07-2-14 Council Work Session
July 2, 2014
A Work Session meeting of the City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present: Mayor Randall Simonson,
Council members Dan Lee, Chris Ness and Jim Schneider. Council member Sally Swanson was
absent. Staff present: City Administrator Kristina Handt, City Engineer Ryan Goodman and
Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried 4-0.
JOINT MEETING WITH CARNELIAN MARINE ST. CROIX WATERSHED
DISTRICT REGARDING LOG HOUSE LANDING IMPROVEMENTS
Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed Board members Kristin Tuenge, Eric Lindberg, Dave
DeVault, Administrator Jim Shaver, and Engineer Carl Almer were present to participate in a
joint meeting with the City Council for the purpose of discussing the Log House Landing
Improvement Project at the St. Croix River access.
City Administrator Kristina Handt provided background information on the development of the
improvement project up to this point. Improvements to control storm water and erosion to
reduce sediment into the river were incorporated into Scandia’s 2014-2018 Capital Improvement
Plan last year. Funding included a 50% cost share with the Watershed. This spring, Scandia was
awarded a State Park Road Account Grant in the amount of $200,000 (50% of the project costs).
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The grant application detailed paving and curb and gutter on 205 from Quinnell Avenue to the
river, a concrete ramp and retaining walls, along with water quality improvements such as
erosion blankets and infiltration basins to treat runoff before discharge to the river. Handt
explained that the next step would be to complete a survey, tree inventory and design work this
year. The project could be bid this winter with construction to be sometime late summer 2015.
Manager Tuenge provided a history of the Watershed’s involvement on this project to address
the erosion and runoff issues, but noted that there are concerns on the size of the project, amount
of impervious surface and potential environmental impacts such as loss of trees. Discussion on
the road width and potential for a variance from the state to reduce the width was addressed.
Public comments from Lisa Schlingerman (20661 Quint Avenue), Jim Fitzpatrick (20733 Quint
Avenue), Pam Smith (20919 Quint Avenue), Judy Rydeen (14633 Oakhill Court), Leila Denecke
(21777 Quarry Avenue), Pierce Lewis (20453 Quinnell Avenue), Catherine Lewis (20453
Quinnell), Craig Christenson (20661 Quint Avenue) and Kathryn Lewis (20453 Quinnell
Avenue) were received. All speakers noted their concerns with the potential environmental
impacts and loss of rural ambience with the paving and increased road width. Issues related to
the increase in public usage, such as noise, littering and crime, were stated. Speakers asked for
reduction in the scope of the project and any alternatives that could still provide for erosion
control.
Council members agreed that the City has a responsibility to do something to address erosion
and sediment discharge into the river and the nearby trout stream. Staff was directed to proceed
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Scandia City Council
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in gathering data so that proper plans can be prepared. This will involve an engineering survey
and tree count to accurately assess potential impacts to the area, to be prepared by Engineer
Goodman and presented at a future Council meeting. Staff was also directed to request the
funding share from the Watershed.
DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 155: REGULATING THE USE OF WATERCRAFT
Administrator Handt presented a draft ordinance which would implement a no wake restriction
on Bone and Goose Lake during periods of high water levels. These two lakes are the only lakes
with public access that fall entirely within the city limits. Handt explained that May Township
would have to pass identical restrictions in order to include Big Marine Lake.
Margie Schmidt, president of the Bone Lake Association, was present to voice her support of the
ordinance. Ms. Schmidt explained the shoreline damage that has occurred the past two years
when the water level exceeds the Ordinary High Water Level. Ms. Schmidt proposed that a no-
wake zone within 500 feet of the shoreline would offer adequate protection of property. Handt
noted that statute allows for 150, 300 and 600-foot increments. The draft ordinance was
modeled after the Chisago County ordinance which states a 300-foot slow no-wake zone.
As the OHWL assigned to Goose Lake is beyond a practical measurement, it was determined
that more research is needed in order to apply the point at which no-wake restrictions would go
into effect. In the case of Big Marine Lake, it was noted that the OHWL is too high a trigger at
which damage is caused by a wake. Documentation of shoreline damage will be requested from
property owners in order to establish the level at which restrictions should go into effect.
Council was in consensus to direct staff to prepare the ordinance for adoption at the next
meeting, with a change to only include Bone Lake and to set the no-wake restriction at 300 feet
from the shoreline.
SOIL BORINGS AND 2015-2019 CIP
City Engineer Ryan Goodman presented a map showing the extent of road improvements as
proposed for the 2015-2019 Capital Improvement Program. Soil boring reports recently
conducted indicate that Quinnell Avenue has an adequate sub-base for a reclamation project,
while other roads with poor underlying soils will require partial to full-depth reconstruction. The
costs for these road improvements were estimated at $5.2 million.
The Council discussed several scenarios such as scaling back the extent of the projects, along
with financing through bonds, assessments, tax levy and/or franchise fees. Administrator Handt
stated that the $2.5 million will remain in the 2015 budget for now, and further discussion on the
road improvement projects will take place during the budget meetings.
DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OF LAND ON OLINDA TRAIL
Jordan Schroeder, owner of property near the Anderson/Erickson drainfield, has approached the
City concerning a sale of the 4.5 acres to add to the adjacent A/E drainfield. In 2001, the
Township made an offer to the Schroeders for $56,000 for the land, but an agreement was never
reached.
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Council discussed the potential of expanding the 201 system and recommended that the
Wastewater Advisory Committee review this proposal at their next meeting, and then present a
recommendation to the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk