6.a1 Draft minutes 07-21-2020 Council Meeting
July 21, 2020
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date with modifications.
Due to the health advisory issued by the State regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, to avoid public
gatherings and limit social contact, the meeting was conducted over a virtual meeting platform.
All council members and staff who joined the meeting remotely could hear each other and
contribute to discussions. City Administrator Cammilleri and City Clerk Eklund were present in
the Council Chambers. Cammilleri was the presenter and displayed the meeting materials for
participants to view on their remote screens.
Mayor Christine Maefsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken. The
following were participants to the meeting: Council members Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller,
Chris Ness, Patti Ray and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff participating: City Administrator Ken
Cammilleri, City Planner Evan Monson, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, Fire Chief Mike Hinz,
Police Deputy David Peters, City Attorney Chris Nelson, Public Works Director Adam
Hawkinson, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
PUBLIC FORUM
Dean West, 23157 Lofton Avenue, explained that he would like to use the city-owned lake
access located between 23255 and 23257 Lofton Court on Bone Lake, and requested the city
clearly mark the boundaries and clear the shoreline of brush. Staff was directed to research the
cost of surveying, and the potential to clear the shoreline. It was noted that there is a substantial
drainage pipe across the lot, and there could be stormwater easements making public access
prohibited.
There were no other public comments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Ray, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0 by a
roll call vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) June 16, 2020 Regular Meeting
2) July 1, 2020 Joint Meeting with Planning Commission
3) July 1, 2020 Work Session
b) Treasurer’s Report
c) Acceptance of Donation
d) Payment of Vouchers
Ray, seconded by Ness, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion
carried 5-0 by a roll call vote.
POLICE REPORT
Deputy Peters reported that it has been a busy summer, with a number of water emergencies in
the lakes and rivers of northern Washington County. He is working with Tiller Corporation to
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install additional signage at their mining site to deter trespassing. Mayor Maefsky expressed her
appreciation for the fine job Deputy Peters and the Sheriff’s Department is doing in the
community.
PUBLIC HEARING: LIQUOR LICENSE VIOLATION
On December 30, 2019, Meisters Bar & Grill, 14808 Oakhill Road North, failed an alcohol
compliance check conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, when an employee
completed a sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 21. Scandia’s Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 110, Liquor Regulations, provides that the City Council hold a hearing on a violation of
the ordinance or applicable statutes, to consider the violation and the proposed penalty. Owner
Scot Taylor stated that this is the first violation in the 15 years he has been in operation, and that
he does send all his servers to compliance training each year.
Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. There were no comments and the hearing
was closed.
City Council discussed the penalties as specified in the ordinance. For a first-time violation in a
3-year period, the business must suspend the sale of alcohol for one day and be fined a minimum
civil penalty of $500. A resolution imposing the penalties was presented.
Council determined that Mr. Taylor choose the suspension date, and to communicate this to staff
no later than August 21, 2020. The one-day suspension must occur before July 21, 2021. The
resolution was amended with this language.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2020-24, Imposing License
Suspension and Civil Penalties on Meisters Bar & Grill for Liquor License Violation as
amended. Motion carried 5-0 by a roll call vote.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Park and Recreation Committee Chair Terry Gorham reported that the Committee is researching
the replacement of playground equipment located at the Wayne Erickson ballfield for next year.
A staff designer with the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District has offered to assist with
trail planning at Bone Lake Park, proposed to be renamed as “Trollskogen Park”. Vinterfest 2021
is in the early planning stages.
Council member Ray reported on the promotion of the new story created by local author Debra
Smith installed at the Lilleskogen Storywalk.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Amended Conditional Use Permit for Big Marine Lake Store to construct a convenience store
addition at 19261 Manning Trail North. Pat Reicherts, Applicant. Resolution No. 2020-25
Planner Monson presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve an
amended Conditional Use Permit to construct an addition to the Big Marine Lake Store and
parking area at 19261 Manning Trail North. New sidewalks and other outdoor features would
also be added around the new addition. Monson explained that the design conforms to the City’s
Architectural Guidelines and other criteria for approval. A number of conditions were explained
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in a resolution, including the requirement for a staff approved landscape and lighting plan,
grading permit and Watershed District permit. Monson noted that Condition #14, to require an
annual review, was carried over from a prior permit and could be omitted.
Mayor Maefsky noted that at the public hearing in April, the neighbor to the south requested that
a fence be required to protect her property from impacts of the business. Staff explained that the
current vegetative conditions meet the ordinance requirement for screening and a requirement for
a fence is not mandatory. Mr. Reicherts stated that he is considering a fence in the future but
would not want this as a requirement. He agreed to install a 6’ fence approximately 200’ in
length between their properties, just past the storage garage.
Council discussed the City Engineer’s conditions to address stormwater runoff and determined
that there is sufficient oversight from the Watershed District to address this as well.
Ray, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2020-25, Approving an
Amended Conditional Use Permit for the Big Marine Lake Store at 19261 Manning Trail,
with an amendment to remove Condition #14. Motion carried 5-0 by a roll call vote.
Variances at 12140 196th Street North for setbacks from the lake and side yard to replace a
residential structure. Jeff Holker, Applicant. Resolution No. 2020-26
Planner Monson presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a variance to
replace a nonconforming structure at 12140 196th Street located within the 100’ OHWL setback
of Big Marine Lake, and within the 20’ side setback to the north. The survey showed a general
area where the new home is proposed to be located, meeting the required 40’ setback from the
road as well as the 20’ setback from the south property line. At the closest point, the structure
could be 38’ from the OHWL, and 5.8’ from the north property line. A resolution with findings
and conditions of approval was presented.
The applicant explained that he spent significant time with his builder revising the first
submission that was tabled by the Planning Commission in May, to improve the setback from the
lake and be more in line with neighboring properties. Due to challenges related to Covid, he
explained that a final design was not yet prepared, but asked to be allowed a general site area to
build within. Impervious lot coverage would not exceed 25%.
Council member Kronmiller stated that without seeing a final design, he had concerns that the
size of the structure could be out of character with the neighborhood and the 2 lots combined
could support too large of a house. Administrator Cammilleri noted the lot coverage limit of 25%
which would include the driveway and detached garage. Moving the house closer to the south is
limited by a prescriptive drainage easement along the property. Mr. Holker explained that he is
proposing to build a modest 1500-1600 square foot residence and is challenged to fit in the well
and septic system within the limitations of the wet areas of the property. Kronmiller stated that
approving the variance may allow for a future property owner to construct a larger home at some
point.
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Council member Ray asked if a condition to limit the size of the structure could be made.
Attorney Nelson advised that conditions must be related to the variance effects and limiting the
size of the home would not apply here.
Ray, seconded by Ness, moved to approve Resolution No. 2020-26, Approving Variances
for 12140 196th Street as presented. Motion carried 4-1 by a roll call vote, with Kronmiller
opposed.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Internet Action Committee member Marschall Smith reported on the July 9th meeting. Midco has
begun infrastructure work to connect 230 Scandia homes to its expanded broadband service area.
An additional 250 homes could be added next year depending on the outcome of the next DEED
grant awards. No firm progress has been made on fixed wireless; however, grant funds only
cover wired connections and the terrain in Scandia is not very conducive to wireless
transmission.
Council member Ray announced plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony involving the community
on September 16th. A noon ceremony, Farmers Market activities, a story contest with Scandia
Elementary students and a free community dinner are planned.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
Mayor Maefsky reported that the Tourism Committee is investigating potential to relocate the
Settlers Monument south of town to a more visible location, as recommended in the tourism
assessment. The Committee continues to research a cohesive signage design for use throughout
the City, and are reviewing the City’s website redesign project.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The June building activity report was received. Last month 31 permits were issued at a
valuation of $ 2,171,713.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Mike Hinz reported that the department responded to 21 calls in June; 6 fire related,
13 EMS related, and 2 dive calls. One resignation has been submitted by a member of the
department and one other is forthcoming.
Approval for Ending Probationary Periods and Pay Increases for Nick Vannelli and Steven
Greenhow
Fire Chief Hinz recommended pay increases for Volunteer Firefighters Nick Vannelli and Steven
Greenhow on completion of their one-year probationary period effective June 1, 2020. Greenhow
also passed his EMT certification for an additional $1 wage adjustment and stipend.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ray, moved to approve a pay increase to $11.33/hour to Volunteer
Firefighter Nick Vannelli effective June 1, 2020. Motion carried 5-0 by a roll call vote.
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Kronmiller, seconded by Ness, moved to approve a pay increase to $12.33/hour and $100
stipend to Volunteer Firefighter Steven Greenhow effective June 1, 2020. Motion carried 5-
0 by a roll call vote.
CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Goodman reported that the parking lot project at the Fire Station/Public Works site
has started and final paving is scheduled for next week.
2020 Street Improvements – Contractor’s Request for Payment No. 3 and Final
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to approve Valley Paving’s Request for Payment No.
3 and Final for the 2020 Street Improvement Project in the amount of $3,529.38. Motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
PW Director Adam Hawkinson provided the monthly activity report for the public works
department. A sinkhole was repaired on Quinnell Avenue, and trees cleared after high winds.
Discussion and consideration of Bliss SSTS Nitrate Mitigation
PW Director Hawkinson explained a plan to treat nitrate pollution in the Bliss septic system by
installing equipment that will spread the effluent more evenly among the trenches and adding
treatment bacteria to help reduce the nitrates. Hawkinson stated that he is working with the Rural
Water Association on the plan, proposed at a much-lowered cost than previous plans for nitrate
mitigation. The MPCA mandates that nitrate levels be lowered by 2025 in order to continue to
operate.
Quotes from contractors were provided for the excavation and upgrades to the drainfield.
• Smilies - $6,006.00
• Peterson - $6,350.00
Bacteria - $1,050 / year ($525.00 for the 2020 season).
Hawkinson noted that there are sufficient funds available in the 201 Fund for these costs.
Ness, seconded by Kronmiller, moved to accept the quote from Smilies for the Bliss Nitrate
Mitigation. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Discussion on agreement with Abdo Eick & Meyers for accounting assistance
City Treasurer Firkus explained that the increasing complexity of the accounting programs has
led to a cash balance discrepancy that she is having difficulty reconciling. City Administrator
Cammilleri recommended the firm of Abdo Eick & Meyers be put on a retainer to provide
professional accounting assistance over the next few months. The initial deposit of $3,000 will
cover 20 hours of an Accounting Specialist’s support. The additional $300 per month is a
budgetary suggestion to allow 2 hours per month of additional short-term assistance moving
forward until balancing issues are resolved and standard operating procedures put in place. There
are unused funds in the administration budget for travel and training to cover the expense.
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Council member Kronmiller said he supports improvements and programs that give staff the
tools to deal with issues in their work.
Kronmiller, seconded by Ray, moved to approve the Accounting Consultation Contract
with Abdo Eick & Meyers and a retainer of $300/month until the end of the year. Motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CARES Act Expenditure Plan and Business Grant Program Discussion
City Administrator Cammilleri reported on the City’s award of $311,000 for Covid related
expenses through the CARES Act. Staff estimates use of $20,000-$25,000 be set aside for City
costs related to Covid, with the remainder made available to Scandia businesses through the
Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund grant program administered by the Washington County
CDA.
Cammilleri proposed that improvements be made to City Hall, such as installing a no-contact
service window in the vestibule which would qualify as expenses under this CARES grant, in
addition to employee leave and purchase of PPE for all departments.
Administrator Report
City Administrator Cammilleri reported that staff is preparing for the August 11 Primary
Election. The website describes how voters can vote early for this year’s elections.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Ray moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk