Anoka City Council

April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 12 Closed Executive Session 6:00 p.m. (Closed Session will be held in the Council Worksession Room) PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES §13D.05, SUBD 3, ( C) FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING POTENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION RELATED TO CITY OWNED RESTAURANT PAD BEHIND CITY HALL REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 18, 2022 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Following a closed session pursuant to State Statute 13D.05 subd. 3(c) for the purpose of discussing potential real estate transactions related to City-owned restaurant pad behind City Hall, 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 (participating remotely, Wesp, and Weaver. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Director of Public Services Mark Anderson; Communications and Recycling Manager Pam Bowman; Police Chief Eric Peterson, Police Captain Andy Youngquist, Finance Director Brenda Springer, Engineering Technician Ben Nelson; Director of Community Development Doug Borglund; City Planner Clark Palmer; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 March 8, 2022, Special Worksession. April 4, 2022, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Weaver requested a correction to the March 8, Worksession, Page 6 in the title stating “course” needed correction. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the March 8, 2022, Special Worksession and the April 4, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 12 Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Proclamation; Federal Ammunition 100th Anniversary Day April 27, 2022. City Manager Greg Lee summarized the importance of Federal Ammunition in the City of Anoka and highlighted their contributions to the City, including their donation of City Hall and its designed made to resemble a handgun. He shared how Federal Ammunition was constructed in 1956 then outlined the contributions they have made to public safety and the law enforcement training center in the amount of $50,000 as well as $10,000 for indoor drone technology used for high risk building searches. Mr. Lee outlined their support of the City by allowing use of their facility for training activities as well as a mock training of a train derailment. He highlighted their donation of the Charles Horn Pool in 1957 which remained in operation until 1997 as well as the 2012 dedicated King’s Island as the Federal Premium Wildlife Conservation Area. He spoke further on Federal Ammunitions’ contributions to Waterfowl for Warriors and their strong support of the City since 1922 and requested the City acknowledge their many contributions to Anoka and its residents. Mayor Rice read the proclamation into the record. A round of applause was offered by the audience. Jason Vandebrink, President of Ammunition for Vista Outdoor, thanked the City for the recognition and said their belief was based on giving back to the community then offered another $25,000 to the City for the law enforcement training facility. He outlined their other contributions which included the Minneapolis Police Foundation and said a company is only as good as the community they serve. He highlighted their 1,500 employees and noted they currently had 70 openings and encouraged people to apply, concluding that they were proud to be part of this community. Police Chief Eric Peterson thanked Federal Ammunition for their support and partnership, stating they manufacture the best ammunition for law enforcement as they were ballistics experts and allowed the department to train throughout their facility and could not have been a better partner. Councilmember Weaver highlighted Federal Ammunitions’ donations through employment, the electric utility, and King’s Island. Councilmember Wesp shared comments about history of Federal Ammunition and their importance in the City. He shared what they have done for the community and his family as his father worked there for 35 years. He spoke about how identifiable their ammunition is throughout the country and thanked April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 12 them for partnership and their support through their donation of City Hall and throughout the community and creating a lifestyle that will never be forgotten. Councilmember Barnett thanked Federal Ammunition for their partnership and innovation, stating health and safety were their top priorities. She spoke about their strong leadership and generous donations to good causes within the community. Councilmember Skogquist echoed his thanks to Federal Ammunition and highlighted their $10,000 donation towards Veterans Park Memorial. He said they were the largest electric user in the City and have employed several members of his family over the years, adding he looked forward to the next 100 years in the City. Mayor Rice thanked Federal Ammunition for their support and said their future will be in place in Anoka for many years to come. 4.2 Proclamation; Tree City USA and Arbor Day 2022. Tessa Sakola shared about the City’s 41st consecutive year in being a Tree City USA. She outlined the efforts in 2021 through planting and maintaining trees and said a celebration event will be held at Rudy Johnson Park on May 7 and will include a community tree planting, She shared more about how the Proclamation recognizes achievements towards the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation and the importance of Arbor Day then shared the criteria needed to meet this recognition. Mayor Rice spoke about Emerald Ash Borer disease and its impacts on the City’s tree inventory and the goal to plant more than ever to address then read the proclamation into the record. 4.3 Proclamation; National Lineman Appreciation Day. Del Vancura, Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU) Operations Superintendent, shared how Congress adopted a resolution recognizing linemen and the profession and contributions these brave men and women make to protect public safety and requested the City support designation of April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day. He shared about Lead Linemen Warren Magnus and Troy Timm who combined had 30 years of service and how AMU served Anoka, Ramsey, Coon Rapids, Dayton, Champlin. He spoke about the teams’ total of 186 years of service averaging 12 years per person and Anoka’s recognition through their certificate of excellence in reliability that said they exceeded the average for all US utilities for reliability and thanked the Council for their support. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 12 Mayor Rice spoke about linemen work which usually occurring during difficult conditions and was a dangerous job that included mutual aid. He commented how staff could work elsewhere for other agencies but that they choose to work in Anoka and thanked them for that then read the proclamation into the record. 4.4 Police Activity Update. Chief Peterson shared an update on police activity stating he was pleased to share that the vacant Crime Prevention Technician had been filled by former employee Nicole Neis who returned after a short period with another agency. He shared that Records Technician Diane Guthrie would be retiring after 34 years of service to Anoka and thanked her for her service and that they hoped to have this position filled in the near future. He spoke about K-9 Bravo who would be retiring later this fall due to some health-related issues and that the department was already working on his replacement through a $7,500 grant from the US K-9 Association and their goal to raise funds for the remaining amount. He spoke about the partnership with Kennels of Buffalo and said they would be celebrating Bravo’s service to Anoka later this year. He then spoke about the City being selected to be part of a pilot program by CATGUARD to help reduce catalytic converter thefts then added the number of Highway 10 construction calls and complaints have decreased significantly. Councilmember Skogquist asked about the City’s partnering kennel that many departments use which is closing soon. Chief Peterson said the former Dover Kennels will be closing June 1 and that some agencies have asked if Anoka will be able to help in the interim and that staff is working on proposals and fees for consideration. 4.5 Highway 10 Anoka Construction Update. Engineering Technician Ben Nelson shared an update on construction status that included the project’s hotline contact information then reviewed current and upcoming closures, temporary signals, and further communications regarding the project updates. Councilmember Skogquist asked if City crews would be doing the underground work or if it would be accomplished through a contractor. Mr. Nelson said the underground work will be done under State contract. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 12 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.6 as presented. Councilmember Skogquist thanked the Commissioners for their service. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Tree Care/Arborist License; Baker White Inc., DBA: Pink’s. 6.4 Issuance of a Massage Business License for AK Chiropractic, DBA: Anoka Family Wellness, 3507 Round Lake Boulevard NW, Suite 300. 6.5 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Coleen Tague of Anoka Family Wellness, 3507 Round Lake Boulevard NW, Suite 300. 6.6 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Permit for Raffle; Anoka Rotary and Nucky’s Speakeasy, June 23, 2022. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Planning Commission Items. None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 12 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/2022 Street Renewal Project – Swede Town Phase II; Approve Bids and Award Construction Contract. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on February 22, 2022, City Council approved the plans and specifications, authorized the advertisement for bid, and set the bid date for the 2022 Street Renewal Project - Swede Town Phase II. The Street Renewal Program involves the complete reconstruction of the streets, including the replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, bituminous pavement, sidewalks, street lights, driveways and concrete aprons, sanitary sewer, watermain, service laterals, storm sewer, and boulevard restoration. He shared the streets included in the Street Renewal Project - Swede Town Phase II and said bids for this project were received on March 24, 2022. He outlined the bidding structure which included the streets in the Swede Town neighborhood and Gray Street between Branch Avenue and Ferry Street then spoke further about the scope. Mr. Nelson said the City received a total of six bids ranging from $1.9M to $2.5M. and recommended Kuechle Underground, Inc. be awarded the bid in the amount of $1,911,582.19. The final step in the public improvement process is to adopt a resolution approving the bids and award a construction contract for the project. Councilmember Barnett inquired if Gray Street was partially or fully funded by State funds. Mr. Nelson confirmed Gray Street would be partially funded by State funds. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving the 2022 Street Renewal Project – Swede Town Phase II; approve bids and award construction contract to Kuechle Underground, Inc. in the amount of $1,911,582.19. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/2022 Street Surface Improvement Project; Approve Bids, Award Construction Contract. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on February 22, 2022, City Council approved the plans and specifications, authorized the advertisement for bid, and set the bid date for the 2022 Street Surface Improvement Project. The Street Surface Improvement Program involves the reconstruction of the street surface, including the reclamation of the bituminous pavement, bituminous pavement, spot replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, new concrete cross gutters, replacement of gate valve, storm sewer reconstruction only as necessary, new rain gardens, and pedestrian ramps reconstruction to meet current Americans with Disabilities ADA standards. The streets April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 12 and parking lots included in the Street Surface Improvement Project (SSIP) were shared and bids for this project were received on March 22, 2022. He outlined the base bid and alternate bid and scope, stating the alternate bid included the construction of a new parking lot at Rudy Johnson Park along Polk Street based on the proposed improvements from the Rudy Johnson Master Park Plan was approved by City Council February 19, 2019. He said the City received a total of six bids ranging from $2.1M to $2.6M and recommended the base bid and alternate bid be awarded to North Valley, Inc., in the amount of $2,101,965.40. Councilmember Weaver noted the SSIP had a lower bid than the SRP and asked about reasons why. Mr. Nelson said the bids were done within the same week but noted driving costs of the SRP were based on availability of watermain and storm water components. Councilmember Skogquist asked if the $60,000 Anoka County funds were for the turn lane and how much of the rain gardens portion would be done by the Anoka Conservation District. Mr. Nelson the funding for the turn lanes for those located on the County road and said the rain gardens would be locally funded by the City with no grants were received and would be funded from the stormwater fund at $18,000 each, which was less than the $25,000-$30,000 estimate. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving the 2022 Street Surface Improvement Project; approve bids and award a construction contract to North Valley, Inc. in the amount of $2,101,965.40. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Approve and Authorize the Execute of the Master Partnership Contract with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on May 15, 2017 City Council adopted a resolution approving the Master Partnership Contract with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This Master Partnership Contract expiration date is June, 30, 2022. On April 7, 2022, the City received the letter from Sharon LeMay, Metro State Aid for the renewal of the Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT. The Master Partnership Contract provides the framework for MnDOT and the City of Anoka to provide services and payments between agencies. A couple of the MnDOT routine services involve construction administration, emergency services, roadway maintenance, and professional\technical services. An ongoing service provided by MnDOT included in this contract includes the bituminous and concrete plant inspections for City projects as required by MnDOT’s Schedule of Materials Control when the City funds a local project with state aid funds. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 12 Councilmember Barnett asked about the value of this action and if it was necessary as it was outside the agreement. Mr. Nelson said the action allows the City to not have to enter into an agreement for every work order over the next five years, including plant inspections which are done by MnDOT. Mayor Rice clarified without this agreement the City would have to formalize work each time an inspection occurs for the five-year period. Councilmember Barnett asked if there were any other considerations against this action. Mr. Nelson confirmed this action truly streamlines the process with MnDOT. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution to approve and execute the Master Partnership Contract with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Site Plan Review – 647 West Main Street (Taco Bell). RESOLUTION City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating Border Foods is requesting approval of a site plan review application for a proposed demolition and rebuild of the existing Taco Bell located at 647 West Main St. The existing Taco Bell was constructed in the mid-1980s and Border Foods wishes to remove the existing building entirely and make related site improvements to the property to better serve the community for many years to come. The property is located within the B-1 Highway Business District. The use is permitted. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, approval of a site plan review is required. The proposed building will incorporate Taco Bell’s latest design model and branding. The applicant’s originally concept showed the building’s exterior finished in a hardboard siding. Hardboard siding is only allowed as an accent material up to no more than 25%. Staff communicated with the development team the architectural requirements and the plans were updated to show the building finished in thin brick. Other accent materials proposed include purple EIFS (synthetic stucco), metal trim and metal panels with a weathered rustic finish at the entryway and corner tower. Other site improvements include parking, landscaping, utilities and lighting. The drive-through will be expanded to include two ordering lanes. The Planning Commission reviewed the application at their April 5, 2022, regular meeting where they recommended approval subject to conditions. Councilmember Wesp said this building will be a nice refresh of the property and is good timing with the Highway 10 reconstruction. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution approving site plan review for 647 West Main Street, Taco Bell. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 12 Councilmember Barnett thanked the applicant for their reinvestment in this parcel, expanding the drive thru lanes, and addressing the refuse area. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 ORD/Authorizing the Sale of General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2022B in an Amount Not to Exceed $6,000,000 (1st Reading) RES/Providing for the Sale of $6,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022B. RESOLUTION Finance Director Brenda 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), of Nowthen MN, in the amount of $5,130,000, (including the bid alternate of $10,000). She outlined the base bids and bid alternates that totaled $5,970,000 and said on February 22, 2022, Council adopted a resolution to reimburse itself using the proceeds of tax-exempt obligation bonds issued by the City. She said the action being requested is to adopt an ordinance and resolution authorizing the sale of $6,000,000 in General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2022B to finance the expansion of the Anoka Water Treatment Plant 6 and 8 project. Councilmember Wesp asked if this project had been bid already or if this was the authorization to bid. Ms. Springer said this action was for authorization to go out for bid and that award of the bid would be scheduled for the June 6 meeting with the hope of closing by July 30 for the best interest rates. Shelly Eldridge, Ehlers & Associates, explained how interest rates were increasing and how they built in 25 basis points for this fact, adding the average increase was 10 basis points in the last week. She spoke about municipal bond market that take into account federal action usually earlier than the stock market response and that staff was monitoring activity and interest rates which seem to be returning prior to what had occurred before COVID-19. She said they were expecting rates somewhere in the 3% range, similar to 3- 4 years ago, which was still very good. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold first reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale of general obligation water revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 and adopt a resolution providing for the sale of $6,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2022B. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 12 9.6 RES/Providing for the Sale of $4,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A. RESOLUTION Ms. Springer shared a background report stating the Council has determined that it is necessary to issue the City’s $4,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2022A to finance the projects authorized in the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan for the issuance of General Obligation COP bonds. The City has retained Ehlers & Associates as its independent municipal advisor for the bonds. At the City Council meeting on June 6, 2022, Council will consider proposals and award the sale of the bonds Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution providing for the sale of $4,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2022A. Mayor Rice shared a suggestion that bond items include the project where the funds would be focused. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Wesp, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Consideration of Appointment to the Economic Development Commission; David Sanasac. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating currently the City has two openings on the Economic Development Commission, one with a term that expires December 2023 and another that expires December 2024. He said David Sanasac of Anoka has applied and that staff recommends his appointment to a term that expires December 31, 2024. Councilmember Weaver said Mr. Sanasac will be a great addition to the Commission. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to appoint David Sanasac to the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2024. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 11 of 12 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Legislative Updates. Mr. Lee said this agenda item allows for the opportunity to discuss any bills of significance or direction from the Council during the legislative session and said there was nothing further to report. He shared about the proposed social district bill that has been through House and Senate hearings and would be voted on at the end of May and that staff monitoring its progress and their intent to inform the restaurants and property owners on Jackson Street about its future, stating if approved parameters would be developed, adding the concept is meant to be good and positive for Anoka. Councilmember Wesp asked if there were any further developments regarding NorthStar Commuter Rail. Community Development Director Doug Borglund said there have been no developments but that staff was monitoring. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. None. Closed Executive Session 8:37 p.m. (Closed Session will be held in the Council Worksession Room) PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES §13D.05, SUBD 3, ( C) FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING POTENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION RELATED TO CITY OWNED AND PUBLICALY OWNED PROPERTY NORTH OF GARFIELD STREET WEST OF 7TH AVENUE. Councilmember Weaver made a motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of discussing potential real estate transactions related to City-owned and publicly-owned property north of Garfield Street west of 7th Avenue pursuant to State Statute 13D.05 Subd 3(c). Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Returned to Regular Meeting: Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Weaver seconded the motion. Time of adjournment: 9:14 p.m. April 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 12 of 12 Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk