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06.a1 Draft minutes 11-18-2025 Meeting November 18, 2025 A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the City 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, 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 Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5- 0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Anderson reported on calls and statistics over the past month. In October, there were 112 incidents, 33 traffic stops, and 14 tickets issued. Deputy Anderson described an incident from October in which a male who was wanted in St. Croix County, WI swam across the St. Croix River and was apprehended during a response to a suspicious person call on St. Croix Trail. Deputy Anderson noted his DWI ticket issued to a driver on 4-wheeler last month. Deputy Anderson described a high number of calls originating from a group home in Scandia. Fire Chief Hinz described this issue as an excessive use of services that has been increasing since August. Hinz recommended city staff meet with the owners to work on a solution to curb the problem, as this worked in the past with the same owners but at a different group home. Administrator Morell said he will do the outreach to invite the owners to a meeting with public safety staff. PUBLIC FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) October 21, 2025 Regular Meeting 2) November 5, 2025 Work Session b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve 2026 Tobacco License Renewals: Federated Co-ops, Inc. dba Scandia Country Store & Cenex, Scandia Olde Towne Liquor Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 2 of 8 e) Approve 2026 Liquor License Renewal: Scandia Olde Towne Liquor (Off-Sale), Redeemed Farm (On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale), Meisters Bar & Grill (On-Sale/Sunday On- Sale), Rustic Roots ((On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale) f) Approve Special Event Permit for The Minnesotan Cup (January 23-24, 2026) g) Accept Donation from Scandia Relief Association – Resolution No. 11-18-25-01 h) Approve Winter Seasonal Staff Hiring for Lead Ice Rink Attendant i) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-14, Amendment to the Unified Development Code Section 153.500.070 Subd. 2 (B) for Major and Minor Site Plan Review. Resolution No. 11-18- 25-02 Findings of Fact and Resolution No. 11-18-25-03 Summary Publication j) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-15, Amendment to the Unified Development Code Section 153.300.030 Standards for Essential Services and 153.400.060 Fence Standards. Resolution No. 11-18-25-04 Findings of Fact and Resolution No. 11-18-25-05 Publication Summary k) City Engineer – Engineering Updates Report l) 2024 Tennis Court Reconstruction Project – Contractors Request for Payment No. 5 & Final Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING: CERTIFICATION OF UNPAID CHARGES FOR THE BIG MARINE SEWER SYSTEM AND FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICE FEES FOR COLLECTION WITH PROPERTY TAXES – RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-06 Administrator Morell stated that every year the city must certify to Washington County for payment with the user’s property taxes any unpaid utility bills. This year per the Waste Management contract, the city will also be certifying delinquent solid waste bills on their behalf. A resolution was prepared with listings of properties with unpaid charges. Mayor Kronmiller opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. There were no speakers and the hearing was closed. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-06, Certifying Unpaid Charges for Community Sewage Treatment and for Solid Waste Fees for Collection with 2026 Property Taxes. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 2025-17, AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 151 REGARDING CITY ROAD MAINTENANCE AND AUTHORITY. RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-07 PUBLICATION SUMMARY Attorney Johnson introduced an ordinance to add to the city’s Code of Ordinances which would clarify the city’s authority over statutorily dedicated roads and general road maintenance in the ditch area. Johnson explained the city has authority for cleaning out ditches, plowing and other related activities. Language in Section B references state law to delegate the Public Works Director as the local weed inspector which permits activities needed to remove weeds in ditch areas. A diagram illustrates the road width area to the backslope of the ditch which can be maintained. If a road does not have a ditch, the city has authority to maintain what is necessary. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 3 of 8 Attorney Johnson said the ordinance is basically reiterating what state statute and case law allows, and provides legal authority to the maintenance workers when questioned about their rights to do ditch work. Public Works Director Fischer said that it’s easier for residents to find a city ordinance than a state statute, and it helps staff to explain to residents the understanding of state law as well. Council member Libby asked about an exception policy for mowing as discussed at prior Council meetings. Attorney Johnson said an exception will need to be a separate conversation in order to vary from this standard being adopted. Administrator Morell said that staff is developing the policy form and will present to the Council when ready. Mayor Kronmiller opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Ken Lillemo asked what happens if backslopes extend onto private property. Public Works Director Fischer said the ordinance does not give specific distance, but the city is allowed what is needed to maintain the road and would not go that far into the ditch. Council member Cusick stated that there will never be a fixed width to define right-of-way. Attorney Johnson added that if any of the ditch area including the backslope is being mowed by the property owner, the city will not remow the area. There were no other comments and Mayor Kronmiller closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-17, Enacting City Code Section 51.48 to Clarify Scope of City Road Use and Maintenance, and Resolution No. 11- 18-25-07 Summary for Publication. Motion carried 5-0. SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE LEASE AGREEMENT AND DEED RESOLUTION NOS. 11-18-25-08 AND RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-09 John Herman of the Scandia Heritage Alliance explained a request for a waiver from the project performance bond requirement for their general contractor for the Water Tower Barn Project, and to join the SHA in asking DEED to do the same. Herman explained that performance bonds are costly and the SHA has payment and performance safeguards in place; each month they will pay for the month’s work that has been delivered to the site, a pay as we go scenario. Herman said they cannot ask the state for the waiver unless the city agrees. Attorney Johnson stated that legal counsel working with SHA on the lease agreement have no concerns about the waiver and recommends the Council approve the request, authorize the lease agreement and adopt the DEED resolutions. Gribble, seconded by Libby moved to approve the Lease Agreement between City of Scandia and SHA, adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-08 Authorizing Acceptance of State Grant and Resolution No. 11-18-25-09 Authorizing Mayor, City Administrator, or the City Clerk to Enter into Agreement and Undertake Activities to Complete the Scandia Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center Project. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 4 of 8 Asked by Administrator Morell on the performance bond waiver request, the Council voiced no objections. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to support waiving the Project Performance Bond for the Water Tower Barn Project. Motion carried 5-0. Sue Rodsjo, President of the SHA, appeared before the Council to ask that the city consider partnering with them for a DNR grant for wildlife habitat improvement. Rodsjo proposed the city do this together and include the wooded property around the Heritage Center area. This would encompass the forests around the wetlands, and the wetlands to the south. The grant would allow for removal of invasive species. Rodsjo said the Washington Conservation District is helping to draft a plan for submission. Rodsjo explained that no city financial match is required and allows for volunteer efforts as the match. Ms. Rodsjo explained a second DNR grant which must come from a city; a DNR Recreation Grant which could cover up to half the cost of building the play area splash pad on the site, estimated to be a $100,000 project. Rodsjo said the SHA will draft the grant submission and have the city submit it, saying staff time will be minimal. Public Works Director Fischer was asked about the time commitment for the same grant which was awarded for the new Community Center playground a few years ago. Fischer said the time commitment included filling out monthly reports to prove progress on the project, which must be submitted by the lead project coordinator. Fischer said the SHA could be allowed to do this and then have the city participate in the proof of completion visit. Fischer said reporting was not a lot of time, but preparing the grant is the major work. Council member Cusick questioned a wildlife habitat restoration grant while also asking for a splashpad grant which could pollute this wetland habitat. Cusick said there could be waterborne illnesses unless the water is treated with chemicals which could harm the wetlands. Ms. Rodsjo explained the freshwater type of splashpad being planned, which would not be a risk for contamination. Rodsjo said the play area is not considered a pool which needs to have water treatment, and only runs for short spurts when triggered. Council member Gribble asked what is the time frame and goal for the splash pad. Rodsjo said they would hope to start the barn restoration this spring and have the splash pad open the summer of 2027. Gribble said your progress could impact the city’s future projects for grant funding, but as long as it’s not limiting the city’s projects it sounds like it will progress in time. Administrator Morell said the project must be completed by June 2028; end dates are in the grant award. Rodsjo said there can be multiple grants taken in at the same time. Ms. Rodsjo said the grant application is opening in December for 2026 awards, and she will have a better idea on timing when the grant is due in March. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 5 of 8 Administrator Morell said the city can set expectations and responsibilities before entering into the grant as the submitter. Council member Libby agreed with setting expectations for both sides. Administrator Morell said staff will outline the parameters for partnering with SHA on the grant applications and bring this back next month. Council was in consensus to move forward. MPCA CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP LOAN. RESOLUTION NOS. 11-18-25-10 AND 11-18-25-15 In September, the City Council approved an agreement with the Tii Gavo HOA to state the city’s intent to sponsor the MPCA Clean Water Partnership Loan application for funding $750,000 for the development’s required wastewater system improvements. The HOA proposed applying for additional funds of $425,000 next year for the project’s remaining costs. Administrator Morell explained that rather than two loans, the MPCA agreed to modify to one loan in the full amount of the project’s cost of $1,175,000. City Attorney Johnson has completed title work and collected assessment waiver forms from all 37 properties, providing the commitment to move forward. Administrator Morell reported that each property will be assessed $35,329.15 over nine years, consisting of the principal, interest and a $750 fee for the city’s loan costs during repayment. The City will begin repayment in 2029 and finish in 2035. Two resolutions were prepared; one to designate the City Administrator as the project representative for the MPCA loan, and one to authorize the assessments against the Tii Gavo properties. Dan Bushard, Tii Gavo HOA president, states his appreciation to the city for this loan. He said it is reassuring to have the private septic system be taken care of and allow the homeowners to afford it. Mayor Kronmiller thanked staff for finding the way to assist this community septic system. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-10 Designating Project Representative for the MPCA Clean Water Partnership Loan for the Tii Gavo Septic System Modifications. Motion carried 5-0. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-15 Authorizing the Assessments and Appeal Waiver for the Tii Gavo Community Septic System. Motion carried 5-0. AMENDING PERSONNEL POLICY TO ADD MN PAID LEAVE REQUIREMENTS. RESOLUTION NO. 11-18-25-11 Administrator Morell introduced a resolution to amend the personnel policy to include the new MN Paid Leave law which goes into effect on January 1, 2026. The city will pay half of the 0.88% wage deduction with the other half funded by an employee deduction. A Memo of Agreement to the union contract to pay half the required wage contribution was presented as approved by the local union representative. The wage deduction will be paid to the state quarterly. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 6 of 8 Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-11 Amending the Personnel Policy. Motion carried 5-0. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve a Memo of Agreement to the Local 49 Union contract regarding MN Paid Leave. Motion carried 5-0. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee Vice Chair Greg Zauner reported on PRC activities. Washington County received the Committee’s letter advocating for disc golf at the newly acquired park property on Manning Trail. Zauner reported that Vinterfest activities are in place including the fire dancers and the fireworks show on Saturday evening. PLANNING COMMISSION Ordinance No. 2025-16, Amendment to Ordinance 198 Shoreland Management Regulations Section 2.6 Definitions and 6.4 Placement, Height, and Design of Structures, to allow an exemption for public amenities within required setbacks of wetlands. Resolution No. 11-18-25- 12 Findings of Fact and Resolution No. 11-18-25-13 Summary Publication Planner Hofer introduced an amendment to the Shoreland Management Regulations which would allow an exemption for public amenities located within required wetland setbacks. The amendment was prompted by Scandia Heritage Alliance trail project. During the planning phase of the trail, it was identified that impervious surface will be placed in a wetland setback. Hofer stated that the city is stricter for this setback than the DNR and other communities. The exemption will require that certain parameters and standards must be met for placement within the wetland setback. Planner Hofer reported that the Planning Commission reviewed and held a public hearing on the ordinance amendment. The Commission discussed the purpose for a public amenity versus infringement for a private landowner, and ultimately voted to approve the amendment. The Commission directed staff to gather input from local Watersheds and the Washington Conservation District following the meeting. Hofer stated that the replies identified no issues but noted that permitting from their agencies would be necessary. Hofer explained the comments from Carnelian-Marine Watershed to be not relevant to the ordinance language. Mayor Kronmiller asked if this amendment clears the way for the two wetland overlook decks to not get a variance. Planner Hofer said this would need to be evaluated for meeting the criteria and definition as a public amenity. This could apply for the overlooks, but Hofer said he would need the full scope of what the overlooks will be before advising. Libby, seconded by Lubke, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-16 Amending the Shoreland Ordinance related to Public Amenities within Wetland Setbacks; Resolution No. 11-18-25-13 Findings of Fact; and Resolution No. 11-18-25-14 Summary Publication. Motion carried 5-0. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 7 of 8 Planning Commission Request for Amendment to Expansion of Nonconformities Planner Hofer reported on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to draft an amendment to the city’s zoning code which would remove administrative approval of any expansion of a nonconformity. The Commission discussed this at their November 4th meeting related to their concerns that the zoning code allows for certain expansions, and the Commission would like to have any expansion require a variance, especially for those within a shoreland setback. Planner Hofer asked if the Council sees any concerns in changing the Unified Development Code. Hofer said that property owners have certain rights provided in state law for legal nonconformities. Council member Libby stated that when the UDC was put together, the intent was to have less variances. Libby said the preference is to keep flexibility for staff to avoid numerous variances. Administrator Morell said that to expand in any direction, the property owner would need a new approval for the dimension of the building. Staff’s interpretation of the UDC language is as long as the structure is not going closer into the setback, there is no reason for a new variance; the structure is still within the established setback of the legal nonconformity. Morell said the Planning Commission views this differently. Council member Gribble said he is concerned about breaking rules into setbacks. Mayor Kronmiller stated that he doesn’t see a need for staff to draft an amendment for this. Planner Hofer concluded that there are other inconsistencies from state statute in the UDC to correct in the future, and that more clear language can be added for the nonconformity section with a housekeeping amendment to the UDC, with no specific change at this time. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mayor Kronmiller reported on the EDA’s meeting held on October 28th. The Board is putting together a work plan to have in place early next year. They are working with vendors for sale of Scandia themed merchandise. A business expo is being planned for the spring. A joint meeting with the Tourism Committee will be held in February. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee did not meet in October. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Chair Sue Dickens reported that the committee is preparing for the Vinterlights event on November 30th, with 32 vendors lined up to sell their products. Evening Adventures Shopping Event at area businesses is scheduled for November 20th. BUILDING OFFICIAL The October building activity report was in the meeting packet. In October, 44 building permits were issued at a valuation of $3,059,525. Scandia City Council November 18, 2025 Page 8 of 8 FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported that last month that the department responded to 25 calls; 7 fire related and 18 medicals. Joint training with Marine’s Fire Department was recently held utilizing their new pumper. Last month’s Safe Halloween event went well. CITY PLANNER Planner Hofer announced that next month he will be bringing 2050 Comprehensive Plan update information. CITY ENGINEER Authorizing the Pursuit of 2025 Local Road Improvement Program Funding for the 240th Street North Improvement Project – Resolution No. 11-18-25-14 Engineer Bubany reported that the 2027 street construction project will be a joint project with Franconia Township on the eastern section of 240th Street, with a funding opportunity available through the state. The Local Road Improvement Program grant must have a county sponsor. A resolution was presented which requests Washington County partner with Scandia on the application. Bubany said the grant would cover construction costs if awarded, but not engineering costs. Lubke, seconded by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-18-25-14, Authorizing the Pursuit of 2025 LRIP Funding for the 240th Street Improvement Project. Motion carried 5- 0. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet. Fischer highlighted the street lamp conversion from sodium lights to LED, a multistage project which is now completed. All streetlamps in town are LED lit. CITY ATTORNEY There was no report from City Attorney Johnson. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. Morell provided an update that the MPCA draft report funding list has the Bliss project in a stable position. The project has a score of 50, a good position to be funded. A final list will be out at the end of the year. The most recent estimates have the project cost at $2.03 million. ADJOURNMENT Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk