5.a 1 Draft minutes of the 12-19-17 MeetingDecember 19, 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 members were present: Council members Bob Hegland, Steve
Kronmiller, Chris Ness, Jim Schneider and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: City
Administrator Neil Soltis, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, City Attorney Andy Pratt, Police
Deputy Brandon Yetter, Fire Chief Mike Hinz and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
PUBLIC FORUM
Nancy Stalland, 19356 Meadowridge Trail, asked if progress had been made on her speed limit
request on roads within the Tii Gavo subdivision. She was told that Deputy Yetter would
address this during his report later in the meeting.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Park and Recreation Committee report was moved to the final agenda item to accommodate
the late arrival of the PRC Chair. Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve the agenda
as amended. The motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
2) November 21, 2017 Special Meeting
3) December 6, 2017 Work Session
b) Treasurer's Report
Beginning Balance 11/1/2017 $3,558,959.17
Receipts $55,846.96
Expenditures $208,446.25
Payroll $ 24,659.15 $(233,105.40)
Ending Balance 11/30/2017 $3,381,700.73
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) 2018 City Council meeting schedule
e) Approve 2018 Tobacco License Renewals:
1) Big Marine Lake Liquor Store
2) Big Marine Lake Store
f) Approve 2018 Liquor License Renewals:
1) Big Marine Lake Liquor Store, Off -Sale
2) The Scandia Creamery, On-Sale/Sunday On -Sale Intoxicating
3) Meister's Bar & Grill, Combination On/Off-Sale and Sunday Intoxicating
4) Chiko's Bar and Grill, On-Sale/Sunday On -Sale Intoxicating
g) Annual Review — Adam Hawkinson
h) Approve listing of Public Works volunteer opportunities
Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The
motion carried 5-0.
December 19, 2017
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Administrator Soltis reported that the Planning Commission will hold two public hearings on
development code amendments at their January 2, 2018 meeting. One being a proposed
ordinance that would add an option for a concept plan review to the procedures for a conditional
use permit, and another proposed ordinance that would permit Accessory Solar Energy Systems
for residential use and define the performance standards for these systems. The Commission
continues to work on the update to the shoreland ordinance, and will begin to review sections of
the Comprehensive Plan update.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The November building activity report was received from Building Official Chuck Preisler. Last
month, 46 permits were issued at a valuation of $903,875. Year to date valuation amounts to
$27,284,139.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Deputy Brandon Yetter reported on a theft at Scandia Liquor, an animal control issue on Scandia
Trail, and a structure collapse on Olinda Trail. Yetter explained that he conducted two speed
patrols in Tii Gavo, with vehicles generally traveling 20-25 mph, but said that could be due to
the visibility of his squad car. Yetter plans to use a speed box from the County in the spring to
gather more data on drivers' natural speeds.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Mike Hinz reported that the department responded to 14 calls in November —1 fire
related and 13 EMS. Hinz said that calls for 2 vehicle rollovers and collapse of trusses within a
pole barn under construction were significant this month. Council member Kronmiller asked
about the difficulty in locating the site of the new construction, which did not have the address
displayed along the road. Hinz explained that the County's new CAD -based system, proposed to
begin in 2018, will make locates much easier by using GPS technology.
CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Ryan Goodman reported that Chisago County is in the process of adopting an
ordinance to regulate solar farms that could provide a source of guidance to the City if needed.
Washington County responded to the comments he submitted on their 5 -year Capital
Improvement Plan that addressed safety improvements at the Manning Avenue/Highway 97
intersection and on future trail development. A pavement management improvement project is
scheduled for Manning Avenue in 2020, and the County will coordinate with MnDOT on
potential intersection improvements. Work on a trails master plan will begin in 2022, and the
County will continue to explore trail expansion in the northern half of the county. Bolton &
Menk will provide acrylic trophies and cash prizes to participants in the snow sculpture contest
being held during Vinterfest next month.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Andy Pratt speculated on changes to municipal funding that may occur with
adoption of the revised federal tax bill. Interest rates on municipal bonds may go up as the
corporate tax rate is lowered.
December 19, 2017
Scandia City Council
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PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson reported that the ice skating rink recently opened for
the season, the crew is performing right-of-way clearing in preparation of next year's road
project, equipment is ready for snow events, and they will be putting up Vinterfest banners next
week. Council member Schneider asked that recruiting volunteers to flood the ice rink be
pursued.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Soltis highlighted the nearly $28 million revenue associated with the 712 building
permits issued through November 30th. This includes 20 new houses and 3 community solar
gardens. The League paid out a $4,090 property insurance dividend, close to 10% of the City's
premium cost. Xcel provided a cost estimate of $230,000 to relocate the interconnect poles at
the Zavoral solar garden site. Soltis said that the Council could anticipate an appeal hearing
regarding a wetland issue to be scheduled before the January 16, 2018 regular meeting.
Conversion of the Community Center lighting to LED will be pursued early next year to take
advantage of the Xcel rebates.
ADOPTION OF 2018 BUDGET AND FINAL PROPERTY TAX LEVY (RESOLUTION
NO. 12-19-17-01)
The Council was presented with the final 2018 budget as discussed at the December 5th Truth in
Taxation hearing. A property tax levy of $2,257,872 remains the same as the past two years.
Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 12-19-17-01, Adopting 2018
Budget and Certifying Property Tax Levy Payable in 2018 and Adopting 2018 through
2022 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion carried 5-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 189 GOVERNING THE 201 COMMUNITY SEWAGE SYSTEM
As recommended by the Wastewater Committee, the ordinance governing the 201 community
sewage system will add a pumping surcharge to those users requiring tank pumping more
frequently than once in two years. In response to Council member Kronmiller's question on how
users will know when their tanks have been pumped, Administrator Soltis said that he is working
with County staff on this; a notice on the door may be left.
Schneider, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 189, Governing the 201
Community Sewage Treatment System as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 189 (RESOLUTIONNO. 12-19-17-02)
Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to approve Resolution No. 12-19-17-02, Providing
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 189. The motion carried 5-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 190 SETTING 201 COMMUNITY SEWAGE SYSTEM RATES
As recommended by the Wastewater Committee, the users fees will be increased 10% to an
annual base charge of $798.88. The connection fee will be increased to $8,000.
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Scandia City Council
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Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 190, Establishing User
Charges and Connection Fees for the 201 Community Sewage Treatment System as
presented. The motion carried 5-0.
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 190 (RESOLUTIONNO. 12-19-17-03)
Schneider, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 12-19-17-03, Providing
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 190. The motion carried 5-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 191 SETTING UPTOWN COMMUNITY SEWAGE SYSTEM RATES
As recommended by the Wastewater Committee, the rates for the Uptown Sewage System will
be restructured to more equitably distribute costs among small and large users. Rates reflected a
5% increase in total revenue, and an increased connection charge to $8,000.
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 191 Establishing User
Charges and Connection Fees for the Uptown Wastewater Treatment System as presented.
The motion carried 5-0.
SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 191 (RESOLUTIONNO. 12-19-17-04)
Schneider, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve Resolution No. 12-19-17-04, Providing
Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 191. The motion carried 5-0.
CONTRACTOR REQUEST FOR FINAL PAYMENT — 2017 SEAL COAT PROJECT
City Engineer Goodman recommended approval of the final pay request to Pearson Bros. for
completion of the 2017 Seal Coat Project. Goodman stated that the final cost came in $8,000
under the original bid amount.
Schneider, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve the Contractor's request for Payment
No. 2 and Final in the amount of $7,329.10 to Pearson Bros., Inc. The motion carried 5-0.
CONTRACTOR REQUEST FOR FINAL PAYMENT — 2017 SPRAY PATCHING
PROJECT
City Engineer Goodman recommended approval of the final pay request to Fahrner Asphalt
Sealers for completion of the 2017 Spray Patching Project.
Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve the Contractor's request for Payment No. 1
and Final in the amount of $36,000 to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers. The motion carried 5-0.
PROPOSAL FOR REHABILITATION OF BLISS LIFT STATION #1
Public Works Director Hawkinson explained that there is an immediate need to replace failing
equipment in the 201 Bliss sewer system. Only one of three pumps is currently operating at Lift
Station #1. Three quotes for replacement of two pumps and related check valves was presented,
with a recommendation to purchase two new pumps and equipment from W.W. Goetsch at a cost
of $5,502.00. Hawkinson explained that the pumps will be wired directly into the control panel
for more efficient pumping.
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Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to accept the quote from W.W. Goetsch in the amount
of $5,502 for replacement of 2 pumps and components at Bliss Lift Station #1. The motion
carried 5-0.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Application for Temporary Liquor License for Vinterfest — Meister's Bar & Grill
Meisters has applied for an off -premise liquor license to sell alcohol during Vinterfest on January
27, 2018. No problems have been reported in the past years that the business has done this.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the temporary off -premises liquor license
for Meister's Bar & Grill on January 27, 2018 as part of the Vinterfest community event.
The motion carried 5-0.
Request to Waive Fireworks Permit Fee for Vinterfest
Corey Roberts, special event permit holder for the Scanley Cup hockey tournament held during
Vinterfest, has requested that the $100 fireworks permit fee be waived for the January 27, 2018
event. Last year, the Council agreed to waive the fee as a show of appreciation for the in-kind
donation.
Schneider, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to waive the fireworks permit fee as
recommended by the Parks and Recreation Committee. The motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Schneider, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-
0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk