06.a1 07-21-2026 Meeting
July 21, 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, Jim Gribble, Kirsten Libby, Mike Lubke and Mayor Steve Kronmiller. Staff present:
City Attorney Amanda Johnson, City Engineer Isiah Bubany, City Planner TJ Hofer, Fire Chief
Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Charles Fischer, City Administrator Kyle Morell.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Administrator Morell requested to add Comfort Lake Forest Lake Board Appointment
Discussion 8e. Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
The June police report was in the meeting packet. There were 110 incidents, 36 traffic stops and
8 citations issued last month.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) June 16, 2026, Regular Meeting
2) July 1, 2026, Work Session
b) Treasurer’s Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Approve Excluded Raffle Permit – Gammelgarden Museum Running of the Meatballs
(September 12, 2026)
e) Accept Resignation of Firefighter Greenhow
f) Accept Resignation of PRC member Kathy Sanville
g) Variance to expand an existing legal nonconforming structure within a top of bluff
setback at 20033 Quinnell Avenue North. Applicant Merritt Clapp- Smith. Resolution
07-21-26-01
h) Variance to replace an existing septic system within a wetland setback at 10740 230th
Street North. Applicants George and Kristel Wilkinson. Resolution 07-21-26-02
i) Variance to expand an existing legal nonconforming structure within the OHWL setback
of Big Marine Lake at 18510 Norell Avenue North. Applicant Eric Boyles. Resolution
07-21-26-03
j) Variance to replace an existing septic system within a wetland setback at 14250 Scandia
Trail North. Applicant Larry Granberg. Resolution 07-21-26-04
k) MNDNR Gateway Trail Project – Contractor Request for Payment #2 - $389,295.99
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July 21, 2026
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l) Scandia Trail Project – Contractor Request for Payment #2 - $46,656.35
m) 2026 Crack Fill and Seal Coat Project – Contractor Request for Payment #1 - $19,942.86
n) Bliss Wastewater Project - Contractor Request for Payment #2 - $158,064.80
o) Scandia Heritage Alliance DEED Grant Draw Request #1 - $107,314.59
p) Scandia Heritage Alliance Temporary On-Sale Liquor License
q) Accept Firefighters Relief Directional Boring Donation - $3,900
Libby, seconded by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion
carried 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-21-26-06 MCPA CLEAN WATER LOAN RESOLUTION OF
SUPPORT FOR WYLDEWOOD ACRES
City Administrator Kyle Morell presented a resolution authorizing the City to support
submission of an application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Clean Water Loan
Program on behalf of the Wyldewood Acres Homeowners Association for improvements to the
community wastewater treatment system.
Council received comments from residents and representatives of the HOA regarding the
proposed loan application, project costs, communication with homeowners, project scheduling,
and the potential for individual septic systems on certain properties. Residents requested
clarification regarding whether the City would allow individual septic systems if approved by
Washington County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Morell explained that permitting authority for individual septic systems rests with Washington
County and that the City has no ordinance prohibiting individual systems when all applicable
county and state requirements are met. City Attorney Amanda Johnson further advised that the
proposed resolution authorized only submission of the loan application and did not obligate
either the City or the HOA to proceed with financing or construction. Council discussed the
City's limited role in the project, the HOA’s responsibility for project decisions, and the need to
meet Minnesota Pollution Control Agency compliance deadlines before taking action.
Gribble, seconded by Lubke, moved to approve Resolution No. 07-21-26-06 MCPA Clean
Water Loan. Motion carried 4-1, Cusick opposed.
SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE LEVITT CONCERT SERIES UPDATE
Sue Rodsjo of Scandia Heritage Alliance, appeared on Zoom to update Council members on
plans for the Levitt Concert Series. Rodsjo reviewed the concert schedule, site layout, parking
plan, emergency access, accessibility accommodations, vendor locations, and coordination
efforts with City staff, the Fire Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and the
Scandia Farmers Market.
Council discussed public safety, temporary liquor licensing, traffic flow, parking, and continued
public access to Community Center facilities during the concerts. Staff noted the concerts are
planned as a temporary use of the Community Center property while long-term plans continue
for the Water Tower Barn site.
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July 21, 2026
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AUGUST 3 AND SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSIONS
City Administrator Kyle Morell requested that Council consider rescheduling the August and
September work sessions due to parking demands associated with the Levitt Concert Series.
Libby moved, seconded by Lubke, to reschedule the August work session to Thursday,
August 6, 2026, and the September work session to Thursday, September 3, 2026, with the
understanding that either meeting may be canceled if there are insufficient agenda items.
Motion carried 5-0.
SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE REQUEST FOR FEE REDUCTION
Sue Rodsjo of Scandia Heritage Alliance requested that the City consider reducing or waiving
engineering review fees associated with the proposed Water Tower Barn project. Rodsjo
explained that the Alliance has invested substantial volunteer effort and fundraising into the
project and requested assistance in reducing project costs.
City Planner TJ Hofer reviewed the City's engineering review process and explained that the fees
reflect actual costs incurred by the City for professional engineering review. City Engineer Isiah
Bubany discussed the engineering work completed to date and advised that additional review
would be required as the project progresses. Council discussed the City's longstanding practice
of recovering consultant costs associated with private development applications and the potential
precedent that could be established by reducing the fees.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to obtain additional information regarding
engineering review costs and the related sewer capacity study before further consideration of the
request. No action was taken on the request, and the matter was tabled for future consideration.
COMFORT LAKE-FOREST LAKE WATERSHED BOARD APPOINTMENT
The Council conducted interviews for two candidates who are seeking its recommendation for
appointment to the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed Board. Gribble stated he is not in favor
of recommending both applicants, as that would be a waste of the Council’s and the applicants'
time. Staff confirmed there is only one seat up for appointment and that the City of Forest Lake
did not recommend the current Board member seeking reappointment.
Gribble moved, seconded by Libby, to recommend Blake Roberts for appointment to the
Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed Board. Motion Carried 4-1. Lubke Opposed.
PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
There was no report from the Parks and Recreation Committee.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Amendment to Section 153.200 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) Regarding Accessory
Structure Height Standards, Ordinance 2026-04, Resolution 07-21-26-05.
City Planner TJ Hofer presented an ordinance amendment recommended by the Planning
Commission to clarify the method for measuring accessory structure height. Hofer explained that
the amendment would provide a consistent measurement standard and include an illustrative
graphic to assist property owners and staff in applying the ordinance. Council discussed the
proposed changes and agreed the amendment provided additional clarity while maintaining the
intent of the City's zoning regulations.
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July 21, 2026
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Council Member Mike Lubke moved, seconded by Council Member Kirsten Libby, to
adopt Ordinance 2026-04 amending the accessory structure height provisions and
authorize summary publication in Resolution No. 07-21-26-05. Motion carried 5-0.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The EDA did not meet in June, 2026.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Mayor Steve Kronmiller reported the IAC is preparing for the Community Fun Day in August,
and had hoped to also celebrate the completion of the Internet Expansion Project at the same
time. The project experienced some delays and is now expected wrap up sometime later this
year. Midco is co-sponsoring the Levitt event that night.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
City Administrator Kyle Morell reported the Tourism Committee voted to suspend regular
meetings through the end of 2026 due to ongoing quorum and volunteer participation challenges.
The committee will reconvene in January 2027 to evaluate its future direction. The annual
VinterLights! event will continue as planned in November, and the City will continue to
coordinate the annual Community-Wide Garage Sale without committee assistance.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The June building activity report was in the meeting packet. In June, 39 building permits were
issued at a valuation of $1,792,285.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported on the past month’s activity. In June, the department responded to 30
calls: 15 fire-related, 14 medical, and 1 dive call. Hinz stated one member retired and the
department will look for a new hire later this year. Hinz reported the department is working to
train and familiarize themselves with larger businesses like the clinic and girl scout camp.
CITY PLANNER
UDC Cannabis Zoning Standard Memo
City Planner TJ Hofer presented proposed revisions to the Unified Development Code to clarify
cannabis zoning standards. The proposed changes address inconsistencies between state cannabis
license classifications and the City's land use table, particularly for micro and mezzo business
licenses. Council discussed aligning City terminology with Minnesota Statute 342 and directed
staff to work with Council Member Kirsten Libby to refine the language before forwarding the
amendment to the Planning Commission.
Flexible Development Guidelines Survey From Met Council
Hofer requested Council input on a Metropolitan Council survey regarding flexible development
guidelines to ensure staff responses reflected Council priorities. Council discussed continued
support for cluster development to preserve agricultural land and natural resources while
reaffirming its opposition to extending urban services into Scandia. Members also noted
continued market demand for smaller rural residential lots.
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July 21, 2026
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2050 Comp Plan Memo
Hofer presented a proposed scope of work for the required 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
The proposal includes a staff-led planning process that meets Metropolitan Council minimum
requirements without additional public engagement and excludes updates to the Local Surface
Water Management Plan. The estimated cost is approximately $82,000, with Bolton & Menk
offering a client discount. This estimate did not include the cost of any pubic engagement.
Council discussed the cost, previous planning efforts, and the consequences of not completing
the update. At Council's request, City Attorney Amanda Johnson will prepare a memorandum
outlining the legal implications of delaying the Comprehensive Plan update or withdrawing from
Metropolitan Council planning requirements.
CITY ENGINEER
Engineering Update Report
City Engineer Isiah Bubany reviewed the monthly engineering update and provided progress
reports on current City projects.
GIS Transition Scope and Fee Estimate
Bubany presented a proposal to migrate the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) to a
City-hosted platform after Esri announced it would discontinue third-party hosted systems. The
migration is required before year-end to maintain access to the City's GIS data. The one-time
migration cost is $15,645, with an estimated annual software licensing cost of approximately
$1,200. Council discussed using Cable Franchise Fund revenues to finance the transition.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Fischer’s report on department activities was in the meeting packet. There
were no questions.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Code Amendment – Chapter 32 Civil Actions and Recovery of Costs
City Attorney Amanda Johnson presented a proposed amendment to City Code Chapter 32 to
strengthen the City's ability to recover abatement and enforcement costs through civil action.
Council discussed the proposed enforcement process, including providing property owners an
opportunity to appear before the Council before legal action is initiated. Council directed staff to
bring the ordinance amendment back for consideration at a future public meeting.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Morell provided a written report in the meeting packet. There were no
questions.
ADJOURNMENT
Lubke, seconded by Gribble, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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July 21, 2026
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Brenda “Bee” Stignani, City Clerk