5.a)2) January 6, 2016 Work Session MinutesJanuary 6, 2016
The City Council held a Work Session on the above date. The following were present: Mayor
Randall Simonson, Council members Bob Hegland, Chris Ness, and Jim Schneider. Council
member Dan Lee arrived at 6:52 p.m. Staff present: City Administrator Neil Soltis and Deputy
Clerk Brenda Eklund.
Mayor Simonson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Schneider, seconded by Hegland, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried unanimously by those present.
DISCUSSION ON DRAFT LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS OF SCANDIA
PARKS AND SOARING EAGLES 4-11 CLUB FOR POLLINATOR GARDEN ON CITY
PROPERTY LOCATED AT SWENSON'S GOOSE LAKE FARM ESTATES
Administrator Soltis presented a draft letter of agreement for the Swenson Park Pollinator
Garden Project for the City to enter into with the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails and the
Soaring Eagles 4-H Club. Soltis explained the terms in which the FSPT and 4-H group will bear
all costs for its installation through grants awarded by Pheasants Forever/Quails Forever. There
will be no City obligation for installation or maintenance of the plot. Paragraph 4.b.ii of the
agreement proposed that the Fire Department could conduct a controlled burn as a training
exercise every 3-5 years, but is under no obligation to do this.
The Council discussed the general liability insurance coverage which the FSPT and the 4-H
group must provide in the minimum amount of $1,500,000. Soltis explained that City Attorney
Pratt recommended this amount be adjusted up from the $1,000,000 coverage initially proposed.
Council was in agreement that coverage of $1,000,000 is sufficient. Council member Hegland
noted that the higher amount may create a hurdle for the non-profit groups and could make the
project untenable.
Council member Ness inquired on the status of the amendment to the Development Agreement
that would terminate the requirement to construct a ballfield on the outlot. Administrator Soltis
said that the City Attorney is working with the developer on the amendment and it will be
presented at a future meeting.
A final letter of agreement with the FSPT and the 4-H group will be taken up at the next Council
meeting.
DISCUSSION ON DRAFT LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH CAR MAR
WATERSHED DISTRICT FOR LOG HOUSE LANDING PROJECT
Administrator Soltis presented a draft letter of agreement between the City and the Carnelian -
Marine Watershed that provides for cost sharing on the Log House Landing ramp project. Soltis
explained that all project costs will be divided 50150 after grants and donations are accounted for.
The National Park Service has committed $15,000 towards the project, and the DNR will donate
the concrete planks for the boat launch ramp. Terms also include that the City and Watershed
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will meet jointly to discuss the initial scope, design, costs and any subsequent changes, with the
City being responsible for the bidding and construction of the project.
Preliminary cost estimates based on the concept plan from the Watershed District is $33,587
without engineering fees. Soltis stated that the Capital Improvement Plan includes $20,000 for
the project in 2016.
Mayor Simonson said that a mutual agreement and plan development between the two parties
works well. Council member Schneider agreed that the letter encompassed what was discussed
at the December 15 Council meeting. Soltis suggested that the project could include alternate
bids in order to have actual costs for other proposed elements of the design.
The agreement as presented will come before the Council for a vote at their January 19 meeting.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND UPDATE ON
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
In November, the City advertised for applications to fill openings on the Planning Commission,
Park and Recreation Committee and the Wastewater Committee. The Council reviewed
Committee applications that were received by the December 181h deadline. Jan Hogle, Planning
Commissioner whose term ends February 1, 2016, had submitted a late application which the
Council discussed.
Mayor Simonson stated that accepting a late application could set a precedent for future
instances, and he would discourage that practice. Council member Hegland noted that new
people should be brought on board and would like to give other citizens the chance to get
involved. Council member Ness stated that Commissioner Hogle has been a good contributor
and the other applicants do not have the experience she does.
Simonson, seconded by Lee, moved to not consider Jan Hogle's late application for
appointment to the Planning Commission. Mayor Simonson called for a roll call vote.
Lee — yes; Ness — no; Hegland — yes; Schneider — yes; Simonson — yes. The motion carried
4-1.
Mayor Simonson stated that applicant Tom Noyes has been a longtime Scandia resident with
civil engineering experience that could be valuable background in preparation of the next
Comprehensive Plan update. Council member Schneider agreed that he has good expertise.
Simonson, seconded by Schneider, moved to appoint Tom Noyes to the Planning
Commission with a term ending February 1, 2021. Mayor Simonson called for a roll call
vote. Lee — no; Ness — yes; Hegland — no; Schneider — yes; Simonson — yes. The motion
carried 3-2.
Four applications were received for two openings on the Park and Recreation Committee.
Current members Alex Bildeaux and Matt Rasmussen, whose terms expire February 1, 2016,
each applied.
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Mayor Simonson said he is in favor of allowing opportunities for others to become involved in
the community, and denying new applicants is like telling residents they are not really wanted
when asking for applications to committees.
Simonson, seconded by Hegland, moved to appoint Jodi Feldmann and Terry Gorham to
the Parks and Recreation Committee with terms ending February 1, 2021.
Council member Ness noted that there are benefits of service longevity in renewing terms and
the Council further discussed the candidates. Administrator Soltis explained that the Council has
discretion to remove a member if an appointment is not working out.
Mayor Simonson called for a roll call vote. Lee — yes; Ness —no; Hegland — yes; Schneider —
yes; Simonson — yes. The motion carried 4-1.
No applications were received to fill the expiring term of Doug Salmela on the Wastewater
Advisory Committee. Council member Ness offered to contact Mr. Salmela to see if he is
interested in continuing on the Committee. Administrator Soltis suggested a letter could be
included in the next billing to the Bliss users to recruit a member.
There was consensus to continue with the current Council liaisons as follows:
EDA: Dan Lee and Bob Hegland
Parks and Recreation: Dan Lee
Planning Commission: Chris Ness
Wastewater: Chris Ness & Jim Schneider
Forest Lake Cable Commission: Randall Simonson
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Hegland, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk04)