09-01-09 Council
September 1, 2009
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Seefeldt
called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following council members were present: Council
members Connie Amos, Pete Crum, John Lindell, Dolores Peterson and Mayor Dennis Seefeldt.
Staff present: Administrator Anne Hurlburt, City Attorney Dave Hebert, Building/Code
Enforcement Official Steve Thorp, Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Administrator Hurlburt noted an addition to the agenda: 5)e) The appointment of a city
representative to the Big Marine Park Reserve Technical Advisory Committee. Peterson,
seconded by Crum, moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed
unanimously.
SATISFACTION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY,
GRAVEL TAX DISTRIBUTION
Due to an error in the distribution of Washington County’s gravel tax money to communities
within the County in the years 2002 through 2007, Scandia will receive a payment of $955.21 for
the redistribution of the gravel tax revenue. Washington County requested that the City execute a
Satisfaction and Release Agreement accepting their settlement. Crum, seconded by Seefeldt,
moved to approve the Satisfaction and Release Agreement with Washington County,
providing for the payment of $955.21 to the City of Scandia. The motion passed
unanimously.
LILLESKOGEN PARK WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE
SRF Consulting Group has submitted plans for the construction of the water control structure at
Lilleskogen Park. This is the first step in the restoration of the wetlands on the site, formerly
known as Old Lions Park at the southeast corner of Highway 97 and Oakhill Road. The
Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District has contributed $7,500 for the project. The City
applied for a DNR Metro Greenways Grant, but the application was denied. Funds in the Park
Capital Improvement Fund are sufficient to cover the costs of the construction project. Council
will review the quotes at a future meeting. Council member Lindell questioned if the structure
will require on-going maintenance. Administrator Hurlburt replied that the water control
structure will require some minimal maintenance. Peterson, seconded by Amos, moved to
approve the plans for the Lilleskogen Park water control structure project and authorize
staff to obtain quotes for the construction. The motion passed unanimously.
2009 CRACK SEAL PROJECT, CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
Work on the streets in the original bid for the crack sealing project is nearing completion. Due to
the favorable bid price of $86,800, City Engineer Paul Hornby has recommended that additional
streets be added to the project which would bring the total construction cost to $120,000. Crum,
seconded by Lindell, moved to approve Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $33,200 for
the 2009 Crack Seal Project, to add additional streets to the project. The motion passed
unanimously.
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CERTIFY 2010 PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY, RESOLUTION NO. 09-01-09-01
The Council met in a special meeting on August 25 for the purpose of reviewing the 2010 budget
and tax levy. Council directed staff to prepare a resolution to certify the maximum levy allowed
under the state levy limit. A levy increase of 3.64% from the 2009 levy was identified, at a total
levy of $1,928,647. This must be certified to the county auditor by September 15, but may be
reduced before the final budget and tax levy are adopted in December. Administrator Hurlburt
explained the property tax impact worksheet which calculated a drop of 0.9% in next year’s local
tax rate.
Council member Lindell voiced his concerns about certifying the maximum tax levy. He
recommended a 2% increase rather than the 3.6%. He felt the City should not include a special
levy of $61,647 for the 2009 MVHC unallotment.
Peterson, seconded by Crum, moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-01-09-01 Certifying
Maximum Property Tax Levy Payable in 2010. Voting in favor: Peterson, Crum, Amos,
Seefeldt. Voting opposed: Lindell. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1.
For the 2010 budget, the state modified the Truth in Taxation requirements. The public hearing
has been replaced with a public meeting to be held between November 25 and December 26.
Peterson, seconded by Amos, moved to conduct a public meeting on the 2010 budget and
tax levy on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENT TO THE BIG MARINE PARK RESERVE TECHNICAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Washington County is requesting that a representative of the City be appointed to a Technical
Advisory Committee which is being formed for the purpose of developing a master plan
amendment for the Big Marine Park Reserve. It is anticipated that the committee would meet 3
to 4 times beginning in September 2009 until completion in May 2010. Crum, seconded by
Peterson, moved to appoint City Administrator Anne Hurlburt to serve as the city
representative on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Big Marine Park Reserve. The
motion passed unanimously.
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following were
present: Commission Chair Chris Ness, Commissioners Tom Krinke, Christine Maefsky,
Susan Rodsjo, Peter Schwarz and Planner Berry Farrington.
JOE ACKERMAN, VARIANCES FOR LOT SIZE AND SETBACKS TO CONSTRUCT
A SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 23271 LOFTON COURT (RESOLUTION NO. 09-
01-09-02)
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Joe Ackerman, 7790 229 Street North, Forest Lake, has applied for a variance from the
Ordinary High Water (OHW) setback, bluff line setback, and lot size requirements to allow for
construction of a new single family dwelling and attached garage at 23271 Lofton Court. This
property is approximately 0.43 acres in size and is within the Agriculture and Shoreland Overlay
District with frontage on Bone Lake. There is currently an existing house, detached garage and a
shed on the property. The OHW setback of the existing house is 82 feet.
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Planner Berry Farrington presented the Planner’s report. The Applicant submitted plans which
proposed a lake setback of 58 feet and a bluff line setback of -2 feet, due to a deck overhanging
the bluffline. This OHW setback was proposed in order to allow sufficient space for a
secondary/back-up septic area in the yard between the home and existing septic mound. The
Washington County Department of Public Health was consulted about the space need for the
future septic area. Staff confirmed that there would be adequate space for the secondary septic if
the proposed home were moved closer to Lofton Court by 20 feet, thereby increasing the OHW
setback to 78 feet and the bluffline setback to 18 feet. This recommendation was written as
Condition #1 of the report.
A permit will be required from the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District which will
implement stormwater management practices.
The Planner’s report recommended approval of the variance request for lot size, a 78 foot OHW
setback and an 18 foot bluffline setback based on findings as outlined in the report. The
recommended building site minimizes the degree of nonconformity and limits impacts to views
from the lake.
Applicant Joe Ackerman requested that the shed/boathouse remain along the lakefront for
storage purposes.
Chairman Ness opened the hearing to the public.
Amy Beyer, 23167 Lofton Avenue: Is the proposed structure a garage or house? Planner: House.
Will it be seasonal or permanent? Ackerman: Permanent. What is the height variance? Planner:
A variance for building height is not needed, as the building measures 19 feet, which is under the
maximum height standard of 35 feet.
Margie Schmidt, 23319 Lofton Avenue: Will approving this variance set a precedent for future
decisions? Chairman Ness: With this type of request, he favors structures moved further back
from the lake. Other options, such as scaling back the size of the house, may allow for this. Ness
stated that yes, approval would set a precedent for future decisions.
Commissioner Schwarz answered that a precedent was set the first time that similarly requested
variances were granted.
Joe Ackerman, Applicant: The OHW setback was determined to allow adequate space for a
secondary septic, a requirement of the County. The house cannot be moved any closer to the
road.
As there were no further comments, Chairman Ness closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Schwarz noted that the shed/boathouse is situated very close to the water (20 to
30 feet). He suggested allowing it to remain on the property, but be relocated so that it sits no
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closer to the lakeshore than the house. The ordinance states that no structures should be within
100 feet of the OHW.
Commissioner Rodsjo stated that she has no issues with leaving the existing shed. Her concerns
were with the landscaping and screening requirements. Rodsjo recommended that trees marked
for removal be documented and that tree replacement be required. The neighbors should be
allowed to enjoy a wooded view. In addition, plans for the installation of raingardens and other
water quality improvement measures should be submitted to the City as a condition of approval.
The City would have verification that this is done. Building/Code Enforcement Official Thorp
stated Watershed permits are required and Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District will
oversee the installation of buffers to protect water quality.
Commissioner Krinke asked if the trees would need to be replaced in the same location. City
Administrator Hurlburt stated no, alternate locations would be identified. The requirements in the
woodland and tree preservation ordinance would be referred to. Krinke also recommended that
the shed/boathouse be relocated to be in line with the house setback.
Council member Lindell asked for determination of the bluffline. Planner Farrington explained
that this is where the slope becomes pronounced at a point greater than 18%. Setbacks are
recommended due to slope erosion. Lindell stated that he found difficulty in granting this
variance due to a hardship based on the plight of the landowner. The lot is as it is and has an
existing use. Regulations are put in place to protect water quality.
Administrator Hurlburt explained that the lot met the standards that were in place when the lot
was created. Modern standards have changed and the owner does not have the ability to add
additional land in order to make improvements to the property. The request to construct a single-
family home is a reasonable use of the property and not excessive in nature. These situations
should be considered when evaluating variance requests.
Chairman Ness suggested that less house and/or less deck be considered as options. He favors
increasing the OHW setback.
Commissioner Schwarz asked if the building height included the walk-out basement. Planner
Farrington explained that yes, the building height was determined using the ordinance definition.
This measures the building height at nineteen feet.
Mayor Seefeldt stated that a non-conforming lot may be granted a variance for reasonable use of
the property. Further conformity can be obtained through conditions such as getting structures
off the lake. Seefeldt agreed with moving the shed no closer to the lake than the OHW setback of
the house. The reasoning behind this is to improve the view of the lot from the lake.
Commissioner Rodsjo asked for opinions on the OHW setback. Should the recommended 78 feet
be considered or should it be required to remain as 82 feet? Commissioners Krinke and Maefsky
stated that they were fine with the 78 feet setback.
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Commissioner Maefsky stated that careful consideration should be taken to preserve the
significant trees on the site. There are beautiful old trees that will be taken down and those that
have split trunks should be counted as multiple trees. Mr. Ackerman noted that three trees will
potentially be removed.
The Planning Commission recommended to the City Council approval of draft Resolution 09-01-
09-02, Approving Variance for 23271 Lofton Court, with the following amendments: 1) All
significant trees to be removed shall be replaced as required by the zoning ordinance; 2) The
shed/boathouse be moved to be no closer to the lake than the house. The existing house and
garage must be removed.
Peterson, seconded by Seefeldt, moved to accept the recommendation of the Planning
Commission to adopt Resolution 09-01-09-02 as amended.
Council member Lindell felt the justification in allowing a variance for the house to be 78 feet
from the lake was weak. It sets a precedent and looks arbitrary. He would regret a decision that
searches for reasons to grant the variances. He suggested that other options be looked at that
would meet the standards that are in place, such as a smaller house size or alternatives to septic
requirements.
Voting in favor of the above motion: Peterson, Crum, Amos, Seefeldt. Opposed: Lindell.
The motion passed 4-1.
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 6 OF THE SCANDIA DEVELOPMENT CODE,
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS (ORDINANCE NO. 118)
Administrator Hurlburt presented information regarding the necessary amendments to the
Floodplain Management Regulations, Chapter 6 of the Scandia Development Code. Since the
adoption of the floodplain regulations in March 2008, FEMA has updated the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs). The new study and maps will become effective on February 2, 2010. All
Washington County communities have been notified that they must amend their regulations to
reference the new study and maps by this date or be suspended from the flood insurance
program. The Minnesota DNR, being responsible for reviewing floodplain regulations before
submission to FEMA, has reviewed the amendments and finds them to be compliant with the
new study.
Chairman Ness opened the public hearing.
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Tom Ascheman, 15351 220 Street: Is the City adopting floodplain management regulations as a
way to collect increased property tax revenue? Past experience of a relative with property on Big
Marine Lake has given him this impression. City Administrator Hurlburt: No, floodplain
regulations and maps are adopted so that property owners are protected. It is necessary to have
these in place in order for owners to purchase flood insurance.
As there were no further comments, Chairman Ness closed the public hearing.
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The Planning Commission and Council reviewed the draft ordinance. Commissioner Maefsky
asked for clarification of the redlined draft.
The Planning Commission recommended that the Council adopt Ordinance No. 118 as presented.
Peterson, seconded by Amos, moved to accept the recommendation of the Planning
Commission to adopt Ordinance No. 118, Amending Chapter 6 of the Development Code
Pertaining to Floodplain Management Regulations. The motion passed unanimously.
DRAFT ORDINANCE REGULATING SPECIAL EVENTS (ORDINANCE NO. 119)
At the August 4 meeting, the Planning Commission and City Council reviewed a draft ordinance
regulating outdoor special events. The purpose of regulating outdoor events was introduced as a
way to address issues which have the potential to negatively impact property and affect public
safety. A committee was formed to further discuss the draft. The committee met on August 12.
The following were present: Planning Commissioners Chris Ness and Tom Krinke, Council
members Dolores Peterson and Connie Amos, Meister’s owners Scot and Courtney Taylor,
Wayne Schmitt, and Administrator Anne Hurlburt.
Administrator Hurlburt presented the findings of the committee. Recommended changes were
implemented into draft Ordinance No. 119. The definition of a special event includes any
outdoor gathering of at least 100 people and will apply only to events that are open to the public.
Private parties held on private property are excluded. Also excluded are events held on school
grounds, museums, places of worship, athletic fields and similar places of assembly when used
for regularly established assembly purposes. The committee also excluded auctions which end by
6:00 p.m.
The draft ordinance addressed the number of permitted events and noise restrictions. Subdivision
4 limits the number of amplified events held per calendar year to no more than six events, with
no limit on the number of non-amplified events. Amplified events must end by 11:59 p.m. on
Friday and Saturday nights. This allows an exception to the noise ordinance, which prohibits
amplified sound audible at the property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
The committee recommended a permit fee of $25.00 be charged. This fee would be adopted by a
separate Council resolution. Application must be made at least 30 days in advance and needs to
be approved by Council action. Subdivision 5 addresses the conditions that a permit may be
denied by the Council.
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Tom Ascheman, 15351 220 Street, commented that requiring events to end by midnight is
good, but there should be no limit to the number of amplified special events allowed as these are
beneficial to local businesses.
Commissioner Schwarz questioned if the terminology in Subdivision 7, Indemnification and
Insurance, is adequate protection for the City. City Administrator Hurlburt explained that the
permit holder will sign an indemnification certificate prepared by the City, holding the City
harmless from any claims. Any events held on public property must provide a liability insurance
policy naming the City as an additional insured entity with limits of not less than one million
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dollars per occurrence. This language was recommended by the League of MN Cities. City
Attorney Hebert commented that each case depends on the facts and circumstances, but the
requirements are in place in the best possible way to protect the City.
Commissioner Maefsky asked if political gatherings are required to have a permit. City
Administrator Hurlburt answered that yes, if they are open to the public and held on private
property. If the event is held in the Community Center, per Subdivision 3 of Section 3, the event
is exempt from needing an events permit. Maefsky asked how penalties, Section 4, will be
handled. City Attorney Hebert answered that it is unlikely that participants of an unpermitted
event would be prosecuted. Authorities would handle disbursement of persons gathered and
possible action would be directed to the event’s organizer.
Commissioner Maefsky asked for Meister’s owners Scot and Courtney Taylor’s reaction to the
permit requirements. Mr. Taylor replied that as participants in the draft’s development, they were
comfortable with the outcome and believes it is fair to businesses and the community.
Commissioner Rodsjo recommended that the language in the definition of a Special Event could
be modified to state that a permit is required if the assembly meets for a period of one hour or
longer but may not exceed twelve hours in duration. Rodsjo questioned if a church holding an
outdoor concert event should be required to obtain a permit. Council member Peterson stated that
church events were excluded from needing permits, but the ordinance can be amended if these
become a problem.
Commissioner Maefsky recommended changing the ending time of auctions to 8:00 p.m. in
Subdivision 3.
Council member Lindell questioned if the 30 day advance notice is enough time to process the
application. Administrator Hurlburt answered that requiring 60 days may be too much time and
the 30 day requirement leaves adequate time to get the permit on a City Council agenda and
through the approval process. Lindell had concerns that even if an event met the conditions of
approval and had no basis for denial, what discretion does the council have to halt a potential
disruptive event from being permitted. Administrator Hurlburt answered that subdivision 2
addresses factors that can minimize problems, but the fall-out from an event can determine how
future events are handled.
Mary Bailey, 15210 Oakhill Road, felt she spoke for the neighborhood around Meisters that by
allowing up to six events lasting until midnight was too much of a change. Ms. Bailey saw this as
an expansion of noise limits and frequency of events and suggested no greater than three events
be allowed per year.
Mayor Seefeldt stated that these were also his concerns. He fields many complaints from
residents who are affected by loud music up to a mile away from the establishment.
Council member Peterson explained that a decision to end at midnight was chosen as business
owners felt that it is not feasible to hire a band that needs to end at 10 p.m.
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Scot Taylor stated that he would be in agreement with lowering the number of allowed events to
four per year.
Commission Chair Ness stated that he sees this ordinance as a compromise between promoting
business events and protecting the neighbor’s rights.
Mayor Seefeldt felt that the ordinance may progress depending on complaints and nuisances.
City Attorney Hebert agreed that it is a well written ordinance and that amendments can be
adopted at a later time if necessary.
The Planning Commission recommended to the City Council adoption of draft Ordinance No.
119, Establishing Rules and Regulations for Special Events, with changes to Section 3,
Subdivision 3, that auctions that end by 8:00 p.m. are exempt, and a change to wording in the
definition of a special event (a permit is required if the assembly meets for a period of one hour
or longer but may not exceed twelve hours in duration).
Peterson, seconded by Amos, moved to accept the recommendation of the Planning
Commission to adopt draft Ordinance No. 119 as amended.
Council further discussed the parameters of the ordinance. Council member Peterson stated that
she also receives complaints from residents about music events that go late into the evening. If
the Taylors are agreeable to four events per year, the draft ordinance should be amended.
Peterson, seconded by Seefeldt, moved to amend the motion to modify draft Ordinance No.
119 to limit the number of amplified events to four per year.
Commissioner Rodsjo suggested the number remain at six and then see how the public responds.
City Attorney Hebert suggested that events held over the Friday/Saturday weekend of Taco Daze
be considered as one event. It was the consensus of the council to allow for this. Wording will be
revised in the definition of a Special Event in Section 2. The motion to amend the first motion
passed unanimously.
City Administrator Hurlburt noted the council’s actions on the draft ordinance: 1) Modify the
wording in the definition of a Special Event to state the duration of an event will include those
lasting for a period of one hour or longer but may not exceed twelve hours in duration; 2)
Auctions ending by 8:00 p.m. are exempt; 3) Limit the number of amplified events to four per
year; 4) Allow that events held during the two-day Taco Daze celebration be considered as one
event.
Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 119, Establishing Rules and Regulations for
Special Events with the above noted amendments.
NOVEMBER 2009 MEETING DATE
November 3, 2009 is an election day for the Forest Lake School District. The City may not
conduct the regular scheduled meeting on November 3 until after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. It
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was the consensus of both the Planning Commission and City Council to delay the start time to
8:00 p.m. for the Council meeting and 8:30 p.m. for the Planning Commission meeting.
Peterson, seconded by Lindell, moved to delay the start times of the City Council/Planning
Commission meetings to 8:00 p.m./8:30 p.m. on November 3, 2009. The motion passed
unanimously.
Peterson, seconded by Amos, moved to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk