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06.a1 Draft minutes 09-16-2025 Meeting September 16, 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, Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Deputy Kevin Booth, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Administrator Morell announced an addition to the agenda; Agenda Item 10.f2 Resolution of support for the Tii Gavo MPCA Clean Water Loan Program. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5- 0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Booth reported on calls and statistics over the past month. There was a violation of an order for protection, 46 traffic stops with 16 citations including one DUI arrest. A loaded handgun was found along Scandia Trail last month, the owner being unknown with investigation ongoing using the serial number. Deputy Booth announced he is taking a new position in the Investigations Unit at Washington County and leaving the Scandia contract on September 25th. Deputy Jake Anderson was introduced as taking over Scandia coverage on September 29th. Deputy Both thanked the community for their support, saying he enjoyed his time in Scandia and will miss it a lot. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments. Employee Service Award – Maintenance Worker Jeff Anderson Mayor Kronmiller presented a 15-year service award to Maintenance Jeff Anderson who began work with City of Scandia in September 2010. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting 2) September 3, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers Scandia City Council September 16, 2025 Page 2 of 6 d) Approve Cinnamon Bun Day Funding Request e) Approve Contract for Safety Training Services with SafeAssure Consultants, Inc. f) Approve Hiring Seasonal Program Instructors, Assistants & Winter Recreational Programs g) Authorize Hiring for Public Works and Parks Winter Seasonal Employees h) Accept Donation from Scandia-Marine Lions Club – Memorial Trees at Hay Lake Picnic Shelter i) Accept Donation from Tom Furey – Tree Plantings in Lilleskogen Park j) Approve Site Plan Review to expand a structure at 21060 Ozark Court North. Applicant Peter Nora. Resolution No. 09-16-25-02 k) Approve Conditional Use Permit to allow for an additional 25% of total square footage of accessory structure at 15455 240th Street North. Applicants Lisa McKinley and Lora McKinley. Resolution No. 09-16-25-03 l) City Engineer – Engineering Updates Report Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. CERTIFYING THE MAXIMUM TAX LEVY FOR 2026 AND ADOPTING A DATE FOR TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING ON THE 2026 BUDGET – RESOLUTION NO. 09- 16-25-01 Administrator Morell presented the resolution adopting the Preliminary 2026 Tax Levy. The preliminary levy amount of $3,223,111 was presented to Council at the September 3rd Work Session and represents a total levy increase over 2025 of 3.36%. This amount cannot be exceeded by the City’s final levy being adopted in December 2025. The resolution also set the date for the Truth-in-Taxation public hearing to be December 3, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. In response to Council member Gribble’s questions on procedures, Administrator Morell explained that department funds were adjusted with some expense assumptions not yet final in the operating budgets. Once final, funds can be moved over from EDA and Tourism budgets to adjust if department budgets remain over budget. Funds from the sale of fire equipment in 2026 will be moved into the equipment replacement fund, but the Council can make this decision at the time of sale. Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-16-25-01, Adopting the 2026 Preliminary Levy. Motion carried 5-0. ADOPT CINNAMON BUN DAY PROCLAMATION – OCTOBER 3, 2025 Mayor Kronmiller presented a proclamation declaring October 3, 2025 as Scandia Cinnamon Bun Day. Volunteers will hand out free rolls from 6am-9am at the corner of Olinda Trail and Oakhill Road. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to proclaim October 3, 2025 as Scandia Cinnamon Bun Day. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council September 16, 2025 Page 3 of 6 PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee liaison Council member Lubke reported on PRC activities. The Taco Daze Pickleball Tournament went very well on the new expanded courts. Vinterfest 2026 planning is underway. PLANNING COMMISSION Administrator Morell noted the two items approved on the consent agenda as recommended by the Commission at their September 2nd meeting. The Planning Commission discussed expansion of non-conforming structures, with continued discussion at the October 6th meeting. Planner Hofer explained the UDC requirements for a site plan review process as being cumbersome for applicants when no variance or design review is necessary for the project. For the PN Products site plan review, the review time was particularly excessive for the applicant. Hofer suggested looking at changes to the code language to allow site plan reviews to be more efficient as an administrative process instead of going to the Council. Staff was directed to put together an amendment for the Planning Commission to consider to potentially amend UDC language for site plan reviews. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Administrator Morell reported on the EDA’s meeting held on August 26th. The Board had a presentation from the Washington County Community Development Agency to describe the affordable housing programs they provide. The Board also discussed a business survey which was sent out to inquire about promotional assistance from the city. The next meeting of the EDA will be on September 23, 2025. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee met on August 21st. Mayor Kronmiller reported the Community Fun Day held on August 13th was a big success. The Midco project along the river is set for buildout to begin next year, for completion by 2027. Once done, remaining occupied addresses without Midco service will number around 40. Kronmiller said this is great progress over the last few years. The next meeting will be held October 16th. TOURISM COMMITTEE The Tourism Committee met on August 26th. Chair Sue Dickens reported that the Committee gave out promotional items on National Night Out. Fall Crawl is being advertised for this coming weekend in Scandia, with 15 businesses participating. Evening Adventures will be held in October and November. VinterLights planning is being done for the November 30th shopping event; 27 vendors have applied so far. The Tourism Committee will meet jointly with the EDA next Tuesday to discuss the roles and responsibilities of both committees. BUILDING OFFICIAL The August building activity report was in the meeting packet. In August, 24 building permits were issued at a valuation of $520,014.00. Scandia City Council September 16, 2025 Page 4 of 6 FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported that last month that the department responded to 28 calls; 9 fire related and 18 medicals. Fire Prevention Open House will be held on October 7th with food and demonstrations at the fire station. Turnout Gear Replacement Fire Chief Hinz presented a request to purchase four sets of turnout gear to replace sets that are beyond the useful life of ten years, at a total cost of $14,591.76. Hinz explained that additional sets are out of compliance but used for new recruits that will not be entering a structure fire. Lubke, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve the purchase of four sets of turnout gear at a cost of $14,591.76. Motion carried 5-0. CITY PLANNER Nelson Addition Revised Final Plat. Resolution No. 09-16-25-04 Planner Hofer presented a revised Final Plat for Nelson Addition; Council approved the preliminary plat in April 2025 but the final site plan for the utility odorizer station was adjusted for wetland easements. The plat was revised for drainage and utility easements. A resolution of approval was presented with conditions, one being payment of $6,000 for park dedication fees. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-16-25-04, Approving a Final Plat for Nelson Addition located at PID 31.032.20.34.0005. Motion carried 5-0. CITY ENGINEER 2026 Street Improvement Project (197th Street) – Request to Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications Staff conducted an informational meeting with property owners along 197th Street on September 8th to present information on the 2026 street improvement project and to answer questions. Several letters were included in the meeting packet. Engineer Bubany stated that there appears to be overall support for the project, with property owners asking for more input before construction plans are finalized. Engineer Bubany presented an anticipated schedule for the project. Authorize Preparation of Plans & Specifications September 16, 2025 Approve Plans & Specifications/Authorize Ad for Bid January 20, 2026 Bid Opening March 4, 2026 Consider Contract Award at City Council Meeting March 17, 2026 Construction May - September 2026 Engineer Bubany explained that staff will continue to solicit input from property owners and evaluate cost-effective options for the project. The project is budgeted at a cost of $870,000. In response to Council member Gribble’s question on widening the turn radius along the road, Engineer Bubany explained the need to widen the road for safety and improved sight lines. Scandia City Council September 16, 2025 Page 5 of 6 Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to Authorize Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the 197th Street Improvement Project. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia Heritage Alliance Trail Project – Request to Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications Engineer Bubany presented a preliminary project layout for the Scandia Heritage Alliance Trail Project. The trail system will consist of a sidewalk along Olinda Trail, a bituminous trail and boardwalk along the wetland, and gravel parking lot improvements at the current t-ball field. Funding for the $1.2 million project includes the LCCMR grant, commitments from the Scandia Heritage Alliance and the city’s budgeted 25% match of $230,000. Administrator Morell stated that staff will bring a final development agreement with the SHA to the Council at a future meeting. Engineer Bubany presented an estimate of the project timeline. Authorize Preparation of Plans & Specifications September 16, 2025 Approve Plans & Specifications/Authorize Ad for Bid February 17, 2026 Bid Opening March 11, 2026 Consider Contract Award at City Council Meeting March 17, 2026 Construction May - September 2026 Administrator Morell stated that the project has until June 2028 to spend LCCMR funds, and the trail construction will align with the Water Tower Barn on the site. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to Authorize Preparation of Plans & Specifications for the Scandia Heritage Alliance Trail Project. Motion carried 5-0. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet. Administrator Morell said that staff continues to have discussion on ditch mowing with some residents. CITY ATTORNEY Clean Water Loan Program Agreement At their meeting last month, the Council agreed to assist Tii Gavo Homeowner Association in obtaining a Clean Water Partnership Loan with the state to fund required repairs to the community wastewater system. City Attorney Johnson presented a draft agreement between the City and Tii Gavo HOA for the obligations related to the loan. The draft articulates what Tii Gavo HOA needs to complete before the city signs onto the loan, including a cash escrow of $55,000 ($1,500 for each of the 37 properties) to cover administrative and legal expenses related to the city’s assistance. Assessment waivers from each of the property owners must also be completed. Scandia City Council September 16, 2025 Page 6 of 6 Administrator Morell explained that the agreement does not obligate the city to any administration of the of the septic project. Each property will be assessed their portion of the loan payment amount at a 1.5% interest rate to their property taxes. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the loan agreement as drafted by legal staff. Motion carried 5-0. Resolution 09-16-25-05 – Tii Gavo MPCA Clean Water Loan Resolution of Support Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 09-16-25-05, Authorizing Submittal of a Loan Application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Clean Water Partnership Loan Program. Motion carried 5-0. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. Morell added that he was recently interviewed by Pioneer Press news reporter on a story about the Gateway Trail Project in Scandia. ADJOURNMENT Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk