Loading...
06.a1 Draft minutes 07-15-2025 Meeting July 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, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Kronmiller announced the reordering of the agenda to move Agenda Item 10.a to follow the consent agenda. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Booth reported on recent police activity. In June, 120 incidents were reported including several fraud scheme attempts with no financial losses. There was one theft of chainsaw art stolen from a resident’s yard. A no-contact order violation was cited, and there were several animal complaints and noise complaints. There were 26 traffic stops which resulted in 13 citations. Booth has reached out to Washington County regarding the curve at Manning Trail/207th Street where 4 vehicles have gone off the road in the past year. The County Engineer is going to implement a curve sign review for the entire Manning corridor for possible improvements. Booth was involved with a recent seizure of 27 dogs from a residence operating a kennel. Booth announced that National Night Out is planned for August 6th at the Community Center. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments. Employee Service Awards Mayor Kronmiller presented Employee Service Awards to the following staff: • 10-year Service Award to Maintenance Worker Rick Regnier – hired June 2015 • 10-year Service Award to Fire Chief Mike Hinz – appointed to Fire Chief in July 2013 • 20-year Service Award to City Clerk Brenda Eklund – hired October 2004 CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) June 17, 2025 Regular Meeting 2) July 2, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 2 of 8 c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve 2025 Contract for Services with Lakes Center for Youth and Families e) Approve Excluded Raffle Permit – Gammelgarden Museum Running of the Meatballs (September 6, 2025) f) Approve The Ozark Tavern Special Event Permit for a Momento Mori Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Benefit (August 16, 2025) g) Approve Special Event Permit for Taco Daze, Scandia-Marine Lions Club (September 6, 2025) Libby, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. CITIZEN REQUEST FOR ACTION – DIGITAL SIGNS – FEDERATED CO-OP Mike McMahon, CEO of Federated Coops, presented a request to the City Council to consider amending the city’s code language to allow a type of digital sign at the Cenex gas station which the company operates at 14860 Scandia Trail North. McMahon said Federated purchased this store seven years ago and have invested over a million dollars in improvements to the property. Four of their seven stores run messages on this type of sign and have found this signage increases customer visits to their stores, as it communicates what specials and offers are going on. McMahon said the intermittent messaging can incorporate community events as well. McMahon said he is looking for the city’s support to allow this signage. City Administrator Morell explained that the city’s ordinance does not allow dynamic signs anywhere in the city, but the school and church have also asked for this type of sign. The code could be amended to allow them only at gas stations or in certain districts if the council wants to go in this direction. Staff was directed to provide some options to consider and return this topic to a future meeting. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham reported on the July 7th PRC meeting. Disc golf at the Big Marine Park Reserve was discussed with Washington County Parks staff who encouraged a letter of support be sent to the County Parks Department for incorporating disc golf into future park plans. Gorham reported that the tennis/pickleball court re-opening event on June 19th was a success. The Committee is planning for an expanded Taco Daze pickleball tournament, Community Fun Night on August 13th, a table at the Farmers Market on July 23rd, and starting preliminary planning for Vinterfest 2026. PLANNING COMMISSION Conditional Use Permit to allow for an additional 25% of total square footage of accessory structure at 16801 205th Street Court North. Joe Hansmann, Innovative Building & Design, Applicant. Resolution No. 07-15-25-01 Planner Hofer presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a Conditional Use Permit for excess accessory structure size on property at 16801 205th Street Court North. The owners propose to build a 1,870 square foot studio/garage structure on the lot Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 3 of 8 where the code permits 1,500 square feet of accessory structure. The code does allow flexibility up to 25% additional square footage with a CUP. Planner Hofer explained that the structure will be located in the front yard due to physical conditions of the lot, which will be approved administratively. Staff reviewed an updated site plan and found it consistent with city standards. A resolution with findings and conditions of approval was prepared. Libby, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 07-15-25-01 Approving Conditional Use Permit for PID 19.032.19.24.0020 located at 16801 205th Street Court North. Motion carried 5-0. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mayor Kronmiller reported on the EDA’s meeting held on June 24th. They discussed goals, a future joint meeting with the Tourism Committee, discussed ways to reach out to small businesses and add them to the city’s website business directory, selling Scandia logo merchandise, and the City Center Master Plan, specifically the signage discussion and cost to move forward. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee will meet on July 17th. The Committee will discuss how to reach out to unserved homes that could have Midco service. Mayor Kronmiller reported that after the River project, about 40 homes in the city will remain for future broadband connections. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Committee Chair Sue Dickens was on Zoom. At their meeting on June 24th, the Committee discussed improvements to promoting the annual garage sale -- to advertise it as the first weekend following Memorial Day. The Committee assisted the Scandia Heritage Alliance with a tournament game at the lighted ballfield on June 27th. The Committee will have a table at National Night Out and at an upcoming Farmers Market to promote local events. The Committee is discussing ideas to help with Vinterfest 2026 activities. BUILDING OFFICIAL The June building activity report was in the meeting packet. In June, 18 building permits were issued at a valuation of $2,550,511. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported on fire department activity. Last month the department responded to 33 calls; 9 fire related, 22 medicals, and 2 dive related. The new tender arrived and is in service. The old tender sold on a public auction recently for $70,000. Three new firefighters started with the department this month, with their EMT training beginning this fall. CITY PLANNER Exterior Storage Amendments to Unified Development Code Planner Hofer presented an update on UDC code amendments to address exterior storage on lake properties that was last discussed by the Council at their meeting on June 17th. Concerns were Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 4 of 8 brought up related to limits of storage for larger lots as related to riparian lots. Hofer explained the language has been revised for exterior storage standards based on lot size rather than by zoning district with additional permissions and restrictions for riparian lots. Allowed number of large recreation vehicles and recreational camping vehicles now range from a minimum of one each on a 0.25-acre lot up to 5 LRV and 2 RCV on lots 1.0 acre and greater. The allowed number is now entirely dependent on lot size. Boats, boat lifts and docks may be stored on the lakeside of riparian lots and excluded from the number allowed. Planner Hofer discussed a standard that items which are entirely screened from the public roadway and adjacent property lines would not count towards the number of items allowed. Administrator Morell said this revised ordinance is a more fair and equitable way for exterior storage rules to be enforced, using size of lot rather than by zoning district. Mayor Kronmiller asked if views from the lake should be a concern? Planner Hofer said only boats and docks can be stored between a dwelling and the lakeshore, but LRVs and RCVs in side yards could potentially be visible from a lake. Council member Gribble asked if screening could be a tarp and poles? Planner Hofer said no, the UDC defines screening. Administrator Morell cited the definition: Definition 214. Screening: Screening includes earth mounds, berms or ground forms; fences and walls; landscaping (plant materials) or landscaped fixtures (such as timbers); used in combination or singularly, so as to block direct visual access to an object throughout the year. Staff recommended the ordinance changes be presented at a public hearing as the amendments have changed significantly since last presented at a hearing on May 6th. Council gave direction to send the revised ordinance amendment to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Staff will notice the hearing for August 5th in the newspaper and on the city’s website. A mailing of the hearing notice to lakeshore properties will not be done. Woodland Preservation Plan Waiver Request Planner Hofer explained that solar developer New Energy Equity has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a distribution solar energy system on property at Mayberry Trail. Hofer said the application is considered incomplete due to lack of some submittal requirements. The applicant is asking to waive the woodland and tree preservation plan requirement based on the types of trees on the site which do not meet the definition of a native plant community in need of preservation. Hofer explained that the site plan shows removal of manmade rows of trees planted 40-45 years ago on the property as wind breaks. A site assessment report from ESS, a vegetation management company used by the developer, identified non-native Colorado Spruce and Black Spruce in the windscreens which are heavily overgrown with invasive amur maple, buckthorn, and other invasive plants. The ecologist concluded that the trees are not part of a significant woodland, are dominated by non-native and invasive species, and were planted for agricultural utility and not ecological value. Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 5 of 8 Planner Hofer noted that being intentionally planted but does not remove their value. A tree inventory will be a cost of $1,000-$2,000 for the applicant. Jesse Dimond, applicant with New Energy Equity, addressed the Council, saying they are looking for a waiver. Dimond said the trees being removed are 2.8%, or 2.03 acres, of the parcel area. The site will retain some trees, and remove those that would shade the solar panels. Dimond said the tree breaks are harboring invasive species and it’s our opinion that removal would benefit nearby ecosystems and forested land. Planner Hofer said the woodland preservation plan applies here with the understanding that Black Spruce are the trees which can either be replaced onsite or make contributions to the city’s tree fund for their value. Council member Libby asked Dimond if the Council doesn’t agree to waive the requirement, what happens to the solar project. Dimond said we believe this site has viability, but there is a possibility this requirement may become too costly; however, we will do our best to figure out how to make this happen. Administrator Morell said this is the fourth time the woodland preservation plan has come up and ended development because of the costs for significant tree replacement. Morell said he’s not sure this is the intention of the ordinance but projects are facing this. In this case, these trees were planted for a purpose and not naturally occurring as a forested area. Morell noted the solar production taxes collected on solar farms in Scandia. Mayor Kronmiller said he has some concerns. The City’s comprehensive plan goals to protect the natural environment is why this woodland preservation ordinance is in place and he would not be comfortable waiving it. Planner Hofer explained that a tree survey would only count the significant trees, consisting of about an acre of Black Spruce. Non-native Colorado Spruce and dead and dying trees would not be counted. Hofer stated that the code does not allow tree replacement to used to meet screening and landscaping requirements of a project, but the developer has asked for an exception in this case, to plant replacement native trees as screening. Hofer referred to his staff report which provided a chart of the tree replacement ratio based on tree height and diameter. Administrator Morell asked if the Council sees an exception to the tree preservation plan for solar farms which could allow replacement trees to be used for screening. This would not be eliminating the tree preservation plan, and could encourage more dense vegetative screening. Council member Lubke said this could be a way to encourage more screening and make the project more feasible. Mr. Dimond explained the complications of meeting the tree replacement ratio which is not a 1:1 replacement but rather 2:1 or 4:1, adding to the cost of the project and having room on the site for the number of trees. Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 6 of 8 Planner Hofer stated that only native conifers qualify as significant trees, and it’s reasonable to not count Colorado Spruce and only Black Spruce. Tree replacement would not be required for any non-native species. Kronmiller moved to continue to require a woodland preservation plan for this solar project and to direct staff to research the ordinance for potential changes which would allow tree replacement to be used for any required screening. Administrator Morell asked to clarify if Kronmiller’s motion is for the project to follow the current language of the woodland preservation plan. Kronmiller answered yes, follow the current rules that are in place but to count only the significant trees for the required replacement. Motion seconded by Gribble. Motion carried 5-0. CITY ENGINEER Engineer Bubany reported that paving of this year’s street project will be completed tomorrow dependent on the weather. Under the Bliss Drainfield report, an updated PSIG grant application is being prepared and the city will know if it’s on the project list for funding this fall. 2024 Tennis Court Reconstruction Project - Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 4 Engineer Bubany recommended approval of the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 4 and pay $19,900.41 to Veit & Company, Inc. This amount includes work required to re-stripe the pickleball courts in the multi-use area, and dropping retainage from 5% to 1%. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 4 and pay $19,900.41 to Veit & Company, Inc. Motion carried 5-0. 2025 Street Improvement Project - Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 2 Engineer Bubany recommended the Council approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 2 and pay $151,739.47 to Valley Paving, Inc. This amount includes work required to place restoration, final tolerancing, and pave bituminous base. The request includes withholding 5% retainage. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 2 and pay $151,739.47 to Valley Paving, Inc. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia Heritage Alliance Project - Braun Invoice No. 3 Engineer Bubany recommended payment of $108.75 to Braun Intertec for the geotechnical services they provided on the Scandia Heritage Alliance Project. These services include costs related to completing the finalized geotechnical report as related to the LCCMR grant for the trail the connects to the boardwalk. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve payment of $108.75 to Braun Intertec. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 7 of 8 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer reported on department activities. A site visit was conducted with a property owner to evaluate a possible connection to the Bliss sewer system. A further septic design is needed, but a connection could cost more than building a replacement septic on their own property. Replace floor and ceiling tiles in Community Center kitchen Public Works Director Fischer presented a proposal to replace the floor and ceiling tiles in the Community Center kitchen based on an inspection report from the County health department that the conditions no longer meet current health codes for a commercial kitchen. Fischer recommended an epoxy coating as the best choice versus total replacement. Because all the equipment needs to be moved out of the kitchen, Fischer said this will be an opportunity to replace the wall panels for a more sanitary surface, replace the original ceiling tiles, paint the walls not covered by panels, and replace the dated stove with more efficient stovetops that would be easier to light and allow for more storage space. Fischer presented quotes for the materials and recommended to include all the options on the list at a cost of $15,891. The project would be completed this December-January time frame. Council member Libby said this is a good idea and she is glad to see the planned updates. Libby, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the Community Center kitchen update project as recommended. Motion carried 5-0. CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Johnson had no report. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. There were no questions. DRAFT ORDINANCE 2025-12 – AMENDING CHAPTER 30.04, ORDER OF BUSINESS, WITHIN THE CITY CODE Chapter 30.04 of the City Code establishes the order of business at each regular meeting of the City Council. Since adopted in 2007, the order of business has changed. Administrator Morell introduced a proposed ordinance amendment with a reordering to match current agenda order, including moving general business to precede committee reports. Morell noted that this has been talked about so that attendees under general business do not have to wait until the end of the meeting. Council member Libby said it makes sense to not have general business wait until the end. Morell said staff will schedulet a public hearing for the August 19th Council meeting for this ordinance change. Scandia City Council July 15, 2025 Page 8 of 8 ADJOURNMENT Kronmiller, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk