Anoka City Council

September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:05 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; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Nicole Neis, C.O.P.P.S. Unit; Officer Zach Robertson, and and City Attorney Curt Glasser. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 August 30, 2021, Budget Worksession. September 7, 2021, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Skogquist said the September 7, 2021, regular meeting motioner on the Consent Agenda was Councilmember Wesp then shared comments regarding the need for more detail in the August 30, 2021, budget worksession for better transparency and suggested postponing approval of those minutes until more detail was included. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to waive the reading and approve the September 7, 2021, Regular Meeting as corrected and postpone approval of the August 20, 2021, Budget Worksession. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Nicole Neis, C.O.P.P.S. Unit, shared an update on community outreach efforts that included home alone safety classes, fraud/scam presentations, Night to Unite, September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 2 of 8 house of worship security awareness and preparedness presentations, back to school outreach, ice cream events, bike helmet campaigns, headlight and taillight program, and business watch. Officer Zach Robertson shared about their landlord and property managers forums, crime free multi-housing classes and statistics, significant cases, coffee with a cop and cops and cone community events, safety fair, playdate at the library, creative kids’ presentation, Santa parade, and police pals. Councilmember Barnett thanked the team for their significant investment in the community which is unique to Anoka. Mayor Rice said these community programs create trust which is very important and said he was proud of the police’s relationship in the community. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Jenny Green, Alexandra House, thanked the City for the support Anoka has provided over the past year then shared about their HopeFest event which will raise funds to address domestic violence. She said October is Domestic Awareness Month then shared statistics that included 14,500 domestic violence calls in 2020 in Anoka County with the City having the highest number of those calls. She said Alexandra House served 1,560 victims in 2021, 78% of which were from throughout the County and provided services for 3,204 victims. Ms. Green shared the spectrum of services Alexandra House provides and thanked the City for their support, especially in light of the increase in domestic violence. Councilmember Skogquist thanked Alexandra House and responding officers for their work and assistance in these difficult situations as it was extremely important. Councilmember Barnett noted if the community could not attend HopeFest they could donate online. Ms. Green shared more about the event and encouraged the community to attend. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.3 as presented. Councilmember Barnett asked for further information regarding the Walker roof replacement project and current garden space availability. Public Services Director Mark September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 3 of 8 Anderson explained the roof was over 32 years old and in need of replacement and was confident the selected contractor would be able to begin yet this fall, adding they hope the residents will be able to access the garden space once complete. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Accept Bid and Award Contract for Walker Roof Replacement Project. 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 RES/Adopting 2022 Proposed Budget and Preliminary Tax Levy. RESOLUTION Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating the 2022 budget process began in August and was based on Council directives and the 2021 goal session. The Council has reviewed the 2022 budget, as proposed by the City Manager, at several meetings in August and September. The proposed 2022 budget for all funds, excluding the HRA component unit, is $74,408,637, which is a 10.93% decrease from 2021. The 2021/2022 proposed levy is set at $7,850,853. This is down ($45,655) from the original staff proposed levy. She outlined details on how they were able to achieve a proposed lower levy through adding to the Street Fund Seasonal Salaries $10,000, adding contribution to Community Education $30,000, reducing budget for Emerald Ash Borer ($6,305), and adding use of Fund Balance. The proposed General Fund and Debt levy is an increase of $404,753 or 5.44% above the 2021 levy. Residential property taxpayers will see a small increase in City property taxes. The levy increase, along with changes in fiscal disparity contributions and distributions, changes in tax increment and market value all affect the tax rate and the amount of property tax levy distributed to individual properties. With the increase in the levy, the City Council is able to cover all general fund operating, debt service payments and some capital expenditures. This is a preliminary levy and cannot be increased; staff will continue working on the budget to propose additional cuts. The final levy will not September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 4 of 8 be set until the December 20 Council meeting, after a public hearing on December 6, 2021. Councilmember Skogquist noted the priorities included increasing street and park maintenance staff and referred to difficulties in hiring at this time, some delayed capital improvements in parks, the addition of another police officer, and increased funding for Emerald Ash Borer. Councilmember Wesp said this is a proposed levy that while it cannot go higher could go lower prior to adoption. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution relating to adoption of a preliminary 2022 Budget and certifying a proposed property tax levy collectible in 2022, and setting public hearing dates. Councilmember Weaver asked when the final budget will be presented and confirmed the proposed budget was available for review on the City’s website. Ms. Springer said a public hearing will be held on December 6 for public comment and the final budget and levy will be adopted on December 20. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Consenting to the HRA Adopting a Tax Levy Collectible in 2022. RESOLUTION Ms. Springer said the City Council must consent to any Authority levy prior to becoming effective as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 469.033. The HRA has adopted the proposed levy to be $329,400. This is approximately the maximum levy allowable. It is $3,400 more than the 2021 levy or a 1.04% increase. The HRA levy will be used to accomplish the goals of the authority and in furtherance of its housing and redevelopment plans. The maximum levy allowed for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is 0.0185 percent of taxable market value, or approximately $329,405. She noted the HRA budget is included in the final 2022 City budget document. Councilmember Weaver thanked the HRA for their great work for the City. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution consenting to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Anoka adopting a 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022. Councilmember Barnett suggested sharing examples of projects showing how this funding was used in the community would be good for public information. September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 5 of 8 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 ORD/Purchase Agreement; Vacant Four Lots Located at South Street/Washington Street and 8th Avenue. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating the City Council reviewed and discussed this item at its regular meeting on September 7, 2021. The City Council moved this item forward to a second reading with no changes. The City has been in discussion with Patriot Builders II regarding four undeveloped residential lots known as the 742 and 750 Washington Street and 743 and 751 South Street. The property is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential District. The buyer Patriot Builders II is planning single family under the conditions of development placed on the lots by the City through a development agreement. The City and Patriot Builders II have negotiated an offer of $85,000 per lot or a total of $340,000 for the four undeveloped lots contingent upon the City Council’s approval to enter into a purchase agreement. He shared the proposed schedule and recommended Council adopt the proposed ordinance as presented. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance to convey real property to Patriot Builders II. Mayor Rice thanked Patriot Builders for investing in the community and looked forward to this project and how this will address stormwater concerns in the area as well. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Development Agreement; Patriot Builders, Inc., South Street/Washington Street and 8th Avenue Lots. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City Attorney and staff have drafted a development agreement between the City of Anoka and Patriot Builders Inc., which encompasses the construction of four single-family homes on four existing platted vacant lots. He outlined the agreement in detail which included the developer will be required to construct the project as approved by the City of Anoka City Council based on the criteria set out in Section 4.7, responsible for the construction and all cost associated with all necessary utilities, curb-cuts and September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 6 of 8 driveway, and related site improvements, pay normal development fees including building permit, utility connection charges, and any other financial requirements stated in this agreement, and other elements. He said the resolution authorizes the City Attorney to make necessary adjustments based on Patriot Builder’s comments that are forthcoming. If there are any changes that would alter the intent of the agreement the agreement would be brought back to the City Council for review and consideration. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution Approving Development Agreement: Patriot Builders Inc., South Street/Washington and 8th Avenue. Mayor Rice said discussion had been held in the past about the front elevation not being all garage and requested that reorientation of the homes on the lots be considered to address this. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Variances for Setback and Impervious Lot Coverage; 1808 5th Avenue. RESOLUTION City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating the property owners of 1808 5th Avenue are seeking to construct a new building addition to their home. The home was originally constructed around 1900. The new addition would be placed at the south side of the home and is proposed at 10’ x 17.5’ (175 sq. ft.). The addition would be used as a formal dining room. The addition would be finished with matching siding and trim. The new addition is proposed to be setback 6.2 feet from the south lot line. Since the minimum side-yard setback is 10 feet, the addition requires a setback variance of 3.8 feet. Also, the existing impervious surface at the property is 55.6%. This is due to the fact that the existing home was built around 1900 and the existing lot is relatively small, at 5,057 sq. ft. or 0.12 acres. This is roughly half the size of the minimum lot size required in the R-1 Low Density Zoning District. The proposed addition will add an additional 175 sq. ft. of impervious surface to the lot, for a total lot coverage of 59.1%, therefore a variance of 3.5% above the current maximum allowed of 55.6% is needed. He outlined the requested variances in detail and said staff finds each of the approval criteria has been met and recommends approval. He noted the property owners were doing a good job renovating the home and that the Heritage Preservation Commission was considering the property for an award. Councilmember Skogquist asked questions about how the side yard setback was established. Mr. Palmer noted legal non-conforming lots of 70 feet or less are allowed a reduced side yard setback and that this lot was close to meeting that requirement. He explained that the exception applies to legal lots of record prior September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 7 of 8 to 1967 and that this one was platted in the 1800s. He agreed the provision could apply and the resolution recognizes the setback, adding the property was close to meeting the required setback based on that provision. Councilmember Skogquist shared his appreciation for the work on the home and felt the addition would make the home more functional but still blend in well and would be a good use of the area. Councilmember Weaver thanked the property owner for their work on the home and supported the variances. Councilmember Barnett confirmed public feedback received included one letter of support and complimented the homeowners for a great job renovating this home as this was a challenging lot. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving variances for setback and impervious lot coverage; 1808 5th Avenue. Mayor Rice said side yard setbacks were difficult to address as there needed to be sufficient space for both neighbors and felt this was a good argument regarding the seven feet which resulted in theoretically only a four-inch variance which is good. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 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. September 20, 2021 (Regular) Page 8 of 8 Mr. Borglund noted the former golf maintenance building has been razed in preparation for the Gramercy project and that a groundbreaking event will occur in the near future. Councilmember Skogquist inquired about Highland Park and status of the play structure. Mr. Anderson said that structure will likely be done spring 2022. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:12 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk