09-06-2017 Work SessionSeptember 6, 2017
The City Council conducted a Work Session on the above date. The following were present:
Council members Bob Hegland, Steve Kronmiller, Chris Ness and Jim Schneider. Absent:
Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City Administrator Neil Soltis and Deputy Clerk
Brenda Eklund.
Acting Mayor Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Discussion on firefighter recruitment was added as Agenda Item 5b. Ness, seconded by
Hegland, moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried 4-0.
PRESENTATION BY FOREST LAKE CABLE COMMISSION/LAKES AREA
TELEVISION
Paul Peterson, new Access Coordinator at Lakes Area Television (LATV 10 and 20), updated the
Council on the station's direction and goals as it works with communities and schools within the
Commission's membership with Forest Lake, Columbus and Scandia. New equipment purchases
using the PEG fee revenue has improved productions quality and Peterson is producing more
documentaries and short films highlighting events and people in the communities to create
awareness to local residents, such as the progress of building the Veterans Memorial at
Lilleskogen Park. Peterson said that he would like to discuss Scandia's partnership with the
cable station going forward.
Administrator Soltis provided information on Scandia's exit from the Joint Powers Agreement
effective June 2018, and the decisions which will need to be made regarding providing access to
public meetings. Options include rejoining as a member of the JPA, contracting for video
services, or purchasing its own equipment. Council member Schneider stated that he would be
hesitant to get back into the Commission based on past problems, but would be interested in
contracting with the station's services. Council member Kronmiller, the City's representative on
the Commission, said that if Scandia takes on the PEG fees, what services will be provided to the
residents; more PEG fees are available by staying on as compared to exiting and then starting
with $0. Council member Ness said that he is a cable subscriber and is satisfied that he is getting
his money's worth without the need for LATV 10 programming, but it appears that the station is
going in the right direction. Peterson said that by producing more special interest stories in a
story -telling manner, the station is promoting local highlights not seen before. He noted LATV is
web -streaming programming that is available to all viewers, not just cable subscribers.
Council members asked staff to research a contracting package for video services for future
discussion.
DISCUSSION OF SHIP GRANT APPLICATION FOR BIKE REPAIR STATION
Administrator Soltis explained that it was recently made aware that grant funds up to $2,600 for
a bike fix -it station and 2 bike racks could be made available to the City through the County's
SHIP grant program. However, the agreement and purchase needs to be completed by October
31, 2017, the end of the grant cycle. Due to the short time frame and since the equipment must
be installed on public property, Soltis recommended delaying a grant submission until there is a
commitment to develop a comprehensive cycling amenity in the right location to support
cyclists.
September 6, 2017
Scandia City Council
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Janie O'Connor and Marlys Johnson, representing Cycling Scandia, were present and stated that
they agreed with that approach, especially until more is known about the future Gateway Trail
connection. Their group is analyzing survey results taken in August with 62 cyclists riding
through Scandia that will help to build a plan around. O'Connor reported that Cycling Scandia is
working towards 501 c3 non-profit status so that it will be able to apply for grant funding for their
mission of making Scandia a cycling destination. O'Connor said she will keep the Council
informed as their organization progresses.
PRESENTATION OF FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL
Assistant Fire Chief Ian Skarga presented a proposal to construct a circular patio area and
sidewalk in front of the Fire Station near the John Morrison memorial bench. The pavers would
be engraved with names of past and present firefighters, with a plan to engrave future bricks for
new members. The Fire Relief Association would provide all the funds for this project.
Council was in consensus to approve of the installation on city property.
FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT
Fire Chief Hinz requested approval of a recruitment schedule this fall for new members of the
fire department. A timeline to take in applications, beginning with a booth at Taco Daze on
September 9th, interviews and physicals was presented, with an anticipated start date of
November 1 st
Council was in consensus to approve of the recruitment schedule for new firefighters.
DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SCANDIA TRAIL SOLAR
LLC
Administrator Soltis reported that the Development Agreement for the community solar garden
at 11480 Scandia Trail has been drafted by the City Attorney, with a few outstanding items to be
received before releasing the building permit. Soltis asked for Council approval of the form of
the agreement with the condition that the agreement can be executed once all submittals required
by the CUP and Developers Agreement are found to be sufficient.
Council was in consensus to approve the form of the Development Agreement as presented and
allow the execution of the agreement by the Mayor and Administrator once all submittals are
completed.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE VACANCY
In early August, Susan Rodsjo resigned from the Parks and Recreation Committee. No
applications to fill her term, expiring February 28, 2022, were received by the August 31 st
deadline. Administrator Soltis offered continuing to solicit applications through the City's
website and facebook page, or to make an appointment without seeking applications.
Council discussed the role of the PRC and the purpose they serve, and the possibility of
disbanding the committee. It was agreed to have the Committee operate with 4 members and to
evaluate and restructure the role they play in acting as a sounding board for projects before park
items go before the Council.
September 6, 2017
Scandia City Council
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DISCUSSION OF 2018 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING
A MAXIMUM PROPERTY TAX LEVY AMOUNT
Administrator Soltis presented a draft of the 2018 budget that incorporated budget assumptions
presented at the August Work Session that results in a 5.8% increase to the 2018 tax levy over
last year's levy amount. The maximum tax levy must be certified to the County by October 2nd
Council reviewed the expenditures identified to affect the steady state budget and made the
following changes:
Remove quarterly newsletters -- $1,500
Remove ordinance codification -- $8,000
Reduce Council travel and conferences to $1,000 (from requested $2,500)
Remove purchase of chromebooks for Council chambers -- $2,500
Remove purchase of radio equipment for Public Works -- $13,200
Reallocate radio fees to cell phone allowances for Public Works
Remove EDA tourism development -- $10,000
Remove levy earmarked for undesignated Park improvements -- $11,000
Budget items identified for future discussion:
Withdrawal from JPA/Lakes Area TV -- franchise fees retained approximately $4,300
Increase Fire Chief position to part-time status -- $33,000
Council member Hegland advocated for charging non-residents for fire and rescue response costs
to offset the increase to the Fire Chief's position. No decision was made and Council will
continue to discuss this at a future meeting.
It was estimated that the changes would reduce the 2018 levy amount to a 4% increase over the
2017 amount. Council directed staff to prepare the resolution to adopt a maximum tax levy with
the noted changes to the budget for the September 19, 2017 Council meeting. Council has until
December to adopt a final tax levy.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE WORK SESSIONS
The Comprehensive Plan will be discussed at the October 4th work session, along with Fire
Department staffing.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk