Anoka City Council

February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 10 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 22, 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. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Director of Public Services Mark Anderson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Finance Director Brenda Springer; and Police Chief Eric Peterson. Absent at roll call: Councilmember Wesp. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 February 7, 2022, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the February 7, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared an update that included a recent multi-vehicle accident on Highway 10 due to weather with one significant injury. He shared about Auto Theft Task Force created to reduce vehicle thefts within Anoka County and shared statistics on the number of thefts in each city. He noted 50% of vehicle owners said keys were in the vehicle at the time of theft with some left running. He shared statistics on the top vehicles stolen and how, mostly at gas stations and daycares where the vehicles were left running. Chief Peterson said while the 30 vehicles stolen in Anoka was not unusual, he felt the number would be much higher if not for the work of the Task Force in conjunction with patrol and education and encouraged the public not to leave keys in their cars. Chief Peterson shared about the one-year anniversary of K-9 Officer Bravo being shot in the line of duty and shared the thanks of Sergeant Sorteberg for all the February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 10 donations and support by the public that he and Bravo received through this past year, adding Bravo has fully recovered and has been recertified and working again. Mayor Rice asked if there was an increase in crashes as a result of stolen vehicles. Chief Peterson said that crashes occurring from stolen vehicles is higher than normal then spoke about how police pursuits were dangerous to both the officers and the public and how they strive to avoid them whenever possible. Councilmember Skogquist thanked former Police Department Nicole Neis for her work over the years and wished her all the best as she moved to another position in another organization. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.4 as presented. Councilmember Barnett asked for clarification on Item 6.3 that the total amount of $18,000 was for five years and not annually then asked if the other partners were stepping forward and would be included. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson confirmed the cost was approximately $3,000 per year and confirmed all partners were in favor of the project. Councilmember Weaver shared comments about the proposed streamgauge located on the upstream side of the bridge that would provide data on water height and crest projections and would help plan for high water events. Councilmember Barnett asked how the City would use this information. Mr. Nelson explained how the data would be used to communicate water impacts to the public. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Approve Joint Funding Agreement for the Mississippi River Streamgauge on the Anoka-Champlin Bridge with the United States Geological Survey. February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 10 6.4 Recommended Approve of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Knights of Columbus, Church of St. Stephen on April 8, 2022. 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/ 2022 Street Renewal Project – Swede Town Phase II; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid and Set Bid Date. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on January 18, 2022, the City Council held a public improvement hearing and assessment hearing for the 2022 Street Renewal Project - Swede Town Phase II. After the hearings, Council adopted a resolution authorizing the preparation of engineering plans and specifications and adopted the assessment roll. He outlined the streets included in the project which would involve total reconstruction of the streets, including the replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, bituminous pavement, sidewalks, street lights, driveways, sanitary sewer, watermain, and service laterals. He explained the proposed infrastructure changes that included change of access on Gray Street at the east end with a cul-de-sac, re-alignment of the sidewalk at the east end of Gray Street, increased street width along Gray Street from 24 feet to 28 feet, and a new street light mid-block on 5th Avenue between Van Buren Street and Harrison Street. Mr. Nelson said the proposed project was estimated at $2,047,000 and the next step in the public improvement process is to adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications, authorizing the advertisement for bid, and set a bid date for the project. Councilmember Skogquist asked about the electric costs and the Utility Director’s concerns about difficulties in obtaining supplies and the possibility of not having underground electric services. Mr. Nelson responded that the underground work occurred during Phase I in 2021 and the possible delays referred to were the single globe and LED lights but how the intent was to complete it all during this phase. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the resulting neighborhood improvements as part of street renewal projects. February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 10 Mayor Rice spoke about how the electric department used to install only the conduit and did not pull wire as part of the project. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving the 2022 Street Renewal Project – Swede Town Phase II; approve plans and specifications, authorize advertisement for bid and set a bid date. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project; Approve Clean Water Fund Grant Agreement and Authorization to Execute the Agreement with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources; Order Project; and Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating at the November 23, 2020 work session meeting, Council consensus was for staff to further design a short-term solution that would be incorporated into a long-term solution and develop timing options for remediation stabilization of the Rum River riverbank along the Woodbury House property. At the April 26, 2021 work session, Council provided unanimous consent to allow staff to spend up to $20,000 on the protection of the river bank during 2021. Council directed staff to pursue funding through competitive grant programs and committed to a project that included the long-term solution only. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Clean Water Fund (CWF) was established in 2006 to implement part of the Minnesota Constitution and Minnesota Statutes with the purpose of protecting, enhancing, and restoring water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and drinking water sources from degradation. BWSR allocated $141,800,000 to the Clean Water Funds for various activities, of which $45,828,000 was available for FY2022 Clean Water Fund Competitive Grants Program. On June 23, 2021, the Board authorized staff to distribute and promote a request for proposals for Clean Water Fund Competitive Grants, Projects and Practices. City staff submitted the proposal for the Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project on August 17, 2021, and after scoring and ranking the Board awarded the City $1,008,820 from this grant that fully funded the Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project. As the City of Anoka being the grantee of these funds, BWSR will require the City to enter into a grant agreement for assurance of deliverables and compliance with appropriate statutes, rules, and established policies. This grant money will be used to restore the 35-foot tall riverbank slope along the Rum River. Mr. Nelson said the riverbank at the Woodbury House property has been eroding over the past decades and staff has been working with Anoka Conservation District (ACD) to determine the scope of this project at Woodbury House property in 2020. In 2021, the City worked with ACD staff and Bolton-Menk to complete the preliminary concepts, cost estimates, and applied for funding. Based on the existing conditions, the total project estimated for this riverbank restoration is approximately $1.2M. He outlined benefits of this project which included reducing February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 10 pollutant loading to the river by 128 tons suspended solids and 128 pounds of pollutants annually as well as benefits to aquatic life diversity and abundance and improved drinking water. The estimated project cost of the Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project is $1,261,025, which includes construction contingency, engineering, permitting, administrative, and fiscal cost. The City must contribute at minimum 25% of the Clean Water Funds from the grant award, which equates to $253,000. The required match will be included in the 2023 Capital Improvement Program budget. The local match is proposed to be funded from the following sources; Park Capital Fund, Stormwater Utility Fund, and/or the General Fund. The grant requirement on financial assurance of $202,000 for repairs and maintenance mentioned above will be financed by the Stormwater Utility Fund if required. The repair work and maintenance can be outsourced or be in-kind services. It is the intent of City to perform repairs and maintenance by City staff and only use the $202,000 for supplies and materials, if required. Councilmember Barnett confirmed the City would manage the entire project then inquired about the possibility of financial impacts should BWSR determine the City did something incorrectly. Mr. Nelson said financial impacts would occur only if a major component was incorrect but noted staff was working with the ACD to help develop the work plan so staff had no concerns. Councilmember Barnett asked if staff was hoping to begin work in 2023 and referred to recent labor shortages. Mr. Nelson said staff has no concerns about labor shortages at this time as they have received 3-4 bids for the Mississippi River project which all contained good pricing and that they hoped to bid by fall. Councilmember Barnett asked if the money required for financial assurance would be held by the City or BWSR. Mr. Nelson explained the City just has to prove funds are available in the event something occurs. Councilmember Weaver asked how this project would protect the historic trail. Mr. Nelson said a vertical wall or geogrid with stones and vegetation will be designed and armored to help prevent sloughing of the bank. Councilmember Weaver referred to how old sidewalk debris was dumped along one area of the bank in the 1960s and to help firm the bank and asked if this area will be addressed too. Mr. Nelson said he did not believe that area was part of the project but would confirm. Mayor Rice spoke about reclaiming some land into the river as part of the bank project and how we could reclaim some land into the river if needed. Mr. Nelson explained how the bank was toed in at the base of the slope and regraded back to the property at a 3:1 ratio and how this would not work due to the number of trees so staff would be exploring other options, adding if we do use land from one side of the river he believed it had to be compensated on the but will confirm. February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 10 Councilmember Skogquist inquired about possible impacts of using storm water fund and park capital funds for this project. Finance Director Brenda Springer said costs will come from a combination of fund balance in the general fund and storm water fund and that staff will be reviewing all rate structures as part of the 2023 budget. She said that currently there was a $1.5 million balance in the storm water fund and that based on Council direction the cost could be done in the full amount or in a combination of different funds. Mr. Nelson clarified the park capital funds would be used for the trail on top as grant funds cannot be used for trails but only clean water uses. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the importance of this project stabilizing the bank and protecting the history of the Woodbury House. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving the Rum River Woodbury House Riverbank Stabilization Project; approve Clean Water Fund Grant Agreement and authorization to execute the agreement with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources; order project; and authorize preparation of plans and specifications. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Intent to Reimburse Certain Expenditures of the City of Anoka Using the Proceeds of Tax Exempt Obligations to be Issued by the City. RESOLUTION Ms. Springer shared a background report stating on February 7, 2022, City Council adopted a resolution to accept bid and award bid to Expand Anoka Water Treatment Plant 6 and 8. They awarded a construction contract to Municipal Builders Inc (MBI) in the amount of $5,130,000, including the bid alternate of $10,000. The City will be using general funds to initially pay for the construction and then bond for the funds in 2022 and reimburse general funds. In 2022, the City also plans on bonding for the remaining cost of the Law Enforcement/Animal Containment facility. She said the City will issue bonds at the same time to save on bond issue costs and will remain under the $10 million in bonds for one fiscal year so they can be bank certified, which allows for a lower interest rate on the bonds. Staff is recommending the City Council approve the resolution adopting a statement of official intent to reimburse original expenditures. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution stating official intent to reimburse certain expenditures of the City of Anoka using the proceeds of tax exempt obligations to be issued by the City. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 10 9.4 RES/Adopting 2022-2023 Goals. RESOLUTION City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating at the Goals Session on February 15, 2022, the City Council discussed overall City goals for 2022-2023. Based on that discussion, the City Council goals for 2022-2023 are established in the proposed resolution. Staff will provide the City Council with a status report throughout the year and noted the entire 2022-2023 Goals Session packet can be found on the City’s website. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution adopting the 2022-2023 City goals. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Resolution Supporting Housing and Local Decision Making Authority. RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating housing industry groups have recently challenged land use tools such as zoning and planned use developments by incorrectly claiming that these basic regulatory functions are prohibiting the building of more affordable housing stock, when market factors such as labor costs, land, and materials are creating the market failures we see today. He explained there was a new bill being introduced, similar to last year, and that the League of Minnesota Cities has a model resolution supporting the authority of local elected officials and city staff to make land use decisions in their community. He said staff took steps to fight this issue last year and went as far as meeting with the author of the bill, adding the League and other cities are focused on this issue this year. He noted the proposed amendments to State Statute will not address the problems related to housing issues as the problem is with increasing building material costs driven by supply and demand, a tight labor market and high demand for trades. Mr. Borglund said this proposed legislation will not change the housing market and most likely will leave communities with more questions than answers. He shared how Anoka was a community with already affordable housing stock with areas of higher density and said he was unsure how the proposed bill would help the City of Anoka and said staff recommended adoption of the resolution in opposition of the legislation. Councilmember Barnett said she supported this resolution, adding it was important to know that advocates for this bill came from Housing First Minnesota, a housing association comprised of builders, developers, and resource providers. She said they inaccurately shared that 33% of housing costs come from city fees where in reality it is closer to 4-6%. She said building requirements provide good, safe products and if a developer is not required to connect utilities as part of a development the taxpayers end February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 10 up paying which increases taxes. She thanked staff and the League of Minnesota Cities for their work on this and said she supported the proposed resolution. Mr. Borglund commented against encouraging leapfrog-type developments and the importance of developing in stages with regard to the MUSA line for water and sewer. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution supporting housing and local decision-making authority. Councilmember Weaver said it is important to talk to the City’s State representatives to reinforce our support. Mr. Borglund said this resolution will be forwarded to Senator Abeler and the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities organizations. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 New Special Event Permit; Roseth Realty Easter Egg Extravaganza, April 10, 2022. Mr. Lee stated Brent Roseth of Roseth Realty/Roseth Mortgage, located in Anoka, has completed and submitted a Special Event Permit Application to host an Easter Egg Extravaganza on April 10 at Sunny Acres Park. Mr. Roseth also applied for and received a Park Reservation Permit for this event. He said this would be a free event to the public as a way to give back to the community and that no proceeds would be earned. The expected attendance will be approximately 500 people. City staff, including Administration, Electric, Public Safety and Public Services have reviewed and approved the permit and no City services have been requested for this event. He said staff took into consideration that the Anoka Women of Today will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 9 at George Enloe Park and have for over 20 years therefore staff recommended Mr. Roseth host his event the following day. Brent Roseth, applicant, shared more about the event which would be free and open to the public and include 10,000 Easter eggs, food, beverages, and prizes from local business donations. Councilmember Barnett thanked Mr. Roseth for rescheduling in light of the Women of Today event and confirmed no City support would be requested and thanked Mr. Roseth for supporting local vendors through the event. February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 10 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve a special event permit for the Roseth Realty Easter Egg Extravaganza on April 10, 2022. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 Call for Meeting of the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Lee stated in December the City Council made appointments to the Human Rights Commission so it is now a full board. The Commission has three new members and the bylaws allow for a meeting to be called by the Chairperson or City Council. He said because they currently do not have a Chairperson the Council would need to call the meeting, at which the Commission would appoint a Chairperson, meet one another, and review City Code relating to the bylaws, their mission and responsibilities. Councilmember Skogquist asked if it was still the intent of Council to possibly not have this Commission continue should a meeting be postponed. Mayor Rice said he did not recall the Council not wanting the Commission to meet in this interim period and that since new members had been appointed it would be good for the group to meet. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist to call for a meeting of the Human Rights Commission as proposed. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.3 Annual Appointments to Charter Commission. Mr. Lee stated per City policy staff advertised for applications for the Charter Commission. He said notice was published in the Anoka Union, posted on the City website, Facebook, Twitter and on the City readerboard. He said applications were to be submitted by February 1 and that six current members requested to be reappointed. Councilmember Skogquist noted one of the recommended applicants was married to his mother and that he would be abstaining from voting. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to recommend appointment to the 10th Judicial District Court for the 2022 Charter Commission appointments as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Councilmember Skogquist abstained. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS February 22, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 10 12.1 Update/Reminder; Highway 10 Anoka Open House, March 9, 2022, 5:30PM to 7:30PM, Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. Mr. Nelson reminded the public about the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Anoka Highway 10 Anoka Open House on March 9, 2022 at the Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. He said the City has worked in partnership with Anoka County and MnDOT in the planning of these projects for both the community and region. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Skogquist noted that traffic impacts as a result of the upcoming road projects would be outlined at the February 28 worksession and encouraged the public to attend. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:04 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk