City of Scandia, MN

Selected Archived News Items:

PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Scandia, Minnesota
Negotiation with Residential Solid Waste and Recycling Collectors

Pursuant to the Minnesota Organized Collection Statute, M.S. 115A.94 (“Statute”), the City of Scandia has decided to initiate a 60-day period of meetings and negotiations exclusively with its currently residential collectors to develop a proposal for the collection of solid waste and recyclables.  The 60-day period will commence on the date of this notice.

As required under the Statute, such meetings and negotiations are exclusive and will not be open to the public.  Limited information will be available given the confidential nature of this 60-day process.  Members of the public, however, will have an opportunity to be heard in the event an agreement is reached, in which case the city will provide subsequent notice and information.  

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Hurlburt, Interim City Administrator, at 651 433-2274 or a.hurlburt@ci.scandia.mn.us. 

Dated: February 8, 2023

For publication in the Country Messenger on February 8, 2023
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Announcement of City Administrator Finalists, February 27, 2023

The following individuals were selected as finalists for the position of City Administrator by the Scandia Mayor and City Council:

  • Reece Bertholf currently serves as the Deputy City Manager for Beaufort, South Carolina. Bertholf has 20 years of experience in local government, including serving as the Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief for Beaufort. Bertholf.  Bertholf has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of South Carolina and a Master of business administration from The Citadel Graduate School
  • Nicole Miller currently serves as the Assistant to the City Manager for St. Anthony Village, Minnesota. Miller has 15 years of experience in local government, previously serving the cities of Wyoming and Inver Grove Heights.  Miller has also worked as the Training Project Manager for Sagitec Solutions.  Miller has Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul and as Master of Public Administration from Hamline University.
  • Kyle Morrell currently serves as the City Administrator and City Clerk for Hinckley, Minnesota and has 16 years of experience in local government, having previously served the cities of Clara City, Columbia Heights and Inver Grove Heights. Morrell has Bachelor of Arts in History from Marquette University in Milwaukee and Master of Public Administration and Master of Arts in Management from Hamline University.
  • John Olinger most recently served as City Administrator Lindstrom, Minnesota, and thirty years of experience, previously serving the cites of Richfield and Mahtomedi. Olinger also worked as a Community Developer for Food for the Hungry in Yunan Province, China. Olinger has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Hawaii and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado.
  • Jacob Rife most recently served as Village Administrator for Cary, Illinois. Rife has 14 years of experience in local government having also served as Assistant Village Administrator, Assistant to the Village Administrator and Management Assistant for Cary. Rife has a Bachelor of Engineering Design, a Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota.

The finalists were selected from a field of twenty-six applicants.  The city has been assisted in the recruitment by GovHR USA, an executive recruitment and management consulting firm, that specializes in local government.

Finalists will be interviewed by the City of Scandia Mayor and City Council on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Contacts:
Anne Hurlburt, Interim City Administrator
Phone:  651 433-2274
E-mail:  a.hurlburt@ci.scandia.mn.us
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Trash and Recycling Day Changing for some Residents, January 9, 2023

Waste Management has informed the city that they will be changing their routes so that some Scandia residents’ pick-up day will change from Thursday to Tuesday.  The area affected is shown on the map.  Generally, this is south of Highway 97 and east of Big Marine Lake.  The change will happen the week of January 23, 2023.

The company says this should result in more consistent service. Affected customers will be notified by Waste Management.  We are sharing this information in case residents miss the notice for some reason.

Here is a map of the customers who are changing their pick up day to Tuesday beginning January 23rd:
Map of Changes




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Trash and Recycling Update - January 7, 2023
Trash and recycling service has become a hot topic in Scandia since Scandia’s dominant trash and recycling provider, SRC, was acquired by Waste Management in late 2022. 

At their January 4 meeting, the Council discussed citizen concerns and the options available for Scandia residents and businesses. They decided to begin the process to update the city’s ordinance and to pursue an “organized collection” system.  With organized collection, the city chooses the city’s waste haulers through an RFP process. Advantages of this approach include a greater ability of the city to manage services, decreasing the impacts of truck traffic on our streets, and often lowering costs.  Some of our neighboring cities (like Forest Lake and Marine on St. Croix) are managing their trash and recycling this way. For more background information, please review the materials from the January 4, 2023 Council meeting, found HERE.

It will take some time to go through the process required by state law, which includes updating ordinances, preparing an RFP, reviewing proposals and negotiating contracts. Feedback from residents and businesses will be sought along the way. 

In the meantime, the city is in contact with Waste Management to ensure our commercial and residential collections will continue.

This post will be updated as the schedule is firmed up and more details become available. Comments and suggestions can be submitted to the city at mail@ci.scandia.mn.us

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New Sister City to Mellerud, Sweden Signs up in Scandia!

Thank you to Scandia's Sister City Committee for all their hard work to make this happen! The committee includes Lynne Moratzka, Mayor Christine Maefsky, Julie Morse, Dave Bakke, Susan Rodsjo, Paul Rodsjo, Cindy Higgens, Darlene Holtgreve, Lynnette Welsch, Sue Dickens, and Patti Ray.

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CITY OF SCANDIA COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS PLAN - Updated last: 05/18/2021 - Adopted by the City Council June 16, 2020 The City of Scandia is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our workers, visitors, citizens and customers.  To ensure we have a safe and healthy workplace, we have developed the following COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Management and workers are all responsible for the implementation of this plan. Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 in our workplaces and communities, and that requires full cooperation among our workers, visitors, citizens and customers. Only through this cooperative effort can we establish and maintain the safety and health of all persons in our workplaces.

Management and workers are responsible for implementing and complying with all aspects of this COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. Scandia’s City Council and its management have our full support in enforcing the provisions of this policy and we encourage our workers to ask questions, raise safety and health concerns and offer suggestions related to the plan and its implementation.  Employees are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor or the City Administrator to offer any suggestions as to how this plan may be improved.  Suggestions from our staff have been included in this policy, and the City is committed to adapting this plan to address concerns of its staff, visitors, and all others who interact with its employees or of those who make use of its facilities.

Our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan follows State of Minnesota Industry Guidance for local governments, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines, federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards related to safety and health precautions required in response to COVID-19 and applicable executive orders. The plan addresses the following:

  1. policies and procedures that assist in the identification of sick workers and ensure sick workers stay home;
  2. implementation of engineering and administrative controls for social distancing;
  3. worker hygiene and source controls;
  4. workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocols;
  5. what customers and clients can do to minimize transmission;
  6. communication and training of policy;
  7. additional protections and protocols for receiving and exchanging payment;
  8. additional protections and protocols for managing occupancy and to limit face-to-face interactions;

NOTE: Update 09/15/2020 Community Center Rental, section begins on page 6

NOTE: Update 02/03/2021 Use of Recreational Facilities, section begins on page 8
NOTE: Updated 05/18/2021P:
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City Council, City Commissions, and Committees to temporarily meet via Zoom interactive television due to pandemic...

On December 21, 2021, the City Council approved a modified emergency declaration issued by Mayor Christine Maefsky, in accordance with Minnesota Statute Sections 12.29 and 13D.021, to temporarily conduct all city meetings remotely via Zoom interactive television or telephone due to recent increases in Covid-19 viral transmission rates and public health concerns related to the potential risks of the Omicron variant of virus.  

The public may continue to attend any City meetings in person, but members of the City Council, and its Commissions and Committees will participate remotely via Zoom for the duration of this temporary preventive measure.  The large hall at the Community Center will remain open at meeting times so that the public may view and interact in public meetings.  In person attendees are strongly encouraged to observe social distancing guidelines and to wear masks. 

 When possible, the City strongly encourages the public to also participate remotely via Zoom with a computer or phone or to observe the meeting via the City’s Boxcast Channel online.  Instructions on joining meetings virtually or by phone are on all meeting agendas. 

 Given the rapidly changing nature of current public health conditions, the City will continue to reassess its policies in response to this public health emergency.  Updates are available on the City’s website www.cityofscandia.com, by contacting City Hall at 651-433-2274, or by viewing the official notice board at the by the Scandia Community Center main entrance.

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The Washington County Community Development Agency is administrating a relief program for homeowners: the Crisis Assistance Relief for Homeownership Program (CARH). This program was funded through the CARES-Act via Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that were allocated to Washington County. The City of Scandia currently participates in the CDBG program, so homeowners in Scandia have access to this program. The program provides households at or below 80% area median income (AMI) with up to six consecutive months of delinquent mortgage and/or HOA assistance. The program will be available until the funding runs out.

The link to apply can be found here: WA County Assistance For Homeowners
Housing Assistance
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Midco High Speed Internet Expansion:
Have you noticed Midco laying fiber in your neighborhood?  Have you tried to sign up for Internet service on Midco’s website but your address does not come up?   Midco has been busy this summer and fall laying miles of fiber and have not updated all the new addresses on their website.  If you would like Midco’s high speed Internet service this year, you need to sign up immediately or you might have to wait until next spring.

Please contact Midco’s local sales rep, Laurie Morrison, directly to sign up for Midco’s service. 

Tel:  651-900-0058
E-mail:  Laura.Morrison@midco.com
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Thank you Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails:Workers
The City of Scandia would like to extend its gratitude and sincerest thanks to the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails for their generous volunteer work to help eradicate invasive buckthorn and amur maple trees this season.  Thank you for all your hard work helping us keep our parklands healthy and happy for all to enjoy!
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Thank you, Scandia Internet Action Committee
  • Midco GrantGammelgarden Museum will be using Midco grant funds to support the expenses associated with installing Midco internet and phone to the museum.  Their current service no longer supports their needs. ($1,000)
  • Scandia Heritage Alliance will use the funds to help cover capital costs for the Water Tower Barn Scandia Arts & Heritage Center project they are working on with the city of Scandia. ($2,500)
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“In honor of the generations of men and women who have served to defend the liberties that we enjoy today.
Vetrans Memorial
The memorial is dedicated to all US military veterans, regardless of where they are from or when they served.  The memorial recognizes the contributions and sacrifices by generations of men and women who have served in battle or not, to defend our freedoms.  The memorial is appropriately located in beautiful Lilleskogen Park.  We hope you will come to enjoy the memorial and park often.  
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Click Here to see more about the Veteran's Memorial at Lilleskogen Park

The City of Scandia’s offices are open Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.  

A new Service Window has been installed for access to city staff.  The community center remains closed, except by appointment.  Residents and customers may also reach city staff by calling 651-433-2274 or by email at mail@ci.scandia.mn.us.

Forms and information can also be found on the City's website, www.cityofscandia.com.   
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The City of Scandia is currently seeking applications for the IAC (Internet Action Committee) to fill a vacancy.  Application deadline is May 28, 2021. 

Click here to submit an online application or download the application.  These may be sent to:
  1.  mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
  2. City of Scandia, 14727 209th Street North, Scandia, MN 55073

The Internet Action Committee will work diligently to provide High Speed Internet coverage to the citizens of Scandia quickly at the lowest cost to the City by leveraging grants from both State and Federal government, and funding from current service providers with infrastructure in the community, and the City. 

Our goal is to see Scandia’s Internet expansion successfully conclude with the entire City served by the end of 2024.

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Public Works Director

The City of Scandia, population 4,112, is seeking to fill the full-time position of Public Works Director.  Located within forty minutes from downtown St. Paul, Scandia is a rural community in Washington County and the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.  The Public Works Director position is a “working Director” and will perform operational duties as needed.

The Public Works Director is a Department Head under the direct supervision of the City Administrator and reports to Parks and Recreation Committee and City Council.  This position plans, organizes, directs, and supervises field operations and contracted services for effectiveness and efficiency. These duties include determining overall department goals/objectives and resource needs, and administration of permits. Department operations include operation and maintenance of 3 small wastewater utilities and a small community water system; buildings, fleet and equipment maintenance; forestry; and parks, trails, and street maintenance.

The candidate must have a minimum of five years of Public Works field experience with supervisory experience.  Minimum requirements include high school diploma or equivalent and valid Minnesota’s driver’s and CDL license.  An Associate’s Degree in a related field preferred. Must possess or obtain and maintain Minnesota Water and Wastewater Operator certifications upon employment.  Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills, experience in budgeting and personnel management in a union shop, and strategic management. Must have excellent communication, teamwork, and customer relations skills. Proficiency in basic computer software and knowledge of GIS and SCADA systems is also desired.

The salary range for this position will be between $70,000 - $90,000 per year dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include Minnesota PERA pension retirement, health insurance, dental, life insurance, PTO and paid holiday.  A criminal background check and other pre-employment testing will be required.

Applicants may apply for this position by submitting an application, cover letter, resume, and five professional references to the attention of Ken Cammilleri, City Administrator, via email at k.cammilleri@ci.scandia.mn.us no later than 4:00pm on Friday, May 7, 2021.  EOE

Read the job description: Click Here
Employment Application: Click Here

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Scandia's Snowplows in the Pioneer Press - 


Uff da! Of course Ole, Lena and Sven will be plowing the snow in Scandia – Twin Cities

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Financial Relief:
Homeowners in Washington County who have experienced a reduction in income because of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for one-time grants of up to $10,000 to help make housing payments.

A separate program providing rental assistance will be administered by Washington County’s Community Services Department.

Washington County received money from the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, to assist small businesses, homeowners, and renters.

Assistance payment will be made directly to the entity owed, and the delinquency or financial hardship must be due to a COVID-19-related financial impact on the household and must be documented. Assistance may be used for payments of a home mortgage/loan, homeowners’ association dues, manufactured home community lot rent, and land payments for community land trust properties on the household’s primary residence within Washington County. Other terms apply, and homeowners will be required to provide documentation of need.

The program will be managed by the Community Development Agency, which will be accepting applications after Aug. 1 at washingtoncountycda.org, Washington County Community Development Agency, 7645 Currell Blvd., Woodbury; email Homeownership@washingtoncountycda.org, or telephone 651-202-2822.
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Dog Owners!
Everyone wants to get out to enjoy the Spring Like Weather - including Fido!  Remember that Scandia has an ordinance that prohibits any dog from roaming at large.  


90.05  AT LARGE

   No owner shall permit the owner’s dog to be at large within the city.

A dog shall be termed to be at large when it is not under “restraint.”

A dog is under restraint within the meaning of this section if it is controlled by a leash; if it is wearing a remote shock collar controlled by the owner, if it is under the voice or signal command of a responsible person whom the dog will immediately obey; if it is within a vehicle being driven or parked on the public streets; and if it is within the limits of its owner’s premises.
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Mosquito News
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District trucks, helicopters, and staff will be out in neighborhoods and parks this summer working to reduce mosquito-borne disease and annoyance.

CLICK HERE for more information
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Washington County ready with small-business financial relief

Washington County is opening applications for financial assistance for businesses in the county that have bene negatively impacted through additional expenses or lost revenue due to closures during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington County Small Business Relief Fund, provided by the federal CARES Act, will provide grants of up to $15,000 to small businesses in need of support. Applications will be accepted between Aug. 10 and Aug. 24; applicants will be notified if they are eligible for a grant on or before Aug. 31.

Business recipients:
  • must be a locally owned and operated for-profit business in the county. Multiple individual businesses in the county that are owned by one owner are eligible to apply;
  • to receive up to the maximum $15,000 funding limit, businesses must have at least one full-time equivalent employee, in addition to the owner as of March 1, and not more than 50, and generate less than $3.5 million in annual revenues;
  • have been operating for at least six months before March 1, 2020; and
  • demonstrate a significant loss in revenue since March 15.

Home-based businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs are eligible for grants of up to $7,500; however, priority will be given to employer businesses with separate non-residential property addresses.

All businesses must complete, sign and certify the grant application. The business must provide all required information verifying their eligibility. All businesses must provide and document evidence of COVID-19 eligible expenses incurred.

Applications will be managed by Tyler Hilsabeck, Open to Business - Business Advisor, at the Washington County Community Development Agency, 7645 Currell Blvd., Woodbury; work telephone is 612-789-8838, cell is 312-402-6954, and email is wccoviderelief@mccdmn.org.

More information is at www.washingtoncountycda.org
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 Scandia Is Awarded Broadband Development Grant From The State Of Minnesota

- PRESS RELEASE -

SCANDIA, Minn. (January 21, 2020) –Midcontinent Communications or Midco, in partnership with the City of Scandia, has been awarded a grant through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  The grant through the last mile project will upgrade approximately 64 unserved households and 155 underserved households in areas of Scandia in Washington County. In a funding partnership with the State of Minnesota and the City of Scandia, Midco will improve broadband service levels up to 1 Gbps download and 20 Mbps upload, meeting or exceeding the 2022 and 2026 state speed goals. The broadband network will improve access to critical school e-learning applications, and health care resources; enable telecommuting options for residents; and make businesses and city institutions more efficient.

Total eligible cost is $1,020,717 and the local match is $510,359, of which the City of Scandia will be providing $160,085.  The remainder of the matching requirement will be provided by MIDCO.

This grant award is part of a larger ongoing effort on behalf of the City of Scandia to close internet coverage gaps in the community.  For further updates on progress to address community internet access needs, please see the Internet Expansion Page.
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Transition to New Website
Please contact the city offices by email (mail@ci.scandia.mn.us) or phone (651-433-2274) for assistance in locating information on the new website, give feedback or to report a problem in navigation.  We appreciate your assistance while we iron out details.
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