Anoka City Council

January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 1 of 9 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 2, 2024 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. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 December 18, 2023 Regular Meeting and Closed Executive Session. Councilmember Skogquist noted under Item 4.3, second paragraph, a change from mound of dirt to amount of dirt. He shared a correction under the Consent Agenda referencing board and commissioners should be City Charter and not City Code and a correction on Page 10 to Representative Jerry Newton. Councilmember Wesp questioned the direction by Council consensus to have last meeting’s Item 9.0 on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Lee said staff understood Council consensus was to bring the item back for reconsideration as the item failed at the December 18 meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2023, Regular Meeting as corrected and the Closed Executive Session as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared an update stating New Year’s Eve celebrations were manageable and resulted in only two arrests and some fireworks complaints January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 2 of 9 but overall well. He said staff was currently compiling year-end statistics that will be shared with Council but they already knew that 2023 was a busy year and while they anticipated surpassing the highest annual total calls for service set in 2019, they did not see any major increases in crime statistics. He spoke about recent retirements and work to hire three new officers to bring the force to fully staffed, COPPS unit hosting several events for the community, and the positive year for community engagement. He shared about promotions within, opening the new training center/animal containment facility, then shared about other upcoming events that will be held. Chief Peterson spoke about the continued challenges with recruitment and retention and how they will work to address that as well as traffic violations to increase community livability. Councilmember Weaver said he was pleased to hear the MN Center Shots were utilizing the gun range as there were many benefits for youth then asked about the social district restaurants who may still be serving outside as evidenced by the trash in the parking areas. Chief Peterson said those concerns were addressed with one establishment already and more investigation will be done to determine which ones who may still be allowing the service and how to address. Councilmember Weaver asked about a recent newspaper article that shared how Elk River police were driving individuals experiencing homelessness at gas stations in Anoka instead of connecting them with services. Chief Peterson said there had been some incidents in the past and that Anoka requested that department to make prearrangements with Stepping Stones shelters before dropping them off but will follow up again. Councilmember Weaver asked if bars were current serving THC-infused beverages. Chief Peterson confirmed some were serving THC-infused products but they were not aware of any issues as a result. Councilmember Wesp asked if this year’s call increase was because people are calling 911 more often. Chief Peterson said it has been the department’s mission to educate the public to report anything suspicious and believe this is part of the increase then shared how City calls have more than doubled since he began. Councilmember Skogquist noticed the City’s population hasn’t changed much but activity has and that could be compared to other cities of larger sizes because downtown Anoka is much busier than what the City’s actual population was. Councilmember Scott commented about how calls have increased in neighboring cities as well. Chief Peterson agreed that all cities in Anoka County are higher than in the past. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 3 of 9 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Skogquist confirmed approval of Amendment Number 1 with the State of Minnesota for Rum River Recreational Trail Easement is south of Anoka High School and the area being washed out and the future trail overlay is the easement of the entire shaded area. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse explained the expansion is for flexibility when the riverbank is rebuilt and how the City wants the ability to go within the 150-foot span for flexibility. She stated no other amendments are being requested in any other way and that staff anticipates going back to the State to request an expansion on the State hospital property by the maintenance garage to address the sloughing in the area. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.9 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 Order Number 74. 6.4 Issuance of a Cannabinoid License for Vikroh Resources, LLC, dba; Speedway, 750 W. Main Street. 6.5 Issuance of a Cannabinoid License for Advik Energy, LLC, dba; BP Food N’ Gas, 3770 N. 7th Street. 6.6 Issuance of a Tobacco License for Advik Energy, LLC, dba; BP Food N’ Gas, 3770 N. 7th Street. 6.7 Issuance of an Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for Advik Energy, LLC, dba; BP Food N’ Gas, 3770 N. 7th Street. 6.8 Approve Labor Contract; Public Services (Parks and Streets Division). 6.9 Approve Amendment Number 1 with the State of Minnesota for Rum River Recreational Trail Easement. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 4 of 9 None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Annual Designations and Appointments to Various Committees. RESOLUTION 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 ECM Publishers/Anoka County Union. He said historically the City would appoint the Mayor Pro-tem (Acting Mayor) on a rotation basis, however the Council does not have to follow that same practice. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the City Attorney’s firm name was correct then suggested Councilmember Scott be appointed as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Weaver asked that staff confirm whether Timesavers business location was still in Madison Lake then commented there had to be another way to publish notices outside of an official newspaper. Mr. Lee explained the criteria needed for notices and how only one choice was available at this time. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for annual designations and appointments as presented with Councilmember Scott as Mayor Pro Tem for 2024. Councilmember Wesp said because of his current schedule he would be willing to step down from the Joint Law Council. Councilmember Scott said he would be willing to serve in this role. Councilmember Skogquist noted MMPA meet at Chaska City Hall now and that the designations for MMUA should be Utility Director Del Vancura and the Utility Advisory Board Chair. January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 5 of 9 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. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Annually, the City Council adopts a resolution designating the official depositories and signees and that staff recommended those designations for 2024 be U.S. Bank and Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution for designation of official depositories and signees. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/West Rum River Trail; Phase 1 Project; Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bids, and Set Bid Date. RESOLUTION Ms. LaCasse shared a background report stating on March 31, 2022, staff submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) 2022FY Local Trails Connection program for Phase 1 of the West Rum River Trail (formerly referred to as the ‘Riverwalk’). The Phase 1 project was estimated at a cost of $350,000. The maximum grant award available was $250,000. On June 23, 2022, the City received notification of a partially awarded 2022 Local Trail Connections Program grant in the amount of $200,000 to connect local pedestrian routes and regional trails to the waterfront's historic sites and natural beauty. City non-state funds cash match of 25% is required. Due to the estimated project cost the City’s match amount will be at least $150,000 from the Park Dedication Fund. Completion of the first trail phase will provide opportunities for expanded access to the riverfront in future phases. The Phase I portion of the project includes the following features: • Construction of 1,800 linear feet of meandering trail on the west bank of the Rum River • Bituminous trail; 8-foot minimum width with an additional 2-foot clear zone on either side • Large block retaining wall • Interpretive signs for the Amphitheater, Giddings Gardens, and Stone House • Map Kiosks • Permanent pedestal base with electrical for ‘Iron Jack’ pumpkin • Park amenities such as benches, waste/recycling bins, conduit for future trail lighting • Red paver brick accents • Native plants, trees, and shrubs. This trail segment will connect the to the existing local and regional trails and will allow access to the significant scenic, natural, and cultural resources on the west bank of the Rum River which include the Stone House, Giddings Gardens, and the Amphitheater. Interpretive signage and a trail kiosks January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 6 of 9 will match the design used in Riverfront Memorial Park. Interpretive monuments will help inform visitors about the natural and cultural history of the river and adjacent sites. As of December 27, 2023, the current project cost for construction is $508,265 plus 10% contingency of $50,826.50 for a total project estimate of $559,091.50. Councilmember Weaver said this project is a precursor of what’s to come with the Rum River dam project and will result in something similar to the San Antonio Riverwalk which will be prenominal. Councilmember Skogquist said he liked the recommendation to have the full project as this is a key location and asked if earmarking for other park capital or dedication that could be used. Ms. LaCasse said the Park Board will meet January 23 and will consider use of $400,000 in park dedication funds but noted there are no other funds in the park capital fund. Councilmember Skogquist said he was in favor of this project and noted many of other parks need upkeep and would like to see if other funding can also be used. Councilmember Weaver said the 220 feet is critical and asked if that includes the area to the stone house as the destination. Ms. LaCasse said the connection with grant dollars brings in ADA requirements which may be difficult at this time as they would affect the bridge as it currently is and not be as historic but said staff can certainly work to make that connection. Councilmember Weaver said we will ultimately end up using grant funds at some point anyway. Ms. LaCasse explained the connection to the trail to the island is separate but the 220 feet is different and gets us to the west side of the dam and the crossing and explained how the dam modification project will spur the next phase. Councilmember Skogquist said the uniqueness of this project and the need for mason work for the stone grills is difficult and that he hoped to find solutions for both the grills and bridge and supported the project. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution for the West Rum River Trail: Phase 1 Project; Approve Plans & Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set Bid Date with the inclusion of the 220 feet as outlined. Mayor Rice spoke about planting trees and how the white pines in Peninsula Park and other areas in Anoka and Minnesota along the Mississippi River should be included as they represent history. Ms. LaCasse agreed and said native specifies will be included in areas where they will thrive. January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 7 of 9 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Approving a Purchase Agreement; City’s Purchase of 521 Johnson Street. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating the at the December 18, 2023 City Council meeting Council acted on this item and the results ended in a 2-2 vote not approving the request. At the end of the meeting, staff was given direction to bring the item back at the January 2, 2024 meeting for reconsideration. At the August 28, 2023 City Council Closed Executive Session Meeting the City Council directed staff to move forward and pursue acquisition of the subject property. The property owner is a willing seller. The subject property is a vacant/unoccupied commercial building. The seller and the City have agreed on a price of $344,600.00, which is the current assessed value contingent upon final approval of the purchase agreement by the City Council. If approved anticipated closing would be January 24, 2024. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution adopting Approving Purchase of Real Property 521 Johnson Street. Councilmember Weaver said he would vote against this because of concerns with the Miller building and having it an asset and paying $110,000 in property taxes this year. He spoke about the lost revenue in electric generation over two years which was $2 million and how the building should be leased to offset taxpayers paying for this and generate a use. He stated the building was a liability and should be addressed. Councilmember Skogquist said some see this as an opportunity and if we demolish the building and the note comes due it could result in $2 million in debt service on land without a building. He explained the current property tax amount was because we purchased the building after June 30 and would have been paid no matter what and that going forward the property will be exempt. He said he has no problem with a short-term use as the building has been winterized and could be leased if four members agree but for the action tonight this makes sense and that he supported the purchase. Mayor Rice said he was anxious for the day to tear the building down because it will mean big things for Anoka and said leaving the building is an insurance policy for now. He likened it to the parking ramp that was constructed to serve Jackson Street while a development plan was in place but how that didn’t happen so now the City pays the debt service so we need to get a plan to demolish this building when appropriate. He said the City has assembled 80% or more to make January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 8 of 9 the block viable for redevelopment and felt this was a good price and could be further incentive to add to the purchase price once finally sold. Councilmember Weaver said there was $500,000 borrowed in the abatement bond to demolish and if those funds are not used, they should be used for other things such as connections to the stone house as we were losing value of those funds every day. Mayor Rice said he was hopeful the building will be demolished soon and that those funds should remain available. Councilmember Scott asked if the demolition funds were escrowed in an interest- bearing account. Mr. Lee said he was not sure but would find out. Councilmember Wesp said we had an estimate to demolish and the winter was still a favorable time to demolish and how that was the plan when approved. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist voted in favor. Councilmembers Weaver and Wesp voted nay. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10.1 Discuss and Appoint an Anoka County Jail Expansion Project Task Force. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating sharing Council direction to appoint a task force, hold a joint meeting with Anoka County mid-January, and assemble an advisory legal team was currently happening now with legal researchers and land use/engineering firm selection of Bolton-Menk. He said the Council should discuss if/who they would like to appoint to serve on this Task Force. If the Council chooses to appoint City officials or staff to the Task Force, we will add the appointments to the resolution adopted earlier in this meeting making appointments to various committees and organizations. Councilmember Weaver asked if the County knew what was happening because of their recent vote to deny the project and said there was no clear direction now. Councilmember Wesp said this topic will be introduced at the legislature to address concerns but with the resignation of the County Board Chair they lose an affirmative vote so we need to be prepared and suggested a citizen be added to the task force to provide another perspective. Mayor Rice suggested one citizen be appointed who does not live in Anoka to provide another perspective as many are concerned about the scope and cost of the project and it will add validity to the task force and allow for true consideration of our proposals. Councilmember Wesp said the majority of residents in the County don’t realize the 911 building and jail expansion was $300 million and while he agreed a jail January 2, 2024 (Regular) Page 9 of 9 expansion was needed how they went about it and the costs that continue to increase was not appropriate, adding no communication has occurred. He said we need to work with legislators to decide the location best served and said while he understood the connection to current buildings but there are inmates awaiting due process who don’t have to be held next to the courthouse and could be held in another location. Mayor Rice suggested advertising for the member outside the City and confirmed current the current Councilmembers on the task force were willing to serve. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about how language in the resolution struck people wrong and how people want to be part of the process and encouraged the City to set up this meeting at Green Haven in a more relaxed environment that could provide for better discussions and invite the public. Mr. Lee responded staff will initiate a joint meeting with the Anoka County Board at Green Haven as soon as possible. Councilmembers Skogquist and Weaver requested the task force include three citizens who will be determined as well as the City Attorney and Police Chief. 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. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Weaver made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Wesp seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:28 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk