6.a2 Draft minutes 03-03-2021 Work Session
March 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
Council member Ray added 2.a) Snowplow naming contest winner announcement.
Administrator Cammilleri added 2.b) Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson announcement.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 5-0
by roll call vote.
SNOWPLOW NAMING CONTEST WINNER
Voting on the city’s website for the favorite snowplow names ended on February 26th, with the
top votes being Ole, Lena and Sven. Jeff Blomseth, Scandia, was the first to submit this trio of
names and was a participant to the meeting to be congratulated. These names will be stenciled
onto the City’s three plowtrucks. Council member Ray reported that 453 people voted in the
contest which garnered nationwide publicity.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ADAM HAWKINSON
Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson announced that he is retiring with his final day of work
being April 1, 2021.
SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE – DISCUSS 5-YEAR BUILDOUT EXTENSION PER
EXISTING AGREEMENT
Susan Rodsjo and Peter Hilger, on behalf of the Scandia Heritage Alliance, presented a concept
plan for the proposed Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center, to be located on the south
ballfield. In April 2020, the City entered into a redevelopment agreement with the SHA to allow
a period of 6 years to initiate the project. In the first year, feasibility investigations were
completed to determine site viability and to develop the Master Plan and schematic architectural
designs. The plans included the barn design, plaza, amphitheater and boardwalk around the
wetland. Mr. Hilger noted that a variance will be requested for a minor encroachment into the
75’ wetland setback. This will allow as much open space as possible to the south for a future arts
center.
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Scandia City Council
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John Herman and Bill Strusinski explained the financing component, to seek a $1.5 million state
bonding request to be included with the 2022 state bonding bill for the cultural venue. Bills to
advocate for this bond have been introduced this legislative year with support from Senator
Housley and Representative Dettmer.
Kronmiller, second by Ray, moved to approve the Preliminary Phase 1 Project Plans and
grant extension of the Exclusive Development Period for an additional five years, and
approve that the City submit a State Bond Financing request for the Arts & Heritage
Center project, per the Redevelopment Agreement. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
PROPOSAL FOR LAND SURVEY FOR COMMUNITY CENTER PROPERTY
Administrator Cammilleri explained that to help advance the Scandia Heritage Alliance (SHA)
Arts and Cultural Heritage Center project and to remedy zoning non-conformities on the
Community Center Property, it is recommended that the City Council hire a surveyor to
complete a full survey of the grounds. Completing such a project will also allow the City to
better delineate its property boundaries and will be able to be used in the event of future
improvements to the property, including anticipated playground improvements. Cammilleri
stated that no existing survey of the property could be located. Funds would be paid out of the
general capital fund (401).
Two quotes were presented:
• For a fixed fee of $6,800.00, Landmark Surveying Inc. will prepare a boundary and
topography survey.
• From Widseth: The fee for the Certificate of Survey drawing for the scope of work is an
estimated lump sum of $5,900.00. The fee to add topography with elevations and
contours to the drawing is an additional lump sum of $1,650.00.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to accept the quote from Landmark Surveying in the
amount of $6,800 for a boundary and topography survey of the Community Center
grounds. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSS SCANDIA FARMERS MARKET REQUEST TO USE THE COMMUNITY
CENTER GROUNDS FOR THIS SEASON
Cathy Mackiewicz provided a summary of the 2020 Scandia Farmers Market. Traditionally held
on the grounds of the Gammelgarden Museum, last year the Market was approved to set up in
the Community Center parking lot following the guidelines from the State for Covid precautions
and improved safety to vendors and customers. Approximately 200 customers a week shopped at
the Market, with no issues or concerns about its operations. Mackiewicz requested to continue to
use the parking lot on Wednesdays from approximately 3-7pm for this season as well.
Council member Ray stated that the Market was very well run in a safe manner, and she fully
supports this request.
Ray, second by Benson, moved to approve the use of the Community Center parking lot for
the Scandia Farmers Market 2021 season. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
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Scandia City Council
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UPDATE FROM FIRE CHIEF HINZ ON FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
Fire Chief Hinz provided a matrix of tasks and duties undertaken since appointed as the Part-
Time Fire Chief. During this past year of Covid, some tasks were postponed or uncompleted, and
others added. Hinz explained that most all were completed.
Council member Kronmiller said Hinz has done an excellent job of responding to the needs of
2020 and it’s good to understand what’s getting accomplished.
Council member Cusick questioned the potential to eliminate EMT certification for the members
of the department and employ them as first responders instead. Hinz prepared a written report
outlining the value of the EMT certification and the service and benefits it provides during
critical rescue calls. Mayor Maefsky agreed that the value of an EMT is clear and the City should
not back away from this requirement. Council member Kronmiller agreed that the issue has been
well addressed and that medical calls are a large percentage of the department’s calls.
DISCUSS IN-PERSON CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS UTILIZING NEW AV
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES
Administrator Cammilleri reported that it is not yet advisable to conduct in-person meetings at
City Hall until the County’s vaccination rate moves up. The CDC and State continue to caution
against indoor gatherings. Fire Chief Hinz said to wait until the vaccination rate is at least 50%
before transitioning to more in-person meetings. Cammilleri noted that the Mayor’s emergency
declaration is still in place and remote, virtual public meetings continue to be acceptable.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Ray, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk