02-16-2021 MeetingFebruary 16, 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 7:02 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, City Engineer Ryan Goodman, City Attorney Chris Nelson, Fire
Chief Mike Hinz, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried
5-0 by a roll call vote.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Deputy Peters was not present. The January incident and citations reports were received.
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Agenda was presented:
a) Minutes
1) January 19, 2021 Regular Meeting
2) February 3, 2021 Work Session
b) Treasurer's Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Wage adjustments for Volunteer Firefighters
e) Holiday observance schedule for Christmas Day 2021
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING: NEW ON -SALE /SUNDAY ON -SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR
LICENSE APPLICATION FOR SCANDAL'S TAVERN AT 21050 OZARK COURT
City Clerk Eklund provided background information on a new liquor license application, to
operate a bar and restaurant at 21050 Ozark Court North, the location of the former Brookside
Pub. New owners Doa Hoang and Kevin Vu have applied for an on-sale/Sunday on -sale
intoxicating liquor license that was reviewed for conformance with the City's liquor ordinance.
The required background investigation found nothing that would disqualify the applicants from
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obtaining a new Minnesota liquor license. It was noted that the applicants currently operate three
other restaurant/bar establishments in the St. Paul area.
Mayor Maefsky opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m.
Applicant Doa Hoang stated that she has over 20 years of experience operating restaurant/bar
establishments and is aware of the liquor guidelines. Her serving staff completes annual alcohol
compliance training. Ms. Hoang explained that the business is being set up with Covid-19
precautions in place. She anticipates an opening date of March 1St dependent on the hiring of
kitchen staff.
There were no other public comments and the hearing was closed.
Ray, second by Benson, moved to approve a new On-Sale/Sunday On -Sale Intoxicating
Liquor License to applicants Dao Hoang and Kevin Vu to operate Scandal's Tavern,
conditioned on the submission of the required Certificate of Liquor Liability. The motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Vice Chair Greg Zauner reported that the PRC recommended approval of using authentic brick
pillars for the new Lilleskogen sign at the park, as this provides for a consistent look with
existing identification signs in the village area. At their February 1St meeting, the PRC received a
quote of $5,400 from contractor Behnken.
Ray, second by Benson, moved to accept the recommendation from the PRC to approve the
quote for brick pillars from Behnken in the amount of $5,400 for installation of the new
Lilleskogen Park sign.
Council member Ray announced that the PRC approved $50 awards to the winning student and
to their classroom for the Dala Horse Story Project for Lilleskogen's Storywalk. Awards will be
presented this Saturday.
PLANNING COMMISSION
City Administrator Cammilleri reported that at their February 2nd meeting, the Commissioners
were presented an update on the development and zoning code project, discussed open meeting
laws, the accessory structure ordinance, and set a public hearing date of March 2nd for
amendments to the temporary farm dwelling ordinance. The proposed amendments will improve
accessibility to temporary housing of workers for local farm businesses.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Council member Ray reported that Midco representatives updated the Committee on this year's
buildout for broadband expansion, following the successful award of a Minnesota Border to
Border Broadband Grant to add up to 141 households. A high take rate of 53% in last year's
program has Midco ready to partner again later this year for another DEED grant submission.
The RDOF grant area, awarded to LTD Broadband, is still in the long -form submission phase
with the FCC and will enter into communication with the Committee once this phase is
completed.
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TOURISM COMMITTEE
Tourism Committee Chair Sarah Porubcansky reported that Scandia's Dala horse ice sculpture
will be installed on the north side of Elim Church this week for the Ice Sculpture Exploration
Adventure taking place February 19-28. Retail stores will be offering special discounts, and the
Lions Club food truck will be set up near the Community Center during the two weekends of the
event.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
EDA Executive Director Cammilleri announced the EDA's monthly business breakfast is
scheduled for February 18th. The Board is reviewing its strategic work plan, and anticipates a
joint meeting with the City Council to review the EDA's work plan and mission. Council
member Heather Benson was appointed as the new EDA President.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The January building activity report was received from Building Official Joel Hoistad. Last
month 12 permits were issued at a valuation of $520,799.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported that the department responded to 14 calls in January; 2 fire related and
11 EMS related, and 1 cancelled/undocumented call.
Annual Fire Department Report for 2020
Fire Chief Hinz provided a comprehensive report of activity and calls for 2020. The department
responded to 252 calls, a 10% increase over the previous year and a record high. Three new
firefighters joined the department in 2020.
CITY ENGINEER
Engineer Goodman reported that bids for the 2021 Street Improvement Project will be opened
next week, with potential award at the March 16th City Council meeting. The Washington
County Board has approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which will provide opportunities
for future trail development across the County. Goodman will assist with gathering information
for the EDA's potential bike rental program.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
The January activity report prepared by PW Director Hawkinson was received. Tree trimming
and brush removal in the right-of-ways has been ongoing, and the Warming House has opened to
the public per the City's Covid-19 Business Plan.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Cammilleri reported that staff is preparing for the financial records audit
scheduled for early March, the city's prosecutor is working through a backlog of citations, the
GreenStep Committee is collecting data for achieving Step 4, and he is working closely with the
Scandia Heritage Alliance on the status of the Water Tower Project. Because the large hall is
now equipped with the new audio-visual equipment, Mayor Maefsky requested there be a
discussion at the next Work Session on conducting in-person meetings.
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DISCUSSION ON VACATING UNOPENED SECOND STREET IN THE REVISION OF
VASA
At the February Yd Work Session, the Council directed staff to prepare a resolution to vacate a
portion of unopened Second Street in the Revision of Vasa as recommended by staff which
would retain an area of ROW to use as a turnaround for emergency vehicles. Administrator
Cammilleri recommended the Council table consideration of the street vacation; staff is awaiting
a report that there are no legal encumbrances located in this proposed segment, and to obtain a
proper legal description for the proposed area of vacation.
Kronmiller, second by Benson, moved to table consideration of vacating a portion of
unopened Second Street in the Revision of Vasa. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CONSIDERATION OF LETTER OF SUPPORT REGARDING CLARIFICATION OF
STATE FIRE CODE REGULATIONS
Administrator Cammilleri explained a request from Redeemed Farm owner Jeff Gacek to offer a
letter of support for a legislative measure to ensure rural event venues receive reasonable fire
code classifications that do not automatically require the installation of fire suppression systems.
A draft letter of support was presented. Upon a question on fire safety at the local event center,
Fire Chief Hinz stated that Redeemed Farm meets all fire safety codes.
Ray, second by Cusick, moved to approve a letter of support for efforts to address fire code
classification regulations for rural event venues. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CLOSED SESSIONS
At 8:09 p.m., Mayor Maefsky announced that the City Council will go into closed session
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05 Subd.2(b) for discussion of a disciplinary review of an
employee, and will go into closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05 Subd.3(b) to
discuss litigation subject to attorney-client privilege regarding the matter of Curtis J. Peterson
and Patricia L. Peterson vs. City of Scandia.
Benson, second by Ray, moved to enter into Closed Session. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call
vote.
At 8:24 p.m., the following motion was made:
Benson, second by Ray, moved to return to Open Session. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call
vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call
vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk