Anoka City Council

December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 1 of 16 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 21, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the meeting to order at 7:13 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; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Communications and Recycling Coordinator Pam Bowman; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the November 23, 2020, Worksession. Minutes of the December 7, 2020, Executive Session. Minutes of the December 7, 2020, Regular Meeting. Minutes of the December 7, 2020, Executive Session. Councilmember Barnett requested corrections to the December 7, 2020, Regular Meeting on Page 9, Paragraphs 5 and 6, stating the paragraphs should be removed as the motion did not occur. Councilmember Skogquist requested corrections to Pages 8 and 9, clarifying that Council appointed Steve Nelson, Eric Sebasta and Mike Clark by vote tally and the reference to roll call was unnecessary. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the Minutes of the November 23, 2020, Worksession, December 7, 2020, Executive Session, Minutes of the December 7, 2020, Regular Meeting, and Minutes of the December 7, 2020, Executive Session as corrected. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 2 of 16 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared the department partnered with Anoka County Christmas Committee and Toys for Joy to help deliver gifts to over 65 households in the City and thanked the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department and City for sponsoring the Santa & Sirens Parade to collect these items. He spoke about the Governor’s updated Executive Order that allows restaurants to open for outdoor dining and while they received calls regarding lack of masks and distancing there were no criminal issues. He updated the Council that positive COVID-19 test rates were dropping to below 10% then shared further statistics on Anoka and spoke about how the vaccination would be distributed. He wished the Council and citizens a safe and happy holiday season and thanked the Council for their support. Councilmember Skogquist referred to concerns with use of the firepits on Jackson Street after the restaurants close. Chief Peterson explained how after hours use of firepits would be monitored by police. Councilmember Barnett referred to concerns shared about patrons without masks and distancing and not being seated when dining outdoors. Chief Peterson said education was the goal and spoke of their work with the bar owners and managers to assist to state that seating was a high priority. Councilmember Barnett thanked the police for the additional speed enforcement on 5th Avenue and East River Road. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Sam Scott, 501 School Street, spoke about shortcomings that occurred during the last Council meeting with the Parks and Recreation Board appointments that resulted in his removal and the appointment of Michael Clark. He said he was contacted by staff about being reappointed after Mr. Clark was identified as having a potential conflict of interest as a current employee of City and how staff and Council should have been aware of that fact during consideration. He spoke how applicants wanted to volunteer and should have their applications reviewed then wished the audience a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 3 of 16 Councilmember Skogquist thanked those who served on City boards and commissions and wished them well. Councilmember Barnett thanked staff for their thoroughness in outlining the final payment in Item 6.3. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.6. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 North Street Reconstruction Project; Final Payment and Project Close-Out. 6.4 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Parcel 40 Purchase Agreement. 6.5 Acceptance of Resignation from Steve Hoffmann of the Human Rights Commission Effective at the End of his Current Term of December 31, 2020. 6.6 Acceptance of Resignation from Tim Watson of the Parks and Recreation Board Effective January 13, 2021. 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 ORD/Amending Master Fee Schedule for 2021. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE City Manager Greg 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, December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 4 of 16 materials, time, etc. Mr. Lee shared the proposed fee schedule that included annual special event license, community room use, recycling fee, and others. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold second reading and adopt 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. Mayor Rice thanked Councilmember Freeburg for serving 24 years as a local elected official, stating he was well loved in the community and respected by Council for saying it like it is. He said Councilmember Freeburg’s work was proof of how the City has changed in 24 years and shows the great work he has done and should be respected. Councilmember Freeburg said it has been an honor to serve the citizens of Anoka and to be part of the progression of downtown flourishing. Councilmember Barnett announced a formal presentation would occur at the first meeting in January to further recognize Councilmember Freeburg. 9.2 RES/Approval of Residential Recycling Contract with ACE Solid Waste. Communications and Recycling Coordinator Pam Bowman shared a background report stating the Waste Reduction & Recycling Board (WRRB) was recommending a new five-year residential recycling contract between the City of Anoka and Ace Solid Waste, Inc. for service to all single family and multi-family properties. She noted the Request for Proposal states all proposal documents shall be held as non-public data (only company names that submitted proposals can be made public) until the City Council awards a new contract and authorizes staff to execute the new contract. If approved the contract will become part of this meeting’s record, although Councilmembers received a copy of the proposed contract prior to the meeting. The current residential recycling contract (including the two, one-year extensions) with Republic Services, Inc. expires on March 31, 2021. Therefore, the WRRB prepared and distributed the Request for Proposal on September 11, 2020. Four proposals from licensed recycling haulers were received by the October 16, 2020, deadline. Scoring and review of each proposal was completed by WRRB Vice Chair Cheryl Knapek; Liz Douglas, Assistant Finance Director; Lisa LaCasse, Public Services Administrator and Pam Bowman, Recycling Manager. With a total of 400 points possible (each criteria worth up to 10 points), the following are the proposers, with the first listed having the highest score. Ace Solid Waste, Inc. received the highest score due to its overall experience, special events experience, equipment/personnel, reporting detail, and recycling fees. Once scoring was completed, the WRRB held a special meeting on October 27, 2020 to review the scores and discuss the proposals. Ms. December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 5 of 16 Bowman reviewed the new rates based on the proposed contractor rates with an additional city fee to cover utility billing expenses, stating in addition, the contractor reserves the right to add a processing recovery fee of up to $.40 per household/per month for future year pricing, should annual processing costs raise more than 15% in a given 12-month period. Contractor retains the right to directly charge contamination fees to multi-family properties when warranted. Councilmember Barnett asked for further information on scoring metrics and confirmed pricing was the same with regard to residential service and special events and customer satisfaction then asked about the transition process. Ms. Bowman said new carts will roll out the last weeks of March and staff would communicate this change through all communication channels. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed that recovery costs of 15% would be verifiable then asked about residents who have multiple carts and if that would result in additional charges. Ms. Bowman explained they would start with a 95- gallon cart which should address most recycling but there might be an additional fee for additional carts if deemed necessary. Councilmember Freeburg said ACE has been a good neighbor for years and has assisted the Chamber and other organizations with events. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution adopting a new contract for residential recycling services with ACE Solid Waste, Inc. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner clarified that data in the contract was confidential but Council was provided the terms and conditions prior to consideration which could not be released until approved by the Council. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project; Approve Feasibility Report and Set Public Improvement Hearing. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating a resolution was adopted by City Council on October 5, 2020, authorizing the preparation of a feasibility report for the 2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project (SRP). The City’s engineering consultant and staff have completed the feasibility report for the project and the next step in the Chapter 429 process is to have Council accept each project in the report and set the public improvement hearing date. He outlined the virtual open house that was held in November and comments received then outlined the proposed project and street segments. He said the estimated project cost of the Swede Town SRP Project is $1,867,000, which includes 5% for construction contingency and 10% then shared assessment December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 6 of 16 information reconstruction will be according to the City’s Street Reconstruction Assessment Policy. The proposed assessment rate for 2021 will consist of a $3,800 street unit assessment and a $21 per lineal foot street assessment. These are the proposed rates to be set by City Council for each single-family residential property zoned or used as R-1 and R-2. For all other properties, including but not limited to, four or more unit residential properties along with commercial, industrial, school and church properties will be double these amounts. In addition, each residential property will be assessed for a water ($1,370) and sanitary sewer ($1,260) service that is being installed from the new mains to each property line. A non-residential property and a four or more unit residential property is the same for sewer services, but twice the residential rate ($2,740) for the water service. Full utility assessments are only levied if the utility service is actually replaced and older than 10 years. Councilmember Skogquist asked how work occurs that results in homes having cracked sheetrock due to the vibrations and confirmed the good sidewalk connections would remain. Mr. Nelson explained the equipment used has lower vibration impacts and confirmed the short sidewalk section being proposed on Harrison Street would connect to the school parking lot. Councilmember Wesp confirmed one resident on 6th Avenue would be able to retain their shrubbery before the project began. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution for the 2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project; approve feasibility report and set public improvement hearing. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project; Set Assessment Hearing. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution for the 2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project; set assessment hearing. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment; Order Project, Waive Public Hearing Improvement Hearing, and Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications. Director of Public Services Mark Anderson shared a background report stating the Parks Service Center at 641 Jacob Lane is one of the identified sites and will soon be home to the new “American Club” development by Gramercy. This December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 7 of 16 development has displaced the Park Service Center, Law Enforcement Training Center and Animal Containment. Due to the anticipated construction of the American Club project, City Council gave approval to move forward with construction of the new Golf Maintenance and Animal Containment Building. While the new Golf Maintenance Building includes provisions for Animal Containment, the disconnect from the Public Safety Center makes it difficult to provide the service level the Police strives for. He explained reasons why the Animal Containment was a highly valuable service to the community and would be best managed if located at the Public Safety Center. Mr. Anderson outlined further space constraints at the new Golf Maintenance site and the loss of the Law Enforcement Training Center in order to maintain high standards in shooting decisions. He explained the Law Enforcement Training Center would occupy the lower level and the Animal Containment the upper and said the Finance Director has indicated affordable financing was readily available through multiple avenues. He said from a financial standpoint construction costs continue to rise and due to these factors staff believed the timing for construction of this project may be optimal. Mr. Anderson said preparation of Plans/Specifications will not commit the City of Anoka to proceed with construction of this project then reviewed the proposed schedule and financial impact that totaled $2,150,000. Councilmember Barnett said since funding was so low would the City bond or use funding from the Gramercy/Shadetree project. Finance Director Brenda Springer said Council would make that decision upon bid award. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to adopt a resolution for the Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment; order project, waive public improvement hearing, and authorize preparation of plans and specifications. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 ORD/Purchase Agreement; Sale of Property to Anoka-Hennepin School District for Fred Moore School Expansion. (1st Reading) Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating the school district went through the process of expansion a number of months ago and was now able to do this agreement with improvements that have already been completed. He said the City has been in discussions with the Anoka-Hennepin School District regarding a parcel owned by the City that is now part of the Fred Moore School improvements under construction. The subject property equals 0.102 acres or 4,436 square feet in size. The buyer would like to combine the subject parcel with existing School District property using it as parking area on the south side of the school. The City has received an offer of $11,090.00 for the 0.102-acre parcel contingent upon the City Council’s approval December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 8 of 16 to enter into a purchase agreement. The price is based past transaction of similar size and characteristics as determined by the City Assessor. He said the City Attorney was satisfied with the purchase agreement then shared the school district was satisfied with the purchase agreement and proposed schedule Councilmember Wesp suggested including language regarding the primary use of Goodrich Field remain. Councilmember Barnett asked how they could build on property without the actual sale and reasons why for the delay. Mr. Borglund explained how staff worked with the district to obtain a building permit but that it took a while to complete the purchase agreement review with their attorney. Councilmember Skogquist recalled Council giving the direction to move forward with building permits prior formal approval of the property conveyance. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to hold first reading of an ordinance to convey real property to Anoka-Hennepin Public School District #11. Councilmember Wesp asked if there was action that stated when the Council approved the building plans and had adequate parking renting from Zion Lutheran Church would cease. Mr. Borglund said the district had a one-year agreement for parking with possible extension. City Planner Clark Palmer explained the southern parking lot would be reduced for the expansion but said the Planning Commission wanted not just replacement parking but expansion that included capping enrollment with the goal of no longer leasing spaces. Councilmember Barnett said she would support the sale as the price was based on data from the City Assessor but shared concerns with timeliness of the process. Mayor Rice thanked Councilmember Wesp for referring to concerns with Goodrich Field and signs for future agreement and how the referendum allowed opportunities possibly, adding he was pleased we could continue to focus on this concern. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 ORD/Lease Agreement; Lease of Parking Stalls to Anoka-Hennepin School District. (1st Reading) December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 9 of 16 Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the Anoka-Hennepin Public School District #11 purchased the property located at 2829 Verndale Avenue. The property was previously owned by Environmental Resource Council and was then leased to Frazier School before being sold to the School District recently. Historically, the City has leased 6 parking stalls on its Liquor Store property to the 2829 Verndale Avenue building. The School District has requested from the City of Anoka the ability to continue to lease the 6 parking stalls. The proposed lease amount is $120.00 per stall or $720.00 per year. The proposed amount includes the lease of real estate and snow removal by the landlord/City and is similar to past leases the City has executed. Councilmember Wesp asked questions regarding parking on Verndale going north and the new sidewalk and driveway parking obstruction concerns. Mr. Borglund explained the area was a loading/unloading for students and would not create parking obstructions. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold first reading of an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of a real property lease. Councilmember Barnett confirmed the liquor store manager had no concerns with leasing the six stalls and that lease costs were similar across the City. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.8 RES/2021 Approving Budget and Levy. Ms. Springer shared a background report stating the 2021 budget process began in June and is based on Council directives and the 2020 goal session. The Council has reviewed the 2021 budget, as proposed by the City Manager, at several meetings in August. The total budget for all funds excluding the HRA component unit is $66,283,983, which is a 4.69% decrease from 2020. The decrease is attributed to a decrease in capital project spending. The 2021 levy is to be set at $7,446,100 this is a 1.96% increase as compared to 2020. The average taxpayer will see an increase in city property taxes as a result of the increased levy and changes in the fiscal disparity distribution. The General Fund budget is $12,852,680 which is a $378,722 decrease from the 2020 budget, debt was moved to the debt funds. The approved budget is available on the City’s web site or at city hall and the annual effect of the City levy on a home valued at $243,100 is an increase in city taxes of approximately $16 or 2%, for a total city tax of approximately $797. Councilmember Freeburg thanked Ms. Springer and staff for their hard work and stated the City has historically got a lot accomplished with very little resources. Councilmember Skogquist said he was pleased with the discussions and compromises that occurred as part of the budget process and recognized the December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 10 of 16 increased revenue in electric, golf, and liquor funds resulted from businesses being closed due to the pandemic and used to help decrease the levy. He spoke about his disagreement with the Council’s reduction in funding to Community Education which was used by lower income youth in Anoka and said for that reason would not be supporting the proposed budget and levy. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution adopting the budget for the year 2021 and adopting a resolution for the year 2020, collectible in 2021. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 9.9 RES/Amendment to Purchase Agreement Adjusting Legal Description; Gramercy Development, LLC, American Club. Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating in July 2019 the City approved a purchase agreement with Gramercy Development for the sale of a 4.01-acre parcel also known as the Park and Golf Maintenance building site. Since that time, the legal description has been updated on feedback from the Anoka County. The updated and corrected legal will be used to record the lot split creating the new development parcel. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution adopting first amendment to the purchase agreement; Gramercy Development, LLC. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.10 RES/Approving Development Agreement; TAC JV I LLC, American Club, Jacob Lane. Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City has entered into a purchase agreement with Gramercy Development, LLC. At the time of closing on the development property, the development obligations will be transferred to TAC JV I, LLC who will then will assign to The American Cooperative of Anoka, a Minnesota Cooperative for the purpose of financing of the project and development. Staff drafted a Development Agreement between the City of Anoka and TAC JV I, LLC which encompasses the construction of an 87-unit senior cooperative residential building including all necessary site improvements on a 4.0-acre site being sold to Gramercy Development, LLC from the City. He outlined the agreements points of interest and said Gramercy Development, LLC has been provided a copy of the development agreement for review and comment. The resolution authorizes the City Attorney to make necessary adjustments based on Gramercy Development, LLC’s comments that are forthcoming. It there are December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 11 of 16 any changes that would alter the intent of the agreement. The agreement would be brought back to the City Council for review and consideration. A Representative from Gramercy, spoke about the challenges of presales during this time but shared they have 28 homes sold and when they reached 44 units, they would be able to submit for a HUD insured loan, adding they were looking forward to starting construction once able. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution to approve a development agreement between the City of Anoka and TAC JV, LLC. Mayor Rice thanked the group for their investment in the City. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.11 RES/Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with Metro-INET for Technology Support Services. Mr. Lee stated staff was recommending postponement of this item as they had just received Exhibit A outlining the fee structure earlier today and needed time to review as well as the need to name the director and alternative director. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to postpone indefinitely consideration of the resolution approving a Joint Powers Agreement with Metro-INET for Technology Support Services. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.12 RES/Approving Liquor License Premise Expansion for 201 Tavern and Grill, 201 Jackson Street. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating MN Development Group LLC, dba; 201 Tavern & Grill, located at 201 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN holds an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor & Sunday License. Over the past year the establishment did some remodeling to incorporate the west suite (which used to be operated by Smokedale Tobacco) into their liquor licensed premises. The additional suite will be operated as a Speakeasy, under the same ownership and control of MN Development Group LLC. He said staff met with the State of Minnesota Alcohol Special Investigators and owner of 201 Tavern & Grill and inspected the location to verify that the west suite would be considered to be compact and contiguous to the already licensed premise as required by State Law. The State of Minnesota and the City staff agreed that the west suite meets these requirements and would December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 12 of 16 be eligible as an extension of premises to their current On-Sale Intoxicating & Sunday Liquor License. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the fee was a one-time fee for the increased premise. Councilmember Freeburg commented about the beautiful building being used for this use and was supportive of the amendment. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving the premise extension for 201 Tavern & Grill, 201 Jackson Street, Anoka, Minnesota. Councilmember Skogquist agreed, stating the expanded use will work well with the eclectic mix of a wine bar, speakeasy, and brewery and would complement each other well. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.13 RES/Censure of Councilmember Erik Skogquist. Mr. Baumgartner shared a background report stating on November 16, 2020, City Council directed staff to include a discussion of the June 8, 2020 incident involving Councilmember Skogquist and members of staff on the December 7, 2020 City Council agenda. At its December 7, 2020 regular City Council meeting, the Council discussed the June 8, 2020 incident involving Councilmember Skogquist and received comments from members of the public. Following its discussion, Council directed staff to prepare a resolution to be brought back before the Council at its December 21, 2020 City Council meeting, consistent with the motion passed at its December 7, 2020 City Council meeting, censuring Councilmember Skogquist. Councilmember Barnett said she appreciated the resolution as drafted as it was factual, detailed, and summarized the situation. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to adopt a resolution censuring Anoka City Councilmember Erik Skogquist. Councilmember Wesp said the victims of this incident were the City employees who were made uncomfortable and hoped Councilmember Skogquist would make amends with the individuals then shared recent comments made by Councilmember Skogquist on social media that involved those same employees. Mr. Lee noted Councilmember Skogquist had asked to meet with the employees affected to get to an understanding going forward. December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 13 of 16 Councilmember Skogquist shared comments about how this past year has been stressful for everyone and about his lost his temper but shared his apologies with staff. He said he appreciated their work and was respecting the employees’ request for space and hoped going forward they could work together positively. He said not everyone has to agree on all things or be friends but could work together for the greater good and asked that the recent pettiness stop as they will work towards a better future. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist abstained. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Consideration of Appointment(s): Charter Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Lee 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, including two resignations accepted earlier this evening. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to appoint Edward Burns and Sharon Doffing to the Charter Commission to terms expiring 11-01-2024. Mr. Lee explained the Parks & Recreation Board appointment that resulted in the appointed member Mike Clark not wanting the appointment from an existing member but since received a resignation from Tim Watson for a partial term and would accept a full term for Sam Scott. Motion by Councilmember Freeburg seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to appoint Sam Scott to full term and Mike Clark to the partial term. Councilmember Barnett asked questions regarding potential conflicts of interest referred to earlier in Open Forum and how Mr. Clark works at the golf course. She said while the golf course was City-owned Mr. Clark would be working on the Park Board and had no conflict of interest. Mr. Lee explained employees serving on boards/commission was governed by the City’s employee policies and December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 14 of 16 did not apply if the member was not serving under their direct supervisor as a staff liaison. Councilmember Barnett spoke about how the Council had been charged with not reviewing applications and noted staff would have notified Council of any potential conflicts. Mr. Lee agreed, stating should the organizational structure change in the future this could be a concern but this was not a concern at this time. Mayor Rice spoke how conflicts of interest were really more of a financial gain and while possibly an ethical issue this was not truly a conflict. Mr. Baumgartner spoke about legal conflicts of interest versus actual conflicts and explained the differences in the appearance of a conflict of impropriety. Councilmember Skogquist said he would support this motion, adding Mike Clark was a wonderful individual but agreed there could be a concern with potential appearance of a conflict as outlined in the employee policies and for this reason supported reconsideration of the policy in the future. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Mr. Lee shared Steve Hoffman submitted an application for reappointment and Steve Hoffmann which the Council approved. Earlier in the meeting this evening, the Council acted upon his resignation for the reappointment for the term that was set to begin on January 1, 2021. Since the City had just gone through the process of accepting applications to the Human Rights Commission and reviewed the applications at the December meeting, the applications for individuals that were not appointed are being brought back to you for consideration to fill this vacancy which will occur in January. He explained the normal process is that when a vacancy occurs the Council accepts the resignation and directs staff to advertise for applications. Since the Council just went through the process of appointments to the HRC at the December meeting and staff’s understanding to have the HRC be a full Commission as quickly as possible, staff was presenting the unappointed applicants from the December meeting for consideration to fill this one full term vacancy being left by Steve Hoffmann. Councilmember Freeburg suggested waiting for the joint worksession to appoint. Councilmember Skogquist said the City was not the same demographic as before and had changed dramatically and in order to be representative of the City should get multiple diverse viewpoints and be a larger Commission, adding four members was too small and would show less than a full commitment. Councilmember Barnett spoke about the discussion held that all members be from Anoka and how some applicants were in high school but stressed the importance of the right appointments and how they should table to an upcoming meeting. December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 15 of 16 Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Freeburg, to postpone appointments to the Human Rights Commission until the February 1, 2021, Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Distribution of 2nd Half Round-Up Funds. Ms. Springer shared a background report sharing an update on the status of the “Round Up for Change” program regarding collections and disbursement of revenues. The round up program, which was adopted November 21, 2011, Policy # 2011-03, has been in place starting 2012. Funds collected are for donations that improve the lives of families, children and seniors in our community. Each new customer is introduced to the program when they sign up for service, and make the decision to enroll or not at that time. The new customer booklet also gives more information, as well as the AMU website and social media. Unfortunately, overall participation continues to decline. Round up participation has gone from 8,100 in 2012 to 4,843 in 2020. Donations through December 2020 are $28,104 and there was a balance of $17,760.32 available for disbursement. Councilmember Freeburg said the lack of interest was a result of a lack of knowledge and suggested staff get the information out to the residents again. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the distribution of the 2nd half round-up rounds as presented. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Freeburg, Skogquist and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Councilmember Barnett encouraged staff to change marketing of the program by including photos from the food bank and other organizations being impacted to help educate the public on this investment. 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 – Questions, Comments, and Discussion. 12.4 Staff and Council Input. December 21, 2020 (Regular) Page 16 of 16 Councilmember Skogquist spoke about community input on outdoor dining on Jackson Street, which was both positive and negative, and the importance to assist restaurants during this difficult time. He said as the weather gets colder this will be easier to manage and suggested posting signage to encourage people to follow guidelines to ensure the public did not think the City was encouraging unsafe behavior. Councilmember Wesp spoke about serving with Councilmember Freeburg and thanked him for his passion for Anoka. He outlined some of Councilmember Freeburg’s accomplishments, stating his impact on the community was above and beyond and shared how he was always thoughtful with people and put community first, doing what was right for Anoka. A round of applause was offered by the audience. Councilmember Freeburg said it was his pleasure to serve Anoka and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Freeburg made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 9:21 p.m. Councilmember Wesp 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: 9:29 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk