Anoka City Council

December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 1 of 7 WORKSESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION ROOM DECEMBER 9, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Freeburg called the worksession meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice (arrived at 6:00 p.m.), Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Associate Planner Clark Palmer; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Electric Utility Director Greg Geiger; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Communications and Recycling Manager Pam Bowman 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS and/or DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1 Discussion; Transportation Update; Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project (MnDOT Project) and CSAH 7th Avenue Reconstruction Project (Anoka County Project). Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a staff report with background information stating the second joint public Open House for the Highway 10 Corridor Projects will be held on December 10, 2019 at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. The City of Anoka will have an informational booth for the City-led US Highway 10/169 Improvements Project and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will have an informational booth for the State-led Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project. The main objective for MnDOT at this Open House is to provide an update on the selected alternative for the Ferry Street interchange. Nick Olson, North Area Engineer from MnDOT Metro District, shared an update on the staff-preferred Ferry Street interchange alternative selected, including an update on the property impacts. He spoke about the Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project and the narrowed choices including the divergent diamond option which had significant property impacts and the urban interchange which was more costly then shared how public feedback was brought to MnDOT leadership which led to a decision of a SPUI design which would shrink impacts and only impact one homeowner. Craig Hass, SFR Consulting for MnDOT, stated the main purpose of project is to replace the bridge then spoke about the two-foot under-clearance. December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 2 of 7 Councilmember Skogquist asked about lifespan of concrete versus steel bridge construction. Mr. Craig Hass said the lifespan of both materials is very similar and should last approximately 75 years then spoke about the two-foot raise and auxiliary lanes on 7th Avenue that will result in replacement of the 4th Avenue Bridge and removal of the railroad bridge and combined into one bridge at 4th Avenue with a realigned trail. Councilmember Wesp asked how far back the project affect grading and home impacts. Mr. Hass said the project will impact some but they intend to keep impacts as close to the bridge as possible and plan to use the grading to tie in the project. He shared graphics highlighting auxiliary lanes on 7th Avenue and Ferry Street and the intended noise analysis for potential mitigation then shared alternatives for the Ferry Street interchange and spoke about the engagement on Maple Lane and Gray Street and area apartment complexes and residents’ acceptance with right-in/right-out as opposed to property impacts. Councilmember Skogquist asked questions regarding possible property impacts and costs. Mr. Olson said the dedicated right turn lane southbound on Ferry Street will result in staying away from the auto repair business and avoid major impacts to a second home. He said there were more opportunities with the SPUI design than the divergent design then outlined costs for the 2022 project of $53 to $60 million and how they were working to reduce costs by narrowing the footprint and making the bridge smaller. Mr. Craig Haas said geotechnical work was complete and showed they could do a two- pier design which will also result in savings then shared the proposed schedule and public open house which will be followed by request for municipal consent that included a 30- day public notice requirement for consideration by Council in February and bidding January 2022. Councilmember Barnett asked to see the open house feedback prior to the February Council meeting. Joe MacPherson, Anoka County Engineer, provided a summary of the comments received at the open house held at Green Haven Golf Course Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and addressed questions Council had moving forward on the CSAH 7th Avenue Reconstruction Project. He said while it was not well attended, he shared one homeowner presented concerns about water issues on Grant Avenue. He said staff has not received many calls regarding this project and said the open house was generally positive and supported the separating turn lane so they intend to move forward with design as proposed for delivery in 2021. Councilmember Wesp asked if the water and sewer concerns on Grant Avenue was a City repair. Public Services Director Mark Anderson said there had been recent watermain replacement in that area. Councilmember Barnett asked how many mailings were sent inviting residents to the open house. Mr. MacPherson confirmed mailings were sent and online opportunities December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 3 of 7 provided for residents within a half-mile radius but noted most understood the road conditions were bad. Councilmember Skogquist requested including the sidewalk section that stops at Johnson Street up to Garfield as a visual for a future project so the public is aware of the intent to complete this sidewalk section. Mr. MacPherson said their staff will begin design work and come forward with a joint powers agreement, staging and schedule for Council approval. 3.2 Introduction; Rumriver Arts Center. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse shared a staff report with background information and introduced Directors Larry Weinberg and Susan Yee who provided the Council with a history of the Rumriver Art Center, how they have evolved and grown over the last few years, and said they were seeking financial support. Susan Yee, Rumriver Arts Center, thanked Councilmember Skogquist for arranging this time then shared their mission statement and how it correlates with Anoka’s mission statement. She shared a background of their center that included 10,000 annual participants, outreach programs, multiple art forms, free art gallery, and the third annual art fair in response to funding cuts in schools. She stated everyone benefits including youth, adults, and seniors and offered community pride and belonging. Ms. Yee spoke about partnerships with Anoka Halloween and Winterfest, Anoka Community Education, Lincoln Elementary, Girl and Boy Scouts, 4H, Anoka High School, and Haven for Heroes and said they volunteered their time and requested funding. She spoke about the City’s efforts for redevelopment by the commuter rail station and senior centers and suggested a sculpture garden nearby with community murals in partnership with Fred Moore School. Larry Weinberg, Rumriver Art Center, shared statistics on increases in participation over the past 24 months and how more than half their programs were outreach. Melody Shryrock, Board of Directors Rumriver Arts Center, stated they were reaching a critical stage in the program that began in 2009 and said while it has grown immensely and had recognized State programming and value critics know they need to think longer term and hire an executive director for program sustainability of the organization, stating while they have done a great job with this exciting grass roots program help is needed. Ms. Yee shared support received by other cities for their art centers and said they hoped to have funds for future performing arts. Mayor Pro Tem Freeburg thanked the directors for the information and for providing a great service and said he would like to see the organization receive some assistance. December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 4 of 7 Councilmember Barnett referred to their park event in Ramsey and asked what the City could do to encourage a similar event in Anoka. Mr. Weinberg said they would like to do a similar art in the park event in Anoka as they were proud to be in Anoka and wanted to be ambassadors for the City. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the baseline for groups for funds such as using the reader board and social media and suggested other ways for support. He said this was a different niche and hoped the organization could take over the building in the future and offer café options, rooftop gardens, and artists’ space. 3.3 Discussion; Contributions to Non-Profits. City Manager Greg Lee shared a staff report with background information stating the City supports several non-profit organizations and that annually the City reviews this document to confirm that the City contribution to nonprofits organizations is consistent with the goals and direction set by City Council. The Round-up Program was started in January 2012, the purpose was to actively raise funds specifically to reduce expenses and provide financial assistance to worth-while activities, organization and community projects that improve the lives of families, children and seniors in the community. A large recipient of round-up funds is the Youth First Community of Promise organization. At the October 28 worksession the Council expressed a desire to reduce the annual contributions in 2020 to Youth First by $5,000 and redirect those funds to Anoka Community Mission. Council also expressed a desire to no longer act as the fiscal agent for Youth First and to cease accounting services for Youth First effective as of January 1, 2020. At this meeting, staff proposed a concept of having a list of organizations that were selected by City Council to be eligible to receive Round-Up Funds. Citizens donating to the Round-Up Program would then select which organization they would like their donation to be contributed to. Staff would like to discuss this concept and the overall future operations of the Round-Up Program. Mr. Lee shared the program previously generated $40,000 but was now down to $32,000 with Youth First receiving 50%, ACBC Food Sshelf receiving 25% and Alexandra House 25%. He said it has been a struggle to keep the program vibrant with contributions declining and suggested people be able to select where they want their funds to go. Councilmember Freeburg asked if this program change would be hard to administer. Mr. Lee said it may but that they would simplify as much as possible and still focus on children, elderly, and families and that organizations would present their case for Council decision, adding this process would have organizations help promote them too making them a partner. Mayor Rice said he liked the idea as the trend will continue to shrink unless we do something and suggested offering an annual contribution option of $6, $12, or $18. Councilmember Skogquist agreed we should try then reevaluate after some time, adding he liked the one-time donation option. December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 5 of 7 Councilmember Barnett said we should not limit the donation levels and suggest higher denominations to make up for what is not being received then asked about the Anoka County Growers Association support by purchasing banners and said she would like to see something with more substance as currently there were only a couple booths involved. Ms. LaCasse responded that one of the challenges is finding vendors from the Growers Association who want to come Monday evenings as other cities have larger events, parking and toilet facilities. She said they have offered other locations in the City but most want to be on Main Street so staff purchased one banner to help advertise while they try to balance if the event is still working. Mr. Lee asked the Council to consider dollars from taxpayers to nonprofits and suggested all be included except Anoka Halloween as this was a City event then suggested we could pay for porta potties and offer in kind support. Councilmember Skogquist commented on the request for storage space for floats for Anoka Halloween as storage is expensive and suggested adding a stall to the pole shed on Pierce Street with contributions from Anoka Halloween. Mr. Anderson said there could be zoning concerns as it was only a steel building but that it was possible to do. Council consensus was to move forward with the idea for storage and offer promotional support for Rumriver Arts Center for 2020 similar to Lyric Arts advertising space. They said they would prefer promoting a one-time donation and offering information on each organization that requests sign-up or one-time donation. Discussion was held on subsidizing the Anoka Philolectian Society linens and consensus was not to support that cost as it was a pass-through organization with limited scholarships. Mr. Lee added since Green Haven has been successful staff did not want to get too involved with operations. Mayor Rice noted the maximum donation amount now was $11.88 and referred to what these organizations and offer assistance locally. Councilmember Barnett spoke about Haven for Heroes bookkeeping and clarified the budget includes continuing these services then spoke about how billing has changed and most do not receive paper bills and suggested text messaging information on the program for those with online bills. 3.4 Discussion; Review Organized Garbage Hauling Open House Structure. Mr. Lee shared a staff report with background information stating after discussion at the October 28, 2019 worksession, Council directed staff to schedule an educational open house to provide information to the public about organized garbage hauling and the process the City would need to follow should Council wish to pursue it. The open house will be held January 23, 2020 at Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center in the banquet rooms then he shared a draft of the PowerPoint presentation, similar to the one from 2014/2015, for review and comments. A feedback form will be provided to attendees at December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 6 of 7 the open house and both will be available on the City’s website leading up to and following the open house. After the response deadline of February 14, 2020 is reached, staff will compile the public responses and present the findings to Council at a future worksession. An announcement for the open house will be included in the January issue of City View and on the City’s website. He said staff is requesting Council feedback on the presentation and direction on how to proceed as he said a vote on direction would likely be expected. Mayor Rice said residents should be in favor of saving money and while this may be a difficult point to share it is not a question of if but when as there is no better way for cities to protect infrastructure and reduce taxpayer costs then by organized hauling. Councilmember Wesp commented on the arduous process. Mr. Lee explained the process to move to single hauler that included public education and petition if not in support and how haulers would make decisions on coverage then decide fees for seven years before new bids. Councilmember Wesp said this action would reduce multiple truck traffic on streets that are exempt from load limits that total approximately 80,000 pounds loaded and asked about the process used in 2015. Councilmember Freeburg said the City stopped trying as residents were adamant and the Council was divided then suggested a franchise fee instead. Councilmember Barnett said the presentation need to include more data as part of meeting. Mr. Lee said staff was still working on some data but noted Anoka spent $62 million in infrastructure which was high for a city of our size that included $48 million on streets and a study by Bolton-Menk for Fridley stated 17% of longevity of city streets is affected. Councilmember Barnett asked for information on pick-up costs to address concerns about customer service and what will be important to residents in the negotiation such as yard waste hauling, moving cans for elderly, and opt-out options. Councilmember Wesp agreed customer service has to be very important and asked how much Blaine saved as a single hauler and if the hauler fee could be held if there were customer service issues. Mr. Lee commented how Anoka had single hauling for over 100 years until 1991, after which streets began to deteriorate just nine years later. Councilmember Wesp said he did not want to take choice away but we have to explain the facts and compare this to how there is choice for other utilities and even benefits for electric that offsets costs. Mayor Rice suggested using the cement truck analogy and how spring weight limits are in place for a reason. December 9, 2019 (Worksession) Page 7 of 7 Mr. Lee said a single hauler will ultimately save the City money and suggested not re- bidding very often, adding after the initial seven years it puts all companies on an even playing field. Councilmember Skogquist spoke regarding services in Blaine, as all complaints went through one staff member who gets very little complaints, as well as the RFP process and Champlin collection zones. Councilmember Barnett cautioned about the importance of educating the public and selling them on a concept and said it will be important to address the pros and cons to be fair to both sides. Mr. Lee agreed, stating the presentation will be very fact-oriented and that personal biases would not show through, adding facts support that hauling breaks roads down 20% faster. Mayor Rice agreed but said we are biased because we know what is best for the City as costs of a crack in a road is due to weight. Councilmember Wesp said there is a lot of pass-through traffic in the City but that he wanted the opportunity for residents to voice their opinion. 4.1 Staff Update. None. 4. COUNCILMEMBERS COMMENTS None. 5. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Rice adjourned the Worksession at 8:00 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk