Fred Heinonen
Scandia Area Reporter

The Scandia Planning Commission and Scandia City Council approved the preliminary plat for Old Marine Estates, 11980 Lakamaga Trail N. on Tuesday Nov. 6.

John and Sandra Swanson requested a three-lot minor subdivision of their 13.9 acres instead of the four lots they originally requested. The plat was approved with about a dozen conditions including wetlands, setbacks, erosion, flooding, drainage, and road design issues.

A turnaround area must be allotted at the end of Lakamaga Trail to allow for city snow plowing. The tree replacement rules are not applicable considering the Swansons planted 5000 white pines 10 years ago with a very good survival rate.

A shared driveway maintenance agreement must be written and signed before building permits will be issued for lots 2 and 3.

Other actions

At the Nov. 6 meeting, the city council handled the following issues:

•Adopted assessments of $1196 and $3588 for collector and non-collector roads for the 2007 Road Improvement Project.

•Approved the 2008 – 2009 operation and maintenance contract with the Washington County Health Department for the 201 sewer collector system that serves residents on Big Marine Lake. The cost of services will increase from $90 per hour in 2007 to $95 in 2008 and $100 per hour in 2009.

•Discussed and evaluated responses to request for proposals on city audit services for fiscal 2007-2009 city. City Administator Anne Hurlburt and Treasurer Colleen Firkus will interview two of the five RFP candidates and make a recommendation to the council at the Dec. 4 meeting.

•Authorized advertisement for up to six seasonal ice skating rink attendants.

Park appointments

Following the recommendation of an interview committee, the city council appointed the following residents to the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee: Tom Triplett, Joan Benner and Edward Ruf. This brings the committee roster up to nine members. Chaired by David Smith, the committee is charged with advising the city council on all matters relating to the city’s parks system and recreation programs.

Current projects include the restoration of Lilleskogen Park (formerly Lion’s Park, at the intersection of TH-97 and Oakhill Road) and improvements to Wind in the Pines Park. “These are three outstanding applicants with a great deal of talent and energy to give to Scandia,” said Councilmember Mike Harnetty, the council representative to the committee.

Triplett will fill out a term expiring on 2010; Benner and Ruf will have terms expiring in 2012. The Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Scandia Community/Senior Center.

Next meeting

The next city council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4.

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