02-17-2026 Meeting
February 17, 2026
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, Kirsten Libby, and Mayor Steve Kronmiller. Council member Mike Lubke participated
on Zoom but was not a voting member. Absent: Council member Jim Gribble. Staff present: City
Engineer Isiah Bubany, Attorney Christina Benson, Police Deputy Jake Anderson, Fire Chief
Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, City Administrator Kyle Morell, and City
Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Attorney Benson recommended Additions to the Consent Agenda:
1. Authorization of the City Administrator to negotiate a separation/settlement agreement
with Jeff Anderson to near final form for review by the City Council on March 4, 2026.
2. Approval of the Interim Performance Evaluation Agreement.
Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 3-0.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Deputy Anderson reported on calls and statistics over the past month. In January, there were 68
incidents, 27 traffic stops, and 2 citations issued. There was an arrest on St. Croix Trail, several
domestic calls to Penfield Avenue, an ice house break-in on Big Marine Lake, and a recovered
auto theft at the Vets Camp. Anderson completed DARE training and will begin teaching the
course at Scandia Elementary in March. Anderson announced a hockey tournament fundraiser to
benefit Deputy Chris Majeski occurring in April.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) January 20, 2026 Special Meeting
2) January 20, 2026 Regular Meeting
b) Treasurer’s Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Appointment of Planning Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
e) Approve Park User Permit for Fastpitch Softball Tournament June 26-28, 2026
f) City Engineer – Engineering Updates Report
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February 17, 2026
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g) ADDITION: Authorization of the City Administrator to negotiate a separation/settlement
agreement with Jeff Anderson to near final form for review by the City Council on March
4, 2026
h) ADDITION: Approval of the Interim Performance Evaluation Agreement
Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion
carried 3-0.
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR ELECTION
SERVICES
Administrator Morell presented a joint powers agreement with Washington County for
administering election services beginning in 2026. Morell explained that with the retirement of
City Clerk Eklund, the agreement will transition election processes to the County. The County
will coordinate training of judges, provide supplies, and administer the public accuracy tests and
all elections. Election day voting will continue to be held at the Scandia Community Center.
The County’s fee schedule provides for a cost of $5,136 for administering the state and federal
elections in 2026, plus actual costs for election judge salaries. Morell noted the city has budgeted
$9,400 this year for election judges, maintenance fees, and supplies. Additional costs for election
administration can be found elsewhere in savings from the personnel budget. Morell
recommended the Council approve the agreement as presented.
Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron addressed the Council, saying this is a common
agreement the County has with many other communities. Miron said the County has a well-
staffed election team.
Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve signing the Joint Powers Agreement
for Election Services. Motion carried 3-0.
ADDITIONAL MICROPHONES FOR THE COMMUNITY ROOM
Administrator Morell presented a proposal for purchasing wireless microphones for use in the
community room. Organizations using the large hall are only allowed use of the single wired
microphone, and have requested additional options for audio. Morell researched wireless mics
which would meet the needs of the Barn Church and the Lions Club. Purchase and installation
costs for 4 microphones which would be stored in a lockable cabinet in the coat closet were
quoted at $6,799.80. Morell explained that the city’s Cable Fund, which gains revenue from
PEG and franchise fees, has a balance of $46,000. The funds can be utilized for AV equipment
purchases to facilitate events and organizations located in the city.
Cusick, seconded by Libby, moved to approve the purchase of new wireless microphones
for the Community Room. Motion carried 3-0.
Council member Libby recommended lease agreements with the organizations include liability
terms for use of the new equipment.
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February 17, 2026
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PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
Parks Committee Chair Terry Gorham reported on a successful Vinterfest event given the
extreme cold weather, saying some events were either moved indoors or cancelled. Button sales
brought in $345. Gorham extended appreciation to all groups involved, notably PRC member
Greg Zauner who continued his role as Vinterfest Coordinator. Gorham said the Committee will
work on ideas for future plans and continue to promote Vinterfest for the entire community.
Administrator Morell clarified the organizer of the Minnesotan Cup hockey tournament redirects
donations to pay for the fireworks rather than maintenance of the rink.
Gorham reported that a future Earth Day event for the Committee includes sponsoring a used toy
swap held being during the Lions Community Easter breakfast.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission met on February 10, 2026. No recommendations were forwarded to
the City Council. A proposed ordinance amendment on nonconforming structures was tabled to
allow for an engaged conversation with the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District.
Administrator Morell noted that the Planning Commission presented a resolution of appreciation
to retiring City Clerk Eklund.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The EDA met on January 26th. Mayor Kronmiller said they discussed a work plan for the year,
and will hold a future joint meeting with the Tourism Committee.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
The Internet Action Committee will next meet in March 2026.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
Tourism Committee Chair Sue Dickens appeared on Zoom. The Committee met on January 27th
and identified goals for the year, one being a 30-mile bike ride from Scandia to Lindstrom and
back.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The January building activity report was in the meeting packet. In January, 15 building permits
were issued at a valuation of $41,000.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported that in January the department responded to 18 calls; 7 fire related and
9 medicals. The Fire Relief Association is hosting the Fireball fundraiser on February 28th.
Fire Chief Annual Report 2025
Chief Hinz stated that call volume is trending downward after eliminating some call types last
year. New equipment replacement received last year has the department in very good shape. The
department hired three new members last year, and one member left the department due to
availability, putting the department at 29 members. The Council expressed thanks to Chief Hinz
for the informative annual report.
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February 17, 2026
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CITY PLANNER
There was no report from the City Planner.
CITY ENGINEER
Engineer Bubany’s engineering report was on the Consent Agenda. There were no questions.
2026 Scandia Trails Project -- Request to Approve Plans, Specifications and Authorize Ad for
Bid
Engineer Bubany requested the Council approve plans, specifications, and authorize
advertisements for bid for the 2026 Scandia Trails Project. The City has obtained $1,261,680 in
funding for this project through a combination of grants and cash commitments.
Bubany said the anticipated schedule is to complete asphalt surfacing this year and work on the
boardwalk during the 2026-2027 winter months.
Kronmiller, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve plans, specifications, and authorize
advertisements for bid for the 2026 Scandia Trails Project. Motion carried 3-0.
2026 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project -- Request to Authorize Preparation of Plans and
Specifications
Engineer Bubany requested the Council authorize preparation of plans and specifications for the
2026 Crack Fill & Seal Coat Project. The streets requested to receive this work require a budget
of $95,000.00. The project locations were shown on a location plan attached to the report.
Bubany said the project limits will be reviewed for expansion if favorable bids are received.
Cusick, seconded by Libby, moved to authorize preparation of plans and specifications for
the 2026 Crack Fill & Seal Coat Project. Motion carried 3-0.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet.
Fischer noted his Vinterfest comments came from a Parks meeting discussion. Fischer said he
heard from families about the non-family atmosphere of the event. Vinterfest Coordinator
Zauner provided a written response in the Council meeting packet, countering some of the
comments.
PRC Chair Gorham said there were good points made by PW Director Fischer. Vinterfest has
included a unique hockey tournament to which family events have been planned around. Gorham
is confident the Parks Committee will talk about the observations in planning for next year’s
event.
CITY ATTORNEY
There was no report from Attorney Benson.
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February 17, 2026
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CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Morell provided a written report in the meeting packet, and added that the bid
opening for the Bliss Sewer project is tomorrow. A pre-construction meeting for the Gateway
Trail Project is planned for next week.
ADJOURNMENT
Libby seconded by Cusick, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk