09-20-16 MeetingSeptember 20, 2016
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 Bob Hegland, Dan Lee, Chris
Ness, Jim Schneider and Mayor Randall Simonson. Staff present: City Administrator Neil
Soltis, City Planner Sherri Buss, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, City Attorney Andy Pratt, Fire
Chief Mike Hinz and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
PUBLIC FORUM
Mike Eggen, 23865 Morgan Avenue, provided comments on the Council's recent discussion of a
shooting ordinance. Mr. Eggen said he didn't think Scandia's population density has made it
necessary to adopt shooting restrictions, but rather there should be a balanced approach using
common sense among neighbors to address concerns about target shooting. He asked the
Council to tone down a proposed ordinance as too many restrictions can become complicated.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) August 16, 2016 Regular Meeting
2) September 7, 2016 Work Session
b) Treasurer's Report
Beginning Balance 08/01/2016 $3,026,894.97
Receipts $45,422.98
Expenditures $290,702.43
Payroll $22,104.79 $(312,807.22)
Adjustments: duplicate receipt entry $(348.31)
Ending Balance 8/31/2016 $2,759,162.42
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Safe Assure Safety Training Contract Renewal
e) 2017 Health Insurance Renewal (Resolution 09-20-16-01)
f) Appoint Election Judges for the November 8, 2016 General Election
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion
carried 5-0.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee did not present a report. Council member Dan Lee
moved to censure the PRC for having no members in attendance. Lee went on to explain
that the members have a responsibility to provide representation, and this action could be a
wake-up call that they need to act as a legitimate committee and have a voice at Council
meetings. Administrator Soltis explained that sending a representative to the meetings is
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addressed in the Committee bylaws. Attorney Pratt noted that the Council has authority over
subcommittees to take action when necessary. Ness seconded the motion for discussion.
Council member Ness said that he didn't think censure action should be taken and that better
communication is needed. Ness said that he would convey this to Committee Chair Ryan Jinks.
Mayor Simonson called for a roll call vote on the above motion. Lee — yes; Ness — no;
Schneider — no; Hegland — no; Simonson — no. Motion defeated 1-4.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Recommendation to Deny Variance for an Accessory Structure at 16970 St. Croix Trail North
(Resolution No. 09-20-16-02)
Planner Buss presented the Planning Commission's recommendation to deny a variance to locate
an accessory structure within the 200' setback of the St. Croix River for applicant Paul Hedelson.
Buss explained that Hedelson replaced a 10'x12' shed in the same location after it was damaged
by a fallen tree, approximately 170' from the OHWL of the river. The shed is built on a separate
parcel without a primary structure adjacent to 16970 St. Croix Trail. Buss stated that the shed is
defined as substandard in the St. Croix Riverway District and requires any replacement due to
destruction or deterioration to meet the dimensional standards of the ordinance, which is 200'
from the OHWL of the river. Buss said the Planning Commissioners stated that although the
shed is small in size, they need to be consistent in enforcing the regulations.
A resolution to deny the variance was provided with findings that the request does not meet the
criteria for practical difficulties since there is adequate space to relocate the shed to an area that
does meet the 200' setback, and the two separate parcels can be combined in order to meet the
ordinance requirement that the shed be located on a parcel with a primary structure. Language in
the resolution allows for 60 days to complete the relocation and combination of parcels.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-20-16-02, Denying a
Variance for 16970 St. Croix Trail North.
Council member Ness asked if the applicant is willing to move the shed. Administrator Soltis
said that a location 30 feet to the west was identified that will not require any large tree removals
and meets the setback requirements from the septic drainfield.
Mayor Simonson called for a vote on the above motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Ordinance No. 177: Amending the Development Code for Temporary Dwelling Unit — Care
Facility and Temporary Dwelling Unit during Construction
The Planning Commission held a public hearing at their September 6th meeting and
recommended approval of Ordinance No. 177 which amends performance standards for
temporary care units and temporary dwelling units during construction. Planner Buss
summarized the amendments which adds definitions to align with recent state legislation
regarding temporary care units; to permit temporary units to be occupied by persons being cared
for as well as caregivers; clarifies that a permit for a temporary dwelling unit during construction
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is only needed for a manufactured home that is brought to the site and not when an existing home
serves as the dwelling unit during construction of a new home; and changes the required permits
from an Interim Use permit to an Administrative Permit, a less costly process.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 177, Regarding
Amendments to Temporary Dwelling Unit — Care Facility and Temporary Dwelling Unit
during Construction.
Council member Schneider asked if a bond would be involved for removal of the temporary
dwelling unit during construction. Administrator Soltis stated that the Administrative Permit
would provide for an end date for removal of the unit, beyond which legal enforcement could
occur, and would require an escrow deposit as a condition for removal.
Mayor Simonson called for a vote on the above motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 177 (Resolution No. 09-20-16-03)
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve Resolution No. 09-20-16-03, Providing for the
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 177. The motion carried 5-0.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
Building Official Chuck Preisler provided the building activity report for the month of August.
Twenty-seven permits were issued with a valuation of $1,018,216.75. Planner Buss made the
comment that Mr. Preisler has been extremely helpful in providing information on zoning
ordinances.
Administrator Soltis presented the report from the Insurance Services Office which rated
Scandia's building code effectiveness as a 4 (1 being best, 10 as lowest), which is a step above
the previous 5 rating. Soltis noted that this is a very good rating for a small community and
reflects the quality of the work being performed by the Building Official.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Deputy Brandon Yetter was out of town attending SWAT training. The August police activity
report was reviewed.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Mike Hinz reported that the department responded to 29 calls in August — 11 fire
related and 18 EMS calls. The department participated in the Taco Daze and Osceola parades,
and a 9/11 tribute on I-94.
CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Ryan Goodman provided an updated road rating map of the city's streets. The
second street sweeping of the sealcoat roads is scheduled for September 21St. Council member
Schneider asked about road striping. Goodman answered that only 220th will be striped with a
double yellow line as it was decided to cut back on striping locations.
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2016 Crackfilling and Seal Coat Project — Contractor's Request for Payment #1
Engineer Goodman recommended payment to Allied Blacktop for services they provided for the
2016 crackfilling and seal coat project. The request includes a 5% retainage.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Pay Request #1 to Allied Blacktop in
the amount of $105,138.69 for the 2016 Crackfilling and Seal Coat Project. The motion
carried 5-0.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Andy Pratt stated that although the city cannot regulate the number and content of
political signage in the 46 days preceding an election, it can regulate placement. Signs are
prohibited within the public right-of-way as provided in the sign ordinance.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Neil Soltis reported that applications for the Public Works Director position
are due on September 28th. The Request for Proposals for the Comprehensive Plan update were
sent out on September 16th and posted on the City and League websites. Soltis announced that
the Country Messenger newspaper will be hosting a Community Visioning session at the
Community Center on September 29th to gather input related to the comprehensive planning
process. A notice that a possible quorum of the Council may be present will be posted. Soltis
stated that with the updated street ratings from Bolton Menk, plans for future road projects
should be discussed at Council work sessions. Soltis will explore costs for possible use of
concrete planking for the entire ramp at the Log House Landing.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE DESIGN OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL AT
LILLESKOGEN PARK
A proposal to increase the design size of the Veterans Memorial was discussed at the September
7th Work Session. Action was deferred to provide the Parks and Recreation Committee an
opportunity to meet and make a recommendation on the project. A special meeting was not held,
however, most of the Committee members individually visited the site to view the expanded
footprint and provided comments in general support of the expanded design.
Dave Wilson, co-chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee, stated that they kept the design
minimal to work into the park setting and to make the site handicap accessible. They have raised
the funds needed to complete the project. Judy Rydeen added that the project has been in the
works for 3 years and this is the best site for the memorial.
Council member Schneider stated that this will be an attractive addition to the park and size is
not an issue with him.
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to approve the revised design of the Veterans
Memorial. The motion carried 5-0.
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SETTING A MAXIMUM TAX LEVY FOR 2017 (RESOLUTIONNO. 09-20-16-04)
The recommendation from the September 7 th Work Session was to certify the preliminary levy
for taxes payable in 2017 at the same amount as 2016, a 0% increase at a total of $2,257,871.
Administrator Soltis explained that the Council has the option to lower the levy amount with the
final budget adoption in December. Council will continue to discuss the budget between now
and December.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 09-20-16-04, Certifying
the Maximum Property Tax Levy Payable in 2017 at 0%. The motion carried 5-0.
SETTING A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2017 BUDGET
Per state statute, the City may hold the public hearing on the budget any time after November
25th. In the past, the Council has held the budget hearing at the December Work Session.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to schedule the public hearing date for the 2017
budget as December 7, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. The motion carried 5-0.
REVIEW OF FALL NEWSLETTER
The Council reviewed a draft of the fall newsletter. No changes were identified. The newsletter
will be mailed to all Scandia residents by October 1St
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk