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2022 April - Spring Newsletter CITY OF SCANDIA Dedicated to Rural Community Values Household Scandia, MN 55073 City of Scandia Scandia Community/ Senior Center 14727 209th Street North Scandia, MN 55073 Phone: 651.433.2274 Fax: 651.433.5112 E-mail: mail@ci.scandia.mn.us Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. City Council: Christine Maefsky, Mayor 651.433.2684 Patti Ray 612.812.5590 Jerry Cusick 651.433.5865 Heather Benson 651.433.0168 Steve Kronmiller 651.538.0094 Regular Council Meeting: Third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Council Work Session: First Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission: First Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. City Staff: Ken Cammilleri, Administrator Brenda Eklund, City Clerk Colleen Firkus, Treasurer Bee Stignani, Office Assistant Charles Fischer, Director of Public Works Mike Hinz, Fire Chief Chris Nelson, Attorney Eckberg Lammers Ryan Goodman, Engineer Bolton & Menk Evan Monson, Planner, TKDA Like us on Facebook for the most Up-to-Date Information Community Calendar, April 2022 - September, 2022 April • April 2, 10 a.m.—1 p.m., Service Project Sampler Day, Scandia Marine Lions • April 9, 8-11:30 a.m., Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Scandia Marine Lions • April 18, 5 p.m., Board of Appeal and Equalization, Community Center • April 30-May 7,Spring Clean-up Collection Week, SRC, Wyoming May • May 1, Butik Opening - Gammelgården • May 1, 9 a.m., Earth Day shrub give-a-way and info @ Lions Pavilion in Hay Lake Park, Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails • May 30, Memorial Day, Office Closed June • June 6, 12-6 p.m. Blood Drive, Scandia Marine Lions • June 8, Farmers Market - Open- ing Day, Community Center July • July 4, Office closed, Independence Day August • August 2, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., National Night Out, Community Center • August 9, 7 a.m.—8 p.m., Primary Election • August 15, Spelmanstamma, Gammelgården September • September 5, Labor Day, Office Closed • September 10, Taco Daze Festival For more information and a City meeting calendar, see the website www.cityofscandia.com For Gammelgården events, see: www.gammelgardenmuseum.org For Scandia Marine Lions events, see: www.scandiamarinelions.org PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Scandia, MN 55073 EDDM Message from the Mayor APRIL 2022 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 CITY OF SCANDIA Inside this issue: A twice-yearly publication for residents of the City of Scandia, Minnesota With this letter I am welcoming you to revisit the City’s current Compre- hensive Plan which guides the development of Scandia going into the future and reminds us of what we as a City are committed to preserving even as we grow. Know that your City listened to its citizens’ input as this plan was developed and that it reflects what citizens said they wanted. The Comp Plan’s vision statement commits to maintaining Scandia’s rural character, growing a vibrant Village Center, maintaining its mix of natural resources and agricultural areas intermixed with rural residential and lakeshore neighborhoods. The Plan has four overarching goals: 1. Maintain and promote the City’s cultural character and history. A number of current projects are support- ing this goal. The non-profit Scandia Heritage Alliance has received two federal grants to identify historic sites within Scandia and develop a historic sites trail map. There will be 15 sites on the map. The Alliance has also furthered the development of the Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center by procuring at present over $600,000 in grants, donations, and in -kind work and earning its way onto the Governor’s list of supported bonding projects for 2022. 2. Maintain and promote a variety of land uses and residential densities while maintaining Scandia’s existing agricultural and rural character. The new Unified Development Code is focused on this goal. Join the Council and Planning Commission on April 11th to learn of the update and prepare yourself to give input at a Public Hearing later this spring. 3. Preserve and protect the City’s natural resources. This goal includes preserving and protecting the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater as well as preserving high quality natural areas with efforts such as embracing the Scientific and Natural Areas within the City. 4. Provide economic opportunities for residents and businesses. Scandia’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) is focusing its efforts on this goal. In the last year the City has welcomed a new bar and grill, a new Village Center café, and a new auto repair business in the Industrial Park. I encourage you to read the Introduction to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to see that Scandia’s future goals do reflect the wide- spread input from our citizens. I welcome your feedback. Please keep in touch - c.maefksy@ci.scandia.mn.us. Christine Maefsky, Mayor Electronics/Hazardous Waste Event 2 CLFLWD Project Updates in Scandia 2 Burning Permits 2 Internet Action Committee Report 2 Scandia Fire & Rescue 2 Election Judges Needed 3 Filings for City offices Open 3 2022 Assessments 3 Recycling & Energy Center Tour 3 Legislative Agenda 3 Community Calendar 4 Historic Signing Ceremony with Swedish City! Scandia has a historic signing ceremony with Mellerud, Sweden making them official Sister Cities on Wednesday, April 20th at noon at the Scandia Community Center. This will be Scandia’s first official Sister City in its history! Mellerud’s officials will be signing with their 30- member council at 6 P.M. Swedish time and Scandia’s City Council will simultane- ously sign at 12 P.M. (noon) due to the 6-hour time differ- ence. It will be broadcast simultaneously in each re- spective location. Please come and show your support for this important event. Following the ceremony, a Fika will be held, which is a wonderful Swedish tradition during which people drink coffee or tea, eat Swedish cakes, cookies or other light snacks. All are welcome to attend. Local artist, Joanna Welsch will gift Mellerud with custom -designed Sister Tomtes to be exhibited in the Mellerud Tomte Museum called the Nordiska Tomtemuseet. Scandia chose Mellerud because many of Scandia’s founding families came from the Mellerud area with names such as Abrahamson, Dahlin, Edstrom, Kuno, and Anderson. Listed are connections between our cities set up by the Scandia’s Sister City Committee: connecting the Lions Clubs, our elementary schools, our chorale groups, a farm exchange program, tourism exchange, museum and ancestry information, commercial trade between our two communities, arts and crafts idea exchange, antique classic cars clubs, and a quilting club idea exchange. The Scandia’s Sister City Committee members are Julie Morse, Dave Bakke, Sue Rodsjo, Paul Rodsjo, Cindy Higgins, Sue Dickens, D a rlene Holt g rev e, Christine Maefsky, Lynne Moratzka, Lynnette Welsch, and Patti Ray. We thank them for all their hard work and creativity! • Please meet our crews at the door and wear a mask if at all possible for 911 emergency calls; we are still being cau- tious about the COVID-19 virus • Mark your driveway or mailbox with at least 2” reflective numbers (visible from either direction) for fire, police, ambu- lance & other public safety members to quickly find your home in the event of an emergency. Additional markings are needed for shared driveways and mail- box clusters. See City Ordinance 152.20 on the city’s website for specifications of identification (www.cityofscandia.com/FireAddress) Excess nutrients, like phosphorus, are a major factor in water quality degra- dation as excess phosphorus from all sources – including fertilizers, soil erosion, leaves, grass clippings, etc. - promotes algae growth. The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) is currently working on two projects in the Scandia area that will reduce phosphorus inputs to Bone Lake and Moody Lake to further improve local water quality. Northeast Bone Lake Wetland Enhancement Project (completed): This project, completed in February, is located at the NE corner of Bone Lake near the junction of 238th St N and Melanie Trail N. During the 1950- 1970‘s, a dairy farm operated adjacent to this wetland. Soil core samples taken from the wetland indicate the presence of decomposing manure in these soils that are slowly releasing nutrients and impacting the water quality of both the wetland and Bone Lake. The CLFLWD received a $171,200 Clean Water Fund (CWF) grant to remove these manure laden sediments and restore the wetland. Once removed, the manure laden sediment was transported to a nearby agricultural field to improve its soil health. The project is estimated to reduce the phosphorus load to Bone Lake by 15-25 pounds per year. Moody Lake Capstone Projects (ongoing): The District performed diagnostic monitoring and site-specific wetland coring to locate remaining phosphorus loading hotspots in the Moody Lake drainage area. These capstone projects aim to address the remaining phosphorus loading hotspots around Moody Lake for an estimated 45 lb/yr phosphorus reduc- tion (final 5% of total reduction goal), ensuring Moody Lake meets long-term water quality goals and maintains its clear water state. Potential projects include: wetland phosphorus-laden sediment excavation, raingarden and/ or shoreline restoration, implementa- tion of wetland treatment cells, and agricultural best management practices. The CLFLWD has received a $239,500 CWF grant for the implemen- tation of these projects. These projects are just some activities undertaken by the CLFLWD in the greater Bone Lake drainage area such as the Moody (250th St) Wetland Enhancement Project, the Moody Lake Alum Treatment (Moody Lakes contributes flow to Bone Lake), the Meadowbrook Wetland Enhancement, and several agricultural conservation and field stability projects. When combined, the projects eliminate a significant amount of nutrients from entering into Bone Lake and help to ensure that the lake’s water quality meets state water quality standards. Learn more about these projects and o t h e r s on l i ne a t h t t p s : / / www.clflwd.org/projects.php Washington County sponsors one- day household hazardous waste collections during the summer and fall throughout the county. Paper shredding is offered at these events. No more than 4 boxes per customer will be accepted for shredding. Shredding capacity is limited by the size of the truck and may be reached before the end of the event. Hugo Public Works Garage Saturday, April 16 | 8 a.m. – Noon Forest Lake Transit Center Saturday, June 4 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 10 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 17 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Electronics/ Hazardous Waste Page 2 CITY OF SCANDIA Burning Permits A burning permit is required for open burning small amounts of dry leaves, plant clippings, brush, and clean untreated lumber as long as weather conditions do not pose a fire hazard. Please notify the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (651.439.9381) one hour before you burn to inform them that you have a burning permit at your address. There may be restrictions depending on weather or air-quality issues. A 3’x3’ recreational campfire is allowed without a burning permit. See the City office for permits. For further information visit the DNR web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/ firerating_restrictions.html CLFLWD Project Update for the Scandia / Bone Lake Area Muck and peat were removed to reveal underlying sands in some areas. Scandia Fire & Rescue During the 2021 construction season we added a total of 170 more homes to high- speed broadband throughout Scandia. 78 homes were in an area covered by MidCo, city and state funding. Another 64 homes were added with MidCo and city funds. An additional 16 homes were covered by MidCo with federal funds and another 12 homes were added by MidCo as part of their own expansion project. This was all Fiber to the Home and capable of Gig download speeds. The total cost to the city was $245,000. For 2022 we’re working with MidCo on another expansion project and expect to continue the build-out on pace. We plan to tap into funding from Washington County to assist in our efforts. During the last two years high speed broad- band had been made available to 426 additional homes throughout the city. Our goal is to add 200 homes per year so we’re doing well. We expect to complete the project in 2024. Internet Action Committee Report Page 3 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 Washington County has released the 2022 assessment information for the City of Scandia. In total, the value of all taxable properties in Scandia increased by 24.9% over 2021. Of the 1716 taxable parcels assessed, there was a 0 to 19% increase for 14 parcels, 20% to 24% for 620 parcels, 25 to 30% for 1000 parcels and 31% and up 82 parcels. If you have questions, you are encouraged to contact Patrick Poshek, the City’s Assessor, at 651.430.0360 or attend Local Board of Review & Equalization meeting Monday April 18th 2022 5:00 to 6:00 pm Scandia Community Center 14727 209th St N (listed on your valuation notice) Information on the appeals process and calendar are available by selecting the Board of Appeals meeting on the website City Event Calendar. 2022 Election Judges Needed Scandia will need election judges to staff the local polling place on Primary Election Day, August 9 and General Election Day, November 8. Serving as an election judge provides an opportunity to learn more about the election process and serve the community. With advance notice, employers must allow workers time off to serve as election judges. Qualifications for serving include being eligible to vote in Minnesota, being fluent in English, and completing a two-hour training session, either on-line or by attending an in-person training. Election judges need to be able to communicate clearly with voters, pay attention to detail, and enjoy helping others. Election judges are paid an hourly wage of $11.00. Would you like to serve? Call the City office at 651 433-2274 no later than Friday, July 1. Scandia will elect a Mayor and two City Council Members at the November 8 general election. The Mayor serves a two-year term, and Council Members serve four-year terms. The terms of Mayor Maefsky and Council Members Cusick and Ray end in 2022. Filing opens Tuesday, August 2, 2022 and ends on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Office hours for filing at City Hall are 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday, and will be open until 5:00pm on the last day of the filing period. Candidates must file an affidavit of candidacy with the City Clerk, signed in the presence of a notary, and pay a $2.00 filing fee. Candidates may withdraw from the election by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the City Clerk not later than 5:00pm on Thursday, August 18, 2022. Filing fees are not refundable. Qualifications for candidates are: • Eligible voter • At least 21 years of age when assuming office • Resident of the city for thirty days preceding the General Election (November 8, 2022) • Has not filed for another office in the same election Filings Open for City Offices on August 2, 2022 Assessments The City of Scandia is seeking three state bonding grant requests for the 2022 Legislative Session. The following is a summary of these requests. If you wish to learn more about these projects, visit the City’s website, www.cityofscandia.com. Scandia Water Tower Arts and Heritage Center Barn - Led by the Scandia Heritage Alliance (SHA), this effort seeks to restore Scandia’s historic Water Tower Barn to serve as a regional Arts & Heritage Center through a state bonding request for $1.6 million in public funds. The City’s contribution of the land and sidewalk improvements cost is included in the 50% match required for this state bonding request. SHA is fundraising for the balance of the required matching funds; the overall project is $3.2 million. The facility will include Scandia history displays, demonstration of a functioning tank house and windmill, an indoor stage, an outdoor amphitheater, a water play area, wetland overlook and trails, and a summer café featuring traditional Swedish fare. This beautiful gathering space will celebrate the history, arts, and cultural heritage of Scandia through museum exhibits, art shows, music concerts, theater produc- tions, arts and environmental classes, and cultural events. Scandia Gateway Trail - This $2.96 million project is intended to be completely funded by the State to construct a segment of the Gateway State Trail between the Scandia Village Center (next to Meister’s) to William O’Brian State Park. The hope is that the project will enhance Scandia’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, advance the goal of connecting the City to the State’s most used trail system, and help create a connection for state park visitors to Scandia businesses. Bliss Waste Water Treatment Plant and Primary Lift Station Upgrade Project – the City is requesting critical state bonding assistance to help fund a shovel-ready project on Big Marine Lake for expansion of an existing wastewater treatment facility and replacement of its primary lift station at the total project cost $1.43 million. This capital improvement is being driven by an unfunded mandate issued by MPCA to satisfy new national environmental regulations regarding nitrogen and phosphate wastewater effluent standards. The City is seeking only $713,000 in capital appropriations as part of a 1:1 project match. The matching component could potentially be covered by other state granting sources, so the City has retained lobbying assistance to attempt to improve the odds of obtaining project funding. Virtual Tour of the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center All trash from residents and businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the Ramsey/ Washington Recycling & Energy Center in Newport, where it is processed to recover value. Interested in taking a peek inside the Recycling & Energy Center? Go to https://www.co.washington.mn.us/631/Education - Resources and click Tours. It’s fascinating! Scandia’s Legislative Agenda