Anoka City Council

February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 14 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 7, 2022 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: City Manager Greg Lee; Director of Public Services Mark Anderson; Utility Director Greg Geiger; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Police Chief Eric Peterson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 January 18, 2022, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Wesp said changes were needed to Item 3.1 regarding the motion for Fire Protection Council that should be changed to reflect motion from Councilmember Skogquist should be noted as Councilmember Wesp. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the January 18, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared an update that included the need for caution regarding telephone scams regarding the IRS, the upcoming Police Pals program for youth, then reviewed calls for service in 2021 that resulted in a 1.5% increase in calls for service over 2020. He said there was nearly a 20% increase in Part I crimes which include the most serious crimes such as assault, many of which were domestic related. He said in general Part I crimes were still lower than in February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 14 past years by 30% then reviewed statistics on traffic accidents that resulted in no traffic fatalities in Anoka. Councilmember Skogquist said with the increase in car thefts has there been an increase in carjackings as well. Chief Peterson responded there were no carjackings in Anoka last year or prior to that and while none occurred in Anoka he encouraged people to always be aware of their surroundings. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Betsy Abner, 140 Madison Street, shared concerns about feral cats in the neighborhoods by Rivers Point and Bridge Square apartments and a solution to address the concern by trapping, neutering, and releasing (TNR). She shared reasons why this solution works and encouraged the Council to discuss this more, including possible compensation for the individuals currently conducting the activity. Councilmember Barnett asked for staff comments regarding this possible solution and other resources to address the concern. Chief Peterson responded TNR is considered the most humane way to address feral cats as well as not feeding strays and noted the individuals assisting have helped provide a great service to helping reduce feral cats in the City. Council consensus was to include the topic of TNR on a future worksession. Councilmember Barnett suggested Ms. Abner include bullet points on the best steps to address the concern as part of the worksession discussion. Councilmember Weaver requested an update on Lincoln School skating rink use. Public Services Director Mark Anderson shared that due to a miscommunication with the school and staff there will be no ice this year because of the lateness in the season but that staff will work to identify the best location for an ice rink next work and work with the school to ensure its success. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; Jay Dean Enterprises, Inc., dba: Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street, Suite 104. RES/ On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; Jay Dean Enterprises, Inc., dba: Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street, Suite 104. RESOLUTION City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating an application for an on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor license has been submitted by Jay Dean Enterprises Inc, dba; Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street, Suiter 104. He said the former owner Jay Estenson is taking the business back and a new license is needed. Staff February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 14 has conducted the necessary background investigations and inspections and no concerns or objections have been expressed. He noted the licensed premises will include the outdoor patio area. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Skogquist, which was seconded by Councilmember Barnett, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.1 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Weaver to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License to Jay Dean Enterprises, Inc, Dba; Casa Rio 201 Jackson Street, Suite 104, Anoka, Minnesota. Jay Estenson, Casa Rio, shared about Casa Rio’s hours, brunch and other menu items, and thanked the community for their support. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.2 as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 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/ On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; Jay Dean Enterprises, Inc., dba: Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street, Suite 104. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 14 ACTED UPON AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING 9.2 RES/Amendment to Downtown Outdoor Seating – Temporary Sidewalk Platform Policy. Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating in 2017 the City amended its ordinances to allow outdoor seating/dining to occur on public sidewalk in the public right-of-way. That program is up and running and has been successful. In January of 2018, the City Council reviewed examples of outdoor dining/seating expansion from downtown Hopkins, Minnesota and directed staff to do more investigation. On May 18, 2018, the City Council adopted the current policy allowing Temporary Sidewalk Platforms for food and beverage businesses to expand outdoor seating. The policy assisted the City Council to reach one its goals by creating a more pedestrian oriented and entertainment focused environment in the Jackson Street area of Downtown Anoka. The adopted policy is being requested to be amended by a local business (Two Scoops) to expand Temporary Sidewalk Platforms south of East Main Street between Eastmain Street and Monroe Street on 2nd Avenue. Two Scoops, which is a local ice cream shop has made this request for an adjustment to the policy in the fall of 2021. The last two summers the City has assisted Two Scoops with temporary seating due to the impacts of COVID-19 and that customers loved the additional outdoor seating option. Mr. Borglund said Two Scoops would to like to construct something like the seating area 201 Tavern constructed two years again on Jackson Street then noted the original intention of the policy and amendments to the proposed area and how to properly depict the areas. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner suggested inclusion of bullet points within the policy that outline approved areas to allow for flexibility in future amendments. Councilmember Barnett asked about concerns with sight lines or parking in this area. Chief Peterson said the proposal would work well with regard to safety and while there is a loss of some parking and some sight line concerns with regard to the parking ramp he could suggest to the Parking Advisory Board a 15-minute parking limit to help decrease time with sight line impacts. He noted there is nothing on the east side of the road that would be of concern and that staff would continue to monitor any installed seating areas. Councilmember Skogquist asked if staff was aware of any issues in the last two years with the current set-up. Chief Peterson said staff had received a few complaints with sight lines but stated no accidents or near-misses had occurred. Councilmember Weaver said he would support Two Scoops proposal to help ensure that they are successful like everyone else who has outdoor seating options. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 14 Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution amending the downtown sidewalk seating – temporary sidewalk platform policy. Mayor Rice noted the sight lines on 2nd Avenue should be fine because cars in this area already travel slow and this will help reduce speed further. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Anoka Water Treatment Plant 6 and 8 Expansion; Approve Bids and Award a Construction Contract. RESOLUTION Mr. Anderson shared a background report stating the Water Division of the Anoka Public Services Department is responsible for the reliable supply of safe drinking water to all City of Anoka water users. Anoka Well and Water Treatment Plant 6 and 8 was originally constructed in 1974 and has been providing safe drinking water since that time. The 2017 Comprehensive Water Plan and 2021 Feasibility Study indicate that the City of Anoka will need additional water production to meet the needs of the growing city in the near future. Wells 6 and 8 currently have pumping capacity well in excess of what the existing Water Treatment Equipment (Filters) can process. This project will bring the Treatment Equipment capacity up to match our productions ability allowing the City to greatly increase the availability of treated water available to our customers. At the November 1, 2021, City Council meeting, Council accepted the feasibility report and ordered the project and at the November 15, 2021, City Council meeting approved plans and specifications and authorized bidding. The Engineer’s estimate for the project including materials provided by the City and engineering fees was $6,400,000 and a total of six bids were received for the project. The lump sum base bids ranged from a high bid of $5,638,700 to a low bid of $5,120,000 with the low bid submitted by Municipal Builders Inc. (MBI), of Nowthen, MN. The City’s consulting engineer, Short, Elliot, Hendrickson, (SEH) has reviewed the bids, the bid alternate and qualifications of MBI’s bid documents. Mr. Anderson said staff is recommending bonding for the entire water project in 2022 and that water reserves will be used on other water and road improvements included in the budget. While the funding will be derived by bonding we can combine the bond issue to reduce on the bond issue costs, such as bond $6.4M for the wells, $3.6M for the remaining cost of the LETC and other capital improvements included in the 2022 budget to stay under the $10M bank qualified bonds, which achieves the best interest rate. He explained further the proposed financing for this project which will not be a general fund levy however, the LETC capital improvements will impact future levies. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 14 Councilmember Skogquist asked about a potential conflict of interest as his firm does appraisal work in the city where Municipal Building Corporation is located. Mr. Baumgartner said he did not believe a conflict of interest was present as Councilmember Skogquist’s role as an assessor with no other personal financial ties. Councilmember Weaver asked if this expansion will treat water from Wells 6 and 8 and will max out and if the plant can handle more if another well is added. Mr. Anderson said staff can operate Wells 6 and 8 at a greater volume and accept water from Well 9 in the future. He explained how when Wells 10 and 8 were added how staff was surprised with the amount of water in the aquifer in this area and noted while they had to add piping last year due to the drought they got through with no real issues. Councilmember Wesp asked if this meant there would be no need for a water tower in this area. Mr. Anderson said a water tower will be needed in the future but likely not for 20 years or more. Water and Sewer Supervisor Pete Klingenberg explained the PSI of the system and water levels of the tower itself and how last year was peak. He spoke about the impact on wells and how they were avoided with well controls. Councilmember Weaver asked if the water tower had been recharged since the drought last year. Mr. Klingenberg said water is slowly returning and the rate of water returning will dictate if water restrictions or possible watering bans will need to occur. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution for the Anoka Water Treatment Plant 6 and 8 Expansion; Approve Bids and Award a Construction Contract. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2022 Street Surface Improvement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid and Set a Bid Date. RESOLUTION Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared a background report stating a resolution was adopted by City Council on January 18, 2022, ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications for the 2022 Street Surface Improvement Project. He said the next step in the public improvement process is to have Council approve plans and specifications. He outlined the Street Surface Improvement Project (SSIP) for 2022 is approximately 2.3 miles of resurfacing streets that are generally in the neighborhood of the Brom and February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 14 Dunham Oaks Addition and a portion of Slab Town. He said the project will involve the reconstruction of the street surface, including the bituminous pavement, minor replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, new concrete cross gutters, gate valve repairs, storm sewer reconstruction only as necessary, and pedestrian ramps reconstruction to meet current Americans with Disabilities ADA standards. He outlined park improvements at George Enloe Park and Rudy Johnson Park that will be completed with this project and said in partnership with Anoka Conservation District (ACD), the construction plans will incorporate three rain gardens in the Brom and Dunham Oaks Addition due to being in an older area of town with limited storm sewer. He outlined the rain gardens and said the City will be responsible for initial construction cost of the gardens and the property owners will assume the full and sole responsibility for the maintenance over the effective life of the garden. Council shall be aware, in partnership with Anoka County Highway Department, there is a turn lane extension being proposed to westbound Pleasant Street at Trunk Highway 47 (Ferry Street) to accommodate the increase of traffic from the Highway 10 Anoka projects. The turn lane is proposed to be extended in length to increase the stacking capacity for this movement to northbound Ferry Street. Due to the improvements on Front Avenue and Martin Street, City staff has been in communication with the County to include this turn lane improvement to the 2022 Street Surface Improvement Project bidding documents. The Park Capital fund is only to pay for the parking lot improvements at Rudy Johnson Park and George Enloe Park. Based on past practices and unanimous consent from Council, no assessments are being proposed to any of the benefiting properties on the project. Councilmember Skogquist inquired if Dunham Oaks is served by storm sewer. Mr. Nelson said it was served by storm sewer and noted costs will likely go down but would be used. He said storm water is directed to the Rum River and some ditches which included no pretreatment as part of this project. Councilmember Skogquist asked why rain gardens were limited to three if nothing was planned for storm sewer for several years. Mr. Nelson said rain gardens cost $25,000 each and the focus is on the street reconstruction. He said if we could identify more funding for more rain gardens then more could occur then added maintenance of the gardens follow the property and includes a 10-year lease to maintain by the property owner. Councilmember Skogquist requested that rain gardens be incorporated into this or other neighborhoods where feasible. Councilmember Barnett asked if the property is sold are the rain gardens still maintained and since they are new to Anoka how are they being received. Mr. Nelson said maintenance of the gardens transfers to the new buyer and to date all the current rain gardens are looking good and being maintained. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 14 Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution 2022 Street Surface Improvement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid and Set a Bid Date. Mr. Nelson asked if staff should proceed with three or four rain gardens or include more. Mr. Lee suggested staff continue to work with perspective property owners and include rain gardens as a bid alternate and then decide. Mayor Rice said that based on increased costs for rain gardens in the future it would be best to do more now with the added benefit of treating as much water as possible. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Approve Detour Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating pursuant to a resolution adopted by City Council on November 16, 2020, the City provided municipal consent and approved the layout (Layout No. 1A) with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project (Federal Project STPF-BLD 0222 and State Project 0215-76). The City of Anoka has a long-standing partnership with MnDOT to make necessary safety and capacity improvements to Highway 10 from 1,100 feet west of the Trunk Highway 47/169 Ferry Street interchange to just east of 7th Avenue. The State has led the project planning, engineering, design, and obtained full funding for the improvements in partnership with Anoka County and the City of Anoka. The total project cost for this massive project is $64M. In cases where MnDOT uses non- trunk highways as a marked detour route it is customary for the State to enter into a detour route agreement with the local jurisdiction and to pay the local jurisdiction for the inconvenience and impact on the local streets. Part of the traffic control plan for this project includes routing trunk highway traffic onto East Main Street and West Main Street. As a result of these local detours associated with the project, it is necessary to enter into a Detour Agreement with MnDOT. The agreement provides for the payment by the State to the City for the road life consumption of the City streets used as a detour for Trunk Highway 169. The purpose of the agreement is generally to outline terms, obligations, and understandings for each detour route during construction of the project, in addition to compensate the City for the additional highway traffic on local roads. He outlined elements of the detour agreement in detail and said staff recommended that the Mayor and the City Manager be authorized as the designated authorizing agents to execute the agreement. Mr. Nelson said the agreement has been reviewed and there are no specific objections by the City February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 14 Attorney then noted the State cannot post the proposed detour routes until the agreement has been executed. Councilmember Wesp asked if traffic signals will be accommodated as we divert traffic to move the congestion, especially at Bob Ehlen Parkway. Mr. Nelson explained the County controls the City signals and State controls the others but that they will coordinate to accommodate traffic as best as possible although this area will be difficult in particular. Chief Peterson said police officers are prepared to address the project impacts and will adjustments as needed. Councilmember Weaver said he is most concerned with left turns lanes on West Main Street south on Ferry Street. Mr. Nelson agreed and said adjustments will be needed in this area to relieve downtown traffic. Mayor Rice asked if necessary, will officers direct traffic. Chief Peterson said directing traffic is very rare and that they would instead divert traffic, like in the event of an accident. He said if signal timing is not working, they will work to address but noted that intersection is dangerous to direct traffic. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Approve Detour Agreement and Authorization to Execute the Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10.1 Investigation of Potential Code of Ethics Violation. Mr. Baumgartner stated at the January 24, 2022 Council Work Session, the City Council discussed a potential code of ethics violation by Councilmember Skogquist relative to his serving on the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Advisory Council. Following its discussion, Council directed the City Attorney to review the City’s Code of Ethics Policy, interview Councilmember Skogquist, investigate as to whether or not Councilmember Skogquist has violated the City’s Code of Ethics Policy, and bring this topic back to a regular City Council meeting for further discussion relative to the City Attorney’s investigation and to discuss appropriate remedies. He shared his review of documents including minutes from both the City as well as the Community Education Advisory Council and an interview with Councilmember Skogquist. He presented a detailed overview of his investigation regarding this topic and said Councilmember Skogquist had shared that he was not aware that he was representing the City in a formal capacity on the Advisory Council but when he did brought it to the Council in 2021 for their awareness. He said Councilmember Skogquist had asked the Advisory Council to correct their website that showed his official capacity which February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 14 has since been removed. Mr. Baumgartner spoke about the ethics policy language that referred to either a decision, action, or transaction and that simply because a presentation was made at a Council meeting with no action needed a violation may not have occurred. He spoke about two or three scenarios and a decision made at a July 2021 worksession and September 2021 Council meeting which could be viewed as a decision as a government to adopt the preliminary 2022 budget. He shared further comments on while Councilmember Skogquist did vote on the final budget he did vote in favor with other Councilmembers and that he felt the language of the code of ethics as triggering the obligation to bring forward an item for disclosure was key. Councilmember Barnett said that based on the policy even if Councilmember Skogquist was serving in any capacity he should have disclosed that he was a participant. Mr. Baumgartner said he did not see how in the code of ethics it would require Councilmember Skogquist as a participant only if he was the chairperson then spoke to the informality of the Advisory Council. He said the main point the Code of Ethics addresses is to eliminate potential conflict, whatever the role is. He said he did not believe there was a legal conflict of interest with Councilmember Skogquist’s involvement with Community Education or that he garnered any personal financial gain for himself or his family and said the Code of Ethics was meant to bolster transparency and keep everyone on task. Councilmember Wesp agreed that there was no conflict of interest regarding financial gain but that Councilmember Skogquist should have identified his role with the Advisory Council in 2020 and that he hoped we could trust each other and disclose information like that. He said the entire Council had deep roots in the community and all were likely to have to disclose something at some point and while we should be able to choose interests as private citizens when they intertwine with functionality of the City as a Council, we have to be made aware. Councilmember Skogquist said he has disclosed elements out of abundance of care and respect of the public but expressed frustrations with bringing this up in particular as he shared the potential conflict on January 3 and removed himself from the group but since then investigations and questions have occurred and he was frustrated. He shared examples of when conflicts could occur, such as using City Hall room space for a Cub Scout event as the father of a Cub Scout and his wife serving on the PTO which is affiliated with community education. He noted it appeared the only time topics like this were brought up was in relation to him and that issues have occurred over the years with other Councilmembers, such as Council appointing a member to the Planning Commission who as Councilmember Wesp’s supervisor which was never disclosed. Councilmember Barnett expressed concern that if Councilmember Skogquist knew of potential Code of Ethics violations that he should be bringing them forward and was concerned that this had not happened yet. She said while she February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 11 of 14 understood Councilmember Skogquist advocating for youth it became too much when he adamantly argued for funding for this group. She agreed that Councilmember Skogquist had not financially benefitted but the organization could have gained financially because he was the advocate. Mayor Rice said the Council was always aware that Councilmember Skogquist participated in community education and that Council should not have the power to decide whether to participate in an organization or not but said the question was when he became an officer and whether it was disclosed to the Council. He said Councilmember Skogquist always supported community education and have been transparent in the past but it was incumbent on us to reveal any potential concerns. He shared the example of his service as a firefighter for 22 years and whether that should be disclosed going forward when discussing fire department related topics and how if any member had a concern, they should approach the person first. Mr. Baumgartner shared comments how in serving on the Council you give up a portion of your private life which is a necessary part to decide to serve the greater good and with that comes some limitations and expectations which is appreciated by the community. He said these concerns can be better addressed through communication and thanked the Council for the discussion. Councilmember Wesp asked if there was a violation of the Code of Ethics. Mr. Baumgartner said because of the two scenarios there was an opportunity to be transparent and that technically a violation perhaps had occurred. Mayor Rice said while he was aware that Councilmember Skogquist attended these meetings the technicality was appointment to the Advisory Council. Councilmember Barnett asked if there was a difference in voting rights as a member versus a chair because if that was the case that was more of a concern. Mr. Baumgartner said he understood Councilmember Skogquist was entitled to vote just by attending meetings but was unsure of the formal structure. Councilmember Wesp said this was a disclosure that did not occur, especially when advocating during meetings, and that Council should hold ourselves to a standard outlined in the Code of Ethics. Councilmember Skogquist agreed with the language action in the Code of Ethics then compared this to the earlier agenda item regarding outdoor seating and how Councilmember Weaver owned the building where 10K Brewing was located which approval of the outdoor seating could directly affect him and should have been disclosed. He said there needed to be more clarity in the language as the Code of Ethics was too vague. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 12 of 14 Councilmember Wesp said he felt his questions had been answered and stated we need to be more transparent in decisions and would have liked to see the disclosure made in a timely manner. Mayor Rice appreciated the passion as he knew it came from a matter of concern and that Council needed to create a way to formally address any future concerns. Mr. Lee suggested a resolution section be included in the Code of Ethics and said staff could work on that and present to Council for consideration. Councilmember Weaver asked about any potential penalties, censorship or resolve when violations occur. Mayor Rice responded consequences occur when the public votes as they are the only ones who can remove someone from office. He said it was incumbent upon all of us to hold each other accountable. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Consideration of Appointment to Economic Development Commission. Mr. Lee stated currently the City has two openings on the Economic Development Commission with terms to expire on December 31, 2024. He said the City received one application from Logan Thompson of Anoka then outlined current vacancies in all boards and commissions and said staff recommended the appointment of Logan Thompson. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to appoint Logan Thompson to the Economic Development Commission to a term to expire December 31, 2024. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 MMPA Board Meeting Public Summary – January 2022. Councilmember Skogquist shared the annual Minnesota Municipal Power Agency MMPA report and outlined the business environment, strategy, 2021 operations and financial results, stating the climate for the MMPA has changed with COVID and labor disruptions, high inflation, and other elements including summers being hotter and winters being warmer which affects energy markets. He spoke about already high natural gas prices increasing and the MMPA’s identified need to approach to 100% renewable energy. He spoke about the 2021 operations, total MMPA generation, and said the MMPA will be hosting an event in July to share further information with the public. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 13 of 14 Councilmember Barnett made comments regarding an issue with her character being defamed by lies published in the Anoka Union by Councilmember Skogquist’s friend Susan Degrantz. She explained how prior to being elected in 2018 that she was appointed to the Council to fill a current vacancy. She said she was appointed by a majority of the Council because she was active and attended Council meetings for months and made an impression on the Council. She stated she was not appointed because of any relationship or friendship with then Councilmembers and asked Councilmembers Weaver, Wesp and Mayor Rice to confirm that fact. Councilmember Barnett said that because Councilmember Skogquist lost the 2018 appointment and attended the same church and was friends with Ms. Degrantz that it was possible that he shared information that contributed to the article in the newspaper. She spoke about how Councilmember Skogquist wanted to make changes to the vacancy appointment process and how now Ms. Degrantz was accusing her of cronyism and felt there was a direct correlation to this fact. Councilmember Skogquist said he did not appreciate Councilmember Barnett talking about this topic in this manner and referring to his church affiliations and felt this discussion at this time was not appropriate. Councilmember Barnett noted staff had suggested that she bring her concern forward during this portion of the agenda then asked if Councilmember Skogquist had any proof that she was friends with members of the Council prior to her appointment. Councilmember Skogquist said he would not respond to questions in this inquisitive manner. Mayor Rice said he was not aware this item would come forward at this point in the agenda and asked that Councilmember Barnett complete all her questions before he asks Councilmember Skogquist for any response. Councilmember Barnett commented how if this went to court as liable it would be regarding defamation of character and false cronyism and said the public should be mindful and alert to newspaper editorials. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Mr. Nelson reminded the public of the MnDOT open house on March 9 at Green Haven Golf Course. February 7, 2022 (Regular) Page 14 of 14 ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:31 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk