Anoka City Council

February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 1 of 11 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 16, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; and Engineering Technician Ben Nelson. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 Minutes of the January 4, 2021, Executive Session. Minutes of the February 1, 2021, Executive Session. Minutes of the February 1, 2021, Regular Meeting Councilmember Skogquist noted a spelling correction needed for the Executive Sessions for City Attorney Kurt Glaser. Councilmember Barnett shared corrections needed on the Executive Sessions to reflect Councilmember Weaver’s attendance and clarification on the February 1 Regular Meeting to refer to the former post office site with inclusion of the address. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the January 4, 2021, Executive Session, February 1, 2021, Executive Session, and February 1, 2021, Regular Meeting as corrected. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 2 of 11 Police Chief Eric Peterson shared about the increase in traffic crashes within the City, many due to cold weather and black ice and encouraged the community to use extra caution. He spoke about the upcoming tax preparation season and potential scams using the IRS requesting to pay taxes or fines and reminded the public that the IRS does not request payment via telephone or to submit payment in any form over the telephone. He shared about the new Police Pals program that will begin in March for youth to meet virtually to meet officers, ask questions, and learn about being drug-free, safety at home, a K-9 demonstration, and others. Chief Peterson spoke about schools opening again soon for classes and his goal to meet with Anoka High School leadership to help share positive police relationships with students and all members of the community and have a constructive dialogue surrounding the upcoming former Minneapolis police officers’ trials and the possibility of civil unrest. He shared about the Governor’s updated Order to increase restaurant capacity to 50% and extended hours of operation and said the City has seen no issues to date surrounding this change, then shared statistics on the current positivity rate and other data regarding COVID-19 for the City. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Skogquist thanked Commissioner Sue Dilcher for her willingness to serve on the Human Rights Commission then commented about Council direction from the workshop and the importance of filling this vacancy. He said direction was to include appointments on the February 1 meeting and shared concerns that this item was omitted. He said we currently have seven applicants for the two vacancies and hoped we could reach a consensus at the next meeting. Councilmember Weaver cautioned about circumventing the process and making appointments until full direction on scope of the Commission was given. City Manager Greg Lee said staff would have this item on the March 1 agenda as the Commission met last week and was ready to present to Council. Councilmember Skogquist shared his disappointment that the item was not on the February 1 meeting and said if direction changes in the future that Council should have the opportunity to still act on an item such as postponing to ensure proper procedures followed. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 3 of 11 Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.7. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Massage Therapy License for Bridget Duerr of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.4 Issuance of a Massage Therapy License for David Leitner of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.5 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Knights of Columbus, Church of St. Stephen, March 27, 2021. 6.6 Call for Public Hearing on Revenue Bonds on Behalf of Anoka Area Ice Arena Association. 6.7 Resignation from Human Rights Commission; Susan Dilcher. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Park Board Items. 7.1.A. 2020 Park and Recreation Board Annual Review. Park Board Chair Steve Nelson shared the members and mission of the Park Board then spoke about the City’s trails, boat launches, parks, pier fishing accesses and other amenities. He shared 2020 park project highlights that included Akin Park, Sunny Acres tennis courts rehabilitation, George Green Park and band shell painting due to graffiti, Rudy Johnson Park including playground upgrades and refurbishing and additions. He spoke about recreation programs including Winterfest and the aquatic center and COVID-19 impacts with no known exposures. Chair Nelson shared about events that included Rockin’ on the Rum and concerts in the park, Waterfowl for Warriors and youth waterfowl events, story walks on the trails, movies in the park, Anoka Halloween that included decorating at City Hall, pickle ball and bags tournaments and upcycling book events, Santa, Sirens and Friends, then outlined donations received that included trees, benches, pavers for the veterans memorial walk. He thanked the City’s Public Services crew for their hard work assisting with all these events. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 4 of 11 Chair Nelson outlined 2021 projects that included phase 2 of Rudy Johnson Park reconstruction, Mississippi riverbank stabilization, Station Cove lagoon dredging and design/construct active park elements, trail maintenance, Enloe Park parking lot resurfacing, amphitheater revitalization discussion. He outlined 2021 goals that included identifying a long-term funding stream for future projects, advocates for full-time maintenance staff to support parks, and educating and encouraging the public to use the information and communication tools available then spoke about the Board’s existence since 1919 and their mission and tasks. He shared about the public involvement with Anoka-Hennepin schools to share facilities and services where feasible, funding and financing of parks such as user fees, grants, private and other public organizations, and establishing a CIP then thanked staff for their outstanding work. Councilmember Weaver thanked staff the Public Services team for their many hours of work, stating they have saved an untold amount of money for the City over the years, particularly Public Services Director Mark Anderson, Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse, and Public Services John Holmes. Councilmember Barnett commented about Sunny Acres Park analysis as well as other parks to make sure improvements being recommended are ones that residents want to use such as tennis or pickle ball courts then shared about the online tool to report any concerns regarding a park or any maintenance. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse explained more about the online report tool and encouraged the public to utilize it to help address concerns. Councilmember Wesp shared comments about the high level of activities that occur in the City, especially diverse music being offered through the concerts in the park program and thanked the Park Board for their creativity and flexibility. Chair Nelson commented about the importance of winter activities and the groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and how the Park Board works to address requests but balance with the budget and stressed the importance of identifying a specific revenue stream for activities and staff, even as we recover from financial impacts of the pandemic. Councilmember Wesp shared the importance of being able to have the Nordic teams being able to practice right in Anoka. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the difficulties in staffing but agreed that with sufficient staff there was less need to outsource work which ultimately saves the City money and the need to identify sufficient funding, such as through liquor store revenue. 7.2 Planning Items None. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 5 of 11 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bids and Set Bid Date. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating the City held the public improvement hearing and assessment hearing for the 2021 Swede Town Street Renewal Project (SRP) and adopted a resolution authorizing the preparation of engineering plans & specifications and adopted the assessment roll. The streets included in the Swede Town SRP project were shared and the project would include full reconstruction of the streets, including the replacement of the concrete curb & gutters, bituminous pavement, sidewalks, street lights, driveways, sanitary sewer, watermain and service laterals. The construction plans have incorporated the following new infrastructure changes: watermain extension on School Street, new street light mid-block on 6th Avenue between School Street and Van Buren Street, new street light mid-block on 6th Avenue between Van Buren Street and Harrison Street, new street light mid-block on Van Buren Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue, installation of surface mounted electrical components including switch moles and transformers. He said a question was raised at the public improvement hearing on January 19 about existing storm sewer and installation of new "unnecessary "storm sewer. The proposed storm sewer system was designed based on standard engineering guidelines which included designing the storm sewer system to limit the flooding of streets during a 10-year storm event while protecting structures during a 100-year storm event. Mr. Nelson said the estimated contract amount was in excess of $175,000 so the city must use the competitive bidding process. He outlined the proposed schedule and recommends that City Council authorizes staff to pursue and acquire all utility easements necessary for the successful implementation of this project with an estimated project cost of $1,867,000. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving the 2021 Swede Town street renewal project; approve plans and specifications, authorize advertisement for bid, and set bid date. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the proposed tree removal within the right-of-way and encouraged staff to preserve as many as possible. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 6 of 11 9.2 RES /Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with Metro-INET for Technology Support Services. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating the City of Roseville provides information technology (IT) services to 44 other local governmental agencies, the City of Anoka being one of those cities. Roseville first began providing IT services in 1999 and since that time their collaboration has evolved to what is Metro-INET today. The City Council for the City of Roseville has been meeting throughout 2020 discussing their desire to evolve Roseville’s Metro-INET into a Joint Powers Authority. He shared a proposed resolution that would authorize entering into the JPA with Metro-INET then reviewed financial impact of no additional costs for 2021 for us to continue using Metro-INET for our IT services. The 2021 cost will be $310,909, which has been included in the 2021 budget. Councilmember Barnett asked that quotes for service were gathered prior to the JPA’s expiration for comparison then asked about service breakdown costs by city and service level since Anoka’s was so high. Mr. Lee said Anoka’s costs are higher as other cities have onsite IT staff, unlike Anoka. Councilmember Barnett asked if staff has analyzed the need for adding onsite IT staff. Mr. Lee said they have and have determined it was best to remain without IT staff at this time, adding any future staff would likely be needed for the police department as they were the largest user. He noted Metro-INET staff is housed onsite at the City which is also a benefit. Councilmember Skogquist requested the City be able to participate in the executive board to ensure transparency with this organization. Mr. Lee noted the Finance Director would be a boardmember with alternates of the City Planner and Engineering Technician. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving a joint powers agreement with Metro-INET for information technology services. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 ORD/Amending Chapter 78 Zoning, Article VIII Signs Section 78-518 B- 1Highway Business District and Section 78-519 B-2 Shopping Center Business District. (1st Reading) Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating that because of planned construction and elevation changes to the Highway 10 corridor occurring in 2022-2024, freestanding business signage in the February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 7 of 11 B-1 and B-2 Zoning Districts should be amended to accommodate the proposed physical changes to Highway 10 that will increase visibility for those businesses affected by changes to the roads profile. At the January 20, 2021, Planning Commission Work Session the Planning Commission had discussions with those business owners that attended and provided direction to move forward with the amendments as proposed and hold a public hearing. At the February 2, 2021, Planning Commission Regular Meeting a public hearing was held on the proposed amendments with businesses located in the Highway 10 Corridor invited to attend the meeting and provide comment. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendments as presented with added language that addressed freestanding signs for multi-tenant buildings in the corridor. Single permitted and conditional commercial uses as well as multi- tenant commercial use buildings in the B-1 Highway Business and B-2 Shopping Center Business Zoning Districts would be allowed the following if the amendments are adopted as recommended by the Planning Commission. He summarized the changes that would allow a business to obtain one monument style ground sign that is oriented to a local streets/traffic, adding businesses have been pleased with the efforts being made regarding these changes and that staff would continue to keep the business community involved throughout the process. Councilmember Weaver asked how circular signs for example are addressed as they have more than one side as well as bright neon signs. Mr. Borglund responded such signs would be considered non-conforming and could remain unless changed then would have to comply and that neon signs are already addressed in the ordinance but that an amendment could be brought forward to strengthen the language. Councilmember Skogquist asked about some particular signs that are over 200 feet would they be able to alter and retain the height. Mr. Borglund spoke about difficulties that would have to be evaluated with some signs from an engineering standpoint to ensure the structure would work correctly. Councilmember Skogquist asked how the 200 feet was determined as it did not seem to be too large for locations such as a hotel. Mr. Borglund said they used an average of existing signs but noted there is not a lot of consistency along the corridor. Councilmember Barnett spoke about how the Bolton-Menk sign appeared to be too high. Mr. Borglund responded height determinations are made based on setback from the road but that staff felt the size would be appropriate. Mr. Nelson said concerns had been shared about the need for some height in order to know to exit from Thurston Avenue. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 78, Article VIII Signs, Section 78- February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 8 of 11 518 (a), 3(a), (4), (b) (c) and Chapter 78, Article VIII Signs, Section 78-519 (a),(1)(2)(3),(b),(c) of the Code of the City of Anoka, Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Correction of Legal Descriptions of Parcel 21 and Parcel 22. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on April 20, 2020, Council adopted a resolution authorizing approval of appraised value, offer of compensation, and acquisition by eminent domain for the subject parcels requiring partial acquisition. On January 7, 2021 the petition was filed for the notice of intent to take title and possession for the properties that will be in condonation. The Council resolution authorizing the acquisitions for the project includes sketches along with complete legal descriptions of the acquisitions for each parcel. The project team later confirmed that two of the acquisitions could/should be made subject to additional underground easements that served the properties. Overlapping with the City’s new right of way, Parcel 21 (Valvoline) has an underground sanitary sewer easement and Parcel 22 (Kwik Trip) has an underground water main easement. The legal descriptions of the acquisitions have been corrected to reflect this change, the appraisals assume the correction has been made, and the condemnation petition includes these corrected legal descriptions. The corrections make no change to the project plans and confirm that the takings will not impact these underground facilities. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution for U.S. Highway 10/160 Improvement Project; correction of legal descriptions of Parcel 21 and Parcel 22. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Anoka County CSAH-7 (7th Avenue) Mill and Overlay Improvements; Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County Highway Department. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating in July of 2019, Anoka County moved ahead the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 (7th Avenue) reconstruction project in the County’s five-year Highway Improvement Program (HIP) to 2021 in preparation for the U.S. Highway 10/169 improvements scheduled to begin in 2022. The U.S. Highway 10/169 improvements will require the adjacent roadway network to absorb an influx of traffic that will be detoured around the construction. CSAH 7 is among the routes in the region that will need to be able to accommodate this additional traffic. On May 18, 2020 Anoka County Highway Department notified the City that the scope of the proposed CSAH 7 (7th Avenue) reconstruction project had been changed. Due to many February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 9 of 11 factors, including the timeline, Anoka County decided to change the scope of this project from a widening/reconstruction project to a pavement presentation project. When the U.S. Highway 10/169 work is completed, the county will re-evaluate the CSAH 7 corridor to determine the ultimate design to serve the traveling public. A future reconstruction project will be completed when appropriate. The proposed pavement presentation project includes the 1 ½ inch mill and overlay of CSAH 7 preserving the existing lane configurations from Buchanan Street to 600 feet north of 38th Lane. By the City’s request, Buchanan Street will mill and overlay from CSAH 7 to 510 feet west of CSAH 7. All of the construction work will be completed under temporary lane closures. The reconstruction of the existing traffic signal at the intersection of CSAH 7 and 38th Avenue will occur under a separate county contract in 2021. The total project cost including construction engineering is $463,764. Councilmember Skogquist thanked staff for including Buchanan Street in this project as that cost was relatively low then asked how much life could be expected compared to a larger scale project by Anoka County by 7th Avenue. Mr. Nelson responded 5-7 years could be expected then explained the County would reevaluate a project once Highway 10 was complete. Councilmember Weaver confirmed there would be no center medians on 7th Avenue as they would have detrimental value to property owners. Mr. Nelson noted in the 2019 widening project included medians but confirmed any plan would require municipal consent. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving Anoka County CSAH (7th Avenue) mill and overlay improvements; approve joint powers agreement with Anoka County Highway Department. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Adopting Goals for 2021-2022. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating at the Council Goals Session on February 10, 2021, the City Council discussed overall City goals for 2021-2022. Based on that discussion, the City Council goals for 2021-2022 were established in a Resolution. He said would provide the City Council with a “Goals Status” Report throughout the year and the entire 2021-2022 Goals Session packet is available on the City’s website. He shared goals focused on development, redevelopment and housing, City finance and area business climate, streets, parks, trails, and rivers, and other miscellaneous goals such as enhanced communication and continuance of constitutional rights for residents and businesses. February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 10 of 11 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution adopting the 2021-2022 City goals. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Recommendation on Appointment to Charter Commission. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating currently the City has one partial term vacancy on the Charter Commission to expire March 1, 2022. He said staff has received two applications from Joseph Garrick and Jeremy McFarland for Council consideration and that appointments to the Charter Commission are done by the 10th Judicial District Court. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to recommend appointment of Jeremy McFarland to the Charter Commission with a term to expire March 1, 2022. Councilmember Skogquist said both candidates were excellent and would encourage Mr. Garrick to apply again in the future. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 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. Mr. Lee said there were no COVID-19 updates at this time. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Wesp shared about the Hanson Boulevard railroad overpass in Coon Rapids that was constructed to address safety concerns then spoke about how Anoka has the most dangerous railroad intersection rated in the State in February 16, 2021 (Regular) Page 11 of 11 Anoka and the need for an overpass as well and suggested adopting a resolution for our legislators for funding support. Mr. Lee shared about a recent kickoff meeting with MnDOT regarding this intersection and another in Moorhead and the allocation of funds totaling $110 million and that more information would be forthcoming, including an RFP, and the hope to begin work on this very soon. Councilmember Wesp spoke about properties along the corridor and how they would be addressed. Mr. Lee said we are just in the beginning stages and said there were not many properties with the exception of Alter and spoke about the need for a four-lane bridge which would involve other properties then spoke more about other parts of the project, property impacts, and schedules. Councilmember Skogquist said it was good to see legislators, County, and City be in agreement to assist MnDOT move this project forward. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Barnett made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:56 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk