Anoka City Council
Regular MeetingAnoka, MN · March 7, 2022
Minutes
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL
ANOKA CITY HALL
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MARCH 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.
2. ROLL CALL
Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Weaver, and
Wesp.
Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Director of Public Services Mark Anderson;
Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Communications Coordinator Pam
Bowman; and Police Chief Eric Peterson.
Absent at roll call: None.
3. COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 February 22, 2022, Regular Meeting.
Councilmember Skogquist requested a spelling correction on Page 2, Paragraph 3,
to former Crime Prevention Technician Nicole Neis.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Mayor Rice, to approve the
February 22, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected.
Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried.
4. OPEN FORUM
4.1 Chris Riley; Anoka Classic Car Show Recap and Presentation of Check.
Director of Public Services Mark Anderson introduced members of the Anoka
Classic Car Show. Chris Riley, Deb Holmbo, and David Way shared that they
have been hosting the Anoka Car Show for the past 15 years with last year’s
September finale having over 500 cars. They shared the 2022 dates and
encouraged owners of cars from 1992 and older to participate. They said
spectators were free and that food vendors would be present again then thanked
the City for their work being good partners and making this a successful event.
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Councilmember Weaver thanked Ramsey City Councilmember Riley for his work
on the car show then shared condolences to Ms. Holmbo on the loss of her
husband Brad who worked so hard on this event and thanked everyone for their
work.
Mr. Riley shared how the Boy Scouts serve by running the gate, concessions, and
other tasks to help fund their troop and noted how important their work was.
Councilmember Skogquist thanked everyone for the outstanding event then noted
comments had been received in the past regarding occasional blocked driveways
and asked the group to monitor and address in the event they occur again.
Police Chief Eric Peterson noted the organizers have always been very attentive to
any issues that arise as part of this event then added there has been no criminal
activity to date with this event and is a great addition to Anoka.
4.2 Police Activity Update.
Chief Peterson shared an update that included the department preparing for
warmer weather which results in more calls for service then spoke about some
recent phone scams for donations for the police department and reminded the
public to never give credit card information over the telephone and that the
department does not call or use third parties for any fundraising and to report any
incidents to the police. He said staff was monitoring the spring flood forecast and
while the City has many mitigating efforts in place which have placed Anoka at a
low risk for flooding that the department continues to monitor. Chief Peterson
shared that new CSO Dimitri Ivanoff will be focusing on parking enforcement
and that the City will notify the public in advance of this enforcement then shared
about the upcoming Coffee with Cops event at Sparky’s Café and encouraged the
public to attend.
Councilmember Skogquist asked about flood prone areas and if there is anything
Public Services can do with the outfalls and the lock to address. Chief Peterson
said there is one area by the lift station on Rice and Levy but noted the dam on the
Rum River helps to maintain the area until the water subsides.
OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM
Ed Evans, 1186 Benton Street, shared comments about the current conflict in
Ukraine and requested the City consider removing all Russian liquor from the
municipal liquor stores and encourage residents not to purchase anything from
Russia.
Kevin Landry, 765 East Main Street, thanked the Police Department for their
work protecting the City then spoke about the increase in drag racing and ways to
address then requested assistance with snow removal near the CVS and Hardee’s
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locations. He said residents are expected to maintain their sidewalks and these
businesses should as well because many students use these sidewalks to walk to
school and that they should be held to the same standard.
Councilmember Skogquist inquired about the zero setbacks in these areas. Mr.
Anderson explained 7th Avenue has zero setbacks and the difficulties with Anoka
County plows coming in after the City which fills in the areas again and results in
the City having to come back out and remove. He said staff will work to address
school routes but noted it can be difficult especially with repeated snow events
but agreed that neighboring properties have responsibilities too.
Councilmember Weaver asked for update on the Franklin School crossing and
concerns with the upcoming Highway 10 construction impacts this fall. Mr.
Anderson responded how they will be changing the signals at the Franklin School
crossing similar to Anoka High School and how staff worked with SEH to create
a template to address these concerns. He said they received an estimate of
$55,000 to add speed reading equipment and flashing lights which will not be
coordinated with other signals in the area and that they hope to solicit for funding
next year or install and hopefully be reimbursed by Anoka County through the
Safe Routes for Schools program or other options. He said staff spoke with the
Director of Transportation of the school district who was in support of the project
but also noted they do not anticipate at this time needed to bus students from the
south side of Main Street due to the Highway 10 construction.
5. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve
Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.5 as presented.
Councilmember
6.1 Approve Verified Bills.
6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars.
6.3 Issuance of a Massage Business License for Cosmic Massage and Healing, 229
Jackson Street.
6.4 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Crystal Graser of Cosmic Massage
and Healing, 229 Jackson Street.
6.5 Issuance of a Tree Care/Arborist License, Rainbow Tree Company.
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Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried.
7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
7.1 Park Board Items:
7.1.A. Park and Recreation Advisory Board; Annual Update.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairperson Steve Nelson provided an
update on 2021 park projects that included upgrades to Station Park, Rudy
Johnson Park, Mississippi River Bank stabilization project, and the Highland Park
playground shelter and parking area for golf carts design. He spoke about George
Enloe basketball court reconstruction, Emerald Ash Borer projects that included a
$100,000 grant from the DNR and would include a boulevard and park tree
inventory, removal, tree treatment options, and replacement at a 1:1 ratio in 2022.
He outlined other miscellaneous maintenance projects at Sunny Acres, Castle
Field, Peninsula Point, Rum River Trail, George Green then reviewed recreational
programs that included Winter Fest, Arbor Day, Spring Fling, Movies in the Park,
Rockin’ on the Rum, and the Aquatic Center almost breaking even and being very
well managed. He shared about the Waste Reduction and Recycling Board’s
collaboration on the annual Waterfowl for Warriors and Youth Waterfowl Hunt
then shared more about Movies in the Park, Little People Big Trucks, Pumpkin
Smash and Book Up-Cycle event, Fright Night in the Tent, and Tree Lighting
Ceremony then listed several community service projects throughout the City.
Chair Nelson thanked the City’s Public Services team for their work and support
of every event in Anoka then reviewed proposed 2022 projects in detail.
Councilmember Skogquist thanked the Park Board for their work then highlighted
the Station Park structures going in and interest in the river. He asked about the
Rum River trail and closed sections and plans to address south and west of the
high school. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse explained that due to
erosion there are spots that are sloughing towards the river which the City does
not own but leases and the best option is to pursue a new easement so the trail can
be redirected away from the river.
Councilmember Barnett complimented aquatic center staff for their work on
successfully operating the center so it did not require subsidization and thanked
them for their work. Chair Nelson noted the center was the only one open during
much of COVID-19 which was unusual and that staff did a great job operating
safely during that time.
7.2 Planning Commission Items.
None.
8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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None.
9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
9.1 RES/Re-Establishing City of Anoka Election Precinct Boundaries and Designation of
Election Precincts for 2022.
RESOLUTION
City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating every 10 years, the
Legislature is charged with redrawing the State’s maps to reflect population shifts from
the decennial census. The statutorily deadline for this to be completed was February 15,
2022. After January 31, 2022, there had been no additional Legislative committee
hearings or floor discussion regarding the redistricting proposals, which left the task to be
completed by the courts. Because of this, a panel of five judges appointed by the
Minnesota Supreme Court held hearings over the past several months to prepare for
redistricting. On February 15, 2022, the City received notice that the courts had
completed their statewide redistricting. The results of their order concluded that there was
no necessity for the City of Anoka to make changes to their current precinct boundaries.
Minnesota Statute 204B.14, subd. (3), requires that municipalities must re-establish their
precinct boundaries within 60 days of when the Legislature has been redistricted or at
least 19 weeks before the State Primary Election, that date is March 29, 2022. This must
be done by resolution and include the designation of Election Precincts for the current
year. Although the City Council adopted a resolution back in November 2021 designation
our 2022 Election Precincts, the same information must be included in this current
resolution. As a side note, due to the redistricting, the entire City moved from
Congressional District 6 to Congressional District 3.
Councilmember Skogquist asked if there had been any issues with polling place changes
and signage during the last school board election and if so in the future to work to
properly sign as it can be difficult to communicate to voters when their polling locations
change.
Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a
resolution re-establishing the City of Anoka election precinct boundaries and designation
of 2022 election precincts.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and
Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried.
9.2 RES/Support of Grant Application for the West Rum River Trail.
RESOLUTION
Ms. LaCasse shared a background report stating Bolton-Menk Inc has been retained to
refine the concept plans developed during the Riverwalk Task Force process in 2018. At
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the November 22, 2021 worksession meeting, staff presented an updated trail concept
plan for area that we are now referring to as the West Rum River Trail. The majority of
Councilmembers present at the work session acknowledged support for staff to create a
smaller trail construction project within the West Rum River Trail corridor as a means to
initiate use of the properties and as a starting point for the overall trail plan. As you may
recall, staff has unsuccessfully applied for two regional trail grants for projects in excess
of $4 million for the corridor. The intention now is to pursue funding through smaller
competitive grant programs which could lead to larger projects overtime including the
proposed tunnel under Ferry Street, cantilevered trail under the main street bridge, and
realignment of the existing pedestrian bridge. Ms. LaCasse shared more about the area
which includes the Woodbury House, the Amphitheater, Giddings Gardens, Stone House
and the west side of the Dam. Much like the Rum River Trail on the east bank of the Rum
River, the West Rum River Trail provides a unique opportunity to achieve some goals
such as an enhanced gateway, network of streets, trails, sidewalks and parks that are safe
and vibrant, preserve historic buildings and public spaces, and others. For this grant
application, staff has identified approximately 2000’ section of trail that will begin on
Ferry Street north of amphitheater. The trail will wind down toward the river and below
(or past) the amphitheater parallel to the river. The trail travels south underneath the
pedestrian bridge and up the embankment back to Ferry Street. The section of sidewalk
from the pedestrian to the southern trail terminus will be widened to 10’. The goal is to
provide a scenic trail with a safe bypass route around the amphitheater and make
connection to the existing pedestrian bridge and Rum River Regional Trail. The trail
project being proposed, under this local trail grant application, can be constructed
independent from any future decision regarding the amphitheater. Per the DNR
application instructions this grant program is intended to accelerate local trail connections
to planned and existing state trails and other public facilities, not to create significant new
recreation trails. Its primary purpose is to complete connections between where people
live (e.g., residential areas within cities, entire communities) and significant public
resources (e.g., historical areas, open space, parks and/or other trails).
Councilmember Wesp spoke about the deterioration of the amphitheater and its current
condition. Ms. LaCasse said this topic was discussed at the Park Board and that based on
recent studies conducted on the structure and qualifications for the National Registry it is
not yet in poor enough condition to declare unsafe and that clear direction would be
needed from the City and community on whether they would like to see funding
generated for its repair.
Councilmember Barnett clarified that if the Council supports the grant and is successful
the City has to identify $385,000 to support the remaining funds and none of the
additional attributes could be included such as tunnels or bridges but only apply to the
walkway with no contingencies included.
Councilmember Weaver asked if successful when the grant would be awarded. Ms.
LaCasse said the grant would be awarded in June 2022 and construction must be
completed by the end of 2024, adding funds for the matching could be drawn from the
park capital fund or park dedication fund.
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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Mr. Lee said if awarded this would be a topic for the 2023 budget review as part of
project priorities on whether to move forward or not.
Councilmember Weaver asked if there are consequences regarding future grants if we
turn down this one if awarded. Mr. Lee said the DNR recognizes that local agencies can
have difficulties identifying matching funds and that this would be a large amount and
should not hinder any future grant requests.
Ms. LaCasse noted the project scope could be decreased to the $50,000 match and result
in a smaller project instead.
Councilmember Skogquist said it would be important to focus on a specific trail grant
and trail connection because this is a large asset to the City.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a
resolution of support for West Rum River Trail Application to Local Trail Connection
Grant Program.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and
Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried.
9.3 ORD/Amending Chapter 10, Amusements and Entertainment Article V, Special Events.
(1st Reading)
Communications Coordinator Pam Bowman shared a background report stating at the
November 22, 202, worksession, staff presented recommendations to update the Special
Events Ordinance as part of a plan to better streamline the Special Event permit
application process for both the applicant and staff, in addition to redefining associated
fees to help recover City costs. The Council gave direction for staff to proceed with the
revisions. During the approval of the Master Fee Schedule on December 6, 2021, Council
raised concerns of the new fees potentially inhibiting event planners from hosting their
event in Anoka. Staff addressed those concerns noting that they had spoken with some
organizers and were assured the new fees were not a concern. Council also questioned the
80% revenue sharing requirement within the ordinance. This was then discussed at the
February 28, 2022, worksession where it was determined to include a requirement of the
“for-profit” entities to give back to a local non-profit. The applicant will have the
opportunity to choose the percentage of revenue in which they wish to donate to a local
non-profit and shall provide an estimated amount on the new permit application. Staff
has significantly reduced the content of the ordinance and created a new Special Event
Policy which is item 11.1 on this meeting agenda. Ms. Bowman outlined the major areas
that are being changed in the ordinance in detail and said the updates along with a new
policy, new permit application, and updated fees will help staff to better process, manage
and recover costs related to the many special events that draw thousands of people to
Anoka.
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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Councilmember Barnett asked for clarification regarding local and if that meant Anoka or
County-wide and if we are now asking for an estimated donation level that could be used
as a way to select one group over another. Ms. Bowman outlined the area included
Anoka, Coon Rapids, Ramsey, and others and was not just County-wide then added the
donation amounts had not been tracked before but will now to give us more of an idea on
scope.
Councilmember Skogquist asked if previously approved special events by Council will
return again in the event something changes or concerns arise. Ms. Bowman staff would
bring an event back for Council review if there were significant changes to make Council
aware as well and allow for feedback and approval.
Mayor Rice noted the donation amounts will help us evaluate the worthiness of the event
to the community and could be included on a consent agenda. Mr. Lee agreed then noted
any changes would automatically be brought back to Council for consideration.
Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold first
reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Amusements and Entertainment Article
V, Special Events, Sections 10-121 Through 10-132 and 10-134 Of the Code of The City
of Anoka Minnesota.
Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and
Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried.
Councilmember Skogquist asked if the Council was comfortable with the language stated
that should a change happen in an event that it returns to Council for consideration. City
Attorney Scott Baumgartner said he will be reviewing the ordinance for this and other
items and if needed will adjust text accordingly prior to second reading.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.1 Special Event Permit Policy.
Ms. Bowman stated staff has created a new Special Event Permit Policy that will
be included with the new permit application and revised Special Event ordinance.
These documents will help the applicant and staff ensure that all details of the
proposed event will be provided during the review process and better prepare staff
in knowing what City services will be needed before the application receives final
approval from City Council. The policy contains some of the language removed
from the original ordinance and some from the revised ordinance. It provides a
guideline and list of items to assist the applicant in knowing what is required. The
policy also includes a list of the designated event areas to help the applicant
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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determine which area is the best fit for the event. The event areas with aerial view
graphics will be included on the permit application, as well as the associated fees
for each. The creation of this policy helps ensure that all details of the event will
be covered by both the applicant and provide an essential check list for them and
staff. As a reminder, annual events held in the City will need to complete a new
permit application each year and pay the $200 permit fee which will ensure that
all staff are informed of the details of the event and are not referencing possibly
outdated/invalid information from the previous year. She noted exempt events
such as Anoka Halloween, Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair, etc. will not be required
to pay the $200 fee but will need to complete the permit application, provide
specific details and the required liability insurance. Staff believes the new policy,
along with the revisions to the ordinance and the new permit application, will
better streamline the overall process.
Councilmember Weaver asked if the Waterfowl for Warriors events be exempt
from this ordinance. Ms. LaCasse said these events are already under the Anoka
purview, has less than 500 people, and would not be a special event and would be
reviewed administratively.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver to
approve the special event permit policy with changes as presented contingent
upon City Attorney review.
Councilmember Barnett requested staff to forward the list of exemptions for this
policy.
Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried.
11.2 Park Facility Rentals and Reservations Policy Updates.
Ms. LaCasse stated the Park Facility Rentals and Reservations Policy was last
updated in 2016. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and
approved the changes at their regular meeting held November 16, 2021, and
included changes that included large event organizers will be forwarded to the
staff person that manages special events for processing and a park permit may still
be required. She further outlined the proposed changes which included staff
proposing that beginning February 1, non-residents will be allowed to rent parks
for the upcoming calendar year. Nonresidents account for about 65% of all park
reservations. Reservations are allowed for the current calendar year and
key/damage deposit will be paid at the time of reservation for all reservations. As
we move toward allowing on-line reservations for the majority of the parks,
collecting all of the fees upfront will be easier for staff to manage if it is
consistent for all reservations. Ms. LaCasse said the policy clarifies that park
reservations will not be allowed past 9:00 p.m. to allow sufficient time for renters
to pick up the park facility and leave the premises before the park closes at 11:00
p.m. She further reviewed the proposed amendments regarding the use of
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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amplification, allowance for an alcoholic beverage, and others including a
cancellation fee from two weeks to 45 days and to proposal to retain a larger
percentage of fees for cancellations.
Motion by Councilmember Skogquist to approve the policy updates Park Facility
Rentals and Reservations Policy as presented. Motion died for lack of a second.
Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist to
approve the policy updates Park Facility Rentals and Reservations Policy as
presented.
Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried.
12. UPDATES AND REPORTS
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. Lee 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.
12.2 Discussion on Flag Ordinance – Chapter 54.
Mr. Lee said at the February 28, 2022, worksession a request was presented to
change the color of the LED lights on the Main Street bridge arches to represent
the colors of the Ukrainian national flag. He said that since the City Attorney was
not present at the meeting when this topic was introduced the Council requested
legal counsel to provide an opinion on this matter.
Mr. Baumgartner shared his legal opinion regarding the request to change the
colors of the City’s bridge to reflect the colors of the flag of Ukraine and said he
reviewed Chapter 54, Article VIII – Display of Flags or Similar Objects or
Displays on City Owned Property, which was adopted by the City Council on
November 1, 2021, also known as the flag ordinance. He said in adopting the flag
ordinance, the goal was to keep the City as neutral as possible relative to ongoing
and various requests to hang banners, fly flags, and display certain colors on
bridges and other structures within the City. As was discussed during the adoption
of the flag ordinance, the City’s ability to remain neutral, unfortunately, required
an all-or-none approach. He said that since this relates to the request to change the
bridge colors to those representatives of Ukraine’s flag, he believed doing so
would conflict with the City’s flag ordinance. Mr. Baumgartner noted if the City
desired to honor the request the Council should consider amending the flag
ordinance so as to avoid allegations that the City is violating its own ordinance.
Councilmember Skogquist asked for further clarification on authorization of
government speech. Mr. Baumgartner said a City did not want to be so prohibitive
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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that residents could not request something then spoke about doctrine not subject
to the same standards as the First Amendment. He said while he was unable to
locate a definition of government speech, he shared case law regarding statues in
a New York park and allowing one statue over another and the difficulty of
allowing all or none. He said while the flag ordinance protects the City it does not
protect from all potential liability.
Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the unintended consequences of this
ordinance and how lights on the bridge are allowed. Mayor Rice likened that
allowance to be consistent with green in March, red in February, or red, white and
blue in July.
Councilmember Barnett said this action demonstrates the wisdom of the City’s
neutrality ordinance and does not split the City but keeps things as neutral as
possible and protects us from liability. She shared a case from Boston when they
denied a local organization to fly a Christian flag at a public building but how no
other flag request had been rejected until this request and how they will likely
have to end this practice. She said it is impossible to cater to all at one time and it
appears Boston will lose at the Supreme Court then added there are no restrictions
for Anoka residents to place signs or flags on their property but that it was
important to remain neutral and respectful of all residents.
Councilmember Weaver said there is nothing in place that prevents a resident
from requesting something but the fact that we have to answer no in order to
remain neutral was in place. He expressed his frustrations with a Councilmember
using social media that results in belittling people and said that all
Councilmembers care about the people of Ukraine but this request is not in our
purview.
Mr. Landry questioned the goal for the lights was to stay neutral then referred to
Christmas, Halloween, and other colors not being neutral and if Ukraine being
attacked does not reflect our values, he was unsure what would. He said most
Americas support removing Russian liquor from store shelves and other ways of
support then spoke about the unprofessionalism of Councilmember Weaver’s
comments to another Councilmember.
Borgie Bonthuis, 712 River Lane, said the discussion stemmed from a
Councilmember placing a poll on social media asking if we should change the
lights and boycott Russian imports and concerns about how the public would react
especially when the social media page was tied to the City. She asked how
someone knew about the worksession discussion when the individual was not
present and whether Councilmember Skogquist should have a Facebook page
entitled as Council.
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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Mayor Rice referred to the general greeting of happy holidays used to respect and
reflect all religions and felt that colors do not necessarily represent one more than
others but was more for the holiday season in general.
Chholing Taha, Anoka, said she supports the neutrality idea and ordinance as it
allowed for yard signage for example but said she did not want to see passions run
out of control. She said the ordinance protects the City from unnecessary
litigation and does not deny anyone from showing their support, adding no one’s
freedom of expression is denied.
Leslie Taha, Anoka, shared comments about all world conflicts over time and
how neutrality is best and felt the Council was doing the right thing and should
continue.
Councilmember Wesp commented on Mr. Landry’s concerns about speaking
against Councilmember Skogquist in a public meeting and how open meeting law
allows for transparency and the ability to bring topics forward to ensure members
are forthright and honest.
Councilmember Barnett noted that while she does not support Halloween
personally if the bridge was lit orange, she would not have a concern. She said
the neutrality ordinance was not in error and was all consuming from what we are
accustomed too and suggested the use of different colors based on a season and if
agreement could not be made then the bridge could be lit red, white, and blue all
the time.
Councilmember Barnett referred to allowing a Ramsey Councilmember serve as a
current Charter Commission member and the potential for conflict with one
having power in two bodies and while allowed by Statute should be reviewed.
She said she would like this topic to be a future worksession item to draft
language that would not allow a Councilmember to also serve on a board or
commission, including the Charter Commission.
Mr. Baumgartner said the current language was not clearly prohibitive in Charter
and that the topic might have been assumed in the past that a seated
Councilmember could not serve on the Charter Commission.
Mayor Rice noted when he was elected to City Council he was already serving as
a paid-on call firefighter and asked the question then which proves Anoka has
always been cautious with regard to serving but agreed the topic should be
reviewed.
Councilmember Skogquist shared frustrations about not following Charter section
2.02 that clearly refers to no employees serving on a board or commission but do
and should be addressed.
March 7, 2022 (Regular)
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Councilmember Barnett requested a worksession regarding the Manufacturer’s
Cohort under the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce and the award of grant
money under the Cohort that was only awarded to manufacturers outside of
Anoka. She said while not a criticism of the Chamber this funding award should
be reviewed.
Councilmember Weaver said Chamber President Pete Turok and John Letourneau
should be included to hear the concerns.
12.3 Tentative Agenda(s).
The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings.
12.4 Staff and Council Input.
Councilmember
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: 9:35 p.m.
Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Approval Attestation:
Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk
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