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12-16-2025 Meeting December 16, 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 Planner TJ Hofer, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, Police Deputy Jake Anderson, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Kronmiller announced the addition of Agenda Item #8.d Discuss Letter to Group Home Provider. Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0. LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT Deputy Anderson arrived at 8:00 p.m. and reported on calls and statistics over the past month. In November, there were 85 incidents, 43 traffic stops, and 14 tickets issued. Significant events included a search warrant and arrest at a residence near Manning/Mayberry Trail, an arrest of a group home resident, and trespassing into a home on Olinda Trail related to mental health issues. Area schools went into lockdown after a fraudulent fire alarm notice was sent out by a student. The Washington County K-9 team placed 2nd overall in the national competition held this fall. PUBLIC FORUM Carrie Mitchell, 209th Street. Spoke to the Council about her water utility issues for her home built in 2005 in Wyldewood Acres. Mitchell said she would like to install her own private septic system and remove her property from the shared community system which needs to make costly repairs. Mitchell said it is not financially feasible to stay on a shared system and she has an estimate and site plan for a private septic system. Mitchell asked the city to assist with communications to the Homeowners Association for a transition to a more cost-effective solution. Administrator Morell said he is unsure what the development agreement and HOA bylaws say about a property leaving the community septic, but will review and report back to the Council at a future meeting to understand what the city role will be. There were no other public comments. CONSENT AGENDA The following Consent Agenda was presented: a) Minutes 1) November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 2 of 7 2) December 3, 2025 Work Session 3) December 10, 2025 Special Meeting b) Treasurer’s Report c) Payment of Vouchers d) Approve 2026 Tobacco License Renewals: Sam Tobacco LLC dba Scandia Tobacco, Big Marine Lake Store, Big Marine Lake Liquor Store e) Approve 2026 Liquor License Renewal: Big Marine Lake Liquor Store (Off-Sale), The Scandia Creamery (On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale) f) Approve Off-Premises Liquor License for Meisters Bar & Grill for The Minnesotan Cup (January 23-24, 2026) g) Approve 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule h) Adopt Resolution No. 12-16-25-01 – Establishing Employee pay rates for 2026 i) Adopt Resolution No. 12-17-25-02 – Employee Health Plan for 2026 j) Adopt City of Scandia 2026 Fee Schedule Ordinance No. 2025-18 and Summary Publication Resolution No. 12-16-25-03 k) Approve Resolution No. 12-16-25-04 Certifying the 2026 Property Tax Levy l) Approve Variance from a Wetland Setback to replace an existing subsurface sewage treatment system located at 19230 Larkspur Avenue North. Jon Springer, Applicant. Resolution No. 12-16-25-05 m) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-19 Amendment to the Unified Development Code Section 153.400.030 regarding exterior lighting standards for properties zoned AP, AG-C, RR-G, RR-N, and V-N. Resolution No. 12-16-25-06 Findings of Fact; Resolution No. 12-16-25- 07 Summary Publication n) Accept Donation from the St. Croix Horse & Carriage Club – Resolution No. 12-16-25- 08 o) Approve Jabas Tai Chi Program Agreement p) City Engineer – Engineering Updates Report q) Adopt the 2026 City Budget r) Approve Letter of Support for the Scandia Elementary PTO Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING: NEW ON-SALE-SUNDAY ON-SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE OZARK TAVERN, 21050 OZARK COURT NORTH. APPLICANT MELISSA BLOOM BITKER City Clerk Eklund described a new liquor license application from Melissa Bloom Bitker to take over operations of the business The Ozark Tavern at 21050 Ozark Court North. Ms. Bitker addressed the Council and explained that she is taking over operations of The Ozark Tavern to continue it as a restaurant and bar. Mayor Kronmiller opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Tony Bitker said he will be working together with Melissa and appreciates the warm welcome they’ve had and he looks forward to being in Scandia. Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 3 of 7 There were no other speakers and the hearing was closed. Lubke, seconded by Libby, moved to approve a New On-Sale-Sunday On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for The Ozark Tavern, 21050 Ozark Court North to Applicant Melissa Bloom Bitker. Motion carried 5-0. MNDNR GATEWAY TRAIL PROJECT - BID RESULTS Engineer Bubany presented bid results and a recommendation of the Gateway Trail Project award to the lowest bidder, Peterson Companies in the amount of $3,624,814.97. Contractor Schedule 1 Schedule 2 Schedule 1 + 2 Peterson Companies, Inc. $2,549,949.21 $1,074,865.76 $3,624,814.97 Ashwill Companies $2,657,565.26 $1,030,964.38 $3,688,529.63 Veit & Company, Inc. $2,621,031.72 $1,075,665.37 $3,696,697.09 D&D Contracting, LLC $2,621,551.47 $1,186,878.40 $3,808,429.87 Rachel Contracting, LLC $2,844,150.30 $1,228,439.70 $4,072,590.00 Dresel Contracting, Inc. $2,765,121.07 $1,323,271.86 $4,088,392.93 Valley Paving, Inc. $2,939,909.17 $1,231,483.05 $4,171,392.22 Northwest Asphalt, Inc. $2,975,208.15 $1,545,988.20 $4,521,196.35 Urban Companies, LLC $3,886,432.82 $1,667,841.44 $5,554,274.26 Engineer Bubany stated that a public listening session was held last week which answered questions and addressed concerns. Bubany explained the project funding. Some LCCMR funds have been used towards engineering to date. Total funding remaining for the project is $3,865,800. The total cost remaining, including construction administration/inspection/testing is $3,809,355. Bubany described the timeline to begin construction in May 2026, with tree clearing taking place in January to March 2026. Administrator Morell stated that cooperative agreements with the DNR and Washington County will be presented to the Council at a future meeting. Council member Libby stated that there has been a lot of overwhelming support for the trail. Libby, seconded by Lubke, moved to award the MNDNR Gateway Trail Project to low bidder Peterson Companies in the amount of $3,624,814.97. Motion carried 5-0. RESOLUTION NO. 12-16-25-09 – MPCA CLEAN WATER LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE Administrator Morell explained that as part of the MPCA Clean Water Loan requirements for the Tii Gavo Septic System Project, the city as the loan sponsor must pledge a general obligation promissory note to evidence and secure the MPCA loan. A resolution was prepared stating the city has the intention to do so. Morell stated that legal staff have filed 35 assessments to the properties with the County to pay for the project. The city will begin to collect payments in 2026 and end in 2034. These funds will go to repaying the $1,175,000 loan in the years 2029 to 2035. Morell said the promissory note does not count against the city’s debt limit. Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 4 of 7 Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adopt Resolution No. 12-16-25-09 Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Minnesota Clean Water Partnership Loan Agreement, the Issuance of a General Obligation Promissory Note, and Other Actions Related Thereto. Motion carried 5-0. DISCUSS MN MAYORS LETTER TO STATE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES Mayor Kronmiller introduced a draft letter he was emailed asking whether or not he would endorse a statement from Minnesota mayors to state representatives and the governor expressing concern and frustration about the fiscal direction of the state. Kronmiller said he agrees with the statements in the letter but concerned that the letter seems political and the city should remain nonpartisan. Council member Gribble said he agrees with the findings that state mandates which pass costs onto residents are wrong. Council member Libby said that they work hard to keep the city’s levy even with the rate of inflation, while watching the county, school, state, and watersheds pile on more costs to the taxpayers. Libby said having the mayors coming together on this statement is a good idea; the letter contains verified facts. Libby said Scandia does as little as possible to impact taxes, and noted that the League of MN Cities also advocates for us at the legislative level. Council member Gribble said it gets to the bottom line - they need to send a message because it’s not okay to have these increases in state spending. Council members Lubke and Cusick said the letter is okay to send. Cusick, seconded by Gribble, moved to support the Mayor’s signature on the letter. Motion carried 5-0. DISCUSS LETTER TO OLAND AVENUE GROUP HOME Administrator Morell introduced a draft letter to address the issues identified by Deputy Anderson at the November 18th Council meeting regarding excessive calls from the group home on Oland Avenue. Morell compiled a report similar to one in provided to the same group home operator in 2023 for a different group home location. The report showed that since March 1st, 71 calls were made for police, fire and ambulance services and the portion of the budget the calls consume. The letter requests a meeting with the operator and public service staff to work on fixing the issues. Morell said he was looking for any feedback from the Council before sending the letter. Mayor Kronmiller recommended inviting the County licensing staff. Council member Gribble asked if the city can charge for excessive calls. Administrator Morell said the city does have statutory authority to bill for police and fire calls. Fire Chief Hinz said this was discussed years ago but not pursued so as not to dissuade residents from calling for assistance. Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 5 of 7 Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to approve sending the letter to the operator of the Oland Avenue group home, with adding County licensing staff to the invitation for a meeting. Motion carried 5-0. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE Park & Recreation Committee liaison Lubke reported that the committee is finalizing Vinterfest activities. Current Chair Terry Gorham will not be renewing his term on the committee. PLANNING COMMISSION Planner Hofer noted the items from the Planning Commission which were approved on the December consent agenda. Hofer announced that the January 6th Planning Commission meeting will be cancelled with no applications to review. Commissioner Rynders will not be renewing his term on the Commission upon expiration on February 1, 2026. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Administrator Morell announced that the EDA will meet this Thursday. The November 25th meeting minutes were in the packet. SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE The Internet Action Committee met on November 20th and were given a Midco update on the progress of their 2025 construction projects and on planning for their 2026 project, the Scandia Border 2 Border grant. Midco has recently applied for a line extension grant to provide funding for properties with long driveways. The IAC is going to work with respondents to the infill letter for connection to high-speed that is available for them. The IAC will next meet in March 2026. TOURISM COMMITTEE Tourism Chair Sue Dickens reported on the successful Vinterlights vendor event, saying there was good attendance and sales. The Committee will be sending out a survey to vendors asking for any improvements for next year’s event. The Committee will work on planning for 2026 goals at their next meeting. WASTEWATER COMMITTEE The Wastewater Committee meeting minutes from November 17th were in the meeting packet. Administrator Morell stated that the Bliss Wastewater Project is in a strong position to receive state funding. The Committee will meet in February to review bids for the project and discuss 2026 user rates. BUILDING OFFICIAL The November building activity report was in the meeting packet. In November, 23 building permits were issued at a valuation of $3,098,962. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Hinz reported that last month that the department responded to 27 calls; 8 fire related and 19 medicals. Hinz shared that the department responded to multiple accidents this morning due to icy roads, and provided mutual aid to Forest Lake to assist with the numerous accidents in their town. Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 6 of 7 CITY PLANNER Preparing for 2050 Comprehensive Plan Planner Hofer provided a memo on preparing for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan updates, including Scandia’s system statement and the minimum requirements checklist from the Metropolitan Council. Hofer explained the timeline, with submission of the updated comp plan due to the Met Council by December 2028. Hofer said the plan can be submitted earlier if ready. Planner Hofer said there are a number of factors to consider for its preparation, including what level of community engagement is desired or should the comp plan be strictly an update to meet the minimum requirements. Hofer noted that more involvement increases the cost of the consultant. Administrator Morell stated that a discussion can be held at a Feb/March work session on the topic. At this point there is nothing in the 2026 budget for the 2050 Comp Plan update. Council member Libby said we want to make sure we agree with where the Met Council puts Scandia in their regional plan, and we don’t need to rubber stamp the vision statement as given. Planner Hofer said he can provide an estimate of his firm’s costs to prepare the next comp plan update as they did for the 2040 Plan. Mayor Kronmiller asked him to look at the history of the last Comp Plan their consultant worked on and report back. CITY ENGINEER Bliss Wastewater Project - Request to Approve Plans, Specs, and Authorize Advertisement for Bid Engineer Bubany requested the City Council approve plans for the Bliss Wastewater project and authorize ads for bids, but not to consider an award until funding is secured. The state has said an announcement will be made in December. If so, the city can consider awarding the project at the February 17, 2026 meeting. Administrator Morell said the Wastewater Committee will use the bid results to work the costs into the 2026 sewer budget and rates. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to Approve Plans, Specs, and Authorize Advertisement for Bid for the Bliss Wastewater Project. Motion carried 5-0. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet. Fischer said it has been busy the past weeks with a number of snow events. The ice rink will be flooded when the weather cooperates. CITY ATTORNEY There was no report from City Attorney Johnson who was absent. CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Morell provided a written report. The Council had no questions. Scandia City Council December 16, 2025 Page 7 of 7 ADJOURNMENT Kronmiller, seconded by Lubke, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund City Clerk