Anoka City Council

May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 1 of 16 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 3, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:15 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, Skogquist (arrived at 8:28 p.m.), and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Finance Director Brenda Springer; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Supervisor Jon Holmes; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Officer Jake Sorteberg; Officer Logan McEnelly; Public Services Administrative Assistant Tessa Saloka; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 April 19, 2021, Local Board of Appeals and Equalization. April 19, 2021, Regular Meeting Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to waive the reading and approve the April 19, 2021, Local Board of Appeals and Equalization and April 19, 2021 Regular Meeting as presented. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 K-9 Bravo. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared an update on Officer Jake Sorteberg and K-9 Bravo who was shot in the line of duty as they assisted the Blaine Police Department during a carjacking event in February. He said Bravo was recovering very well and after much rehabilitation he was pleased to share that Bravo would be returning to full duty. He spoke how K-9s were members of the community May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 2 of 16 that broke down barriers and said he was very proud of both officers for their heroic actions and for acting exactly as they were trained to do. Councilmember Weaver shared how proud the Council was of Officer Sorteberg and Bravo and thanked them for their service to the community. Officer Sorteberg spoke about the overwhelming support they received from the community and all over the country and a round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Councilmember Wesp thanked Officer Sorteberg for his service and for paying attention to the training which says much about his professionalism when knowing that deployment of a K-9 could result in danger to the dog. He shared how the Anti-Crime Commission was prepared to pay for Bravo’s medical costs but that citizens had already stepped up and paid which showed the support the community had for Officer Sorteberg and the K-9 program. Councilmember Barnett thanked Officer Sorteberg for his work, stating she was proud to have him be from Anoka and thanked him for his service. Mayor Rice recognize the contributions of Officers Sorteberg and Bravo and said others recognize the contributions too as other communities call them for help when needed and that he was very proud of them both. 4.3 Police Activity Update. Chief Peterson introduced Officer Logan McEnelly who most recently served as a detention deputy with the Anoka County Sherriff’s Office. He shared about his upcoming field training which upon completion would then be back for his oath of office. He shared about the increase in activity with the warmer weather such as malicious activity and loitering as well as reckless driving and street racing. He noted school liaisons were working hard getting ready for the end of year and that calls for service have increased overall with 2,000 calls per month. He spoke about the department’s work to be proactive instead of reactive then shared about Anoka County’s vaccination efforts becoming more community based to target all who have not been vaccinated yet. Chief Peterson shared data on how the infection rate among youth was now at the same level as adults and how that rate used to be much lower in children. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Ed Evans, 1186 Benton Street, commented how the City has always provided an open forum opportunity at Council meetings to allow the public to provide input on any topic without restrictions then spoke about the need for a residential targeted picketing ordinance that would protect citizens and properties if the ordinance is not moved forward. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 3 of 16 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2025 and Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds Not to Exceed $10,475,000. RES/Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2025. RESOLUTION ORD/Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds Not to Exceed $10,475,000 (1st Reading) Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating on April 5, 2021, City Council adopted a resolution calling for a Public Hearing on issuance of Bonds and on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). According to Minnesota State Statutes the City can issue bonds to finance capital expenditures under its capital improvement plan without an election provided that, among other things, prior to the issuing the bonds the City adopts the capital improvement plan after a public hearing and published notice of its intention to issue bonds. She said issuance of CIP Bonds is also subject to reverse referendum if a petition is signed by voters equal to at least five percent of the votes cast in the City in last municipal general election and filed with the City Clerk within 30 days after the public hearing. She explained Council was asked to hold the public hearings for authorizing the sale of GO bonds. Councilmember Wesp asked about the difference in the not to exceed amounts. Ms. Springer explained the amounts were both for a not to exceed level and were different as one was to pay for the park maintenance building and the other $1 million was for the law enforcement training center (LETF). She said they hoped to sell bonds in July and that the remaining amounts would include actual costs and done in 2022 and be a much smaller bond issue. Councilmember Wesp clarified the $6 million bond was part of the $10,475,000 and that there may be another bond issuance to pay that could be less. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Mayor Rice, Item 9.1 was moved forward on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Skogquist was not present for this vote. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 4 of 16 Councilmember Wesp clarified the 2020 park maintenance facility was $5.8 million and in 2021 the LETF was $4.3 million for a total of $10.1 million and that the action before the Council was to issue bond amounts not to exceed $10,475,000 but that we did not issue bonds for $6 million in 2020. Shelly Eldridge, Ehlers and Associates, explained the $6 million should be moved to 2021 and the $4,475,000 should be moved to 2022. She said the $6 million would be used to cover some of the costs so the City does not have to use its own cash for the LETF but did not obligate the Council to issue all the bonds. Mayor Rice said the not to exceed amount was relative to the maximum ability to bond per year and the reason the amount is greater than the park maintenance facility was due to the historic low rates at this time. Ms. Eldridge explained the $6 million was a not to exceed amount due to the CIP law. Councilmember Weaver asked if we chose to issue the $6 million bond, we would have to bond again to finish the animal containment facility. Ms. Eldridge explained there would be another bond in 2022 for the remaining amount of $1.5 million for the LETF and that the total cost of the project was more so the second bond is the difference but would not exceed $4.475 million. Councilmember Weaver said he was not supportive of the new animal containment facility but did support the LETF and said it was interesting that we were bonding for the park maintenance building that included an already paid for animal containment facility. He said we were not bonding again in 2022 and currently did not have an agreement on the Jacob Lane property with the American Club then shared concerns about the feasibility of that project with the current high cost of lumber and other materials. Mayor Rice asked what our obligation was if we issued bonds for more money and did not need. Ms. Eldridge said if the LETF did not go forward, with or without the animal containment facility, then $1.5 million would be put toward debt service and we could drop the bond from $6 million to a lower number if the Council so chose. Mayor Rice spoke about how this action was directly related to a past Council decision and cautioned members about manipulating decisions that were supported when the Council acted as a whole. He said we could go back and review discussion held that resulted in the split vote but said the philosophy was to support decisions made by the Council even though he recognized the difficulty. He said he did not want to see an air of uncooperative spirit and was concerned about another split vote not related to this item. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Mayor Rice, to adopt a resolution approving a Capital Improvement Plan and giving preliminary approval to the issuance of Capital Improvement Bond and hold first reading of an May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 5 of 16 ordinance authorizing the sale of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,475,000. Upon a Roll Call Vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor of the Resolution on Adoption of a Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2023.. Motion passed on a 4-0 vote. Skogquist was not present for this vote. Upon a Roll Call Vote: Mayor Rice and Councilmembers Barnett and Weaver voted in favor. Councilmember Wesp opposed on the first reading of an Ordinance for the Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds not to Exceed $10,475,000 (1st reading). Motion failed on a 3/1 vote with Wesp opposing. Skogquist was not present for this vote. Mayor Rice asked about other financing options. Ms. Springer explained the City had $1 million in reserves that could be used or that internal lending could be done through utilities but that either option could leave Anoka in a difficult cash position not having the bonding to pay for the park maintenance building that has already been constructed. She said lease financing through the HRA could also be used but was the most efficient form of financing. Ms. Eldridge suggested amending the CIP and striking the 2022 bond and the LETF then the ordinance would be not to exceed the $4,875,000 and would provide funds to reimburse the City for the park maintenance building and could finance the LETF by going through the process again. She explained the statutory requirement to issue separate bonds but that next year’s amount will not be as high and do not have to issue the full $10 million. Councilmember Weaver said he fully supported paying for the park maintenance building as well as the LETF and suggested starting the process over. Councilmember Barnett noted by not supporting the action tonight resulted in not moving forward with the LETF whatsoever as we still need the $1.5 million, which was contrary to some members’ support of the LETF and asked for clarification. Mayor clarified Item 9.1 was to adopt the CIP but was not an obligation to bond. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving a Capital Improvement Plan and giving preliminary approval to the issuance of Capital Improvement Bonds and hold first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,475,000. Councilmember Wesp said he did not to agree with a decision made by the Council and could cast his vote how he chose to. He said he understood the May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 6 of 16 ramifications and seriousness of this action and that when he asked the community if they were interested in paying for another animal containment facility most said no and that it was responsibility to do what he felt was right. He stated he did support the LETF but not the animal containment facility. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett and Weaver voted in favor. Councilmembers Wesp voted nay. Motion carried. Skogquist was not present for this vote. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, Item 9.2 was moved forward on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Skogquist was not present for this vote. Ms. Springer explained the City Council has determined that it is necessary to issue the City’s $6,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2021A to finance the projects authorized in the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan for the issuance of General Obligation bonds. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution providing for the sale of $6,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2021A. Councilmember Weaver said it was important to pay for the golf maintenance building but said he was not pleased with the next round of bonds coming and that we will have to have more discussions before that occurs, especially with the American Club project’s future during these challenging times. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Skogquist was not present for this vote. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.4. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Gambling Permit (Raffle); Struttin Toms NWTF at Anoka County Fairgrounds, June 10, 2021. 6.4 Issuance of Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses; Castle Field Association, July 3, 2021 and July 9-12, 2021. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 7 of 16 Councilmember Weaver encouraged the public to attend the Struttin Toms event at the Anoka County Fairgrounds as they work to raise funds for support of the National Wildlife Turkey Foundation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Adoption of Capital Improvement Plan for 2021 through 2025. ORD Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds Not to Exceed $10,475,000. (1st Reading) ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.2 RES/Providing for the Sale of $6,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2021A. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.3 RES/Mississippi River Community Park Riverbank Stabilization Project: Approve Bids and Award a Construction Contract. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating on March 15, 2021, City Council approved the plans and specifications, authorized the advertisement for bidding and set the bid date for the Mississippi River Community Park Riverbank Stabilization Project. The riverbank improvements will include stabilizing approximately 1,500 linear feet of the riverbank within the park property. The project will combine bioengineering, aquatic habitat, an armored toe, recreational access and will showcase river stewardship, and enhance public recreation. Benefits of the project will help prevent contaminants and excess nutrients from entering the water through erosion; prevent erosion caused by Mother Nature and provide aquatic habitat. Results of the improvements will reduce pollutants by 529 tons of sediment and 847 pounds of phosphorus annually. This project will address the eroding riverbank along the Mississippi River over the past decades within the park property. The project will consist of the removal of mature trees and vegetation. The riverbank will be May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 8 of 16 stabilized by re-grading the bank to a stable slope and will be covered with filter cloth and rip-rap at the toe of the slope. The upper portion of the slope will be graded and covered with an erosion fabric. After the work is completed, the riverbank will be restored with a variety of native grasses and erosion control blanket. He spoke about live willow cuttings being planted within or immediately above the rip-rap to provide additional slope stabilization and additional erosion control. There are options of including habitat elements, recreational access elements, and a variety of aesthetic supplemental plantings (trees, shrubs & planting plugs) to provide a more natural shoreline appearance. Mr. Nelson said the project bid results were reviewed and approved by the Park & Recreational Advisory Board at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021; the minutes excerpt from the meeting discussion and review is included below. Council shall be aware since the time of the April Park & Recreational Advisory Board meeting, staff was made aware that the excess grant funds may not be used to increase the elevation height of the riprap. The Clean Water Fund Grant work plan in indicates toe stabilization with riprap and bioengineering for the rest of the stabilization. Toe stabilization would include the use of riprap up to the point where robust vegetation cannot be sustained and bioengineering including the installation of vegetated riprap (one layer of rock inter-planted with woody and herbaceous species) beyond this point. He outlined the bid alternates in detail and said staff recommended awarding a construction contract to Rachel Contracting, LLC including the Base Bid with granite riprap, Bid Alternate #1, Bid Alternate #3 and Bid Alternate #7. Councilmember Weaver said the more we can do to slow the deterioration is critical and said he would support the highest plan possible. Councilmember Barnett thanked staff for getting several quotes to help make the best decision and thanked Chris Lord from the Anoka County Conservation District for outlining the importance of focusing on the toe below the water line to address the deterioration as well as the bioengineering aspects which is why we received the grants then Options A, B and C show the plants and riprap and would support this direction as it would be compliant with the grants received. Councilmember Skogquist asked more about the granite versus field stone rip rap and how granite was recommended because they interlocked better. Mr. Nelson stated granite was included in the base bid and was recommended by the consultant and Park Board. Councilmember Barnett confirmed the loose rock versus angular rock posed different hazards and was a safer option. Mr. Nelson explained the angular rock interlocked better and provided a better habitat for fishery while the boulders would give a field stone look and additional armor to the bank but recommended the angular granite. He said field stone could be picked up and thrown into the river by passersby and said they could revise any recommended alternates for inclusion but that staff recommended the large boulders of 3-5 feet in diameter May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 9 of 16 with the remaining as angular rock which would be filled in with vegetation in the future. Councilmember Weaver confirmed the granite would be below the waterline and above would be the very large boulders that could not be thrown. Jon Holmes, Public Services Supervisor, explained the toe was out six feet with angular rocks and the large boulders would be at the river elevation and hold the toe intact, adding coming up from there would be more angular with plantings filling in. Councilmember Weaver asked for further clarification on the large boulders as their cosmetic look was more natural to the river with plantings on top but asked if the 835 elevation with a full two-foot depth and single layer rip rap after 835- 837 feet would be sufficient as there were observed high water marks of 839 and should water get above that level would they lose efficiency of the fabric and the entire project. Mr. Holmes responded the consultants were rip rap professionals and were well aware of the goal and that staff supported the project as proposed. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution approving the Mississippi River Community Park riverbank stabilization project with Alternates 1, 3, and 7, A, B, and C for a total project cost of $789,300. Mr. Evans asked how far they planned to extend the rip rap into the Weaver ditch as with the observed high-water mark what would prevent water underneath the rip rap, adding if that occurred the City would be wasting time and money. He spoke about the plantings and the need for buckthorn control then noted without funds for beaver control the trees would be destroyed. He asked about the need for repairing the trail as it did not appear damaged. Mr. Nelson responded the channel was below the community and outside the project limits to the west and did not include the corner, adding the trail had to be removed for grading for the rip rap but would then be restored. He said the work plan did not include beaver control or invasive species but that staff could reach out for other funding opportunities but noted the focus of the project was to remove the pollution from the bank at the toe of the slope into the river. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse responded staff has working with Anoka County Conservation District on buckthorn removal and that multiple treatments and removals have occurred with the help of several volunteer groups and that each session was proving progress. She said while there was still buckthorn in low areas they would continue working on removal and noted with the proper equipment they could do more extensive removals. Mayor Rice spoke about killing the buckthorn root and how water could compromise the project integrity and the difficulty in recognizing decomposition May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 10 of 16 of the rip rap. He said while the boulders were very solid, water could still infiltrate and if we increased the toe size, we added greater stability to the structure being installed. Ms. LaCasse said there was an herbicide that could be used to treat as cut and that grants were available from the District to apply chemicals to assist. Councilmember Weaver referred to the need for beaver control and asked about the willows being planted as they most likely would be taken out if not controlled. Mayor Rice noted how trail improvements were not included in the project scope. Mr. Nelson said the trail was not eligible for the grant and was removed from bidding but we would work with the local contractor to replace once the project was completed as it’s in the 2021 budget. He said we are required to do this work in addition to matching funds then spoke about the need to include beaver control as a future discussion topic. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Authorizing Grant Application for Skate Park. Ms. LaCasse shared a background report stating prior to 2002, the skate park was an enclosed, supervised skating facility located near Anoka Middle School. She explained the combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 equipment and requirements then said Tier 1 skate parks were open with safety rule recommendations posted. She noted her understanding was the City had an agreement with Community Education to supervise the use of the equipment when it was near Fred Moore and when that agreement ended in 2002, the equipment was moved to Rudy Johnson Park inside the small skating rink for the summer and Tier 2 equipment was eliminated. The equipment was heavily vandalized at this location. In 2004, the city relocated the equipment to John Ward Park which has had at least 20 years of extensive use. She outlined the existing equipment in detail and said upon closer evaluation, some of the ramps required significant repair or replacement and that staff recommended several pieces be removed immediately. Ms. LaCasse explained more about skate park users who were not just youth but young adults and adults with kids coming from neighboring communities to access quality skate park locations and how at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting in April three individuals spoke about the support of a new skate park. She said staff had identified the skate park as a possible Capital Improvement Project (CIP) in the amount of $300,000 for consideration for 2022 CIP plan and explained how the new style of skate parks were built from concrete and included components that were permanently mounted or molded out of concrete then noted the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission had a grant opportunity available for two $125,000 grants and that the deadline was extended until May 21, 2021 because no eligible project applications were received. If awarded, the skate park reconstruction project must be completed by October 30, 2022. Grant funds would reimburse the City for the award amount. Awards will be announced in May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 11 of 16 July 2021. Total skate park project budget of $375,000 requested with a possibility of $125,000 reimbursable by the grant if awarded. Based on recent costs for projects in neighboring cities a budget of $375,000 would construct a 6500-7500 square foot concrete skate park. Staff would engage Anoka community members to design the park and assist with fundraising. A petition on Change.org was initiated on Friday April 16 to show support of a skate park project as of April 28, the petition has 675 signatures and a Go Fund Me page with a goal of $5000 has raised $350 and that the project was supported by Pinewski’s Ski and Board Shop. Councilmember Barnett said she was excited to have this brought forward and understood while the cost was high the equipment needed replacement. She asked about the status of skate parks in other cities and if construction would this park be used by Anoka or more by members of other communities as her focus was on the needs of Anoka. Trevor Pinewski, Pinewski’s Ski and Board Shop, shared comments how this location was similar to the aquatic center and that the BMX community was much larger and traveled to many places. He likened it to a ski hill and said this would be a great skate park with the goal for use by youth for several hours at a time. He said they supported doing this project right the first time as only a portion of Rocket Park was used as it needed to include more ramps and area and understood that with the extended deadline for the grant it increased the chances of award. Councilmember Barnett said we should focus first on Anoka and asked if enough of our citizens who would use the park because while creating a destination place was important the proposal still needed to make sense. She asked as people came and stayed longer the need for restrooms and the potential for vandalism increased. Ms. LaCasse said staff has seen great success with electronic locks to limit restroom access at nighttime and that John Ward restrooms had not been utilized for several years. She said the CIP was created to focus efforts in one park location and finish what was started then said the opportunity existed to build in phases so the initial amount could be reduced while not lose grant funding opportunities, adding fundraising could occur as well as long as the total budget was $250,000 because of the grant matching requirements. Councilmember Barnett asked if the City could receive additional grants if this grant was received. Ms. LaCasse replied the MN Amateur Sports had not experienced any restrictions but noted the grant was not offered regularly and that other grants could be applied for. Councilmember Weaver asked about the CIP of the Park Board and shared concerns about having the right funding mechanism in place to do the CIP to match any grant funds received or did the funds come from the liquor store. Ms. LaCasse responded matching funds could come from the liquor store, transfers, or park dedication funds. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 12 of 16 Councilmember Weaver referred to the iron staining on the current equipment and how to address should new equipment be installed. Mr. Holmes responded the City would address through parts from the City’s system as opposed to wells. Councilmember Skogquist inquired about support and construction in the area and if TIF would be the same from condos and park dedication funds. City Manager Greg Lee replied TIF funds would not be used for this project. Ms. LaCasse outlined the assisted living contribution was reduced based on its use and how staff was not sure what future residential would bring in John Ward Park but that it could be used for matching funds and with the new TH 10 project would provide connections and expand the area in future as well. She noted the Westgate area generated $40,000 in park dedication funds. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving the LGU 2021 Skate Park Grant Application. Mayor Rice asked about lack of use of the current park and how youth were currently using space all over the City and how this park would move youth away from the downtown area and provide a good, creative, space then spoke about potential concerns regarding water and the need for concrete to be above water level. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Amending Chapter 74; Article III, Diseased Trees. (1st Reading) Ms. LaCasse shared a background report stating staff began updating the City Code Chapter 74 – Vegetation, Article III, Diseased Trees in 2019. The code revisions were reviewed with the Tree Committee of the Park and Recreation Board in March 2021, Park Board on April 20, 2021, and at the April 27, 2021 worksession. Staff incorporated definitions, language and terminology suggested by the League of Minnesota Cities, updated information according to current state statute, updated tree pests/disease sections to include a broader range of pests and to rely on the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other leading tree management organizations for the control measures and recommended adoption of the ordinance. Councilmember Skogquist asked how often this occurred each year with concerns about paying. Ms. LaCasse responded one to two times each year this occurred but said they wanted to provide this as option especially with the upcoming Emerald Ash Borer increase. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 13 of 16 Councilmember Barnett thanked the intern staff for their work in updating the ordinance to make sure we were relevant and encompass all diseases going forward instead of current diseases only. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold first reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 74 Vegetation Article III Diseased Trees Sections 74-52 through 74-66 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. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Adoption of City Policy; Diseased Tree High Cost Abatement. Ms. LaCasse shared a background report stating in support of City Code Chapter 74 – Vegetation, Article III, Diseased Trees staff has created an official policy regarding the process/procedure for providing financial assistance for the high cost removal of hazardous and/or dangerous trees requiring immediate removal. This policy is not applicable for discretionary tree removal. Currently, there is no formal policy in place, however, the City has previously assisted home owners with high cost hazardous tree abatement via assessment if requested. The policy is modeled after the water/sewer utility service repair assessment policy adopted in 2015. According to the City Assessor, the City has assisted with less than 5 requests in the past 20 years. It is anticipated that with the imminent arrival of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and potential for other tree pests/disease on an epidemic level, that a significant number of trees will require abatement due to disease/infestation in the future. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Barnett to approve adoption of a City policy for diseased tree high cost abatement. Councilmember Barnett asked about referred corrections from staff. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner responded second reading would include the appeal process and due process outlined and if an appeal was requested that instead of a special meeting the appeal would be scheduled at the next available regularly scheduled Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the financial threshold for costs was removed. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 14 of 16 Councilmember Barnett asked about percentage of charges for financing. Ms. LaCasse responded that reference had been removed and would be included in later discussions through the master fee schedule. Mayor Rice spoke about the timeliness of this policy with regard to elm diseases and tree loss and the potential high cost as EAB and others coming forward. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 11.2 Procedure for Council Adding Items to Council and Worksession Agendas. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating in recent months there have been several requests from Council to add items to either the regular City Council agenda or as a discussion item for a future worksession agenda. He said staff was suggesting a procedure for adding items to the agenda so as to give staff clear direction. He outlined the current process and said historically staff has not added items to an agenda last minute and did not bring up topics for immediate discussion or consideration at a meeting. He said as a starting point for discussion he was recommending a formal process for regular City Council meetings or worksessions that if a Councilmember makes a suggestion for an item to be on an agenda and another Councilmember agrees then the item would be placed on the requested agenda for discussion. Mr. Lee then outlined the informal process that included a matter of urgency and how a majority of Councilmembers would contact him outside of a Council meeting and request an item to be discussed. He said the City Attorney had researched this topic and found Advisory Opinions that stated items must be on an agenda in order to be discussed at a meeting and the public must be provided advance notice of what is on the agenda so they may determine if they wish to attend the meeting. Councilmember Skogquist said he was surprised there was not a formal procedure already and shared how other cities had a process and was comfortable with the process presented as it was better to be consistent and with two in agreement, they could have a discussion. Councilmember Weaver agreed but suggested any added item be included at a worksession first worksession. Councilmember Barnett said she was comfortable with staff using discretion on topics as they had a good pulse on items and could make informed decisions on timeliness. Mayor Rice said he supported the proposed process and said if it was abused it could be changed but did not anticipate this being a problem. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 15 of 16 Councilmember Barnett suggested items be included under Other Updates for those topics that should be brought forward. Councilmember Skogquist clarified the City Manager or two Councilmembers or council direction could bring an item forward and not just at the City Manager direction. Mr. Lee said staff would bring forward a draft policy for consideration at the next Council meeting. 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 reviewed the current mask policy and said although there was vaccine progress the City was still under orders to require masking when in a public building. He outlined the steps to gain compliance that included requesting a mask and how they would ensure staff did not have to work with an unmasked person without additional protections. Mayor Rice said City Hall was equipped with PPE and that it was possible to serve a customer without a mask and suggested continuing service by using a face shield protection instead. Mr. Lee confirmed there were physical barriers at both reception areas. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Skogquist said he was pleased to announce the National Society of Daughters of the Revolution had provided a $20,000 grant to Haven for Heroes. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver 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: 9:34 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. May 3, 2021 (Regular) Page 16 of 16 Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk