5.a)1) 07-17-2012 Regular Meeting � � � � ��
July 17, 2012
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson
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 Connie Amos, Chris Ness, Sally
Swanson and Mayor Randall Simonson. Absent: Council member Jim Schneider. Staff present:
City Administrator Anne Hurlburt, City Attorney Tom Miller, City Planner Shem Buss, City
Engineer Phil Gravel, Fire Chief Jim Finnegan, Police Deputy Chris Majeski, Building Official
Keith Wille, Maintenance Supervisor Tim Kieffer, Treasurer Colleen Firkus and Deputy Clerk
Brenda Eklund.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Swanson, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) June 18, 2012 Special Meeting
2) June 19, 2012 Regular Meeting
b) Treasurer's Report
Beginning Balance 06/O1/2012 $1,936,494.27
Receipts + 29,623.62
Expenditures $93,707.78
Payroll 22,730.82 - 116,438.60
Adjustments: Safe Deposit Box - 35.00
Ending Balance 06/30/2012 $1,849,644.29
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Appoint Election Judges for August 14, 2012 Primary Election and November 6, 2012
General Election (Resolution No. 07-17-12-01)
e) Approve Special Event Permit for Taco Daze, Scandia Marine Lions (September 8, 2012)
fl Approve Application for Excluded or Exempt Lawful Gambling Permit, Friends of
Scandia Parks and Trails Bingo (September 8, 2012)
Ben Van Zant, 13161 182"d Street, President of the Scandia Marine Lions, spoke about the
activities included in the Special Event Permit for Taco Daze (Consent Agenda Item S.e). New
this year will be a car show and bingo tent on the grounds of the Community Center.
Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion
carried 4-0.
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Revised Bike Route Signage Proposal, Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
Park and Recreation Committee Chair Alex Bildeaux presented a recommendation for bike route
signage as proposed by the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails. The Friends of Scandia Parks
and Trails received a grant to be used for trail signage and have been working on a desired route
to be posted with signs. They had initially proposed signs on one or more routes as designated in
the 2011 Trails Plan. Because of costs, they have scaled back to a shorter route which includes
signs only on city streets. Bildeaux explained that Maintenance Superintendent Kieffer will assist
with the sign order and installation. Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the
proposal from Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails to install bike route signs, as
recommended by the Park and Recreation Committee; contingent upon 1) approval of
signs and installation by Maintenance Superintendent Tim Kieffer, 2) compliance with the
MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) and 3)final acceptance of the
donation from the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails by City Council Resolution as
required by law. The motion carried 4-0.
Bildeaux also reported that the Lilleskogen Park subcommittee is working on the parking lot
grading and surveying plans. Arrangements are being made to have the tree stumps removed.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Variance from the Requirement for Minimum Frontage on an Improved Public Street and
Sketch Plan for a Minor Subdivision to Create Two Lots at 20290 Olinda Trail. Dawn
Gillespie,Applicant(Resolution No. 07-17-12-02)
City Planner Sherri Buss presented an overview of Dawn Gillespie's application for a variance
from the zoning and subdivision regulations requiring each lot to have frontage on an improved
public street, and a review of a sketch plan for a minor subdivision to create two lots at 20290
Olinda Trail. The existing 40-acre parcel accesses Olinda Trail through an easement. The
applicant proposes that the existing easement will be used for access to both lots and a
homeowners association will manage a shared driveway.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 3, 2012 and made the recommendation
to approve the variance, with findings and conditions as incorporated into a draft resolution. Buss
explained the Planning Commission's concern of allowing a shared driveway to a new property
and felt there may be future problems associated with this. Therefore, a condition of approval
was added that would allow the property to be subdivided into no more than two lots. Buss stated
that this is the minimum action required to eliminate the practical difficulty of the land-locked
parcel. Any future subdivision of the parcel would require a variance. The conditions also
addressed roadway improvements for access by fire trucks and rescue vehicles.
Gary Gillespie, 20290 Olinda Trail, came before the Council to answer questions. Mayor
Simonson asked if the existing driveway would need major improvements to bring it up to the
standards as stated in Condition#5. Mr. Gillespie replied that the driveway is in good condition
with at least a 6" base of gravel and he will clear the brush to a 16' wide opening.
Mayor Simonson asked if there were any wetlands or low-lying areas on the property that may
cause the roadway to deteriorate. Mr. Gillespie replied that there are no swampy areas. City
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Planner Buss confirmed that there are no significant sized wetlands based on the watershed
maps.
Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to approve Resolution No. 07-17-12-02, Approving
Variance for 20290 Olinda Trail.
Council member Ness asked for confirmation from the applicant that the property subdivision
into no more than two lots is acceptable. Mr. Gillespie stated that it is. City Administrator
Hurlburt added that the proposed subdivision meets the zoning requirements of the General
Rural District.
The motion carried with a council vote of 4-0.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, City of Marine on S� Croix
The Planning Commission reviewed an amendment of the City of Marine on St. Croix
Comprehensive Plan at their July 3rd, 2012 meeting. The Commissioners recommended that the
City of Scandia support the amendment. City Administrator Hurlburt presented a draft letter
indicating that Scandia has no comments on the proposed addenda. Simonson, seconded by
Ness, moved to approve the letter to the City of Marine on St. Croix indicating the Scandia
has no comments on the Comprehensive Plan amendment. The motion carried 4-0.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
Building Official Keith Wille presented the building inspections report for the month of June.
Eleven permits were issued, including one new home permit.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Deputy Chris Majeski reported on recent police activities. Majeski is investigating a number of
thefts and a vandalism incident at the state park.
Deputy Majeski announced that the 5`h annual National Night Out event will be held on August
7, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Community Center grounds. Local businesses are
providing donations.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Jim Finnegan reported that the department responded to 24 calls in the month of June.
They are working on the 2013 budget proposal. Engine 5176 will be out for a few days for
repairs to the rear springs.
Jon Muller, EMS Director of Lakeview Hospitals, was present to report on the final approval by
the EMSRB for the licensing of Lakeview Ambulance to the Scandia service area. Mr. Muller
stated that they are very pleased to have an Advanced Life Support ambulance based at the fire
hall and staff has been very accommodating. Mr. Muller described the dynamic deployment
system of dispatch that Lakeview uses.
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CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Phil Gravel reported that the sealcoating and patching project is scheduled to
begin next week. The Anderson/Erickson drainfield study is in progress.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Tom Miller presented a written report on legal services he has provided to the
City. The Council had no questions on the report.
MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT
Maintenance Superintendent Tim Kieffer reported on Public Works activities during the month
of June. Kieffer explained a new coding system being used for categorizing the equipment.
RESULTS OF RESIDENT SURVEY REGARDING POTENTIAL MELANIE TRAIL
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
City Administrator Hurlburt presented the survey results which were received from Melanie
Trail property owners. At the June 18 Council meeting, several options for improvements to
Melanie Trail were presented to the residents. Hurlburt reported that 29 surveys were returned,
out of 34 which were sent on June 22. 41.4%of the respondents preferred Option 3, thin overlay
and hand patch. 48.3%preferred Option 2, reclaim and replace bituminous.
The Council discussed the results and reasoned that patching the road this year could delay more
extensive repairs for 5 to 6 years. At that time, a project to replace the bituminous could be
considered along with a larger project to include additional streets. This would give the city time
to adopt an assessment policy and prepare an updated Pavement Management Plan. Council
member Swanson stated that the city's debt burden would be dropping off by 2016 and the city
would then be in a better position to schedule a road improvement project.
Mayor Simonson asked if Option 3 would also include drainage improvements. City Engineer
Gravel stated that ditch improvements will be made to improve drainage, especially on the north
end of Melanie Trail.
Ness, seconded by Amos, moved to direct staff to proceed with Option 3, thin overlay and
hand patch, for improvements to Melanie Trail.
Mayor Simonson read Council member Schneider's written comment that Option 3 would be his
first choice and his recommendation to include drainage improvements as part of the repair.
The motion carried with a council vote of 4-0.
The project will be 100% funded by city maintenance funds, at an approximate cost of$47,000.
The project will begin this season.
UPTOWN WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Brian Malm, Principal Engineer with Bolton & Menk, presented the plans for the Uptown
Wastewater System improvement project. Mr. Malm explained that the data collected daily from
the run-time meters was analyzed to determine a design for the equalization tank and aerobic
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pretreatment unit. A new uptown pump tank will be installed next to the Elim Church parking
lot. The peak flow readings verified the need to install an equalization tank and pretreatment
unit. This will help to extend the life of the drainfield and prevent clogging.
Simonson, seconded by Swanson, moved to approve the plans and specifications and to
authorize an advertisement for bids for the Uptown Wastewater Treatment System
improvement project. The motion carried 4-0.
City Administrator Hurlburt stated that awarding the bid is anticipated at the August 21, 2012
Council meeting. Maintenance Superintendent Kieffer is meeting with Elim Church staff
regarding the establishment of a public utility easement for the installation of the replacement
pump tank.
FOREST LAKE CABLE COMMISSION JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
(RESOL UTION NO. 07-17-12-03)
The City of Scandia is a member of the Forest Lake Cable Commission, a joint powers
organization along with the cities of Forest Lake and Columbus. The primary activity of the
FLCC is to produce government and local access programming for replay on LATV-10 and
Ranger-20 cable stations. Scandia has two representatives on the board of directors; Mayor
Simonson as the elected official and City Administrator Hurlburt as the citizen member.
On July 3, Mayor Simonson directed staff to prepare a resolution that could be adopted for the
dissolution of the Forest Lake Cable Commission. Both Columbus and the City of Forest Lake
reviewed the proposal at their city meetings, but have taken no action.
Sarah Chatwin, Access Coordinator for Lakes Area Community Television, spoke before the
Council with a request that the City carefully consider any action on the proposed resolution. Ms.
Chatwin described a number of reasons that the Commission should not be dissolved, one being
that the joint powers are far into the franchise renewal process. Ms. Chatwin explained that
working together as a team, the Commission has more bargaining power with cable access
provider Midcontinent Communications. Ms. Chatwin went on to explain that a PEG (Public,
Education, and Government Access) assessment is underway to determine the capital facilities
and equipment needed for continued operation. That report will be presented to Commission
members at their July 18 meeting. It is anticipated that the recommendations will greatly
improve the equipment and service needs for the station. The upgraded equipment needs will be
part of the franchise negotiations with cable operator Midcontinent Communications.
Ms. Chatwin described the community service the station provides in airing government
meetings and coverage of community events. The video clips are available for viewing on
LATV's website, so that those without cable service also have the opportunity to view the
programming.
Council member Swanson questioned why the City of Wyoming was not part of the joint powers
agreement. Ms. Chatwin explained they currently have their own franchise agreement with the
cable provider,but one of her long-term goals is to have Wyoming join the Commission.
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Mayor Simonson stated that he would recommend delaying any action until the PEG assessment
report can be further reviewed and discussed. The Council was in consensus with this position.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Sharon Klumpp, consultant with Springsted,has requested that the Council meet to review the
applications she has collected as part of the City Administrator recruitment process.
Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to set a Special Meeting for July 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
to meet with the city's consultant. The motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Swanson, seconded by Amos, moved to adjourn the meeting. The moNon carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk