02-07-2017 Planning CommissionFebruary 7, 2017
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting on the above date.
Commissioner Jan Hogle was sworn in to serve a term that runs from February 1, 2017 to
February 1, 2022.
The following were in attendance: Commissioners Jan Hogle, Travis Loeffler, Tom Noyes and
Dan Squyres. Absent: Commissioner Walt Anderson. Staff present: City Administrator Neil
Soltis and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund. Mayor Christine Maefsky and Council member Chris
Ness were also in attendance.
Vice Chair Squyres called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ANNUAL APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR
Loeffler, seconded by Hogle, moved to nominate Dan Squyres as Chair and Jan Hogle as
Vice -Chair of the Planning Commission for a one-year term. There were no further
nominations. The motion carried 4-0.
This recommendation will be presented to the City Council at their February 21, 2017 meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA, MINUTES
Loeffler, seconded by Noyes, moved to approve the January 3, 2017 meeting minutes as
presented. The motion carried 4-0.
SELECTION OF TWO MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
STEERING COMMITTEE
Administrator Soltis explained that two of the nine positions on the Comprehensive Plan
Steering Committee are allotted to representatives from the Planning Commission.
Commissioners Dan Squyres and Jan Hogle volunteered to serve on the Steering Committee, and
all were in consensus.
RECOMMENDATION ON APPOINTMENT TO ST. CROIX PARTNERSHIP TEAM
At their February 1 work session, the Council felt it would be appropriate to appoint a member of
the Planning Commission to participate as the City's representative on the St. Croix Partnership
Team. Administrator Soltis explained that this is a group of 35 communities along the MN and
WI St. Croix Riverway that meets a few times a year to review and consult on land use and water
surface issues. Commissioner Squyres attended the January 31" meeting, and volunteered as the
City's representative.
Loeffler, seconded by Noyes, moved to recommend Dan Squyres for appointment to the St.
Croix Partnership Team. The motion carried 4-0.
This recommendation will be presented to the City Council at their February 21, 2017 meeting.
February 7, 2017
Scandia Planning Commission
Page 2 of 2
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON FEDERATED CO-OP SIGN PERMIT
Federated Co-op has purchased the Todd's Home Center business at 14860 Scandia Trail and is
in the process of converting it to a Super America gas/convenience store. Mike McMahon and
Mike Melberg were present to discuss the renovation and their application for a sign permit.
Administrator Soltis explained that sign permit applications are reviewed and approved
administratively, but the application is being brought before the Commission for comments on
compatibility with the Architectural Design Guidelines, where applicable.
McMahon provided concept photos of the proposed signage and lighting on the building, canopy
and the off-building/monument sign. McMahon stated that the business will also serve as a
Country Store with a connection to the barn just east of the convenience store, which Federated
has used as a re -feeler location for their propane operations for over 50 years. Federated has
experience operating several convenience and fuel stores and McMahon said they are excited to
become part of the community. He explained that all lighting will be LED's and downward cast,
with only the canopy being lit afterhours. Pay at the pump service will be available 24 hours/7
days a week. Commissioners questioned if the afterhours lighting could be dimmed or motion
detected, but McMahon and Melberg explained that lighting for customer safety is important and
the LED's will be a focused light and shouldn't be obtrusive. Adjustments could be made if
there are complaints.
Chair Squyres commented that he would prefer to see the signage conform more closely to the
Architectural Guidelines, such as stonework added to the pillar sign. McMahon stated that future
plans for the site will "Scandianize" the building through custom enhancements. Administrator
Soltis noted that the EDA may be able to provide the tools in the future to assist in taking the
building to the next step.
Commissioner Loeffler stated his appreciation for the presentation, and is encouraged that the
owners will create a plan that works for the community.
REVIEW OF PRESENTATION ON OPEN MEETINGS AND DATA PRACTICES
Administrator Soltis summarized a training presentation prepared by City Attorney Andy Pratt
on the open meeting law and data practices which Pratt had presented to the City Council at their
work session. Soltis referenced site visits, as they are subject to the open meeting law, and that
"ex parte" communication is prohibited as stated in the site visit policy. Site visits are for
gathering facts and information only, with discussion being done later within a public forum.
E-mail correspondence, social media posts, records retention, and conflicts of interest were also
covered.
ADJOURNMENT
Loeffler, seconded by Noyes, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund, Deputy Clerk