02-03-2021 Work SessionFebruary 3, 2021
A work session 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 an electronic
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 at City Hall. 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 6:30 p.m. The following were
participants to the meeting: Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller,
Patti Ray and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff participating: City Administrator Ken Cammilleri,
Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Maefsky added a report on the ice sculpture project as Agenda Item 11) a. Ray, second
by Benson, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
ZONING & DEVELOPMENT CODE PROJECT UPDATE — PRESENTED BY SHC
Julia Mullin, SHC consultant, presented an annotated outline of the proposed Unified
Development Code for an initial discussion on the proposed organization of the document. The
outline was also presented to the Planning Commission at their recent work session with positive
feedback. Mullin stated that staff will return to a future meeting with a more detailed subsection,
as work on the new code proceeds.
DISCUSSION ON VACATION OF UNOPENED SECOND STREET IN THE REVISION
OF VASA
As follow-up from the January 19th Council meeting, to vacate a portion of Second Street in the
Revision of Vasa plat, Administrator Cammilleri described the area staff is recommending to
retain as public right-of-way. Fire Chief Hinz noted the need for an area to stage and maneuver
emergency vehicles due to the narrow width of existing roads that serve the neighborhood.
Cammilleri presented a map showing an area 110 feet by 60 feet at the south end of the existing
right-of-way of unopened Second Street to vacate. This would reserve an area south of the
intersection at 197th Street of approximately 2700 sq feet as public right-of-way, and allow
petitioner Ms. Maher to have the septic service line for her residence located within the area to
be vacated.
Melinda Maher, 16955 197th Street, commented that this is not the most practical solution
because a creek is located in the proposed ROW, and this would result in an awkward situation
to carve out a segment of ROW between her properties. Maher suggested it would be better to
widen 197th Street (Bluff Street) to the north, away from the creek.
Wil Eginton, 16930 197th Street, asked that 197th Street be extended to the north to allow
adequate space for emergency vehicles. Their surveyor/engineer recently looked at this space
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and noted that it is possible to create a turnaround using the existing right-of-way. This avoids
the creek and any tree removal.
Cammilleri stated that this is a complicated area and understands Ms. Maher's issue with an
interrupted lot, but widening 197th Street may have unforeseen impacts that the Watershed and
DNR may have a say in. The City must do a level of diligence that does not eliminate any other
public purpose that this existing ROW serves. A study of the area to improve emergency access
could be done in the warmer months when vegetation is growing. Fire Chief Hinz agreed that a
study couldn't be accomplished in the wintertime.
Cammilleri explained that the 60 -day review deadline must be completed by the February 16th
Council meeting, unless extended by the petitioners.
Mr. Eginton requested that the area of proposed vacation be extended to the north another 10 feet
to allow his existing gate to remain on private property. He said the gate has been in this location
for 70 years. Cammilleri recommended no change to the proposed area to retain as ROW, but
offered an extended time for removal of the unlawful encroachment of a gate in the ROW.
Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to proceed with the vacation of Second Street as
described by staff unless the applicants waive the review deadline beyond 60 days, to allow
more time for the City to evaluate the area for adequate space to accommodate emergency
vehicles. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
OPEN MEETING LAW REFRESHER
Administrator Cammilleri presented a memo from City Attorney Chris Nelson on Open Meeting
Law requirements as based on state statute.
DISCUSSION ON REPLACEMENT LAWN TRACTOR
Public Works Director Hawkinson presented quotes for the replacement of the 1988 Bolens lawn
tractor. This replacement is in the Capital Improvement Plan at a cost of $9,000. Hawkinson
explained his recommendation to purchase a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for its versatility.
Initially a used Kubota was located but this has since sold, and Hawkinson endorsed the purchase
of a 2021 Kubota RTV 500 at a price of $8,844.07.
Council member Cusick asked about its use for mowing. Hawkinson described a pull -behind
mower that could be purchased for $2,600, to be used for efficiently mowing the ballfields and
drainfields. The Public Works small equipment fund would be the source for purchase of a
mower attachment.
Ray, second by Cusick, moved to approve the purchase a 2021 Kubota RTV 500 at a price
of $8,844.07. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CHECK-IN WITH CABLE FRANCHISE HOLDER FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
Scott Bohler and Jack Phillips, Government and External Affairs staff with Frontier
Communications, provided information on the company's offerings within Scandia, relative to
the cable franchise agreement entered into several years ago. Mr. Phillips explained that 845
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households have increased internet speeds to allow for its video service, with two video
customers being served. The unforeseen rise in streaming services negatively impacted the
Vantage cable service offered by Frontier, along with the high price of content and the
company's Chapter 11 reorganization.
Mr. Phillips explained that Frontier is emerging from its bankruptcy filing, with new leadership
coming aboard this March, and he sees a strong recovery for the company.
Council member Kronmiller thanked Bohler and Phillips for joining the meeting and
recommended they also participate in a broader conversation with the Internet Action Committee
for an understanding on how Frontier's services fit within Scandia's broadband expansion plans.
DISCUSSION ON THE CITY'S COVID-19 BUSINESS PLAN UPDATE
City Administrator Cammilleri presented amendments to the City's Covid-19 Business Plan that
address this winter's recreation programing and use of the ice-skating rink and Warming House.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the City's Covid-19 Business Plan as
amended on February 3, 2021. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSSION ON REPLACING THE FRONT DOORS AT THE COMMUNITY
CENTER
Fire Chief Hinz explained that security upgrades at the city buildings were completed last year
with CARES Act funds. However, the new electronics are not compatible with the existing front
door at the Community Center, which still requires a keyed access. Hinz recommended
replacement of the front doors to a style that will work for electronic access. Hinz provided
quotes for the update, and recommended an option to retrofit the existing doors with new
hardware that will work with both doors and the lock system at a cost of $6,981.40.
Council member Ray said that there is more CARES Act funding coming this year which could
be used for this purpose, and recommended this project be delayed.
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to table the project to upgrade the Community
Center doors to a later date. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSSION TO WAIVE LIQUOR LICENSE FEES FOR 2021
Mayor Maefsky introduced a discussion to waive liquor license fees paid by business
establishments this year. Council member Ray said the City definitely should, due to the impacts
of Covid-19 to their businesses. Three businesses currently hold on -sale liquor licenses in 2021,
at an annual cost of $2,200 each: Meisters Bar & Grill, The Scandia Creamery, Rustic Roots
Winery. Scandal's Tavern has applied for an on -sale license for a proposed opening of the
business on March 1St
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to refund 2021 on -sale liquor license fees to four
establishments due to Covid-19 impacts. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
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REVIEW APPLICANTS FOR PRC PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SUB -COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee advertised for community volunteers to serve on the
Playground Equipment Sub -Committee. Three applications were received.
Benson, second by Ray, moved to appoint Sean Bibus, Christine Johnson, and Ann
Rinkenberger to the PRC Playground Equipment Sub -Committee. Motion carried 5-0 by
roll call vote.
ADDITION: ICE SCULPTURE PROJECT
At the January 19th Council meeting, funds were approved to locate an ice sculpture at
Lilleskogen Park for inclusion in a St. Paul sculpture event being held within the metro area.
Mayor Maefsky reported that a decision was made to locate the ice sculpture on the north side of
Elim Church, closer to the business district.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll
call vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk