01-12-2021 TC Minutes
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Scandia Tourism Committee
Minutes
January 12, 2021 - 9:00 am
Meeting Via Zoom and Boxcast.com
Members in Attendance: Sarah Porubcansky; Lynne Moratzka, Julie Gasek, and Lisa
Schlingerman.
Absent: Dana Khu and Kirsten Libby
Staff in attendance: Council Member Patti Ray, Administrator Ken Cammilleri and Office
Assistant Bee Stignani.
Call to Order – Committee Chair Porubcansky called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
Approval of the Agenda – Motion by Gasek, seconded by Moratzka, to approve the agenda
with flexibility. Motion carried upon unanimously.
EDA Potential Program – Wheels-to-Go or Borrow a Bike
Council Member Ray presented a program the EDA is considering adopting in Scandia. Potentially
there would be 10 bikes (some children’s) to be maintained by volunteers and partnering with a
Village Center business to assist in the process of lending equipment and collecting waivers from
participants. The EDA is presenting this concept groups and committees to ascertain if there is
enough interest to warrant attempting to start this program. Tourism Committee members
suggested contacting additionally local 4-H groups, Scouts, Forest Lake Honor Society, Scandia
Marine Lions and Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails in addition to Cycling Scandia. Schlingerman
will present this potential program at the next Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails meeting.
The Dala Horse Story Contest
Council Member Ray informed the committee of a contest in partnership with Gammelgården.
Scandia Elementary Students will be presented with a packet with information about the Dala Horse
history, some regions in Sweden and a place to create a story and picture of their own Dala Horse.
The top 8 stories will be awarded $50, plus $50 to the classroom of First Place story and all
displayed in the Lilleskogen Children’s Story Path and later this summer at Gammelgården.
Committee members suggested a second competition for Scandia residents who are not enrolled at
Scandia Elementary School to include home educated students and those who are in different school
districts for elementary school. Gammelgården would display all winning stories.
Mellerud, Sweden
Council Member Ray outlined the history leading up to this point in establishing a connection with
Mellerud, Sweden. Moratzka explained the past history of Scandia’s relationship with Lessebo
Kommun. Ray requested the committee to accept the responsibility to formally establish a
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relationship that is agreeable to both Scandia and Mellerud. Discussion included considering joining
sistercities.org, consulting with Chicago City, Lindstrom and Center City (maybe Shafer?) about their
Sister Cities and considering a sub-committee to keep the relationship developing over time.
Perubcansky will contact the Messenger requesting an article concerning Mellerud’s article on
Scandia and inviting residents to contact the city to volunteer in developing this relationship.
Motion by Moratzka, seconded by Schlingerman, to investigate a formal relationship,
through membership in an organization, or other avenue.
Wayfinding Signs
Gasek sent an email to be added to the meeting packed record, of an archway sign designating
Marine on the St Croix’ business district. Discussion included the purpose of Scandia’s wayfinding
signs, pros and cons of specific to general signs, potential locations and a mural. Cammilleri
encouraged the committee to identify at the next meeting the location (county roadway possibly
being easier to start than MnDOT roadway), how many things allowed on one sign (generic to
specific) and a starting place for a template or format. Members considered words like “Village
Center”, Historic, and Business District for longevity of signs.
Adjournment – Motion by Perubcansky, seconded by Schlingerman, to adjourn. Motion
carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
Brenda “Bee” Stignani, Office Assistant