5.a2 Draft minutes 12-4-19 Work Session
December 4, 2019
The City Council conducted a Work Session on the above date beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The following were present: Council members Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Chris Ness, Patti
Ray and Mayor Christine Maefsky.
Staff members: City Administrator Ken Cammilleri, Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson
and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Additions to the agenda: 7.a) Discussion on compensation study; and 7.b) Discussion on
Reinhardt variance compliance. Motion by Ness, second by Ray, to approve the agenda as
amended. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2020 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY
City Administrator Cammilleri presented information on the City’s 2020 budget and proposed
tax levy. In September, the Council adopted a maximum levy of $2,429,946, a 7.08% increase
from the previous year. Cammilleri explained that the City’s property valuations have increased,
resulting in a tax rate of 31.094%, a decrease of 1.3% from 2019’s tax rate. Projected revenues
and expenditures from each fund were provided, with expenses from the Administration fund
indicating an increase of 29.85%. This was attributed to higher wages for the administrator,
increased health premiums, and a utility cost related to the solar farm subscription. The elections
budget was increased to reflect the 2020 elections, and an additional $10,000 in planning was
identified to prepare updates to the development code following adoption of the new
comprehensive plan. Additional funding in Public Works will go towards ditching, road repair,
and tree maintenance. Increases in the Fire Department are due to the need for EMT training for
new members and for the purchase of technology upgrades.
Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Len Martinez asked if the 2019 actual expenses could be provided to determine if this year’s
spending is on track with the 2019 budget projection. Cammilleri stated that the presentation did
not have those figures, only the 2019 budget numbers.
There were no further comments and Chair Maefsky closed the hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Cammilleri announced that final adoption of the 2020 budget and 2020-2024 Capital
Improvement Plan is scheduled for the December 17 Council meeting.
DISCUSSION ON ATTACHING BANNERS TO CITY LIGHT POLES
Janie O’Connor, Cycling Scandia, requested the Council reconsider their action last month to
delay installation of three banners to light poles in the Village Center that would direct bicyclists
to the amenities at the Warming House. Council recommended a delay until the Tourism
Committee has a plan for consistent signage. Len Martinez displayed the banners that he
designed to be a simple, visual banner.
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Scandia City Council
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Mayor Maefsky said the Council was not aware that the banners had been purchased with
committed funds from the SHIP grant when this was discussed at the last work session. The
Council was in consensus to direct staff to install the banners in the spring.
CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO NOT WAIVE STATUTORY TORT LIABILITY
LIMITS
Motion by Cusick, second by Kronmiller, to not waive the monetary limits on municipal
tort liability for the 2020 liability coverage with LMCIT. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
REQUEST OF SUPPORT FOR KIRSTEN TUENGE APPOINTMENT TO THE
CARNELIAN-MARINE-ST. CROIX BOARD OF MANAGERS
Kirsten Tuenge, 20595 Quinnell Avenue, requested a letter of support for her reappointment by
Washington County to the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Board of Managers, a
position she has had since 2011.
Kronmiller, second by Ray, moved to approve a letter of support for Tuenge’s
reappointment to the CMSCWD Board of Managers. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON APPOINTMENTS TO TOURISM COMMITTEE
Four applications for serving on the Tourism Committee were received by the December 2
deadline. Mayor Maefsky announced that she will serve as the Council liaison. Council member
Ness noted that two of the applicants do not reside in Scandia, in conflict with the notice that
interested residents should apply. Mayor Maefsky explained that the notice was in error and
qualified individuals were recruited who have ties to Scandia, and that future appointments can
be made for additional members.
Ray, second by Ness, moved to appoint Katie Hutton, Dana Khu, Carrie Mitchell, and
Sarah Porubcansky to the Tourism Committee. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON COMPENSATION STUDY
Administrator Cammilleri explained that provisions for updated wages based on the
compensation study conducted by Springsted earlier this year were not implemented into the
2020 budget. As well, the Fire Chief position was left out of the study and must be considered as
well. Cammilleri described options ranging from $11,500 to $29,700 to enact recommended
wage increases for the two employees most out of range.
Council member Kronmiller stressed the importance of getting this done, with future pay equity
consequences needing to be addressed as well. Council directed staff to provide cost
implications and recommendations for adjustments to next year’s budget for a decision at the
December 17th Council meeting.
DISCUSSION ON REINHARDT VARIANCE COMPLIANCE
City Administrator Cammilleri explained that Reinhardt’s variance condition to combine his
separate lots into one parcel continues to be an outstanding factor related to his installation of a
driveway through a wetland without a permit. Cammilleri recommended proceeding with a
citation for failure to comply, as well as nonpayment of outstanding fees to process the variance.
Council was in agreement with this action.
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DISCUSSION ON ISSUES FOR FUTURE WORK SESSIONS
The next Work Session scheduled for February 4, 2020 will have topics of wage study, an RFP
for the development code re-write, pending updates to the sewer ordinance, and enforcement of
nuisance violations.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Cusick, second by Ray, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk