Anoka City Council

January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 3, 2023 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 Scott (elect), Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer. Absent at roll call: None. OATH OF OFFICE City Manager Greg Lee issued the oath of office to Councilmembers Sam Scott, Erik Skogquist, and Mayor Phil Rice. A round of applause was offered by all present. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 November 28, 2022, Worksession. December 19, 2022, Regular Meeting and Closed Executive Session. Councilmember Skogquist identified Anoka resident Michelle Olson who spoke during the November 28, 2022, Worksession on Page 5, Paragraph 8. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the November 28, 2022, Worksession and December 19, 2022, Regular Meeting and Closed Executive Session minutes as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Chris Riley; Anoka Car Show Recap and Presentation of Check. Chris Riley, Anoka Car Show, congratulated the newly-elected members then said the Anoka Car Show averaged 313 cars per show in 2022, up 20% from the January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 2 of 8 previous year. He said the show was operated by volunteers and Boy Scout Troop 233 then thanked sponsor’s Mauer Main, Billy’s, NorthStar Towing, Two Scoops, and Ace Solid Waste. He said all businesses benefit from the car show by having visitors come downtown then shared plans for 2023 and presented a check for $2,525.00 to the City of Anoka. Councilmember Weaver asked about the impact of any potential construction with Anoka County and said alternatives could be good having the car show closer to the river and even on both sides of Main Street. Mr. Riley said they were aware of potential projects and will work with City staff on possibilities as needed. Councilmember Skogquist thanked the group for hosting such a great event and working the entire summer. 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson said he will be formally sharing the 2022 year-end report soon but shared last year’s highlights including hiring four new officers, managed many special events, continued COVID-19 response, and others and said they had a positive year overall. He spoke about the loss of Officer Groebner and anticipated retirements then provided an update on the construction of the new gun range/animal containment facility opening in the spring. He spoke about the challenges with recruitment and retention and work to address the chief complaint received regarding traffic, speeding, signs, and volume. Councilmember Scott thanked the Chief Peterson for the recent tour and concerns regarding retention and recruitment, stating training is a great way to build staffing and thanked him for creating such a great culture. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Ed Evans, 1186 Benton Street, shared comments about having to choose between working as an Ice Rink Attendant and serving on the Utility Advisory Board and how review of the City Charter had caused much disruption in the Parks Department. He shared frustrations regarding conflict of interest with seasonal employment and serving on commissions and how the action was purposefully done and how Councilmember Scott must approve of this action after working with Councilmember Skogquist and requested if Councilmember Scott had formally resigned from the Park Board. Mr. Lee confirmed Councilmember Scott’s letter of resignation has been received and will be accepted at the next meeting. Barb Thurston, Third Avenue, reviewed the City’s current loan programs that allows loans issued to those 62 or older can be forgiven at 30 years and said this timeline is not realistic and should be reviewed. Mr. Lee said he would share January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 3 of 8 these comments with the HRA for review but noted there were different loan programs available, one for street reconstruction projects and another for home improvements. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.6 as presented. Councilmember Skogquist requested staff monitor the gambling permit for Alano as it was a new license and a different location than usual as there could be concerns with parking, etc. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Resignation from Utility Advisory Board; Ed Evans. 6.4 Recommend Approval of an LG240B Gambling Permit for Anoka Today Alano to Allow Them to Conduct Bingo Events at 2700 N. Ferry Street, Anoka during the Year 2023. 6.5 Consideration of a Temporary Liquor License; Church of St. Stephen’s/Mardi Gras February 18, 2023. 6.6 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Gambling Permit (Raffle and Tipboards); Church of St. Stephen’s/Mardi Gras February 18, 2023. Councilmember Weaver thanked Dr. Evans for his service on the Utility Advisory Board. Mayor Rice shared his appreciation for Dr. Evans’ monitoring of Council to ensure they stood firm and could defend positions. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 4 of 8 None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Annual Designations and Appointments to Various Committees. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Anoka City Council Bylaws and Charter require that at the first meeting in January, the Anoka City Council shall: (1) choose a Mayor pro-tem (Acting Mayor) from the Council who shall perform the duties of the Mayor during the disability or absence of the Mayor from the City, or in the case of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, until a successor has been appointed and qualified; and (2) designate the official newspaper, (3) designate official posting location, (4) designate date/time of regular meetings and worksessions, (5) appoint such officers, employees, and committees, and citizens to various boards and organizations as may be necessary; The City received only one proposal for designation of the official newspaper, which came from the Anoka County Union and that historically the City would appoint the Mayor Pro- tem (Acting Mayor) on a rotation basis but the Council does not have to follow that same practice. Councilmember Weaver asked if there were other options for the official newspaper as the Statute was out of date and that more online notification should be appropriate. He suggested the City work to encourage the legislature to allow more options for publication requirements. Mr. Lee agreed the website was far more productive and less costly then spoke about City postings, formal meeting schedules, appointed City Attorney and City Engineer representation, Timesavers, and Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Skogquist suggested Councilmember Weaver be designated as Mayor Pro Tem. Mr. Lee reviewed the ABLA appointments for 2023. Discussion was held to appoint Councilmember Weaver with Councilmember Scott as the alternate for ABLA, appoint Mayor Rice and Councilmember Wesp to the Fire Board, appoint Councilmember Wesp to the Anti-Crime Commission, and appoint Councilmembers Scott and Wesp to the Fire Protection Council. Councilmember Skogquist asked what the Fire Protection Council does. Councilmember Wesp said it was a consortium for all communities that have fire protection and explained further what they do. Mayor Rice noted upcoming funding issues will be interesting for future coverage. January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 5 of 8 Mr. Lee said staff is recommending Recreation Manager Nicki Jenks to the Community Education Advisory Council. Councilmember Skogquist noted he attends these meetings but not as a City representative. Mr. Lee outlined the remaining recommended appointments: Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council – Councilmember Wesp and Chief Peterson LRRWMO – Councilmember Weaver, Mayor Rice alternate MMPA – Councilmember Skogquist, Utility Director alternate MMUA – Ed Evans, Utility Director and Councilmember Skogquist Twin Cities Gateway – Pete Turok, Councilmember Weaver NMMA – Mayor Rice, City Manager Lee NW Consortium (Youth First)– Finance Director Springer QCTV – Councilmember Skogquist, City Manager Lee Councilmember Skogquist noted the City does not contribute to Youth First then asked more about the funding requirements for activity or just for funding. Mr. Lee responded Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution relating to annual designations and appointments as presented for 2023. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Annual Designations of Financial Depositories. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating annually, the City Council adopts a resolution designating the official depositories and signees. He outlined the resolution which would designate U.S. Bank and Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund for 2023. Councilmember Scott asked if it was typical to have one bank designated. Mr. Lee responded historically there have been two banks designated. January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 6 of 8 Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution relating to designation of official depositories and signees for 2023. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Approving Master Subscriber Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services for Governmental Agencies. RESOLUTION Chief Peterson shared a background report stating it was requested that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Police Chief to sign the Master Service Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services with State of Minnesota. Minnesota Government Access (MGA) provides electronic access to appropriate court records and documents for a government agency through login accounts for the individual agency users. In order to access the Minnesota Court Data Services, the Master Subscriber Agreement must be signed. Access to Court Data Services provides efficient performance of duties required or authorized by law or court rule in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any Federal, State, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body. Mayor Rice said there have been questions recently about allowing access and accountability and monitoring. Chief Peterson explained that Minnesota BCA and FBI have tight controls and that cities and counties have been sued for accessing data without reason and that subscriber agreements require individual log ins for access tracking and reasons for access. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution approving Master Subscriber Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services for Governmental Agencies. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Consideration of Appointment to Heritage Preservation Commission; Cory Rahn. Mr. Lee stated currently the City has one opening on the Heritage Preservation Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2025. Cory Rahn previously January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 7 of 8 served on the Heritage Preservation Commission and planned to reapply when the Council made the annual appointments but his application was not received prior to the meeting. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to appoint Cory Rahn to the Heritage Preservation Commission to a term to expire December 31, 2025. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 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 Wesp noted Council will be reviewing proposed uses for Ryan Companies PUD request on January 17 and commented about the need for a grocer in this area. Councilmember Weaver asked for update on snowplowing activities. Public Services Director Mark Anderson outlined the upcoming snowplow schedule which will begin tomorrow at 3AM with the goal to have all roads in good condition by noon and to direct any concerns to Public Works. Councilmember Weaver asked about the schedule for hydrant clearing. Mr. Anderson explained hydrant clearing has not been addressed yet due to the large snow event but said that work will begin and stressed the importance of having hydrants available in the event of a fire. Mayor Rice encouraged residents to help clear hydrants in their areas to help ensure safety for all. Mr. Lee reviewed a recent email from Commissioners Braastad and Schulte regarding the proposed new jail construction and said the item will be scheduled for the January 23 worksession. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. January 3, 2023 (Regular) Page 8 of 8 Time of adjournment: 8:06 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk