06.a2 Draft minutes 10-01-2025 Work Session
October 1, 2025
A work session meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. The meeting
was conducted in the Council Chambers at the Scandia Community Center 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 6:30 p.m. The following were present:
Council members Jerry Cusick, Jim Gribble, Kirsten Libby, Mike Lubke, and Mayor Steve
Kronmiller. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, Public Works Director Charles
Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
SCANDIA FLOOD VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS - MIKE ISENSEE AND ANGIE
HONG
Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Administrator Mike Isensee and Angie Hong of
the Washington County Conservation District presented the District’s Flood Vulnerability
Analysis for Scandia. Hong explained the study results were modeled on 100-year storm events
under current and future climate conditions. Hong said heavier rainfall amounts have been
occurring above what the infrastructure is designed for. A map was provided showing vulnerable
locations in Scandia, one being of high priority at William O’Brien State Park. Thirteen locations
are of medium vulnerability to the impacts of flooding. Isensee stated that the DNR, MnDOT
and Washington County are working collaboratively to address the state park finding. Isensee
noted that future flood resilience projects could be pursued with grants available from the
MPCA.
CITIZEN REQUEST FOR ACTION – SONIA BORG – DITCH MOWING
Sonia Borg was present to explain her request that no roadside mowing take place along her
property frontage in the cul de sac of Oxboro Circle. Borg explained they have a managed native
planting up to the road which was cut back by the city’s equipment this summer. The low growth
plantings were installed by Prairie Restoration years ago and previously the mowers would leave
it be as there are no safety or visual obstructions caused by the plantings. Borg said that once
mowed, the plants may not come back. Borg provided photos of her yard before and after the
mowing incident. Borg asked if this is necessary, and suggested allowing for an exception policy
similar to examples she provided from other communities. Borg said she understands this is a
road maintenance policy, but could there be an exception for their rural and grassy setting.
Steve Kordosky, Oxboro Avenue, said the city is taking property from residents who live along
their road by mowing the roadway, and referenced a memo on prescriptive easements from the
City Attorney discussed at a meeting on August 19th.
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October 1, 2025
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Mayor Kronmiller said the City Council asked the attorney to explain prescriptive easements
which is separate from a mowing issue. Kronmiller said this was a blanket memo for how the
process of road management works.
Kordosky said the edge of the pavement is the edge of road; beyond that is trespassing.
Kordosky said the city is mowing areas not mowed in the past which looks like the city is trying
to establish a footprint and take our land. There appears to be a concentration on Oxboro Avenue
now while other roads in Scandia have not had brush cut back in years.
Council member Cusick said the residents’ fears are unfounded; the city has a right to maintain
enough area to support the road.
Mayor Kronmiller said the city is looking to come up with a clear right-of-way policy, and this is
not yet completed. The City Attorney will answer questions and address concerns at the next
City Council meeting on October 21st.
Administrator Morell said there have been inquiries about a trail or boat launch to Sand Lake
along Oxboro Avenue, but these are rumors. The City’s future trail map shows no trails on
Oxboro, but residents may have seen an outdated trail map from 2011 on the city’s website.
Recommendations for projects do not move forward without discussion with the City Council
and residents. This issue is just looking to maintain area that has been maintained for decades.
Oxboro Avenue is unique here, in that there is no dedicated right-of-way but state law gives a
city the right to maintain a road as needed. Morell said the City Attorney will address this at the
next meeting.
Kathy Ocanas, Oxboro Avenue, said she is here for information. She said she heard rumors of
the 2011 trail map on the city’s website, but has confirmed there would be a notice if any future
trails will be proposed.
2026 DRAFT FINAL BUDGET
City Administrator Morell provided an update that staff has certified the preliminary budget levy
of $3,223,111 as approved by the Council at their meeting on September 16th. However, the
County needs an updated resolution for debt levy certification which will be prepared for the
next meeting.
Morell noted that the MN Paid Leave Law becomes effective on January 1, 2026 which requires
contributions from the city of approximately $20,000 on behalf of the employees. Staff is
proposing a 50/50 split of the required 0.88% deduction with the employee. There will be an
update to the personnel policy to incorporate MN Paid Leave at the next meeting.
Morell reported that the city received notice of no changes to non-union health premiums for
2026.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
City Administrator Morell introduced two letters of support as requested from the Scandia
Heritage Alliance for grant opportunities; support for a Levitt Foundation music series and a T-
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October 1, 2025
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Mobile Hometown grant. In order to meet the T-Mobile grant submission deadline of September
30, Mayor Kronmiller signed the letter which was provided to the Council in the meeting packet.
The Internet Action Committee proposed a letter be sent to 35 residents who do not have access
to Midco high speed internet for various reasons, to offer assistance in working with Midco and
the State to apply for service through the long driveway assistance program.
Council was in consensus to approve the letter forms.
ADJOURNMENT
Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk