01-17-2023 MeetingJanuary 17, 2023
A regular meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date in the Council
Chambers 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 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken. The
following were in attendance: Council members Heather Benson, Jerry Cusick, Steve
Kronmiller, Mike Lubke, and Mayor Christine Maefsky. Staff present: Interim City
Administrator Anne Hurlburt, City Attorney Kevin Sandstrom, City Planner TJ Hofer, City
Engineer Ryan Goodman (arrived 7:45p.m.), Deputy Zach Boesel, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, Public
Works Director Charles Fischer, and City Clerk Brenda Eklund.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried
5-0.
LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT
Deputy Boesel reported on police activity within the past month. A recent incident at the
Elementary School had a safe and quick resolution. The call volume to a for-profit group home
continues to increase, now with assaultive behavior by a client. Boesel said he is working with
city staff and the group home company manager to mitigate the number of calls that have been
taking considerable time and resources.
Deputy Boesel said his schedule has him on -duty for the City's Vinterfest event on February 4th,
and he recommended having an off-duty officer present as well during the evening, as last year's
hockey tournament had multiple fights occurring. Boesel said it's not uncommon to have
disturbances, but an extra police presence would be beneficial. Mayor Maefsky proposed that an
extra officer be present, and said she will talk to Scot Taylor who is operating Meister's beer tent
about hiring an off-duty officer.
PUBLIC FORUM
No public comments were made.
Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation — Darlene Holtgreve
Local resident Darlene Holtgreve was awarded a Scandia Good Neighbor Proclamation for her
generous contributions as a volunteer on the Scandia/Mellerud Sister City Committee.
CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes
1) December 20, 2022 Regular Meeting
2) January 4, 2023 Work Session
b) Treasurer's Report
c) Payment of Vouchers
d) Resolution No. 2023-02 Designating Depositories of City Funds for 2023
e) Resolution No. 2023-03 Ratifying Surety and Blanket Bonds
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f) Approve Temporary Off -Premise Sales Liquor License for Vinterfest (February 4, 2023),
Meister's Bar & Grill
g) Resolution No. 2023-04, Accepting Donation from Scandia Marine Lions Club for
Vinterfest Fireworks
h) Temporary On -Sale Liquor License, Scandia Fire & Rescue Relief Association (February
25, 2023)
i) Approve 2023 Fee Schedule for Planning Services, Bolton & Menk
j) Approve Termination of Seasonal Rink Maintenance Worker
k) Approve Request to waive fireworks permit application fee for Vinterfest
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion
carried 5-0.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
PRC Chair Terry Gorham reported on the Vinterfest activities planned for February 4th. A
treasure hunt, crafts, Kuub games, and a raptor demonstration are planned in cooperation with
the Gammelgarden Museum. Elim Church is holding a chili cook -off. A pancake breakfast, food
trucks, snow sculpting contest, beanbag games, the Minnesotan Cup hockey tournament all day
on the rink, and evening fireworks will be on the Community Center grounds. Gorham credited
PRC Co -Chair Greg Zauner for organizing the events.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Rezoning (OS -PUD) and Preliminary Plat Applications for Rolling Acres 61, an Open Space
Conservation /Planned Unit Development Subdivision of 61 Acres/ 7 Lots at Parcel ID
30.032.20.22.0004 (near Keystone Avenue and 199th Street). Grandemoore Homes, Applicant.
(Ordinance No. 2023-02, Resolution. No. 2023-05 and Resolution No. 2023-06)
Planner Hofer presented the request to rezone and develop 61 -acres of land into 7 single-family
lots with 2 outlots at PID 30.032.20.22.0004. The Rolling Acres 61 subdivision would be
developed as an open space conservation development permitted through the Open Space -
Planned Unit Development standards of the city's Unified Development Code. The existing Ag
Core zoning must be rezoned to OS -PUD, which allows flexibility from the base zoning
standards. Hofer explained that the developer proposes to preserve 40.74 acres as natural open
space and ag farmland, and requested a density bonus of 75%.
Planner Hofer evaluated the standards to consider in a rezoning, and explained that the request
meets the standards, with no plans for future development on the property. Hofer recommended
the city take ownership of Outlot B as the best option for long-term maintenance of the
stormwater pond.
The Preliminary Plat was described — Outlot A will remain undeveloped, with a recommendation
to widen the Outlot A access to 60 -feet for potential future ROW use. Outlot B would contain the
stormwater facilities for the site.
A new road will serve the subdivision shown as 198th Street on the plat. A condition of approval
stated that the application must comply with the comments provided by Washington County
where it intersects with Keystone Avenue.
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Planner Hofer stated that parkland dedication can be determined during the final plat phase.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the application at their meeting on December
6, 2022 and recommended approval. After further staff review, numerous issues were identified
that needed to be addressed. These issues were analyzed and Planner Hofer said staff is
recommending approval with conditions presented in a resolution and ordinance for the rezoning
and a resolution for approval of the preliminary plat.
Todd McLouth, Loucks Engineering, addressed the Council and said that he appreciated the
extra staff review, but needs to address the 60 -foot ROW condition. He said the property is being
zoned to preserve open space and existing ag land and will remain undeveloped, but this
condition seems a reversal from staff to preserve a corridor for future lots. Neither the owner nor
the developer wants a road easement for future development.
Administrator Hurlburt said this issue was raised with the Planning Commission. The plat shows
a 30 -foot strip for access to land being used for ag use on Outlot A. Sometime in the future
zoning may change, and then the only access to Outlot A is the narrow strip. If it becomes
necessary to extend access to Outlot A, a 60 -foot easement would make it possible to support a
road in the future. This would not be a dedicated ROW for setbacks, but for a future road.
Kimberly Reese, property owner, addressed the Council and explained that Outlot A will be a
conservation plot for open space with no plans for future development. Her family will be
owners of the 3 adjacent lots to the outlot and retain ownership of Outlot A; it will not be for
public use.
Planner Hofer said there is a proposed stormwater pond on Outlot A, which will need an
easement between two lots for access. The MN Land Trust does not accept land with utility
easements on it, a topic of discussion for the final plat development.
Doug Schultz, Grandemoore Homes developer, said the intent is not to develop this outlot. A 30 -
foot easement makes it hard to sell for future development anyway. The owner's intention is to
keep it in farmland to be accessed by a 30 -foot easement.
Council discussed the staff's recommendation for a 60 -foot easement. Council member Benson
noted that if the parcel is landlocked, it cannot be built on in the future and the owner can make
the choice to keep it landlocked and from being developed. Mayor Maefsky questioned why the
conservation easement is not considered permanent, saying if the Comp Plan changes in the
future, the city's decisions now can influence what the city can do in the future. Council member
Cusick said the developer is getting bonus lots for preserving land, so why is there a concern
about future development?
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-05, Approving
Preliminary Plat for a Major Subdivision for "Rolling Acres 61" located at Parcel ID
30.032.20.22.0004. Motion carried 5-0.
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-06, Approving Findings of
Fact for Rezoning Parcel ID 30.032.20.22.0004, with an amendment to remove the last
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sentence of Finding #3 that refers to widening the Outlot A access and keeping it at a 30 -
foot width. Motion carried 5-0.
Benson, second by Kronmiller, moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-02, Amending the
Official Zoning Map to Rezone PID 30.032.20.22.0004 from Agricultural Core to Open
Space Conservation Planned Unit Development. Motion carried 5-0.
SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION COMMITTEE
Council member Kronmiller reported on the December 15, 2022 meeting of the Internet Action
Committee. They discussed the Minnesota Long Driveway Grant, a funding opportunity by the
state for internet service extension on long driveways, with grant awards being announced in
May 2023. Kronmiller recommended this be publicized on city's website. The next meeting of
the IAC is scheduled for February 16, 2023.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
The Tourism Committee did not meet in December.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Council member Benson reported on the January 9, 2023 EDA meeting. At that meeting, Benson
announced her resignation from the EDA, but it came to staff attention that the EDA bylaws
require that two council members serve on the EDA Board. Benson will continue on the EDA
Board until changes to the bylaws are further researched. Administrator Hurlburt noted that she
will be meeting with EDA President Greg Amundson to go over the bylaws for any potential
updates.
WASTEWATER COMMITTEE
The Wastewater Committee did not meet in December.
SISTER CITY COMMITTEE
The Sister City Committee met on December 28, 2022. Co-chair Lynne Moratzka was present to
announce that the committee has created a Facebook page for the Sister Cities, where videos can
be posted to strengthen a long-distance relationship with Mellerud, Sweden. The Committee
collected $5,000 which was sent to Mellerud and used to purchase a generator for families living
in war-torn Ukraine. The first-year Sister City Anniversary Event will be held at the Scandia
Community Center on Thursday, April 20 and 11:00 am. The program will be similar to last
year's successful signing ceremony event.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The December building activity report was in the meeting packet. In December, 10 permits were
issued at a valuation of $1,005,309.50.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Hinz reported on the fire department's December activity. Last month the department
responded to 21 calls; 8 fire, and 13 medicals. Next month Hinz will provide an annual summary
of calls, including ambulance service. Hinz noted the year ended with an overall call volume
increase of 13% over 2021, a trend seen in fire and rescue departments across the metro area.
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Scandia City Council
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CITY ENGINEER
Engineering Updates
City Engineer Goodman provided a report on engineering activities. The bid opening for the
2023 Street Improvement Project is scheduled for January 25th. On behalf of Bolton &Meek,
Goodman will be awarding medals and cash prizes for the Vinterfest snow sculpture contest.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Director Charles Fischer reported on the department activities. They have been
busy with snow and ice control on the roads; rink maintenance has been a challenge with snow
and warming temperatures, with staff working to get the skating rink back in shape. The Council
Chambers redo has been completed. The streetlights on Oakhill Road will be repaired, once
snow removal assistance from Washington County occurs within the next 2-3 weeks.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Interim Administrator Hurlburt reported on general updates provided in a staff memo.
Washington County has scheduled the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization for Scandia to be
on April 17, 2023 from 5-6 pm.
Update, Trash and Recycling Services
At the January 4th Work Session, the Council gave staff direction to work on an organized
collection system for the city. Administrator Hurlburt reported that she talked with Washington
County staff and Foth Consulting, with plans to bring a proposal to the February 1St work session
and begin the process of the 60 -day negotiating period with the current hauler. A committee will
need to be created to research an ordinance. The County will provide assistance to develop an
ordinance, but not cover the costs for committee support. Hurlburt recommended an outside
contract with Foth Consulting to facilitate the committee throughout the process, and will bring
forward a quote at a future meeting.
City Administrator Search: Set Special Meetings for Selection of Finalists and Interviews
Advertising for the City Administrator position began at the end of December, with an
application deadline of January 31, 2023. The city's consultant (Charlene Stevens, GovHRusa)
will review and evaluate the applications and recommend possible finalists for Council selection
at a February 21St Special Meeting just prior to the regular meeting.
The Council agreed on the date of March 10th to interview the finalist candidates. Hurlburt will
check with Ms. Stevens to confirm the date.
INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR ADDITIONAL ANIMAL UNITS AT 16315 209TH
STREET NORTH. CORREY AND MICHELLE LORENZ, APPLICANTS. (TABLED
FROM DECEMBER 20, 2022 MEETING) (RESOLUTION NO. 2023-07)
At their meeting on December 20, 2022, the Council tabled a request from Coffey and Michelle
Lorenz for an Interim Use Permit for additional animal units on their property at 16315 2091h
Street, zoned Rural Residential - General. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on
December 6, 2022 and recommended approval for a 3 -year IUP for up to 20 cattle. Council
directed staff to work with the applicants on a revised request.
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Planner Hofer met with the applicants and discussed total animal units that could be allowed on
the 6.15 -acre property with an IUP. They currently have 2.1 animal units with calves and swine
on the site. The UDC permits up to 3 animal units for a property this size. Hofer explained that
the proposed use to raise beef cattle from calves to slaughter by a cyclical process could be
accomplished with an allowed animal unit maximum anywhere between 13 and 15 animal units
with conditions. A table was provided in the staff report with the proposed animal units.
Table 2: Proposed Conditions: Maximum Operational Animal Units
Hofer explained that a manure management plan was provided by the applicants. They are
proposing to have a 10' x 10' manure storage area on the site, with plans to sell or give away the
excess to be spread on a neighbor's farm fields as fertilizer. Features of the property would not
cause concern for groundwater contamination.
Hofer explained the UDC's criteria to evaluate an IUP. Certain aspects of the manure could
impact neighbors, but a plan was provided. Raising livestock is consistent with ag use zoning.
Hofer concluded that the use meets the general and specific performance standards of the UDC
and the goals of the comp plan. Hofer explained that the UDC does not establish a standard for a
maximum number of animal units, but does allow for an IUP for additional animal units.
Hofer reported that the Planning Commission recommended the IUP terminate at 3 years, at
which point the applicants would reapply and allow the city to evaluate how the use is
performing. With the cyclical nature of raising the cattle for slaughter, up to nine cattle could be
on the property at one time.
Planner Hofer explained that he prepared resolutions for two options; to either deny the request
with findings or to approve the IUP with conditions and allow up to maximum of 15 animal
units. Hofer said that up to 15 animal units will provide a buffer in the event short-term
conditions of the operation result in more than the planned 12.35 animal units.
Correy and Michelle Lorenz addressed the Council and said they appreciated the meeting with
staff, and that the Council chose not to deny their request last month but tabled it instead.
Kronmiller questioned Planner Hofer's guidance to not make a decision solely on animal units.
Hofer said that the UDC does not currently have a standard that would make a determination on
maximum units allowed on a site through an IUP. To deny, the Council would need to make
Number of
Animal Type
Animal
Animal Unit
Total Animal Unit
150/1000
Calves, 150 lbs or less
9
1.35
or 0.15
Slaughter Cattle
9
1
9
Swine, over 55 lbs
5
0.4
2
Total
12.35 animal units
Hofer explained that a manure management plan was provided by the applicants. They are
proposing to have a 10' x 10' manure storage area on the site, with plans to sell or give away the
excess to be spread on a neighbor's farm fields as fertilizer. Features of the property would not
cause concern for groundwater contamination.
Hofer explained the UDC's criteria to evaluate an IUP. Certain aspects of the manure could
impact neighbors, but a plan was provided. Raising livestock is consistent with ag use zoning.
Hofer concluded that the use meets the general and specific performance standards of the UDC
and the goals of the comp plan. Hofer explained that the UDC does not establish a standard for a
maximum number of animal units, but does allow for an IUP for additional animal units.
Hofer reported that the Planning Commission recommended the IUP terminate at 3 years, at
which point the applicants would reapply and allow the city to evaluate how the use is
performing. With the cyclical nature of raising the cattle for slaughter, up to nine cattle could be
on the property at one time.
Planner Hofer explained that he prepared resolutions for two options; to either deny the request
with findings or to approve the IUP with conditions and allow up to maximum of 15 animal
units. Hofer said that up to 15 animal units will provide a buffer in the event short-term
conditions of the operation result in more than the planned 12.35 animal units.
Correy and Michelle Lorenz addressed the Council and said they appreciated the meeting with
staff, and that the Council chose not to deny their request last month but tabled it instead.
Kronmiller questioned Planner Hofer's guidance to not make a decision solely on animal units.
Hofer said that the UDC does not currently have a standard that would make a determination on
maximum units allowed on a site through an IUP. To deny, the Council would need to make
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findings that the use does not meet a standard in the ordinance. A denial should rather be based
on circumstances of the property instead in order to make a reasonable conclusion.
The Council discussed their concerns with the manure volume and requested a more formal
manure management plan. Mayor Maefsky said she has concerns that if approved to go over the
allowed number of animals, this could open up requests for additional properties to exceed
animal units.
Staff proposed setting conditions on manure management and establish a way to deal with
accumulation. If the accumulation exceeds an allowed amount of what is contained in a 10' by
10' area and not removed, the City can use the process to enforce the conditions or revoke the
IUP.
Council member Benson stated that the IUP analyzes what can be allowed by meeting criteria.
Administrator Hurlburt noted that everyone's land is different and a request such as this would
be analyzed differently based on the circumstances. This IUP process allows discretion and
flexibility in the analysis; this is a feature of the code in that the property owners are applying for
an IUP and have a right to ask for flexibility if the standards are met.
Mayor Maefsky said she needs to see a more detailed manure management plan including over
the winter months, a guaranteed commitment to removing it, and to look at lowering the number
of animal units to 11. Maefsky said there should be a clear plan for who will remove manure
from the site, what happens in wintertime, and an analysis of the volume generated in how much
time.
Administrator Hurlburt recommended bringing a final resolution of approval to the February Pt
Work Session for approval with these changes.
Council member Cusick said he has other concerns that could generate complaints, such as noise,
and truck traffic. Administrator Hurlburt said that odors was a concern from neighbors as related
to accumulated manure. The property is along State Highway 95 which generates far more traffic
noise than the operation would.
Maefsky, second by Kronmiller, moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution to approve an
IUP with conditions addressing a manure management plan for review at a future meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH CARNELIAN MARINE ST.
CROIX WATERSHED DISTRICT FOR BLISS ADDITION STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT RETROFIT PROJECT
Carnelian -Marine -St. Croix Watershed Administrator Mike Isensee joined the meeting on Zoom
to report that the Bliss Addition Stormwater Management Project is close to having final plans
for the engineering review. The Watershed has approved putting the project out for bids on
January 25th. This is the culmination of a study completed in 2019 for water quality
improvements to Big Marine Lake, which was awarded a Clean Water Grant in 2022 to treat
stormwater flowing into the lake to reduce phosphorus loading. Water quality treatment practices
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will include enhanced ditches to infiltrate stormwater over 48 hours, and culvert replacement
along Layton Avenue and 190th Street.
Isensee explained the Memo of Understanding describing the grant and the costs to be split
between the Watershed and the City, lays out maintenance of the basins, installation of
vegetation and repair to areas of erosion where needed. Isensee stated that the Watershed is
taking responsibility for establishment and maintenance the first 2 years, then passing it to the
city to maintain.
Public Works Director Fischer recommended contracting with the Washington Conservation
District for the maintenance work, at roughly $1700/year, saying the WCD has the staffing and
equipment for maintaining filtration basins.
Staff recommend approval of MOU, with the City Engineer reviewing the final plans.
Maefsky, second by Kronmiller, moved to approve the Memo of Understanding with the
Carnelian -Marine -St. Croix Watershed District for the Bliss Addition Stormwater
Management Retrofit Project. Motion carried 5-0.
APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS
(RECOMMENDATIONS FROM JANUARY 17, 2023 SPECIAL MEETING)
At their special meeting conducted at 6:30 p.m., the Council interviewed one applicant to fill a
vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Benson, second by Lubke, moved to appoint Travis Loeffler to the Scandia Planning
Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Loeffler's 5 -year term will begin on February 1, 2023 to February 1, 2028.
DESIGNATE THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2023
By state statute, municipalities must designate an official newspaper each year for the
publication of legal notices. Clerk Eklund reported that bids were received from the Country
Messenger and the Forest Lake Times, as presented in a staff report.
Council member Kronmiller stated that the Country Messenger provided a lower cost and has
higher circulation in Scandia.
Kronmiller, second by Cusick, moved to designate the Country Messenger as the official
newspaper for 2023. Motion carried 5-0.
APPOINT ACTING MAYOR FOR 2023
Benson, second by Maefsky, nominated Council member Steve Kronmiller as Acting
Mayor for 2023. Motion carried 5-0.
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CONSIDER ADJOURNING ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS BY 10:00 P.M.
Following Council member Cusick's suggestion at the last meeting to follow the City of Hugo's
ordinance to adjourn council meetings by 10:00 p.m., Administrator Hurlburt recommended a
policy direction instead of an ordinance. This would be less costly and allow for flexibility.
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to set a policy for City Council meetings to not go past
10:00 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Benson, second by Cusick, moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City Clerk