Loading...
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 insertenforce 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 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. Scandia City Council Agenda August 7, 2024 Page 3 of 3 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 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