Anoka City Council

November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 1 of 11 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 4, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the meeting to order at 7:03 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; Electric Director Greg Geiger; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the October 21, 2019, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Barnett requested corrections on Page 5, Paragraph 9; “Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist abstained. Motion carried.” and Page 8, Paragraph 4; “Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried.” Councilmember Freeburg asked for more background on reasons for abstaining from voting on an item. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said it depends on the type of conflict then listed different types as monetary gain, legal conflicts, and the appearance of impropriety. He referred to a memo circulated in the past that outlined the different types of conflict, stating he would share it again and the differences between the appearance of a conflict versus one of financial gain for example, such as increasing property taxes. Mayor Rice suggested checking with the City Attorney prior to any vote if there were any concerns surrounding a potential conflict of interest, adding that sometimes he thinks we abstain too often when not necessary. Mr. Baumgartner said the Council places high importance on transparency which is good but agreed sometimes abstaining in voting may not be legally necessary. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 2 of 11 Councilmember Skogquist requested corrections to Page 3, Paragraph 1 under Item 9.1; transfers from other funds and interest earnings making up the balance of finding funding sources.” Page 8, Paragraph 3; “Councilmember Barnett said the home across the street would involve imminent eminent domain…”; Page 14, Paragraph 1 midway; “…does not mean the Chas City has intentions on redeveloping any specific property.” Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the October 21, 2019, Regular Meeting as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson said the Halloween parades went well and thanked the other agencies that helped with security which included 149 uniformed personnel from 19 different agencies, especially Coon Rapids, Ramsey and the Anoka County Sherriff’s Office. He referred to the increase in the number fraud cases and giving money to illegitimate organizations, adding the increase has been seen in young adults too. Chief Peterson said 150 cases have been reported to date but expects that number is higher because of underreporting due to embarrassment. He stated the department will be hosting a fraud prevention seminar on December 5 to share information on how these scams work and to stress the importance of verifying every request for money or information. Chief Peterson said the security unit shared that downtown activity has been generally free from negative events which is especially important now that the holiday shopping season is upon us then cautioned residents about having a plan for packages being delivered and to always lock cars and garages and watch out for your neighbors. Councilmember Freeburg asked how the volunteers are coordinated at the parades. Chief Peterson explained how his assistant organizes the assignments then helps coordinate the briefing prior to each event, adding many are return volunteers which helps. Councilmember Barnett thanked staff for recent Police Facebook posts, stating while posts are always informational and include relevant resources the recent voting for K-9 Bravo grant resulted in creative, engaging posts that showed support for police officers. Chief Peterson agreed, thanked the community for the overwhelming support for Anoka police. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 3 of 11 OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Karna Brewer, 431 Fremont Street, spoke about the importance of businesses and food establishments such as the Swedish Crown Bakery and the Bamboo Garden then referred to the unfortunate closing of the Perkins restaurant and suggested reaching out to the them to show what a key establishment they are in Anoka and offer assistance if possible to remain open. She commented on HealthPartners and the other businesses on Jacob Lane and how Perkins was located on a prime parcel and suggested the parcel could be complimentary to HealthPartners in the event it became available if they did not reconsider. Councilmember Skogquist thanked Ms. Brewer for bringing this topic forward and suggested the Economic Development Commission be involved in any action. Community Development Director Borglund said he believed the Perkins bankruptcy occurred at the corporate level but that staff would reach out and see what could possibly be done as well as work with the property maintenance firm in the meantime to ensure the property does not decline during this period. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.6. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Massage Business License for Q-Salon & Spa, 3507 Round Lake Boulevard NW, Suite 500. 6.4 Issuance of an Off-Sale 3.2 Liquor License; Vikroh Resources, LLC, dba/Vikroh Resources LLC/BP, 3770 N. 7th Avenue. 6.5 Issuance of an Off-Sale 3.2 Liquor License; Kwik Trip, Inc., dba Kwik Trip #1017, 617 Buchanan Street. 6.6 Issuance of a Tobacco License; Kwik Trip, Inc., dba Kwik Trip #1017, 617 Buchanan Street. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the location of the BP gas station. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 4 of 11 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Planning Items: 7.1.A RES/Approving a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan; Golf Maintenance Facility, Greenhaven Road and State Street. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City submitted an application requesting a Conditional Use Permit and site plan review to construct a 2-story, 18,300-square foot golf maintenance facility. The 3.8-acre lot area/construction limits area was shared with the site located at Green Haven Road and State Street. The subject property is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing on October 15, 2019, and staff reviewed the Planning Commission staff report, architect narrative, survey of the existing site, site plan and civil plan set, and architectural plan set including architectural elevations. He said the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit to the City Council with the following conditions: 1. The CUP authorizes the construction of a golf maintenance building 2. The building and site may be used by and serve golf, public services, and police operations. 3. The hours of operation are 24 hours 7 days a week. Mr. Borglund said conditions of approval for the site plan included: 1. All comments and concerns of the City Engineer shall be met. 2. All comments and concerns of the Fire Department shall be met. 3. All comments and concerns of the Golf Course Manager and Superintendent are met. 4. A permit shall be obtained from the Watershed District. 5. All necessary permits from State agencies shall be obtained prior to site work. 6. The development of the proposed site shall be consistent with all approved plans. 7. Revised plans shall be submitted as required by City Staff. 8. There shall be additional landscaping and screening along the east edge of the parking area. Councilmember Freeburg asked about funding and costs. Public Services Director Mark Anderson said the funding would come from the sale of the existing park service center and a short-term internal loan from the Electric Fund covered by a construction bond for an estimated $3.6 million. He said the bid package included an alternate for deducts if no animal containment facility was November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 5 of 11 constructed as this building was coming up next year for consideration at 275 Harrison Street. Councilmember Freeburg said he wants to maintain the animal control services. Mr. Anderson said staff understood that direction but noted there may be an interim period of non-operation. Councilmember Barnett shared concerns about building additional space for animal containment for one year just to rebuild it in another location. Mr. Anderson said the deduct is estimated to be approximately $300,000.00 and with the berm building and the need for a retaining wall this is likely the least expensive space but is a little too small for animal services. He said if not used for that purpose the space would be used for material storage for the golf course. Councilmember Wesp expressed concerns with changes to Hole 7 and encroachment and disagreed with staff on how the building will affect the course aesthetics, adding the current building was 40 years old and asked how large the space was. Mr. Anderson said he was not sure of the building size but noted it is smaller than the proposed building. Councilmember Wesp spoke about the need for offices at the current park building. Mr. Anderson explained the upper level would have a mezzanine and the overhead door on the west building exposure would be used to park golf carts seasonally. He said the office area is between the animal containment space and what is currently the shop and that the animal containment space would have one restroom and one office with no second level office space planned. Councilmember Barnett asked about security and aesthetics for golfers and the community visitors such as items stored outside and noise impacts. Mr. Anderson said the building would have cart access through a small key fob and equipped with cameras and monitoring, with the parking lot fully fenced with a power gate. He said aesthetics would be addressed but noted no concerns should be necessary about building location as golfers would not be in this area based on the course design. Councilmember Freeburg noted half the building would be below grade and covered with vegetation and should blend in well. Councilmember Barnett confirmed trucks and activity would not affect golf play. Mr. Anderson said it would be rare that a truck with materials be in the space but noted the equipment stored here is turf-oriented such as mowing then confirmed the landscape plan includes a lot of screening and that the architect worked hard to camouflage the building. Councilmember Skogquist said there were not many good locations for this building and while it would be nearby some homes it would screen the railroad November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 6 of 11 tracks and the nearby plant. He referred to the proposed materials of concrete and wood texture walls but requested photos of materials instead of renderings then suggested the need for float storage for Anoka Halloween but that based on the lot layout this likely would not work but asked staff to consider other options for float storage. Mr. Anderson explained the reason for the building is due to a developer being interested in the site for the Greens of Anoka and that timing will be important in order to break ground spring of 2020 and the need for bid approval in January. Councilmember Freeburg said he appreciated the comments about aesthetics and said the building’s landscaping would enhance the area very well and screen the metal grinding at the plant and the train tracks. Mayor Rice inquired if hoists would be included in the building. Mr. Anderson said there would be one fixed hoist and one portable hoist. Mayor Rice asked why so much overhead space was being included then spoke about the shooting range and the animal containment center and that he did not want to see a bathroom and office constructed that would likely be better used as storage for parks and suggested a chain link fence that can be removed after its use. He asked about the square footage of current building and the proposed building and for reasons on how it will change the effectiveness of park and golf course management. Mr. Anderson agreed on the need to review the animal containment center, adding that is why it was included as a bid alternate. Councilmember Skogquist said the proposed building was 23,000 square feet. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit and site plan review for Greenhaven Road and State Street. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 7 of 11 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Amending a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA); for a Coalition of Metropolitan Communities. RESOLUTION City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating the North Metro Mayors Association (NMMA) Board of Directors approved the amended and restated joint powers agreement (JPA) in September, stating the changes discussed by the Operating Committee in June were housekeeping items that bring the document up to date as well as adds the City of Fridley as a member. Mr. Lee said dues were $5,000 per year approved during the budget process annually by City Council. Jill Brown, Executive Director of North Metro Mayors Association reviewed the changes to the JPA and shared an update on the Coalition and the NMMA. She shared the organization was 32 years old and focused on regional issues for Anoka and 15 other communities and lobbied for them at the State Capitol as legislators tend to pay more attention to groups. She said the NMMA offers networking and pooling of efforts and was pleased to have Anoka in the mix as it helped make the organization strong. Ms. Brown said dues decreased due to the addition of Fridley and that monthly communications were shared with the City Manager with an invitation to all Councilmembers to their regular meetings. Councilmember Wesp asked about Highway 10 expansion and the need for a rail crossing at Ferry Street as it was the most dangerous in the State but how Coon Rapids and Ramsey received grade separations instead. Ms. Brown said their lobbyist attends the Highway 10 Working Group and noted challenges were present with the tight space to create grade separation but that NMMA was working with Anoka to find a solution then shared how they did so with other projects such as Highways 610, 10, and 65. Councilmember Skogquist referred to the lobbyist work involved in Highway 10 efforts and asked where NMMA stands on a secondary bridge over the Mississippi River. Ms. Brown explained NMMA does not have a position on a bridge as it is not up to them to decide but to facilitate then carry the message to the legislators. Mr. Lee noted direction on both these topics would come from City Council and will be on upcoming workshops for NMMA to help implement. Mayor Rice said once a goal is identified we need to find partners then work to agree on a strategy, adding the challenge is a lot of cities do not have the same November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 8 of 11 goals but this grade separate and secondary bridge would be goals shared by other cities. Councilmember Barnett asked why some cities have withdrawn such as Minneapolis. Ms. Brown said cities withdraw due to budget choices but noted Minneapolis felt they were different from the northern suburbs and were already considering withdrawing in 2015. She said Osseo and Lexington declined due to budget restrictions but said all were welcome back at any time. Councilmember Wesp said NMMA has done good work for the north metro but that we need to have a loud voice and work as a coalition of communities to help gain momentum and see results like southern suburbs. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement for the Coalition of Metropolitan Communities. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Designating Voting Precincts for 2020 Elections and Resolution Designating Election Judges for 2020 Elections. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report with Council stating legislation was put in place effective January 1, 2018 requiring that municipalities officially designate their precinct locations every year by December 31 for elections occurring the following year. Such a resolution will occur every year here in Anoka, even though our municipal elections occur on even numbered year. This will occur in order for us to be able address any special elections that may come up in an odd- numbered year. In addition, each year election judges are designated but will be amended as we acquire more judges throughout the election cycle. He noted we are very short on election judges for 2020 and encouraged residents to contact City Hall to apply. Councilmember Skogquist said the same precincts have existed for a long time and that most are not located close but are 2-3 miles away and suggested review and possible reallocation nearer to some homes. Mr. Lee said it may be too late to consider changes for 2020 due to notification but that precinct boundary review will be included in an upcoming worksession. Mayor Rice referred to past discussions about ward representation due to more heavily populated areas compared to others. Councilmember Skogquist encouraged this topic for the future and the need to balance the City’s population. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 9 of 11 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution designating election precincts for 2020. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to adopt a resolution for adoption of election judges for 2020. Councilmember Barnett said the election judge list showed 40 judges currently but asked how many more were needed. Mr. Lee said while he was unsure of the number of judges needed the City was still taking applications as it was a long day and the need for back-ups was necessary. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Approving Purchase Agreement, City’s Purchase of 2912 Verndale Avenue. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report with 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 Statutes, property owners who occupy the subject property and who must relocate are entitled to compensation sufficient to purchase a comparable property. The City has obtained a real estate appraisal for 2912 Verndale Avenue determining its value at $152,000.00 and the seller has agreed on a purchase price of $152,000.00. He shared the proposed schedule for closing on or before December 2, 2019. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the portion of the park area on the proposed plan. Councilmember Wesp asked if the home would be eligible for relocation. Mr. Borglund said the house was a Cape Cod style and was more challenging to relocate than ramblers. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving purchase of real property, 2912 Verndale Avenue. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; 641 Jacob Lane. (2nd Reading) November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 10 of 11 ORDINANCE Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the maintenance building located at 641 Jacob Lane has approximately 8.59 acres and consistent with the Greens of Anoka Redevelopment Master Plan adopted in 2012, the City seeks to subdivide a portion of the property for development purposes. He said first reading was held and no changes have occurred since first reading. Gramercy Development Companies is interested in developing approximately four acres of the property with a multifamily senior housing cooperative. In order for the project to move forward, a zone change is needed from the existing zoning of R-1 single family. Staff is proposing a zoning map amendment of the property to be rezoned to R-3 high density residential, which would allow the proposed use, if approved, under a Planning Unit Development (PUD) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP). A review of the site plan for those separate applications would be made later if the rezoning is approved. Councilmember Wesp referred to the opened sales office and asked if there was an indication of project popularity. Mr. Borglund said the sales office appears to be busy and that to date the developer has 15 reservations and more meetings scheduled. Councilmember Barnett said she was very excited to hear this update and about the pragmatic steps for this project. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance amending the City of Anoka zoning map as proposed. 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 None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. November 4, 2019 (Regular) Page 11 of 11 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Mr. Lee said the next meeting of the Highway 10 Work Group will be held on November 6 at Green Haven Golf and Event Center. 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: 8:28 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk