5.a)2) 01-08-13 Minutes Work Session /
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January 8, 2013
The City Council conducted a Work Session meeting on the above date.
City Administrator Kristina Handt administered the oath of office to Council members Chris
Ness, Dan Lee and Mayor Randall Simonson. Ness and Lee were elected to 4-year terms at the
November 6, 2012 General Election. Mayor Simonson was re-elected to a two-year term of
office.
Mayor Simonson called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. The following were present: Council
members Dan Lee, Chris Ness, Jim Schneider, Sally Swanson and Mayor Simonson. Staff
members: City Administrator Kristina Handt, Assistant City Attorney Andrew Pratt,
Maintenance Superintendent Tim Kieffer and Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
REOUEST FROM SYD STEPHAN REGARDING EVENTCENTER ZONING
Mr. Syd Stephan had contacted the City in December 2012 about operating an event center on
his property at 22200 Meadowbrook Avenue to host weddings and other community events. He
was present at the meeting to further explain his request.
Mr. Stephan explained that his 40-acre farm with a historic red barn had been the site of a few
private functions, and he would like to initiate a business venture to offer his farm as a wedding
venue to the wider public. The current zoning code does not provide for the type of use that he is
requesting.
Council members were in agreement that the City should encourage and support business
ventures such as this. It was noted that the property is spacious, picturesque and has potential for
success in this type of business.
Lee, seconded by Swanson, moved to refer the issue to the Planning Commission to study if
the proposed use is acceptable, and if so,which zoning district would be most appropriate
for the use. The motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Stephan was asked to attend the Planning Commission's February 5, 2013 meeting to
discuss his zoning request and potential Conditional Use Permit.
Council member Schneider suggested that allowed uses in the zoning ordinance be reviewed for
changes, as the current zoning ordinance appears restrictive.
DISCUSS ADOPTION OF WETLAND REVIEW FEE
City Administrator Handt explained that the City does not collect a fee from applicants for
wetland review completed by the Washington Conservation District. The WCD does not have
the ability to directly invoice the applicant. The City is billed for the work and currently there is
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no process in place to recover the costs from the applicant. Handt recommended that a $100 fee
and $500 escrow for wetland reviews be approved on the City's schedule of fees for permits.
Handt stated that other communities have similar fees. Staff at WCD would only begin review of
applications if they are accompanied by the City's Planning and Zoning form.
Swanson, seconded by Lee, moved to direct staff to prepare a new fee schedule for
Planning and Zoning Requests to include a $100 application fee and $500 escrow for
wetland review. The motion carried 5-0.
DISCUSS CREATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Assistant City Attorney Andrew Pratt led a discussion on the establishment of a potential
Economic Development Authority for the City. EDAs are a public body subdivision that
specializes in dealing with economic development projects. EDAs have the authority to acquire
property, issue bonds, levy taxes and other powers as allowed in Minnesota Statutes.
City Administrator Handt explained that this could be considered another tool for economic
development and asked if the Council would like to go in this direction.
Council member Ness asked if the establishment of an EDA is a solution without a problem, as
there may be low potential for a hospital or other large businesses coming to Scandia.
Council member Swanson countered that an EDA is not just used to raise money. The City
should be proactive and encourage the establishment of new businesses. An EDA could be a way
to grow Scandia businesses and establish the necessary infrastructure.
Mayor Simonson stated that an EDA could be a tool to bring economic strength back to Scandia.
Council member Lee agreed that growth is coming and the City has talented people who could
serve on the EDA Board.
Council member Schneider asked about the City's cost. The EDA would need to carry a liability
insurance policy and board members could be paid a per diem rate.
City Administrator Handt will work with Mr. Pratt to draft a format of bylaws, a sample
resolution and cost estimates for the Council to review at their March 12 work session.
DISCUSSION OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR MAINTENANCE
SUPERINTENDENT
City Administrator Handt reported that Maintenance Superintendent Tim Kieffer had completed
his 6-month probationary period on November 14, 2012. His offer letter stated that the Council
may consider an increase to the starting salary, subject to a satisfactory performance review, in
addition to the cost-of-living adjustments that may be granted to city employees. Handt noted
that Kieffer was given a satisfactory performance review on December 20, 2012 and there were
no issues of concern. Handt recommended a 5% salary increase retroactive to his 6-month date,
with the 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees effective January 1, 2013. Handt
explained that 5%is a common parameter after six months of employment.
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Council members all agreed that Kieffer deserves an increase due to the exceptional work he has
done in the Public Works Department, but taking into account the two salary increases totaling
7% is too much.
Council members were in consensus to approve a 5% salary increase effective January l, 2013,
with no retroactive pay increase. Staff will prepare the approval for the Council's January 15
Consent Agenda.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION VACANCIES AND OTHER COUNCIL
APPOINTMENTS
The Council discussed appointments to various committees and commissions.
The Parks and Recreation Committee's bylaws state that it will consist of seven members. Two
vacancies were created due to Dan Lee's election to the City Council and the recent resignation
of Tom Vogen. Council discussed reducing the size of the Committee to five members. Council
member Swanson stated that the members play an active role in the events which are sponsored
by the PRC and the Committee needs at least seven members. Mayor Simonson suggested the
PRC recruit volunteers as needed. City Administrator Handt explained that the Committee is
there to recommend policies and not to be the "doers". Other local organizations are available for
the volunteer work.
Simonson, seconded by Lee, moved to amend the Council bylaws to reduce the number of
members from seven to five. Voting yes: Lee, Schneider, Simonson.Voting no: Ness,
Swanson. The motion carried 3-2.
Staff will prepare an amendment to the Council bylaws for the Council's January 15 Consent
Agenda. Mayor Simonson stated that this issue can be reviewed in one year to evaluate how a
five member Committee is working.
Planning Commissioner Tom Krinke's term expires on February 1, 2013. Krinke is not interested
in serving another term. Staff was directed to advertise the opening on the website and by a press
release. Council will conduct interviews with those who are interested in the position.
Jim (Moose) Malmquist has not attended the last few Wastewater Advisory Committee meetings
and has moved to Chisago City. Council member Ness offered to contact Mr. Malmquist. If he
no longer wishes to serve on the Committee as the representative of Gammelgarden Museum,
staff will ask Gammelgarden to appoint a replacement.
Council member Swanson has served as the liaison to the Park and Recreation Committee for
two years. Ness, seconded by Swanson, moved to appoint Council member Lee as the PRC
liaison for 2013. The motion carried 5-0.
Simonson, seconded by Lee, moved to appoint Council member Ness to continue to serve as
the liaison to the Planning Commission. The motion carried 5-0.
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Ness, seconded by Schneider, moved to appoint Mayor Simonson to continue to serve on
the Forest Lake Cable Commission. The motion carried 5-0.
Swanson suggested that the Community Market Committee, a subcommittee of the PRC,be
created as a new City committee,perhaps an arm of the proposed EDA. Swanson stated that she
would gauge the interest of local business owners and report back.
CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM
City Administrator Handt presented a proposed complaint form which residents would be asked
to submit in writing when contacting the City with code enforcement concerns. Handt asked for
direction on what other type of complaints the form should be required for. Handt noted that
there may be a downside to require that all complaints be in writing, as people may be upset with
this procedure.
Maintenance Superintendent Kieffer stated that any public works issues should be directed to the
department for action, and not require that the notice be in written form.
Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to adopt a procedure that all non-emergency
complaints are in writing using the form provided by staff. The motion carried 5-0.
Staff will place the adoption of a Citizen Complaint Form on the Council's January 15 Consent
Agenda.
CONTRACT WITH WASHINGTON CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Council reviewed a proposed renewal contract with the Washington Conservation District to
provide technical services related to the administration of the Wetland Conservation Act and
monitoring of the Zavoral Mine if a CUP is approved. City Attorney Stevens reviewed the
contract and raised no issues.
Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to make no changes to the contract with Washington
Conservation District and directed staff to place it in the Council's January 15 Consent
Agenda. The motion carried 5-0.
FUTURE WORK SESSION
Council member Ness suggested the February 12 Work Session be reserved for a possible
continued discussion of the Tiller Conditional Use Permit application.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk