2. 8-10-15 EDA MinutesThe Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, August 10, 2015 beginning at 6:30pm. Commissioners Present:
Sally Swanson, Greg Isaacson, Dan Lee, Bruce Swenson and Bob Hegland. Staff Present:
Kristina Handt. Others: Christine Maefsky, Planning Commission Chair.
Swenson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Hegland to approve the July 13, 2015 minutes. Motion carried.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Hegland to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
No one was present for the public forum.
Election of Officers: Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to keep the officers the same for the
next year with the exception of Swanson temporarily filling the secretary duties and leaving the
assistant treasurer position vacant until a new Executive Director is on board. Motion carried.
2015-2016 Officers are:
President: Sally Swanson
Vice President: Bruce Swenson
Treasurer: Dan Lee
Sign Ordinance Updates: The Planning Commission sent the sign ordinance revisions back to the
EDA for specific recommendations regarding banners and the architectural guidelines.
Commissioners discussed the draft language and are recommending the following:
Backlit signs be allowed on properties in the VMUA and VMUB districts that abut Hwy
97 and the Rural Commercial District but not the St Croix Overlay District
Delete the last sentences in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Temporary Signs section of the
architectural guidelines. “Temporary signs should generally conform to these Design
Guidelines.” and “The signs should us background and text colors and font types…”
Strike the newly proposed color language in page 46 of the Design Guidelines
Delete Portable signs bullet point from list of Inappropriate Signs (page 56).
Add language to (M) of the ordinance to allow temporary signs and banners for
businesses.
Change (6)(B)4. To allow temporary signs or banners to be either pole or building
mounted. (similar to language in temporary signs section of Design Guidelines).
Guidelines and ordinance should be reviewed for simplicity
Commissioner Reports: Swanson mentioned an article in the Star Tribune about communities
along the St Croix using the river as a way draw people to their community. Swenson asked
about a speed study for TH97 through town to get traffic to slow down. Handt recommended
looking at why MNDOT didn’t do it when last requested before going through the process again.
Executive Director Report: Handt reported on meeting with Wyldewood Acres HOA and
Midcontinent about expansion of services. Grant due Sept 15th. If not funded look at contract
options in the spring to stay on schedule for 2016 construction season. Planning Commission
made a few minor changes to recommended updates to Industrial Park zoning and public hearing
will be Sept. 1. EDA members encouraged to attend. City recently contacted by Minnesota
Energy about natural gas expansion and wondering if City is still interested. EDA members
noted there hasn’t been the request for it recently due to lower pricing and other changes.
The next meeting will be Monday, December 14, 2015 at 6:30pm unless Swanson calls one
earlier.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Hegland to adjourn at 8:23pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt, Secretary