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06.a1 Draft minutes 06-17-2025 Meeting June 17, 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, and Mayor Steve Kronmiller. Council member Mike Lubke on Zoom. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Amanda Johnson, City Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Deputy Kevin Booth, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Kronmiller announced the reordering of the agenda to move Agenda Items 10 to follow the consent agenda, with removal of 10.b. Gribble, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 4-0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Booth reported on recent police activity. In May, two crime reports were filed; theft of cash missing from a purse, but unsure how, and a fraud report regarding a grandparent scam with no monetary loss. Booth reminded the public to be vigilant of scams. There were a few animal complaints concerning dog bites and dogs at large, with several citations issued. There were 68 traffic stops resulting in 15 citations. Booth is on his summer patrol schedule of Tuesday through Saturday. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments. Commendation Presentation Dr. Thomas Shaffer, President of the St. Paul Chapter of the Minnesota Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented the City of Scandia a certificate in recognition of exemplary patriotism in the display of the American flag within the community. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) May 20, 2025 Closed Meeting 2) May 20, 2025 Regular Meeting 3) June 3, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve Meisters Bar & Grill Off-Premises Liquor License for the Fastpitch Softball Tournament, June 27-29, 2025 e) Approve Amended Sam Tobacco License - Change of Business Location Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 2 of 8 f) Accept Donation from Scandia-Marine Lions Club – Resolution No. 06-17-25-11 g) Approve Fire Department Hiring Gribble, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0. TACO DAZE PARADE INSURANCE – SCANDIA-MARINE LIONS CLUB Cheryl Reinitz, member of the Scandia-Marine Lions Club, reported on the Club’s research for Taco Daze parade insurance. In order to meet the County’s requirements to close Oakhill Road for the parade, the County requires greater liability and auto insurance than the Club can cover. Without the insurance coverage, the Lions Club cannot receive a permit to close the road for the parade. Security State Agency has checked with commercial insurance carriers for the club but none will issue stand-alone special event coverage. The agency recommended the city’s insurance policy cover the requirements at no cost to the city. Mayor Kronmiller said he was pleased to get the information from the Lions Club and insurance agency, saying he can support using the city’s insurance policy endorsement. Libby, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve using the city’s insurance coverage for this year’s Taco Daze parade and into future years. Motion carried 4-0. SISTER CITY COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR RESERVATION FEE EXEMPTION Patti Ray and Lynne Moratzka, members of the Sister City committee, appeared with a request to the Council that their organization be exempt from rental fees for the Community Center for the annual Sister City Anniversary Celebration with Mellerud, Sweden. Moratzka and Ray described this virtual event with Sweden as a community outreach event, not a fundraising event, with recurring benefits to the community and its positive promotion of Scandia. Mayor Kronmiller noted that the Committee was formed from the City Council, and is part of the community. Council member Lubke added his support for the request. Council member Libby agreed, saying the successful event is done by the wonderful job of the volunteers and reaches across the world. Administrator Morell explained that the City Council sets the fees and can waive the fees. Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to waive the Community Center rental fees into the future. Motion carried 4-0. GENERAL OBLIGATION EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE, SERIES 2025B, RESOLUTION NO. 06-17-25-12 Administrator Morell presented a loan agreement for an equipment bond in the amount of $300,000 towards the purchase of a fire tanker and plow truck as budgeted for this year. Using leftover 2024 fund balance and proceeds from sale of the old fire engine, the bond proceeds will complete the purchase of the new equipment. The bond will add between $38,000 and $26,000 to the levy over the next twelve years. A resolution was prepared for authorization of the debt issuance. Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 3 of 8 Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 06-17-25-12, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale, and Delivery of $300,000 General Obligation Certificates of Indebtedness, and approve the Loan Agreement for $300,000 General Obligation Certificate of Indebtedness. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 2025-07: An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Scandia City Code Chapter 10, Section 10.20, Repealing Scandia City Code Chapter 10, Section 10.98, and 10.99; Replacing Scandia City Code, Chapter 32- Administrative Citations and Penalties, Repealing and Replacing Scandia City Code Chapter 91, Section 91.08 And 91.09; Relocating Scandia City Code Chapter 32, Section 32.07; and Amending Scandia City Code Chapter 31, Section 31.04. Adopt Summary Publication Resolution No. 06-17-25-01 City Attorney Johnson introduced Ordinance No. 2025-07 which the Council discussed at the June 4th Work Session and approved for a public hearing. This ordinance makes revisions to the city code regarding general code enforcement procedures, administrative citations, abatement procedures, and the fee schedule. Fees will increase with non-compliance, beginning at $200 up to a maximum cap of $2,000. Johnson explained the ordinance language will make any violation of the Code a misdemeanor, allows the city to abate public nuisances, and to assess unpaid fines and costs against the property. Mayor Kronmiller opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Shaun Collier, Maxwill Avenue, asked for a definition clarification. Administrator Morell provided examples of accumulated junk to be considered – abandoned vehicles or appliances, debris that could harbor vermin, and construction debris not in use. There were no further comments and Mayor Kronmiller closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Council member Lubke, participating on Zoom, stated his support of the ordinance. Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-07 that repeals and replaces the City’s existing code enforcement, administrative citation, and abatement ordinances. Motion carried 4-0. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 06-17-25-01, Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 2025-07. Motion carried 4-0. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Vice-Chair Greg Zauner reported on the June 2nd PRC meeting. The Committee is hosting the grand opening of the new tennis/pickleball courts on June 19th. PLANNING COMMISSION Continued from May 20, 2025: Amendments to the Unified Development Code regarding Exterior Storage of Vehicles, Ordinance No. 2025-08; Resolution No. 06-17-25-02, Findings Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 4 of 8 of Fact for Ord. No. 2025-08; Resolution No. 06-17-25-03, Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 2025-08 Planner Hofer summarized an ordinance crafted over a series of meetings to amend exterior storage standards for properties around lakes that are zoned Rural Residential-Neighborhood (RR-N). The ordinance would expand the number of recreational vehicles that are allowed to be stored outside homes. The City Council tabled a version of the ordinance at their meeting on May 20th for additional information from the Watershed Districts, and to assess the number of docks allowed in the water by the DNR on individual lots. Hofer stated that the comment letters from the Watershed Districts detailed the challenges, with the primary concern of storage on pervious surfaces, and how vehicle storage on grass impacts water runoff over time. Regarding number of docks, the DNR responded that they have no limits on number of docks one property can have. Planner Hofer explained that staff identified three revisions to clarify the ordinance standards. Hofer explained the changes and recommended the Council discuss the revised ordinance. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the changes at their meeting on May 6th. Mayor Kronmiller allowed speakers to address the City Council. Jeff Holker, 196th Street, asked if the definition of lakeshore equals a riparian lot. Planner Hofer stated yes. Administrator Morell explained the exterior storage limits in the ordinance, and Hofer clarified the table on page 3. Mr. Holker asked how big an issue is this really? The changes are opening Pandora’s box; the residents, lake associations, and Watersheds spend funds to protect lakes and this is counterintuitive. Steve Collier, Maxwill Avenue, questioned vehicle storage on pervious surfaces. Planner Hofer explained the Watersheds’ finding that the entire area does not count as impervious for storing vehicles on pervious surface, only the area where the tires touch the ground. Hofer said there could be incidental creation of impervious over time as the soil compacts. Mayor Kronmiller said the city is trying to figure out what’s a reasonable number for recreational vehicles, with the conversation starting from a code enforcement perspective. Council member Libby said the city either needs to enforce the existing ordinance or make changes so there are not as many properties in violation. Mayor Kronmiller noted that the Planning Commission still had questions before making a recommendation to adopt the ordinance and accepted what came from staff. Kronmiller said we need to make sure we look at this carefully and the numbers are what we want them to be. Council member Gribble said he is concerned that a property not on the lake cannot have as many items as are allowed on a lakeshore property. Gribble added that it’s not necessarily the number but the disorder of stuff creating eyesore properties. Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 5 of 8 Administrator Morell said staff can provide additional information and schedule another listening session to meet the needs of the public and alleviate concerns. Morell said it appears we are not entirely sure what that number limits for exterior storage should be. Council member Libby said if everyone is breaking the rule we need to look at the rule; we need to be clear what’s being counted. We need to understand what we are looking for and how to fit this into what the public would like. Libby said the numbers in the ordinance came from what exists now. Mayor Kronmiller said he believes the number is too high. Administrator Morell concluded that staff will do more research into what other communities do and continue the discussion at next month’s meeting. There could possibly be another listening session with property owners in the RR-N zoning district. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, Conditional Use Permit Amendment, and Site Plan Review for Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail North. Greg Sandager, Applicant. Resolution No. 06-17-25-04 Approving Amendment to Future Land Use Map; Ordinance No. 2025-09 Amending Official Zoning Map; Resolution No. 06-17-25-05 Findings of Fact for Ord. No. 2025-09; Resolution No. 06-17-25-06 Approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Rustic Roots Winery. Planner Hofer presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a number of zoning requests for Rustic Roots Winery, located at 20168 St. Croix Trail North. The approvals include a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to alter their existing site plan to reflect changes for expansion; to approve a design review exception for exterior material of the event center to allow the use of a seasonal tent; to end the Interim Use Permit for the tent in a temporary manner; a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the future land use map and a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning of PID 24.032.20.44.0001 from Agricultural Core to Rural Commercial. Planner Hofer stated that expansion to the production building and tasting room is proposed, with plans to operate a restaurant as part of the winery. The Planning Commission heard comments at a public hearing on May 6th pertaining to increased noise and traffic concerns. The Commission extended their review to the June 3rd meeting to have the applicant provide a noise mitigation plan. The Commission discussed staff findings then voted unanimously to approve the requests. Planner Hofer explained that MNDOT is requiring a turn lane on Highway 95 based on the expanded use of the winery. A condition of the CUP requires appropriate approvals from all agencies including MNDOT must be met before issuing building permits. Applicant Greg Sandager stated that he is okay with the conditions in the prepared resolution. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 06-17-25-04 Approving Amendment to Future Land Use Map; Ordinance No. 2025-09 Amending Official Zoning Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 6 of 8 Map; Resolution No. 06-17-25-05 Findings of Fact for Ord. No. 2025-09; Resolution No. 06- 17-25-06 Approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Rustic Roots Winery. Motion carried 4-0. Mayor Kronmiller said the city should have the ability to enforce its noise ordinance and proposed having the city buy a decibel meter for monitoring noise. Kronmiller said if the law has decibel limits, the deputy needs the tools to enforce it. Unified Development Code and Shoreland Amendments Land Alteration and Grading. Ordinance No. 2025-10 Amending the UDC; Resolution No. 06-17-25-07 Findings of Fact; Resolution No. 06-17-25-08 Summary Publication; and Ordinance No. 2025-11 Amending Shoreland, Section 8.0; Resolution No. 06-17-25-09 Findings of Fact; Resolution No. 06-17- 25-10 Summary Publication Planner Hofer presented Ordinance Nos. 2025-10 and 2025-11 as approved by the Planning Commission at their meeting on June 6th. The ordinances will amend the Unified Development Code and the Shoreland Ordinance to address changes to the grading permit application previously approved by the City Council at their May 7th meeting. Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-10 Amending the UDC; Resolution No. 06-17-25-07 Findings of Fact; Resolution No. 06-17-25-08 Summary Publication; and Ordinance No. 2025-11 Amending Shoreland, Section 8.0; Resolution No. 06-17-25-09 Findings of Fact; Resolution No. 06-17-25-10 Summary Publication. Motion carried 4-0. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mayor Kronmiller reported on the EDA’s meeting held on May 27th. They discussed ways to welcome new residents to the community, wayfinding signs, the City Center study, and sales of merchandise with the city’s logo. The next meeting of the EDA will be on June 24th. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee met on June 16th. Midco provided an update that the project along the river is being designed this year with construction scheduled for next year. Outreach will be pursued for the remaining occupied addresses without Midco service, numbering 30-40 parcels, to survey if high-speed broadband service is wanted. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Committee Chair Sue Dickens was not available. The Tourism Committee meeting minutes from May 27th were in the Council packet. BUILDING OFFICIAL The May building activity report was in the meeting packet. In May, 25 building permits were issued at a valuation of $867,702.89. FIRE DEPARTMENT The Fire Department’s May activity report was in the meeting packet. Last month the department responded to 19 calls; 10 fire related, and 9 medicals. Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 7 of 8 CITY PLANNER Planner Hofer referred to a memo he prepared for the June 4th Work Session on a review of Rural Center Community Designation, Village District density options and potential amendments. Staff will prepare the amendments for the UDC as identified in the document. CITY ENGINEER Engineer Bubany announced a free well water testing clinic will be held at Baytown Town Hall on August 21st, open to any MN resident. 2024 Tennis Court Reconstruction Project - Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 3 Engineer Bubany recommended approval of the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 3 and pay $91,535.83 to Veit & Company, Inc. This amount includes work required to complete fencing, setting net posts, and acrylic surfacing the courts. The request includes withholding 5% retainage. Additional striping has been ordered at an estimated cost of $2,500. Bubany noted that with this cost, the project will remain under the budgeted amount. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 3 and pay $91,535.83 to Veit & Company, Inc. Motion carried 4-0. 2025 Street Improvement Project - Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 1 Engineer Bubany recommended the Council approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 1 and pay $98,551.25 to Valley Paving, Inc. This amount includes work required to mobilize, install traffic control, place erosion control, reclaim the roadway, and correct soft spots. The request includes withholding 5% retainage. Gribble, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 1 and pay $98,551.25 to Valley Paving, Inc. Motion carried 4-0. Scandia Heritage Alliance Project - Braun Invoice No. 2 Engineer Bubany recommended payment of $6,384.75 to Braun Intertec for the geotechnical services they provided on the Scandia Heritage Alliance Project. These services include costs related to completing swamp probes and the creation of a draft geotechnical report as related to the LCCMR grant for the trail the connects to the boardwalk. Libby, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve payment of $6,384.75 to Braun Intertec. Motion carried 4-0. 2026 Street Improvement Project - Preliminary Engineering Scope and Fee Estimate Engineer Bubany presented a preliminary engineering scope and fee estimate of $27,500 to investigate 197th Street for potential improvement options as part of the 2026 Street Improvement Project. The work will develop a recommendation for improvements to meet the minimum requirements of the city’s improved driveway standards policy for fire access. Gribble, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve the preliminary engineering scope and fee estimate to investigate 197th Street for improvement options. Motion carried 4-0. Scandia City Council June 17, 2025 Page 8 of 8 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities in his written report. There were no questions. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Johnson had no report. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. There were no questions. ADJOURNMENT Gribble, seconded by Libby, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk