2022 October - Fall NewsletterDedicated to Rural Community Values
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.scandi&mn.us
Hours: Mondaythru Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Most UInfossnation
October
PRSRT STD
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Scandia, MN
55073
PERMIT #6
December
• December 10, Lions Breakfast with
Santa, 8-11:30 a.m.
• December 11, Lucia Dagen,
Gammelgarden
• December 15, Scandia Evening
Adventures, 5-8 p.m.
• December 24 and 26, Christmas
Third Tuesday. 7:00 P.m. • October 31, Safe Halloween at the Fire Holiday —Office Closed
Council Work Session: Hall, 5-7 p.m. January
First Wednesday. 6:30 P.m. November
Planning Commission: January 2, New Year's Day Observed --
First Tuesday. 7:00 P.m. • November 2, Butik at Gammelgarden Office Closed
WS 10 4 S 14
CCty Council:
Christine Mae sf yk . Maw
651.433.5684
Patti Rav
612.812.5591,
lent' Cusick
651.433.5865
Heather Benson
651.433.0168
Steve Kronmiller
651.53&0094
October 4, Cinnamon Bun Day, 6-8 a.m. • December 7, Public Hearing, 2023 City
October 10, Columbus Day Observed— Budget and Tax Levy, 6:30 p.m.
Office Closed • December 5, Lions Blood Drive,
October 11, Fir- n-^=-11 Community Center, 12-6 p.m.
House, 5-7 p.m
October 15, Lions Pancake Breakfast, 8-
11:00 a.m.
October 20, Scandia Evening
Adventures, 5-8 p.m.
October 20-23, 2nd Annual Second
Regular Council Meeting Hand Swedish Sale hammelaarden
ci Sta .
Ken Cammilled. Administrator
Brenda Eklund. City Clerk
,. Colleen Firkus. Treasurer
Brenda "Bed' Stignani.
Office Assist. Parks & Res, Coord
Charles Fischer.
Director of Public Works ss
Mike Hinz Fire Chief
Chris Nelson, Attorney
Eckberg Lammers
Ryan Goodman, Engineer
Bolton & Menk
Evan Monson. Planner. TKDA
opens, - at— a.m.— p.m., un - . January 16, Martin Luther King Day —
p.m. until December 23rd Office Closed
November 8, Election Day, 7am-8pm
November 11, Veterans Day
Observed —Office Closed
November 17, Scandia Evening
Adventures, 5-8 p.m.
November 18, Turkey Bingo, 7p.m.
November 24 and 25, Thanksgiving
Holiday —Office Closed
November 27, Vinterlights!
November 27 Scandia Holiday
Shopping Extravaganza, 12-5 p.m.,
Community Center
February
• February 4, Vinterfest
• February 4, Lions Pancake Breakfast, 8-
11:30 a.m.
• February 20, Presidents' Day —Office
Closed
March
• March 12, Daylight Savings Time
Begins
Formore information and a Citymeeting /
calendar, see: w .cityofscandia.com
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2022
Atwice-yearlypublicationforresidentsoftheCityofScandia,Minnesota
Message From the Mayor
Volunteers are the heart of our Scandia community. From the Scandia- L1 ("1 A �TiIT A
Marine Lions Club comprised of members who support families, individuals, 171�1�-1� DI A
and community organizations in the Scandia/Marine/May Township area
including giving scholarships to our graduating high school students and
dictionaries each year to Scandia Elementary 3`d Grade students, providing emergency assistance and
performing hands-on community work and service projects to our Scandia Fire and Rescue Squad - men and
women volunteer firefighters who make innumerable sacrifices in order to serve our community, to committee
volunteers such as those of the Park and Recreation Committee, Economic Development Authority, Tourism
Committee, Internet Action Committee, Sister City Committee, and many other individual groups. The Scandia
Heritage Alliance which has successfully been moving forward with projects to preserve and celebrate Scandia's rich history,
culture, arts and rural character. The Gateway Trail into Scandia initiative which was, in August, successful in being recommended
by the state LCCMR committee which makes funding recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural
resource projects to receive $2,689,000 for a trail from the Scandia Village Center to William O'Brien State Park. Then there are local
neighborhood volunteer groups such as the Big Marine Lake Association and the Bone Lake Association, elementary school
volunteers, church volunteers and Gammelgarden volunteers.
I encourage you to look for ways to volunteer in Scandia. Volunteering is good for mind and body. It strengthens your ties to the
community and broadens your support network, it exposes you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun,
fulfilling activities.
Call the Scandia city office, 651-433-2274, or reach out to me at 651-433-2684 to inquire about available volunteer opportunities.
Wishing you a wonderful fall and winter.
Christine Maefsky
Mayor Exciting Sister City News � s, L, �
Scandia's Sister City Committee is learning this program will facilitate more tourism in
how to form a robust and lasting relationship both towns and a fun learning experience
with thed 1 f Sister Cit about twoult Ifinterested
goo peop e o our Is er I y In a ou our c ores. you are In
Mellerud, Sweden. The two international hosting, in touch with Patti Ray at
•
please get
committees meet together every two months p.ray@ci.scandia.mn.us.
s
in an online meeting. Lucky for Scandia that
Both committees have also agreed to host a
Sweden teaches English from an early age!
joint anniversary celebration of signing the
Vinterfest: February 4, 2023.
The two committees are working on setting up Sister City Charter, complete with a much-
Family friendly events all day.
a visitor exchange program where people loved FIKA with lots of sweet pastries, on April
Check the City's website and the
sign up to host a couple or family from 20, 2023.
Country Messenger for event
Mellerud Sweden, in Scandia. Mellerud
updates in early January.
residents would host a Scandia couple or Look for the new Sister City highway signs
family. We hope coming soon to Scandia highways!
Internet Expansion Update s
Gateway Trail Update
Electien New.
The City of Scandia was tentatively planned improvements to enhance
Planning Commission News
awarded a $2.7 million grant for the state park accessibility. In the long-
Kid. winter skating Cl.....
engineering and construction of a term, this trail segment will be part of
segment of the Gateway State Trail from the connection between the Capital and
New Development Code
the Environment and Natural Resources Duluth. This phase of the project will
Parks Open House
Trust Fund (ENRTF) as recommended include a pedestrian tunnel under
Inside
Fire & Rescue News
by the Legislative -Citizen Commission Oakhill Road N (CR-52) and 2,000 feet
on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) this of recreational trail. The project will
This
Best of Scandia Extrava an s.
year. The project will connect the ultimately connect to trails within the
Issue:
Public Works News
Scandia Village Center (behind state park. The City is providing staff
Scandia Evening Adventures
Meister's Bar and Grill) to William support and land for a trailhead
O'Brien State Park within the next 3-5 parking lot.
Pla du date
ygronn p
years. This project coincides with
Memorial Park Bench Program
Page z_ _____Jiigh Speed Internet Expansion Progress Report - Fall 2022
Scandia's efforts to with completion by late fall. Check at this Additionally, Scandia has sent a letter
expand high speed website to determine if you are within the supporting Frontier Communications'
broadband service expansion areas: www.midco.com/ grant application to the State of Minnesota
continues in 2022 about/service-areas/scandia/ to upgrade Frontier's service in Scandia
and 2023. For 2023 Scandia has allocated $432,000 to fiber from the older DSL lines.
T h i s y e a r ' s in local funding for another expansion Scandia's Internet Action Committee has
construction will and requested MidCo provide a plan for been working since 2020 with the goal of
reach approximately the city's approval, including additional bringing high speed broadband to all of
160 households and be provided by outside grant moneywhere possible. Scandia within 5 years. The work
MidCo. The project is underway now continues and is on pace.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 8th Planning Cormnission News:
All Scandia residents vote at the County Elections at 651-430-6190 to A recent Solar Survey, asking residents to
Community Center, 14727 209th Street have the application mailed to your express their views of solar farms in Scandia,
North. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close residence. Voters are encouraged to garnered 207 responses. Ten nonresidents
at 8:00 p.m. For voters unable to enter submit absentee ballot applications answered also. Questions were asked
the Community Center, curbside voting early. Absentee ballots cannot be regarding the number of projects allowed,
is offered. In this case, the voter can dropped off at Scandia City Hall. screening and permitting requirements, and
request that a ballot is brought out to the effects of solar on the environment.
their vehicle. This service is also For city offices, Scandia will elect a
offered at all early voting sites. Mayor and two City Council members. Responses were split between those
Candidates for city offices in the approving the projects and those opposed,
Early Voting Now Underway— In- with a small percentage reporting neutral
person absentee and ballot drop off order they appear on the ballot are— views. A deeper evaluation of the results and
runs through Nov. 7 at five Vote Center Mayor: Christine Maefsky suggestions for consideration by the Planning
locations across Washington County Commission and Council is in process.
during regular business hours Monday Council member: Christopher
through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Massicotte Johnson, Jerry Cusick, Lori Earlier this year, Council issued a moratorium
on Saturday, November 5" from 8 a.m. Lavin, Michael Lubke, Donald Baber on new solar farm development and tasked
to 3 p.m. The nearest locations are the For more election information including the Planning Commission with reviewing the
Headwaters Service Center in Forest sample ballots, along with links to ordinance for possible changes. Results of the
Lake and the Government Center in downloadable registration and public survey will help guide that report.
Stillwater. Absentee ballots are not absentee ballot application forms,
available at the Scandia city office. please see the City website at Kids Winter Programming
Residents may also request that a ballot www.cityofscandia.com/Elections
be mailed to them. Voters may apply Scandia Parks & Recreation will offer ice skating
for an absentee ballot online at classes in January for elementary school students.
MNVotes.org or call Washington ki 1. Learn to Skate —Beginner /Advanced
� New Development Code 2. Pleasure Skate
%�"� 3. Hockey Skills
Remodeling? Adding a storage shed? Any new
project —check out the NEW DEVELOPMENT CODE - Watch for registration to open in December!
information that will go in effect October 12, 2022— Scandia Fire & Rescue
www. cityofscandia. com/CodeUp date
PARKS, RECREATION &
OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
OPEN HOUSE
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NEW —apply online—www.cityofscandia.com/BurnPermit
• Fire Prevention Open House at the Scandia Fire station October I Ith
5-7 pm with demonstrations throughout the evening & Scandia
Marines Lions providing food.
• Mark your driveway or mailbox with at least 2" reflective numbers
(visible from either direction) for fire, police, ambulance & other
public safety members to quickly find your home in the event of an
emergency. Additional markings are needed for shared driveways
and mailbox clusters. See City Ordinance 152.20 on the city's
website for specifications of identification (www.cityofscandia.com)
• Driveways must be accessible to fire engines. These trucks must
have a clear path that is 12' wide by 14' tall. Tree branches damage
our vehicles resoondina to vour home in times of crisis. i
October 31 * 5-7 pm, Best of Scandia Holiday I Page 3 I
w Safe Halloween Shopping Extravaganza!
Event at the Scandia
Fire Station The Best of Scandia Holiday Shopping Extravaganza is Sunday, November 27'
from noon-5 p.m. as part of Scandia's Vinterlights. Mark your calendars as this
Scandia-Marine Lions providing event is not to be missed! In addition to the fabulous local artisans, this year's
food, and candywill be handed out
. event will have free gift wrapping available and a free Tomte tree ornament given
to the first 300 shoppers.
Scandia Public Works
begin to melt and spring
It is that time of year to think about rains start. Please help clear culvert
fall preparations for winter. Many of openings on either side of your
us are busy splitting wood, fall driveway by removing brush, sand
planting, or watching the fall colors or soil, and fallen leaves.
appear. The Public Works Remember to avoid stacking snow
Department is busy as well, at either end of your culvert.
transitioning to winter operations.
Currently, staff are mowing Cut back landscaped plant material
vegetation in the Right Of Way close to or above the roadway and
(ROW) and will begin tree cover any delicate plants if you
trimming to allow Sven, Ole, and have special landscaping in the
Lena (our mainline plow trucks) the ROW. This will help both your
space required to clear snow and Plants and plow operators.
ice safely from the roadways. Garbage and Recycling containers
Please help prepare the ROW for slow down the snow removal
winter as well. Do not park or store Process. In times of snow, please
extra vehicles, trailers or other Place these at the end of your
seasonal items in the ROW to be driveway in a cleared area.
buried in snow. Receptacles in the roadway or
snow bank are safety hazards,
Consider replacing your mailbox making it difficult to completely
support with the swing -arm style, clear snow from the roadway.
as these are designed with impact
in mind. They swing out of the way If you are connected t one of the
if a vehicle or snow from the plow City's septic systems, please
ease do not
blade comes in contact with the Park seasonal vehicles, docks, or
mailbox. Specifications are trailers near the settling tanks or lift
available on the city's website at: tanks. In the event any maintenance
www.cityofscandia.com/Mailbox or repair is required, clear access
Contact the local post office for to these structures dramatically
details of where to place any increases Public Works response to
mailbox. issues and decreases down time of
your service.
Clear culverts are key to Wishing everyone a safe fall and
preventing flooded ditches and
roadways later when winter snows winter.
Memorial Park Bench Program
The Parks and Recreation Committee invite you to consider providing a
Memorial Bench in Lilleskogen Park in honor of a special friend or
relative.
To find out more, go to
www.citvofscandia.com/
ParkBench or contact
staff during regular
business hours—
(651)433-2274.
Scandia Evening
Adventures
Shop, Eat, & Be Merry! You are invited on
October 20, November 17, and December 14 to
explore the various specials offered at select
Scandia businesses between 5-8pm. Local
businesses may vary each month but we're
working with Abrahamson Nursery,
Apothecary's Daughter, Countryside Art Studio,
Dickens Pickins, Gammelgarden, Garden Gate
at Crabtrees, Prairie Restoration, and Rustic
Roots Winery. If your business is interested in
participating, contact Sue Dickens at
sidickens2000(cDvahoo.com. We would love to
add you to the fun! Adventurous Shoppers?
Check out www.citvofscandia/Adventures for
specific detail updates.
Playground Update
Scandia was awarded an Outdoor Recreation Grant
from the DNR to replace the playground at the
Community Center. Public Works staff have
removed the old structures. Fall installation plans
include: playground curbing, picnic area concrete
pad, and sidewalk connecting the parking lot to the
picnic area and playground. The new playground
structure, rubberized and wood chip surfaces are
planned to be installed in the Spring of 2023. These
improvements add ADA accessibility to the park.
The City is accepting park donations for this project
from residents and businesses until December 31,
2022. Donations will be invested in additional
amenities that may include: shade trees, benches,
tables, outdoor exercise equipment, or play
structures. Decisions on how to best utilize
additional funding will be considered in January of
2023. Please contact City Hall at 651-433-2274 if you
are interested in donating.