12-10-2025 Special Meeting
December 10, 2025
A Special Meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. The purpose of the
meeting was to conduct a public listening session to hear comments, questions and concerns on
the Gateway State Trail project. The meeting was conducted in 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 6:34 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, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, and City
Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
INTRODUCTIONS (CITY, DNR, COUNTY OFFICIALS AND STAFF PRESENT)
Mayor Kronmiller welcomed DNR representatives Kent Skaar and Nathan Moe, and Washington
County Commissioner Fran Miron.
CITY PRESENTATION ON THE GATEWAY TRAIL
Administrator Morell provided a history of the trail work done within the community over the
past 25 years, beginning with a resolution of support by the New Scandia Township Board in
2000 for the Gateway Trail extension through the township. Project costs and funding sources
were identified. The presentation also listed staff responses to concerns noted at the June 11th
public meeting. Morell concluded the presentation with a summary of next steps. The City
Council will consider awarding construction contracts at their meeting on December 16th.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PRESENTATION
Christopher Johnson, Manning Trail, asked if the DNR proceeded on its own if the city chose not
to partner with them on the trail project, would Scandia have to provide the funds obtained so far
to the DNR? Administrator Morell stated the DNR could proceed without the city as a partner,
but unsure if the funds spent on engineering and design up to this point would have to be paid
back to the state.
Hannah Weber, Olinda Trail. Asked about the costs of the trail – how much are Scandia
taxpayers liable for the project? Mayor Kronmiller answered that the City of Scandia is not
contributing to the cost of the project. Funds are coming from the state, the county and a federal
grant. Weber asked if Scandia has received other LCCMR grant money in the past?
Administrator Morell described another recent grant to fund a trail system around the city center
area. Weber said using the state funds judiciously can improve the city’s chances for future
project grants. Weber said she supports the Gateway Trail.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Kronmiller called on speakers from the sign-up sheet provided at the start of the meeting.
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December 10, 2025
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Lisa Phillipi, Quarry Avenue and President of Scandia Parks and Trails. Asked for the city’s
support to move the project forward.
Patrick Junker, Stillwater and Gateway Trail and Browns Creek Trail Association Board
member. Has been supporting the trail in Scandia for 25 years, and strongly supports moving
forward.
Stefanie Stearns Oakhill Road. Has a trail easement on her property and supports the trail in
Scandia.
Brett Feldman, Minneapolis resident and member of Parks and Trails Group. Supports the trail.
Kirsten Tuenge, Quinnell Avenue. Supports the trail.
Kylie Williamson, Old Marine Trail. Supports the trail.
Nancy Sonnen, Oxboro Lane. Stated that she relays that the property owners adjacent to the trail
are opposed but could not attend this evening due to medical issues. Sonnen asked about the
other LCCMR project award for $900,000. Administrator Morell described a secondary
proposed trail project within the city center area. Sonnen expressed her concerns for visibility on
the existing bike routes.
Fran Miron, Washington County Commissioner. Said he has advocated for the trail since the
early years. Said the County has set aside funds in its Capital Improvement Plan to commit to the
project, under a timeline that matches the timeline for the LCCMR grant.
Merritt Clapp-Smith, Quinnell Avenue. Supports the trail.
Wil Bastiaens, Scandia Trail and Board member of the Stillwater Bike Club. Said he is an avid
cyclist and supports the trail.
Tom Tauzell, Olinda Trail. Supports the trail.
Sonia Borg, Oxboro Circle. Supports the trail for horse riders.
Nancy Sonnen asked if there are any concerns of the safety of trailers and horses at the trailhead
behind the old fire hall where it could be a congested area.
Hannah Weber asked if there are concerns of horses on the trail which runs along Oakhill Road?
Engineer Bubany explained that the horse trail runs parallel to the road for about 1,500 feet, then
travels away from the road. Most of trail is through a heavily wooded area away from traffic.
Scott Simons, Ozark Avenue and member of a snowmobile association. Asked about the
construction schedule and if it will affect the snowmobile trail that exists behind Meisters. Will
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December 10, 2025
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there be any restrictions because of the Gateway Trail? Engineer Bubany said he will reach out
to the club with information on the construction and route.
NEXT STEPS – December 16, 2025 City Council
Administrator Morell stated the City Engineer will present the bid package and recommendation
at the City Council’s meeting on December 16th which begins at 7:00 p.m. The Council will
decide on awarding construction contracts at that time.
ADJOURNMENT
Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk