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06.a1 Draft minutes 10-21-2025 Meeting October 21, 2025 A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the Community Center Hall. 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, Mike Lubke, and Mayor Steve Kronmiller. Absent: Council member Kirsten Libby. Staff present: City Administrator Kyle Morell, City Attorney Amanda Johnson, City Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Deputy Jake Anderson, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Kronmiller announced that the Scandia Good Neighbor presentation will be the first item in the Public Forum. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 4-0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Anderson reported on calls and statistics over the past month. In September, there were 120 incidents, 39 traffic stops, and 17 tickets issued. Anderson stated that two group homes have ongoing issues of runaway calls, and there have been numerous reports of calls from scammers requesting money. PUBLIC FORUM Scandia Good Neighbor Award Proclamation – Rebecca Skupien Mayor Kronmiller presented a Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation to Rebecca Skupien, who was nominated by Sue Dickens for her enthusiastic volunteer contributions to numerous community events. Mayor Kronmiller asked for anyone with public comments about an item not on the agenda will be allowed three minutes to address the Council. Mary Cullen, Oakhill Road: Asked the Council to consider an alternative motion instead of the recommendation from the City Engineer to approve plans and specifications for the Gateway Trail Project. Cullen stated that the tunnel should be eliminated and the trail adjusted to preserve oak trees and wetlands. Mayor Kronmiller stated that this topic is on the agenda for this evening, and he proposed a future meeting as the appropriate time for taking in comments from the public. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) September 16, 2025 Regular Meeting 2) October 1, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 2 of 8 c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve Gambling Permit for Scandia Women’s Softball Turkey Bingo – November 21, 2025 e) Approve Resolution No. 10-21-25-01 Approving Extension of Conditional Use Permit for Distribution Solar Energy System at 10929 Scandia Trail North to Sunvest Solar and Approve Resolution No. 10-21-25-02 Approving Extension of Conditional Use Permit for Distribution Solar Energy System at 10929 Scandia Trail North to Gordian Energy Systems f) Approve Resolution No. 10-21-25-03 Approving Conditional Use Permit for 5-MW Distribution Solar Energy System at 11522 Mayberry Trail to New Energy Equity g) Accept Donation from the Greg and Mary Benson Charitable Fund of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Resolution No. 10-21-25-04 h) City Engineer – Engineering Updates Report i) Approve 2025 Street Improvement Project -- Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 4 j) Accept Resignation from Volunteer Firefighter Mike Frank k) Approve Site Improvement Performance Agreement for Scandia Plaza Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 3-0. Lubke recused himself from voting on Consent Agenda Item 6.e) due to his status as an applicant. CITIZEN REQUEST FOR ACTION – SONIA BORG – DITCH MOWING AT 19609 OXBORO COURT NORTH City Administrator Morell stated that the ditch mowing topic is being continued from the Council’s October 1st Work Session. Residents are asking for an exemption from right-of-way mowing along Oxboro Avenue. Staff prepared a Mowing Exemption proposal. Morell explained that if the Council wishes to make any changes to the city’s mowing policy, staff can bring a final policy to a future meeting given this direction. Public Works Director Fischer advised that a mowing exemption could create areas in town as appearing unmanaged and cause confusion among residents. Exemptions would create something that the city needs to keep track of on a regular basis. Council member Cusick stated his preference to follow state statute language, to allow the city to maintain the width of the roadway as needed, saying let this be up to the Public Works Director to determine what that width is on an undocumented roadway. Council discussed ways that a resident could ask for a no-mow exemption. Administrator Morell asked if the Council would like to see a policy as proposed by staff or to have residents simply call to request their ROW not be mowed. Public Works Director Fischer said an exemption application should include a permit fee and escrow in the event of failure by the property owner to maintain the ditch area, in which case the city will then need to maintain native plantings. Fischer said the draft exemption policy was a conversation starter to discuss whether or not to offer something like this. Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 3 of 8 Morell summarized Council’s direction to staff to amend the mowing policy as directed with an exemption including appropriate fees and to present the updated policy at a future meeting. ROW MAINTENANCE MEMO/ORDINANCE LANGUAGE Mayor Kronmiller explained the purpose of the Council’s continued discussion to define the city’s rights and responsibilities for maintenance within the rights-of-ways along city streets, particularly on unplatted roadways. Kronmiller stated that the goal is to come to an understanding and move forward. Steve Kordosky, Oxboro Avenue, addressed the Council, saying he is a civil engineer with experience in working on public ROWs for 35 years. Kordosky questioned a letter from City Attorney Johnson in which it was stated that based on the property deeds and surveys, the City has 66 feet of right-of-way for Oxboro. Kordosky asked for the attorney’s documentation on which the memo was based. Administrator Morell explained that the property deeds are subject to Oxboro Road in the legal descriptions, but many roads have no platted ROW. Morell said staff is proposing ordinance language to amend City Code Section 151 to clarify the city’s role to maintain responsibility for all roads. For the Sand Lake residents, staff is proposing to assist them to develop a policy to fit their properties and to make the policy enforceable on all city roads and provide a solution that benefits all. Morell explained that a draft ordinance will have a public hearing, the Council will consider the language, including the concerns of property owners along Oxboro about possible public access to Sand Lake from Oxboro, and come up with a solution. Council member Cusick said the language is already in state statute – a city has a right to maintain a width of roadway based on actual use. Cusick said this doesn’t need to be dragged on. Attorney Johnson said staff is recommending ordinance language as it relates to statutorily dedicated roads, saying how much is needed appears to be a source of conflict. The law says 66’ in width but the city has discretion as it directly relates to the maintenance activities, but in no event shall exceed 66 feet. Johnson advised the city should set into ordinance what already exists in state law, with its purpose to provide staff with support so that they can effectively do their jobs. Administrator Morell said he will make a point of clarification. A local road can have 66’ but distance depends on the type of road, stating that ROW measures 100’ on a minor collector road. Council member Cusick stated that road dedication is for all public roads, some are documented and some undocumented which is then measured as the width of actual use. Cusick said this is not always 66’. Cusick noted that Washington County lost a court case on this for an undocumented roadway in Afton. Cusick said a city can use the width needed to support and maintain the road. Administrator Morell said he will work with the city attorney to draft ordinance amendment language and will set up a meeting with Sand Lake residents to further discuss the policy changes before bringing this back to the next Council meeting. Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 4 of 8 CITIZEN REQUEST FOR ACTION – SAM DIVITA – EXTERIOR LIGHTING REVIEW FOR RESIDENTIAL HOUSES Administrator Morell explained a Citizen Request for Action from Sam Divita to ask the Council to consider requiring an exterior lighting review for residential housing. Photos of new exterior lighting on a house in his neighborhood of 182nd Street were included in his request. Sam Divita, 182nd Street, addressed the Council. Divita explained his request for an addition to Chapter 153 of the Unified Development Code, to add language to address residential exterior lighting through submission of exterior lighting plans before the city issues a building permit. Devita described the house at 13290 182nd as having excessive lighting that is extremely disturbing to the neighbors. Divita said this type of lighting should not be allowed, as it doesn’t support rural community values such as dark skies. Divita said he brought attention to this property to the Council in the past year when he was concerned about loss of trees to build the structure. Administrator Morell said that exterior lighting plans are not currently being submitted as part of a building permit for new construction. Mayor Kronmiller said this lighting extends beyond the lot lines. A resident who lives on 182nd Street addressed the Council asking if the offensive lighting can be rectified. Administrator Morell said the owner was notified that the lights are a violation of city code and were provided the requirements to be in compliance. Planner Hofer recapped how Divita’s complaint was addressed. The contractor was notified to immediately disconnect the lights or to put the lights on a dimmer. If the excessive lighting was a continued problem, they would need to submit a lighting plan. Hofer said the builder obliged in lowering the intensity. Hofer said it is reasonable for a city to require a photometric plan, but he cannot recommend it be a requirement. Photometric plans can cost up to $2,000 to develop. Lighting measurements could be obtained for this property if further enforcement is required, and the owner would need to lower the foot candle measurements to not exceed the code. Hofer said lighting could be dealt with on an as-needed basis rather than make a standard for any new construction. Council member Gribble recommended an awareness to lighting standards within a new construction permitting process. Planner Hofer said this could be an awareness/education issue rather than a policy issue. With smaller lots, staff can call this out in the review process and potentially include some optional submittal requirements to have a lighting plan. Hofer said there exists in the UDC standards for intensity and shielding. If exterior lighting is a concern, Hofer said the preferred approach is to amend the code. Hofer said on a large property, there would be no violation of the code. Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 5 of 8 A speaker addressed the Council and said she lives across from this property and it is not architectural lighting, saying it shines in our home all night. There needs to be a way this doesn’t happen in the first place. Jeff Grundtner said he lives across from this property, and the City should maintain as much dark sky as we can by keeping lights from shining up and out. Grundtner said this is becoming a bigger problem now. A property owner on 182nd Street said this lighting is out of line. The city should consider quantitative measurements of the intensity and radiant power coming out of the lights in its code language. Administrator Morell said the owner has been given notice of a violation and staff is waiting for their response on bringing the property into compliance. The question for Council is do we need stricter language in the code to better define appropriate exterior lighting standards in residential districts. Mayor Kronmiller said the city should do something reasonable and proactive. Administrator Morell said that staff will direct the Planning Commission to study potential solutions to residential exterior lighting concerns. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham reported on PRC activities. Gorham recently presented Midco story contest prizes to the winners at Scandia Elementary School. The Committee is involved in Vinterfest planning with the hockey tournament starting Friday evening, January 23rd and going all day Saturday. There will be a snow sculpture contest, a bean bag contest, and other activities indoors. Gorham read the PRC letter of support for the Gateway Trail, saying it will be an enhancement to the community by providing a recreational opportunity. PLANNING COMMISSION Amendment to the UDC Section 153.400.100 Dynamic Display Signs Planner Hofer presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to deny a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Code to allow dynamic message boards as a sign. At their meeting on October 7th, the Planning Commission reviewed the amendment, held a public hearing, and concluded to oppose the code amendment. Hofer noted their unanimous concerns of the use of dynamic display signage to go against the goals of the city’s Comprehensive Plan of rural character and dark skies, and for the potential number of signs that could be installed. Planner Hofer noted that the Comp Plan contains competing goals to preserve rural character but to also support economic growth of local businesses. Hofer stated that internally lit signs would continue to be prohibited. If the Council wishes to move forward, Hofer recommended tabling the proposed amendment, or offer changes and direct the ordinance amendment back to the Planning Commission. Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 6 of 8 Mike McMahon, representative of Federated Co-op, addressed the Council and said he was unable to attend the public hearing on October 7th. McMahon said the Co-op is owned by its customers and they want to continue to be part of the community, but would like to advertise food offerings on a display sign to the traffic going by. McMahon asked the Council to reconsider. Gribble made a motion to deny the ordinance amendment. Motion failed for lack of a second. Members of the public addressed the Council on this issue. Mary Cullen, member of the Planning Commission, said their discussion was also related to economic value - where does it come from if allowing these types of signs? Sue Rodsjo, said she is speaking as a resident and former Planning Commissioner. The Comprehensive Plan has goals to preserve rural values. Other factors to support economic growth exist. Rodsjo asked the Council to not make a rash decision that could affect all of Scandia’s rural character. Sue Dickens said the medical facility across the road will want lights and signage, and she hopes all decisions being made are considered here. Dickens asked the Council to take into account new facilities coming here and the amenities needed for them. Administrator Morell summarized the concerns of the Planning Commission. Mayor Kronmiller stated that the proposed ordinance would allow up to 21 signs in the allowed zoning districts, and he is not sure this is what is needed to help the business community. Council member Gribble said these signs would change the feel of Scandia, and he doesn’t believe it will help the businesses that are here to grow or would increase Scandia’s tax base. Gribble said the signs do not fit into our rural character and the community is not in favor. Gribble, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to oppose an amendment to the UDC for dynamic display signs. Motion carried 4-0. In other Planning Commission reports, Planner Hofer announced that the Commission will discuss a memo on nonconformities at their next meeting. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Administrator Morell reported on the EDA’s meeting held on September 23rd. The EDA met jointly with the Tourism Committee to discuss the goals of each group and how to best work together. The next meeting of the EDA will be on October 28, 2025. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee did not meet in September. Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 7 of 8 TOURISM COMMITTEE The Tourism Committee met on September 23rd. Chair Sue Dickens reported that the Committee had a short meeting before a joint meeting with the EDA. The Committee is working on the November 30th Vinterlights! event and will be compiling a list of measurable goals for 2026. BUILDING OFFICIAL The September building activity report was in the meeting packet. In September, 37 building permits were issued at a valuation of $4,839,386. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported that last month that the department responded to 23 calls; 6 fire related and 17 medicals. Fire Prevention Open House was held on October 7th with food and demonstrations at the fire station. The department is hosting the annual Safe Halloween event on October 31st. CITY PLANNER There was no report from City Planner Hofer. CITY ENGINEER MNDNR Gateway Trail Project -- Approve Plans, Specifications, and Authorize Advertisements for Bid City Engineer Bubany presented a request that the City Council approve plans, specifications and authorize advertisements for bid for the MNDNR Gateway Trail Project, with the proposed timeline: Approve Plans & Specifications/Authorize Ad for Bid October 21, 2025 Bid Opening November 18, 2025 Consider Contract Award at City Council Meeting December 16, 2025 Construction March - September 2026 The goal of this project is to get the trail from the trailhead at the Annex to across CR 52 via a tunnel so that the MNDNR can connect to it in the future as they continue this project south to William O’Brien State Park. Kent Skaar, DNR representative, appeared over Zoom and explained the purpose of the tunnel in the plans, saying safety of bikers and pedestrians is crucial in the design of their trails. Skaar said that starting in 2007, easements for the trail began to be acquired from adjacent property owners as the DNR looked for corridors to satisfy the trail’s needs. Skaar said other routes were considered but ultimately this route was determined. Council member Cusick said he could support the plans if the tunnel crossing funds were instead used to connect to William O’Brien State Park sooner instead of waiting 3-5 years for the next trail segment to be built. Mayor Kronmiller stated that the question tonight is whether to authorize the plans as prepared with the tunnel and put the plans out for bids. Engineer Bubany said the construction cost is Scandia City Council October 21, 2025 Page 8 of 8 unknown right now, and the city is under no obligation to support the project at this point. Mayor Kronmiller stated that the Council can have discussions once we know the costs. Administrator Morell said the tunnel is needed for the DNR funds to be used; this is their trail. The project received LCCMR grants funds based on the tunnel design, and a change would require legislative action. Council member Gribble said he would like to see other options, but we do need to know the numbers for construction as designed. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to authorize plans, specifications and authorize advertisements for bid for the Gateway Trail project. Motion carried 3-1 with Cusick opposed. Mayor Kronmiller said there will be an opportunity for more discussion with the community at public meetings in December. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet. There were no questions. CITY ATTORNEY There was no report from City Attorney Johnson. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. There were no questions. 2026 Draft Final Budget Presentation City Administrator Morell explained that the 2026 draft budget has been updated with the costs for the MN Paid Leave Program, with the budget still set at a 3.36% levy increase as approved in September. More discussion on the budget will be held at the November 5th Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk