Anoka City Council

August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 1 of 9 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 19, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Housing Manager Darin Berger; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Electric Director Greg Geiger; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the August 5, 2019, Regular Meeting. Minutes of the August 12, 2019, Budget Worksession. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the August 5, 2019, Regular Meeting and the August 12 Budget Worksession, minutes as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Edward B. Cutter; American Legion; 100th Anniversary Doug Hookom, Commander of Edward B. Cutter Anoka American Legion Post 102, shared that on August 25, 2019, the Edward B. Cutter Anoka American Legion Post 102 will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. In honor of the date, the Legion will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Party at Riverfront Memorial Park followed by a reception at the Legion post. The public are invited to attend the program and the reception which will highlight the history of the post including a biography of Edward B. Cutter. He shared how many posts have ceased to exist August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 2 of 9 due to lack of involvement and encouraged the public to attend and support the post. Daryl Redeppenning, State Commander, shared about the many celebrations over the years and commented on what a great post this is. He shared misconceptions about the Legion and their purpose then shared history of its inception in 1919 and their pillars of purpose that included rehabilitation, children and youth orphans, strong national defense, and Americanism. He spoke about membership issues and shared about the newly signed Legion Act that opens up membership to the organization and thanked the Council for the opportunity to share about this celebration. Commander Hookom shared their support of the upcoming Council item requesting the ability to conduct youth waterfowl hunts then shared how the Anoka Kiwanis have ceased and that the American Legion will be hosting the annual Halloween breakfast after the parade instead. Councilmember Freeburg said Anoka is honored to have the Legion in the City and thanked them for their donations of work over the years and suggested inviting the Cutter family to the celebration. 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared that the department remains busy with calls for service totaling 2,000 calls for the past three months. He noted there have not been as many vandalism calls as in the past due to increased Park Patrol and parent education. He said September was National Preparedness Month and shared tips for readiness for financial, flooding, winter storms, etc. and shared more information could be found on Ready.gov. Chief Peterson shared about the recent Safety Fair that hosted 95 youth who learned about bike, kitchen and water safety, and head injury prevention. He said the last event for the year will be Cookout with Cops at George Enloe Park and said North Memorial Medical Center will be present and arrive in a helicopter to provide a public demonstration and invited the public to attend. Councilmember Skogquist asked about how Night to Unite went in the City. Chief Peterson said 11 staff visited the 37 registered parties and that good dialogue occurred in the City’s neighborhoods. 4.3 Anoka Ramsey Outdoors Program. B.J. Brandt, Anoka Ramsey Outdoors Program Commissioner, said the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association Outdoors (ARAA Outdoors) focuses on providing non-traditional/non-athletic based outdoor activities/opportunities for youth in Anoka and Ramsey. They are aspiring to provide opportunities for youth of all August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 3 of 9 ages to take part in a variety of outdoor activities, while learning about and gaining appreciation for nature and conservation, ultimately becoming outdoor enthusiasts. He shared a history of the program and offerings and said this program provides an outlet for youth to connect to their community in another way than sports and shared success of teams of those that competed in State. Matt Schoop, ARAA Bassers Fishing Team, shared more about the hunting program and firearms safety program for youth in the community and how they are working to build partnerships with the Police Department. He also shared about the Bassers Fishing Team and their accomplishments then outlined their monofilament line recycling program offered in the City. Councilmember Wesp shared comments about how exciting it was to see a group of parents helping youth get outdoors. Tom Boros, 2259 Green Avenue, shared concerns about the weekly car show in the City and how organizers are allowing attendees to block his renters from accessing their buildings at 241 and 229 3rd Avenue. He said parking is occurring in front of his buildings and barricades are not being manned. He shared safety concerns for his tenants and nearby attendees and said while he respects the event and the City there have been other concerns from the shows that have not been resolved when he’s contacted them such as litter. City Manager Greg Lee said staff will work with the car show organizers to identify a solution. Mr. Boros also shared that it appeared an event had been held at the new event center and that he believed they had not received a certificate of occupancy yet. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse invited the community to the End of Summer Bash on August 21 at Riverfront Memorial Park. She said the event will include a movie in the park, ice cream social, yard games, food trucks, bounce house, and other activities. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Wesp, which was seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 11.1 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.5. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 4 of 9 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Gambling Permit; Anoka Rotary, Raffle and Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center, October 24, 2019. 6.4 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Halloween, Inc., Bingo at Anoka Legion Post 102, October 21 and 28, 2019. 6.5 Issuance of a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License; Anoka Lions Club at MVRS Camping Show/Anoka County Fairgrounds, September 12-15, 2019. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Planning Items: None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Approving Purchase Agreement; City’s Purchase of 721 Jacob Lane. RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared background information with the Council stating the City has identified this property for acquisition in the Highland Park neighborhood. The City would demolish the existing buildings on site and utilize the property for roadway/redevelopment purposes. Under Minnesota Statues, property owners who occupy the subject property and must relocate are entitled to compensation sufficient to purchase a comparable property. He said the City has obtained a real estate appraisal for 721 Jacob Lane determining its value at $232,000.00 and the seller has accepted the City’s offer of $250,000.00. He outlined the acquisition schedule and said that closing would occur on or before September 12, 2019. Councilmember Freeburg asked if the home could be relocated and saved. Mr. Borglund said the home was more than one story and would be more difficult to relocate compared to rambler style homes. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 5 of 9 Councilmember Skogquist said he has not been supportive of this overall project from the beginning and said while the road was done and would result in redevelopment along the golf course, he would have preferred to approach the road project first then a plan for redevelopment as he was concern about the road going through existing homes. He said three properties were constructed in 1999 for a total value of $720,000 and was not supportive of eminent domain either. Councilmember Skogquist said if the goal was to address blighted houses that was fine but these homes do not fit that category and that we are still just adding a busy road. Councilmember Wesp agreed with Councilmember Skogquist and said the homes are not bad and suggested review for another project that was more beneficial for the residents and development of this property. He said it was never his intention to remove good homes and suggested this item and the following acquisition items be discussed further at a future worksession. Councilmember Barnett asked about insights into other road options. Mr. Borglund said the property owners were all open to sale, adding they were all rental properties and if not acquired will likely return to rentals with tenants placed again soon. He said the alternative for location of the parkway had challenges with the property across the street and acquiring these parcels was a way to reach that goal with willing sellers now. Councilmember Barnett noted the property owner at 2749 Fairoak was an unwilling seller. Mr. Borglund said that property was not part of this plan at this time. Councilmember Freeburg said he would like to see the plan be more refined regarding the road and while he was concerned about the rental properties and apartments in the future in this area, he was in favor of another worksession for further discussion on these acquisitions. Mayor Rice said the City was heavily invested in this project and that he would support negotiating another roadway location and suggested a motion to postpone Items 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 for further review. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner outlined the two ways to postpone these items. Mr. Lee suggested postponing consideration until October 7 to allow for the scheduling of a closed session. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to postpone consideration of resolutions approving purchase of real properties at 721 Jacob Lane, 2750 Fairoak Avenue, and 2752 Fairoak Avenue until October 7, 2019. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 6 of 9 Councilmember Wesp said he would not want to see more rental leases occur in these properties until a more definitive decision is made. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Approving Purchase Agreement; City’s Purchase of 2750 Fairoak Avenue. ITEM POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 7, 2019 9.3 RES/Approving Purchase Agreement; City’s Purchase of 2752 Fairoak Avenue. ITEM POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 7, 2019 9.4 RES/Awarding the Sale of $1,690,000 General Obligation Taxable Tax Increment Bonds, Series 2019A; Fixing Their Execution and Delivery; and Providing for Their Payment. RESOLUTION Housing Manager Darin Berger shared the City is authorized by its charter and the provisions of Section 469.178 of the TIF Act to issue and sell its $1,690,000 General Obligation Taxable Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Series 2019A to be used to pay the public redevelopment costs to finance the purchase of properties located within the TIF District for land assembly, resale and redevelopment as authorized in the TIF Plan for the TIF District. He outlined the process to sell the bonds and said they were anticipated to be paid solely from tax increments. Mr. Berger said the City has also pledged its general obligation in the event that there is a deficiency in tax increments. The resolution sets forth the terms of the Bonds, awards the sale of the Bonds to the Purchaser and also gives the City the authority to undertake certain other actions necessary to close on the Bonds next month. He said the term for this expanded district will be 24 years and the principal will be due on February 1 in the years 2022 through 2043 with interest payable every six months beginning August 1, 2020. Mr. Berger noted the sale was held today and the lowest bid was from Baird at 2.7602 percent true interest cost which is actually 1.08 percent less than the estimate. He said staff was very pleased with this bid as it reduced the overall interest by $357,000. Councilmember Skogquist commented about curve inversions and safe debt going down which worked in the City’s favor to help receive such a good bid. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt the resolution awarding the sale of $1,690,000 General Obligation Taxable Tax Increment Bonds, Series 2019A; Fixing their form and specifications; Directing their execution and delivery; and providing for their payment. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 7 of 9 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Anoka Ramsey Outdoors; Request to Conduct Youth Waterfowl Hunts. ACTED UPON AFTER OPEN FORUM Ms. LaCasse shared that Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association Outdoors (ARAA Outdoors) is seeking permission to conduct two youth waterfowl hunts annually within the City of Anoka; one hunt within the Anoka Nature Preserve and one hunt on Kings Island. For 2019, the first proposed hunting date is Sunday, September 8, which coincides with the Youth Waterfowl Weekend September 7 and 8 established by the MN DNR and would be held in the Anoka Nature Preserve (ANP). The second hunting date is Saturday, October 26 and would be held on Kings Island utilizing the waterfowl hunting blinds and shoreline within the established waterfowl hunting zone on the Mississippi River. These hunting dates do not conflict with those selected for the Waterfowl for Warriors program. As indicated in their request, ARAA Outdoors will provide all the necessary equipment and volunteers and will conduct their hunt at the ANP in a similar fashion to that of Waterfowl for Warriors. She said ARAA Outdoors volunteers will be responsible for clean-up after the hunt including the collection and disposal of shell hulls and that staff will post the reservation of the waterfowl blinds on Kings Island but no trail closures will be needed. ARAA Outdoors insurance requires each youth to be paired one on one with a mentor/experienced adult guide and as an additional safety measure, each youth will only be allowed to have one shell in their gun at a time. Ms. LaCasse said ARAA Outdoors presented their plan to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board at the July 16, 2019 meeting and the Board unanimously recommended that Council approve the request by ARAA Outdoors to conduct two hunts annually within the City of Anoka on Anoka property. Councilmember Skogquist thanked the group for their work with youth and providing these hunting opportunities for youth, adding this volunteer effort is commendable. He said this is a great use of the space and said his only concern was the number of activities planned. Ms. LaCasse explained the four adult and four youth events already and that this request would only be adding one at the ANP and one at Kings Island. Mr. Brandt said the group limits offerings as these events require a lot of volunteers so they do not anticipate having many each year. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 8 of 9 Councilmember Freeburg asked how many youth would be involved in each hunt. Mr. Schoop said they would include 12-14 youth and noted the 1:1 adult to youth ratio with only one shell in their gun at a time. Councilmember Barnett thanked the group for their passion as this was a huge undertaking for the organization as well as the students who participated. She thanked them for being so pragmatic about the logistics of the event and said she was very comfortable with them hosting the hunts as outlined. Councilmember Wesp said with Anoka’s largest employer of Vista Outdoors this event is very appropriate. He spoke about how clay shooting is gaining in popularity and how Vista gives to the community along with the Kings Island event and said he was excited about the partnership with the Legion as well the police. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the request by ARAA Outdoors to conduct two hunts annually within the City of Anoka on Anoka property. Chief Peterson shared that when the department was contacted to see if anyone was interested in volunteering for this event four officers responded immediately and there has been more since which shows how supportive the department is of this event. Mayor Rice agreed, stating it is important for youth to be introduced to hunting while being safe. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 Consideration of Appointment to Economic Development Commission. Mr. Lee shared the two vacancies currently on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) that included one partial term to expire December 31, 2019, and one partial term to expire December 31, 2020. He outlined the advertisement and posting for applications according to our City Policy and said the City received one application from Jeff Lee of Anoka. He said if it is the desire of the Council to appoint Mr. Lee to the EDC, he would be appointed to the term that has an expiration date of December 31, 2020. He outlined other current commission vacancies and encouraged the public to apply. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to appoint Jeff Lee to the Economic Development Commission to a term to expire on December 31, 2020. Mayor Rice welcomed Mr. Lee to the Commission. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. August 19, 2019 (Regular) Page 9 of 9 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Mayor Rice encouraged residents to attend the End of Summer Bash, Cook Out with the Cops and the American Legion celebration. Councilmember Wesp spoke about the Anoka Lions work that included serving beer for the Legion event and thanked them for their support of the Fourth of July fireworks. He also thanked Ms. LaCasse for her work on events such as movies in the park. Councilmember Skogquist said he was unaware of the closing of the Kiwanis chapter and thanked them for all their work over the years in Anoka. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Freeburg, made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:17 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk