Anoka City Council

February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 6, 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, Skogquist, Weaver , and Wesp, (Weaver participating remotely for personal family matters from Babbit, MN) Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Assistant Building Office/Code Enforcement Keith Demarest; Electric Utility Director Del Vancura; Public Services Director Mark Anderson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 January 17, 2023, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Skogquist noted a spelling correction was needed referencing Fire Captain Scott Perrier. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the January 17, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Councilmember Skogquist referenced a point of order stating roll call votes would be needed since Councilmember Weaver was participating remotely. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson presented a police activity update that included five DWI arrests, all made before any accident occurred and ranged from blood alcohol content of .13 to .23. He said they arrested 19 people with DWIs in February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 Anoka so far this year which was a sharp increase from last year then shared the impacts of driving while intoxicated. He shared an update stating staffing levels for non-sworn personnel was down and how they rebranded positions to CSOs which resulted in four new hires soon with the hope to be fully staffed this spring. Chief Peterson shared about the City’s auto and catalytic theft prevention programs as well as emergency responder notification stickers to help identify those in homes who may have special needs or trouble communicating for quicker response in an emergency. Councilmember Skogquist congratulated the police department for their outstanding response during a recent Cub Scout meeting when a child had a medical need. He thanked the officers who responded quickly and comforted the mother and child, adding their level of compassion was wonderful. Councilmember Wesp inquired about the increased DWI trend. Chief Peterson said part of the reason may be due to being fully staffed which leaves more time for traffic control duties, adding all arrests were part of a proactive effort and not in response to calls from the public. 4.2 Introduction of Keith Demarest, Community Development. Community Development Director Doug Borglund introduced Keith Demarest, Community Development Department, whose role included code enforcement and rental licensing, adding he was currently working on certification for building inspection. He said Mr. Demarest has been with the City for five months and was doing important work in our community. Mr. Demarest shared his background and said he was blessed to be working in the City and would work hard to leave the City a better place. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Jason Robert Berry, Anoka Community Mission, thanked the City for their support of the Mission as they were celebrating 10 years of serving the community. He thanked the Council for creation of the Round Up Program which helps to fund power for the freezer and refrigerators to store food for their distribution center. He shared about the increase of families served since last year and thanked Anoka leadership for their support, compassion, and kindness that helped to empower them to help families in need. Councilmember Weaver thanked Mr. Berry and the Mission for their energy and positivity and for all they do for Anoka. Mayor Rice shared his appreciation for the help the Mission provides families. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Loan Application; Graco. RES/In Support of a Minnesota Investment Fund Loan Application for Graco. RESOLUTION RES/In Support of Job Creation Fund Application for Graco. RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating as a recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. He shared more about their background then stated Graco Minnesota Inc. is looking to construct a 170,000-square foot building that is on undeveloped land that Graco owns in Anoka Enterprise Park. The new building will increase the tax base and Graco expects to add at least 43 new jobs within the next two years, which will add to the 240 jobs that exist in the existing adjacent building in Anoka. Graco is proposing to use the MIF funds for machinery and equipment with an estimated value of $3.25 million. The City of Anoka is seeking to build and diversify the City’s tax base and well as retain and expand local business. As a result of Graco’s new job creation efforts and planned overall investment in the new property in the City of Anoka, MN DEED has offered the following assistance, which requires City involvement in the form of a forgivable loan, with the City acting as a pass-through that would include $250,000 in direct assistance from the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) in the form of a fully forgivable loan. In order to move forward with pursuing the MIF Funds, the City will work to complete their portion of the MIF application, hold tonight’s public hearing, and adopt a resolution in support of the project. Councilmember Wesp stated his nephew worked at Graco and had contacted him when he learned Graco was considering expansion. Councilmember Skogquist thanked Graco for their investment in the City and asked about timing for this expansion to get started. Rachel Gradner, CBRE, thanked Council for their time and said the decision about whether to expand would be made this quarter and if so, construction would begin in May and be completed in 12-18 months with hiring to ramp up upon construction completion. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 Councilmember Skogquist asked if the expansion will be attached to the existing facility. Jill Haubenschild, Operations Manager Graco, said they intend to construct 170,000 square feet attached to the west side of the current building, adding when the plans of expansion were announced their employees were thrilled as they do not want to leave Anoka. Angie Wordell, Operations VP Graco, explained Graco’s work that included lots of manufacturing, assembly, and C&C machines and that the addition would be an extension of this, adding the current facility is full and this approval will allow them to expand. Councilmember Wesp noted the building was constructed 25 years ago for an inline skate manufacturer and locals put that business together and that he was pleased to see this being completed. He referred to Graco’s large investment in the Rogers area too and hoped this expansion would be substantial for Anoka as well. He stated the enterprise park and bridge over Thurston was an idea of past Council and that Lund Industries have a nice addition and that many employees would be added with the new space. Ms. Haubenschild responded they had over 200 employees onsite and would be doubling manufacturing space but noted automation efforts would be added resulting in less footprint and that they hoped to hire 50 employees by 2028. Ms. Gradner said they intend to hire just before construction for training, adding the majority would be hired by 2026 with incremental headcounts by 2028. Ms. Wordell shared their hope that business would be great resulting in hiring more. Mr. Borglund stated staff was currently working with Graco’s development team on the planning process and entitlement process. Mayor Rice said the City was grateful for Graco’s investment in the community and commented that if their employees were pleased that it was reflective of Graco and their service. 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 Weaver, which was seconded by Councilmember Wesp, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.1 and 9.2 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 Councilmember Skogquist said this would be a great investment in the City and while they would be State funds this would more than cover the costs in less than a year. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution in support of a Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application for Graco, Minnesota, Inc. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution in support of a Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) Forgivable Loan Application for Graco, Minnesota, Inc. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Skogquist inquired about Item 6.4, stating previous change orders occurred in the western portion of project and this was on the eastern portion of the project and asked about the funding source. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson said this change order would be paid through Anoka Electric to provide the extra conduit to control the Anoka medallions for remote control, adding MnDOT would provide an invoice for all change orders once the project was complete. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.7 as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Orders Number 23, 24, and 38. 6.4 Highway 10 Rum River Bridge and Corridor Project; Approve Change Order Number 24. 6.5 Issuance of a Tobacco License for the Gr8 Vape LLC, 500 W. Main Street, #7A. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 6.6 Recommended Approval of an LG240 Bingo Permit; Knights of Columbus at St. Stephen’s Church, March 4, 2023. 6.7 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Women’s Care Center at St. Stephen’s Church, May 18, 2023. 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 B-1 Highway 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. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating in December 2021, the Council adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Part of the plan included adopting the 2040 Future Land Use Map which, in part, re-guided the subject area from its previous land use of industrial to commercial. In order to implement the plan, the Zoning Map needs to be updated to be consistent with the adopted 2040 Future Land Use Map. In November 2022, the City Council was forwarded a recommendation by the Planning Commission to rezone the subject area to B-4 Limited Business. However, after receiving feedback from affected property and business owners, the City Council directed staff to prepare a Zoning Map amendment rezoning the property to B-1 Highway Business. The goal of the rezoning is 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 also considered suitable for commercial due to its proximity to Highway 10 and 7th Ave, and because North Street serves as a collector for the abutting residential neighborhood. He reviewed current and proposed zoning that include permitted uses such as retail, restaurants, medical and dental, hotels, professional offices, health clubs, banks and insurance offices, and other uses. Conditional uses allowed in the district include automobile repair and services businesses including office-warehouse (contractor, painter, HVAC). Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning to B-1 Highway Business. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7.1.B ORD/Zoning Text Amendment; Chapter 78, Art. V, Div. 3, Section 78-270 (f); B- 6 Neighborhood Commercial Business; Adding “Event Center” as a Conditional Use. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating Blayee Taye was seeking a zoning text amendment to allow an event hall use to operate within the B-6 Neighborhood Commercial Business District. The applicant was interested in establishing an event hall at 504 East River Road, a multitenant commercial property, within one of the units, specifically the unit formerly occupied by Family Video. The property is zoned B-6 Neighborhood Commercial Business. The use of event hall is not a use that is listed in the zoning district regulations and is therefore considered prohibited. The applicant has requested the use of event hall be added to the uses allowed in the B-6 district, however City Code currently defines event center in the definitions section of the Zoning Code as a room, series of rooms, or building used for the hosting of parties, banquets, weddings or other receptions or social events”. Therefore, if the zoning text amendment is considered for approval, staff and the Planning Commission recommends substituting event hall for event center. For this application, we are reviewing and considering a proposed text amendment to the entire B-6 district. This means if approved, the use would be allowed within the entire B-6 district, not just at the subject property of 504 East River Road. The purpose of the B-6 zoning district is “to provide appropriately located areas for low intensity retail stores, offices, and personal service establishments patronized by residents of the neighborhood area. The uses allowed in this district are to provide goods and services on a limited community market scale and located in areas which are well served by collector or arterial street facilities at the edge of residential districts.” He reviewed other assembly uses allowed in the B-6 district and how other considerations pertaining to the suitability of the proposed land use in the zoning district should include impacts to the surrounding land uses and general public. Mr. Palmer said to mitigate anticipated impacts of the proposed land use on adjacent properties, if considered for approval, staff and the Planning Commission recommends the use be listed as a conditional use, not a permitted use, so that further standards and conditions of approval can be considered and applied on a case-by-case basis. This means, if the zoning text amendment is approved as recommended, the applicant would return to the City Council for consideration of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application before establishing the use at the subject property. The CUP review process would include a public hearing and notice mailed to property owners within 350 feet of the subject property. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 Mayor Rice asked if Council was comfortable with an event center in the B-6 zoning area. Councilmember Weaver shared concerns about parking and people walking along 5th Avenue from an event and while he was pleased with those wanting to make an investment Council should proceed with caution and be sure they were comfortable with an interim use. Councilmember Skogquist said he felt the other areas were more neighborhood commercial while others feel more business commercial and felt the area would be acceptable overall as long as the applicant understands the City will be monitoring impacts since its adjacent to residential and that there may be a risk should changes be needed. Mr. Borglund clarified said if approved as an interim use the property owner would have to apply, not the applicant. Councilmember Weaver said if the interim land use is with the property owner but they have a long-term lease with a tenant how will that work if there is a breach of conditions. Mr. Baumgartner responded that City Code sets forth parameters where an interim use could be revoked then stated the City had the right to enforce an interim use and address any violations, notwithstanding a long-standing lease. Mr. Palmer confirmed the applicant would have to apply for a permit and Council would specify the term of the permit. Mr. Baumgartner it would behoove the property owner to build something into the lease with the user consistent with conditions outlined by Council. Mayor Rice said this is challenging because if there is likely an application coming forward so have the reason for the change and have to be ready. Mr. Palmer outlined the options available to Council to hold second reading as presented, amended, or deny. Councilmember Skogquist said he was pleased to have people wanting to invest in Anoka and would support the ordinance as amended to include event center as an interim use. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to hold second reading and adopt an amended ordinance amending Chapter 78, Article V, Division 3, Section 78- 270(f)(3), Interim Uses, Event Center, of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 Councilmember Weaver said he hoped staff heard Council’s concerns so when a property owner comes forward the conditions will be properly addressed in any future application. Mayor Rice said he did not anticipate challenges with small events but larger events could be a concern. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1. RES/In Support of a Minnesota Investment Fund Loan Application for Graco. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.2. RES/In Support of Job Creation Fund Application for Graco. ACTED UPON AFTER PUBLIC HEARING 9.3 ORD/Lease Extension with The Tavern at Green Haven, LLC, for Food and Beverage Services at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. (1st Reading) City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating the Tollettes, owners of The Tavern, which currently lease space at Green Haven, are requesting a two-year extension on their lease to December 31, 2025. This extension will allow The Tavern to book events out past the expiration of the current contract while the City and The Tavern negotiate a new contract. Under the current contract, The Tavern pays the city $3,000 in rent per month and 4% commission on gross sales. City staff has identified expenses related to the operation of The Tavern and have negotiated payment of these additional expenses by the Tavern, which are included in the amendment to the lease. He shared an amended cost analysis that outlined tenant maintenance costs to be approximately $6,000, about $21,000 more than in 2022 and was acceptable to the Tollettes. He clarified the City would not be subsidizing any portion and would receive $3,000 per month in rental income if approved. Councilmember Weaver applauded staff for creating square footage and common area maintenance charges which is imperative as actual numbers related to actual expenses, including taking into account inflation and other real costs. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 Jason and Sherry Tollette, The Tavern, thanked staff for clarifying the lease and said they were excited to be at Green Haven longer. Mayor Rice said this extension provides both the opportunity to grow and make changes to the facility. Councilmember Weaver stated the City will be successful when The Tavern and staff are both successful. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to hold first reading of an ordinance approving a lease amendment between The Tavern at Green Haven, LLC and the City of Anoka relating to the Food and Beverage Services at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. Mr. Baumgartner highlighted a few amended elements of the lease including definition of TAM costs, unusable area with rent reduction if occurred, adequate electrical service, and others stating the remainder of the lease remained unchanged. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2023 Street Renewal Project – Franklin Area Phase I; Approve Feasibility Report and Set Public Improvement Hearing. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating a resolution was adopted by City Council on September 6, 2022, authorizing the preparation of a feasibility report for the 2023/2024 Street Renewal Projects (SRP). This feasibility report includes the entire “Franklin Area” neighborhood as it was more economical to complete having the preliminary design for the entire area consolidated into one report, which for the city, resulted in a saving of professional services. The “Franklin Area” neighborhood consist of the streets bounded by Branch Avenue to the west, TH-169 (Ferry Street) to the east, Highway 10/169 to the north and West Main Street to the south. The City’s engineering consultant and staff have completed the feasibility report for these projects and a future Council action for the 2024 Street Renewal Project; Franklin Area Phase II portion of the feasibility report will be required. Staff plans to bring back this item for Council consideration in the fall/winter of 2023. The next step in the Chapter 429 process is to have Council accept the 2023 Street Renewal Project; Franklin Area Phase I portion of the report and set the hearing dates. He reviewed the proposed project in detail and proposed project cost of $3,124,000 and asked Council to accept the feasibility report and set the public improvement and assessment hearings. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 Councilmember Skogquist said the project was needed then spoke about the importance of sidewalk connections in these projects and asked about the extension to Calhoun and the possibility of including an east/west sidewalk for Franklin School as well. Mr. Nelson said staff will be meeting with the school district this week and will discuss including that sidewalk extension in the public improvement hearing. Councilmember Weaver referred to the City’s prior goals to use grant money provided by Safeways to Schools and the need to closely monitor the application deadlines as the funds were very important, including crossing over Main Street at Franklin School as there are no warning lights present. Mr. Nelson said there are no funds allocated for 2023 but staff is working on areas in the City for those program funds and will have a list of priority areas ready when funds are available. Mayor Rice said sidewalks are an expensive program for the City to operate and when neighborhoods object to sidewalks it is important to know that the City installs them without assessments because they are so important but agreed the State should be investing in them as well. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution for the 2023 Street Renewal Project – Franklin Area Phase I; approve Feasibility Report and Set Public Improvement Hearing including consideration of a sidewalk on the south side of Calhoun between Wingfield and Branch and direct staff to explore Safe Passage to School funding when available. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/2023 Street Renewal Project – Franklin Area Phase I; Set Assessment Hearing. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for the 2023 Street Renewal Project – Franklin Area Phase I; and set Assessment Hearing. Mayor Rice explained that if the City notices any private sewer connection problems staff will notify homeowners to provide them an opportunity to repair them on their own during the project when it is most affordable. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 Mr. Nelson stated when the contractor identifies any concerns staff assists the homeowner to find the best pricing for their repair. 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 Appointment to Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Lee stated currently the City has one partial term vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Board. City staff published notice of the vacancy per our City policy and received applications from Jacob Hanson, Kiel Jenkin, Sandy King, and Kirk Schnitker. He said this is a partial term vacancy with an expiration date of December 31, 2023. Councilmember Weaver said the City received many great applicants but noted Mr. Schnitker’s association with the Metro Parks and Open Space Commission would provide a great background in helping to obtain grant funds for future projects. Councilmember Wesp said Mr. Schnitker was a founding member of Outdoor Heritage Alliance and columnist for Outdoor News and said his experience with projects in a City with two rivers would be a good addition. Councilmember Skogquist said with a nine-member board it was important to have differing backgrounds and while Mr. Schnitker’s background was great it would be good to have more diversity on the board such as females and those with young families in order to have different perspectives. Councilmember Scott agreed, stating seeing the makeup of the board over the years the youth element can sometimes be overlooked. Mayor Rice encouraged anyone not appointed to attend and contribute to the board during meetings, adding all were excellent candidates. Councilmember Weaver encouraged all voices at meetings to provide input and noted there were openings on other boards and commissions too. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to appoint Kirk Schnitker to the Parks and Recreation Board for a term to expire December 31, 2023. Vote taken. Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmembers Scott and Skogquist voted against. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.2 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Pre-Construction Open House; February 15, 2023, Green Haven Golf Course Event Center. Mr. Nelson said the City of Anoka and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) are working together to reconstruct aging roads and bridges on Highway 10 from the west City limit line with Ramsey to just east of the 7th Avenue interchange and that a pre-construction open house will be held February 15, 2023, Green Haven Golf Course Event Center. 12.2 Legislative Discussion and Updates. Mr. Lee shared the opportunity to discuss any legislative updates. Councilmember Skogquist shared an update from MMPA and the Legislature’s recent bill regarding clean energy by 2040, impacts to the City, and the potential for an energy omnibus bill. Councilmember Weaver said he was surprised about how quickly this bill moved through and how the City was unaware of its status. He said while he understood Xcel Energy did have a real concern with this legislation what will this do to smaller electric providers such as the City if we cannot generate renewable resources and not meet benchmarks as outlined. He spoke about extended funding for MMPA and why the City’s representative was not at the meeting. Mr. Lee noted Dr. Evans was not aware of the bill but was unable to meet and how the meeting was to provide input on impacts to Senator Abeler. He said while the City did not know all future impacts, we did the best we could. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the MMPA extension which extended purchase power through 2060 then shared more about the joint organization with 11 other municipalities and how we want to use natural gas for a while bringing forward wind projects in southwestern Minnesota which increased our renewable energy portfolio. He said while some projects were too expensive to continue it is important to have flexibility and that most projects made sense are renewable anyway then shared further about potential projects and the ability to get credit for February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 projects that are renewable to make good business choices, funding identification, and which projects make sense. Councilmember Wesp commented about the significant change in adapting to items and while renewable energy is important how do we respond to this legislation and its impacts on Anoka then and shared concerns that Councilmember Skogquist had not shared this potential with the City as it is significant. Councilmember Weaver asked if we still have a contract with Manitoba hydro. Councilmember Skogquist said the contract is still in place and that capacity is available if needed then spoke more about the Minnesota Power Association and adding carbon free and renewable categories in the bill and how Manitoba hydro counted as a renewable energy going forward. Councilmember Weaver asked about hydro options in Anoka. Mr. Lee speculated Rum River hydro could generate enough to power up to four City Halls for example. Mayor Rice spoke about the importance of green energy and its impacts and while politics is driving some of this, he was disappointed to see how partisan the bill was then shared comments about the need for backup energy as renewable energy was not always reliable. 12.3 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.4 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Wesp inquired about the need for street repair at 9th and Jefferson Street. Director of Public Works Mark Anderson shared that while the project occurred in 2005 the performance was not as good as expected and will be addressed in the spring. He noted this year’s spring freeze/thaw cycle will be impactful as well throughout the City. Mayor Rice spoke about the balance of renewing streets and getting ahead but having to drive over streets that were redone not even 20 years ago needs to be addressed. February 6, 2023 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 Mr. Lee agreed this will be a difficult spring that will significantly impact City streets. Councilmember Scott spoke about how tennis courts at Sunny Acres experienced upheaval after a couple years and the root cause was due to poor base and how this could be occurring in the streets as well. Mr. Lee spoke about the proposed grocery store development at Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th Avenue and impacts to the adjacent neighborhood and recommended all residents of Rum River Shores be invited to the neighborhood meeting on February 16 at Green Haven to obtain the most feedback. He also shared concerns with potential project delays if approved and recommended the item be placed on the February 21 to keep it on schedule as much as possible. He spoke about potential traffic pattern changes that will be proposed to help address neighborhood concerns with this project. Mr. Nelson shared the City received a $5 million award for the Highway 47 project for 2027 construction, including the signal at McKinley Street as well as a $556,000 grant for trail connection then shared photos from last week’s Winter Fest event. 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: 9:15 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk