Anoka City Council

June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 15, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro-Tem called/and moved the City Council into a closed executive session at 6:02 p.m., pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05 for the purpose of holding an executive session for attorney-client discussion on litigation risks and strategy for potential grievance litigation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Upon adjournment of the closed executive session at 6:50 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp. Absent at roll call: Mayor Rice. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks; and Public Services Director Mark Anderson. The Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the April 27, 2020, Worksession. Minutes of the May 26, 2020, Worksession. Minutes of the June 1, 2020, Closed Executive Session. Minutes of the June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the April 27, 2020, Worksession, May 26, 2020, Worksession, June 1, 2020, Closed Executive Session, and June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting as presented. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 2 of 8 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Presentation; WIPFLi 2019 Annual Audit. Finance Director Brenda Springer introduced Lisa Desotelle and Brian Kahl with WIPFLi auditors to present the 2019 annual audit. Ms. Desotelle shared that Anoka had a clean audit with few adjustments of which nothing was significant and thanked staff for their work in preparing for the audit as most was done remotely which added a challenge but went well. She shared WIPFLi’s background then reviewed the audit results, financial trends, and new accounting standards. She stated the auditor’s report was clean with an unmodified opinion as well as the financial statement internal controls and compliance and noted no current year exceptions with regard to Minnesota Legal Compliance. She reviewed the electric fund stating it was trending up but operating income was down slightly then reviewed other funds including water as operating was down a bit from prior years due to volume then reviewed upcoming debt service. Mr. Kahl reviewed the GASB Statement No. 84 fiduciary activities that established new standards of accounting and postponement of effective dates then spoke about implementation of new standards. Ms. Desotelle congratulated the City on achieving the GFOA’s certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for 39 consecutive years as well as the outstanding achievement in popular annual financial reporting for four consecutive years. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist asked for more information on why water income was down. Ms. Springer stated we have a decrease in usage possibly be to conservation. Councilmember Barnett thanked staff and WIPFLi for their work as this is an arduous process and was proud to have the certifications representing the City. Ms. Springer thanked WIPFLi and Liz Douglas from Finance for their help. Councilmember Freeburg thanked Ms. Springer and her staff for all their hard work. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist asked if any problems occurred due to the remote audit process. Ms. Springer reviewed the process that involved electronic uploads of data which is different than the past but said the process went very well. June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 3 of 8 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson commented on policing across Minnesota and the country in light of recent civil unrest then shared information related to the use of force in Minneapolis that played a part in the death of George Floyd and noted Anoka never allowed any type of neck restraint with any suspect. He spoke about training surrounding positional asphyxia and said Anoka officers are a compassionate, professional organization serving the community and would not use this type of force. He said May resulted in 2,000 calls for service and June will likely be higher than average then spoke regarding the opening of restaurants and indoor/outdoor seating and the increase in over intoxication occurrences then referred to a recent incident that resulted in public obstruction the resulted in arrests made and the need for additional patrols to ensure restaurant patrons are safe. Chief Peterson referred to a carjacking incident on Madison Street then shared the outdoor seating 10PM limit was being complied with but noted some establishments may not be in full compliance with CDC and State guidelines with regard to masks and seating arrangements and that any complaints would be forwarded to Anoka County Public Health for review. He spoke about COVID- 19 testing updates and how the statewide emergency was still in effect then thanked the public for the community support both in person and writing which helped remind officers why they became officers in the first place. Councilmember Freeburg referred to a cell phone found earlier today and its possible connection to the earlier carjacking incident. Councilmember Wesp referred to a citizen email requesting Council adopt a resolution of support for police and stated the community feels very safe with the police and fire departments and both were doing a great job during these challenging times. Councilmember Barnett asked what type of crimes were returning with the increased call volume and how did it compare to last year. Chief Peterson responded calls were returning to a similar level to last year and that no changes in the types of crimes have been seen. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist referred to Jackson Street and compliance with the Governor’s orders and negative peer pressure regarding wearing of masks and asked what steps Anoka County would do regarding this disheartening trend. Chief Peterson said he was unsure of enforcement extent but would follow-up. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 4 of 8 None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.4. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Waiving Monetary Limits for Liability Coverage and Annual Insurance. 6.4 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for McKenna Busche of Anoka at Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. Councilmember Wesp noted a topic had been added to the June 22 worksession regarding an incident that occurred involving Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist and staff on June 8. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Denial of Zoning Text Amendment to Add Currency Exchange as a Permitted Use in the B-6 Zoning District. RESOLUTION City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating at the June 1, 2020, regular meeting, the City Council passed a motion denying the application for a proposed zoning text amendment to add “Currency Exchange” as a permitted use in the B-6 Neighborhood Commercial Business District. When denying a zoning request, the City should provide the applicant written reasons for its denial and a resolution was prepared by staff with the Council’s findings for consideration. If adopted, the applicant will be provided a letter and copy of the adopted Resolution as prepared by the City Attorney. June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 5 of 8 Councilmember Freeburg confirmed process did not involve a second reading. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt resolution of denial of zoning text amendment to add currency exchange as a permitted use in the B-6 zoning district. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 First Quarter Financial Reports. Ms. Springer reviewed the City’s first quarter financial reports and shared revenues were the same from 2019 with expenses down by $200,000 then reviewed governmental fund reserves, enterprise funds golf loss of $153,000 and recycling loss of $16,000 which is normal each year and noted all other enterprise funds were showing positive operating income. She stated cash and investments were up slightly but trending down since 2012 due to construction projects and land purchases in TIF districts then reviewed types of investments structure and maturity of investments and stated the City continued to provide good financial management. Councilmember Barnett asked if the reports were showing anything related to COVID-19 impacts such as police overtime, electric, etc. Ms. Springer said nothing was being reflected yet in first quarter but staff expected a reduction in revenue in second quarter such as the aquatic center, recreation programming, and PPE purchases but noted staff was doing a very good job tracking those expenditures for possible reimbursement through the CARES Act. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 COVID-19; City Operations, Changes, and Impacts. June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 6 of 8 City Manager Greg Lee shared the City Council may want to discuss several items with regard COVID-19. He said the City has been receiving multiple calls from service companies who want to solicit their business such as pest control, roofing, siding, etc. and said the City has not been issuing solicitor registrations during the current State of Emergency. He said now that the Governor was opening things up calls were increasing and solicitors inquiring when the City would allow this activity to occur. Homeowners can post their property with a “No Solicitors” sign which would prevent solicitors from entering their property or they can choose not to answer their door if they are concerned about COVID- 19 exposure risks. Staff requests direction from the Council on whether or not we can begin to process and issue Solicitor Registrations then noted solicitor registrations are processed administratively and do not require City Council approval. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist suggested amending the registration process to include COVID-19 protocol. Mr. Lee said if directed to issue registrations staff could include protocols such as the wearing of masks. Councilmember Barnett said by restricting registrations we are affecting businesses and that there should be a pragmatic way to get them back to work too, adding a resident who was uncomfortable did not have to open their door then asked for an update on 2020 census canvassing. Community Development Director Doug Borglund stated he had not heard a recent update but was aware the census was promoting information and noted their online response rate was very high and may not involve as much door to door contact. Councilmember Freeburg said he was in favor of allowing solicitor registrations to occur again. Mr. Borglund provided an update on outdoor seating downtown and said staff would like to discuss with City Council the continuation of outdoor seating going forward as indoor seating capacity increases. He said staff has been working closely with food and beverage businesses regarding the no cost permit process and plans for tables, barriers arranged and other requests and said the Governor’s Phase III plan allows for 50% capacity after which prompted emails that requested the City consider the outdoor seating to remain until the end of summer. He spoke about how this could show what an entertainment district could look like in the future and hoped this would make up for some of the time lost during the earlier restaurant closures. Councilmember Freeburg said he would be in support of continuing outdoor seating into next season but shared a concern that the current concrete barriers do not set a nice tone for the area. Mr. Borglund suggested staff could review a concept later this fall for consideration next year that included painting the barriers with the City’s stylized “A” logo as well as other ways to make the area a nicer welcoming tool and identity tool. June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 7 of 8 Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist said many were pleased with the outdoor seating and was comfortable continuing for the remainder of the season to provide a sample for consideration next year. Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks shared an update on the aquatic center that opened earlier today and outlined shortened hours with a slow approach that received positive feedback. She provided information on the restrictions and next steps regarding swim lesson registration and addressing non-residents use of the facility and said 50 season pass holders attended today that included temperature checks and other safety precautions and adherence to guidelines. Ms. Jenks said staff opened swim club as that can be easily maintained through social distancing and said they had 185 registration for total revenue of $13,000 with 176 season passes sold to date for residents only. She noted day tickets would be sold on a limited number for both residents and non-residents and the number would be reconsidered as time goes on. Councilmember Barnett asked if the season pass was offered on a prorated basis due to the shortened season. Ms. Jenks said the passes were not prorated in order to help cover all safety precaution costs incurred. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist asked how customers have adapted to the changes. Ms. Jenks explained adults were required with youth to help maintain distancing and that things have been going very well. Councilmember Barnett said the City’s aquatic center was one of the only outdoor pools opened in the area and asked what capacity was allowed. Ms. Jenks said this was the only City-run facility in the metro open with the closest pool at the St. Louis Park community center so staff expected a draw from other cities and said capacity was 50% across the board for a total of 450 and would be adjusted as guidelines are changed. Mr. Lee noted that is why the center was opened to residents only because of the restrictions and when additional capacity is allowed then non-residents would be allowed to sign up. Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist asked for an update regarding utility bill payments related to COVID-19. Ms. Springer responded staff was pleased to see only 6% of residents were delinquent in utility payments and while a few needed assistance, most were current and paid in full. She said staff would be begin utility shut offs again in July and would have full staff onsite to answer calls and make payment arrangements. Mr. Lee clarified the City was not doing shut offs during the recent state of emergency and would begin doing so now again. Ms. Springer stated staff wanted to begin in July because there was a limited amount of time to get people June 15, 2020 (Regular) Page 8 of 8 current before Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule went into effect and provided more flexibility to work with customers to spread payments out over time if needed. Councilmember Barnett said she supported the proposed plan regarding water shut off process then asked when inspectors would be going back into homes. Mr. Borglund responded staff was still maintaining the current status on that did not include in-home inspections but would continue to reevaluate and noted rental license classes were also not being offered at this time. Councilmember Barnett asked for an update on senior center programming. Mr. Lee said limited programming was beginning again such as bus service to grocery stores and foot care and could be found on the City’s website. 12.4 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Wesp asked for an update on erosion occurring along the Rum River north area of the Woodbury House property. Public Services Director Mark Anderson explained while putting in buoys staff noted erosion was occurring along the Red Ox trail and that staff was working to stabilize the bank. Councilmember Wesp suggested this topic be included on a future worksession for possible opportunities for grants to help address this concern and noted the historic Red Ox Trail needs to be protected. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Freeburg made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Skogquist, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:14 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk