06.a1 Draft minutes 03-19-2024 Meeting
March 19, 2024
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the Council
Chambers. The meeting was conducted in-person 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 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of
Allegiance, roll call was taken. The following were in attendance: Council members Heather
Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Mike Lubke and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff
present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Christina Benson, City Planner TJ Hofer,
City Engineer Ryan Goodman, Deputy Kevin Booth, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works
Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Benson, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion
carried 5-0.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Deputy Booth reported that incident numbers are down as compared to a year ago. In February,
there were 43 traffic stops, with 4 citations issued. Booth explained that Washington County has
gone live with Crime Mapping, an online tool to provide the public with information about
recent crime activity in their neighborhood. City Administrator Morell announced that staff has
posted a news article on the City’s website with a link to the mapping tool.
PUBLIC FORUM
Tom Furey, Lofton Avenue: Presented a letter from Bone Lake Association to thank the city for
taking action on a deposit of contaminated wetland spoils placed on property near Bone Lake.
Mr. Furey noted that environmental actions to enhance water quality have resulted in Bone Lake
being delisted from the MPCA’s list of impaired lakes in the state.
Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation – Greg Zauner
Mayor Maefsky presented a Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation to Greg Zauner. Mr. Zauner
was nominated by Patti Ray for his dedicated volunteer skills in coordinating the Vinterfest
events over the past years, his work as an election judge, and documenting local events with his
photography.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting
2) March 6, 2024 Work Session
b) Treasurer’s Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Approve Parks and Recreation Committee Chair & Vice-Chair Recommendation
e) Accept Donation from the Scandia Fire Relief Association – Resolution No. 03-19-24-01
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f) Approve 2024 Recycling Grant Agreement with Washington County
g) Approve Hiring Seasonal Maintenance Worker
h) Approve Letter of Support for CLFLWD Grant Request
i) Accept Volunteer Firefighter Resignation
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1) Adopt a Street Reconstruction and Overlay Plan and the Intent to Issue General Obligation
Bonds (Resolution No. 03-19-24-02)
2) Approve Property Tax Abatements for Financing of the City's 2024 Crack Fill & Seal Coat
Project (Resolution No. 03-19-24-03)
Jason Aarsvold, Senior Municipal Advisor from Ehlers Public Finance, was present to explain the
process for the Council’s action to finance the 2024 Street Improvement Project. The Council was
provided the 5-year street reconstruction and overlay plan that establishes the City’s authority to
issue bonds without a referendum. The 2024-2028 plan includes only the 2024 projects and
authorizes up to $3.48 million in debt issuance for street reconstruction/overlay projects; the plan
does not include crack filling and sealing.
Mr. Aarsvold explained that tax abatement financing allows the city the authority for issuance of
general obligation debt for the 2024 crack fill and seal coat project. The prepared resolution
listed the parcels along the project roadways that have tax value up to $655,000 in tax abatement
bond issuance. Mr. Aarsvold stated that identification of these parcels does not impact the taxes
paid by these parcels in any way.
The Pre-Sale Report provided the 2024A Bond details. The total amount of the bond is projected
at $4,135,000; this provides $3,480,000 for street reconstruction (funds $3.3 million in projects)
and tax abatement funds of $655,000 for crack filling and sealing (funds $620,000
in projects). Issuance costs make up the balance of the bond after payment for the projects. The
bond will be issued for a 16-year term with the first principal and interest payment due in 2025.
Mr. Aarsvold presented a timeline for preparation and sale of the bond, with a closing date
projected for May 22, 2024.
Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. There were no comments and the hearing
was closed.
Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-02, Adopting a
Street Reconstruction and Overlay Plan and the Intent to Issue General Obligation Bonds .
Motion carried 5-0.
Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-03, Approving
Property Tax Abatements for Financing of the City's 2024 Crack Fill & Seal Coat Project.
Motion carried 5-0.
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March 19, 2024
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Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 03-19-24-04, Providing for
the Sale of $4,135,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024A. Motion carried 5-0.
PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
PRC Chair Terry Gorham reported on upcoming Earth Day activities planned by the Committee.
On April 20th a solar observation and star watch event will begin in the afternoon at Hay Lake
Park, with the Committee inviting attendants to assemble pinecone bird feeders during the day.
The children’s story path at Lilleskogen Park has new stories from Scandia Elementary students
on display.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment to change guidance from Agricultural Core to General
Rural and a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone from Agricultural Core to Rural Residential
General at PID 24.032.20.42.0003. Resolution No. 03-19-24-05, Approving Submittal of a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Metropolitan Council; Ordinance No. 2024-03,
Amending the Official Zoning Map; Resolution No. 03-19-24-06, Approving Findings of Fact
for Rezoning
Planner Hofer summarized the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a
comprehensive plan amendment and a zoning map amendment for part of PID
24.032.20.42.0003 to facilitate a lot line adjustment with the lot to the north. Staff incorporated
recommended standards from the Watershed into the conditions of approval for rezoning the
transferred property. Staff prepared two resolutions and an ordinance to amend the zoning map.
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-05, Approving
Submittal of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Metropolitan Council. Motion
carried 5-0.
Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-03, Amending the
Zoning Map. Motion carried 5-0.
Kronmiller, second by Lubke, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-06, Approving
Findings of Fact for Rezoning. Motion carried 5-0.
Ordinance No. 2024-04, Amending the City of Scandia Shoreland Management Regulations;
Resolution 03-19-24-07, Approving Finding of Facts for Ordinance 2024-04; Resolution 03-
19-24-08, Summary Publication for Ordinance 2024-04
Planner Hofer presented an ordinance to amend the city’s Shoreland Management Regulations as
recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The amendment adds a definition for
view corridor, changes the lot area table to be consistent with the DNR model ordinance, and
adds vegetative management standards for protection of shoreland vegetation. The DNR granted
conditional approval and will need to provide a final review of the ordinance upon adoption by
the city.
Hofer explained that Carnelian-Marine Watershed provided significant comments at the public
hearing; the amended ordinance incorporated many of their recommendations but scaled back
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March 19, 2024
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some. Hofer said the Planning Commission added standards for tree replacement in the critical
shoreland impact zone.
Council member Kronmiller, liaison to the Planning Commission, said the Commissioners came
up with a reasonable action to address the Watershed’s request for tree replacement in the
shoreland zone. Kronmiller said there may be a future request from the Watershed to extend tree
replacement to all shoreland beyond the shore impact zone.
Planner Hofer responded to Council member Lubke’s question to clarify the 50’ view corridor
width. This is based on the Watershed recommendation; the DNR noted this is a greater standard
than required.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-04, Amending the City
of Scandia Shoreland Management Regulations. Motion carried 5-0.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-07, Approving
Finding of Facts for Ordinance 2024-04. Motion carried 5-0.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-08, Summary
Publication for Ordinance No. 2024-04. Motion carried 5-0.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
The Internet Action Committee did not meet in February. The IAC will meet on March 21, 2024.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
Tourism Chair Sue Dickens reported over Zoom on the February 27th meeting. The Committee
confirmed the city-wide garage sale will be held May 30th to June 1st. The March 26th meeting
plans a discussion of additional promotion programs for Scandia businesses.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The February building activity report was in the meeting packet. In February, 27 building
permits were issued at a valuation of $327,400.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported on the Fire Department’s February activity. Last month the department
responded to 21 calls; 6 fire, 12 medicals, and 3 cancelled calls. The department is conducting
live fire training in preparation for a structure burn this spring.
CITY ENGINEER
Engineer Goodman provided an update on the state’s Transportation Advancement Account,
projected to fund small cities $3,039,000 in 2024 and $19,967,000 in 2025 as the account grows
each year.
2024 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project – Approve Plans & Specifications and Authorize Ad for
Bids
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Engineer Goodman provided a schedule and project map for this year’s crack fill and seal coat
project, budgeted for $620,000 this year. Bid opening is scheduled for April 24, 2024.
Lubke, second by Benson, moved to Approve Plans & Specifications and Authorize Ad for
Bids for the 2024 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project. Motion carried 5-0.
2024 Street Improvement Project – Approve Change Order No. 1
Engineer Goodman provided a project map of additional streets added to the 2024 street project
to take advantage of favorable bids. The change order adds $258,352 to the project to meet the
budgeted amount. A pre-construction meeting will be held on April 3rd.
Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to Approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2024 Street
Improvement Project in the amount of $258,351.54. Motion carried 5-0.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities. Emerald ash borer issues are
becoming more visible in the past year. Fischer said the department will start tree removal this
year and will be on-going over the years, with some replacements with new varieties of trees;
however, trees within the rights-of-way will not be replaced. Fischer said injection methods to
fight the disease in some trees will be considered if a tree isn’t too far gone.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Christina Benson had no report, and was available for questions.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Morell reported on a Gateway Trail Project meeting staff had with the DNR.
The County is finalizing a design for the trail crossing on Oakhill Road, proposed to also include
a horse trail.
2024 ANNUAL OPERATING PERMIT FOR MARTIN MARIETTA (FORMERLY
TILLER CORPORATION) SCANDIA MINE. RESOLUTION NO. 03-19-24-09
Planner Hofer summarized the staff report on Tiller Mine’s application for the 2024 Annual
Operating Permit located at 22303 Manning Trail North. Staff reviewed operations of the
previous year and the mining plans for this year. Hofer reported that the operation is totally in
compliance with the conditions of the CUP. In 2023, the Tiller site was actively mined into the
groundwater table approximately 15-20 feet, within the depth of compliance. The amount of
material removed from the site was down from 2022, which is driven by market demands. The
City’s Water Consultant found no concerns with groundwater quality or quantity, and
recommended continued groundwater monitoring in 2024. Hofer reported that the Watershed
permit continues to be in compliance with their agency.
Planner Hofer prepared a resolution with conditions of approval for the AOP.
Christina Morrison, Regional Manager, was present to answer any questions.
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Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-09, Approving
the 2024 Annual Operating Permit for the Sand and Gravel Mine and Processing Facility
at the Scandia Mine Site. Motion carried 5-0.
CARNELIAN-MARINE ST. CROIX WATERSHED BOARD OF MANAGERS
EXPIRING TERMS
City Clerk Eklund reported that notice was received from Washington County on expiring terms
of office for 3 managers on the Carnelian-Marine St Croix Watershed District Board of
Managers. Scandia resident Paul Richert is requesting reappointment to a 3-year term.
Council member Lubke recommended Nick Bancks be nominated for one of the terms which
will be vacant. Mr. Bancks addressed the Council and explained that he has lived in Scandia for
5 years and a member of the Fire Department for 4 years. Mr. Bancks stated that he has had a 15-
year career in natural resource management, lives on Sand Lake and has been president of the
lake association, is familiar with the work the Watershed is doing, and is interested in serving on
the Board to further preserve aquatic resources.
Maefsky, second by Cusick, moved to endorse Paul Richert for reappointment and
nominate Nick Banks for a Watershed Board Manager term. Motion carried 5-0.
Staff will provide the letters of endorsement to the Washington County Board for their
consideration. Appointments will be made by the County Board in April.
CHAPTER 32 – ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION HEARING OFFICER RFP
The City has been advertising a Request for Proposals for a Hearing Officer related to the new
Administrative Citations ordinance, but no proposals were received by the March 12th deadline.
City Administrator Morell recommended the RFP be re-published with a deadline in April.
Maefsky, second by Lubke, moved to re-publish the Hearing Officer Request for Proposals.
Motion carried 5-0.
2025 LCCMR GRANT APPLICATION – RESOLUTION NO. 03-19-24-10
Staff is working with the Scandia Heritage Alliance on a 2025 LCCMR grant application for the
trails system to link the Water Tower Barn with the Community Center. City Administrator
Morell presented the draft application and authorizing resolution that is due to the state by March
27, 2024. Morell said the SHA is working on revised cost estimates that are coming down from
the initial estimate. The city will provide a 25% match, pledging $160,000 that can be reduced
by SHA donations.
Lobbyist Les Henn addressed the Council and stated that this project has a high likelihood to be
funded – it’s a good plan that continues to build on the Water Tower project which received a
grant last year, and has dedicated money towards the project.
Maefsky, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve Resolution No. 03-19-24-09,
Authorizing the City’s 2025 LCCMR Application. Motion carried 5-0.
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ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk