5.a 1 Draft minutes of the 10-17-17 Council Meeting
October 17, 2017
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Christine
Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call
was taken. The following council members were present: Council members Bob Hegland, Steve
Kronmiller, Chris Ness, Jim Schneider and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City
Administrator Neil Soltis, City Planner Sherri Buss, Engineer Katie Warner, City Attorney Andy
Pratt, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson and Deputy Clerk Brenda
Eklund.
PUBLIC FORUM
Recognition of Retiring Firefighters
Mayor Maefsky presented framed certificates of appreciation to outgoing members of the
Scandia Fire and Rescue Department.
Jason Helke, 14 years of service
Scott Swenson, 7 years of service
David Mead, 5 years of service
Aaron Sipola, 5 years of service
Josh Pearl, 4 years of service
Scandia Good Neighbor Recognition –
Mayor Christine Maefsky presented Margie Schmidt and Ross Brunfelt with Scandia Good
Neighbor Award Proclamations. Schmidt was nominated by Dave Bakken for her commitment
to water and land protection. Brunfelt was nominated by Janie O’Connor in recognition of his
leadership with the annual Fat Cat Triathlon event which raised $14,000 in scholarship funds this
year.
There were no other public comments during the forum.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Discussion of the Veterans Memorial was added as Agenda Item 9.e). Kronmiller, seconded by
Ness, moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) September 19, 2017 Regular Meeting
2) October 4, 2017 Work Session
b) Treasurer’s Report
Beginning Balance 9/1/2017 $3,788,202.24
Receipts $ 141,371.15
Expenditures $253,124.36
Payroll $ 24,715.11 $(277,839.47)
Adjustments: stopped check bank charge $ (4.00)
bldg permit cancelled $ (188.50)
miswritten check $ (0.70)
Ending Balance 9/30/2017 $3,651,540.72
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c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Fire Retirements
e) Annual review –Brenda Eklund
f) Annual review – Judi Negus
g) Winter skating programs
1) Agreement with Kathryn Herman for Learn to Skate program
2) Seasonal ice rink staffing
h) Discussion on part-time public works staffing
i) Special Event Permit – Scanley Cup
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The
motion carried 5-0.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Winter Skating Programs and Flyer
Terry Gorham, Vice-Chair of PRC, presented the recommendation to approve the after-school
winter skating programs for this coming winter season. Dustin Hegland will be supervising the
Pleasure Skating program, and Katy Herman will be teaching Learn to Skate for beginner and
advanced students. Programs will be held one day a week for 6 weeks beginning on January 3,
2018.
Hegland, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the winter skating programs and flyer as
presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Gorham reported that Vinterfest planning is underway, with return of the button and snow
sculpture contests, and the cloggers’ performance as some of the activities for the annual event.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minor Subdivision and Variance for Manthey Acres on Old Marine Trail. Dan Manthey,
Applicant. (Resolution No. 10-17-17-01)
Planner Buss presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a Minor
Subdivision to create two lots and an outlot from an existing 23.6-acre parcel along Old Marine
Trail owned by Dan Manthey. The property has several wetlands, and a variance from the 75’
wetland setback requirement for the shared driveway was also recommended. Buss explained
that the driveway would be approximately 4’ into the setbacks along both sides of the access to
the lots. The Washington Conservation District was not opposed to granting the variance, with
an explanation that the proposed driveway location is a reasonable option for minimizing
wetland impacts on the property. A resolution with findings and conditions of approval was
prepared.
Council member Kronmiller reiterated his comments from the Planning Commission public
hearing. He is opposed to granting variances, as in this instance a lot is being created in such a
way that a variance is needed, and there is reasonable use of the lot the way it is now and he
cannot find justification for granting the variance from the wetland setback. Kronmiller said he
is looking forward to a change in the ordinance that could reduce setbacks based on the quality
of the wetland. Planner Buss explained that this application meets the practical difficulty
standard given by the League and legal guidance.
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Council member Ness stated that a 4’ variance seems to make sense here, and agreed with the
recommendation to approve, especially with the direction for a future change to the ordinance
that could allow this setback without a variance. Mayor Maefsky stated her agreement with this
as well.
Council member Schneider said that this minor subdivision is a good use of the property. He
said a change to the ordinance is needed as this is the third variance from wetland setbacks
recently granted.
Council member Hegland said the 75’ setback is repressive for the small wetlands and it would
be no sense to make Manthey wait until the ordinance is amended.
Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 10-17-17-01, Approving a
Minor Subdivision and Variance for Manthey Acres at PID 27.032.20.44.0003 located on
Old Marine Trail North as presented. The motion carried 4-1, with Kronmiller opposed.
Amended Interim Use Permit for Redeemed Farm Rural Event Center at 12680 Scandia Trail.
Jeff and Julie Gacek, Applicants (Resolution No. 10-17-17-02)
Planner Buss presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve an amendment
to the existing Interim Use Permit to operate a Rural Event Center at 12680 Scandia Trail that
would increase the number of guests allowed per event from 150 to 200. Buss reported that the
traffic study showed no negative impacts with the increased number of guests, and the Fire Chief
and Building Official agreed that the center could accommodate 200 guests. Buss noted that a
large number of comments made at the public hearing were complaints about noise during events
held on September 23rd and 30th. Sheriff Deputies investigated the sound levels which were
found to be in compliance. No other complaints were received by the City during the center’s
operation this past season, and the request is within the maximum number of 300 guests
permitted by the ordinance. Buss said that Gacek is making improvements to address concerns
about traffic, such as working with MnDOT to install larger signs for Meadowbrook Avenue and
correcting the location on Google maps.
Buss explained that the Commissioners reasoned that the increased guest count would not affect
noise or traffic, and that additional landscape screening is not needed beyond the existing
landscape plan. The Commissioners recommended a noise expert be consulted on the issue of
sound travel of the baseline and vibrations. Buss reported that state noise standards account for
these sounds which do travel further than general noise, and the sounds coming from the music
in the barn are in compliance. A resolution granting approval was presented with findings and
conditions for operation of the rural event facility.
Council member Ness said that neighbors making comments at the public hearing stated that
they did not want to bother the police with calls about loud noise, but were told this is what they
need to do to register their complaints – Ness said that more complaints should be anticipated
during future events. Gacek said that four events have been held this month with no calls or
complaints made. Mayor Maefsky noted the observation about the weather (cloud cover, wind,
air conditions) on September 23 and 30 which could have affected sound travel and the increased
noise complaints. Administrator Soltis said that neighbors may be hearing sounds, but the events
are not exceeding the noise limits.
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Kronmiller, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 10-17-17-02,
Approving an Amended Interim Use Permit for a Rural Event Facility at 12680 Scandia
Trail North as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Ordinance No. 188, Amending Section 4.32 Rural Event Center
Buss reported that the Planning Commission held the public hearing on the proposed ordinance
amendment that would modify the process for the Annual Operator Permit review to be
conducted administratively rather than by consultants and the City Council if the operation is in
full compliance with conditions of their permit. The Commissioners recommended approval of
this change in the process and said this should be simplified if there are no complaints, and the
review can still be brought to the Council if needed.
Council member Kronmiller said he supports this amendment to streamline the process to the
administrative level. Council member Schneider said it’s unnecessary to bring the review to the
Council. Mayor Maefsky said that there is a fallback for increased review if there are issues, and
is in favor of this change.
Schneider, seconded by Hegland, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 188, Amending the
Development Code, Chapter 2, Section 4.32, Rural Event Facility. The motion carried 5-0.
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 188 (Resolution No. 10-17-17-03)
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve Resolution No. 10-17-17-03, Providing for
the Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 188. The motion carried 5-0.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
Building Official Chuck Preisler’s building activity report was received. A majority of the 134
permits issued in September were for roofing and siding repair due to the summer storm damage,
at a valuation of $13,440,542 for the month. Administrator Soltis reported that the year-to-date
permit valuation includes permits for 3 community solar gardens at a combined value of $10.4
million and 15 new house construction permits.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Deputy Brandon Yetter reported on recent police activity and provided the citation report for
September. The dumping of a large amount of roofing debris along the railroad tracks at 199th
Street is being investigated. Since the offenders may not likely be determined, a discussion on
what action the City could pursue to clean up the debris concluded that Canadian Railroad be
given a deadline to pursue clean-up of the materials that are in their right-of-way. If no response,
the costs incurred by the City should be charged or assessed to CN. Ness, seconded by
Kronmiller, moved to send a letter to Canadian Railroad with a 10-day deadline to clean
up the construction debris. If no response, then the City will remove the debris and charge
these costs to the railroad. The motion carried 5-0.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Mike Hinz reported that the department responded to 19 calls in September; 4 fire
related and 15 EMS. A silo fire on Mayberry Trail last week required mutual aid from nearby
departments. New recruits have completed interviews and physical testing.
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CITY ENGINEER
Katie Warner, Bolton & Menk Engineer, provided a handout on the state’s new small cell
wireless law to assist with future discussion on implementing an ordinance for regulation of their
placement on city infrastructure. Administrator Soltis noted that he is working with the City
Attorney in reviewing a model ordinance on right-of-way regulation prepared by the League
which address small cell wireless along with excavating and obstructions in right-of-ways.
Bolton & Menk is following Washington County’s draft Capital Improvement Plan for projects
within Scandia. With a request from the Park Committee, they provided an estimate of the cost
to widen the shoulders for trail purposes along certain roadways in the proposed 2018 road
projects.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson reported that road striping is completed, rink boards
are being replaced, a final grading will be done on the gravel roads before winter, and the new
plow truck was delivered today.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Neil Soltis summarized his monthly report – Wastewater Committee meeting
this Thursday, EDA hosting a breakfast meeting with local businesses this week with a
presentation from the County’s Open to Business program, negotiations continue on the fire
contract with May Township, and explained the County Board’s action regarding the MN Buffer
Law. Soltis provided a handout on the DNR’s appeal of the White Bear Lake court ruling.
Based on the 5-mile radius from the lake, Scandia would not be impacted with the court decision.
APPROVE HIRING OF PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS
Fire Chief Hinz recommended the hiring of four candidates as probationary firefighters
following their interviews and physical testing, pending the passing of the medical testing
conducted by Osceola Medical Center scheduled for the last week of October. Consistent with
Resolution No. 07-18-17-06, their rate of pay would be $10.30/hour, beginning on November 1.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the hiring of Jim Cook, Rob Hinsch,
Shaun Holtgreve, and Patrick McHugh as Probationary Firefighters subject to passing a
drug test and medical evaluations. The motion carried 5-0.
APPROVE 2018-2020 LABOR AGREEMENT WITH I.U.O.E. LOCAL 49
Administrator Soltis reported that following negotiations with the Union, the members have
voted to accept the terms of the 2018-2020 labor agreement. Soltis noted the changes from the
previous agreement that relate to wages, calculation of overtime and holiday pay, uniform
allowance increase, and benefits. The impacts to wages and benefits of $5,236 in 2018 have
been calculated into next year’s budget.
Council member Schneider said that the wage increases (3% in 2018, 2.75% in 2019 and 2020)
are out of hand. Mayor Maefsky served on the negotiating team and said that they looked at
wages of comparable cities and these wages are a fair offering. Council member Kronmiller,
also involved in negotiations, said that this agreement has a better handle on the discipline
process.
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Hegland, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve the union agreement based on the
stated terms. The motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION ON PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY
No applications were received for the advertised vacancy on the Planning Commission to fill the
term of Walt Anderson. Kronmiller, seconded by Hegland, moved to extend the application
period to October 27 with a review at the November 1 Work Session. The motion carried
5-0.
DISCUSSION ON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE VACANCY
Ryan Jinks recently notified the City that he is resigning from the Parks and Recreation
Committee. His term ends on February 28, 2019. Maefsky, seconded by Ness, moved to
solicit applications through the City’s website and Facebook page to fill the PRC vacancy.
The motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSSION ON VETERANS MEMORIAL SITE (RESOLUTION NO. 10-17-17-04)
Administrator Soltis explained that Dave Wilson, member of the Veterans Memorial Committee,
requested permission to install an information stand along the sidewalk at the Veterans Memorial
site in Lilleskogen Park. This was not discussed as part of the landscape plan, and Soltis noted
the language in the agreement for construction and maintenance of the grounds “requires written
consent from all parties prior to placing any objects at the memorial site”. A resolution was
prepared stating the City’s approval under these terms. Council was in consensus to approve the
information stand to be installed and maintained at the Foundation’s cost.
Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 10-17-17-04, Approving
Installation of an Information Stand at the Veterans Memorial Site. The motion carried 5-
0.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk