03.a February 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2025
The Wastewater Community meeting was conducted in person at the Scandia Community
Center on the above date. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 by City Administrator
Kyle Morell. Committee members Dan Cartier, Jeff Dahlberg, and Mayor Steve Kronmiller
were in attendance. City Administrator Kyle Morell, Public Works Director Charles Fischer
and City Treasurer Colleen Firkus and Veronica Korby were also present.
BIG MARINE SEWER SYSTEM PRESENTATION
City Administrator Morell opened the meeting and introduced city staff an Wastewater
Committee members. Follow up to December meeting.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES OUTLINED AT DECEMBER MEETING
See slides – Ordinance Changes – homeowners own everything on their property, city owns
everything in ROW and on city property. Language was not specifically defined in the
current ordinance, as in the Uptown Sewer ordinance, although it was the intent.
Budget Changes – at previous meeting proposed service fees and reduce user fees to
more accurately fees for use.
CIP schedule– from 2022 detailed future needed replacements & improvements with
values. The spreadsheet is currently being updated. Previous budgets did not account for
these improvements. Wastewater Committee and Staff meet to come up with
recommendations for the Council to consider. There is no state money for operational
maintenance.
Prior 10-year expenditure spreadsheet shows the city did not take into account
Depreciation as an expense causing a steady decline in cash flow.
As result no changes to user rate structure by adding service fees. Need a better
picture on future needs before making changes. Proposed a new fee schedule, public hearing
in Mar 18 Council meeting.
Future meetings late summer/early fall.
The proposed changes for 2025 are:
Separate the two systems budgets.
No addition of Service Fees as revenue where residents will be billed for tank
maintenance, pumping and calls for service.
New rates 10% increase
Ness – public works funds against Sewer. Was a discussion to take PW wages out of sewer
funds to help build fund balance. Easiest way to increase fund balance without increasing
user fees. Small increase in the levy comparatively.
BLISS SEWER PROJECT FUNDING
Bonding bill did not pass last year. Hope to have one passed this year. But feeling is 50/50 it
would pass this year, late start this year, would require special session which is unlikely.
Financial forecst for the state. Nov. forecast was lower than anticipated in Feb. 2024. With
less excess revenue, then even less for
Wastewater Advisory CommiƩee
February 10, 2025
Page 2
2 ways to pay for this: 1. MPCA have PSIG funding program will come eventually when
they get to us on the list. Currently at 187, was 200. 80% grant, 20% loan, loan int over 20
years.
2. Capital Budget Request – S.F. N. 892 senate bill which relies on a bonding bill getting
passed. Confident will be on a final bill this year, but
Contact senator & representative, members of capital committee.
Meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Colleen Firkus, City Treasurer