02-05-2020 Work SessionFebruary 5, 2020
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, and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Additions to the agenda: Council member Ray announced 5.a) Discussion on extended hours for
the warming house. Motion by Ness, second by Kronmiller, to approve the agenda as
amended. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON MEADOWBROOK AVENUE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY (CURT
PETERSON, JOHN HERMAN)
Mr. Curt Peterson, 21617 Meadowbrook Avenue, has asked the City to notify Washington
County to correct what he defines as a mapping error which identifies a road right-of-way
extending 60’ northerly from the end of the pavement on Meadowbrook, then turning easterly
along his north property line approximately 625’ and terminating near the former Gilbertson
farm building site. Mr. Peterson provided a history of his research into road records and stated
that this has always been a private driveway and never maintained as a municipal road.
Mr. John Herman, property owner of 21757 Meadowbrook Avenue under the name Scandia
Meadowbrook Farm LLC (site of the old Gilbertson farm), stated that this access has been in
continual use for over 100 years and vacating the road would remove access to his property. He
asked that the City not vacate any public right-of-way; the City’s Comprehensive Plan shows
Meadowbrook extending as a future collector street. Mr. Herman said there is a judicial
procedure for this landowner dispute.
Keith Lurie, part owner of Scandia Meadowbrook Farm, said they have an interest in preserving
access to the property and it appears that Mr. Peterson wishes to rewrite a map that has existed
for 100 years.
Administrator Cammilleri presented the memo from City Attorney Sherburne that stated absence
of a recorded document does not mean that a right-of-way is incorrect. As well, the road cannot
be vacated by the City without consent of all adjoining landowners. Cammilleri summarized that
this is a property line dispute to be handled as a private matter between the landowners.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE ZONING/DEVELOPMENT CODE REWRITE
Administrator Cammilleri presented a draft proposal to be issued for the rewrite of the
development code and zoning map for adherence to the 2040 Comp Plan. An advisory
committee will be appointed to narrow the finalists for consideration by the Council. The
committee will consist of the Mayor, one Council representative, Planning Commission Chair,
and one Planning Commission representative. No other changes were made to the document, to
be distributed on February 6 with a deadline of March 13.
February 5, 2020
Scandia City Council
Page 2 of 3
DISCUSSION ON SCHOOL FOREST AT LILLESKOGEN PARK
Park and Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham explained the process for establishing
Lilleskogen Park as a School Forest under the DNR program. The students would utilize the
park as an outdoor classroom using DNR curriculum and programs.
Ray, second by Ness, moved to approve the School Forest Program and directed staff to
pursue the necessary agreements with all involved agencies. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON EXTENDED HOURS AT THE WARMING HOUSE
Based on requests for access and the improved security of the building, the PRC has
recommended that the Warming House doors unlock each morning at 8am for skaters to use the
facility. This would match the hours that the Warming House is open for bicyclists’ use of the
building in the other months.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to open the Warming House at 8am year-round. Vote
5-0. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON POTENTIAL ZONING AMENDMENTS RELATED TO DEEP
ROOTS WINERY – RECOMMENDATION FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
At their February 4th meeting, the Planning Commission recommended a zoning path for the new
Deep Roots Winery to operate: add winery/cidery as an approved use needing a conditional use
permit to the Ag Core zoning district. Cammilleri explained that its logical to keep with Ag Core
zoning but add winery as a CUP and address intensity impacts in the permitting of activity on the
farm.
Because the requirements for signs in the zoning district where the business sign will be located
along Highway 95 only allow for a 10 square foot sign, the Commissioners recommended
amendments to the sign ordinance based on allowed speeds for roadways – faster traffic allows
for larger signs. Cammilleri noted the added challenge that the sign will be off-premise from the
winery’s property. Mayor Maefsky said it’s a slippery slope to amend the sign ordinance and
could be problematic when applying to the whole city. Council member Cusick questioned if a
sign variance could be considered.
Staff will provide direction to the Planning Commission to proceed with adding winery as an
approved use in the Ag Core, and refine restrictions on large signs.
DISCUSSION ON THE PURCHASE OF FLOWER BASKETS FOR VILLAGE CENTER
Mayor Maefsky noted the positive feedback on the winter snowflake lights installed in the
Village Center and recommended a beautification project to continue into the summer months.
A quote of $62 per basket of hanging flowers was received from Abrahamson’s Nursery.
Maefsky stated the importance of investing in the downtown area; Council members Ray and
Kronmiller stated their agreement.
Ray, second by Cusick, moved to approve the purchase of 25 hanging flower baskets at a
cost of $1,550. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
February 5, 2020
Scandia City Council
Page 3 of 3
UPDATE ON HERITAGE ALLIANCE AGREEMENT
Administrator Cammilleri reported that an agreement will be presented to the Council at their
February 18th Council meeting.
DISCUSSION ON PROHIBITING SALES OF E-CIGARETTE AND VAPING
PRODUCTS
Council member Kronmiller stated his concern about the public health issues related to vaping
products; the Centers for Disease Control website provides recommendations that communities
can do to address this health epidemic. Kronmiller said that he would like to ban all vaping
products or put a moratorium in effect until more research is done. Council member Ray agreed
the City should push forward based on information from public health agencies.
Mayor Maefsky directed staff to continue this topic for the next work session, and directed
Kronmiller to bring information from the CDC, Ray to bring information from the American
Lung Association, and Cammilleri to collect input from the school district superintendent on
youth vaping statistics.
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:35 p.m., Mayor Maefsky announced that the Scandia City Council will go into Closed
Session under MN Stat. 13D.05 for the purpose of conducting an evaluation of the City
Administrator. Maefsky, second by Ness, moved to go into Closed Session. Vote 5-0. Motion
carried.
Ness, seconded by Ray, moved to end the Closed Session. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk