Anoka City Council

July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 18, 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, Weaver and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Director of Community Development Doug Borglund; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 June 21, 2022, Regular Meeting. (QCTV audio was not working, staff unable to determine what if any changes were made) Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve the June 21, 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 regarding Part I and II crimes to date for 2022 calls for service which were up 10% and that staff has begun an analysis of types of calls and crimes compared to last year but noted Part A crimes were down 7% since last year. He noted the most significant increase were car thefts which were up 29 since last year which was more than 200%. He said Part B crimes increased nearly 66% and included more disorderly conduct and DWIs and miscellaneous incidents that required police intervention and that staff was July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 working to address through public education. Chief Peterson said he was honored to be the guest speak at the recent Walker event where residents shared questions about policing, police reform, and lack of enforcement and said he was pleased to see people engaged then confirmed the core duties of Anoka policing would remain. He said an offer was made to fill the final officer vacancy to someone with four years of experience and a former security officer for Anoka and said he and looked forward to introducing him to the Council then shared about Anoka’s newest K9 partner Kane and thanked former K9 officer Bravo for his service. Chief Peterson shared about upcoming summer events in the City, including Night to Unite on August 2. Councilmember Weaver asked for an update about meeting with Anoka County and the new jail they would like to construct and the policy of the Sherriff’s office to release inmates onto City streets. He shared about the recent event that included two inmates who carjacked a car from a 6th Avenue residence and noted most residents were unaware of the proposed expansion. Chief Peterson responded about the incident on June 20 that resulted in an arrest and the County’s policy to offer bus tokens to inmates upon their release and the need to address. Councilmember Barnett spoke about Chief Peterson’s work to recognize the need for more officers years ago and to appropriately budget for that need that included impacts from having the jail in the City. Chief Peterson noted residents at Walker shared about the importance of having a sufficient number of police and security officers as it makes them feel safe. 4.3 Highway 10 Anoka Construction Update. Assistant City Engineer 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 construction projects. Councilmember Skogquist asked clarifying questions regarding dates of closures and the importance of having areas open as soon as possible. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Mark Freeburg, Anoka, spoke about the concern with housing blight in Anoka and the need to address. Councilmember Skogquist noted the current Building Official has left and the new official will be focusing on housing and safety to hopefully address these concerns soon. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.10 as amended, removing Items 6.7 and 6.10. Councilmember Wesp noted he is an employee of Pumptec and that James Cook is the owner of Pumptec and that his appointment to the Planning Commission occurred long before he (Wesp) was an employee at Pumptec. Wesp thanked both Commissioner James Cook and Commissioner Rick Reiter for their service. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Orders Number 6, 9, 10, 17, 20, and 21. 6.4 Ambi Wine Bar License Review. 6.5 Issuance of a Tree Care/Arborist License; A to Z Tree Care, LLC. 6.6 Recommended Approval of LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Halloween, October 17 and 24, 2022. 6.7 Acceptance of Resignation from James Cook; Planning Commission. 6.8 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Elizabeth Soria of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.9 Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Approve Change Order Number 10. 6.10 Acceptance of Resignation from Heritage Preservation Commission; Rick Reiter. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Planning Commission. 7.1.A. RES/Conditional Use Permit for Vocational School (Beauty School); 320 E. Main Street. RESOLUTION July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 Senior City Planner said Kellie Owen is seeking approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the property located at 320 E. Main St. The applicant operates a vocational school use, specifically a beauty school (iLash Beauty School). The subject property is zoned East Main Street Mixed Use, East Main 1 Subdistrict. Vocational schools are allowed in the district with a CUP. As part of the proposed beauty school, the applicant seeks to perform microblading training. Microblading is a tattooing technique used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin, typically used on eyebrows to create, enhance or reshape their appearance. Staff’s findings are detailed in the Planning Commission staff report. In summary, staff finds the criteria met for the approval of a CUP the Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing at their June 22, 2022, regular meeting. No members of the public spoke. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the CUP subject to a condition of approval that the CUP shall allow microblading training to be conducted as part of the approved vocational school Councilmember Wesp asked for more information on microblading. Kellie Owen, applicant, shared how microblading was a form of permanent makeup and was popular in many states, including Minnesota. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution approving a conditional use permit for 320 East Main Street. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. Motion carried. Mayor Rice thanked the applicant for choosing Anoka. 7.1.B. RES/Variance for Deck Setback; 734 River Lane. RESOLUTION Mr. Palmer said the property owner of 734 River Lane is seeking to expand their existing deck located at the rear of the home which faces the Mississippi River. The existing deck is about 9.5 feet by 23.5 feet. The deck as proposed will be expanded outward toward the river by 10 additional feet, resulting in a proposed setback from the river of 78.3 feet. Currently the required setback from the river is 100 feet. The home was constructed at 86.8 feet from the river and the existing deck was constructed at 88.3 feet from the river. The applicant is asking for the following variance: 1. A setback variance of 10 feet from the current legal nonconforming setback of 88.3 feet. Staff’s findings are detailed in the Planning Commission staff report and staff finds each of the approval criteria has been met. Councilmember Skogquist inquired about the number of properties on the river in similar instances that do not meet the minimum setback. Mr. Palmer estimated July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 that half to three-quarters of the properties do not meet the setback due to the large lots but said this was not be unusual. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving a setback variance for 734 River Lane. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.C. ORD/Zoning Text Amendment to Section 78-2 (Definitions) adding “Correctional Facility” and Section 78-369(c) Permitted Uses adding “Municipal Public Works Maintenance Facility”, (d) Accessory Uses, and (e) Conditional Uses Adding “Correctional Facility”. Mr. Borglund said because of planning efforts related to the proposed Anoka County Jail Expansion, the Anoka City Council has directed staff to bring forward a text amendment that would allow a “Correctional Facility” by CUP in the Anoka County Rum River Human Services (ACRRHS) District. The ACRRHS District boundaries are also proposed to expanded and encompass areas of land where the location of a “Corrective Facility” is a possible option. The ACRRHS District proposed boundary would include a parcel that the City owns and is planned for a new public services maintenance facility. The “Municipal public works maintenance facility” use is also included in the text amendment as permitted use and includes uses accessory to a public maintenance facility such as a salt storage facility and screened out door storage. The amendment does also include a new definition for a “Correctional Facility.” He shared the draft version of City Chapter 78 Zoning, Section 78-2 (Definitions) and Chapter 78, Section 78-369 (District Regulations) Anoka County Rum River Human Services (ACRRHS) District and a Zoning Map reflecting the existing zoning and proposed zoning map amendment that will expand the ACRRHA Zoning District area. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 22, 2022 recommended approval of both the Zoning Map Amendment and Zoning Text Amendment to the City Council. Councilmember Barnett asked who owns parcels 649, 3601, and 3301. Mr. Borglund said the City owns the 649 parcel and the State of Minnesota owns the remaining two. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about Anoka County’s proposal and the recent meeting where the City shared how current operations were not working well for the City such as the recent incident and others. He said the jail has outgrown its use and has been intrusive and taxing to police department and how the City does not have zoning that even allows a jail and the importance to have a location that is not in the downtown area. He said the proposed locations are best and will start negotiations with the County and that he supports this amendment. He asked about where the County wants to lease and the possible loophole regarding the July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 definition of federal inmates. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said while the County houses some federal inmates it was noted they would be serving sentences longer than one year and could include language to prohibit moving one federal inmate in and another out and felt this language best addressed long-term or extended stays. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the County’s possible plan to remodel the existing facility for inmates in the court system who need to come and go from jail through a smaller footprint and ramp in its existing space but said it would be best for the longer term inmates to move the facility to the Sherriff’s campus in Andover as there is sufficient property there and they do not need court access. Mr. Baumgartner shared the distinction between a jail and holding facility and what happens after sentencing and that this option would meet the Statute of having a jail in the County seat but provide another location to serve sentences. Councilmember Weaver noted he had contacted the Anoka County Administrator regarding this topic but has not yet had a response. Councilmember Wesp spoke about prosecuting needs and moving the jail away from the downtown to the Rum River Services area and if the judicial bench would support that concept. Mr. Baumgartner said the only concern would be if the jail wanted to hold court at its facility and commented further on the process. Councilmember Wesp noted when over populated transportation of inmates to Wright County is necessary and moving the facility to the Rum River area would lessen concerns with transportation as it was much closer, adding the facility would blend in well in this area. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold first reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 78, Article 1, Section 78-2 Definitions and Chapter 78, Article V, Division 7. Section 78-369 (c)(d) And Addition of (e) Anoka County Rum River Human Services (ACRRHS) District of the City of Anoka Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.D. ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning 3601 and 3301 7th Avenue and 649 Garfield Street from R-1 Low Density Residential to Anoka County Rum River Human Services District. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold first reading of an ordinance An Ordinance Amending Chapter 78, Article III, Section 78-61 Zoning Map for Property Known As 3601 7th Avenue/PID#31-32- 34-31-0001, 3301 7th Avenue/PID#31-32-24-31-001, 649 East Garfield Street/PID 31-32-24-34-0004, East of 7th Avenue, West of the Rum River North, July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 North of East Garfield Street, South of State of Minnesota Owned Property PID# 31-32-24-24-0001 And Pid#31-32-24-23-0001 City of Anoka, Anoka County, Minnesota. Mayor Rice asked about the number of arrests and judge appearances that occur daily. Mr. Baumgartner estimated 15-20 daily appearances occurred. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.E. RES/Variance for Porch Setback; 733 Jefferson Street. RESOLUTION Mr. Palmer said the property owner of 733 Jefferson St. is proposing to construct a new front porch which will replace an existing uncovered concrete stoop. The proposed porch will be approximately 8 feet deep by 19 feet wide. The property is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential. The minimum front-yard setback is 25 feet. The existing home was built in 1950, setback from the front lot line 24.3 feet with a recessed front entry setback an additional 2 feet. The proposed setback from the new porch will be 18.5 feet from the front lot line. The applicant is therefore requesting a setback variance of 6.5 feet from the minimum front-yard setback of 25 feet. Staff’s findings are detailed in the Planning Commission staff report. In summary, staff finds the approval criteria met. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing at their July 6, 2022, regular meeting. No members of the public spoke. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the variance subject to conditions of approval. Councilmember Barnett asked how the parcel was unique to the property criteria then thanked the Planning Commission for their work, noting no resident concerns were shared at the public hearing. Mr. Palmer said the home was built at a minimum setback and while the step could encroach no porch could be built without any encroachment on the setback. Councilmember Skogquist said the porch not impede view points and access and since the site was open he liked the front porch addition. He noted the south side of Jefferson Street all had 17-18-foot setbacks so this would be similar to the neighborhood and since the porch would not be enclosed he would support the variance. Councilmember Wesp added there was a new home being built across the street and these properties had large lots with smaller homes and it was good to see a vested interest in these homes and this would make the home convenient with the added garage and better functionality. July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution approving a setback variance for 733 Jefferson Street. Councilmember Weaver thanked the applicant for the investment in older neighborhoods. Mayor Rice said he was pleased there will be a covered porch only and not an addition and that the structure will add to the neighborhood while remaining consistent with the existing homes. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION 8.1. Notice of Receipt of Petition to Amend the City Charter Relating to the Creation of Election Wards, Extension of Mayoral Term, and the Process to Fill Vacancies in Elected Office. Mr. Lee stated on the afternoon of July 12, 2022, the City received a petition to the amend the City Charter in the following areas: that Councilmembers should be elected from three (3) wards to four years, and that two should serve from each ward; that the Mayor should serve a term of four years; and that Councilmember vacancies of greater than one (1) year be subject to special elections, and that the appointment of those under one year follow a prescribed process very similar to what the Charter Commission unanimously approved within the last year. The sponsors of the petition are Bjorn Skogquist, Sue Dergantz, Eric Bobick, Mike Erickson and Tara Olson. The City Attorney and City staff reviewed the petition to determine sufficiency and deemed it insufficient based on the need for signatures that equaled five percent of the total number of voters in the last election. He said the petition contained 137 signatures of which 127 were valid but required 540 total and that the petitions were notified of the deficiency. Mr. Baumgartner reviewed how a Charter amendment could be initiated and the requirements for the five percent of total votes cast at the last election and shared how after notification on July 15 the petitioners have 10 days to correct. He outlined the need for petition language review as well in the event the petition requirements are met so language can be placed on the ballot. Mayor Rice confirmed there was time to get language on November’s ballot and if language has to be drafted both for and against the amendments. Mr. Baumgartner outlined the timeline needed and said there was sufficient time and confirmed the only requirement is that the question is within the City’s constitutional authority. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 9.1. RES/VOA Assignment and Amendment to Purchase Agreement. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund said the City Council reviewed, discussed, and approved a Resolution for VOA’s Assignment and Amendment to the Purchase Agreement on May 16, 2022. The City of Anoka entered into a purchase agreement with The Homestead at Anoka, Inc. (VOA) for the sale of a 2.51-acre site in the City of Anoka, State of Minnesota, allowing VOA to construct an 80-unit senior residential building, with an effective date of November 10, 2021. For the purpose of financing and construction, The Homestead at Anoka, Inc. is requesting to assign the purchase agreement for the Property to VOA Anoka AH GP, LLC. Through the assignment, VOA Anoka AH GP, LLC, will assume all rights and obligations of The Homestead at Anoka, Inc. under the Purchase Agreement, and The Homestead at Anoka, Inc. will be relieved of the same. The May 16, 20222 approved amendment included a closing date of June 30, 2022. Since the May 16, 2022 approval, the closing date has been moved. The closing shall occur on or before September 30, 2022. The new closing date is the only change be made to the Assignment and Amendment to the Purchase Agreement document. John Klevenger, VOA, explained reasons for the amendment were due to delays and cost overruns in the current market and inflation, and said they planned to close August 12 and had the necessary permits ready to begin construction. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution approving the VOA assignment and amendment to purchase agreement. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2. RES/Recommended Approval of LG230 Off-Site Gambling for Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association; Pull-Tabs at Anoka County Fair, July 26-31, 2022. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee said Andover Huskies Youth Hockey has submitted an application for a State issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit to allow them to sell pull tabs at the Anoka County Fair, July 26-31, 2022. This is a State issued license, but requires the approval of the municipality in which the event will take place. Staff has reviewed the application and no concerns or objections have been expressed. Councilmember Weaver asked if the license was offered to Anoka Hockey first. Mr. Baumgartner said the difference was because this was an Anoka County event a local non-profit was not required as outlined in City policy. July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution recommending Issuance of a State Issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit for Andover Huskies Youth Hockey, Sale of Pull Tabs at Anoka County Fair July 26-31, 2022. Mayor Rice suggested the County could follow our local guidelines in the future for City-based nonprofits first. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Approve the Capital Improvement Plan and Equipment Replacement Plan. Finance Director Brenda Springer said the final copy of the 2023 – 2027 five-year capital improvement and equipment replacement plan for the City of Anoka has been provided. This is proposed for planning purposes and is subject to change at future budget worksessions. Council and staff reviewed this document in detail at the work session on Monday, June 27, 2022. All of the Capital Improvements and Equipment Replacement requests will be included in the 2023 budget process for discussion. Councilmember Barnett confirmed all budget worksessions were open to the public and meeting notices posted for transparency. Councilmember Weaver noted the plan included some golf-related items that had been removed. Ms. Springer explained the golf director had requested removal of a few items but software did not sort the requests by date and remained but noted they did not include detailed sheets but were only included in the summary and could be included in future plans. Councilmember Weaver made a motion to Adopt the City of Anoka’s Proposed 2023 – 2027 Capital Improvement and Equipment Replacement Plan. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 Approval of Social Media Policy. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse stated the Social Media Policy is a revision of the City’s original policy from 2011 and is revised according to July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 discussions staff and the City Council have had during Council worksessions. It is also based on suggested content from an example policy provided by the League of MN Cities. She outlined the main changes and updates in detail that surrounded elected official pages, scope and requests from individuals, businesses, and organizations to post or share their messages on City platforms and the need for Rules of Use to use discretion while sharing posts from other entities; keep it to local civic and non-profit organizations in which the City supports, co-sponsors, or those that promote Anoka businesses in a positive manner. Mayor Rice said this was an ever-changing world and this policy was one way to keep up with changes through social media. Councilmember Skogquist made a motion to adopt the revised Social Media Policy as presented. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.3 Approval of Bulletin Board, Electronic Reader Board, and Website Posting Policy. Ms. LaCasse said at the March 28 City Council Worksession, staff presented proposed changes to the Bulletin Board, Electronic Reader Board & Website Posting Policy for discussion. Following that discussion, staff is proposing the simple changes and updates to the policy. This is the first update since 2013 and the policy originated in 2002. She outlined the changes in detail that included the Bulletin Board, Electronic Reader Board, non-profit entities that request multiple messages per month, some of those overlapping dates at times, and exceptions for groups such as Anoka Halloween, Inc. Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adopt the revised Bulletin Board, Electronic Reader Board, and Website Posting Policy. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.4 Approval Snow Removal Policy. Ms. LaCasse said the current Snow Plowing / Ice Control Policy 2016 – 04 has been updated to address sidewalk snow removal operations per the recommendation/direction received at the Council Worksession on June 27, 2022. Section III Item B has been added to the existing policy to help clarify Public Service’s standard operating procedure for sidewalk snow removal for 3 specific areas identified in the city code. Area 1) B-3 Central Business District (CBD) – the city will assist with sidewalk snow removal when 1” of snow or more has fallen Area 2) Residential Areas and School Zones – the city will assist with sidewalk snow removal when 3” or more of snow has fallen. Area 3) Sidewalks July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 Abutting City Owned Property – the City will clear sidewalks adjacent to city buildings following the same standards as the Central Business District. Councilmember Weaver commented on the quality of work staff does for snow removal and the hard work they do and as busy as the downtown area is it is important that we stay focused. Mayor Rice agreed the City provides great snow removal and said effectively this would be an increase in the service already provided then highlighted how the City provides assistance in snow removal on sidewalks and encouraged property owners to do it themselves as it is not the City’s responsibility. Councilmember Weaver made a motion to approve the Snow Removal Policy as presented. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.5 Approval of City Hall Community Room Reservations Policy. Ms. LaCasse said staff is proposing major revisions to the City Hall Community Room Reservation Policy. Previously, this policy included rental of meeting rooms on the 2nd floor of City Hall and the Community Room. Major revisions include restricting private use reservations to the lower level of City Hall in the Community Room and Kitchenette; outside groups would no longer be allowed to use the 2nd floor meeting rooms unless it relates to City business (such as QCTV Board meetings, LRRWMO, League of Women Voters televised candidate debate, etc., these uses of the 2nd floor would be allowed), updated definitions for determining resident status, updates to reservation process, schedule, and rules and regulations, and others. Councilmember Skogquist disclosed that he uses these rooms for Boy Scouts events and said this is a great space and should be used more by civic groups for meetings and events. Ms. LaCasse noted businesses could use the space for their staff events for example but not for business-making activities. Councilmember Skogquist made a motion to approve the City Hall Community Room Reservations Policy as presented. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.6 Consideration of Appointment to the Human Rights Commission. July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Mr. Lee said staff received one application for the vacancy from Mark Jensen then reviewed the City’s other vacancies on City Boards and Commissions. Councilmember Skogquist made a motion to appoint Mark Jensen to the Human Rights Commission to a term that expire December 31, 2023. Councilmember Weaver seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.7 Consideration of Appointments to the Parks & Recreation Board. Mr. Lee said currently the City has two openings on the Parks & Recreation Board one with a term that expires December 2022 and another that expires December 2024. He said the City received four applications: Bob Erickson, Steve Gunderson, Amy Negrete, and Jeanne Wilkinson and that the Council could appoint by motion or through ballots. Councilmember Wesp made a motion to appoint Bob Erickson to the Parks & Recreation Board to a term that expires December 31, 2024. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Councilmember Weaver made a motion to appoint Steve Gunderson to the Parks & Recreation Board to a term that expires December 31, 2022. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Councilmember Skogquist said while it was good to see such great applicants and encouraged those not appointed to apply again in the future he noted composition of boards is important for different perspectives and that he would like to see younger people with families service in order to have different backgrounds and therefore would not be supporting Mr. Gunderson’s appointment. Councilmember Barnett asked if Councilmember Skogquist was not choosing Mr. Gunderson because he was a man. Councilmember Skogquist clarified he was just hoping to appoint someone with a different background than those currently on the board who have experienced parks in a different way. Councilmember Barnett not Mr. Gunderson lives in Anoka and has raised his children here. Councilmember Weaver suggested doing this by petition. Councilmember Skogquist said he did not think an appointment qualifies for petition. July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 Mayor Rice agreed there is no wrong choice but said if anyone is interested in serving or even in providing input to get different perspectives, he encouraged the public to attend and listen at all board and commission meetings. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Distribution of First Half Round-Up Funds. Ms. Smith shared an update on the status of the “Round Up for Change” program regarding collections and disbursement of revenues. The round up program, which was adopted November 21, 2011, Policy # 2011-03, has been in place starting 2012. Funds collected are for donations that improve the lives of families, children and seniors in our community. Each new customer is introduced to the program when they sign up for service, and make the decision to enroll or not at that time. The new customer booklet also gives more information, as well as the AMU website and social media. There is another increase in participants when compared to December 2021 (122 accounts, for a 2.5% increase) due to diligent introduction from staff. Donations through June 30, 2022 are $ 15,141 and there is a total $16,520 available to distribute. Councilmember Weaver said many did not think this program would work but that it has done well at the generosity of taxpayers and thanked those who participate and make such a great impact. Councilmember Wesp noted the most a resident would donate a year is $11.88 and is a good reason to promote the program which shows how far a little bit goes. Councilmember Barnett shared how at the Anoka Community Mission this money goes back to Anoka utilities for refrigerators used to feed 56 families from in and around Anoka and asked that staff request a one-time contribution at year-end from anyone who wanted to make one final contribution. Councilmember Wesp said this program has supported Alexandra House for a long time then commented on the importance of their work throughout the County. Mayor Rice recalled struggling in the beginning on which organizations could receive funds and how they focused on those who serve families and children and that these all meet that definition. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). July 18, 2022 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. Mr. Lee said he would like to add two topics that included the regulation of cannabis products and the Anoka County Government Building expansion proposal, as it will be important for Council to have a unified message for the County. Councilmember Wesp confirmed there was currently an alcohol use policy for employees and suggested adding THC products to this policy. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:02 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk