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06.a1 Draft minutes 12-17-2024 Meeting December 17, 2024 A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the Council Chambers. The meeting was conducted in-person 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 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken. The following were in attendance: Council members Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Mike Lubke and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Eric Larson, City Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Deputy Kevin Booth, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Maefsky announced Agenda Item #10.b Scandia Heritage Alliance Site Plan Update will be moved up on the agenda to follow the public forum. Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 4-0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Booth provided the November police activity report, reporting an uneventful month with no thefts or burglaries, mainly responses to calls and traffic stops; a few traffic citations were issued. A dangerous dog declaration and one potentially dangerous dog incident occurred. PUBLIC FORUM Sam DeVita, 182nd Street, shared concerns about a property in his neighborhood. The home at 13290 182nd Street sold 2 years ago. Construction activity started this fall, with clear cutting of trees and shrubs. Mr. DeVita said the property has been devastated with impacts to the neighborhood scenery and wildlife habitat. Mr. Devita said he has been told that the owner has complied with Watershed and City rules, but what controls will prevent this in the future, saying he wanted the Council to hear my concerns. Administrator Morell stated that the property has been permitted for a complete redo, with new septic, cabin demolition and new construction. Planner Hofer said there are protections for vegetative clearing and management, but the ordinance applies to shoreland and bluff impact zones. The property has a large area where there is a right to remove trees for construction. Hofer said he would need to see the site if tree removal occurred where it was not allowed, but to his knowledge nothing that should have been protected was disturbed. Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation – Bob Wilmers Mayor Maefsky presented Bob Wilmers with a Good Neighbor Proclamation in recognition of his leadership as Chair of the Internet Action Committee and the accomplishments of securing grant funding for the internet expansion projects. Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 2 of 7 Recognition of Outgoing Mayor Christine Maefsky (Resolution No. 12-17-24-01) Acting Mayor Cusick presented Mayor Maefsky with Resolution No. 12-17-24-01, recognizing Christine’s eight years serving as Mayor. Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to adopt Resolution No. 12-17-24-01, Recognition of Mayor Christine Maefsky for Service to the Citizens of Scandia. Motion carried 4-0. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) November 19, 2024 Regular Meeting 2) December 4, 2024 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve 2025 Tobacco License Renewals: Big Marine Lake Store, Big Marine Lake Liquor Store e) Approve 2025 Liquor License Renewals: The Scandia Creamery (On-Sale/Sunday On- Sale), The Ozark Tavern (On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale), Big Marine Lake Liquor Store (Off- Sale), Meister’s Bar & Grill (On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale) f) Approve 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule g) Approve 2025 Contract for Technical Services with Washington Conservation District h) Adopt Resolution No. 12-17-24-02 – Establishing Employee pay rates for 2025 i) Adopt Resolution No. 12-17-24-03 – Employee Health Plan for 2025 j) Adopt City of Scandia 2025 Fee Schedule Ordinance No. 2024-08 and Summary Publication Resolution No. 12-17-24-04 k) Accept Resignation from Volunteer Firefighter Ben Horner l) Approve Agreement for Animal Impound Services with Companion Animal Control m) Accept Donation from the St. Croix Horse & Carriage Club – Resolution No. 12-17-24- 12 n) Approve Hiring Seasonal Rink Attendant Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0. SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE SITE PLAN UPDATE Peter Hilger, architect for the Water Tower Barn and Heritage Center project, addressed the Council. Hilger explained that they are refining the plans from the early concept, with an adjustment to the amphitheater placement, a modified plaza area and improvements to the Water Tower Barn to make it usable all year round. Because the structure was disassembled for permanent placement at the existing south ballfield, the building no longer qualifies for historical designation and the Scandia Heritage Alliance has chosen to redesign the structure. In lieu of a separate arts center, a basement will be designed for extra space and restrooms. Hilger noted the new site plan creates a plaza with splash pad, two overlooks to the wetlands, and concepts for landscaping. Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 3 of 7 Sue Rodsjo, Scandia Heritage Alliance, was present on Zoom and shared slides on the funding update, with capital funds totaling $2,730,000. They are currently gathering project estimates and aiming to select a contractor by early February. Construction could begin in fall 2025 or spring 2026. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham reported that the Committee is making plans and the schedule for Vinterfest, being held on January 24-25, 2025. Events will be inside and outside. Vinterfest buttons will be available at area merchants for a small donation. Gorham reported that there is lots of excitement for the new pickleball courts, and a local group of players have suggestions for fundraising for incidentals like brooms, paddles and balls, and benches. The money raised will be donated to the City for these purchases. Council member Kronmiller said this is a great idea for donations, and suggested some type of recognition for large donors. Any signage will need city approval. PLANNING COMMISSION Variance for encroachment of impervious surface (driveway) within the setback from the ordinary high-water level of a recreational development lake at 19489 Manning Trail North. Applicant Paul Bruggeman. Resolution No. 12-17-24-05 Planner Hofer described after the fact variance application for impervious surface within the lake setback and a wetland setback at 19489 Manning Trail. A gravel pathway previously existed on the site, but was removed and reinstalled to access an Accessory Dwelling Unit which eliminated the nonconformity that could have remained. Hofer explained that because the City had approved the ADU and it’s essential to have access to it, staff recommended approval of the request with conditions. Because the Watershed had issues with the applicant meeting their permit requirements, conditions were initially put on the approval to meet the Watershed’s requirements. Following a public hearing with the Planning Commission, staff offered alternatives to the conditions that concerned the applicant, and did not include the Watershed conditions as these were outside the scope of the request. The City’s ordinance allows limited clearing in the bluff impact zone to create a view corridor. Applicant Paul Bruggeman addressed the Council, saying he has a 0% view of the lake from my home in the summer and has a problem that the property gets one 50’ corridor for the ADU, but not for the primary home. Bruggeman said it’s more important for me get a view of the lake from my primary home than to have the driveway, and he would like to withdraw his application if he needs to abide by the condition of one view corridor that does not allow a view of the lake from his home. Bruggeman said when bought the property there was a road to the lake; he has not done intensive clearing, having graded the yard with sod but not within the bluff area. Bruggeman provided a letter from the prior City Administrator who wrote that trees may be removed to build the house, along with removal of dead and dying trees. Planner Hofer explained that the shoreland code allows one contiguous view corridor from the principal structure. Bruggeman said this doesn’t work in my situation, preferring to have two smaller non-contiguous views; not clear cut what’s there but to just trim branches. Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 4 of 7 Council member Kronmiller noted that a variance from the ordinance for view corridor was never talked about at meetings. Planner Hofer explained that the statutory review deadline for the application is January 3, 2025. In order to extend the review past this date, the applicant must waive his rights to a time limit so that staff can bring this amended request to consider a view corridor for the primary dwelling back to the Planning Commission. Staff acquired a written waiver from the applicant to extend the review for 120 days. Lubke, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to send the amended variance request back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration. Motion carried 4-0. Amendment to the Unified Development Code 153.300 to Establish Permitted and Conditional Districts for Cannabis Uses and Establish Use Specific Regulations for Cannabis Uses and 153.600 to Add Definitions Related to Cannabis Uses. Ordinance No. 2024-09; Resolution No. 12-17-24-06, Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2024-09; Summary Publication Resolution No. 12-17-24-07 Planner Hofer presented amendments to the UDC for permitting cannabis uses and to establish regulations. At the public hearing on November 12 and December 3, the Planning Commission discussed performance standards related to lighting, odor, and aesthetic controls. Hofer explained that the proposed ordinance references the code section for lighting standards and references the Office of Cannabis Management and MPCA standards for odor. Aesthetic controls were clarified with referencing the Character Area Standards and Architectural Guidelines to ensure new buildings are consistent with the character of Scandia. With these changes, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance. Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-09 UDC Amendments Regarding Cannabis Zoning Standards; Resolution No. 12-17-24-06 Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2024-09; and Resolution No. 12-17-24-07 Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 2024-09. Motion carried 4-0. Amendment to the City of Scandia Unified Development Code (UDC) Regarding Density in the Village Districts. Ordinance No. 2024-10; Resolution No. 12-17-24-08, Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2024-10; Summary Publication Resolution No. 12-17-24-09 Planner Hofer presented amendments to the UDC regarding density in the Village Districts to address conflicts with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission held the public hearing at their December 3rd meeting and recommended approval. Council member Lubke asked for clarifications of applying density evaluations. Planner Hofer stated that density bonuses are not allowed by the Met Council. Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-10 UDC Amendments Regarding Density in the Village Districts; Resolution No. 12-17-24-08 Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2024-10; and Resolution No. 12-17-24-09 Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 2024-10. Motion carried 4-0. Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 5 of 7 UDC Amendment for Village Districts Subdivision Design Standards Planner Hofer explained that staff recommended the Commission table a proposed ordinance to address concerns around higher density development in the Village Area, for which a public hearing was held on December 3rd. Hofer stated that staff has formulated a more effective way to address design standards for subdivisions, using street design, access and stormwater design as alternative methods. If the Council votes to table the proposed ordinance and sends it back to the Planning Commission, a new public hearing will be scheduled. Lubke, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to table a UDC Amendment for Villag District Subdivision Design Standards and recommend the amendments go back to the Planning Commission for further review. Motion carried 4-0. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE Midco Cost Sharing Agreement for Round 10 Border 2 Border Grant Award Administrator Morell reported that the Internet Action Committee met in November, and will reconvene for their next meeting in March 2025. A cost sharing agreement for the Border 2 Border Round 10 grant was presented for Council consideration. Morell explained that Midco is asking the city to fund $300,000 to install high speed internet along the St Croix River, a $1,337,459 project awarded a DEED grant in October. Midco will contribute $385,000 towards the project. Morell stated that the funds are included in the 401 Capital Improvement Fund for 2026. Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the Cost Sharing Agreement with Midco. Motion carried 4-0. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Committee Chair Sue Dickens joined the meeting over Zoom. A successful Vinterlights and Artisan Market was held on December 1st. A survey of the vendors will be conducted to make improvements for next year. The Committee is beginning garage sale planning for spring 2025, and exploring grants to increase tourism. The final Evening Adventures will be held this Thursday. WASTEWATER COMMITTEE Administrator Morell reported that the Wastewater Committee met on November 18th and discussed the sewer budgets and billing rates. Staff met with residents on December 9th to explain a new rate structure for the Big Marine Sewer System. The Committee will meet next month to recap the resident meeting and recommend revisions to the sewer code. BUILDING OFFICIAL The November building activity report was in the meeting packet. In November, 24 building permits were issued at a valuation of $2,165,293.54. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported on the Fire Department’s November activity. Last month the department responded to 30 calls; 7 fire and 23 medicals. Year to date totals 329 calls. Hinz stated that the department has 27 volunteers, and he would like to start the recruitment process Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 6 of 7 for adding at least three new members to the roster. Council was in consent to begin the hiring process for volunteer firefighters. 2025 Fire Engine Equipment Certificate – Resolution No. 12-17-24-11 Administrator Morell explained that at their September 17th meeting, the Council approved use of ARPA funds to go towards the $806,617 cost for a new fire engine, and to finance the rest with an equipment certificate. A resolution was prepared to authorize the issuance of a General Obligation Equipment Certificate in the amount of $340,000. The bond has a 15-year payback term; the fire engine a 25-year lifespan. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 12-17-24-11, Authorizing the Issuance of a $340,000 General Obligation Certificate of Indebtedness. Motion carried 4-0. Cusick, seconded by Lubke, moved to allocate ARPA funding of $466,422 to the purchase of a Fire Engine. Motion carried 4-0. CITY PLANNER Planner Hofer had no additional reports. CITY ENGINEER Engineer Bubany reported that staff is preparing for the 2025 street project; plans will be recommended for approval at the January 21, 2025 Council meeting. The Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge project is looking for comments on the EAW by December 26th. Grading Permit Process and Reviews Engineer Bubany prepared a memo which addressed concerns brought up by a resident about grading permits and processes at the November 19th Public Forum, and asked if changes are warranted. Council member Kronmiller said he agrees there are 2 different reviews being done by Watersheds and the City Engineer, but is there an opportunity to streamline the process? Can one application be used for both groups to review? Fire Chief Hinz, who brought up this issue, asked why are there two separate processes? Hinz said the threshold limits for a grading permit of one dump load of material is too low for large acreages. Administrator Morell reasoned that there could be joint permitting in certain situations, and certain conditions of when to require a grading permit. Morell said staff can discuss some options and return in January with recommendations. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities. The ice rink is being readied for opening on December 20th. Scandia City Council December 17, 2024 Page 7 of 7 Consider Contract for Brush Chipping Public Works Director Fischer explained that an unmanageable pile of brush has accumulated behind the Public Works building, being too large to burn this winter which is typically done. Chipping can create a reusable material for the Parks trails. Fischer presented two quotes from contractors for grinding the tree debris, and recommend Dakota Wood at a cost of $13,000- $15,000. Lubke, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to accept the quote from Dakota Wood for chipping brush piles. Motion carried 4-0. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Eric Larson had no verbal report. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. There were no questions from Council. Morell reported that discussions continue with the Laurel Ridge developer to complete the Developers Agreement. RESOLUTION NO. 12-17-24-10 ADOPTING THE 2025 CITYWIDE BUDGET AND CERTIFYING THE 2025 PROPERTY TAX LEVY City Administrator Morell stated that the budget has not changed since presented at the Truth in Taxation meeting on December 3rd. The proposed 2025 final levy amount is $3,118,194. This is an increase of 4.02% over last year. 2025 Property General Purpose Tax Levy General Fund $1,893,907 Debt Service Funds $ 494,287 Capital Improvement Fund $ 125,000 Park Investment Fund $ 40,000 Equipment Replacement Fund $ 125,000 Local Road Improvement Fund $ 440,000 Economic Development Authority $ 0 Total Property Tax Levy $3,118,194 Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 12-17-4-10, Adopting the 2025 Citywide Budget and Certifying the 2025 Property Tax Levy. Motion carried 4-0. ADJOURNMENT Lubke, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk