Sara Franc
Scandia Reporter
Scandia’s tree trimming policy will face revisions after the current policy was put under scrutiny by city residents.
The City Council, joined by Public Works Director Tim Kieffer, responded to the situation after 150 people attended a previous meeting demanding changes to the current tree trimming policy, which was adopted 2012.
After the revision takes effect, landowners will receive a letter in the mail if a tree is determined to be cut. If the property owner disagrees, he or she will be encouraged to contact Kieffer. Kieffer will come to the site and explain why the tree needs to be removed and mark the tree or trees with an orange X for documentation. If there is further dispute, landowners can appeal to the council.
The City Council will ultimately have the final say in whether the tree needs to be cut down.
“The city will do what is necessary for the safety of the town,” stated Councilman Dan Lee.
The revision will also require that flail mowers not be used vertically in order to avoid damaging nearby trees.
Old fire hall
The City Council also explored options of alternative uses for the annex and old fire hall.
Although the property currently sits vacant, the city and the Scandia-Marine Lions pay $150 per month to maintain electricity and minimal heat. Rather than spending money on a vacant building, the city hopes to find a use for the building that benefits the entire city.
One option discussed was to sell the building to Scandia Economic Development Authority for a small amount (such as $1). The EDA could then lease out the building to a local business. The city also considered selling the property, but a sale could impact the future of the Gateway Trail. The city plans to investigate its options further.
Lift station problems
Hilly terrain between the lift stations and the fire hall poses a problem for city operations.
In April 2014, before completing a radio path study, a bid of $94,918 was awarded to Automatic Systems to install a 10-foot mast on top of the lift station control panel. After installation, it was revealed that the signal could not reach the fire hall due to the hilly terrain between lift stations. The signal needs to reach the fire hall, where the master Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system is located. Because the signal cannot reach the SCADA system, there is currently no electronic system to alert staff when there is a lift station problem.
Multiple options were discussed by the City Council to improve the signal between the lift stations. Possible options include installing a 40-foot pole at the Anderson/Erickson draining field, installing a 90-foot pole by the fire hall or creating an extension to the current mast. Any option will add to the initial cost of the project, with funds coming out of an Enterprise Fund. The council will discuss the options further.
Gravel hazards
The council will proceed with getting bids for maintenance improvements to Pilar Road, Perkins Avenue, Paris Avenue and Penfield Avenue.
The city’s 2015 budget has $30,000 for maintenance improvements on the roads, beginning with tree trimming and grubbing. A January 2014 report estimated a cost of $365,789.53 to make the roads “really good gravel roads,” according to Lee. A bid is expected by Jan. 20.
The winter is an increasingly problematic time for those who live on these roads. On Dec. 22, the city received complaints from residents on the roads that the Forest Lake buses refused to drive down the roads to pick up students. A Public Works truck was sent to spread sand over the road for traction, and the truck slid off and hit a tree.
Log House Landing
The future of the Log House Landing site will be on the docket during the council’s next meeting, on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. The advisory committee on alternative plans for improving the roads around the site will present its recommendations and research during the meeting for council discussion and decision.