06.a3 Draft minutes 08-07-2024 Work SessionAugust 7, 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, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, City
Planner TJ Hofer, and City Treasurer Colleen Firkus.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried
5-0.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT - MET COUNCIL LETTER
City Planner Hofer reported that the Comprehensive Plan Amendment approved by the Council
May 21, 2024, and sent to the Metropolitian Council (Met Council) review, was determined to be
incomplete and is not compatible with their expectation for development density in Scandia.
City Planner Hofer asked for direction from the Council as the UDC does not match the
Comprehensive Plan and Scandia’s density formula is locked in by the Met Council. Since the
Zoning Code is in conflict, Hofer recommended changes to the UDC to match the Comp Plan
and to be legally defensible. Hofer asked the Council to consider their vision for development in
the Village Center and Village Neighborhood (Rural Center) considering the Met Council’s
standards. Hofer asked for direction on amending the UDC to be consistent with the Comp Plan,
and whether or not to amend the Comp Plan since a new one will be required in a few years for
2030. Hofer will bring back proposed amendments based on discussion with the Council.
2024 TENNIS COURT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
City Administrator Morell reviewed the project with the changes recommended by the Council at
their last meeting. Council decided that the best configuration was a dedicated pickleball court, a
dedicated tennis court, and a multi-use court in the middle, with both tennis and pickleball
stripes. The cost remains the same. Bradley Zajic, Scandia Trail, asked where are the numbers to
support strong support from the pickle ball community. Another resident indicated they did not
get a survey, and why would Scandia pay $400,000 based on 37 positive comments. Park Board
Chair Terry Gorham reported that a survey was done as part of Parks Master Plan (102
responses, 37 requested improvements to pickle ball courts, 2 for tennis court improvements).
Multiple opportunities were given to the public over two years to comment on the proposed
Parks Master Plan through the city’s website, a community forum, and a booth at Taco Daze.
Local pickle ball courts have also been observed to be very busy. Facebook was used to pose a
question as to how much tennis is desired with a question of 1 court or 2. Councilmember
Kronmiller pointed out the project is more costly than a resurfacing of present footprint as the
project is a total reconstruction with an expansion of the footprint requiring stormwater
remediation. Cusick, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the quote from Viet &
Company in the amount of $400,486.00. Motion carried 5 – 0.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO CHAPTER 72 OF CITY CODE - PARKING
City Administrator Morell reported that during the current road improvement project, concerns
about parking on city roads, most notably on 196th St. N., have been reported to city staff. There
have also been numerous past and current reports of parking issues across the City in areas with
increased density. Due to the number of complaints and concerns Public Works has reviewed
Scandia City Council Agenda
August 7, 2024
Page 2 of 3
parking ordinances with City Staff and Deputy Booth. The verbiage within City Ordinance
Chapter 72 has been reviewed, and specific changes have been submitted in this report for
clarity, not only for City Staff and law enforcement but for residents as well. Staff recommends
the Council approve a Public Hearing for an Ordinance Amendment. Council asked for improved
wording to make it clear parking is allowed in the right-or-way, or shoulder, as long as it is not
blocking the paved, or improved, surface. Add number of vehicles allowed under the ordinance,
or a reference to that section, so there is no confusion between the provisions. Mayor, seconded
by Lubke, moved to table the discussion. Motion carried 5 – 0. Shaun Collier, Maxwill, was
allowed to comment that boat trailers park on both sides of Mayberry Trail frequently and it is
difficult to get through, and would this ordinance address this. Morell indicated this ordinance
would address it allowing the deputy to enforce it.
CITY HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
City Administrator Morell presented updated quotes for community center improvements. Staff
recommends All Around Remodeling. Councilmember Benson does not support the project for
the AV room and the community room with all the other expenditures going on. Mayor Maefsky
supports the AV room with the office. Mayor Maefsky hears most comments about the condition
of the community room. Benson, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the All Around
Remodeling quote for the main office and hallway only. Motion carried 4 – 1 with Benson,
Cusick, Kronmiller and Lubke voting yes, and Maefsky voting no.
ARPA FUNDS AND VEHICLE PURCHASES
City Administrator Morell reported on requirements for allocating and obligating the ARPA
funds. State Funding did not come through as the bonding bill did not pass this year. If the
ARPA funds are not obligated by the end of 2024, meaning no signed construction contract, the
city cannot use ARPA monies for that project. However, the city can use the funds to reimburse
expenses for planning for the Bliss project spent between June 1, 2021 & Dec. 1, 2024, which
are approximately $176,000 of engineering fees. Other avenues for funding are still being
worked on. Councilmember Kronmiller asked if the city can enter into a contract with the
engineer for future services for the construction of the project. Councilmember Benson brought
up her prior suggestion from 2022 to use half the funds for the sewer project and half to internet
expansion to benefit the most people. Benson liked the staff proposal for spending half on public
safety vehicles instead of internet as internet expansion has already been funded. A rule change
allows this expenditure on revenue replacement and can be used for general government work if
ARPA funds received are under $10 million. The city also benefits by borrowing less keeping
more in in our General Fund balance, which improves the city bond rating for future borrowing
for Bliss Project. The city is on the PSIG list which is an 80% grant and 20% loan. Morell
believes we can carry over the city’s Capital request next year, which is not a bonding year, but a
budget year, so may get state funding. Councilmember Cusick asked who will pay for it? Morell
replied that a G.O. Bond will be paid back by all tax payers, not just sewer users. PSIG approved
on 20% loan and will look at longest term available. Morell will inquire with engineer for
contract for services. Steve Collier, Maxwill Ave., asked if the Council looking at potentially
using the ARPA funds for a fire truck, or save energy on building renovations.
2025 DRAFT PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Morell presented the draft 2025 preliminary budget and the budget timeline for meetings.
Council discussion will happen at the next work session on September 4, 2024. The public will
have the opportunity to comment on the 2025 draft budget at the next regular meeting on
Scandia City Council Agenda
August 7, 2024
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September 17, 2024, where the Council will vote on a 2025 preliminary budget. The final public
hearing is at the Truth & Taxation meeting on December 4, 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Firkus
City Treasurer