Anoka City Council

August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 9 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 1, 2022 ANNUAL BUDGET PRESENTATION City Manager Greg Lee shared the annual proposed budget and levy meeting as required by City Charter. He reviewed the purpose, philosophy, goals, parameters, and schedule for the 2023 budget that determined the level of service the Council wished to provide the taxpayers. He stated the proposed levy was $9,905,954, an increase of approximately $2,094,301 or 26.81%, then outlined reasons for the large increase that included removal of liquor transfer, increase in capital requests and debt levy, removal of ARPA fund for boiler, removal use of fund balance, increase in IT/insurance fund transfers, and other general fund changes. He outlined the proposed salary and benefits at 3.25% COLA and other personnel related costs, as well as the fire department proposed increase of $27,002. He shared $1.9 million received for ARPA funds that could be used for one-time capital purchases, then shared other proposed details of the budget including proposed positions such as police officer, part-time administrative assistant, planning assistant, engineering technician, and reduction in election expenses and comparable worth adjustments. He shared factors that will decrease the levy such as an increase in rental and commission revenue and local government aid and no change in electric transfer. Mr. Lee outlined the proposed 2023 capital and equipment requests in detail that included areas in police, engineering, streets, community programs such as the Anoka agriculture area, recreation, aquatic center, parks, landscaping, and municipal building and streets for a total of $988,700. He noted discussion should be held regarding 501 Pierce Street and the replacement of the Public Works facility in conjunction with the commuter rail transit station based on the current number of trips and that 7th Avenue would not be as ideal then spoke about deferred maintenance items that have changed and will need to be addressed. Mr. Lee further reviewed capital fund requests that included building improvement fund, street renewal fund, and park capital improvement fund that totaled $3,550,700. Councilmember Wesp asked if the diamond bright flooring was original at the aquatic center. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse responded the floor had not been replaced since 1998 and the budget figure included fresh chlorinating water return jets. Councilmember Barnett asked about ARAP funds expiration. Finance Director Brenda Springer there was no expiration date but noted the funds were classified as loss of revenue and that staff had included all funding in a separate fund to report by 2024 what has been spent or used as a revenue reduction. August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 9 Mr. Lee outlined the proposed internal service fund expenditure requests that included requests in the garage, insurance, and information technology fund then reviewed historic levy changes for comparison. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the goal to place non-generating properties back on the tax rolls not encumbered by TIF districts and encouraged staff to review any properties that could be included. Ms. Springer said many properties are already encumbered then suggested other properties to be included could be identified through the rental conversion program. Councilmember Weaver made a motion to recess the budget presentation at 6:45 p.m. and reconvene at 7:00 p.m. for the regular City Council meeting. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 1. CALL TO ORDER Following the annual budget presentation, 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, 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; Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger; 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: Councilmember Skogquist. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 July 18, 2022, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Wesp noted corrections needed on Page 3 that should note he was an employee at Pumtech and not Commissioner Jim Cook. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the July 18, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 9 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared the Anoka County Fair concluded with no significant police needs, partly as a result of increased deputies and staff. He spoke about the upcoming Night to Unite and Cones with Cops events. He offered condolences to the family of Jerry Cotton who passed away and shared Mr. Cotton’s work on the Anoka Anti-Crime Prevention then shared photos outlining the progress on the animal containment facility. Councilmember Wesp said it was his privilege to serve with Jerry Cotton through the Commission, Legion, and Kiwanis and said he was a valued member of the community. 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. 4.4 Proclamation; Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2022. Mayor Rice said annually the City of Anoka adopts a proclamation proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness month then spoke about their valuable service to the community to help those experiencing domestic violence and encouraged residents to consider the Round Up for Change program as another way to support. Chief Petersons said they have been partners for years then shared about Captain Youngquist’s work with the organization which encouraged staff to speak with advocates on scene which provides much success and support to victims then spoke about their nationally and internationally recognized progress towards addressing domestic violence. Councilmember Barnett referred to HopeFest held in fall in Anoka to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. Mayor Rice read the proclamation into the record. 4.5 Commendation; Sofia Condon. Mayor Rice shared the commendation for Sofia Condon, Anoka High School Junior, who recently won the State title in pole vaulting. August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 9 Councilmember Weaver congratulated Ms. Condon for her great work then spoke about the positive image of all students that reflected on the school district and City. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Stephen Stano, 2678 Cutters Grove Circle, shared comments regarding the recent eviction of the BMP Motorcycle Club after 20 years from 78 West Main Street. He said the landlord informed them they were being pressured by the Council and Police Department then asked if this was a misunderstanding. He shared how their club has raised thousands for Toys for Joy and other groups and requested a meeting with the City Council to address any concerns. Mayor Rice noted there was some concern regarding a specific event of the club and encouraged a conversation be scheduled for a possible future worksession topic. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda 6.1 through 6.4 as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Approve Change Order Number 13. 6.4 US Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Orders Number 16 and 22. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson noted Item 6.4 was not included in the packet but referenced two change orders and outlined the request in detail. Councilmember Barnett made a motion to adopt the consent agenda as presented. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 9 7.1 Planning Commission. 7.1.A. 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. (2nd Reading) Mr. Borglund stated the City Council held first reading for both the zoning map amendment and text amendment. The City Council suggested no changes to the proposed amendments. 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” 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 confirmed the State was notified of the proposed amendment and had no concerns. Councilmember Weaver asked questions regarding 649 Grant Street which was owned by Anoka and zoned R-1 to Institutional and if eminent domain for a public use was appropriate. He said this site is a prime location and there were concerns about 4th Avenue and its residents who have no idea what is being proposed and therefore he would not support second reading as proposed but suggested amending and removing the 11 acres outlined. He spoke about the history of inmates escaping and lockdowns and the need to address and that he had contacted Anoka County administration regarding concerns with no response to date. Mayor Rice asked if the Council should consider tabling these items and keep as a future item with more specific language regarding other areas when necessary. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said he would confirm if tabled too long if a new first reading would be required. Councilmember Wesp said the goal was to preserve the neighborhood and establish the area then spoke about how Anoka County Commissioner Look wanted to see the 4th Avenue site instead and the goal to preserve that area to August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 9 allow expansion of the jail and holding area and while appropriate the County may not be supportive in the end. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to table consideration of regarding 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, 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. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.B. 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”. (2nd Reading) Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to table consideration 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, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.C. RES/Summary Resolution for Publication Related to Zoning Text Amendment. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to table consideration of a summary resolution for publication related to the zoning text amendment. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION 8.1. Acceptance of Letter from Sponsors of Referendum Petition; Withdrawing Petition Relating to the Decommissioning of the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Lee stated on a letter had been received from the sponsors of the referendum petition withdrawing the petition submitted relating to decommissioning of the Anoka Human Rights Commission. The petition requested that the City Council August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 9 repeal ORD-2021-1738 which was adopted in 2021. That ordinance repealed Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 3 of the Anoka City Code, and essentially decommissioned the Human Rights Commission from being a City Commission. At the June 21, 2022, meeting, the City did repeal ORD-2021-1738 and reinstated the Human Rights Commission as a City Commission. The petition sponsors were notified of this action and have submitted a letter withdrawing the petition. Mayor Rice made a motion to accept withdrawal of the petition as presented. Councilmember Weaver seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1. RES/Accepting Bids for Demolition of Properties at 541 and 551 Garfield Street. RESOLUTION Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger stated the City has continued acquiring properties in the Highland Park neighborhood and area surrounding Green Haven Golf Course. Most recently, 541 and 551 Garfield Street. He shared a map of both properties for reference then reviewed details of the demolition and costs to date and said staff recommended that Sauter & Sons, Inc. be awarded the demolition bid in the amount of $31,500. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution accepting the bid for demolition of properties at 541 and 551 Garfield Street. Councilmember Barnett confirmed the costs would not be funded by HRA but the City. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 9 The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Weaver requested an update on the petition regarding amending Council wards and terms. Mr. Lee shared the deadline for resubmittal was today and that the group had missed the deadline so the petition would not be moving forward. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the bonding bill for recreational safety and green energy and their support from the Minnesota legislature to work to regenerate the energy at the dam and its regional impact that would create a loop system for pedestrians around the river. He spoke about the potential being endless and the great vision for such a project. Mr. Lee said this is a State-funded action to address a regional asset and provide more flexibility when elevation changes and opportunities for maintenance occur. He spoke about the importance to connect east to west and taking the tanger gate system to navigate from the lower to the upper Rum River and add elements to this regional asset and how legislation has been supportive. He stated next steps will be to identify funding and make this a shovel-ready project, adding the cost will range between $500,000 and $700,000. Councilmember Wesp referred to 1532 3rd Avenue which has been empty for approximately 20 years and the need to address the home’s condition. Mr. Borglund said staff has taken several actions since 2016, including through the court system, and that the property owner has resolved many of the maintenance issues. He said while there is still some scaffolding and long grass to address the property has no current violations and will continue to address. Councilmember Barnett referred to recent communication to the HRA regarding this property. Mr. Berger said the HRA reached out to property owner in 2019 which resulted in an appraisal being completed in 2020 which the Board met to consider purchase but the property owner had no intention of selling at that point. Councilmember Barnett thanked residents and staff for their work and encouraged them to continue to advocate for progress but noted there was a balance against property owners’ rights as well then encouraged the public to vote in the primary election on August 9. August 1, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 9 ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting and enter into a closed executive session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §13d.05, Subd 3(c) for the purpose of discussing potential real estate transactions PID # 36-32-25-34-0007 and PID # 06-31-24-23- 0010. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:11 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk