5.a)1) Minutes 02-21-12 �v�-� �
February 21, 2012
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson
called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken.
The following council members were present: Council members Connie Amos, Chris Ness, Jim
Schneider, Sally Swanson and Mayor Randall Simonson. Staff present: City Administrator Anne
Hurlburt, City Attorney Tom Miller, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, City Planner Sherri Buss,
Police Deputy Chris Majeski, Fire Chief Jim Finnegan, Treasurer Colleen Firkus and Deputy
Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Simonson requested that the Fire Department report be moved up in the order of the
meeting. There were no objections. Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the
amended agenda. The motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC FORUM
Roger Thomasen, 14757 Oren Road, addressed the council with his dilemma to construct an
agricultural building for his farm equipment. Mr. Thomasen farms approximately 350 acres,but
the standards for accessory structures do not permit him to build the size building that he needs
for storage of his equipment on the 40-acre parcel in his ownership. Mr. Thomasen stated that he
could pursue a variance, but there is no guarantee that it would be approved. Mr. Thomasen
requested the council consider the limitations the ordinance has on the square-footage of
buildings used for agricultural purposes. Mr. Thomasen provided copies of ordinances from
surrounding communities that indicated that the size of his proposed storage building would be
allowed. The council will discuss this issue at their work session meeting on March 13, 2012.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Jim Finnegan reported that the department responded to thirteen calls in January, five
which were fire related and eight rescue calls. The Lakeview ambulance service continues to be
stationed at the fire hall. A final decision has not yet been made by the EMSRB on the licensing
of the service. The fire department will be conducting school bus extrication training jointly with
the Forest Lake fire department. An education training grant was received for this class. The
annual Fire Ball fundraising event will be held at the Community Center on February 25, 2012.
Amendments to Fire Department Operational Policy and Firefighter Position Descriptions
and Authorize Advertisement for Probationary Firefighters
At the February 14 Council work session, the Fire Chiefs discussed their recommended changes
to the department's operational policy and job descriptions. The changes included reducing the
probationary period to 12 months, and requiring an eight-minute response time to the fire station.
A timeline for the recruitment process was reviewed, with new volunteer firefighters being
appointed at the May 15 Council meeting. Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to approve the
amendments to the Fire Department Operational Policy and Firefighter position
descriptions, and authorize advertising and recruiting for Probationary Firefighters. The
motion carried 5-0.
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RECOGNITION OF RETIRING FIREFIGHTERS KENT SWENSON AND GREG
JOHNSON
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Simonson presented framed certificates of appreciation to
retiring Volunteer Firefighters Kent Swenson (24 years of service) and Greg Johnson (23 years
of service). The meeting was briefly recessed for a cake and coffee reception.
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) January 17, 2012 Regular Meeting
2) February 14, 2012 Work Session
b) Treasurer's Report
Beginning Balance O1/O 1/2012 $2,689,028.98
Receipts + 29,022.20
Expenditures $104,070.00
Payroll 33,497.30 - 137,567.30
Adjustments: Sales Use Tax - 41.00
Ending Balance O1/31/2012 $2,580,442.88
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) 2012 Pay Equity Report
e) Special Event Permit, Meister's Bar and Grill (May 19, 2012)
� Application for Excluded or Exempt Lawful Gambling Permit, Scandia Women's
Softball (March 30 and November 16, 2012)
Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Mayor Simonson noted his concern regarding Meister's Special Event Permit which will include
a motorcycle run on May 19, 2012. Mayor Simonson asked owner Scot Taylor to communicate
safety and speed limit compliance to the participants. Mr. Taylor stated that he will do his best to
enforce lawfulness.
Council voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for 2012
At their February 6 meeting, the Committee voted Alex Bildeaux as Chair and Mike White as
Vice Chair for 2012. Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to approve the Park and
Recreation Committee's selection of Alex Bildeaux as Chairperson and Mike White as Vice
Chairperson for 2012. The motion carried 5-0.
Appointment of Park and Recreation Committee Member Nancy Hall-Morris
Nancy Hall-Morris has submitted an application to fill a vacancy on the Park and Recreation
Committee. The term will end on February 1, 2014. Council member Swanson noted that the
Committee now has a full roster of seven members. Simonson, seconded by Swanson, moved
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to appoint Nancy Hall-Morris to fill an unexpired term on the Park and Recreation
Committee, ending in 2014. The motion carried 5-0.
Community Market
Council member Swanson, liaison to the Park Committee, reported on the decision to expand the
Community Market for 2012. The Market will be held on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. from June through September, plus an "October Fall Festival". A logo and poster has been
designed to promote the Market. The Committee recommended the vendor rates be set at $15 per
night, with a maximum of$45 for the season. Simonson, seconded by Swanson, moved to
approve the vendor fees as recommended by the Park and Recreation Committee. The
motion carried 5-0.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The Council received Building Official Keith Wille's report for the month of January. There
were no questions.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Deputy Chris Majeski reported that he is investigating cases of fraud, a theft, and two dog
bite cases.
CITY ENGINEER
Anderson-Erickson Wastewater System Study
City Engineer Ryan Goodman presented a status report on the study of the possible expansion of
the Anderson-Erickson portion of the 201 Wastewater Treatment System. The final report should
be completed by early March. The study was initiated in response to an application for a variance
to allow construction of a new home on Big Marine Lake. The new home and a home next door
would both need new sewer service. Initial findings conclude that unless long-term upgrades and
repairs are carried out, additional connections are not recommended. City Engineer Goodman
noted that there are at least 9 seasonal properties connected to the system that could become
year-round, thus increasing the flow to the system. The full report should be available by the
March 13 Council work session, at which time conclusions and potential upgrade options and
costs will be discussed.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Tom Miller summarized the matters in which he has provided legal services for
the City to the present date. The Council accepted the report.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
February 28 Special Meeting on Zavoral Mining and Reclamation Project DEIS(Draft
Environmental Impact Statement)
City Administrator Hurlburt reviewed the draft agenda for the February 28 Special Council
meeting at which the Council will be asked to approve the release of the Zavoral Mining and
Reclamation Project Draft EIS for the formal public review and comment period. City
Administrator Hurlburt reminded the Council that it is important that questions be taken only as
they pertain to the review process and not in regard to the adequacy of the study. Formal
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comments will be accepted for a 60-day period beginning on March 19, 2012. A public
information meeting is scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting on Apri13, 2012. Every
comment will be recorded in detail at this meeting. The release of the final version of the EIS is
dependent on the time needed to address all comments.
APPROVAL OF 2012 OPERATING BUDGET, FOREST LAKE CABLE COMMISSION
(RESOL UTION NO. 02-21-12-01)
The Forest Lake Cable Commission's 2012 budget was reviewed according to the Joint Powers
Agreement, which Scandia is part of. Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to adopt
Resolution No. 02-21-12-01,Approving 2012 Budget of Forest Lake Cable Commission.
The motion carried 5-0.
ANNUAL OPERATING PERMITS (AOP) FOR GRAVEL MINING AND PROCESSING
Bracht Bros., Inc, 185r"Street(Resolution No. 02-21-12-02)
Bracht Bros., Inc. has applied for an Annual Operators Permit for its existing sand and gravel
mine located on the north side of 185th Street, east of Oakgreen and west of Old Marine Trail.
The site is 40 acres in size, with mining conducted on approximately 25 of these acres.
City Planner Sherri Buss summarized the staff report which evaluated the operating conditions of
the past season. The operation is in compliance with the conditions of the Conditional Use
Permit (CUP). Very little active mining was done in 2011 and the operation is generally in the
reclamation phase. Natalie Fitzpatrick, Applicant, indicated that activities this season will focus
on removing stockpiled material and completing reclamation of the site.
This year's AOP includes a staff recommendation that Bracht shall provide for all applications of
dust control to approximately 600 feet along 185th Street. Last year the Council determined that
the City would cover the cost of the first application, and any subsequent dust control
applications would be the responsibility of Bracht. Historically, Bracht has paid for dust control
along a portion of 185th Street. One application of calcium chloride dust suppressant was applied
in 2011, and there were no complaints to warrant a second application.
Simonson, seconded by Amos, moved to adopt Resolution No. 02-21-12-02,Approving
Annual Operating Permit Application of Bracht Bros., Inc. for Sand and Gravel Mining.
Council discussed the terms of the resolution. Council member Ness asked for an estimate of
mining activity for the 2012 season. Kristen Pauly, Sunde Engineering,replied that Bracht
intends to operate at a similar capacity as 2011, which averaged about 3 truck loads per day from
the site. Ms. Pauly requested that the same dust control conditions as 2011 be approved for this
season due to the minimal truck activity. Ms. Fitzpatrick agreed that it would be fair to have the
City apply the first dust control application as there is more residential traffic along the road than
gravel trucks hauling material. Council member Schnieder stated that it would be reasonable to
approve the same dust control conditions as last year. Council member Ness agreed with this
position.
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Schneider, seconded by Ness, moved to amend the Simonson/Amos motion to modify
Resolution No. 02-21-12-02 to state that the City would provide for the first application of
dust control and Bracht would be responsible for subsequent applications if needed. The
motion carried 4-1,with Simonson opposed.
Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 02-21-12-02 as amended. The motion carried 5-0.
Tiller Corporation, 22303 ManningAvenue (Resolution No. 02-21-12-03)
Tiller Corporation has applied for an Annual Operating Permit (AOP) for an existing sand and
gravel mine located on Manning Avenue near 225`h Street. The operation includes mining,
processing and an asphalt hot-mix plant on approximately 435 acres.
City Planner Sherri Buss summarized the staff report which evaluated the operating conditions of
the past season. The Applicant is in compliance with the conditions of the Conditional Use
Permits for both the Tiller site and the adjacent Dresel site which Tiller purchased in 2009. No
processing activity occurred at the site in 2011; however the 2012 production schedule includes
full processing activity. Mining into the groundwater began at the site in 2009. Excavation depth
to date is approximately 15 feet into the groundwater table, with no groundwater mining
occurring in 2011.
City Planner Buss noted a few aspects of the trucking operations that received complaints during
the past year. Trucks were using engine braking along the TH 97 and Lofton Avenue route. Tiller
was notified that Scandia prohibits engine braking and Tiller informed the independent truck
operators that they would be dismissed if Tiller witnessed this action. Due to a complaint during
extended operating hours last summer, future requests for extended hours will be accompanied
by a truck haul route. In February 2012, complaints about uncovered loads and spilling were
received by the City. Tiller was notified that haul trucks are required to be covered. Conditions
were written into the AOP to address these complaints.
Mike Caron, Tiller Corporation, requested that language in Condition 3 be modified to read that
"Haul loads shall be secured according to state requirements". Mr. Caron explained Minnesota
Statute 169.81 pertaining to the securing of loads. Depending on the configuration of the truck
and the level of the haul material, not all loads need to be secured by a tarp. Mr. Caron
acknowledged that the independent contractors may be resistant to covering all loads as long as
they are compliant to state law, and that they are working with their loaders to ensure
compliance. Deputy Majeski stated that he recently issued warnings to truck operators that were
in violation, and noted that not all trucks he stopped were going to the Tiller Mine.
Staff recommended approval the AOP with the revised language in Condition 3.
Simonson, seconded by Amos, moved to approve Resolution No. 02-21-12-03 Approving
Annual Operating Permit for Tiller Corporation for Sand and Gravel Mining Operation,
with revised language in Condition 3. The motion carried 5-0.
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REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF COMMUNITY CENTER RENTAL FEES,JENNIFER
STERNER
Jennifer Sterner, 1132 Sunset Bay, Woodbury MN, has reserved the Community Center for
March 31 at the non-resident rate of$475. The scheduled event will be a benefit fundraiser for
her mother-in-law's medical costs for a kidney transplant. Ms. Sterner addressed the Council
with a request that the rental fee be waived and refunded in order to maximize the funds
available to assist Pat Sterner. The Community Center Rental Policy does not allow for any
waiver for this type of charitable event. City Attorney Miller advised that waiving the fee for this
event could be considered a gift or donation, which the city in not allowed to make.
Ms. Sterner asked if the family could provide some type of service to the community in lieu of
the rental fee. The Council discussed a service in lieu of payment,but concluded that it would be
difficult to estimate an equivalent value and having volunteers do physical labor on city property
becomes a liability issue.
City Administrator Hurlburt recommended that the family substitute a Scandia resident as the
contract renter so that the resident rate of$200 could be applied. Ms. Sterner thanked the Council
for their consideration of her request, and will inquire about a substitute renter.
AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE FOR THE 201 COLLECTOR SYSTEM
A revised contract with Washington County for operation and maintenance of the 201
community collector sewer system has been prepared which contains indemnity language
acceptable to both the City and County. As the County will be phasing out their role and the city
will be taking over the operation of the Anderson-Erickson portion, the agreement allows for a
30-day notice of termination. Staff recommended approval of the agreement. Ness, seconded by
Swanson, moved to approve the Community Wastewater Treatment System Operation and
Maintenance Agreement with Washington County. The motion carried 5-0.
ZONING REGULATIONS CONCERNING ADVERTISING SIGNS FOR COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Council member Swanson requested a discussion about the current regulations governing
advertising signs for community events. Swanson was concerned that rules are too restrictive for
advertising for events such as the seasonal Community Market. Signs of this type are allowed to
be in place for no more than 10 days preceding the event. No more than 3 signs advertising the
same event are permitted. City Administrator Hurlburt stated that the entire season of the
Community Market could be interpreted as one event. City Attorney Miller confirmed that this is
a supportable determination. Council agreed that this is reasonable and that three sign locations
should be adequate. No changes to the current zoning code were recommended.
AGREEMENT WITH BOLTON & MENK,INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES,
UPTOWN WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Bolton &Menk completed the Uptown Wastewater System Master Plan in 2011 and identified a
number of improvements which are included in the 2012 budget. An agreement to allow Bolton
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& Menk to perform the services of the project was reviewed. Brian Malm was identified as the
Project Manager. Staff recommended approval of the agreement. Ness, seconded by Swanson,
moved to approve an Agreement for Professional Services with Bolton & Menk for the
Uptown Wastewater System Improvements Project. The motion carried 5-0.
ADOPT GASB 54 FUND BALANCE POLICY (RESOLUTIONNO. 02-21-12-04)
The Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB) released Statement"54"which requires
more structured classifications for reporting fund balances. GASB 54 does not change how the
City conducts financial business. It is related to how fund balances are presented in the annual
financial statements. Simonson, seconded by Amos, moved to adopt Resolution No. 02-21-12-
04 Establishing Fund Balance Policies as Required by GASB 54. The motion carried 5-0.
AMENDMENT TO PERSONNEL POLICY (RESOLUTIONNO. 02-21-12-OS)
The Council amended the Fire Department Operational Policy to reduce the probationary period
for new firefighters from 24 to 12 months. A corresponding change to the city's Personnel Policy
was required. Simonson, seconded by Amos, moved to adopt Resolution No. 02-21-12-OS
Amending the Personnel Policy of the City of Scandia. The motion carried 5-0.
ESTABLISHMENT OF WASTEWATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
At the February 14 Council work session, the Council approved the creation of an advisory
committee for wastewater issues. Council discussed the specific make-up of the group and
agreed on the following appointments:
• 3 Council members (Ness, Schneider, Swanson)
• 2 citizens with technical expertise related to medium or large size SSTS
• 2 residential user representatives of the 201 system
• 2 business or institutional user representatives of the Uptown System
• 1 Planning Commission representative
• Ex-officio staff inembers to include City Engineer, Maintenance Superintendent, and City
Administrator
Council agreed that the mission of the committee is to advise the City Council on matters
regarding the "201" and "Uptown"wastewater systems including long-range and short-range
planning for operations, maintenance, improvement, expansion and financing.
Staff will begin to advertise for members of the committee.
REQUEST FOR RIGHT OF ENTRY AUTHORIZATION FOR WATERCRAFT
INSPECTIONS, MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The DNR has requested authorization for watercraft inspections related to aquatic invasive
species at the Goose Lake and St. Croix River/Log House Landing accesses. Simonson,
seconded by Ness, moved to authorize the Mayor and Administrator to sign the Right of
Entry Agreement with the Minnesota DNR. The motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
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The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk