Anoka City Council

October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 1 of 9 WORKSESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OCTOBER 25, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the worksession meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Electric Utility Director Greg Geiger; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent: Councilmember Skogquist. 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS and/or DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1 Discussion; Van Buren/Green Way Concept Neighborhood Feedback and Follow Up. Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a staff report with background information stating the City Council last discussed the Van Buren Green Way Concept in January of 2021. The City Council at that time took the position that the concept would not move forward. A neighborhood meeting was held on June 2, 2021. The meeting was attended by property owners on Van Buren and staff and 100% of the affected property owners on Van Buren Street within the immediate neighborhood agreed upon a concept. At the June 28, 2021, worksession meeting City Council discussed the issue again and concluded there was a willingness to relook at the concept. Staff was directed to continue with the process to gather public feedback. He highlighted the most recent concept supported by the neighborhood then summarized the greater neighborhood meetings that included traffic patterns, street renewal project, options, and a hybrid option. He said the engineers estimated construction cost to reconstruct Van Buren Street as it is today is $211,614.00. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared the engineers estimated construction cost to reconstruct Van Buren under the Green Way Concept was $170,704.00, with the estimated price difference of $40,910.00 or 19%. These numbers are subject change based on market conditions at the time bidding and awarding a project. He referred to the overall estimated savings and outlined three proposed options for consideration. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 2 of 9 Mr. Borglund said staff was seeking Council direction for the Van Buren Street Green Way and limits of the 2022 Swede Town street renewal project. City Manager Greg Lee further explained Anoka County’s timing of expanding their facilities and how that would impact the street renewal project and noted not all Commissioners are supportive at this time but if approved would expand the parking facility in 2023 and then in 2024-2025 expand the building north which would include the hope to vacate Van Buren Street for the building expansion. He noted the concept was very tentative and that it would not be known for a while and for that reason it would not be in the City’s best interest to reconstruct the street to only have it torn up until we know their plans. Councilmember Barnett highlighted some of the neighborhood responses, noting 14 were residents of a parcel or had family members directly related to parcel owners and that four did not live or work in Anoka. She said over 75% responded in favor and wanted to share that perspective, especially when only 33 responses were given. She thanked the neighborhood for coming forward but believed the traffic study was flawed and that we should have done a better job communicating why the road was closed by asking for feedback. She said she believed this concept would be a benefit for only a handful of homes and there is a real savings if other streets deteriorate quicker. Councilmember Weaver said we need to know the County’s plans first as that will change the area significantly and result in new traffic patterns and if we say no to this we would ultimately have to say no to the County. Several residents of the neighborhood shared concerns about the traffic study, safety, alternate routes, future street renewal projects, sufficient parking, and Anoka County plans. Below is listing of those signed in – speakers did not identify themselves prior to commenting. LA Lawson and JA Lawson, Diane Leckett, Don Kjonnaas, Nancy Wolk, Mary and Jim Willyard, Kevin and Patti Bellows and Joe Riley. A resident (who did not state their name) at 5th Avenue and Van Buren Street, said this access is one of the only ways to access downtown Anoka and felt the alleys were for the residents and that Harrison Street was too busy already and agreed the traffic study was flawed. A resident (who did not state their name) said people use the street to go to 7th Avenue as it was much safer instead of going to Main Street then noted the road has been rough for so many years that people have to use alternate routes. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 3 of 9 Residents (who did not state their name) shared comments about the County being secretive and that 7th Avenue was no longer a County road and if we do nothing will affect the next street renewal project therefore the project should be tabled. A resident (who did not state their name) asked if alleyways would be wide enough to park. A resident (who did not state their name) spoke about the width of alleyways and garbage can placement and being able to use the street. A resident (who did not state their name) asked about the overall purpose for Anoka and if it would be used for a pedestrian trail. Colleen Hansen, of Anoka, spoke about when she purchased her home 30 years ago, she was aware of future County development and encroachment. She said there are unique homes in this area then shared articles about how the City’s historic district draws attention and needed to be protected from encroachment and how this could be a walkable route for residents while protecting the neighborhood. A resident (who did not state their name) said if the County gets what they want they will vacate and Van Buren will not be a thoroughfare and that traffic will increase on Harrison. Councilmember Weaver asked if the jail has to be located in the County seat and how even if we say no to the road closure the County could take it anyway. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner confirmed Statute states a jail has to be located within the County seat. Kristina Wilberg, of Anoka, asked if the County will move Van Buren completely north so it would still be a street and a parkway and asked if the proposed 1,200 stalls in the ramp would public or private. Councilmember Wesp said he was not in favor of closing Van Buren between 3rd and 4th Streets and suggested moving it north and create an alley into the new Van Buren. He said he understood the new jail would have no underground parking then spoke about the uniqueness of Anoka and agreed the project should be tabled until we know more. He said discussions had been held about locating the jail in another area of the City but transportation costs to the courthouse would be prohibitive. Mayor Rice asked about the current jail capacity. Councilmember Wesp said the jail was built in 1983 and was underbuilt then and was currently overcrowded and needed to expand. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 4 of 9 Councilmember Barnett summarized next steps should be to postpone until when. Mr. Lee suggested postponing 2-3 weeks to allow further discussion but noted the decision will likely take six months to one year. Councilmember Weaver asked if a portion of the street renewal project could be done while postponing the remaining. Mayor Rice cautioned against that as savings are realized when projects are done together and that he would rather postpone the entire project until the County moved forward. A resident (who did not state their name) spoke against closing roads and how the project by Washington School resulted in cracked windows in her home and the importance that downtown continue to flourish. Councilmember Wesp spoke about the timeline for the street renewal project and the lack of time to make a decision. Mr. Nelson outlined the process which included an assessment hearing next year and how they could do a portion of 5th Avenue to the east or move to a different section of the City and not do the Swede Town neighborhood in 2022. Ms. Wilberg thanked the City for their detailed, quality work on the proposal and options. A resident (who did not state their name) suggested having a representative from Anoka County share an update. Mr. Lee said staff will continue to monitor plans and invite County leaders when appropriate. Councilmember Wesp asked staff to prepare alternatives to the street renewal project and if the County damaged roads how would we address it and if the neighbors would be supportive of postponing at this time. Councilmember Barnett challenged staff to negotiate portions of the project and table while considering other options for the City. A resident (who did not state their name) asked who pays for additional infrastructure and staff at the County with the additional capacity at the jail once expanded. A resident (who did not state their name) asked about the City’s input on building design. Mr. Borglund confirmed the City would require architectural standards and other aspects be followed. A resident (who did not state their name) asked if 4th Avenue would be turned over to the City and would also like to see stop signs installed. Mayor Rice said he would not be supportive of closing streets. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 5 of 9 Councilmember Wesp said it was critical to get something done for 2022 due to the street condition and suggested a mill and overlay project instead. Mr. Nelson suggested ramping curbs and leaving the wear course off as an alternative. Mr. Lee summarized Council direction was to postpone consideration of the Green Way, alleyways on Golf Street, Van Buren Street, 5th Avenue and others and return with a new proposed 2022 project list at an upcoming worksession. 3.2 Discussion/Round-Up Funds. Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a staff report with background information sharing a history of Round-Up Funds, the Joint Powers Agreement with Northwestern Anoka County Community Consortium (Youth First), Round Up for Change Policy, requests for funding and possible new funding for Hope 4 Youth, Lyric Arts, Rum River Arts Center, and Community Education. She said staff was seeking Council direction on what organizations should be receiving funds from the Round-Up Program. Councilmember Wesp shared comments about Youth First’s mission in Anoka and how he was uncomfortable with Community Education as they are a taxing entity. He said while the provide a necessary service and could be part of Round Up funds he would eventually like to decrease their funding as part of the levy to possibly $15,000 and compensate with Round Up funds instead. Councilmember Barnett said the policy outlined requests based on community needs and unless we wanted to change the policy it should be followed based on basic human needs and if we deny Rum River Arts District, we should do the same for Community Ed. She said when compared to others such as Alexandra House it makes more sense to redistribute the funding to those types of organizations. Councilmember Weaver explained how Youth First started in the Verndale neighborhood based on challenges and if their mission changed that was fine but then shared concerns about Community Ed and their principal’s stance and that he would support Round-Up funds instead for the Community Mission, Alexandra House, and the food shelf. Mayor Rice said Community Ed is more in line with youth than Youth First but spoke about programs that invest in youth as separate from education. Ms. Springer said Community Ed support can be removed from the at Council direction and suggested letting Youth First know the City was withdrawing partner contribution. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 6 of 9 Mr. Baumgartner commented how the JPA allowed for withdrawal but asked about the possibility of assets forfeited to Youth First. Councilmember Wesp said funds from the home sale went into their general fund and that he would be in favor of supporting Anoka Mission, Alexandra House and the food shelf. Councilmember Weaver said there needs to be course direction. Councilmember Barnett said the direction can easily be explained based on the policy. Mr. Lee summarized Round Up funds will no longer include Hope 4 Youth, Lyric Arts, Rum River Arts Fund, and Community Ed and that staff will contact Youth First regarding their removal as well as work to remove Comm Ed from the general fund budget. 3.3 Discussion; Anoka Rum River Dam Modifications – Power Generation, Lock, Access/Maintenance Platform. Public Services Director Mark Anderson shared a staff report with background information stating in 1853, the first timber dam was constructed to provide power for the saw mills in the City of Anoka. He further shared history of the dam that included ongoing operations, maintenance, repair and replacement through the City and how in 2014 the water infrastructure bill passed by Congress required the Army Corp of Engineers to close the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam to slow the spread of invasive species and how investment in another redundant barrier at the Rum River Dam was not selected by the legislature. He said since that time technology has greatly improved and the City is considering modifications to the Rum River Dam including generation of hydroelectric power, an automatic flashboard system with adjustable crest gate pool controls, maintenance walk-way platform across the dam, lock system or motorized portage/mechanical lift system, and invasive species barricade. He said Council shall be aware that changing/modifying the dam may result in unintended consequences that could affect the City’s funding opportunity for a future invasive species barricade. He said as part of the feasibility report, this would be explored and evaluated. He said the estimated cost was $61,500 and funding for the feasibility report could be added to the 202 budget. He said the increase in the 2022 levy impact would be approximately 0.8%. Electric Utility Director Greg Geiger shared the proposed electric generation and how it may not make sense and if we were just trying to get a payback it should not be done as there was not enough water volume, especially in the winter. Councilmember Weaver asked if the push for green energy was based on what funding was available. Mr. Geiger commented said hydro was a great idea but not feasible and did not believe there was funding available. Councilmember Weaver said the dam was 52 years old and that Anoka was the only entity for the dam and that other cities would not help with maintenance and October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 7 of 9 other costs. He said if we like the dam, we have to pay for it but the recreational value is very important and disagreed the redundant barrier was unimportant. Mayor Rice spoke about how technology has increased and how it could impact the turbine and that feasible electric could be an option. Ed Evans, Anoka, shared comments about past work to electrify the Coon Rapids Dam and consideration for Anoka and its impacts and how it was not large enough to be efficient. Mr. Geiger clarified this was a good study but not feasible but if ever available he would like to look at not having the costs be placed upon all on the residents as there were other funding resources available. Councilmember Barnett said if we have power in any other way, we should keep for us for security of our residents. She said the fear is with the DNR and their practices such as fish ladders and being clear in funding and direction. She said she did not want a turbine just for demonstration and liked the public being able to access the river. Mr. Geiger explained we could get a small amount of kilowatt hours which was something then shared comments about the DNR and water rights versus the City. Mr. Nelson spoke about the proposed automated flashboards and consensus. Discussion was held on staff working to remove debris and how automation would be very helpful and safer. Councilmember Barnett asked if a grant could be identified before studies conducted and that invasive species control would benefit more than Anoka and should be passed on. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the possibility of Highway 47 and the work of a potential restaurant location on the Rum River. Mr. Lee suggested seeing if grant funds were available to start for a study, then continue. Mayor Rice noted there are studies already in place which are likely valid but said technology has changed and suggested focusing on maintenance and waterways instead. Councilmember Weaver said the budget was reduced $30,000. Councilmember Wesp shared comments about the San Antonio Riverwalk and how it was created for the 1968 State Fair and the importance of being innovative and how the river brings people to the City. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 8 of 9 Council consensus was to look for grants and include with the budget presentation for possible consideration. 3.4 Discussion; COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates. Mr. Lee shared a staff report with background information sharing some Councilmembers had requested to have this item included for discussion. He shared resources regarding vaccination mandates from the League of Minnesota Cities, Congressional Research Services – State and Federal Authority to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccination, and the Executive Order on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. He said some staff have shared concerns regarding the possibility of vaccine mandates and that staff was interested in Council’s direction. Mayor Rice commented how mandating other vaccines such as polio could be considered by some to be more important than COVID-19. Councilmember Weaver said he would not support mandating vaccines for employees. Councilmember Barnett agreed, stating it has been her goal to get in front of this topic to ensure staff never felt they had to get the vaccine if they did not choose to, adding such a mandate would be against the Constitution and human rights. She added there would also be costs to such a mandate including time off, testing, and coverage in the event someone became ill from the vaccine. Councilmember Wesp agreed, stating while he understood the science behind the vaccine, he would not mandate it for anyone as it was not the City’s place to do so. Councilmember Weaver said he would support a resolution in opposition to mandates as it would help speak to staff and ultimately ensure the City had a solid team in place. Mr. Baumgartner cautioned the City from being too strong in its conviction in the event of any future funding ties to vaccines as it would be difficult to return to staff with a change in direction. Councilmember Barnett spoke about who would have to enforce any such mandate and how if mandated the City, and likely others, would sue. She said this action would show support for staff and could ultimately be a recruitment tool. Mayor Rice said he would be comfortable with a statement opposing mandates rather than a resolution then spoke about whether the City has a right to do this. Council consensus was to bring forward a resolution in opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. October 25, 2021 (Worksession) Page 9 of 9 OTHER BUSINESS None. 4. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist to adjourn the Worksession at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk