Anoka City Council

December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 5, 2022 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: Councilmember Weaver. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 November 17, 2022, Special Meeting Minutes. November 21, 2022, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Skogquist noted the word “remarked” should be added to Page 6, Paragraph 6, on the November 21, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the November 17, 2022, Special Meeting and November 21, 2022, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared the Christmas tree lighting ceremony went very well and without incident then encouraged the public to be aware of theft and robbery during this holiday shopping season by reporting any suspicious behavior. He spoke about the COPPS unit’s work regarding Landlord Education, Home Alone class, and Toys for Joy events at the Anoka Armory then shared that Officer Joel Moline had started as a probationary officer and that he looked forward to introducing him to Council once his training was completed. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 4.2 Update; Disc Golf at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks shared about the addition of winter disc golf course at Green Haven Golf Course. She said The Cedars was a free course and open for anyone to play then shared photos of the 18-hole course and league information currently forming. She spoke about the app for playing and budget of $11,000 that was slightly higher due to the increased cost of disc golf baskets and thanked everyone involved with the project. Councilmember Skogquist said disc golf has been requested for a while and pleased to see another use for the golf course then thanked staff for their work and asked about the possibility for a summer league. Ms. Jenks said staff was reviewing a location for possible summer leagues. Councilmember Barnett thanked staff for their work on this project and the passion from disc golf members through their donation of time to keep the course going which will continue to increase and bring more people to Anoka. Mayor Rice said this was a great idea and asked if Anoka was the only winter disc golf course in the area. Ms. Jenks said Anoka and Brookview were the only winter courses but The Cedars was the only course north of the Mississippi River. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse said staff will be grooming paths to each hole which is unusual for most courses which will make this a more playable course. Councilmember Skogquist asked how many other courses are associated with a restaurant. Ms. Jenks replied Brookview is the only other course associated with a restaurant which should make The Cedars very popular. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Mike Steel, 2733 Rivers Bluff Lane, congratulated staff on The Cedars disc golf course then shared concerns about current signage near Eagle Brook Church for Cutters Grove and Thurston Avenue and the need for more details to better direct traffic coming off the ramp and the need to yield entering the roundabout. He also thanked all involved for the great communication and traffic management throughout the project. Councilmember Wesp confirmed the concerns raised and agreed those entering the ramp need to yield. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1. 2023 Budget and Levy Presentation. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report that reviewed tax rates compared to surrounding cities then shared the average estimated market value was $310,600 up 22%. The proposed 2023 budget for all funds excluding the HRA component unit was $91,189,496 and the 2023 proposed levy was set at $8,295,505. The proposed levy was an increase of $483,852 or 6.19% above the 2022 levy. Residential property taxpayers will see an increase in City property taxes. The levy increase, along with changes in fiscal disparity contributions and distributions, changes in tax increment and market value all affect the tax rate and the amount of property tax levy distributed to individual properties. She said with the increase in the levy, the Council was able to cover all general fund operating, debt service payments and capital expenditures. Ms. Springer said the total levy was $8,295,505 or approximately a $105 increase in City property taxes and an increase in water rate to $1.55 per 100 cu.ft. and sewer rate increase to $3.52 per 100 cu.ft. Councilmember Barnett noted residents were paying $121.65 average monthly cost in 2021 compared to this year of $134.00 which is only a $13 increase. Councilmember Wesp spoke about how staff originally requested an increase of 22% and that how Council was not comfortable with that size increase and how staff worked to reduce the rate especially with inflation at 7% to a rate of 6.1%. He spoke about the commitment to police staffing of one officer each year over past three years which is important then noted Anoka was the fifth lowest taxable community in Anoka County. He said staff should always request what was needed but said he was pleased they understood the impact on a resident’s monthly budget. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. 5.2. Renewal of Currency Exchange License; Al’$ Check Cashing, LLC, 205 E. Main Street. City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating the State of Minnesota Department of Commerce was requesting the City Council to comment on whether or not the State Currency Exchange License should be issued to Al’$ Check Cashing LLC, 205 E Main Street. He said the Police Department supports issuance of this license and noted there were no other currency exchange licenses in the City. Since the State Department of Commerce is responsible for license applications forms and fees, the City is only commenting that the City has no objection to the State issuing this license. Councilmember Skogquist said he believed Al’$ Check Cashing no longer occupied the space at 205 E. Main Street. Mr. Lee said if staff discovers that is the case that any approval would not be valid. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. 5.3. Sewer Utility Rate Increase. Ms. Springer shared a background report stating annually the City Council reviews the City utility rates during the budget process. This review process involves looking at long-term capital expenditures by annually updating the Capital Improvement Plans for 5 years out. For 2023, staff is recommending an increase in the sewer utility rate beginning in January. The City Charter requires the City Council to hold a public hearing on rate increases to allow the public to comment on the proposed changes. The most recent sewer rate increase was in 2020, rates increased about $1.43 per month for an average water user. Finance is recommending rate increases for sewer for the next several years, to pay for planned infrastructure improvements and increases in operating costs. Proposed increase should generate about $219,000 additional revenues and disposal costs are projected to be up $188,000 in 2023 Capital spending for 2023 is budgeted to be $1,412,550. The proposed increase in the sewer rate is $0.40 per month for the average water user for residential properties which is approximately 1.6% increase in an average monthly sewer utility charge. Councilmember Skogquist said rates are determined on what the City pays to the Metropolitan Council and capital costs and asked about their rate structure change. Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas said the Metropolitan Council has increased rates 4-5% over the past 5-6 years while the City increases fees as needed. Mayor Rice noted the sewer collection is $25 per month and the increase being requested is only 40 cents. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. 5.4. Water Utility Rate Increase. Ms. Springer shared a background report stating annually the City Council reviews the City utility rates during the budget process. This review process involves looking at long-term capital expenditures by annually updating the Capital Improvement Plans for 5 years out. For 2023, staff is recommending an increase in the water utility rate beginning in January. The City Charter requires the City Council to hold a public hearing on rate increases to allow the public to comment on the proposed changes. The most recent rate change was in 2016. The proposed rates will increase residential water $0.64 per month for an average user. Finance is recommending rate increases for water for the next several years to pay December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 for planned infrastructure improvements and increases in operating costs. The proposed increase should generate about $187,000 in additional revenue and capital spending for 2023 is budgeted to be $1,584,900 with transfers out of $210,000. The new proposed water rate is $1.55 per month, up $0.08 per 100 cu.ft. for residential properties which is a 5.4% increase in an average monthly water utility charge. Councilmember Barnett spoke about the long-term capital expenditures for sewer, electric, and others and the underlining need for security for all infrastructure, software, back-up protocols which was critical going forward. Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.3 as presented. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner confirmed that Al’$ Check Cashing was currently closed and suggested that action for renewal of the currency exchange license was contingent upon the current location only. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Renewal of Currency Exchange License; Al’$ Check Cashing, LLC, 205 E. Main Street. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Human Rights Commission Item. 7.1.A. Human Rights Commission Report. Chholing Taha, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission provided an update on the HRC that included a resource document for residents of Anoka. She said the HRC has developed a community resources pages on the City website then confirmed the majority of residents have access the internet connectivity and that an online resource was appropriate. She reviewed the shared resources that included both emergency and non-emergency contacts, as well as mental health needs, mobile crisis units, domestic violence, protective December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 witnesses, financial and energy assistance, food shelves, emergency housing options, senior services, veterans and voting resources, and how people can assist through volunteering and donations. She explained how they intended to update these resources quarterly and will work to share through various avenues. Mayor Rice inquired about other connectivity resources. Ms. Taha said the library, schools, or places of worship would be good locations to use. Councilmember Wesp thanked the HRC for their work as this is what he had envisioned and noted how the document provided direction to resources but did not solve problems then noted a correction was needed for Haven for Heroes. Ms. Taha shared their hope to do active listening sessions with other boards and commissions, especially the public safety and parks board. Councilmember Barnett recognized how long this work took and thanked the HRC for their thoughtful and comprehensive work then suggested the resources be shared further with the community and public, front line staff, police department, seniors and any other way to share the information. Councilmember Wesp added senior lawn care could be a good resource and help avoid assessments for property maintenance. Mr. Lee stated the HRC did an amazing job and noted the resources will be continually updated then shared how the City will embark on an information campaign to share these resources throughout the community. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to accept the HRC report as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7.2 Park Board Item. 7.2.A. 2022 Aquatic Center Annual Report. Ms. Jenks shared a staff report stating the Aquatic Center Annual Report was presented to and accepted by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. For the 2022 season, the Aquatic Center was open for 90 days from May 28 to August 28. The 52 members on staff created a welcoming and safe environment for the nearly 46,000 customers. Of the 52 staff members, 28 of them returned from previous seasons bringing back invaluable knowledge, customer service, and experience. Overall revenue for the 2022 season was $393,660. Daily admissions made up the bulk of our revenue, with 22,945 paid admissions equaling $162,060. The 2022 expenses were $439,241. The season December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 was budgeted at a net loss of $83,770. She reviewed statistics on season passes, open swim, concessions revenue and expenses and goals for 2023. Councilmember Wesp thanked staff for the report and supported the floors being redone in the new pool soon and continuing to have youth attend and use the pool. He said the pool benefits the community and even though we subsidize the cost the surrounding communities use the pool too and thanked staff for their great work. Mayor Rice added the most important role of the center was to teach people how to swim as there were not many resources anymore for that skill. Councilmember Barnett spoke about the differences in the high efficiency water heater and agreed that swim instruction was an essential service and was proud to be open during the pandemic as it was important then asked if the proposed fee structure for 2023 would address any potential cost increases. Ms. Jenks said staff proposed slight increases in admissions and swim lessons and will possibly do the same for concessions as well. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to accept the 2022 aquatic center annual report as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7.3 Planning Item. 7.3.A ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2; 639 Monroe Street (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report with Council stating at the November 21, 2022 regular meeting, the City Council considered zoning map amendments for four areas of the city consistent with the adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. One of the areas considered was north of Monroe Street between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue. At the first reading, the City Council motioned to only proceed with the rezoning of one property within the area, specifically 639 Monroe St., which is currently owned by the City of Anoka Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The property is currently vacant and for the remaining portion of the area staff will need to prepare an amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan which will be discussed at the next work session scheduled for December 12. The subject property is currently zoned R-1 Low Density Residential which mainly allows for detached December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 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 proposed zoning for this property 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 Wesp asked if the HRA currently owned 1919 7th Avenue or would soon because if so, the entire corner will be more marketable. Mr. Lee responded the HRA would be closing soon on this property. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve second reading and adopt an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning to Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2, 639 Monroe Street. 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/Establishing Election Voting Precincts for 2023. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating legislation was put in place effective January 1, 2018, requiring that all municipalities officially designate their precinct locations every year by December 31 for elections occurring the following year. Such a resolution will occur every year here in Anoka, even though our municipal elections occur on even numbered years in the event any special elections come up in an odd-numbered year. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution designating election precinct for 2023 for the City of Anoka. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed this action was to confirm precinct locations only and no amendments to the precinct boundaries. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 9.2 ORD/Adding Chapter 22, Article XII. Cannabinoid Products (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE RES/Summary Publication; Adding Chapter 22, Article XII. Cannabinoid Products RESOLUTION 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 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 Skogquist explained this ordinance was similar to the City’s tobacco ordinance and asked about the implementation process. Mr. Baumgartner explained implementation would be similar to the paraphernalia ordinance that notified current license holders of the proposed changes and allowed 30 days to adhere. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 Councilmember Wesp said it was critically important to adopt this ordinance then noted three companies were currently being sued by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for manufacturing product at 100 mg and not 5 mg so this will be an important law that was not addressed during the legislature earlier this when passed. Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Businesses and Services; Establishing Article XII Cannabinoid Products of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota. Chief Peterson said while he has yet to meet with the retailers, he believed they would be a good resource as to who may be selling without a license. Councilmember Barnett asked about manufacturing aspect going forward. Mr. Baumgartner said he will confirm next steps with staff regarding locations for manufacturing and adhering to those parameters then noted ordinances were not geared towards penalizing responsible business owners but instead those who were not. Mayor Rice spoke about certificate of manufacturing that refers to the strength of THC in products and how the City currently relies on complaints to address but will need to be more proactive and monitor to hold businesses accountable to the ordinance. He added a reasonable warning should be given to anyone using this product that dosing could have a negative effect. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Barnett seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution approving a summary 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. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Supporting Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council’s Renewal of Legislation for Future Public Safety Projects. RESOLUTION Chief Peterson shared a background report stating staff is requesting Council approve a resolution supporting Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council's Renewal of Legislation for Future Public Safety Projects. This resolution reflects the support of the Anoka City Council in support of the revision to State law December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 authorizing Anoka County to issue bonds to fund public safety projects. The City of Anoka is a member of the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council (JLEC), which was formed nearly 50 years ago, to benefit the public safety for the residents of Anoka County. All communities in Anoka County are being asked to adopt a similar resolution. This resolution does not obligate the City to any financial participation, it is simply a statement of support. The JLEC supports a legislative change to allow the use of specific bonding authority in Minnesota Statute 383E.21 to fund future county-wide public safety projects. The Public Safety Levy has been used for various large items in the past with countywide implications, including 800-megahertz implementation and the Anoka County Public Safety Data System (which is our CAD dispatch system, records system, etc.). Councilmember Wesp stated as the JLEC representative he has seen partnerships throughout form and was a great way for the County to work as a whole with new incoming leadership. He confirmed this action was not allowing the County to take on more representation referred to in some incidents but would be used for projects such as having enough fencing available in the event of an assembly, radio frequency, CAD, and county-wide fire suppression system for mutual aid. He said JLEC was a very efficient and collaborative organization and supported the resolution. Councilmember Barnett said while there may be some concerns they are small and can be addressed and not in our purview and that based on past successes and other cities we should continue this work until 2033 for infrastructure and technology upgrades. Councilmember Wesp spoke about owning our own electric utility and the potential for county-wide issues like the recent sabotage in South Carolina and knocking out power. He said it was important to have plans in place should communications or functionality go down and critical that we work together as one County. Chief Peterson shared an example of a recent project to redo dispatch, software, computers, and staffing which was accomplished under budget and operating in a totally different way and how this way one city does not have to levy their residents only to pay for large projects. Mayor Rice spoke about collaboration and mutual aid with other cities and the need for similar equipment such as fire hydrant connections and how JLEC works to help us communicate throughout the entire County. Councilmember Wesp commented on joint fire departments and issues with calling out mutual aid for Hennepin County for example which shows the importance of this collaboration. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Wesp seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a resolution in support of Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council’s renewal of legislation for future public safety projects. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 ORD/Adopting 2023 Master Fee Schedule. (1st Reading) Mr. Lee shared a background report stating annually staff reviews the fee schedule and determines whether or not a recommendation should be made to the Council to adjust the fees that the City charges for services and licenses. Fees are to be based on the actual costs to provide the service, issuance/enforcement of a license or code regulation, background checks, materials, time, etc. He outlined the proposed changes in detail and recommended Council approve first reading. Councilmember Skogquist inquired about the logic of having two fees different in cannabinoids for the certificate of analysis and cannabinoids. Mr. Baumgartner stated there was additional components for compliance and education regarding cannabinoids as opposed to others. Ms. LaCasse spoke about the need for contract cleaning for rental facilities and reducing complaints and how the Park Board regrouped based on size and amenities and created fees by hour during the week and in longer blocks on the weekends. She reviewed use of the online reservation software then shared about season passes for aquatic center and other fees. Councilmember Skogquist noted type buildings was misspelled then asked more about the zoning letter. Mr. Palmer explained a zoning letters was requested as certification to a bank when planning to purchase property. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold first reading of an ordinance establishing a fee schedule for the City of Anoka effective January 1, 2023. Councilmember Barnett requested review be done by the police department on new tobacco, liquor, and other licenses to ensure they are equitable going forward. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Barnett, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions. Mr. Lee stated per City policy staff advertised for applications for the annual board/commission appointments during the month of October. This was published in the Anoka Union, posted on the City website, Facebook, Twitter and also posted on the City readerboard. The noticed requested that applications be submitted by November 28. He shared a summary of the board/commission positions that were scheduled to expire, as well as the status of the applications received, whether or not the individual is re-applying or a new applicant and also describes the requirements to serve on each of the Boards/Commissions, then reviewed the Boards/Commissions that will require votes because there were more applicants than positions available. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the annual appointments as presented to the boards and commissions. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Councilmember Wesp noted Curt Rekstad and he were employed by same employer and suggested appointing him and Julie Smith. Councilmember Barnett said Ephantus Mwangi and Kirk Schnitker had strong applications and shared feedback to current members to submit more complete applications going forward to help learn more about each commissioner. Councilmember Skogquist agreed and encouraged people to apply. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve the appointments for Curt Rekstad, Julie Smith and Ephantus Mwangi to the Economic Development Commission. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to approve the appointment of Lori Manzoline to the Housing and Redevelopment Commission. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Mayor Rice noted three of the six applicants were current members and that historically Council has favored appointments to those who have served. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the appointments of Joe Anderla, Steve Gunderson, and Donald Rowell to the Park and Recreation Board. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Councilmember Skogquist stated this was difficult because so many individuals were qualified to serve. Mr. Lee agreed and encouraged those to attend meetings and get involved even if not appointed. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve the appointment of Jan Call, Susan Dergantz, Leslie Ganser, Eileen Rathbun, to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Board. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Mayor Rice welcomed back current members and welcomed new members and encouraged others to become involved in the boards and commissions as it would likely strengthen them. 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. Mr. Baumgartner updated the Council about an incident that occurred on July 25, 2022, involving a foot pursuit and resulting injury with the person. He said the person was still detained in Freeborn County on a warrant and has filed a petition for seized property to recover his wallet and other personal items, including two envelopes of $4,000 cash each. He said the police officers did an outstanding job regarding the incident and how this was a great example of how body worn cameras help in incidents, confirming there was no evidence of envelopes of cash at the scene. He said they were hoping for a ruling from the bench and will update Council as this continued. Mr. Lee shared on update on construction status for the Highway 10 project then shared a drone video to show the project as it exists today. He thanked MnDOT and Anoka County for working with the City on bolstering communication for reliever routes and improvements to assist with traffic then noted sound walls and bridge construction will occur during the winter months but will have no impact to lane use. December 5, 2022 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 Councilmember Barnett asked if there have been any concerns from the industrial park with regard to deliveries. Mr. Lee said no concerns have been received and that the changes should make things easier and assist with backups. Councilmember Skogquist shared an update on the MMPA’s rating increase from A+ to AA- which will make them more credit worthy then shared the recent press release regarding plans for a renewable natural gas plant in Elk River which will be a great way to have a renewable energy source for stabilized pricing. Mr. Lee shared the Highway 47/ railroad grade separation project will be on the next worksession agenda then noted staff met with the DNR last week about the proposal for a new road being constructed on the river bluff which was against statute and the need to work with MnDOT on this topic. Ms. LaCasse said if Council wished staff could work on a radar speed indication for the ramp. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:36 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk