08.c2 Minutes of October 2, 2019, City Council Work Session.
October 2, 2019
The City Council conducted a Work Session on the above date beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The following were present: Council members Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Patti Ray and
Mayor Christine Maefsky. Absent: Council member Chris Ness.
Staff members: City Administrator Ken Cammilleri, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works
Director Adam Hawkinson, City Engineer Ryan Goodman and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Maefsky announced an addition of Agenda #4a.) Bergo discussion, and to move Agenda
#11) Discussion of Langley Avenue ditching project to Agenda #8a.
Motion by Ray, seconded by Kronmiller, to approve the agenda as amended. Vote 4-0.
Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON 2020 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Engineer Goodman provided information on next year’s street project, estimated at a cost of
$587,000. Mayberry Trail is scheduled for mill and overlay, and 209th Street as full-depth
reclamation. Soil borings and culvert assessments have been completed this year. Plans and
specifications are scheduled for approval at the October 15th Council meeting in preparation of
the project going out for bids in January 2020.
BERGO DRAINAGE ISSUE AT 19123 LAYTON AVENUE
Engineer Goodman provided an update on the drainage issues reported by Mr. Bergo at 19123
Layton Avenue. Carnelian-Marine Watershed completed a field inspection and found the rain
garden on the adjacent property was constructed at the correct diameter but the depth of the
garden was not deep enough. The requested corrective work by the Watershed District has been
completed, approved, and final surety has been released.
Goodman identified items that could be completed to reduce the impacts of site drainage on
Bergo’s property and described a concept plan which the Watershed District recommended
Bergo pursue to reestablish correct drainage.
The Council concluded they have done everything possible at this time to address Bergo’s
concerns and encouraged him to complete the private improvements as suggested by the City
Engineer and Watershed District. Goodman was directed to convey this information to Bergo.
INFORMATION ON MNDOT TURTLE PROJECT ON HIGHWAY 97
Mayor Maefsky expressed her disappointment on MnDOT’s construction of chainlink fences
along a section of Highway 97 between Odell Avenue and Novak Avenue for the purpose of a
turtle crossing barrier. She said it is unsightly and negatively impacts the rural viewshed.
Communication from MnDOT did not appear to be received prior to its installation.
October 2, 2019
Scandia City Council
Page 2 of 3
DISCUSSION ON INCREASE TO BENEFIT LEVEL IN THE STATEWIDE
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT PLAN
At the August 7th Work Session, the Council approved a cost analysis for a potential increase to
the Fire Relief benefit level, administered by PERA’s Statewide Volunteer Firefighter
Retirement Plan. PERA determined the current benefit level of $2,800 per year of service is
funding the retirement plan with a surplus. PERA’s cost analysis reported that a benefit of
$3,500/year of service would provide a funding ratio of 103%.
Maefsky, seconded by Ray, moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution for the October 15,
2019 Council meeting approving an increase to the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter
Retirement Plan to a benefit level of $3,500 per year of service. Motion carried 4-0.
Legal staff advised that a public hearing be scheduled for consideration of the benefit increase, as
required by state statute.
DISCUSSION ON CITYWIDE CLEANUP, CONTINUED FROM SEPTEMBER 4TH
WORK SESSION
Council discussed options to provide residents with assistance and opportunities in cleaning up
their properties. Staff was directed to promote available disposal opportunities on the website
and city newsletters.
DISCUSSION ON VINTERLIGHTS EVENT LIGHTING DISPLAY
Mayor Maefsky obtained a quote from Tom Helke to string city-owned lights on the buildings
and grounds of the Community Center to prepare for the Vinterlights! event scheduled for
December 1st. There is potential for the Lions Club to make a donation towards the purchase of
the LED lights. Maefsky recommended the Council approve up to $2,000 for this proposal.
Council directed staff to prepare a resolution of approval for the October 15th Council meeting,
with Cusick expressing his opposition.
DISCUSSION ON DISPOSAL OF EXCESS INVENTORY
Public Works Director Hawkinson provided options to dispose of excess inventory taking up
storage area.
Ray, seconded by Cusick, directed staff to prepare a resolution for the October 15th
Consent Agenda with approval to sell the old skate park ramps through an online auction
site (with disclaimer), dispose of the old Christmas wreaths after recycling the LED bulbs,
and rent a dumpster for disposal of the Wayne Erickson ballfield bleachers. Motion
carried 4-0.
DISCUSSION ON LANGLEY AVENUE DITCHING PROJECT
PW Director Hawkinson described the drainage problems along Langley Avenue that can be
corrected by establishing proper ditch elevations. One contractor’s quote was received.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ray, moved to accept the quote from Peterson Excavating in the
amount of $14,885.15 for the Langley Avenue Ditching Project. Motion carried 4-0.
October 2, 2019
Scandia City Council
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DISCUSSION ON INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Council members Kronmiller and Ray presented a charter document for the Internet Action
Committee being formed that would work with internet service providers to develop and
implement a plan to make reliable, high-speed internet available to every premise in Scandia.
Discussion of Task #17 regarding communication concluded that to meet the intent of having a
clear and consistent message, the Committee will agree on what information goes out and the
City Administrator will share the information with the community via the city’s website and
social media accounts.
Discussion will continue at the October 15th meeting with focus on appointments of non-voting
members.
REVIEW FALL NEWSLETTER DRAFT
Articles for the fall newsletter were reviewed. Staff will finalize the newsletter for printing and
mailing to all Scandia residents by mid-October.
DISCUSSION ON ISSUES FOR FUTURE WORK SESSIONS
Code enforcement procedures will be a topic of the November 6th Work Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ray, seconded by Cusick, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk