING WALL REPLACEMENT
Public Works Director Fischer explained a necessary reconstruction project to a failing retaining
wall on the north side of 192nd Street in the Bliss neighborhood. Fischer estimated the wall was
installed as part of a road project in the late 1990’s. Due to safety factors, Fischer recommended
immediate removal and replacement of the wall. Quotes from three contractors were provided.
Fischer explained that engineering fees could add $1,000 to $2,000 to the bid.
Fischer suggested a boulder wall as less costly than a block wall and more durable over time.
The repair would be funded out of the Public Works general fund for road maintenance.
Of the three estimates provided, Fischer recommended Nelco Landscaping for the overall lowest
cost option.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to accept the Nelco Landscaping quote of $32,777.00
for a boulder wall replacement at 192nd Street. Motion carried 5-0.
ADDITION: DISCUSSION ON WASTE MANAGEMENT
City Administrator Morell reported that he has talked to over 30 residents who have had carts
delivered from Waste Management that they did not request. Morell said he has been talking
with WM about an ala carte service so that residents can have either trash only or recycling only,
but WM is reluctant to offer recycling only due to potential for using the cart for trash. The
company is hesitant to offer garbage only as an option due to language in state law.
Morell explained that there is confusing state statute language regarding recycling and trash fees.
Scandia has no recycling mandate, but is required by law to charge for recycling. WM says it
does not allow a customer to have one service; a customer must have both trash and recycling.
Council member Kronmiller said there are a lot of questions about the statute language, and WM
is interpreting it to their advantage.
Morell said at this point there is not much the city can do about it; he is only bringing it to the
Council’s attention. Morell said he will inform the residents who have been calling him about the
state law language, and suggest they ask their legislative representatives to re-evaluate this law
which requires the hauler to charge a fee whether the service is used or not.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk