Anoka City Council
Regular MeetingAnoka, MN · December 7, 2020
Minutes
Monday, December 7, 2020 (Executive Session)
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EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY
COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION RM
DECEMBER 7, 2020
EXECUTIVE SESSION COMMENCED AT 6:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rice called the Executive Session to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp,
Councilmember Freeburg.
Staff present: City Attorney Scott Baumgartner, Darin Berger, HRA Manager, and
Engineering Tech Ben Nelson.
Guests: Attorney’s Peter Mikhail and Amanda Johnson of LeVander, Gillen & Miller,
P.A.
3. Mayor Rice closed the meeting pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13D.05, Subd 3(b), for
Attorney-Client discussions regarding: (a) negotiations and litigation risks in using
eminent domain to acquire property for U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project.
4. After discussion, the closed executive session adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Approval Attestation:
Amy T. Oehlers, ACM/City Clerk
Monday, December 7, 2020 (Executive Session)
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EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY
COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION RM
DECEMBER 7, 2020
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOLLOWING REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Rice closed the meeting at 9:20 pm pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13D.05, Subd
3 for the purpose of conducting the annual performance evaluation of the City Manager.
After discussion, the closed executive session adjourned at approximately 9:38 p.m.
Approval Attestation:
Amy T. Oehlers, ACM/City Clerk
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL
ANOKA CITY HALL
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DECEMBER 7, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rice called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m., followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Motion by Councilmember Freeburg, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to close the
executive session regarding negotiations and litigation risks in using eminent domain to
acquire property for US Highway 10/169 improvement project.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and
Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. ROLL CALL
Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and
Wesp.
Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Community Development Director Doug
Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Finance Director
Brenda Springer; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben
Nelson; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner.
Absent at roll call: Mayor Rice.
3. COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the November 12, 2020, Special Meeting.
Minutes of the November 16, 2020, Regular Meeting.
Councilmember Barnett requested a correction on the November 12 Special
Meeting Page 1, title “Canvass of Results” and the November 16 Regular
Meeting, Page 2, last paragraph “…how he tried…”
Councilmember Skogquist requested a correction on the November 16 Regular
meeting Page 3, third paragraph, “…to allow the Human Rights Commission to
remain…” and Page 11, last paragraph, correcting the vote to 4-1 with Mayor Pro
Tem Skogquist voting nay.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to
waive the reading and approve the November 12, Special Meeting and November
16, 2020, Regular Meeting as corrected.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
4. OPEN FORUM
4.1 Police Activity Update.
Police Chief Eric Peterson shared updates regarding the downtown area and
impressions received from the public about general safety from negative events
and how the security unit knows to ensure a feeling of safety for holiday shopping
then reminded the public to lock up cars and address packages being delivered
promptly. He shared an update regarding the pandemic including testing statistics
then shared details regarding the upcoming Santa, Sirens, and Friends event on
December 10 and thanked all involved for their work on this event.
OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM
Kay McAloney, 1742 Rivers Pointe Place, Anoka, asked to speak regarding Item
11.2. Mayor Rice said the public would be allowed to speak when the item came
before the Council.
5. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
5.1 Budget and Levy Presentation.
Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating the 2021
budget process began in June and was based on Council directives and the 2021
goal session. The proposed 2021 budget for all funds excluding the HRA
component unit is $66,310,983. The 2021 proposed levy is set at $7,446,100 with
a proposed levy increase of $143,095 or 1.96% above the 2020 levy. Residential
property taxpayers will see a small increase in city property taxes. The levy
increase, along with changes in fiscal disparity contributions and distributions,
changes in tax increment and market value all affect the tax rate and the amount
of property tax levy distributed to individual properties. With the increase in the
levy, the city council is able to cover all general fund operating, debt service
payments and some capital expenditures. She shared a detailed presentation
regarding the budget and public review process and stated Council will adopt the
final budget in December.
Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve
Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.3.
6.1 Approve Verified Bills.
6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars.
6.3 Approval of 2021 Employee Benefits and Wage Adjustments.
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
7.1 Planning Items:
7.1.A. ORD/Amending Chapter 78, Article V, Division 3, Section 78-270(f)(2);
B-6 Conditional Uses.
(2nd Reading)
ORDINANCE
City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating at the November 16
regular meeting, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that
would amend the B-6 Neighborhood Commercial Business District to allow
HVAC businesses and other similar uses in the district with a conditional use
permit (CUP). The amendment is being proposed by Chad Wetzel, owner of
Three Rivers Mechanical, who seeks to purchase the property located at 630 East
River Road for construction of a new company headquarters. The new building
would include an office and warehouse. The current property includes a vacant
building with no use. At the November 16 meeting, no concerns by the public or
City Council were heard, and no amendments to the draft language were
suggested, but the applicant is requesting the following zoning text amendment to
allow service businesses with showrooms or workshops, including office-
warehouse (contractor, painter, HVAC).
Councilmember Freeburg said this property has been vacant for a long time and
this use would provide a good improvement.
Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to
hold second reading and adopt an ordinance Amending Chapter 78, Article V,
Division 3, Section 78-270(f)(2) Conditional Uses of the Code of the City of
Anoka Minnesota.
Councilmember Barnett confirmed the amendment would affect the entire zoning
district. Councilmember Skogquist clarified if similar uses were requested a
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Conditional Use Permit would also be required. Mr. Palmer confirmed new uses
would require a CUP but existing uses would be considered legal, nonconforming
uses but could not expand.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist,
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
7.2 Economic Development Commission Items:
7.2.A. Economic Development Commission 2020 Business Survey Summary
Presentation.
Community Development Director Doug Borglund said the Economic
Development Commission (EDC) contacted 300 businesses in the City of Anoka
requesting they complete a short business survey. The EDC received 50 responses
to the survey and staff presented a summary of the survey responses and
highlighted responses and trends regarding topics such as hiring and recruitment,
use of City and County resources, and immediate issues or concerns.
Councilmember Barnett asked how the EDC would use this data to develop goals
and next steps. Mr. Borglund outlined the work to be done to analyze the data,
develop themes, and provide appropriate follow-up.
8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION
None.
9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
9.1 ORD/Amending Chapter 2, Article VI., Division 3, Human Rights Commission;
Expansion of Membership.
(1st Reading)
City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating the Human Rights
Commission (HRC) is a five-member board which met to discuss different areas
of the Code, including composition/membership level and qualifications,
including who can serve on the Commission. The Commission does not have a
residency requirement and feels strongly that it should not have a residency
requirement as members from other nearby communities or visit Anoka could be
beneficial to serving on the HRC. The Commission expressed their desire to have
a larger Commission because they feel there is energy around the HRC meeting
again and becoming active and that many members of the public have contacted
some of the members personally and expressed their interest in serving on the
HRC. The HRC also discussed their desire to have youth members serve in a
voting capacity on the HRC. Currently there is one student who is not a member
of the HRC but participates in the meetings by providing an update from the
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Anoka High School Leadership Academy. The Commission felt that it was in
their best interest to have the membership at a minimum-to-maximum level
instead of having a set membership amount. Establishing a quorum would then
be based on the level of members that are appointed and serving each month,
which could change on a month-to-month based on vacancies, applications and
appointments by the City Council. A quorum would be dependent upon on how
many individuals are serving at the time a meeting is held. For Council’s
information, all other City Boards/Commission have a set membership level. The
Commission reviewed Section 2-179 (a) related to the Composition of the
Commission and are recommending the commission consist of five members a
minimum of five members with a maximum of eleven members, with staggered
terms, determined and appointed by a majority of the city council. A quorum shall
be three members one more than half the number of members appointed and
serving at the time a meeting is held. The Commission also reviewed Section 2-
181 (a) Meeting and the HRC feels it is important that they meet on a monthly
basis and have proposed that amendment for Council’s consideration that the
commission meet on a monthly basis to respond to human rights occurrences or to
prepare for or implement an event, program or project sponsored by the human
rights commission, or to attend to necessary business.
Councilmember Freeburg asked about youth being on the Commission and
suggested no decisions be made until after the joint worksession. Councilmember
Barnett agreed, stating the Council and Commission should have a good
understanding of roles and responsibilities before the number of members is
decided, meeting frequency, and other topics and suggested the item be tabled
until after the worksession.
Councilmember Skogquist agreed but said first reading could be held now with
second reading held after the worksession.
Councilmember Wesp spoke about the vagueness of what is to be accomplished
and suggested second reading be held after the worksession in January. City
Attorney Scott Baumgartner confirmed delay of second reading could occur as
per Charter but noted the concern with quorums during this time and suggested
the Chair identify the current total number of members before each meting should
the quorum be a sliding scale.
Councilmember Freeburg shared comments regarding why these changes were
being considered at this time as the Commission has not met for years and that
there were no real issues at the moment.
Councilmember Skogquist asked questions on how Charter Commission
membership and quorum compared to this Commission and spoke about floating
membership. Mr. Baumgartner replied quorum would be similar to majority
votes.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Councilmember Wesp said he was uncomfortable moving forward at this time
without more interaction with the Commission as there were many applicants
interested in serving and the importance to meet with the Commission first.
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to
postpone first reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division
3, Human Rights Commission, of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota, until
after January worksession to further review this topic.
Councilmember Freeburg cautioned against having 11 people on a Commission
who may not be educated in these types of issues that could result in potential
liability.
Councilmember Barnett said consideration should be similar to the Waste
Reduction and Recycling Board where members were assigned based on the
increased work load and actual need.
Upon a roll call vote: Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in
favor. Mayor Rice and Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried.
9.2 ORD/Amending Master Fee Schedule for 2021.
(1st Reading)
Mr. Lee shared a background report stating annually staff reviews the fee
schedule and determines whether or not a recommendation should be made to the
Council to adjust the fees that the City charges for services and licenses. Fees are
to be based on the actual costs to provide the service, issuance/enforcement of a
license or code regulation, background checks, materials, time, etc. Mr. Lee
shared the proposed fee schedule that included annual special event license,
community room use, recycling fee, and others.
Councilmember Barnett confirmed input on the fee schedule occurred by the
Boards and Commissions.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold
first reading of an ordinance establishing a fee schedule for the City of Anoka,
Effective January 1, 2021.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist,
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
9.3 RES/Resolution Designating Election Polling Locations for 2021.
Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Legislation was put in place effective
January 1, 2018 requiring that all municipalities officially designate their precinct
locations every year by December 31 for elections occurring the following year.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Such a resolution will occur every year even though our municipal elections occur
on even numbered years in order to be able address any special elections that may
come up in an odd-numbered year.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to
adopt a resolution approving designating election precincts for 2021 for the City
of Anoka.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist,
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
9.4 RES/Providing for the Expenditure and Use of Coronavirus Aid Relief and
Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding.
Ms. Springer shared a background report stating on March 13, 2020, Governor
Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-01 declaring a state of
peacetime emergency to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. The
Governor’s Executive Order triggered activation of the City’s emergency
management plan and enabled the City to exercise its emergency powers. On July
7 the City of Anoka received Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act funds in the amount of $1,399,295.00. She reviewed the fund
allocation in detail for items such as improved telework capabilities, small
business assistance, and personal protective equipment.
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to
adopt a resolution adopting expenditures of City of Anoka CARES Act Funding
to reimburse the City of Anoka.
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 Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions.
Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report
stating staff advertised for applications for the annual board/commission
appointments during the month of October and published in the Anoka Union,
posted on the City’s website, Facebook, Twitter and also posted on the reader
board. Mr. Lee shared a summary of the board/commission positions scheduled
to expire as well as the status of the applications received and requirements to
serve on each of the Boards/Commissions.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to
reappoint Donald Collins and Mary Lou Evans and appoint Paul Pierce and Mike
Erickson to the Charter Commission to terms to expire November 1, 2024.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to
reappoint Jeff Lee and Matthew Finn to the Economic Development Commission
to terms to expire December 31, 2023.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to
reappoint Peg Flaig and Colleen Hansen to the Heritage Preservation Commission
for terms to expire December 31, 2023.
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
appoint Michael Steel to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a term to
expire December 31, 2025.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
The Council discussed appointments and the likelihood of Commissioner
Hoffman wanting to resign from the Human Rights Commission and to appoint
Commissioner Dilcher for the partial term.
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to
reappoint Suzanne Dilcher to the Human Rights Commission to a term to expire
December 31, 2021, and Steven Hoffman and Roxy Orcutt to terms to expire
December 31, 2023.
Mayor Rice spoke about the two upcoming full-term openings. Councilmember
Skogquist said many individuals were interested in serving on this Commission
and suggested reappointing Commissioner Hoffman.
Councilmember Wesp amended his motion to appoint Virginia Louden to fill one
vacancy that would result in a full Human Rights Commission until membership
is reviewed in January. Councilmember Freeburg agreed to the amended motion.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to
reappoint Gregory Bortnem and Steve Jenson to the Parking Advisory Board to
terms to expire December 31, 2023.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist to appoint to the Park and Recreation Board
as presented.
Councilmember Freeburg asked for the nominations to be voted upon separately.
Skogquist’s motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor re-opened for new nominations.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett to appoint Mike Clark to the Parks and
Recreation Board to a term to expire December 31, 2023. Attorney provided
options for the Council to make the appointments. Skogquist requested that
Councilmembers just state their 3 desired appointments.
Nominations for reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Board were held:
Councilmember Wesp – Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Clark
Councilmember Freeburg – Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Clark
Councilmember Barnett – Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Clark
Councilmember Skogquist – Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Scott
Mayor Rice – Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Scott
Upon tally of nominations, the Council confirmed reappointment of
Commissioners Nelson, Sebesta, and Clark to terms to expire December 31, 2023.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to
reappoint Cody Abbot to a term to expire December 31, 2022, and appoint Daniel
Pinewski to a term to expire December 31, 2023, to the Utility Advisory Board.
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 Barnett, to
reappoint Jan Call, Eileen Rathbun, and Susan Degrantz to the Waste Reduction
and Recycling Board to a term to expire December 31, 2022.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
Page 10 of 13
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist
and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried.
11.2 Discussion on Council Interaction Protocol and Ethics Related to the Event of
June 8, 2020, Involving Councilmember Skogquist.
Mr. Lee said on November 16, 2020, the City Council gave direction to include
discussion regarding an incident that occurred with Councilmember Skogquist on
June 8 that resulted in disorderly conduct charges being filed. Mr. Lee shared the
court documents related to this case then reviewed City Charter references to
Interference with Administration and how appointment of any person to office or
employment is done by the City Manager, except as provided in Chapter 7 of this
Charter. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall
deal with and control the administrative service solely through the City Manager
or his/her designee and neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give
orders to any of the subordinates of the City Manager, either publicly or privately.
The City of Anoka does have a Code of Ethics Policy which was adopted in 2008
but the document does not provide further guidance on Council interactions with
staff or other Councilmembers. Staff is looking for further direction on how the
City Council would like to proceed regarding this matter, including acceptance of
apology with no further action, public censure, removal from office/recall of
elective officers, mission statement, and code of conduct.
Councilmember Freeburg shared comments about form of government for Charter
cities and how the City Manager was responsible for employees. He referred to a
recent newspaper article and how Councilmember Skogquist contacted
Community Education to highlight how Councilmember Wesp recently voted
against their budget request which was not appropriate and requested either
censorship or resignation of Councilmember Skogquist.
Mayor Rice shared comments how the Council the City Manager was the only
employee they had to manage and that the City Manager was responsible for the
remaining City staff members.
Councilmember Wesp said he took responsibility for his vote on the Community
Education budget then shared his disappointment that this topic had to be on the
City’s agenda. He shared comments on how items should be handled then spoke
about possible culture changes at City Hall and that it was not under a
Councilmember’s authority to call out staff on items and that Council should be
held to a higher standard. He spoke about code of conduct and ethics policies
which highlight mutual respect and comments made by Councilmember
Skogquist on how people were operating the Parks Department that led to
criminal charges and his pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. He said these
actions were unbecoming a Councilmember and that Anoka was a results-oriented
organization that was held responsible for actions. Councilmember Wesp said he
understood Councilmember Skogquist had apologized but recognized his actions
hurt employees then spoke how Council relies on this staff. He shared other
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
Page 11 of 13
comments and frustrations and that these actions were embarrassing to the
Council and that steps should be taken to correct and action taken against
Councilmember Skogquist to show we will not tolerate this behavior going
forward.
Kay Maloney, 1742 Rivers Pointe Place, said she has served as a human resources
director at different organizations, including the City, then spoke about the need
to be an advocate for the affected employees. She said work direction comes
from all Councilmembers then referred to the tone of Councilmember Skogquist’s
comments and asked him to apologize.
Joe Anderla, Park Board member, shared comments about Councilmember
Skogquist’s apologies but asked that he apologize in writing written and deliver to
affect staff.
Sam Scott, 501 School Street and former Park Advisory Boardmember, shared
comments about ethics of Councilmember Skogquist and his knowledge of him in
the past, including values as an Eagle Scout. He said all people fail at times and
that when someone fails and apologizes, we should try to move forward.
Councilmember Barnett asked about the potential for affecting the case if
comments were received. Mr. Baumgartner explained the investigation and
charging documents were similar to other matters even after charged, adding his
concern was the discussion earlier was one-sided and that Councilmember
Skogquist could not fairly participate. He stressed the importance of moving
forward as a City and Council and did not want to delay any potential action
unnecessarily.
Mr. Palmer played a voicemail from an Anoka resident in support of
Councilmember Skogquist. Councilmember Barnett said she was shocked by the
incident and while she understood Councilmember Skogquist’s passion his
comments were egregious and protocol and impacts on staff and their career
potential were impacted. She stressed the need to respect staff members and
allow them to do their jobs and that censuring would be an appropriate response.
Councilmember Skogquist shared his apologies again to the City staff affected,
stating he did not want to make their jobs more difficult. He said he understood
the many hours worked by this staff through regular duties and special events and
recognized their dedication to Anoka and apologized for how he acted. He said
he would like to focus on the dialogue of hard work and supported implementing
something similar to the City of Alexandria’s code of conduct going forward.
Mayor Rice agreed some direction would be appropriate and next steps should
include a worksession for options for code of ethics. Councilmember Freeburg
agreed, adding the City Charter should be amended to address incidents like this
regarding censorship and the ability to remove.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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Councilmember Barnett asked about options including request for resignation but
how the City could not enforce this request and the possibility of other options
and confirmed the Council could not ask a member to step down. Mr.
Baumgartner outlined the option by Statute by voters and the process for recall
and explained options for removing a councilmember as outlined by Statute and
City Charter.
Councilmember Wesp shared comments regarding the police report and the
incident that occurred at Rudy Johnson Park and tree removal and how employees
were affected and the need for possible counseling, stating while we all make
mistakes, he did not see much remorse from Councilmember Skogquist and noted
the City of Nisswa implemented similar action to censure a member.
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to
censure Councilmember Skogquist based on the fact that his statements do not
reflect the Council’s beliefs as a whole and how tarnished the community and has
resulted in behavior unprofessional and unbecoming of a Councilmember.
Councilmember Freeburg encouraged the need for Councilmember Skogquist to
seek anger management help as well.
Mr. Baumgartner suggested drafting a resolution for the next Council meeting for
formal consideration.
Councilmember Wesp suggested the removal of Councilmember Skogquist from
representation of committees as well, as allowed by law.
Mr. Palmer shared a public comment as texted by resident Destin of Madison
Street, stating they voted for Councilmember Skogquist and while the situation
was embarrassing, he had already apologized.
Mayor Rice supported the censure of Councilmember Skogquist for the remainder
of 2021 and said while his service over the past 15 years should speak for itself
there was no excuse for this kind of behavior and encouraged him to learn to
better control his emotions.
Councilmember Wesp amended his motion to include removal of representation
of committees for the remainder of 2020. Councilmember Freeburg agreed to the
amendment.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp
voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Baumgartner said staff would bring forward a resolution for formal
consideration.
December 7, 2020 (Regular)
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12. UPDATES AND REPORTS
12.1 Tentative Agenda(s).
The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings.
Councilmember
12.2 COVID-19: City Operations, Changes, and Impacts – Questions, Comments, and
Discussion.
Mr. Lee spoke about established customer pick up zones and newly created
signage for restaurants then noted the City of Andover’s proposed sketch plan for
the southeast corner of Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th Avenue and the
connection to 41st Avenue to the south.
Councilmember Wesp asked what Anoka could do to address development on
Andover property. Mr. Lee responded very little can be done, adding Andover
would not need to access Anoka’s sewer and water for this project.
12.3 Staff and Council Input.
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Freeburg made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting to
convene the closed session at 9:21 p.m. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and
Wesp voted in favor, to adjourn for City Manager review. Motion carried.
Time of adjournment: 9:20 p.m.
Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Approval Attestation:
Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk
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