Anoka City Council

October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 1 of 8 WORKSESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION ROOM OCTOBER 28, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the worksession meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Finance Director Brenda Smith; Electric Utility Director Greg Geiger. 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS and/or DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1 Discussion; Transportation Update; Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project (MnDOT Project). Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a staff report with background information stating the Highway 10 Corridor Projects – Anoka Open House was held at Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center on September 18, 2019 where Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had an informational booth for the Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project. MnDOT staff asked the public to share input on five alternatives for the Ferry Street interchange as well as alternatives for the project with and without auxiliary lanes. Due to the potential impacts that some of the alternatives may have near Maple Lane, MnDOT hosted an engagement meeting on October 23 for those property owners and residents. At the meeting, staff met one on one with attendees to review project alternatives and discussed the viability of these proposed changes in access at Ferry Street. The Ferry Street interchange may change the traffic circulation in the neighborhoods due to a proposed raised center median on Highway 47. A second joint public Open House for the Highway 10 Corridor Projects will be held December 10 at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. The City will have an informational booth for the City-led Highway 10/169 Improvements Project and MnDOT will have an informational booth for the State-led Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project. MnDOT’s main objective at this Open House is to provide an update on the selected alternative for the Ferry Street interchange. Craig Haas, SRF Consulting, Inc., reviewed alternatives of the Ferry Street options and Rum River bridge project. He said they selected the three-span concrete bridge with a two-foot grade raise so the under-clearance will be similar to the Pleasant Street Bridge. He noted they would also need to raise and replace the 4th Avenue Bridge and remove the October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 2 of 8 old railroad bridge and relocate the trail to the 4th Avenue Bridge. He said feedback on the Rum River Bridge was well received as well as trail bridge realignment and noted along Highway 10 the question of whether auxiliary lanes should occur between Ferry Street and 7th Avenue was discussed. He said ramp spacing was tight and needed review and explained how auxiliary lanes aide in the operation and safety on the main line. He noted westbound auxiliary lanes would provide queuing areas during train events but would also require noise analysis for potential noise walls and cost $3 million more but extend the functional life of the highway. He said public feedback was in favor of auxiliary lanes and the potential for noise walls was well received. He said the last portion of the study was regarding interchange types at Ferry Street but the roundabout alternative that keeps the existing bridge makes performance worse while the single point alternative operates well and provides an alternative to bring Maple Lane as a right- in/right-out. He explained the divergent diamond option operates well with future traffic but would require relocation of Maple Lane then reviewed value-engineering options with MnDOT about a continuous Green T-Intersection with loop. He reviewed benefits and results if removing moves that would relocate to Main and Ferry Streets and result in new improvements but was not as good as the single-point divergent diamond with ramp queuing and noted this option was dismissed based on public feedback too. Nick Olson, MnDOT, said the last option that removed access to Ferry Street did not work well as it diverted traffic and would require redoing the interchange at 7th Avenue for additional cars then explained the two options were the single point and divergent diamond. He said they met with property owners to review property impacts and preferences for a right-in/right-out but that it would still be difficult to make left-turns when busy so residents wanted the right-in/right-out instead of re-routing based on property impacts. He referred to the consideration to close Gray Street then spoke about potential total takings and how this option could be engineered to reduce those impacts significantly. Mr. Olson said the costs of the single point option was more than the divergent diamond due to the larger bridge and concluded that feedback received said the single point option was more most favorable. He said they were working on costs including right-of-way costs and said the property owners’ general concerns was with the widened Ferry Street, walkways to their homes and the closure of Gray Street. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the single point option was similar to the Hanson Boulevard intersection in Coon Rapids. Mr. Haas said this option would be similar but would be compressed to reduce bridge costs. Mr. Nelson said the open house would be held on December 10 but noted the project was not fully funded and that MnDOT was working on funding that gap. Councilmember Barnett requested the meeting notice be placed on MnDOT’s website with more information on the final two options to provide online feedback. Mr. Olson said they were nearing the end of the public feedback period but that it would be requested again once a final option is selected. October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 3 of 8 Mr. Lee reviewed the schedule of approvals with Council, stating municipal consent would be heard in January 2020. Item 3.3 was discussed at this point in the agenda. 3.2 Discussion; Organized Garbage Hauling. Mr. Lee shared a staff report with background information stating at the April 1, 2019 City Council meeting, Council directed staff to include the organized garbage hauling topic at a future worksession to discuss the potential correlation of City street reconstruction and wear and tear from garbage trucks. The topic was discussed further at the May 28, 2019 Worksession. Council’s consensus at that meeting was to move forward with consideration of an organized hauling system. Staff provided additional information then reviewed more information about protection of streets then reminded that garbage trucks were exempt from the spring axle weight limits which can equal the weight of 1,300 vehicles. Mayor Rice commented about the need for street reconstruction due to the weight and number of garbage trucks on City streets. Councilmember Wesp commented about competitiveness and how the seven-year timeframe for implementation was long and the importance of doing what the citizens want, adding the costs would be paid by the taxpayers one way or another. Mayor Rice said it was the City’s role to educate the public on road reconstruction and the impacts of garbage trucks and suggested open houses be held to explain the benefits of organized hauling. Councilmember Wesp left the meeting at approximately 6:35 p.m. Discussion was held regarding proposals versus a request for proposal (RFP) process, customer service and choice, costs, street impacts and noise. Councilmember Skogquist said an RFP makes the most sense to confirm rate comparisons, costs and customer service impacts and said it may be the time to consider changes and was supportive of the discussion. Mayor Rice suggested a survey be conducted on 3-4 typical Anoka streets with 6-7 haulers. Mr. Lee spoke about the impacts of trucks and street damage. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said the process would still include an RFP for a single- hauler and noted the larger the scope the better the bid which could save residents money. Councilmember Barnett asked about hauler percentages and suggested homeowners associations be surveyed regarding impacts on their private streets with one hauler, adding it was important to include residents in the discussion regarding scope, path, October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 4 of 8 input, vacations, customer service and negotiation options to ensure level of service. Mr. Lee said it would be difficult to determine the impacts based on the lack of data of how private streets were constructed. Council consensus was to begin the process to proceed with organized hauling and to arrange a meeting with the current haulers for review. Mr. Baumgartner explained the process included public notices and resolutions of intent and reminded the Council the process could take seven years to complete and could change again, then commented on the haulers group’s strength in bargaining power. Councilmember Barnett said the City prides itself on visibility and the importance of transparency during this process. Mr. Lee explained the process would include open houses and surveys and noted this will likely be a contentious issue then suggested an open house be held in January to begin the process that would include testimonials. Council stressed the importance of education and reasons why the change was being introduced that would encourage both sides to respond. 3.3 Discussion; Round-Up Program Distribution 2020. Mr. Lee shared a staff report with background information stating at the May 28, 2019, Council Worksession it was decided to not make any changes to the Round-Up Program for 2019 but to review again later in the year for potential 2020 donation changes. The Round-up Program was started in January 2012 with the purpose to actively raise funds specifically to reduce expenses and provide financial assistance to worthwhile activities, organization and community projects that improve the lives of families, children and seniors in the community, with a large recipient of funds going to the Youth First Community of Promise organization. Staff would like discussion with Council regarding the level of support we are going to provide to Youth First going forward and whether Council would consider adding Anoka Community Mission (ACM) as a benefactor of the program. The City supports several non-profit organizations which was shared as well as a timeline of cash and in-kind contributions to Youth First from each of the participating cities from 2011 to current, along with notes on the history of the program. Councilmember Wesp commented on how Youth First has changed and commented how the amount of dollars and in-kind services Anoka is contributing is the most of all cities and felt Anoka was not getting the most return on its investment. He explained how the program had a house for youth activities which has been sold and demolished and commented about the amount of time spent conducting accounting activities for the organization and suggested another community who is being better served would be better suited for that work. He said he did not want to decrease funding to the Alexandra House based on the important work they do and noted while the school district truly October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 5 of 8 benefits from Youth First things evolve and change over 25 years and it is time to see some changes based on equity of services. Councilmember Skogquist said the shift from in-neighborhood to in-school was done to better address where the youth are. Councilmember Wesp agreed, stating the shift occurred in 2010 based on established bus routes and that services benefited primarily youth in high school. Councilmember Barnett shared that it was difficult to quantify the work of these organizations and suggested allowing the residents who contribute the funds to choose their organization. Mr. Lee said customers in Champlin and Dayton typically support CEAP and Cross but that within Anoka we could have a list of non-profit organizations for the customer to decide but noted the program is slowly diminishing and is difficult to promote as it is and that this may help create partners for promotion. Finance Director Brenda Smith reviewed amounts contributed by the City and said in 2018 5,075 households participated. Discussion was held about automatic opt-in and a mailing to all customers that stressed how the organizations serve family, children, or seniors. She noted the most a customer would contribute was $11.88 per year with an average of $6 per year then asked for direction regarding the accounting and payroll for Youth First. Mr. Lee said he has spoken with Devin Hanson, Executive Director of Youth First, and Jim Dickinson, the City Administrator of Andover about transferring those duties to Youth First. Councilmember Barnett recommended the contribution remain the same this year and if changed next year recommended that ACM receive one-third of Youth First’s contributions. She said these were difficult decisions but that ACM served different ages and families who work or attend school in Anoka. Councilmember Wesp said funds collected by customers should be donated as close to Anoka as possible and that we were contributing the most but not getting the most return from the proposal. Councilmember Skogquist suggested including Anoka Halloween as the intended $3,000 contribution from the general fund each year has been missed in the past. Ms. Smith confirmed that while contributions had been missed in the past this has been corrected. Councilmember Freeburg said he was not sure contributions to Anoka Halloween were still needed as they were financially stable. Mr. Lee said the contributions were from a direction of previous Councils but could be changed if the Council so chose, adding the distribution of all round-up contributions would be approved by Council in December for 2020. Council consensus was to distribute information to all customers on the program with the intent to cease accounting services to Youth First, redirect one-third of the funds up to $5,000 to ACM, and to conduct a poll after one year to review possible reallocation. October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 6 of 8 Staff would notify Youth First that Anoka would no longer conduct their accounting activities. Councilmember Wesp said he would visit ACM to learn more about their organization before the December meeting for consideration. Mr. Baumgartner spoke about domestic abuse protocol and how Alexandra House served as an advocate for victims in court that went beyond crisis housing as another way, they help victims of abuse. Councilmember Wesp spoke about the importance of Alexandra House and the Council’s responsibility to support their work in the City. Borgie Bonthuis, Anoka, explained the scholarships given to seniors from Anoka Philiolechtian Society and how that due to fees, those scholarships had to be cut. Councilmember Barnett suggested using rooms at City Hall for free instead of Green Haven but after discussion it was concluded that this was not a viable option. Mayor Rice spoke about the Philolectians group luncheon. Ms. Bonthuis introduced a member of the Philolectians who explained the organization was open to all women that educated and contributed money each year to Alexandra House and ACBC Foodshelf then requested formal consideration of contributions as well. 3.4 Discussion; Moratorium on Enforcement of Code Chapter 22, Article IV, Relating to Sales from Vehicles on Streets (Food Trucks at Breweries). Mr. Lee shared a staff report with background information stating at a worksession in October 2018 the City Council heard testimony from business owners and members of the public regarding the ability of food trucks to operate in the downtown area. At the May 20, 2019 meeting the Council adopted a resolution placing a moratorium on enforcement of Anoka City Code, Chapter 22, Article IV; Relating to Sale from Vehicles on Streets. At that meeting, Council directed staff to place this topic on the October worksession agenda for review and to discuss whether or not a permanent change to the City Code to allow food truck at a licensed brewery be allowed. Staff would like Council to hold an overall discussion on whether or not to continue to prohibit food trucks selling on a street outside of residential neighborhoods, as currently this activity is allowed if approved through issuance of a Special Events License. However, staff would like clarification from the Council if this is intended to include food trucks located on private property, i.e. a private business parking lot, outside of a residential neighborhood. Staff and the City Attorney interpret the current code to allow a food truck to operate from a private parking lot, outside of a residential neighborhood, if the food truck is providing food for a specific event and not open to the general public. Mr. Lee confirmed no concerns have occurred with allowing food trucks at 10K Brewing. Jesse Hauf of 10K Brewing, said this was a great program for them and said sales grew but noted they should have anyway. He reviewed how sales increased over the dinner hour and shared customer feedback was positive on social media and felt this was good for Anoka as it attracted people to downtown but agreed the activity needed to have October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 7 of 8 restrictions. He shared the example of the Herbin Deli food truck who served at 10K that resulted in their best sales day and the ultimate opening of their deli in Anoka. Councilmember Wesp asked about allowing food trucks during the parades. Mr. Lee said this activity was not restricted in residential neighborhoods so the ordinance did not apply. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about restaurant impacts and how food trucks were an option in industrial parks were there were no restaurants and that they were a good option for events then suggested restrictions be placed such as no food trucks near an established restaurant unless a brewery. Councilmember Freeburg spoke about the negative impacts of food trucks to restaurants who were taxpayers in the City. Corey Swap, Jellybean & Julia’s, said they understood both sides of the issue as they operated a food truck and a restaurant in Anoka and agreed they felt slighted when they offered to open their food truck after bar closing but were denied. He suggested the City develop restrictions to allow food trucks, such as restrictions similar to Minneapolis with zones based on radius from restaurants. A business owners from downtown (whom did not state their name or business) stated that she had concerns about food trucks competing with the existing businesses on a daily basis. Mr. Hauf agreed food trucks could be permitted with a fee and requirements for refuse, toilets, seating, etc. Mr. Sweeney shared concerns about having to increase prices on alcohol if allowed too much and then not being profitable. Mayor Rice suggested allowing trucks only if affiliated with a special event. Mr. Lee suggested continuing to allow food trucks in front of a license brewery such as 10K for 2020 with restricted hours and times and on private property with any others approved by Council through a special event license permit. He said this direction would include food trucks at the new event center if not open to the public. Darrin Larson, North Central Business District on Harrison Street, asked if sales on City streets would be allowed for an event such as an open house for veterans. Mayor Rice said it depends as the Central Business District had restrictions. Mr. Baumgartner commented about food trucks on private property and the need for review by Council but as written the Code did not preclude food truck and that more research was needed for public events on private property. He said there would be a distinction between a public and private event and would be treated more like a special event. October 28, 2019 (Worksession) Page 8 of 8 Todd Young, MaGillyCuddy’s, said he did not want to see an ordinance crafted only for breweries as restaurants need to be profit-making and full kitchens are expensive compared to food trucks operating for a small fee. He said he would like to see a more uniform process or allow all establishments the ability to have a food truck. Mr. Baumgartner commented on the need for compromise such as a certain number of events per year that takes into consideration the City’s restaurants especially with regard to the 35% food requirement and liquor license balance. Councilmember Skogquist suggested reviewing special event codes in Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as other counties. Mr. Lee said City Council would review this again in January 2020 for confirmation by summer 2020. 4. OTHER BUSINESS Mary Ann Macaraig, Fairoak Street, inquired about the proposed Highland Park project by Jacob Lane and shared concerns about why the intent to purchase her home was no longer being considered and requested discussion on the sale of her home. Mayor Rice said this topic would not be a conversation for the entire Council but for City staff and suggested meeting with the City Manager and City Attorney for direction on next steps. Mr. Baumgartner suggested submitting in writing that the property owner was not represented by an attorney and confirmation on ownership of the property prior to the scheduling of any meeting. 4.1 Staff Update. None. 5. COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS None. 6. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Rice adjourned the worksession at 6:56 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk