06.a2 Draft minutes 07-07-2021 Work Session
July 7, 2021
A work session meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date with
modifications. The meeting was conducted in-person at the Scandia Community Center and over
an electronic platform. All participants who joined the meeting remotely could hear each other
and contribute to discussions.
Mayor Christine Maefsky called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present:
Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve Kronmiller, Patti Ray and Mayor
Christine Maefsky. Staff participating: City Administrator Ken Cammilleri, Public Works
Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Council member Ray announced an addition to the agenda, to schedule a meeting with the
officials of Scandia’s Sister City Mellerud, Sweden. Mayor Maefsky assigned this to Agenda
Item #11a. Benson, second by Ray, moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
carried 5-0.
PRESENTATION FROM LAKES CENTER FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES – LINDA
MADSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Linda Madsen, Executive Director for Lakes Center for Youth and Families, provided
information on the enrichment, intervention, and counseling programs offered by this non-profit
agency to serve youth and families in the surrounding community. Ms. Madsen thanked the city
for its continued support.
DISCUSSION ON SAFETY AND NOISE CONCERNS ON OAKHILL ROAD NORTH
At their meeting on June 2nd, the City Council heard from residents along Oakhill Road (County
Road 52) with concerns of speeding and reckless driving in the 30-mph zone. Staff from
Washington County Public Works and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department were
present for a discussion to identify ways to mitigate these concerns.
Joe Gustafson, County Traffic Safety Engineer, said there are increasing complaints of reckless
driver behavior occurring on many roads statewide. This shift in driver behavior is documented
by increased traffic fatalities over the past years, and most drastically in the first 6 months of this
year as compared to last year. Gustafson noted that road signage on Oakhill was updated in 2018.
A portable speed trailer could be installed, but there are few physical roadway changes that could
be implemented to reduce drivers’ speed, especially when drivers are intentionally flaunting the
rules of the road.
Fran Miron, Washington County Commissioner, said these are significant concerns that staff
from all agencies are working together to address.
Washington County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Commander Tim Harris said speed issues are
epidemic statewide. Harris reported that he has tasked additional enforcement to this road over
the past few weeks. A speed trailer which can transmit data will be pursued for this section of
road.
July 7, 2021
Scandia City Council
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CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2021-30, CONDEMNATION OF RACIST
AND DIVISIVE GRAFFITI IN OUR COMMUNITY
Mayor Maefsky introduced a resolution to condemn the recent racist graffiti which occurred at
the residence of Chris Johnson on Manning Trail.
Ray moved to adopt Resolution No. 2021-30, Condemnation of Racist and Divisive Graffiti
in the Community.
Mayor Maefsky said it’s important for citizens to speak out on this issue.
Chris Johnson, Manning Avenue, said the vandalism to his property was very disturbing, and he
is gratified that the city is showing a stand against hateful violence and makes an
acknowledgement of no tolerance for this. Johnson recommended language be added to the
resolution that Scandia is a community where everybody belongs, and to change the word
“unfortunate” to “unacceptable” in paragraph 3.
Adrian Cabassa, 14423 Scandia Trail, said he is a minority living in Scandia and feels that the
issue of racism is denied here and needs to be addressed. Cabassa said the community needs to
wake up to the institutional racism he has experienced, and people need to think differently.
Krista Schaaf, 14423 Scandia Trail, said it is great to see the issue of racism being addressed
nationwide and is grateful to see this addressed in Scandia. Shaaf said she encourages the
community to differentiate a hate crime as a violent act of racism from other types of crime.
Paul Pease, 15865 Quality Trail, said there is a darker undercurrent on social media censoring
facebook postings of this hate crime. Pease said he is grateful for this first step by the city to
overcome racism, an issue his family has experienced as well.
Ray withdrew her motion to adopt Resolution No. 2021-30 for the purpose of proposed
amendments to the language.
Mayor Maefsky recommended the resolution be amended with Mr. Johnson’s suggestion of
adding that Scandia is a community where everybody belongs, and to change the word
“unfortunate” to “unacceptable” in paragraph 3.
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2021-30 as amended. Motion
carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
CONCEPT DISCUSSION TO CONSIDER JOINT PLANNING WITH WASHINGTON
COUNTY AND MNDOT FOR VILLAGE CENTER AREA. JOE GUSTAFSON,
WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Joe Gustafson, County Traffic Safety Engineer, proposed a joint planning study to address the
safety concerns and develop a strategic vision for the Oakhill Road to Highway 97 corridor,
including intersection control, sidewalks and bicycling infrastructure. The estimated cost of
$200,000 could potentially qualify for grant funding. Staff will work to develop a scope and cost
share agreement if given direction to pursue.
July 7, 2021
Scandia City Council
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Mayor Maefsky asked staff to draw up a statement of efforts to enhance the Village Center, to
further clarify the City’s goals for the VC over the next 15-20 years. City Administrator
Cammilleri noted that a pedestrian network and the Gateway Trail are some of the future goals.
Maefsky, second by Ray, moved to direct staff to move ahead on a potential joint planning
study of roadways with Washington County and MnDOT. Motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31, DENYING REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE FROM ZONING REQUIREMENTS TO CONSTRUCT A DECK AND
STAIRS AT 13260 182ND STREET NORTH. DAN AND MELISSA POTTER,
APPLICANTS.
At their meeting on June 15th, the Council voted to direct staff to prepare a resolution with
findings of denial to a variance request from Dan and Melissa Potter, to construct a deck and
stairs within required setbacks at 13260 182nd Street. The applicants have asked the Council to
reconsider a revised site plan and have agreed to extend the review of this request to July 20,
2021.
Cusick, second by Maefsky, moved to rescind the motion made on June 15, 2021 to deny
the variance at 13260 182nd Street, accept the applicants’ extension to July 20, 2021 and to
reconsider the revised site plan for a deck and stairs. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
City Administrator Cammilleri explained that the revised site plan shows a smaller deck along
the house with less intrusion into the side and lake setbacks.
The request to reconsider a revised site plan will be acted on by the Council at their meeting on
July 20, 2021.
CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT FOR SUBORDINATION OF EASEMENT
REGARDING THE COMFORT LAKE-FOREST LAKE WATERSHED BONE LAKE
WETLAND PROJECT
City Administrator Cammilleri explained the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District
(CLFLWD) wetland restoration project on the northwestern corner of Bone Lake near the
intersections of 238th Street and Melanie Trail in the Bonneyview Subdivision. The Watershed
requested that the City approve an adjustment to its drainage easement on Outlot C to allow
CLFLWD to continue its restoration work within the City’s easement. Cammilleri recommended
that the City Council approve the subordination of easement agreement.
Kronmiller, second by Ray, moved to approve consent for subordination of easement on
Outlot C of the Bonnyview Subdivision for the CLFLWD Bone Lake Wetland Project. The
motion carried 5-0 by roll call vote.
July 7, 2021
Scandia City Council
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DISCUSSION ON POLICY TOWARDS FUNDING BROADBAND BUILDOUT WITHIN
FEDERAL RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (RDOF) AREAS
Council member Kronmiller asked that the Council consider a policy and position on funding the
duplicate blocks that have been awarded both a state DEED grant and a federal RDOF grant for
broadband buildout. Kronmiller said they need this as a guide to do the right thing now to avoid
trouble in the future, as the funding could be rescinded if duplicated. Kronmiller said he has been
unable to get any answers from the state or federal level. Kronmiller recommended the
agreement with Midco be restructured to avoid conflict in the RDOF areas. Kronmiller explained
that the Council should not put expansion efforts at risk over a potential conflict with the FCC
policy, and questioned if the City should fund one provider’s expansion into another provider’s
RDOF territory.
Bob Wilmers, Chair of the Scandia Internet Action Committee, said he sees no reason to change
the City’s approach to this project, for buildout to 151 homes this year using grant funds. The
plan is well-defined to move forward. Wilmers said the policy is between the state and federal
levels with very low risk to the city concerning the overlap grant areas.
City Administrator Cammilleri stated that in his research, there have been no issues where
communities are penalized for overlap, but no definitive answers have been found.
Council member Ray said this critical infrastructure is needed; outside money has been granted
and should be accepted.
Council member Kronmiller provided a list of questions on whether the City should provide
supplemental funding to a provider for internet expansion in certain instances. Wilmers noted
agreement with Kronmiller on four of the five situations.
Maefsky, second by Ray, moved that the Internet Action Committee has Council support to
continue the mission of broadband expansion in Scandia. Motion carried 5-0 by roll call
vote.
CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT WITH MIDCO FOR BUILDOUT ALONG
QUALITY TRAIL AND 209TH STREET
A draft construction cost sharing agreement with Midco for buildout along Quality Trail and
209th Street was presented as developed by the City’s legal counsel. City Administrator
Cammilleri explained one point left to clarify is the definition of construction of a cable plant.
Cammilleri asked the Council to consider if this agreement addresses any concerns about
buildout by Midco.
Council member Kronmiller recommended a retainage clause be added until project completion.
Cammilleri noted a few areas of clarification to be addressed by the City Attorney.
Council was in consensus that they are comfortable with the draft language, and directed staff to
develop a final agreement for consideration at a future meeting.
July 7, 2021
Scandia City Council
Page 5 of 5
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2021-32 TO CONFIRM THE CITY’S INTEREST
TO RE-JOIN THE FOREST LAKE CABLE COMMISSION
City Administrator Cammilleri introduced a resolution for consideration to re-join the Forest
Lake Cable Commission, saying it’s a positive organization with benefits for the community.
Council member Kronmiller said it would be in the City’s best interests to re-join. Council
member Ray said the organization would be helpful to the community.
Kronmiller, second by Ray, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2021-32, Confirming the City of
Scandia’s Interest in Rejoining the Forest Lake Cable Commission. The motion carried 5-0
by roll call vote.
SISTER CITY MEETING WITH MELLERUD, SWEDEN OFFICIALS
Council member Ray offered to arrange a Zoom meeting with the officials from Scandia’s Sister
City Mellerud, Sweden for Tuesday, August 24th. Council was in agreement to this date. Ray will
confirm a meeting time and report back at a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ray, second by Kronmiller, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk