6.a1 Draft minutes 01-19-2021 Meeting
January 19, 2021
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 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 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken. 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, Police Deputy David Peters, City Planner Evan Monson, City
Engineer Ryan Goodman, City Attorney Chris Nelson, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public Works
Director Adam Hawkinson, Treasurer Colleen Firkus, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ray, second by Benson, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0 by a
roll call vote.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Deputy Peters warned drivers to slow down on winter roads. City Administrator Cammilleri
announced that a backlog of enforcement actions are being scheduled for prosecution beginning
in July.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) December 15, 2020 Regular Meeting
2) January 6, 2021 Work Session
b) Treasurer’s Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Resolution No. 2021-01 Designating Depositories of City Funds for 2021
e) Resolution No. 2021-02 Ratifying Surety and Blanket Bonds
f) Step increase – Treasurer
g) Resolution No. 2021-03 to Restore the City of Scandia Board of Equalization and
Adjustment
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
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PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED VACATION OF A PORTION OF UNOPENED
SECOND STREET IN THE REVISION OF VASA PLAT. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-04
On December 15, 2020, the City Council acted on a petition received from Mr. Charles Eginton
and his neighbor Ann Maher to vacate a portion of an unimproved right-of-way (ROW) of
Second Street in the Revision of Vasa plat, a neighborhood just off of 197th Street near the St.
Croix River. Resolution No. 2020-54 was adopted to schedule a public hearing for this meeting
date.
Administrator Cammilleri explained that there are two issues which can be resolved by vacating
this area of unopened Second Street: 1) Ms. Maher recently had a new septic system installed on
the west side of the ROW to serve her cabin on the principal property to the east, which
inadvertently installed the pipe under the ROW. By vacating the ROW, Ms. Maher will have
ownership rights to the entirety of her system that can be transferable with any future sale of the
property; 2) Mr. Eginton’s garage was constructed on the ROW of Second Street many years
ago. Vacating the ROW would eliminate any issues that could hinder the future sale of this
property.
Attorney Nelson explained that vacating a ROW is a discretionary act by the Council and not
required if the ROW serves the public interest. If vacated, title to half of the street reverts to each
abutting landowner. A draft resolution was prepared with findings to support vacating this
portion of Second Street, including that a portion of unopened Second Street immediately south
of the area of the proposed vacation has already been vacated by the City, and the City has no
immediate or long-term plans to open or improve the right-of-way reserved to the public.
Fire Chief Hinz noted that an appropriate turning radius should be preserved at the intersection
of 197th Street and the unopened ROW for emergency vehicles to serve this neighborhood, and
should remain as ROW up to a gate that Mr. Eginton installed on Second Street. Attorney Nelson
suggested revising the legal description of the area being vacated to preserve this area as a
turnaround. Administrator Cammilleri stated that Ms. Maher’s septic pipe may be within this
area needed for a turnaround, which would then require an encroachment license be granted.
Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Tom Swain, property owner at 16950 197th Street, stated that in 1990 Mr. Eginton rerouted a
stream which caused erosion to his property, but Eginton later corrected the flow. Swain said he
has no issues with this proposal to vacate the ROW.
Melinda Maher,16955 197th Street, thanked staff for their assistance in allowing her to get a good
septic system installed.
Administrator Cammilleri provided a 1990 letter from the New Scandia Township Attorney
detailing the actions to repair water disruptions and retaining Mr. Eginton’s garage in the ROW.
There were no further comments and Mayor Maefsky closed the hearing at 7:28 p.m.
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Council noted the importance to preserve a turnaround for emergency vehicles and
recommended that staff revise the legal description of the area to vacate.
Mr. Will Eginton, 16930 197th Street, joined the meeting and explained that he was having audio
troubles during the public comment period. Eginton was allowed to participate in the discussion.
Mr. Eginton explained that his parents built the garage in 1973 under the direction of the New
Scandia Township Board, to move it away from the river to its current location, unknowingly
within the ROW of unopened Second Street. Eginton stated that there had been no intent to
change the flow of the stream years ago. Eginton explained that there is an existing turnaround
cleared in 1995 at the base of the hill along 197th Street where the road forks, now overgrown,
but could serve as the emergency turnaround being requested. Eginton said he is looking to
continue to vacate all of Second Street, as all other roads other than Bluff Street have been
vacated in this plat.
Administrator Cammilleri said that Chief Hinz is aware of this existing bump out, but reserving
the first part of Second Street as a turnaround will make it easier for maneuverability in this
challenging area.
Maefsky, second by Ray, moved to table the resolution and direct staff to explore and make
a recommendation for an emergency vehicle turnaround, and to prepare an encroachment
license for Ms. Maher’s septic pipe if necessary, for further discussion at their next
meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Ice Rink Operations Update
Administrator Cammilleri reported that there have been no issues with rink operations since
opening last month, and staff is preparing to open up the Warming House to the public once all
safety protocols to meet state Covid guidelines are in place.
Hiring of Skating Program Instructors
PRC Chair Terry Gorham reported that Skating Instructor Katy Herman is stepping down from
the afterschool skating program, but recommended two replacement instructors. Compensation
will remain at the same rate.
Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to approve hiring Ellie Krueger and Maggie Gerty as
Ice Skating Instructors contingent on satisfactory background checks. The motion carried
5-0 by roll call vote.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minor Subdivision at 12937 Mayberry Trail North, to split the 22.09-acre lot into two lots of
10.5 acres and 11.06 acres in size. Applicants Matthew and Jennifer Olson. Resolution No.
2021-05
Planner Monson presented the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a
Minor Subdivision known as Lily Pad Lookout at 12937 Mayberry Trail, an existing 22.09-acre
property, into two lots of 10.5-acres and 11.06-acres in size. An existing residence will remain
on Lot 2, with plans to develop a new residence on Lot 1 by applicants Matthew and Jennifer
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Olson. A resolution with findings of approval that it meets the criteria of the development code
and goals of the Comp Plan, has septic capacity and road frontage, and four conditions including
collecting a park fee for the new lot was provided.
Ray, second by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2021-05, Approving a Minor
Subdivision of the parcel located at 12937 Mayberry Trail North. The motion carried 5-0
by a roll call vote.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Administrator Cammilleri reported that the IAC will be working cooperatively with LTD
Broadband, the company awarded a RDOF grant for broadband expansion in Scandia. The state
DEED grant awards, of which Midco is a finalist, have not yet been announced.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
Tourism Committee Chair Sarah Porubcansky announced that she is pursuing funds for
participating in Visit St. Paul’s ice sculpture event occurring in February. For a cost of $2,500, a
4’-5’ ice sculpture will be installed in Scandia as part of a contest to locate ice sculptures
throughout the area, with Stillwater and Dellwood as known participants. Porubcansky said that
area businesses have so far contributed $1,350 and she asked the Council for a contribution of
the remaining funds.
Council member Ray expressed her approval and recommended the ice sculpture be installed at
Lilleskogen Park. Staff noted that funds are available in the Parks budget for the sculpture and
for printing maps of area businesses and attractions to place at the site for visitors.
Mayor Maefsky said that this will be a good promotion for Scandia, taking the place of the
cancelled Vinterfest event.
Maefsky, second by Ray, moved to approve a city contribution up to $1,150 to supplement
the business donations for an ice sculpture at Lilleskogen Park, and for the City to be the
fiscal agent to collect donations and pay the installation fees to Visit St. Paul. The motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Council member Ray reported that the EDA is pursuing a potential “Borrow a Bike” program to
promote the use of area bike trails. Ray encouraged the Council to take part in this week’s virtual
Business Breakfast.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The December building activity report was received from Building Official Joel Hoistad. Last
month 30 permits were issued at a valuation of $1,426,370. Year-end total net income for
building permits is $109,560.83, comparing favorably to a 2019 year-end total of $111,077.05.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported that the department responded to 15 calls in December; 3 fire related
and 12 EMS related.
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Approve hiring process for new recruits
Fire Chief Hinz provided a timeline for recruiting up to 5 new firefighters to the department,
with a start date of June 1, 2021.
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve the hiring process for new firefighters.
Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Ryan Goodman reported that Washington County’s Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) includes a pavement improvement project for County Road 3 (Olinda Trail) from Highway
97 north to the county line, scheduled for July 2021. Plans are to align the City’s 2021 Street
Project for 220th Street with this County project, for potential favorable bids.
2021 Street Improvement Project -- Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize
Advertisement for Bids
Engineer Goodman requested the City Council approve plans, specifications and authorize
advertisements for bids for the 2021 Street Improvement Project. In discussions with city staff, to
increase safety along 220th Street, dynamic speed display signs will be bid as an alternate. Bids
will be opened on February 17, 2021 via an online platform.
Kronmiller, second by Ray, moved to approve plans, specifications and authorize
advertisements for bids for the 2021 Street Improvement Project. Motion carried 5-0 by
roll call vote.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
PW Director Hawkinson reported that the ice rink is in very good condition this season.
F250 Plow Truck Replacement
PW Director Hawkinson provided quotes for replacement of the 2011 F250 plow truck as
scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan at a budgeted amount of $43,500. The current vehicle
has 62,000 miles on it. Quotes from the state contract were as follows:
• 2021 Ram 2500 - $37,415.46 – complete package
• 2021 Ford – F250 - $39,156.46 - complete package
• 2022 Chevrolet - $39,696,60 - complete package if Chevrolet confirms the same pricing
for the 2022 model – orders for 2021 models are no longer being taken
• 2020 GMC 3500HD - $40,333.86.00 – complete package
Hawkinson recommended purchase of the 2021 Ram 2500 with a package of the plow
attachment, safety lights and safety cab protector. Maefsky noted that the existing truck appears
to have low mileage. Hawkinson explained that the vehicle is heavily used, with the front end
beat up from snow removal. Administrator Cammilleri added that it takes abuse from plowing,
but could remain in the fleet as an auxiliary vehicle for staff to do site inspections. Hawkinson
estimated a resale value of $7,000.
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Ray, second by Benson, moved to approve the purchase of the 2021 Ram 2500 at a package
cost of $37,415.46, to retain the 2011 F250 as an auxiliary vehicle for staff, and to sell the
snowplow attachment.
Mayor Maefsky said it doesn’t sit right with her to buy a new truck and hold on to the 10-year-
old vehicle as a spare, plus there is a cost to insure an additional vehicle.
Ray, second by Benson, amended the motion to sell the 2011 F250 plow truck.
Cusick stated that the City should keep the truck: it has 4-wheel drive, vehicles are hard to
acquire and this one could be in rotation for many years because the wear on it shouldn’t affect
use for the administrative staff.
Maefsky called for a roll call vote on the amended motion: Cusick – no; Benson – yes; Ray
– yes; Kronmiller – no; Maefsky – yes. Motion carried 3-2.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Cammilleri reported on upgrades to the Community Center with installation of
ADA door handles and door replacements, an upgraded phone system for City Hall offices, and
transition to the City’s new website this month. Staff is preparing for the 2020 financial audit
scheduled for early March. Building permit activity is in the seasonal slowdown.
RECAP OF VINTERLIGHTS EVENT – LIONS MEMBER ANN RINKENBERGER
Scandia-Marine Lions Club member Ann Rinkenberger summarized the Vinterlights activities
hosted by the Club on November 29, 2020. Fourteen families entered the lighting contest, 434
pounds of food was collected for the local food shelf, along with cash and gift cards. Santa
collected letters and posed for photos outdoors. A medallion hunt and coloring contest was also
part of the event. The afternoon concluded with spectators watching the light display at dusk
from their vehicles. Mayor Maefsky thanked the Club for the amazing results, enjoyed by many
in the community.
DISCUSSION ON MINNESOTAN CUP – COREY ROBERTS, ORGANIZER
At the January 6th Work Session, City Council directed Mr. Roberts to return with a more
detailed Covid-19 Plan to meet the state guidelines for the adult hockey tournament he is
proposing in early February. Staff has deemed Roberts’ plan inadequate at this point.
Attorney Nelson noted that information is needed on how Roberts will manage capacity of
participants and spectators, estimated to be 160 throughout the event, as well as a complete
special event permit application with the indemnification agreement and proof of insurance.
Roberts said that he used parts of the state’s template for his plan. Nelson informed him that the
state has offered their assistance to address outstanding information. Council member Benson
questioned the attendance of spectators; Roberts initially reported there would be none. Roberts
answered that he found it a challenge to keep friends and family members away and plans for
spectators as the state allows for. Administrator Cammilleri explained that prior to the event. the
City must amend its current Covid-19 business plan to allow for the hockey tournament.
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Mayor Maefsky noted a problem in that information is coming in at the last minute. The Council
next meets on February 3rd for an opportunity to review a more complete plan, or may call a
special meeting. Roberts said that he will decide in the next day if he will host the hockey
tournament this year after all.
DISCUSSION ON DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2021
Council reviewed bids from the Country Messenger and Forest Lake Times for the official
newspaper for 2021.
Benson, second by Ray, moved to designate the Country Messenger as the official
newspaper for 2021. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSSION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR FOR 2021
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to appoint Council member Ray as Acting Mayor for
2021. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-06 FOR AUTHORIZED BANK SIGNATORIES
Maefsky, second by Benson, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2020-06, Designating
Authorized Signatories for the City of Scandia bank accounts and related checks, with the
addition of Patti Ray as Deputy Mayor. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSSION ON SNOWPLOW NAMING CONTEST
As initially discussed at the January 6th Work Session, Council member Ray explained that the
City will solicit names for the three snowplows via the website and social media. Decals of the
winning names will be purchased at $50 apiece.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the snowplow naming contest and
expenditure of $150 for the decals. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Ray, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk