8.g) Admin ReportJ
SCAlVDIA
Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: April 21, 2015
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
Re: Administrator's Report
Administrative Permit -Historic Structure Exception:
Per Chapter 2, Section 3.2 subd (5) of the Development Code the City may grant exceptions to the
requirements for the number and/or total square footage of accessory structures permitted on a parcel, to
the maximum height requirement, and to the requirement that accessory structures be located no closer to
the roadway right-of-way than the primary structure, to permit the preservation of historic buildings and
structures, based on a set of criteria. The ordinance allows requires the City Administrator to inform the
Council of any permit approved or denied under this provision.
On April 3, 2015 I approved an administrative permit for the number and total square footage of
accessory structures at 12680 Scandia Trail N. This is the Gacek property that was granted a variance for
a garage closer to the road than the house last summer. The parcel also has four other accessory structures
totally 5,900 square feet which exceeds the limit of 3 on a 10 acre parcel. However, since the other
structures are being maintained in a historic farmstead group consistent with the Scandia Architectural
Guidelines and other requirement of this section of code, an exception was granted so the buildings would
not have to be removed or the lot combined with the one to the north.
NE Metro Water Summit
On April 9, 2015 I attended this meeting in Hugo along with Council Member Ness and City Engineer
Goodman. We were updated on legislation related to the White Bear Lake Settlement Agreement and
heard from the DNR. The DNR was seeking feedback on SF 1910 and hoping cities would either be
supportive or neutral on the bill. The bill, authored by Sen Wiger, creates legislation required by the
settlement to appropriate money for additional study of water sustainability on the North and East Metro.
It does not seek funding for the design of a regional water system and delays further action until after the
USGS study is released in 2016. This is likely the bill that may move forward or be included in an
omnibus bill or amended to another bill. The DNR would be open to adding language about
augmentation from the Dean/Wiger bill if some changes were made.
Concerns about SF 1910 that were shared by the cities include the lack of a definition of "north and east
metro." I echoed this concern on behalf of Scandia. Technically we fall into the NE Groundwater
Management Are but we are not named in the lawsuit/settlement and were not invited to meet with the
DNR earlier this month as 13 other communities were. I requested we either be taken out of the area or
start being included in the conversations. Other concerns were expressed about sustainability challenges,
removing cities where science clearly provides evidence they don't impact White Bear Lake, and
preferring a bottums-up approach to include affected City Engineers and watershed folks.
The group will continue to meet as needed.
Coffee and Conversations
The EDA will be co -hosting a meeting with the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce on Wed, May 13t'',
8:30-9:30am at Meisters and inviting local businesses to come and network and hear from a speaker.
Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast
Attended the breakfast on April 14' and shared concerns about need for funding of Border to Border
Broadband Grant Program. Follow up on possible amendment with Sen. Housley after the meeting.
Funding has been included in the Senate omnibus jobs and economic development bill (SF 804) but not in
the House.
Capital Improvement Committee
After a couple of attempts we have found a date for the Capital Improvement Committee to begin
meeting. They will meet on Monday, April 27t' to take a road tour and begin review/discussion of public
works related improvements.
Union Negotiations
Negotiations are continuing. Next meeting scheduled for April 23rd.
Citizen Complaints/Contacts/Misc.:
➢ Completed Data Practices request for resident in Bliss Addition regarding wastewater system and
neighbor's building permit.
➢ Concerned citizen about waterfowl hunting on Hay Lake. Doesn't think hunting should be
allowed in residential areas. Scandia has no ordinance banning hunting in the City. State statutes
however prohibit hunting within 500 feet of a structure. Concern passed on to Deputy Yetter for
further follow up.
➢ Complaint from a renter on Oldfield about sealed windows and other safety concerns. Referred
to state since we don't have a rental inspection ordinance.
➢ Concern about ATVs riding on Pomroy Ave. Scandia doesn't prohibit ATVs on City streets.
State safety laws still apply. Shared concern with Deputy Yetter for further monitoring.
➢ Mr. Kramer is not happy with street vacation we did last year (Birch Lane-Kronmiller request)
because he is concerned the property line is too close to his driveway. I'm working with Attorney
Pratt who has contacted Landmark for further information. We may need to amend the vacation.
➢ Worked with Attorney Pratt and Landmark on survey for A/E drain field
➢ Complaint about exterior storage violation (vehicles, campers, trailers, boats, etc.) and home
based business on Pomroy. Haven't had time to review. Plan to visit the site the week of April
20th.
➢ Calls/emails about activity at Sadowski property (corner of 97/Manning). Contacted Steve
Sadowski for update as no permits were obtained prior to activity. In the process of reviewing an
after the fact land clearing permit application. Site visit planned with Washington Conservation
District to review wetlands on April 2 Pt. Property owner says land was cleared to expand
farming operation and septic land application.
➢ Complaint about well on City property. See later agenda item for more details. Continuing to
coordinate with others on a shore land violation on this property as well.
➢ Complaint about road chunks being plowed into the ditch on 236"' and snow being plowed too
wide. Road chunks have been cleaned up by Public Works. 236t'' is recommended for
reconstruction in 2016.
➢ Assisted in review of complaint about snow plows taking out flowers on 182nd. Grass will be
restored but not flowers since they were planted right along the road (closer than the utility pole)
and within the right of way area needed to maintain the road.
➢ Follow up with City Prosecutor on permit for roof violation on Olinda Trail. As of April 15th, the
permit was still not paid for or picked up by property owner.
➢ Numerous contacts related to planning including accessory structure allowances, lot line
adjustments/driveway easements, bluff line setbacks in the St. Croix River Overlay District and
availability of broadband services.
➢ Responded to youth about Barn Quilt Trail
➢ Responded to grad student survey on public participation
➢ I've received a subpoena to appear in Hennepin County Court in the case involving Philip and
Virginia Carlson. This relates to the Crane variance.
➢ Attended Youth Service Bureau Luncheon thanking community supporters
➢ Attended planning meeting at the County regarding MN Ironman Bike Ride
➢ Completed annual safety training requirement