9.g Discussion on draft of spring newsletter
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: March 20, 2018
To: City Council
From: Judi Negus, Office Assistant
Re: Draft Spring Newsletter and Summer Recreation Brochure
Background:
The City sends out two newsletters a year, one in April and one in October. Staff would like to get
the April newsletter out around the first of the month. Therefore, the newsletter needs to get to
the printer as soon as possible after the Council meeting. The spring newsletter also contains the
Summer 2018 Recreation Programs brochure.
Circulation is approximately 1,860, including about 460 newsletters mailed individually to Scandia
residents with Marine mailing addresses. The newsletter is also made available on the City’s
website.
Issue:
Are there any changes the Council would like to see to the newsletter?
Proposal Details:
The newsletter includes the following in addition to the summer recreation insert:
Message from the Mayor
2040 Comprehensive Plan
2018 Road Improvement Project
Promotion of the EDA’s Business Invitation
University of Minnesota Tourism Assessment Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Options:
Identify changes, if any, you would like Staff to make before sending the newsletter to the printer.
CITY OF SCANDIA
Dedicated to Rural Community Values
Household
Scandia, MN 55073
City of Scandia
Scandia Community/
Senior Center
14727 209th Street North
Scandia, MN 55073
Phone: 651.433.2274
Fax: 651.433.5112
E-mail:
mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Hours: Mon. thru Fri.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City Council:
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
651.433.2684
Jim Schneider
651.433.3692
Bob Hegland
651.538.2129
Chris Ness
651.707.5689
Steve Kronmiller
651.538.0094
Regular Council Meeting:
Third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Council Work Session:
First Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission:
First Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
City Staff:
Neil Soltis, Administrator
Brenda Eklund,
Deputy Clerk
Colleen Firkus, Treasurer
Adam Hawkinson, Director of
Public Works
Mike Hinz, Fire Chief
Andrew Pratt, Attorney
Eckberg Lammers
Ryan Goodman, Engineer
Bolton & Menk
Sherri Buss, Planner, TKDA
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Scandia, MN
55073
EDDM
Like us on Facebook for the
Most Up-to-Date Information
Community Calendar, April 2018 - September, 2018
April
April 9, 5 p.m., Board of Appeal
and Equalization, Community
Center Board Room
April 27 - April 29, Opening
Weekend - Gammelgarden
April 30 - May 5, Spring
Clean-up Collection Week,
SRC, Wyoming
May
May 5, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Lions
Chicken Dinner Benefit,
Community Center
May 27, Immigrant for a Day -
Gammelgarden
May 28, Memorial Day, Office
Closed
June
June 6, Farmers Market - open-
ing day, Gammelgården
June 23, Midsommar Dag,
Gammelgården
July
July 4, Independence Day Holiday
Office Closed
July 14, St. Croix Fat Cat Triathlon
August
August 7, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., National
Night Out, Community Center
August 18, Spelmanstamma,
Gammelgården
September
September 3, Labor Day, Office
Closed
September 8, Taco Daze Festival
September 15-16, Marine Art Fair
For more information and a City meeting
calendar, see the website
www.ci.scandia.mn.us.
For Gammelgården events, see:
http://www.gammelgardenmuseum.org.
SUMMER RECREATION
BROCHURE INSIDE
Message from the Mayor
APRIL 2018 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
CITY OF SCANDIA
Inside this issue:
Filings Open for City Office 2
Key Dates for 2018 Election 2
Election Judges Needed 2
Volunteer Opportunities 2
U of M Tourism Assessment 3
EDA’s Business Invitation 3
2018 Assessments 3
Short Takes 3
Community Calendar 4
2040 Comprehensive Plan
A twice-yearly publication for residents of the City of Scandia, Minnesota
During the summer of 2018, the City will be reclaiming the asphalt and repaving
roughly 12 miles of roads that are rated very poor or poor along with ditch-to-ditch
improvements. Bids for the project will be presented to the Council in April with work
scheduled to start early in May. The contractor will be required to return the project
streets to a paved surface within 3 weeks of reclaiming the pavement. Construction of
Old Marine Trail and Oxboro Avenue will be completed at a minimum to the first lift of
asphalt in time for the Lion’s Fat Cat Triathlon. The final completion of the project will
be early October. The project will be funded through the issuance of $4,400,000 in
bonds to be repaid over 15 years with the balance coming from the City’s Local Road
Improvement Fund. In addition to the City’s road projects, Washington County will be
resurfacing Olinda Trail (CTH 3) and its portion of Oakhill Road (CTH 52).
Work is nearing the end on the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The process began in January 2017, when Bolton & Menk
staff attended the Lions’ Vinterfest pancake breakfast to get feedback about the future of Scandia. Since then, there have
been several opportunities for public input, including a volunteer Steering Committee, focus groups, a public open house, a
community-wide survey, and several City Council and Planning Commission workshops. As a result, the draft plan includes
a vision, goals and objectives to guide Scandia into the future.
2018 Road Improvement Project
The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the Comprehen-
sive Plan at the May 1, 2018, Planning Commission meeting. The recommendation
of the Planning Commission will be presented to the City Council for action. Follow-
ing the City Council’s approval, a draft of the plan will be provided to adjoining
taxing jurisdictions. These jurisdictions have 6 months to review and comment on
the plan. The final plan must be submitted to the Metropolitan Council by Decem-
ber 31, 2018.
Page 2
CITY OF SCANDIA
The City has identified a number of opportunities for residents to volunteer their time to help with various projects. A listing of
opportunities can be found under the resident section of the City’s website www.ci.scandia.mn.us. New to the listing is an op-
portunity to beautify the intersection of Olinda Trail and STH 97. The City is working with the MnDOT Landscape Partnership
program to provide the plant materials and supplies, but the installation and continued maintenance will be the responsibilit y
of the City, community groups or volunteers. Let us know if you are interested in helping out with the installation in early sum-
mer or in maintaining a portion of the planting beds on a regular basis.
Friday, June 29— Absentee voting begins for Primary Election, through Monday, August 13
Tuesday, July 24, 5 p.m.— Last day to pre-register for Primary Election. After this date, register at the polls on Election Day
Tuesday, July 31— Filings for Mayor and City Council races open, through Tuesday, August 14, at 5 p.m.
Monday, August 13, 5 p.m.— Absentee voting for Primary Election closes
Tuesday, August 14, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.— Primary Election Day
Thursday, August 16, 5 p.m.–-Deadline to withdraw filings for Mayor and Council
Friday, September 21— Absentee voting begins for General Election, through Monday, November 5
Tuesday, October 16, 5 p.m.— Last date to pre-register for General Election. After this date, register at the polls on Elec-
tion Day.
Monday, November 5, 5 p.m.— Absentee voting for General Election closes
Tuesday, November 6, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.— General Election Day
Key Dates for 2018 Election
Scandia will elect a Mayor and two City Council Members at the November 6 general election. The Mayor serves a two -year
term, and Council Members serve four-year terms. The terms of Mayor Maefsky and Council Members Hegland and Schneider
end in 2018.
Filing opens Tuesday, July 31, 2018 and ends on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. Office hours for filing are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, and will be open until 5 p.m. on the last day of the filing period.
Candidates must file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the City Clerk, signed in the presence of a notary, and pay a $2.00 filin g fee.
Candidates may withdraw from the election by filing an Affidavit of Withdrawal with the City Clerk not later than 5 p.m. on
Thursday, August 16, 2018. Filing fees are not refundable.
Filings Open for City Offices
Volunteer Opportunities
Election Judges Needed
Scandia will need election judges to staff the local polling place on Primary Election Day, August 14, and General Election
Day, November 6. Serving as an election judge provides an opportunity to learn more about the election process and serve
the community. With advance notice, employers must allow workers time off to serve as election judges.
Qualifications for serving include being eligible to vote in Minnesota, being fluent in English, and completing a two -hour
training session, either on-line or by attending an in-person training on July 10, 2018. Election judges need to be able to com-
municate clearly with voters, pay attention to detail, and enjoy helping others. Election judges are paid an hourly wage of
$9.00. Would you like to serve? Call the City office at 651.433.2274 no later than Friday, July 6.
Page 3
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
Scandia Economic Development Authority (EDA) would like to invite Scandia businesses to a gathering on Thursday, April
19th. This breakfast meeting will begin at 7 a.m. In addition to providing an opportunity to interact with other businesses, Car-
ney Forensics will present information on computer security and there will be an update on resources that are available to sup-
port businesses in Scandia. Please call 651.433.2274 or email n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us by Monday, April 16th to let us know if
you are planning to attend.
The Scandia Economic Development Authority (EDA) is contracting with the University of Minnesota Tourism Center to conduct
a tourism assessment that is intended to inventory local tourism assets, assess tourism assets from local, visitor and expert per-
spectives, uncover opportunities for tourism development; and identify action steps for sustainable tourism development. The
process is expected to take 12 to 18 months. The EDA is seeking 3-6 people interested in participating as members of a Com-
munity Leadership Committee to coordinate the efforts of the University and other consultants throughout the process. Job de-
scriptions for the Community Leadership Committee members will be posted in the volunteer section of the City’s website.
U of M Tourism Assessment Program
Promotion of the EDA’s Business Invitation
Short Takes
Hazardous Materials and Electronics
Washington County will sponsor special
one-day household hazardous waste
collections throughout the County, at no
cost. Nearby collections are scheduled
at the Hugo Public Works Building on
April 21st from 8 a.m. to noon, and at the
Forest Lake Transit Center (enter at
Headwaters Parkway) on June 2nd from 8
a.m. to 2 p.m. See the County website
for more information.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and More
Many of you know about the three R’s
and how important they are to reduce
waste, but there are more R’s to add to
your routine: Refuse what you do not
need by bringing a reusable shopping
bag with you to cut down on plastic bags
that may end up in the trash. What else
can you refuse? Remove yourself from
junk mail lists to cut down on paper and
use a refillable water bottle instead of
using plastic bottles. Repair items when
things become worn or stop working to
keep them functioning longer. This way,
you will have other options like donation
or resale, instead of adding them to the
waste stream. Bring your items to county
fix-it clinics for help or use online repair
resources. By refusing and repairing,
you make it much easier to reduce items
you don’t need and reuse items you al-
ready have. Always look for more ways
to reduce and keep working to create
less waste and make sure your items are
recycled as much as possible. Find more
recycling information on the City’s web-
site.
Clean-Up Week
City-wide Clean-up Week is scheduled
for Saturday, April 28, through Saturday,
May 5, at the SRC/Forest Lake Sanitation
site in Wyoming, MN. Residents may
drop off rubbish items not taken by their
regular trash hauler, such as appliances,
tires, furniture, mattresses, scrap metal
and wood at the SRC facility located at
6320 East Viking Boulevard, Wyoming,
MN. During this week, Scandia residents
will receive a 20% discount off regular
collection prices. Be prepared to show
proof of residency such as a driver’s
license. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., M—F. Please call SRC at
651.464.2321 for more information. A
pricing schedule is posted on the City’s
website.
Washington County has released the 2018 assessment information for the City of Scandia. In total, the value of residential
properties in Scandia increased by 7.2% over 2017, largely due to new home construction. Of the 2,238 residential parcels
assessed, there was a decrease in value or no change for 1,914 of those parcels. For the parcels with increases in assessed
values, 71% of the increases were in the 1% to 5% range.
The City Council will meet as the Local Board of Appeals & Equalization on Monday, April 9th, to hear appeals of property
values. If you have questions in advance of the meeting, you are encouraged to contact the City’s assessor at 651.430.6175.
2018 Assessments
REGISTRATION FORM
City of Scandia Recreation Programs
General Instructions: Complete this registration form and return with payment (cash or check) by the registration deadline to the City
of Scandia, 14727 209th Street North, Scandia, MN 55073. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration for all activities is required. If a
program fills, a limited wait-list may be available. Assume all classes will run as scheduled. Refunds will be issued if the class is can-
celled; you will be notified at least 3 business days prior to the class if there is a cancellation. Refunds will not be iss ued for non-
attendance unless your cancellation is received at least one week prior to the start of the class. For classes indicating a grade level,
register by the grade level your child completed in the 2017-2018 school year. Additional registration forms are available at the City
office or on our website: www.ci.scandia.mn.us. Call Judi Negus at the City office at 651-433-2274 for further information.
Adult/Parent’s Name
Street Address City/State Zip
Home Phone Cell E-Mail
Acknowledgements: I certify that the above information is true, accurate and complete. I understand that once I am a
confirmed participant, I agree to the cancellation policy as stated above. I hereby give permission to the City of Scandia
and Girl Scouts MN River Valley (Camp Lakamaga) to use photographs taken of me or my child during these activities for
promotional purposes.
Release: I recognize there is a significant element of risk in any sports and/or activity. Knowing the inherent risks, dan-
gers and rigors involved, I certify that I and/or my family (including any minor children) are fully capable of participating
in the activities, and wish to do so as voluntary participants, and with such knowledge assume any and all risks while par-
ticipating in the activities. In consideration of the City of Scandia and its partners, including Camp Lakamaga (collectively
referred to herein as "the City of Scandia"), providing this program to me and/or my family and/or legal wards, I hereby
waive and release the City of Scandia, and its employees, agents and volunteers, from all actions, claims and demands for
personal injury, including death, arising out of the conduct of the activities. I further agree that I shall not bring any
claims, demands, legal actions and causes of action against the City of Scandia, its employees or agents. This waiver of
liability does not waive liability for any injuries that I obtain as the result of willful, wanton or intentional misconduct by
the City or any person acting on behalf of the City. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Minnesota. I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and
acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon me and/or my family and/or legal wards during the
entire period of participation in Scandia Park and Recreation activities.
Signature:______________________ __________________________________ Date:__________ ______________
Parent or legal guardian
For City Use Only:
Participant Name Age Session Program Name Fee
Late fee, if applicable - $5.00 per class
Make checks payable to the “City of Scandia” Total:
Date Received: Cancellation:
Paid: Refund:
Summer 2018
Recreation Programs
Welcome to the summer recreation guide. We are offering similar programming from previous years to help
residents experience a fun-filled season of activities. Most activities for boys and girls are offered in partnership with
Camp Lakamaga located on Big Marine Lake. New this year is the “Art in Action” program.
Pre-registration for all programs is required. For updates on program registration and more forms, check the City’s
website (www.ci.scandia.mn.us). If you have any questions, please contact: Judi Negus, Office Assistant,
at 651.433.2274.
Camp Adventurers,
Woods and Water
Grades 1-5
Camp Explorers,
1st Stop-Camp!
Grades K-3
Tennis Camp
Grades K-6
Come out to Camp Lakamaga and
have a great day camp experience!
We offer swimming, kayaking, fish-
ing, biking, archery, art and nature
projects, adventure course, fitness
court and more! Campers are pro-
vided lunch and snacks each day.
Min/Max Enroll: 12/20
Location: Camp Lakamaga
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday*
*Last day of camp will end at 3 p.m.
on Friday for both sessions.
Cost: $200 per session
Session 1: July 23 - 27
Deadline: July 13
Session 2: August 6 - 10
Deadline: July 27
Not ready to spend the whole day
at camp? Then join us for a fun-
filled half-day experience at Camp
Lakamaga. Some of the activities
available include swimming,
kayaking, fishing, biking,
archery, art and nature projects,
adventure course, fitness course
and more! Min/Max Enroll: 12/20
Location: Camp Lakamaga
Time: 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Days: Monday - Friday
Cost: $110 per session
Session 1: July 23 - 27
Deadline: July 13
Session 2: August 6 - 10
Deadline: July 27
Each class includes individual and
group instruction designed to
match a player’s skill level. For
the younger players, simple drills
and games will teach players to
handle ground strokes and volley
with partners. Older players will
play in single or double matches
and work on consistency and
strategies so players will be more
efficient. Min/Max Enroll: 6/12.
Private lessons available by
request.
Location: Community Center
Days: Monday - Friday
Cost: $35 per session
Session 1: June 11-15
1 - 2 p.m. (Grades K-2 )
2:15 - 3:15 p.m. (Grades 3-6)
Deadline: June 1
Session 2: August 20-24
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. (Grades K-2)
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Grades 3-6)
Deadline: August 10
Offered through St. Croix Festival
Theatre, participants will:
• Create, rehearse and perform in
an original short play
• Design and paint
• Create characters and design
costumes
• Choreograph an original dance
• Perform their play for a live audi-
ence of family and friends
Dates: August 13 - 17
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: Scandia Community Center
Cost: $50
Register online at
www.FestivalTheatre.org or by calling
715.483.3387
Art in Action
Skateboard Park
Camp Lakamaga
12303 Lakamaga Trail N., Marine on St. Croix MN 55047
Beautiful Camp Lakamaga is located on the
shore of Big Marine Lake, and owned and
operated by the Girl Scouts of Minnesota
and Wisconsin River Valleys. Boys and girls are
welcome at all programs co-sponsored with the
City of Scandia.
Camp Lakamaga asks all campers to
complete a short health history form
prior to the start of their activity.
Come out and enjoy the Wojtowicz Skate Park!
The skate park transforms from a hockey rink in winter to a skateboard park
from spring through fall.
Amenities include bump-to-bump, kicker, four-foot street spine, fun box and
grind rail.
Location: Community Center
Does your child need an accommo-
dation to their different abilities
due to a handicap? We will do our
best to help them participate in our
programs.
Please contact Judi Negus at
651.433.2274 to
discuss their specific
needs.
Have a great idea for a
new class?
Are you interested in
teaching a class?
We’re looking for your
suggestions.
Contact Judi at
651.433.2274 or j.negus@ci.scandia.mn.us
Hours: Mon 10-1, Tues 4-7, Wed 4-7, Thurs 10-1 & 5-8, Fri 5-8, Sat 9-12
Scandia residents are invited to make the Marine Community Library their go-to place for books, films, magazines,
fabulous programs for all ages, and much more! Since 2012, the library has been serving the Marine, Scandia, and
May Township area under a unique partnership between the City of Marine, Washington County, and area resi-
dents. It is run entirely by volunteers. The library is directed by a volunteer board, made up of members from all
three communities. Volunteers are always needed on programming and operational committees. Please consider
donating your time!
The library makes up for its small space with the quality of its book collections, which are continually upgraded
with new bestsellers and other in-demand offerings, across all genres. Since we are networked with the Washington
County Library system, county books also can be delivered to Marine for you to pick up, either in the library or in
24-hour accessible lockers.
Spring Adult Programs
-- Saturday, April 21, 7 p.m., Poetry Crawl
Various locations around Marine, local poets read from their work. Watch the Country Messenger and marinecom-
munitylibrary.org for more information.
-- Thursday, May 3, 7 p.m. - Sarah Stonich
Minnesota author, Sarah Stonich, shares stories of writing her memoir, Shelter: Off The Grid in the Mostly Magnet-
ic North, and several novels, including The Ice Chorus, These Granite Islands, and Vacationland. Sarah lived in
Marine as a St. Croix Watershed Research Station Pine Needles Artist in Residence in the summer of 2017.
Children’s Summer Programs!
--Children’s Summer Kick-off Party: Saturday, June 9, in Marine from 10 a.m. to noon with a magician, face-
painting and a book walk (ala cake walk).
--Story Times: Select Thursday mornings (June 28, July 12, July 19, August 2, and August 9) at the gazebo in
Marine. Story and activity for pre- and elementary schoolers.
--Science and Art Camps: Two sections; FULL.
--Summer Reading Program: Participate in a reading program with exciting prize drawings. Watch the website for
sign-up details and begin your summer of reading.
To find out what’s new, locate a specific book or author, learn more about volunteering or see upcoming events, go
to our website: www.marinecommunitylibrary.org, follow us on the library Facebook page, or use the "contact us"
tab to request to be on the library e-mail list. Stop in to get your free Marine Community Library card today!
Marine Community Library, 121 Judd Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN. Phone: 651 -433-2820
www.marinecommunitylibrary.org