Anoka City Council

September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 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; City Planner Clark Palmer; Community Development Director Doug Borglund, Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger; Finance Director Brenda Springer; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the August 17, 2020, Regular Meeting. Minutes of the August 24, 2020, Worksession. Councilmember Skogquist noted corrections were needed on the August 17, 2020, Regular meeting minutes on Page 4, Paragraph 2, correcting references to the Human Rights Commission and the name Gene Wagner. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the August 17, 2020, Regular Meeting and August 24, 2020, Worksession as corrected. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Anoka Halloween; 2020 Festivities Update. Liz McFarland of Anoka Halloween provided an update on the 2020 Anoka Halloween festivities and outlined the planned events in light of COVID-19. She shared a 100-year Anoka Halloween history book was being offered for sale and September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 encouraged the public to visit their website for more information as events may change then thanked the City, police, and community partners for their support. Councilmember Barnett thanked Anoka Halloween for their work to ensure this event occurs then asked for more information on the Grande Day Parade and ACBC Food Shelf collection. Ms. McFarland shared they had a good result with the food shelf collection then explained how the Grande Day Parade will be a drive-by experience. She shared how tent events will be different and how they were working to incorporate platforms to continue events as much as possible as they help fundraise for scholarships. Councilmember Skogquist thanked everyone for their work to not hold only virtual events but incorporating new events as well such as the bell ringing. 4.2 Proclamation; Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2020. Barb Thurston, Daughters of the American Revolution, stated annually the City proclaims the week of September 17-23 as Constitution Week in the City of Anoka. She shared information about the Chapter, administered a quiz based on the Constitution, and thanked the Council for the Proclamation. Mayor Rice read the proclamation in full for the record. 4.3 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared information on upcoming events including a Back to School Drive and Ruby’s Pantry ice cream event. He shared that businesses could schedule a site visit to help address security concerns then spoke how the City was prepared to respond to any civil unrest that could occur. Chief Peterson shared an update on COVID-19 statistics within the City including testing and deaths. Councilmember Barnett asked for an update on undesired activity in the entertainment district. Chief Peterson responded that type of activity has decreased in the district as a result of additional police staffing. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Councilmember Skogquist inquired about the status of a petition submitted on August 20, 2020, by residents on the 400 block of Van Buren Street for a greenway proposal. Community Development Director Doug Borglund explained the petition needed to contain signatures from 100% of property owners before it was considered complete and would be brought forward to the Council for consideration and that one property owner had not signed. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 City Manager Greg Lee explained the petitioner had not contacted one property owner and that staff directed them to speak to the owner before bringing the petition forward. He shared more about the process and property owners’ rights and how the procedure required signatures from all property owners in the area. Councilmember Skogquist expressed his frustration with the process and how the full property owner requirement was implemented and requested the petition be included on the next Council agenda. Councilmember Freeburg asked if there would be additional expense for this greenway if it was brought forward and approved. Mr. Borglund said the project had not been discussed to date. Mr. Lee explained staff wanted to bring a complete picture forward to Council and that the petitioner agreed to speak with the property owner but will contact the petitioner and get the item scheduled for a Council agenda. Mayor Rice clarified the City had not ignored the petition but agreed Council should have a voice in a petition that holds such a high percentage of property owner participation and asked for history of the ordinance or procedure that required 100% of property owner participation and questioned whether that process should be continued. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 Vacating of a Public Access Easement for Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Sandra Terrace, 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane. RES/ Vacating of a Public Access Easement for Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Sandra Terrace, 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating a resident has brought forward concerns regarding the ability to utilize an existing 30-foot walkway easement located between existing single-family residential parcels known as 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane at the end of 5th Avenue. The existing 30-foot walkway easement was put in place in 1979 at the time of platting the subdivision known as Sandra Terrace. During the platting process, a portion of 5th Avenue had been vacated and the City retained a 30-foot drainage and utility easement for storm sewer as part of the plat. During the subdivision process, the developer contributed cash in lieu of parkland dedication and was required to agree to sign and record a separate 30-foot wide public walkway easement allowing public access to the Mississippi River between 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane in favor of the City of Anoka. He shared further information on the request and said that since that time, a property owner affected by the current easement has worked with a private attorney to create a new walkway easement exclusively for the September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 purpose to provide access from River Lane to the Mississippi River over the westerly 15 feet of Lot 10, Block 1 Sandra Terrace and 7 feet of easement for walkway purposes over the existing staircase on Lot 10, Block 1 Sandra Terrace. Those parcels that are named in the new easement shall also have exclusive permission to walk on the easement to access the Mississippi River and use the grantors dock when the dock is on the Mississippi River. The lots affected by the newly recorded easement include: Lots 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, and 4A, Block 1 and Lots 1 ,2, 3, Block 2 of the Sandra Terrace subdivision. The proposed action now that the new easement has been established as mentioned above is to consider vacating the existing public walkway/access easement. Mr. Borglund shared comments received prior to the public hearing from neighboring property owners and noted the item was at the Park Board in the past and that several locations for park and water access along the Mississippi River have been added over time then read into the record an email from property owner Kathy Jacobson. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Al Jackson, resident of Sandra Terrace, shared concerns about limiting access to the river by vacating the easement. Colleen Engels, resident of Sandra Terrace, said she had not been notified of this public hearing and said how important the easement was to access the river in their neighborhood and presented a petition to retain the easement. Jamie Gaboury, 442 River Lane, expressed concerns about people getting injured accessing the easement Tom Way, 1221 5th Avenue, shared how he has used the access in the past and hoped this would continue. Dan Bodelson, 1120 5th Avenue, asked that the easement remain in place. Mr. Jackson said the proposed new easement restrictions should not be restricted to just a few residents. Mr. Borglund explained as proposed six non-riparian property owners would be able to access the easement. Kelly Felice, Sandra Terrace resident, requested the easement remain and would like to utilize the easement to access the river. Ben Kuehn, 1130 5th Avenue, shared his disappointment if the easement was removed. Ms. Engels said more signatures could be obtained if needed as she did not receive sufficient notice of this meeting. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 Being no more comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Skogquist, which was seconded by Councilmember Wesp, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.1 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Councilmember Freeburg noted improvements had occurred within the easement area and asked if those improvements could remain as well as the right of the public to access the river. Councilmember Wesp asked for more information on the two easements. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner stated the utility easement would remain but the walkway easement would be vacated which was a 30-foot walkway divided between two properties and has to remain while not impeding the City’s or public’s use of the easement. He said this action was initiated by the property owner of 502 River Lane and by City Charter the property owner has a right to request an easement be vacated then commented on obligations of the City if kept in place. He said the retaining wall and steps constructed by the property owner of 502 River Lane were outside the easement area and a new survey had to be completed along with other work in order to bring the vacation request forward to the Council. Councilmember Wesp commented on the quit claim deed process and how the City has not taken away the easement already in place and noted the other neighbor was in favor of retaining the easement. He asked about the improvements in place and whose responsibility it would be to remove as they were an encroachment. Mr. Jackson said he would like the easement to be returned and the retaining wall removed. Mr. Baumgartner said it would be the responsibility of the property owners of both 502 and 442 River Lane to remove the improvements as they both encroach into the easement. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the public hearing was published in the City’s official newspaper and that mailed notice occurred to property owners within 350 feet as required by Statute. Councilmember Barnett asked if liability was any different than anywhere else in the City and if we can keep it clear to allow use by residents what would be the maintenance impacts. Mr. Lee noted liability would be different because the area is owned by a private property owner and that the City would have less control. Public Services Director Mark Anderson said staff had not maintained this area to date but if it became a public easement it would have to be included on a maintenance schedule. Councilmember Barnett expressed need to delineate the September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 space to define the public easement and the private property area for liability reasons. Councilmember Freeburg noted the end of 3rd Avenue was not a public easement but was only to River Lane, similar to Kings Lane. Councilmember Barnett said both property owners should have been clear that this was an easement upon purchase and based on the size of the petition presented in the short turnaround time it is in the best interest of the neighborhood that the easement remain. Councilmember Freeburg said he was in favor of leaving the easement in place but not the retaining wall. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to leave the public access easement in place for Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Sandra Terrace, 442 and 502 River Lane, as originally designed. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 5.2 Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Authorize Municipal Consent Approving Layout of Highway 10 to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RES/ Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Authorize Municipal Consent Approving Layout of Highway 10 to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is undertaking improvements to Highway 10 in the City of Anoka. He outlined the project in detail and said pursuant to Minnesota Statute the public hearing is a required step in the Municipal Consent process such that MnDOT is able to obtain the City’s consent to the permanent right of way impacts and alteration of accesses. He said on August 5, 2020, MnDOT submitted to the City the final layout with a letter requesting approval and that per Statute, the City was holding the required public hearing which was published August 7, 2020. He shared financial impacts and budget that totaled a City contribution in 2022 of $453,000 and said the cooperative construction agreement with MnDOT would be brought forward to Council for consideration in 2021 with substantial construction completion in 2023. Mr. Nelson noted the report had changed since the packet was posted and that staff was recommending holding the public hearing but postponing the municipal agreement portion of the resolution until a future meeting when full funding could be identified. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 Nick Olson, MnDOT North Area Engineer and Project Manager, shared a presentation outlining the project in detail including layout, permanent right of way impacts and alteration of accesses integral to consideration of the municipal consent resolution as well as other project information such as estimated costs and overall project schedule. He explained the approval process, public engagement activities, and mitigation detours during construction and explained how the Rum River Bridge was in need of replacement and adequate clearance. Mr. Olson. outlined the proposed intersection, auxiliary lanes, removal of the 4th Avenue and Rum River bridge and combining into one bridge and trail then shared the final proposed layout, sidewalk improvements, storm water feature, and retaining wall on North Street. He spoke about the proposed noise wall locations of concrete panels which would be 14-20 feet tall and outlined the project’s aesthetics of color, stylized “A”, and lighting. Councilmember Skogquist asked about bridge clearance during the summer months. Mr. Olson said the bridge would be raised two feet higher than it was currently. Mr. Nelson shared the clearance would be similar to clearance at Pleasant Street to the north. Mr. Olson said the total estimated project cost was $64-$67 million with total City contribution of $453,000 then outlined next steps such as traffic mitigation, construction staging, final design, and cooperation construction agreement for project letting in February 2021. Councilmember Barnett noted Maple Avenue was highlighted and asked what changes would occur on that street. Mr. Olson explained there would be a slight readjustment on Maple Avenue due to retaining walls. Craig Barnes, SRF Consulting, said the change would be for noise walls and necessary slope for ramp. Councilmember Skogquist asked if North Street would be vacated or replaced and if residents had been contacted yet regarding this road and access to the billboard site. Mr. Nelson said the State was entering into 30% plan phase and that timing for changes was now. Mr. Olson outlined the noise wall on top of the retaining wall in this area and that no property acquisition offers had occurred yet but that the time to make decisions was now then spoke about voting rounds by property owners desiring a noise wall. Mr. Nelson noted utility easements would be needed for maintenance of the road. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 9:10 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 9:10 p.m. Mr. Nelson noted staff was not recommending authorization at this time until funding was in place yet for the Highway 10 project. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Barnett, which was seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.2 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to postpone indefinitely a resolution approving the Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Authorize Municipal Consent Approving Layout of Highway 10 to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.5. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Consideration of Setting Public Hearing for Assessment for Services. 6.4 Approving a Senior/Disabled Deferment for Doretta Johnston, 128 Gray Street. 6.5 US Highway 10/169 Improvements Project; Approve Federal Participation in Right-of-Way Agreement with Minnesota Department of Transportation for Minnesota Highway Freight Program Funds. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist 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/ Vacating of a Public Access Easement for Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Sandra Terrace, 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 9.2 RES/ Vacating of a Public Access Easement for Lots 9 and 10, Block 1, Sandra Terrace, 442 River Lane and 502 River Lane. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.3 ORD/Amending Chapter 48, Property Maintenance Code Amendments. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City Council discussed the proposed amendments during first reading on August 3, 2020. The City Council had concerns with the removal of the definition “Rental Dwelling” which would eliminate the use of a single-family home by a relative and further not consider the home to be considered a rental dwelling. This definition has been retained for the second reading. Minor changes have been made to in the definitions section as well as the removal of the definition of "Person" which can be found in the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Section 48-4 (f) Maintenance of Driveway and Parking Areas was also discussed and the following language within the current ordinance is proposed: Each driveway and parking area on any multiple-family property existing on or before April 8, 1994, shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, brick, or similar dust-free surface at such time as a building permit may be taken for either remodeling or improvements costing more than $5,000.00. Mr. Borglund said there seemed to be mixed feelings on the driveway issue as to keep it as written or make a change and staff was still looking for direction. If adopted the amendments would be updated to reflect the codification changes through Municode and direction of City Council has been to continue to develop, enhance and use tools available to address the maintenance of rental and problem properties. Currently, the City has an existing property maintenance code that was strongly influenced by an earlier version of the IMPC which has not been adopted by the City but in the fall of 2019, Council agreed and directed staff to develop the proposed amendments to existing Chapter 48 of the City Code. Councilmember Skogquist thanked staff for removing the rental license portion from the proposed amendments but noted driveways should be required and spoke about the $5,000 improvement threshold and suggested increasing it to $10,000 instead if exterior work was being proposed. Mayor Rice thought the $5,000 was acceptable as most were rental properties as these properties needed finished driveway surfaces. Councilmember Barnett agreed with Mayor Rice stating the amendments applied to multi-family dwellings only which were often investment properties then spoke about the amendment to family member definition if we would impose this September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 change who would monitor this activity, stating it did not make sense to adopt an ordinance that could not be enforced. Mr. Baumgartner said the concern occurs when a property is not being maintained and enforcement cannot occur against someone who is not the property owner. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance Amending Chapter 48 Property Maintenance Standards, Article 1, Addition of New Section 48-2 International Property Maintenance Code; Local Amendment; and Conflicts, and Amending Existing Section 48-2 Definitions; Section 48-3 Responsibilities of Owners and Occupants, Section 48-4 Minimum Standards for Basic Equipment and Facilities, Section 48-5 Stairways Porches and Balconies, Section 48-6 Access to Dwelling Units, Section 48-7 Door Locks, Section 48-8 Minimum Standards for Light and Ventilation, Section 48-9 Minimal Thermal Standards, Section 48-10 General Requirements, Section 48-11 Construction Standards, Section 48-12 Maximum Density, Minimum Space for Rental Units, Section 48-13 Enforcement and Inspection Authority, Section 48-14 Inspection Access, Section 48-15 Unfit for Human Habitation, Section 48-16 Secure Unfit and Vacant Dwellings, Section 48-17 Hazardous Building Declaration, Section 48-18 Compliance Order, Section 48-19 Right to Appeal, Section 48-20 City Council’s Decision, Section 48-21 Restrictions or Transfer of Ownership, Section 48-22 Penalties, Section 48-23 Execution of Compliance Orders of Public Authority, Section 48-24 Reserved of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota and Adopt a Resolution Providing for Summary Publication, Amending Chapter 48, Property Maintenance Code Amendment. Councilmember Skogquist said he was supportive of the amendment with the exception of the $5,000 threshold but looked forward to the changes. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Amending Legal Description and Clarifying the Sale of Real Estate Now Known as Riverside on Fourth Plat to Weekley Homes. LLC. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the Anoka County Examiner of Titles has requested a resolution be approved by the City Council to clarify the sale of a parcel now known as Riverside on Fourth Plat to Weekley Homes LLC. The reason for this request is because the original purchase agreement used a metes and bounds description and the transaction closed with a lot and block description with the recording of the plat. The Anoka County Examiner of Titles has reviewed the enclosed resolution and finds it sufficient to support the deed recorded to create a new Certificate of Title. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to adopt a resolution Amending Legal Description and Clarifying the Sale of Real Estate now known As Riverside on Fourth Plat to Weekley Homes LLC. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Amending Appointments to Various Committees/Organizations; Anoka- Champlin Joint Powers Fire Board. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating at the Council meeting on January 6, 2020, the Council adopted a resolution that made appointments to various committees and organizations, one of which included appointments to the Anoka- Champlin Joint Fire Board. Councilmember Mark Freeburg and the City Manager were appointed to serve on this Board and alternates were Wayne Anderson and Chief Peterson. He said staff was proposing these appointments be changed to Councilmember Freeburg and Chief Peterson as full members and retaining Wayne Anderson as the Alternate. The City Manager would no longer serve on this Board. Councilmember Skogquist said this was a step in the right direction and said he also wanted to change the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) structure as it shows good faith and that he trusts the City Manager will allow the Police Chief to participate as he sees fit. Councilmember Wesp clarified the City Manager was not removing himself from the Operating Committee and noted firefighters are employees of the Fire Board and it was important for Mr. Lee to remain active on the Operating Committee. Mr. Lee explained the Operating Committee was separate from the Fire Board. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution amending certain appointments to various committees. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Amending the Structure of the Anoka-Champlin Joint Powers Fire Board; Separating Membership of the Operating Committee from the Fire Board. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating on March 20, 1985, the City of Anoka and City of Champlin entered into the Joint Powers Agreement establishing the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department. In 2013 an Operating Committee comprised September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 of the City Manager of Anoka, City Administrator of Champlin, and the Fire Chief was established to provide both Cities with a more active role in the operations of the Fire Department and to serve as a continuous liaison with the Fire Board. Having individuals on the Operating Committee work on recommendations and proposals to be considered by the Fire Board and then be allowed to vote on their own proposal and recommendations is something that needs to be reviewed and discussed. The current structure of the Operating Committee and Fire Board may impact, both real and perceived, the reputation of the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department among the firefighting community in the metropolitan area. It may also impact the ethical functionality of the Fire Board. An option to address this issue and to attract a reputable and qualified Fire Chief, would be to take action to separate the Operating Committee from the Fire Board. Mayor Rice referred to the other issues as the Fire Chief is an employee of the Fire Board and while not influencing employment status without having another advocate it opens the system and provides greater freedom in roles and asked if we have sample resolution to give Champlin. Mr. Lee said if adopted this resolution would be forwarded to Champlin with the request to work to revise Article II of the JPA. Wayne Anderson, Alternate Fire Board member, thanked the Council for this change as previously established no one could attend the meetings and said he was pleased with change. Councilmember Barnett asked about future alternates. Mr. Lee said that would be addressed through the bylaws instead. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution amending the structure of the Anoka-Champlin Joint Powers Fire Board; separating membership of the Operating Committee from the Fire Board. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/CARES Act Business Program. RESOLUTION Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger shared a background report stating the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 which provides for payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The City was awarded $1.4 million in CARES Act funds and payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund can be used only to cover expenses that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020, and incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020. At the August 24 Council work session, the Council gave staff direction to proceed with allocation of a CARES Act Business Program. The highlights of the program include a $300,000 Grant Program, $10,000 Maximum Grant Amount, businesses with 50 or less FTE (full time equivalent) employees as of January 1, 2020, non-profits are eligible, and applicants must be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Staff has worked with Anoka County and various other agencies to determine the best administrator of these funds and Baker Tilly is one we considered that was able to take the City of Anoka on as a client. Baker Tilly has given us a not-to-exceed fee of $32,375 for services and deliverables and will only invoice the City for actual work performed. The rollout date will be September 9, 2020 for this program and the application period will be September 9– October 9 which will allow staff and Baker Tilly adequate time to review materials from all applicants prior to the October 19, 2020 City Council meeting. In addition to these CARES Act Business Program funds being available to businesses in Anoka, the Council directed Staff to work also with Joint Powers Organizations – Anoka Champlin Fire Department and QCTV, Anoka City Business Promotion Organizations – Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce, ABLA and Discover Anoka, and non-profits (those currently identified in our Round Up Program) – Youth First, Anoka Community Mission, ACBC Food Shelves and Alexandra House. Councilmember Barnett said while she understands there are not many options for this service, she was surprised about the fee Baker Tilly was charging. Mr. Berger said this fee was typical and felt the fee would have been higher, adding staff tried to work with different entities and while in range Baker Tilly was the only vendor who offered the application portal for the webpage. Councilmember Barnett inquired about marketing plans for this program. Mr. Berger said marketing will include contacting all businesses in Anoka, social media, and partnering with ABLA. Councilmember Skogquist asked if this was the same vendor used by Anoka County as he understood there had been some difficulties then added he hoped many businesses would apply. Mr. Berger confirmed Anoka County used a different vendor than Baker Tilly and that part of the benefit of waiting for the County program to start was to allow changes to the City program if needed, adding one amendment included 50 or less full time employees and for the business to be in existence for less than one year. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution adopting CARES Act Fund for business relief grant program. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 Mr. Baumgartner clarified that in addition to the resolution authorizing the program the motion would include authorizing contracting with Baker Tilly. Mr. Berger noted the agreement had already been signed in order to start the process and that he had a new agreement ready for formal approval. Mr. Baumgartner suggested a friendly amendment adding language to the resolution that Council hereby authorized entering into an agreement for services with Baker Tilly. 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 Appointment to Fill Partial-Term Vacancy on the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Lee Currently there exists a vacancy on the Human Rights Commission. This a partial term seat, with an expiration date of December 31, 2021. The City has received four applications; Eric Bobick of Anoka, Mona High of Anoka, Lori Anderson of Coon Rapids, and Margaret Anderson of Anoka. He said staff had been in contact with the other four members of the Commission advising them that this appointment is taking place and that once the vacancy is filled, a meeting of the HRC will be held. The topics for that meeting will include discussion on membership (currently this is a 5-member board), qualifications to serve on the HRC (currently residency is not required), reviewing HRC Bylaws, City Code section, and brochure, discussion on the purpose and responsibilities of the HRC, and discussion on the mission and goals/objectives of the HRC. Mayor Rice asked about the process. Councilmember Wesp said he would prefer to appoint an Anoka resident where possible and noted that applicant Margaret Anderson communicated with Council the most. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to appoint Margaret Anderson to the Human Rights Commission to a term to expire December 31, 2021. Mayor Rice agreed that Margaret Anderson was the most vocal and energetic applicant during the appointment period and welcomed her to the Commission. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. September 8, 2020 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.2 COVID-19: City Operations, Changes, and Impacts – Questions, Comments, and Discussion. Councilmember Barnett asked for status on the small business loans. Mr. Berger said feedback received showed the amount of the loan was a little low for the work required in the application and that funds were currently still available, adding the fund was approved to use redevelopment funds towards the program and was not a primary focus and could be revisited should the Council so choose. Mr. Borglund said the topic would be included in the October worksession and would include discussion on change such as equipment, lien position or other conversions. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. None. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Freeburg made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 10:00 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk