Anoka City Council

August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 1 of 7 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 2, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the Budget Presentation to order at 6:00 p.m. Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp. Staff Present: City Manager, Greg Lee and Finance Director Brenda Springer. City Manager, Greg Lee and Finance Director Brenda Springer, presented and reviewed the 2022 Budget. The draft budget represents an overall 6.05% increase in the Levy. 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: City Manager Greg Lee; City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 June 28, 2021, Worksession. July 9, 2021, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, 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. August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 2 of 7 Police Chief Eric Peterson shared that flags are being flown at half mast for Red Lake Nation Officer Bialke who was killed in the line of duty responding to a call for a suicidal male. He spoke how Anoka’s officers train for these types of calls and while he was confident in our training incidents like these can happen and said the department’s thoughts are with the family and Red Lake Nation Police Department. He said they had 25 parties registered for Night to Unite event and said how these events provided opportunities to meet neighbors, discuss issues, and get to know neighbors to become stronger and encouraged everyone to attend. He shared that Citizens Academy registration was open and encouraged residents to apply the spoke about the recent hit and run incident on Highway 10 that resulted in pursuit and the use of less than lethal means of force and an arrest. Councilmember Barnett thanked police staff for their work and said she appreciated the department’s training to use less than lethal means when possible then asked about the incidents that occurred at the Anoka County Fair. Chief Peterson shared how some fights had occurred on the last night of the Fair that resulted in shutting down the event early. He said he was unaware of any arrests made and were still trying to determine a cause but said no one asked for medical attention. Councilmember Skogquist read a recent article from the Anoka Herald about recent incidents about theft and property damage at a local church as well as harassing behavior towards the congregation during a church service. Skogquist then asked the Police Chief about Police response. Chief Peterson responded the incidents had been reported to the Police Department and was concerning because these were not freedom of speech incidents but disorderly conduct and that the department would continue to pursue. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Michael Steel, 2733 Rivers Bluff Lane, commented about issues that had occurred at other fairs then spoke about the park near Eagle Brook Church and complimented City staff on how well the park was maintained and operated and thanked staff for their attention. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.4 as presented. August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 3 of 7 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Gambling Permit for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wapiti Women of the North for a Raffle at 10K Brewing on August 20, 2021. 6.4 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Gambling Permit for Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce for a Raffle at Green Haven on September 20, 2021. 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/Amending Chapter 66; Traffic and Vehicles, Article IV, Golf Carts, UTVs and Similar Vehicles. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating at their regular meeting on July 19, 2021, the Council reviewed and discussed the proposed amendment to Chapter 66 and made no changes to the proposed ordinance language. The City Council at its regular work session meeting on May 24, 2021 directed staff to bring forward an amendment regarding the use of Class 2 ATV’s (UTVs) and permitting there use similar to golf carts. Currently, UTVs are allowed for use by City of Anoka operations and exempted from obtaining a permit. Cities may adopt an ordinance permitting the operation of golf carts and UTVs on City streets. This is 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 said descriptions of UTVs and highlighted the proposed ordinance amendments in detail and recommended that the ordinance be adopted. Councilmember Skogquist suggested a possible amendment that would include turn signals for additional safety, similar to the City’s vehicles. August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 4 of 7 Councilmember Weaver said he appreciated the suggestion but would prefer to see it as a recommendation because the State does not require turn signals currently and felt that hand signals were the standard for indicating turns and sufficient. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold second reading and adopt 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 with the recommendation to include turn signal equipment for additional safety measures. Councilmember Wesp noted it will be up to the Police Department to provide input over the next year as to safety concerns regarding allowing UTVs on City streets. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. RES/Summary Resolution Amending Chapter 66; Traffic and Vehicles, Article IV, Golf Carts, UTVs and Similar Vehicles. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a summary resolution 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. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 ORD/Purchase Agreement; Weekley Homes LLC, Sale of 4th and Grant Street Site. (1st Reading) Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City has been in discussion with Weekley Homes LLC regarding property known as the 4th Avenue and Grant Street development site. The property is zoned Transit Oriented Development District. The subject property is made up of one (1) parcel equaling 3.12 acres in size. The buyer Weekley Homes LLC is planning on constructing urban style, detached, ownership, association-maintained townhomes. Weekley Homes LLC originally offered $405,000.00. City Council provided direction to negotiate with Weekley Homes LLC to increase the offering and negotiated a price of $4.65 per square foot, $202,692.00 per acre, or a total of $632,400.00 for the 3.12-acre parcel contingent upon the City Council’s approval to enter into a August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 5 of 7 purchase agreement. The City Attorney from a legal perspective is satisfied with the purchase agreement and shared the proposed timeline for closing. Councilmember Barnett appreciated the great partner in Weekley Homes and said she was excited about this project and the current project in the City then thanked staff for negotiating the additional sales price as it resulted in a significant increase to the City. Councilmember Skogquist inquired about the drainage pond for the parking lot on the adjacent parking lot and the additional of pipes as part of the project to improve the area. Mr. Borglund stated the existing pond will go away as part of the project and that the stormwater pond on the west was designed to handle all water in the area and said staff will be following up on the need for additional infrastructure as the project continues. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the project’s streets will be private and not City streets. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold first reading of an ordinance to convey real property to Weekley Homes, LLC. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried 9.3 RES/Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment; Approve Bidding Documents, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set Bid Date for “Build-Out” (Shooting Range). RESOLUTION Chief Peterson shared a background report stating at the February 22, 2021 work session meeting, City Council gave direction to staff to prepare the bidding documents for the Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment (LETC/AC) under a separate contract for the shooting range, including the equipment for the “build-out” of this facility. At the June 21, 2021, Council Meeting, City Council approved bids and awarded contract to construct the Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment building. It was further discussed again that the “build out” of the shooting range equipment would be bid at a later date with a $700,000 allowance under a separate contract. He shared the architectural perspectives and plans of the shooting range and said based on previous City Council action, the bidding documents for this project have been prepared. He outlined publication work for the bid in the City’s official newspaper and at least once in a recognized trade journal and said staff was requesting authorization to advertise for bids. He outlined the schedule and costs that included a line item for $700,000 for the purchase and installation of the shooting range equipment which would be paid with bond proceeds as part of the August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 6 of 7 LETC/AC building construction project then shared further details about the proposed range construction, air handling systems, and other features. Councilmember Weaver noted officers deal with incidents every day and this facility and equipment will provide a very important tool for officers to train as well as outside agencies that should provide additional revenue too. Chief Peterson said staff will be establishing a fee schedule for other agencies to utilize the facility and noted the additional revenue will likely be used for range maintenance, etc. Mayor Rice said this facility will result in less overtime needed as training will now occur nearby. Councilmember Skogquist inquired as to why the Planning Commission needed to provide approval for the project. Mr. Borglund said the reason was a condition of the Conditional Use Permit in order to address concerns such as noise. Councilmember Barnett asked how this bid would be published outside of Quest CDN to ensure all who wanted to bid were aware of the project. Chief Peterson said there was not many firms in the State who construct ranges as this was a very specialized use but that staff would work to ensure all were aware of the proposed project. Councilmember Weaver referred to the current shortage of ammunition. Chief Peterson noted ammunition shortages were not as impactful for law enforcement as we have the ability to plan and order accordingly and that Federal Cartridge was a very good partner for this use. Councilmember Barnett said she was pleased to see the investment made in the range’s sidewalls for additional safety. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution Law Enforcement Training Center/Animal Containment; Approve Bidding Documents, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set Bid Date for “Build-Out” (Shooting Range). 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 None. August 2, 2021 (Regular) Page 7 of 7 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. Councilmember Skogquist shared an update on the MMPA and energy demands due to high temperatures, the windfarm project in southwest Minnesota, preliminary projection of rate increases of 2.5%, vehicle charging program that should begin in September, and how Anoka has impacted their Clean Energy Choice for renewables which is up 23% due to Anoka’s customers. Councilmember Barnett asked why Anoka was so active in this program. Councilmember Skogquist said they were unsure why but it could be due to advertising and noted it provided extra revenue for the City. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting to enter into a Closed Meeting Pursuant to Minnesota Statute13D.05, Subd 3(c)(3) to Consider Real Estate Offers Related to the Sale of 4 Lots Located at South Street/Washington Street and 8th Avenue. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Time of adjournment: 8:02 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk