Anoka City Council

November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 21, 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 Captain Andy Youngquist; Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 October 12, 2022, Special Worksession and Closed Executive Session (REVISED). October 24, 2022, Worksession. November 7, 2022, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the revised October 12, 2022, Special Meeting/Closed Executive Session, the October 24, 2022, Worksession, and the October 17, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Captain Andy Youngquist shared tips on the importance of monitoring package delivery during this upcoming holiday season then spoke about the Christmas tree lighting event. 4.2 Highway 10 Anoka Construction Update. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 Public Services Director Mark Anderson 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 said he was pleased the 4th Avenue bridge reopened and the trail was paved then asked about the 4th Avenue/Pierce and Pleasant Street access and how drivers have come to like that alternate route and there would be a need to review traffic counts to consider something other than a four-way stop. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM John Knaus, 732 Buchanan spoke about the difficulty of accessing Buchanan Street from the north and 8th Avenue which can be backed up to Northstar Towing then shared frustrations about traffic impacts due to the Highway 10 project. City Manager Greg Lee noted there were over 5,000 vehicles per day on North Street prior to construction and was likely higher now. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1. Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application; Professional Plating, Inc. RES/In Support of Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application; Professional Plating, Inc. RESOLUTION Housing and Redevelopment Manager Darin Berger shared a background report stating Professional Plating, Inc. (ProPlate®) was founded in 1984 and has operated from 2625 9th Avenue since its inception. He explained their electroplating chemical process and the metals they plate onto the customer parts. He said they currently employ 31 full time individuals and retain the services of several high skill contract employees who support them in the areas of software, finance, sales mentoring, workplace safety and various legal topics including intellectual property, employment law, and real estate law. Mr. Berger said their business has seen recent revenue growth and based on their projections this will continue. He reviewed employee growth plans then spoke about their intent to purchase a new, larger manufacturing building and outfit it with state of the art electroplating infrastructure. Mr. Berger said they have outgrown their current building at 2625 9th Avenue and intend to purchase the building and equipment located at 875 Lund Boulevard. He outlined the owners’ reasons for their request for public funds which would create more employment opportunities. He said MN DEED has offered assistance, which requires City involvement in the form of a forgivable loan, with the City acting as a pass-through in the amount of $150,000. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 Councilmember Barnett clarified the action would require the City to forgive $60,000 of the total and while she was very appreciative of this business remaining in Anoka she wanted to confirm. Mr. Berger explained DEED forgives the remaining amount through the federal government and that Ehlers and Associates would conduct the financial analysis for $2,500 and the remaining would be staff administrative time upon project completion and not involve City funds at any point. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner confirmed he would review the documents to confirm the process. Councilmember Skogquist asked if there were concerns with tracking or other aspects for reporting and if there was any obligation on the City. Mr. Berger explained if not followed DEED and the business would have to address any repayment. Mr. Lee noted the entire City has the right to charge up to 40% of the loan and confirmed the wording was up to $60,000, which would be forgiven. Mr. Berger said we have the ability to charge for costs from the administrative DEED fund and that staff would apply for reimbursement for staff time. Councilmember Weaver commented the MIF program was created many years ago and suggested reviewing the legislator auditor remarks about its current worthiness because many companies were receiving forgivable loans which could be financed by a bank instead. He said while he was not sure why the program was still available he appreciated Professional Plating remaining in Anoka and growing. Mr. Berger Professional Plating was experiencing difficulties in finding a location and was very pleased when this location became available. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Wesp, which was seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.1 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution in support of Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application; Professional Plating, Inc. contingent upon application for reimbursement for administrative costs through DEED and review by the City Attorney. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.6 as presented. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the process can take two years to complete a project close-out as outlined in Items 6.4 and 6.5. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Order Number 32. 6.4 2020 Combined Street Improvement Project (Bob Ehlen Area SRP Project); Final Payment and Project Close-Out. 6.5 2020 Combined Street Improvement Project (Monroe Area SRP Project); Final Payment and Project Close-Out. 6.6 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Stipulation of Settlement Agreement for Parcel 44. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Planning Items. 7.1.A ORD/Zoning Map Amendment, Rezoning to Low Density Residential; 1800 1st Avenue, 1801 2nd Ave., 1803 1st Ave., 1805 2nd Ave., 1806 1st Ave., 1807 1st Ave., 1811 2nd Ave., 1813 1st Ave., 1814 River Ave., 1819 1st Ave., 1820 River Ave., Unaddressed Parcel PID: 12-31-25-11-0135 (1st Reading) Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report with Council that included a review of land use law and implementation process of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan implementation. Senior City Planner Clark Palmer outlined Area 1 and existing zoning and said that in December 2021, Council adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Part of the plan included adopting the 2040 Future Land Use Map. Four areas of the City were re-guided from their previous land use under the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 In order to implement the plan, the Zoning Map needs to be updated including a rezoning of each of the four areas. One of the four areas re-guided includes: South of Walker Plaza Gardens (100 Monroe Street) between River Avenue and 2nd Avenue, north of Madison Street. Mr. Palmer said this area was re-guided from high density residential/commercial to low density residential which means the area will need to be rezoned to R-1 Low Density Residential in order to be consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. If the City Council desires not to proceed with the rezoning, staff will prepare a Comprehensive Plan Amendment including any changes needed to the 2040 Future Land Use Map. The proposed zoning for this area is R-1 Low Density Residential which mainly allows detached single-family homes at densities of 1 – 4 units per acre. The purpose of the R-1 district is to provide a district for single-family detached dwellings in those areas where such development is consistent with the low-density residential designation of the community plan and compatible with the surrounding land use characteristics. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed zoning map amendment and held a public hearing on November 1, 2022. At the public hearing, no members of the public objected to the proposed amendment. One resident submitted a statement via email in support of the proposed amendment which staff read into the record. The Planning Commission discussed the suitability of this area for higher densities due to the surrounding land uses which are all higher densities and passed a motion to recommend denial of the proposed amendment and instead recommended that the area be guided and zoned for medium density residential. Councilmember Weaver asked if this zoning would allow for apartment buildings. Mr. Palmer said the zoning would only allow for attached and detached single family homes at higher densities such as Lennar townhomes and Riverspointe. He said this area fits a medium density zoning already and does not prohibit single family homes. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about how these actions encourage speculation as property owners were waiting for a large payout and then not invest in their property. He said ambiguity is an issue and it was time to state this area is single family homes and allow people to invest in their homes. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist to approve first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning to low density residential. Motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to deny first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning to low density residential. Councilmember Barnett inquired about comments made regarding potential spot zoning. Mr. Borglund explained that spot zoning occurs when a parcel is singled November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 out and zoned parcel differently than surrounding areas and inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Barnett said this parcel makes sense as you move away from Main Street and understood the feedback from property owners. She noted a private entity could always purchase these properties which is why she changed her mind because she understands development better and therefore reassessed her opinion on this parcel. Councilmember Skogquist shared frustrations about piecemealing and buying up neighborhoods that creates disincentives for properties and discourages reinvestment. He stated it has not been private entities but the City buying parcels and that property owners are tired of this. He said there are historic districts within one block of the downtown area which used to be high density and the Council changed it and if that’s the decision we need to think about this a long- term, comprehensive way. Councilmember Wesp spoke about the new home at 1806 First Ave which was sold at likely over $250,000 from the HRA based on the zoning at the time and the argument was that property owners will invest however they want. Councilmember Weaver said R-1 allows for single family rental and while it is difficult to dictate how landlords are going to maintain their property he noted no one has to sell. Councilmember Barnett said landlords are held to a higher standard because of the rental license which can be suspended or revoked and addressed by code enforcement staff. Councilmember Skogquist remarked that 1806 First Ave had significant investment made and it only happened once where we adopted the Comprehensive Plan and made the density lower. He said clarity was provided for a good investment and lack of clarity has created a situation with spotty lots and lower-maintained properties and while rental property can occur anywhere if grandfathered in under the certain cap duplexes and higher densities do not count towards that cap and cannot happen in single family areas where we can regulate the total number. Mr. Baumgartner reiterated the motion was to not hold first reading and that the Council wished to review the Comprehensive Plan amendment instead Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Motion carried. 7.1.B ORD/Zoning Map Amendment, Rezoning to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2; 511 Monroe St., 523 Monroe St., 533 Monroe St., 535 November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 Monroe St., 541 Monroe St., 609 Monroe St., 613 Monroe St., 631 Monroe St., 639 Monroe St., 1900 6th Ave., 1903 6th Ave., 1908 6th Ave., 1909 6th Ave. (1st Reading) Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating the second re-guided area included North of Monroe Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue and was re-guided from low density residential to mixed use. The goal was to create a unified block all under one zoning district, as today the block is separated into two zoning districts. Also, since the property at 639 Monroe Street was acquired by the HRA for inclusion with the 7th and Main Street redevelopment site, that property will need to be rezoned to allow a redevelopment to take place. The subject area is proposed to be rezoned to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2 (EM-2) in order to be consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. If the City desires not to proceed with the rezoning, staff will prepare an amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning for this area is Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2 (EM-2), which allows for a variety of commercial and residential uses. The purpose of the Main Street Mixed Use District (MS) is to promote harmonious development, redevelopment and rehabilitation of structures along Main Street. Councilmember Weaver confirmed the house at 639 Monroe Street has been purchased and relocated then said he would support denial of first reading with the exception of this property. Councilmember Skogquist shared his support for this area as a residential street and how there was no need to change the north side of the street and for the same logic would like the zoning to remain low density in agreement with the Planning Commission. Councilmember Wesp said he would support the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Mr. Baumgartner explained the Council would have to approve first reading but amend the motion to include all properties with the exception of 639 Monroe Street. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment to exclude all properties from first reading except 639 Monroe Street to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2 with the exclusion of 639 Monroe Street excluding all but 639 Monroe Street. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 7.1.C ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 3; 718 Jackson St., 724 Jackson St., 730 Jackson St., 734 Jackson St., 744 Jackson St., 748 Jackson St., 754 Jackson St., 760 Jackson St., 800 Jackson St., 804 Jackson St. (1st Reading) Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating the next of the four areas to re- guided included south of Jackson Street between 7th Avenue and 8½ Avenue. This area was re-guided from medium density residential to mixed use. The goal was to create a unified block all under one zoning district, as today the block is separated into two zoning districts. The subject area is proposed to be rezoned to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 3 (EM-3) in order to be consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. If the City desires not to proceed with the rezoning, staff will prepare an amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning for this area is Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 3 (EM-3), which allows for a variety of commercial and residential uses including single family homes. The purpose of the Main Street Mixed-use District (MS) is to promote harmonious development, redevelopment and rehabilitation of structures along Main Street. Councilmember Weaver said he would support the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Councilmember Skogquist said he will support this as well but noted the hypocrisy as these two properties were located just off Main Street. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to deny first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 3. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.D Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning to B-4 Limited Business; 710 North St., 711 Buchanan St., 730 Buchanan St., 732 Buchanan St., 750 North St., 801 North St., 811 North St., 815 North St., 833 North St., 2615 9th Ave., 2625 9th Ave., 2632 8th Ave., 2646 8th Ave., 2649 9th Ave., Unaddressed Parcel PID: 06- 31-24-13-0002, Unaddressed Parcel PID: 06-31-24-13-0112 (1st Reading) Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating the last of the four areas to be re- guided included north of North Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue. This area was re-guided from industrial to commercial. The goal was to create a commercial zoning district at this location with the idea that redevelopment may occur sometime in the future resulting in more compatible land uses around and near the surrounding residential neighborhood to the north and east. This area is November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 also considered suitable for commercial due to its proximity to Highway 10 and 7th Avenue and because North Street serves as a collector for the abutting residential neighborhood. The area is proposed to be rezoned to commercial in order to be consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission recommended rezoning the area to B-4 Limited Business due to its allowed/prohibited uses and the district’s purpose and intent. If the City desires not to proceed with the rezoning, staff will prepare an amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed zoning for this area is B-4 Limited Business which allows a variety of commercial uses and residential uses. The B-4 Limited Business District is intended to provide a district for a limited range of office or professional service needs at the periphery of residential neighborhoods or integrated with residential uses. The district is established to provide locations for businesses that typically serve nearby neighborhoods. Because of compatibility factors adjacent to residential uses, other nonretail uses may be permitted only with a conditional use permit. The district is typically located near the intersection of collectors and thoroughfares in areas that are otherwise developed with residences. Councilmember Wesp asked if staff knew why two Planning Commissioners abstained from the vote. Mr. Palmer said he was unsure why they chose to abstain. Councilmember Barnett asked about moving from the new zoning and businesses that were non-compliant. Mr. Borglund said legal non-conforming properties can improve or retain their site. Councilmember Weaver said Anoka had many small family businesses that are important in the community and understood the concerns of the industrial use but was not in favor of changing to B-4 Limited Business and would rather do M-2. He said he did not want to put a burden on non-conforming property owners that would make it difficult when needing a lender and would rather we review permitted uses and leave zoning in place. Mr. Borglund explained part of the Comprehensive Plan process amended properties from industrial to commercial. Mr. Palmer said this area was suitable for heavy industrial going forward and the proximity to Highway 10 and 7th Avenue would be more appropriate. Councilmember Weaver asked if office buildings are permitted in M-2. Mr. Palmer responded office buildings would not be allowed as it was mainly manufacturing. He spoke more about the standards established in 1964 then reviewed in 2008 with amendments in 2009 that updated permitted, conditional and prohibited uses, site design standards, performance standards, and architectural control. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 Councilmember Weaver said he did not want to make it difficult for those businesses already established and asked if we can refine the permitted uses more and not change the zoning at all. Councilmember Skogquist agreed he did not want unintended consequences and spoke about auto repair for example that have been grandfathered in but said there were uses along the highway and railroad tracks, such as Dust Busters and the cement plant, and did not want to see many uses right off 7th Avenue. He said he wanted to protect existing businesses but also not have certain uses use right when you enter Anoka and would like to see B-1 Highway Business to allow for clinics and auto repair for example. Joe Schneider, 811 North Street, said he owned an auto repair business and that he and his neighbors purchased their properties based on current zoning and does not need to change. John Knaus, 732 Buchanan, said his is the only property zoned M-2 but is also his home. He spoke about wanting to install a fence in his backyard but did not want to invest with this potential change. He spoke about the need for the current uses and defied the Council to find any neighbor who has a complaint about these businesses. He said ProPlate was relocating and Bauer tried rezoning years ago and the roll off business spoke about the 1,000-foot setback near the railroad tracks which may still be in place. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to deny first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning to B-4 Limited Business. Councilmember Skogquist asked about next steps if denied. Councilmember Weaver suggested a worksession to help protect the businesses. Mayor Rice spoke about protecting the current uses from what could be but did not prevent what currently was in place. He said zoning was a tool to promote the use we would prefer and can be changed but is also a tool to keep current businesses in place. He said there is no inclination to change from M-2 to B-4 as the current uses are great and agreed ProPlate should be in a more industrial setting and while he is pleased to see them relocate in Anoka this will leave an empty business. He reiterated that property owners can continue as long as they want but this zoning will provide the best value for their properties in the future. Mr. Schneider said they liked the current zoning and there was no need for a change. Mayor Rice said the City did not want to intervene with business owners and will allow current uses to remain but that this will allow property owners to make changes for the future if they desire. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 Eric Kemp, 750 North Street, said he supported B-1 and noted the property owners complied with the zoning requirements. He said while he used to be located in Anoka he outgrew his space and moved to Ham Lake. He said he purchased his property based on zoning and while his current property is vacant but has received three offers based on three different uses and if zoned down will be worth less. Mr. Borglund spoke about including this topic on the December 12 worksession. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/In Support of Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application; Professional Plating, Inc. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.2 ORD/Adding Chapter 22, Article XII. Cannabinoid Products (1st Reading) Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to remove from the table first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Businesses and Services; Establishing Article XII Cannabinoid Products of the Code of the City of Anoka. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Councilmember Weaver asked if he should abstain due to his business relationship with a business who sells products. Mr. Baumgartner said he did not believe there was enough of a personal financial gain to require abstaining but because of the appearance of impropriety he would support the abstention. Councilmember Skogquist noted if there is no legal conflict of interest a member could just disclose the reason for considering abstaining from a vote. Mr. Baumgartner shared a background report with Council stating a draft Cannabinoid Products Ordinance was presented to the City Council for a first reading on September 19, 2022. The Council discussed the draft Ordinance and decided to table the first reading and directed City Staff to bring the topic back to November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 a City Council Work Session for further discussion. At its October 24, 2022 City Council Work Session, Council further discussed the draft Ordinance and directed City Staff to bring back a revised Ordinance, consistent with Council’s direction from the Work Session. Effective July 1, 2022, the Minnesota Legislature amended Minnesota Statutes, Section 151.72, regarding the sale of certain cannabinoid products. The changes to the law amended the scope of the sale of any product that contains cannabinoids that are extracted or derived from hemp and that is an edible cannabinoid product or is intended for human or animal consumption by any route of administration. The law previously authorized a product containing nonintoxicating cannabinoids to be sold, but the authority to sell edible cannabinoid products was unclear and there were no age restrictions on the sale of cannabinoid products. The amended law allows for the sale of a product containing nonintoxicating cannabinoids, including an edible cannabinoid product, to be sold for human or animal consumption only if all the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 151.72 are met, and provided that a product sold for human or animal consumption does not contain more than 0.3 percent of any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and an edible cannabinoid product does not contain more than five milligrams of any THC in a single serving, or more than a total of 50 milligrams of any THC per package. No product containing any cannabinoid or THC extracted or otherwise derived from hemp may be sold to any individual who is under the age of 21. Along with other testing and labeling requirements, edible cannabinoids must meet several other requirements, including that edible cannabinoid products must be packaged without appeal to children and in child- resistant packaging or containers. The sellers of these products are not licensed by the State. The proposed ordinance provides a licensing framework to regulate the sale of cannabinoid products within the City. Councilmember Wesp said the draft was based on the tobacco ordinance and asked about the buffer that would immediately affect two current businesses with their proximity to schools then asked about proposed compliance checks. Mr. Baumgartner said compliance checks similar to liquor and tobacco would be done then spoke about the certificate of analysis and allowing the police department to view the certificate upon request to ensure the product on hand matches with what is being sold from the manufacturer. Captain Youngquist shared how compliance checks would work if adopted and would be at least annual and if failed would include subsequent checks. He said the department supported giving stores the ability to succeed and was comfortable with the language as written for first reading. Mr. Baumgartner the state passed a law as last of session to help legitimize businesses and have responsible business owners doing the right thing while identifying those who may not. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Councilmember Wesp inquired about a proposed fee. Mr. Baumgartner said if adopted there will be an amendment to the fee ordinance that would cover staff costs to license. Councilmember Barnett said this ordinance provided for responsible government as it was important to know who was selling and said she appreciated moving forward with the zoning appropriate for locations for this activity and not allow transient sales or through a vending machine as well as ensuring 18 years or older only can sell. Councilmember Wesp noted the potential for legalization of marijuana is becoming more popular for the upcoming legislative session. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Businesses and Services; Establishing Article XII Cannabinoid Products of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Approving a Special Law Authorizing the City of Anoka Special License and Designation of a Social District. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City is working on plans to reconstruct Jackson Street in 2025 and create a Downtown Entrainment District. In the spirit of creating an entertainment area, a new trend that may be fitting for this area is the creation of a “Social District”. A “Social District” allows customers who buy an alcoholic drink at an establishment to take a drink and go outside of a building or leave a patio area of a restaurant/bar establishment and drink it in a public area inside of the boundary of the “Social District”. Social Districts are being created in downtown areas in other parts of the country. The Minnesota State Legislature, during the 2022 Legislative Session, enacted Minnesota Session Laws 2022, Chapter 86, Article 2, Section 5 authorizing the issuance of a special license and designation of a social district. The Special Law is effective with the approval of the local government unit affected, by resolution adopted by a majority of all members of the governing body. If approved, the Resolution will be submitted along with a “Certificate of Approval of Approval of Special Law by Governing Body” completed by the City Clerk and submitted to Secretary of State’s Office. Councilmember Skogquist asked about the process and timeline for the district. Mr. Borglund said staff is working on the process and timeline but that this action just confirms with the State our intent so it does expire at the State level. November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Anoka to designate a social district and issue special social district licenses. Councilmember Weaver said it is not the intent to allow people to carry alcohol anywhere but will be done in coordination with the businesses and police as part of an overall Jackson Street area. He spoke about the need to be cautious of the narrative so it is done right the first time and that he envisioned this to be similar to the food truck festival with a defined area and not every weekend but only for specific events. Mayor Rice spoke more about the defined area and security as part of the social district. Captain Youngquist said they intended to be very purposeful during this process and will provide input and help guide the conversation to ensure a successful district without adverse contacts. 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 None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Weaver thanked the volunteers and staff for their work on the Waterfowl for Warriors event. Councilmember Wesp spoke about an article in Outdoor News and how an employee from another city reached out to thank Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse for Anoka honoring its veterans. ADJOURNMENT November 21, 2022 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:30 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk