Loading...
07-07-2021 Work SessionJuly 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 #1 la. 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 Page 2 of 5 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 Page 3 of 5 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 13260182nd 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 Page 4 of 5 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