06.a2 Draft minutes 12-03-2025 Work Session
December 3, 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
Mayor Kronmiller announced Agenda Item #5) Citizen Request for Action will be removed from
the agenda and rescheduled to a future meeting.
Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried
unanimously.
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING ON THE 2026 BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAX
LEVY
Administrator Morell presented the 2026 budget and levy of $3,223,111, which is a 3.36%
increase over 2025. Morell noted that the presentation materials are the same from the Council
meeting September 16th and in October as no changes were made since the maximum levy
amount was set.
Mayor Kronmiller opened the public Truth in Taxation hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Shaun Collier, Maxwill Avenue, asked about the new MN Paid Leave program and its impact on
compensation. Administrator Morell said the city pays half of the 0.88% deduction with each
employee paying the other half. A Memo of Understanding was signed with the Public Works
employees’ union with these same terms through their 2026 contract. Collier asked if he foresees
an increase to the deduction and how will it impact the city? If an employee takes extended leave
would the city replace that person? Morell said it depends on the workload; there are limits in the
personnel policy on the length of time away before an employee needs to go on leave.
There were no other comments and Mayor Kronmiller closed the hearing at 6:38 p.m.
Administrator Morell explained that the Council will adopt the final 2026 budget and property
tax levy at the next Council meeting on December 16th. Council was in agreement to have the
resolution on the consent agenda.
REVIEW THE 2026 DRAFT FEE SCHEDULE
Administrator Morell explained that the city updates its fee schedule annually to be effective
January 1st; however, sewer rates will increase in March with the first quarter billing in April.
The fee schedule will be amended in March when the Wastewater Advisory Committee
Scandia City Council Work Session
December 3, 2025
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evaluates the user fees based on the potential state funding being announced later this year and
project costs for the Bliss improvements determined in February 2026.
Administrator Morell noted the changes in the 2026 electric permit fees as recommended by
Electrical Inspector Joe Wheaton. The state increased the minimum inspection fee to $80;
Wheaton proposed a minimum fee of $75, an increase from the current $50 inspection fee.
Council had no objections to the proposed fee schedule which will be adopted at the December
16th Council meeting.
LMCIT TORT LIABILITY WAIVER FORM
Administrator Morell explained that the Council must annually vote on whether or not to waive
tort liability limits as part of the city’s insurance renewal.
Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to not waive tort liability limits. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk