Anoka City Council

July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 19, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp. Staff present: Finance Director Brenda Springer; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 May 21, 2021, Worksession. June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to waive the reading and approve the May 21, 2021, Worksession and the June 21, 2021, Regular Meeting as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared crime data on calls for service, which were fewer compared to 2019 and 2020 to date but predicted total activity will surpass the five-year total of 22,000 per year. He shared significant Part I crimes have occurred, including nine auto thefts and 10 police pursuits which the investigative team focused on while patrol worked hard to prevent and deter. He updated the Council on the various events that allowed police to positively interact with the public and listen to community concerns, including Night to Unite. Chief Peterson said they have seen an increase of people in parks overnight violating the July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 City’s camping ordinance which they were addressing then referred to the recent tobacco and alcohol compliance checks, stating while some establishments did not pass, they were offered training and fully expected the rechecks to be successful. Councilmember Wesp asked when repeated failed compliance checks would place licenses in jeopardy. Chief Peterson said should a repeated failure occur staff would inform the Council for possible action in addition to any potential criminal complaint but noted the City has never had a business fail to that level. Councilmember Barnett how many failed of the 45 establishments within the City. Chief Peterson said eight establishments failed, four regarding tobacco sales and four regarding alcohol sales. He noted in all cases the failure occurred due to lack of carding and noted while checks did not occur in 2020 due to COVID-19 they encouraged all establishments to check IDs prior to any sale. Councilmember Skogquist thanked the officers who quickly addressed a concern raised on social media over the weekend regarding debris on Main and Ferry Streets and thanked them for their extra effort. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Skogquist thanked Commissioner Poe for her service on the Parks and Recreation Board. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson noted corrections on Items 6.3 and 6.10 should have included the terms “Council” depicted in red. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.10 as corrected. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Stipulation of Settlement Agreement for Parcels 14 and 15. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 6.4 Issuance of a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Anoka Lions Club, at Anoka County Fair, July 20-25, 2021. 6.5 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit for Anoka Halloween Inc., at Anoka Legion Post 102 and October 18-25, 2021. 6.6 Issuance of Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License; Anoka Lions Club at Nearly Naked Ruck March, September 11, 2021. 6.7 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Samantha Nyberg of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.8 Acceptance of Resignation from Parks and Recreation Board; Terri Poe. 6.9 Issuance of Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License; Old MFTA, Inc., for Anoka Food Truck Festival, August 21, 2021. 6.10 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Stipulation of Settlement Agreement for Parcel 0. Councilmember Weaver encouraged the public to participate in the many events being offered in the City this summer. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 ORD/Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds Not to Exceed $10,000,000. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating under Minnesota Statute 475.521 the City is authorized to prepare a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and carry out plans for financing certain capital improvements. The City may issue GO bonds pursuant to Statute to finance the cost of the capital improvements. The City is required to hold a public hearing, July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 which was held on May 3, 2021, and approved the five-year capital improvement plan. The City has determined that it is in the best interest to give preliminary approval to issuance the sale of CIP Bonds not to exceed $10,000,000 to finance the capital improvements set forth in the plan. She said no changes had occurred to the proposed ordinance since first reading. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance authorizing the sale of general obligation capital improvement plan bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 ORD/Planned Unit Development Amendment, Volunteers of America Phase 3; Northwest Corner of Grant Street/5th Avenue. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Community Development Director shared a background report stating Volunteers of America (VOA) is requesting approval of a Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review to construct Phase 3 of the senior care campus consisting of 80 senior independent living residential units. The project is located southeast of the existing facility at the corner of Grant Street and 5th Avenue. The proposed development site is owned by the City of Anoka with an option agreement with VOA. The building is planned to be constructed to blend and match the existing campus in place. VOA will have a full-time property manager (M-F), part time maintenance/custodian staff, and a part time service coordinator. The proposed development plan with 80 units results in a proposed density of 32 units/acre. Density may be increased above 11 units per acre with a PUD approval. For PUDs, the various zoning regulations and requirements (e.g., use, building setback, height, etc.) which may apply to the original zoning district may be considered as guidelines only and may be departed from in the approval of a planned unit development. He outlined the items that varied from the underlying zoning in detail and said the Planning Commission reviewed the Conditional Use, Site Plan and Planned Unit Development Amendment and held a public hearing at its June 1, 2021 regular meeting and recommended approval of the Planned Unit Development Amendment as presented with conditions of approval. Jon Clevenger, VOA, responded to Council’s questions regarding the proposed building location, stating it was determined due to a utility easement and parking lot issues as well as providing a clear delivery route to maintain a safe entry into the parking lot due to the driveway angles. He shared how the same designer has been used throughout the campus for consistency then outlined the phased uses, July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 stating they tried to keep all phases uniform in design that would result in one large campus. He referred to the proposed materials which were below percentages used in Phase 3 but noted included 1,700 square feet of coverage and that adding brick would increase costs by $30,000 and has not been done yet. Mark Weispfenning, Pope Architects, explained more about reasons for building placement due to the VOA’s utility easement. Councilmember Barnett confirmed no changes have occurred since the original project was proposed. Councilmember Weaver asked about parking at the facility and the importance of having sufficient parking for staff and visitors. Mr. Borglund outlined the proposed parking area on Phase 4 for a temporary 36-space parking area and stated when the final phase develops parking will have to be addressed. Mr. Clevenger stated the parking area is large and would be established as temporary parking prior to any construction occurring, adding they will not be charging for parking which will assist with parking concerns as well. Mayor Rice confirmed sufficient parking will be available in this new parking area. Mr. Clevenger noted they actually exceeded the parking minimums overall. Councilmember Weaver confirmed there will be a pass-through for employees to access their workplace in Phase 2. Councilmember Skogquist clarified language of Condition 2 that should state the project shall maintain no less than 36 temporary spaces then confirmed the park dedication fees were based on the standard fee schedule and not a reduction. He expressed some concern about the possibility that these structures could be sold as separate buildings in the future should the VOA’s business model changes. Mr. Borglund said the buildings could be sold separately but should the Council not wish to have that possibility occur the parcels could be recorded as combined parcels to avoid the possibility of separate sales of the parcels. Mayor Rice stressed the importance of using quality materials in this next phase as he felt the City compromised on materials in the earlier phases. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance approving the Planned Unit Development Amendment – Volunteers of America Phase 3 as amended to require that façade materials be equal to or greater than Phase 2 materials: public façade 24%, side façade 19%, and interior façade 12%. Mr. Clevenger suggested that because of the balconies used in Phase 2 it was more difficult to meet the façade coverage and that comparison requirements July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 should be based on Phases 2 and 3 instead. Mayor Rice noted the concerns were more focused on the public facing facades and not the interior. Mayor Rice stated that parking has been identified to be a consistent problem and while a temporary lot will ease that concern the temporary lot is located on a buildable site and that parking must be addressed prior to the presentation of any plans for Phase 4. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan, Volunteers of America Phase 3; Northwest Corner of Grant/5th Avenue. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund stated the architectural concerns were addressed under the PUD and that the lot combination requirement could be included as a condition of final plat then shared the proposed approval schedule. Councilmember Barnett noted the only additional condition from the Planning Commission was the screening of trees. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving the conditional use permit and site plan – Volunteers of America Phase 3; Northwest Corner of Grant/5th Avenue with conditions as presented with the correction of Condition 2 in the CUP that the applicant shall maintain no less than 36 temporary spaces. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 ORD/Amending Chapter 66; Traffic and Vehicles, Article IV, Golf Carts, UTVs and Similar Vehicles. (1st Reading) Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating that at the regular work session meeting on May 24, 2021, Council directed staff to bring forward an amendment regarding the use of Class 2 ATVs (UTVs) and permitting their use similar to golf carts. Currently, UTVs are allowed for use by City of Anoka operations and exempted from obtaining a permit and that cities may adopt an ordinance permitting the operation of golf carts and UTVs on City streets. He said this was a local decision so if a City does not specifically permit the use of these special vehicles, they may not operate on City streets. State law was amended in 2011 to allow cities to issue permits to operate utility task vehicles on city streets. He July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 highlighted the proposed ordinance amendments in detail and recommended first reading be held. Councilmember Barnett confirmed the areas where riding could occur then asked about requirements for headlights and tail lights. Chief Peterson said there was no Statute requiring lights but the ordinance would require all units to include headlights, tail lights, and rearview mirrors, adding he did not recommend the need for slow moving vehicle signage. Councilmember Barnett asked about the application process and how the City would educate those who apply regarding times of operation, weather restrictions, and intoxicated driving. Chief Peterson said if adopted materials would be created to educate the public of all requirements. Councilmember Wesp asked if there have been any issues with licensing golf carts that could be included as part of this discussion. Chief Peterson said there were approximately eight licensed golf carts in the City and while they have had no complaints regarding speeding or trespassing there have been some complaints regarding where people are driving and that staff was working on public education to address. Councilmember Barnett confirmed that issued warnings would be tracked and result in ticketing if continued. Councilmember Skogquist said he would not be supporting the proposed amendment as he felt these vehicles were much different than golf carts because they were faster and should only be allowed in more rural areas. He said allowing ATVs and UTVs would not be a good fit for Anoka and would result in more enforcement activities that will just add to the department’s workload. Councilmember Weaver compared this proposal to other activities that people felt would not work in Anoka such as snowmobiles and special events that have resulted in good successes and noted if problems occur the ordinance could be revoked. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 66 Traffic and Vehicles; Article VI, Division 2 Use of Motorized Golf Carts and Utility Task Vehicles of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota. Councilmember Wesp recognized there are cars that can be very loud already present in the City and noted the law requires adherence to the speed limit no matter what type of vehicle is being operated. He said this is an opportunity to try something to see how it worked but would support rescinding the ordinance should it become a concern. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 Councilmember Barnett said she has had some concerns as well but was willing to support the ordinance but requested that all public education be as clear as possible regarding the restrictions and permitting process. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Summary Publication of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 74, Article III, Diseased Trees. RESOLUTION Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating it is required to publish ordinance changes in the Anoka Union following adoption by Council, however, due to the extensive revisions and amendments approved by ordinance on May 17, 2021 to Chapter 74, Article III, Diseased Trees, the publication costs were cost prohibitive and recommended adoption of the proposed summary publication resolution as allowed by Statute. Councilmember Weaver shared comments on the importance of addressing Emerald ash borer and the hope that the proposed inoculation process works. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving a Summary Publication of Ordinance Amending Chapter 74, Article III, Diseased Trees. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid and Set Bid Date. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating at the June 26, 2016, work session meeting, City Council provided unanimous consent for the City of Anoka to lead the U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project and committed $2 million towards the project. On August 5, 2019, Council adopted a resolution demonstrating the U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project was fully funded. On May 6, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Design Engineer approved and signed the Geometric Layout for the project. On May 28, 2021, MnDOT’s Right-of-Way office approved and signed the Right-of-Way Certificate which is required prior to the state signing the construction plans. On June 28, 2021, MnDOT authorized the approval and signed of the construction plans for the project allowing the City to publish the advertisement for bid. He shared plans of the proposed project and outlined the project in detail, stating the total July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 project cost was $81,67,475 then outlined proposed financing for the combined project. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution for U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set Bid Date for August 26, 2021. Councilmember Weaver stated the next two years will be very difficult due to the construction and that traffic management will be a challenge, including the need to address neighborhood cut-through traffic as it occurs. Councilmember Skogquist agreed, stating the City will have to utilize Anoka County as a resource throughout the project to help address but said he was excited about this model and thanked staff for their work. Mr. Nelson noted the State will be conducting the communication process for this project as well as the Rum River project and while the City and County will provide localized efforts for traffic management the State will conduct signal timing adjustments throughout the project to address traffic concerns. Councilmember Weaver highlighted Anoka’s participation of $2 million that resulted in this great project and credited City Manager Greg Lee for his foresight to suggest this City contribution that resulted in the remaining funding being identified. Councilmember Wesp shared that public safety was well aware of the project’s impact and had contingency plans in place for emergency response throughout construction. Mr. Nelson added that communication has already begun for directing vehicles over 10 feet during bridge improvements and that Anoka- Champlin Fire Department would be working with Ramsey’s fire department to assist and respond when needed. Councilmember Weaver commented how raising the height of the Highway 10 bridge will improve use of the river by people coming into the downtown area. Mayor Rice noted there have been many large reconstruction projects throughout the metro area that have been managed well and was confident this project would be handled the same way and result in improved life safety along this corridor. Councilmember Barnett asked about projected traffic volumes being lower as a result of the pandemic as well as Northstar train usage. Mr. Nelson said staff anticipates traffic to continue to increase to pre-pandemic levels and said they have contacted Northstar to request additional trips be scheduled as a transportation alterative during this time. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Cooperative Construction Agreement and Authorization to Execute the Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on January 16, 2018, Council approved the Delegated Contracting Process (DCP) agreement, MnDOT Contract No. 1029914 with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The DCP agreement allows the State to act as the City’s agent in accepting federal aid for which the City of Anoka has received for the U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project. The City has a long-standing partnership with the MnDOT to make necessary safety and capacity improvements to U.S. Highway 10/169 from the west City limit line with Ramsey to 1,100 feet west of the Trunk Highway 47/169 Ferry Street interchange within the City limits. The City has led the project planning, engineering, design, and obtained full funding for the improvements in partnership with MnDOT and Anoka County. The project has ended the design phase and construction plans have been approved and authorized by MnDOT Metro District to proceed with advertising and bidding of the project. As a result of the State funding associated with this project and the work being completed by the local agency on a Trunk Highway, it is necessary to enter into a Cooperative Construction Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Once the agreement is fully executed and MnDOT has concurred in the award, Council can approve the bids and award the project. The purpose of the agreement is generally to outline terms, obligations, and understandings for each agency during the bid, award, and construction phases of the project, in addition to detailing future maintenance understandings for the elements constructed by this project. A majority of the cooperative agreement is standard language typical of all MnDOT cooperative construction agreements. The agreement will allow the City to obtain State funds programmed for the project and to proceed with bidding the project. Mr. Nelson reviewed the project in detail including lighting, landscaping, storm ponds, retaining walls, and requested the Council approve the agreement be executed by the City Manager. Councilmember Wesp noted this highway segment has been affected by high traffic for many years and said while this project will significantly impact transportation during construction this is a good project that needs to be done and will result in greatly improving traffic overall. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed MnDOT’s portion of the highway will contain appropriate lighting and modular block wall size. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 Councilmember Weaver thanked Mr. Nelson for his great work on the project then inquired about ABLA’s request for a historic Anoka brown sign. Mr. Nelson said that sign request would be done through a separate application submitted to the State for installation at the West Main Street exit but confirmed it would be submitted. Mayor Rice complimented all staff for being leading this project and for being very insightful in pulling this project together. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving the U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Cooperative Construction Agreement and Authorization to Execute the Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mr. Nelson noted the approval process would be the same for the Rum River bridge project when ready. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.8 RES/U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Limited Use Permit with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Non-Motorized Recreational Trail in the Right-of-way at Fairoak Avenue and Thurston Avenue. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on May 6, 2020 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Design Engineer approved and signed the Geometric Layout for the project. Beginning in the spring of 2022, the City will be reconstructing U.S. Highway 10/160 from the west City limit line with Ramsey to 1,100 feet west of the Trunk Highway 47/169 Ferry Street interchange. The project will transform this signalized corridor into a freeway including a roundabout interchange at Thurston Avenue and an underpass at Fairoak Avenue. There will be enhanced pedestrian connectivity and accommodations at both of the above locations. The State of Minnesota Department of Transportation is requiring the City to execute a Limited Use Permit (LUP) for these trail ways that is to be constructed on/within MnDOT’s right-of-way. Councilmember Skogquist asked why this has to occur for the trailway but not for the sidewalk on the other side. Mr. Nelson said it was possibly due to how trailways were designated differently than sidewalks. Councilmember Barnett confirmed there is only one trail on the side of Thurston Avenue. Mr. Nelson said there were two trailways on Thurston Avenue with only July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 one on the west side of Fairoak Avenue which ties into the sidewalk on Jacob Lane. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Limited Use Permit with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Non-Motorized Recreational Trail in the Right-of-Way of Trunk Highway 10/169 at Thurston Avenue and Fairoak Avenue. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.9 RES/Recommended Approval of an LG230 Gambling Permit for Andover Huskies Youth Hockey/Sale of Pull Tabs at Anoka County Fair. RESOLUTION Mr. Baumgartner shared a background report stating Andover Huskies Youth Hockey has submitted an application for a State-issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit to allow the sale of pull tabs at the Anoka County Fair, July 20-25, 2021. This application came in too late for the June 21st meeting and since Council did not meet on July 6 the request has been included on this agenda. Staff has had conversations with the State that if approved will immediately issue the license. He said while this is a State-issued license it requires approval of the municipality in which the event will take place. Mr. Baumgartner said has reviewed the application and no concerns or objections have been expressed then explained this application was for a temporary gambling license and therefore did not pertain to approval of Anoka-based organizations exclusively as outlined in the City’s policy. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution recommending the issuance of a State-issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit for Andover Huskies Youth Hockey, Sale of Pull Tabs at Anoka County Fair July 20-25, 2021. 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 New Special Event License; Walker Methodist 5th Anniversary Block Party, August 12, 2021. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Public Services Director Mark Anderson shared a background report stating Walker Methodist Plaza has submitted an application for a Special Event License for their 5th Anniversary Block Party event. All necessary paperwork and the application fee have been received and processed. Staff has met with the organizers to review the application and supports approval of this event as well as ABLA. Cindy Jacobson and Joselyn Specht, Walker Methodist Plaza, shared additional details of the event and encouraged the community to attend. Councilmember Barnett complimented the group on the variety of live music choices that will be offered and confirmed a safety plan has been approved by the fire department. Mayor Rice referred to the location change and how it could result in a lot of people in one area. Ms. Jacobson noted the bands would not be set up on the street which will help with congestion. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the school district had no concerns with the group using their parking lot and confirmed they would not be holding a Night to Unite party in addition to this special event. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve issuance of a special event license for Walker Methodist 5th Anniversary block party and to waive the license application fee. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 New Special Event License; Nearly Naked Ruck March, September 11, 2021. Mr. Anderson shared a background report stating Bart Ward has submitted an application for a Special Event License on behalf of 23rd Veteran for the Nearly Naked Ruck March which will benefit both the 23rd Veteran (monetary) and Haven for Heroes (all donated goods). The 23rd Veteran’s mission is to provide happier, healthier lives for veterans living with trauma and the march will be an annual event in Anoka. All necessary paperwork has been received and processed. Staff is requesting the application fee of $225 be waived, as this event will benefit Haven for Heroes. They are also including the City as a sponsor on their event marketing materials. Staff has met with organizers, reviewed the details, and supports approval of this event as well as ABLA. Bart Ward, applicant, explained the march takes a military exercise and makes it fun by having ruckers load their backpacks with donations to benefit Haven for Heroes then walk their chosen distance. He shared further on how the fundraising would help prevent veterans suffering from PTSD and possible suicide. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 Mayor Rice shared that on average 22 American veterans die by suicide each day and stressed the importance of this organization and event to help raise funds and awareness to address this significant problem. Councilmember Barnett asked how the City could further assist with this important event. Mr. Ward said this is a public event for anyone wishing to participate in the walk and encouraged the community to attend. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the special event license for the Nearly Naked Ruck March, September 11, 2021, and to waive the license application fee. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.3 Consideration of Appointment to Economic Development Commission. Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City is in receipt of an application from Taylor Ruud of Coon Rapids to serve on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Residency is not a requirement to serve on this Commission and that currently there are two vacancies on the EDC. Staff is recommending this individual be appointed to the term that expires December 31, 2023, then outlined vacancies on all City boards and commissions and encouraged the public to apply. Councilmember Barnett referred if the residency requirement was true for all members of the EDC. Mr. Borglund responded some of the Commissioners can live outside the City when they have a business in Anoka and added this applicant was very interested and supportive of Anoka and was considering moving here and relocating his business and wanted to get more involved. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve the appointment of Taylor Ruud to the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2023. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. July 19, 2021 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 Mr. Anderson reminded the public of the current drought situation and encouraged the community to conserve water and adhere to the City’s watering ban. Mayor Rice asked questions regarding recommendations on how long people should water lawns when they do. Mr. Anderson noted watering less is recommended, especially during the heat of the day, because it helps lawns develop deeper roots that result in stronger lawns. Mr. Nelson shared watering recommendations used during reconstruction projects. Councilmember Skogquist referred to the City’s well recovery becoming more difficult and asked if they have been stabilized. Mr. Anderson explained the drawdown of wells and how staff works to ensure sufficient well operation. Mr. Nelson shared that road patching would occur on Main Street and would include lane restrictions overnight. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:26 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk