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04-15-2025 MeetingApril 15, 2025 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 Steve Kronmiller 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, Jim Gribble, Kirsten Libby, Mike Lubke and Mayor Steve Kronmiller. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Amanda Johnson, City Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Deputy Kevin Booth, Fire Chief Mike Hinz (Zoom), Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5- 0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Booth reported on March police activity, saying the month was mostly uneventful; one theft described as a landlord/tenant issue, a couple of fraud calls, and several public assists. There were 59 traffic stops, including 2 DWI arrests, 18 citations for speeding, expired tabs, stop sign violations, and a window tint. Booth said he is working on parking issues at Sand Lake. In County Sheriff's Office news, the crisis response team now has an imbedded clinical specialist for emergency calls to 911 to assess an appropriate response for mental health calls. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) March 18, 2025 Regular Meeting 2) April 2, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer's Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve Excluded Raffle Permit for Scandia Elementary PTO, May 30, 2025 Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham was present on Zoom and reported that the toy swap conducted on April 12th was successful, with the intent to reduce throw away plastics. The PRC is planning activities for Community Fun Day in August. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 2 of 9 Consider PRC Logo for Shirts At their April 7t' meeting, the Committee discussed the purchase of shirts to identify themselves at community events. A logo was designed by PRC member Dustin Hegland. PRC Chair Gorham said they are looking for approval to adopt this logo. PRC members would purchase their own shirts. Mayor Kronmiller said he likes the idea to be recognizable and official looking. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Scandia PRC logo. Motion carried 5-0. 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. 04-15-25-01 Planner Hofer summarized a variance application for impervious surface in the lake setback of Big Marine Lake at 19489 Manning Trail North which was first heard at an October 1, 2024 public hearing with the Planning Commission. The applicant is requesting an after the fact variance to encroach 25 feet into the required 100-foot setback for a driveway to allow access to an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit on the site. Staff found the request complied with the practical difficulty standards and recommended approval with conditions. Planner Hofer explained that the applicant had concerns with some of the conditions, and the application went back to the Planning Commission in March. The Commission revised some of the conditions of approval, which were explained in the Planner's staff report. Hofer stated that the City Attorney recently advised that Conditions #5.a and #5.b need to be directly related to the variance for a driveway path, and these conditions to restore vegetation along the retaining wall and establish a view corridor should be struck from the conditions of approval. Hofer noted that Condition #4, to document the view corridor on the property, should also be struck from the conditions of approval, as the view corridor is not directly related to the impervious path. Mayor Kronmiller asked how will the removed conditions be addressed? Planner Hofer said the shoreland ordinance standards to establish a view corridor, but to allow for limited clearing provided standards are met, are a misdemeanor within the shoreland ordinance for restoration not completed. Speaker Joel Holstad, representing Mr. Bruggeman, said he appreciates the Council's approval, and his client will continue to work with the Watershed District to resolve the vegetation issue. Holstad said his client accepts the city's approval as recommended. Cusick, seconded by Lubke, moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-15-25-01, Approving a Variance at 19489 Manning Trail North, amended with the removal of Conditions #4, #5.a and #5.b as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 3 of 9 Variance for structure setback from the OHWL of a Recreational Lake at 23261 Lofton Court North. Rick Johnson, Applicant. Resolution No. 04-15-25-02 Planner Hofer provided background on a variance request from Rick Johnson to construct a deck on an existing legal non -conforming structure within the 100'setback from the Ordinary High - Water Level of Bone Lake. The proposed deck would be 67.6-ft. from the OHWL. The site was constrained by a septic system location when a cabin was built in 1983 and a subsequent variance was approved for a year-round home in 1992 which encroaches 24.7-ft. into the lake setback. Staff found the request inconsistent with the standards for variance approval; the difficulty was created by the landowner. Hofer said staff identified an alternative location on the side yard to allow for a larger deck that would not need a variance. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 1st and recommended denial of the variance. Findings that the request is inconsistent with the UDC and Comp Plan were identified in a resolution. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-15-25-02, Denying a Variance for 23261 Lofton Court North. Motion carried 5-0. Amendment to the Unified Development Code regarding Golf Courses, and an Amendment to the Existing Conditional Use Permit for Ironwood Golf Range located at 11480 Scandia Trail North. Kevin Nickelson, Applicant. Ordinance No. 2025-04, Findings of Fact Resolution No. 04-15-25-03; Publication Summary Resolution No. 04-15-25-04, Amended Conditional Use Permit for Ironwood Golf Range Resolution No. 04-15-25-05 Planner Hofer presented a request from Kevin Nickelson for text amendments to the Unified Development Code regarding golf courses, and to amend the existing Conditional Use Permit for Ironwood Golf Driving Range. Hofer explained the request for a number of changes to the ordinance, saying the changes mostly meet the intent of the UDC zoning districts for Ag-Core and RR-G. The applicant asked for expanded standards and uses to golf driving ranges: to allow golf simulators, more hitting stations, lighting, netting, food and liquor sales, more than one building and a residence on the site. Planner Hofer presented a draft ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission to add hitting bases, allow golf simulators, reduce lot size from 35 acres to 20 acres in size, prohibit netting, prohibit lighting on the golf range, allow a miniature golf course, and allow food service and a bar. Planner Hofer said a residence and netting were discussed, but there is a history of protecting viewshed and the Commission kept the existing ordinance standard to prohibit netting. Hofer explained that to allow a residence on site, the city would need to amend zoning for commercial uses in the agriculture district, which is inconsistent with the definition in the UDC. Regarding a standard for a maximum number of hitting tees, Hofer said the Planning Commission didn't determine a number and left this for the Council to discuss. Planner Hofer explained that rather than amending the existing CUP for the driving range, staff recommended to issue a new CUP with conditions to match the zoning amendment. A resolution to approve a CUP was prepared. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 4 of 9 Council member Libby said the applicant is looking to keep the property useful and vibrant, with extensive discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on April I". Libby said she doesn't have a problem with allowing a residence, but this seemed to get lost at the meeting. Planner Hofer said if the Council is open to ordinance language to allow a residence, the standard for minimum acreage size can be removed and then allow for a future subdivision of the parcel that neighbors the business on which to construct a residence. Council member Lubke said he doesn't see what the concern is for a residence on the property, saying it's not a big deal on large acreage to put a house next to a business. Applicant Kevin Nickelson, Scandia Trail, said he is okay with the Planning Commission's decision. City Administrator Morell stated that without a site plan, it was hard for the Commission to conceptualize how a residence would fit onto a business site. Planner Hofer explained that because the property has commercial use, a residence would only be allowed as an accessory dwelling up to 1,500 square feet, but there could be potential to subdivide off a parcel. Mayor Kronmiller stated that the Council could approve the ordinance prepared by staff, and then direct the Planning Commission to see about allowing it through ordinance amendments. Council member Lubke stated that the ordinance shouldn't need to regulate the number of hitting tees. Planner Hofer stated that this standard can be struck and rather have the number constrained by the setbacks. Council member Cusick said he is fine with netting for a driving range. Council member Lubke agreed. Council member Libby said the concern was upkeep of the netting so as not to become worn out. Planner Hofer asked the Council if netting would be considered a nuisance on any other ag property in Scandia? If not, then it would be okay to allow netting. Kevin Nickelson said netting that is 45-ft. in height would be effective. Mayor Kronmiller said there is a safety perspective to allow netting and it makes sense. Planner Hofer summarized the amendments to the prepared ordinance — strike standard (N) IV.b and allow netting up to 45-ft that meets structure setbacks, and remove the standard for number of hitting stations. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt amended Ordinance No. 2025-04 Regarding UDC Standards for Golf Courses; Resolution No. 04-15-25-03, Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2025-04; Resolution No. 04-15-25-04, Publication Summary of Ordinance No. 2025-04; and adopt amended Resolution No. 04-15-25-05, Conditional Use Permit for Ironwood Golf Range. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 5 of 9 Minor Subdivision to subdivide the property at 18180 Manning Trail North. Northern Natural Gas Company, Applicant Resolution No. 04-15-25-06 Planner Hofer presented the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a minor subdivision for property at 18180 Manning Trail to create two lots to be known as Nelson Addition. At the February 18, 2025 City Council meeting, a variance was approved to allow for the subdivision that would result in a nonconforming lot with 173.11 feet where 300 feet are required along Manning Trail. The newly created Lot 1, Block 1 of 2.92 acres in size will have access on 180t' Street when the property is developed with a future utility substation. Planner Hofer explained that park dedication fees will be a cash payment in lieu of land at the rate of $3,000 per residential unit. Conditions of approval, including the collection of $6,000 in park fees, were presented in a resolution. Applicant Steven Martinez was present on Zoom and stated acceptance of the conditions. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-15-25-06, Approving a Minor Subdivision for Nelson Addition located at 18180 Manning Trail North. Motion carried 5-0. Minor Subdivision to subdivide the property at 10830180th Street North. Northern Natural Gas Company, Applicant. Resolution No. 04-15-25-07 Planner Hofer presented the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve a minor subdivision for property at 10830 180th Street North to create two lots to be known as Baker Addition. Hofer said the plat is consistent with the earlier approved variance to allow for a minor subdivision with multiple nonconformities. A restriction is required for Lot 1, Block 1 to not be separated from Lot 2, Block 1 of Nelson Addition. Planner Hofer explained that staff is recommending a park dedication fee of $3,000 be collected for one lot as there will not be a residential unit created for Lot 1, Block 1 which is undevelopable. A resolution with conditions of approval was presented to the Council. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-15-25-07, Approving a Minor Subdivision at 10830 180th Street known as Baker Addition. Motion carried 5-0. Unified Development Code Housekeeping Ordinance Amendments. Ordinance No. 2025-05, Findings of Fact Resolution No. 04-15-25-08, Publication Summary Resolution No. 04-15-25- 09 Planner Hofer summarized amendments to the Unified Development Code to correct errors and omissions, and to clarify certain sections of the code which was adopted in 2022. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments at their meeting on April 1, 2025 and recommended approval with amendments to add a provision for temporary snow fencing to be exempt from Character Area standards, struck changes to fence permits needing a permit based on proximity to property lines, and struck the term "rural use" to the accessory structure table. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 6 of 9 Regarding the allowance for temporary snow fences to be exempt from November 1" to April 30th, Council member Lubke recommended moving the date to October 15th and to strike the reference to the city's snow and ice control policy as the basis for the dates. Council member Libby asked if the bonus density language will remain in the UDC. Planner Hofer explained that staff is recommending that bonus density language for Open Space Planned Unit Developments should not be removed at this time until development allowances within the City have been determined for how the recently adopted Met Council Imagine 2050 policies will impact development within the city. Currently the Met Council has told staff bonus density cannot be allowed in rural diversified communities. Mayor Kronmiller stated that the Council should wrap up the housekeeping ordinance amendments as recommended by staff and continue the bonus density discussion at a future work session. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-05, Amending Sections of the UDC with an amendment to time allowed for temporary snow fences; Resolution No. 04-15-25-08, Findings of Fact for Ordinance No. 2025-05; and Resolution No. 04-15-25-09 Publication Summary of Ordinance No. 2025-05. Motion carried 5-0. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee did not meet in March. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Committee Chair Sue Dickens appeared on Zoom and reported on the March meeting. Member Chrissy Larson has resigned from the Committee. The Committee has five members at this time. The Committee hosted a Business Breakfast on April 9th, with a good turnout of 25 attendees. Chair Dickens said the Committee created a calendar handout of 2025 Scandia events, with over 20 events for the business community to become involved with. Plans are underway for the annual community -wide garage sale being held on May 29th to 31 st BUILDING OFFICIAL The March building activity report was in the meeting packet. In March, 18 building permits were issued at a valuation of $692,420. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz appeared over Zoom and reported on the Fire Department's March activity. Last month the department responded to 13 calls; 4 fire related, and 9 medicals. The old fire engine recently sold at public auction for $20,000 to a buyer in Tucson. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 7 of 9 CITY PLANNER Draft Ordinance for Exterior Storage in Rural Residential -Neighborhood (RR-N) Zoning District Planner Hofer presented a draft ordinance that would amend a section of the Unified Development Code to address concerns around exterior storage of vehicles, particularly on properties around lakes within the city. At the April 2"d work session, the Council discussed the standards and took input from residents. Hofer summarized the proposed changes to the ordinance to address the comments identified at the meeting. New standards were drafted for the Rural Residential -Neighborhood zoning district for exterior storage and parking, including up to five large recreational vehicles may be stored on the property in view from the road and adjacent properties. Boats and dock storage would be exempted from the number allowed for riparian lots, and storage is allowed on the lakeside of the property. Planner Hofer noted the language for storage to be entirely on the owner's property rather than not allowed within the right-of-way. Public Works Director Fischer explained that ROW is measured as 33' from the middle of the road, and allows for snow storage and plow clearance beyond the edge of the street; items may be too close to the street to safely allow for this. Mayor Kronmiller recommended to leave the language as outside of the right-of-way for now and gather public input and feedback for the final ordinance language. Based on public input at the work session, dates for the storage of boats, docks and lifts were removed, and their storage allowed within the lakeside of the lot. Planner Hofer explained that language was drafted for Paragraph (E) Off -Street Parking that the number of licensed vehicles parked on the property shall be based on the number of licensed drivers that reside on a property, replacing the current maximum of four vehicles. Mayor Kronmiller asked about rules for mini -bikes, go-carts, and golf carts. Hofer said these can be addressed in the definition section, to be considered as utility vehicles and not regulated based on shape and size. Hofer noted that the RR-N zoning district will be allowed more recreational vehicles in this ordinance. Council and staff discussed the regulations for larger trucks. Council directed staff to further research what other communities allow and incorporate language into the draft ordinance. Council was in consensus to recommend the Planning Commission hold a public hearing at their meeting on May 6, 2025 for amendments to exterior storage regulations. Grading Permit Amendments in the Unified Development Code and Shoreland Ordinance At the March 18, 2025 meeting, the Council directed staff to make changes to the grading permit application that alters when a grading permit is required. Planner Hofer prepared a draft ordinance to reflect changes needed to the city's adopted ordinances based on that discussion. Planner Hofer explained that Paragraph (F) Administrative Permits for Land Alteration will have the standards for 600 square feet of impact or 10 cubic yards of material added or removed to be stricken from the section. Standards for provisions in the shoreland ordinance will be added that all grading and filling work in the shoreland overlay requires a grading permit. Hofer explained Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 8 of 9 that when the city has a permit issued, enforcement of issues becomes an easier process. Hofer noted that the city is able to waive the escrow requirement based on the scope of work, to help minimize the costs to the applicant. Mayor Kronmiller said this does not accomplish the goal to lessen the layers of bureaucracy because the Watersheds will also require a permit from their agency. Engineer Bubany explained that a city permit allows for a level of oversight of the city's rules, with the ability to remove the escrow requirement for smaller projects. Planner Hofer said there are certain requirements in the model shoreland ordinance which the DNR will not allow to be changed. The intent of the amendments is to bring the ordinance in line with the requested changes to the permit language. Planner Hofer said they will bring the discussion back to a staff level and incorporate the Council's comments for a better solution, for further discussion at a future Council meeting. Mayor Kronmiller asked staff to work with the Watersheds on a unified application in order to make the process more streamlined. CITY ENGINEER Engineer Bubany provided a written engineering report, and stated that the 2025 Street Improvement Project has a start date of June 9th. Bliss Addition Stormwater Project has been completed; the city will be taking over maintenance of the system starting in 2027. Scandia Heritage Alliance — Payment of Braun Invoice B423271 Engineer Bubany recommended full payment of the invoice from Braun Intertec for the soil boring work and analysis related to the Scandia Heritage Alliance boardwalk study. Kronmiller, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve payment of $9,793.75 to Braun Intertec for geotechnical services. Motion carried 5-0. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities in a written staff report. There were no questions. Dust Control —Award Bid Public Works Director Fischer presented bids for dust control applications to existing gravel roads in the city. In addition to the commonly used calcium chloride product, Envirotech provided an alternate polymer enhanced product reported to reduce leaching off the road surface and increase water absorption from the air. Fischer reported that other cities are using this product with improved dust control. Fischer recommended this product at a cost per gallon of $1.70, saying it was slightly higher than the $1.60/gallon cost of calcium chloride but with better dust control. Scandia City Council April 15, 2025 Page 9 of 9 Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve Option 2, award the dust control bid to Envirotech Services at a cost of $1.60/gallon for calcium chloride dust control. Motion carried 5-0. Driveway Culvert Policy Update Public Works Director Fischer introduced a discussion for a proposed driveway culvert policy update. Since 1999, driveway permit applications have included language that the township/city will maintain the culvert upon final approval of the driveway installation. Fischer said this becomes a large cost to the city when replacing private driveway culverts during road construction projects, and staff is recommending culvert ownership be the responsibility of the property owner. This will place costs of maintenance and replacement on the property owners. Staff estimated culvert replacement costs around $4,700 per driveway based on the prior street project. Mayor Kronmiller said if the culvert is in the right-of-way, the city owns it. Council member Libby agreed, saying it should be a government responsibility. Council member Lubke asked why should a taxpayer pay for a culvert for a private driveway. Administrator Morell said this topic came out of Capital Improvement Committee discussions to lower costs of street projects. Council recommended the topic go back to the Capital Improvement Committee for their input, but noted culvert maintenance is a city responsibility. Staff will revise the policy language and bring it back to a future Council meeting. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Amanda Johnson had no report. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. There were no questions from Council. ADJOURNMENT Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk