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6.a1 Draft minutes 02-16-2021 Council Meeting February 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 February 16, 2021 Scandia City Council Page 2 of 4 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. February 16, 2021 Scandia City Council Page 3 of 4 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. February 16, 2021 Scandia City Council Page 4 of 4 DISCUSSION ON VACATING UNOPENED SECOND STREET IN THE REVISION OF VASA At the February 3rd 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