Anoka City Council

February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 1 of 10 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 5, 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, and Wesp. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse, Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: Councilmember Weaver. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 December 11, 2023, Worksession. January 16, 2024, Regular Meeting. January 22, 2024 Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2023, Worksession, January 16, 2024, Regular Meeting, and January 22, 2024 Regular Meeting as presented. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Anoka Chapter 370 Vietnam Veterans of America. Richard Bergling, Honor Guard Member, and Steve Freitag, Chapter President, of the Anoka Chapter 470 Vietnam Veterans of America, requested permission from the Council to install a permanent memorial in the Veterans Memorial in Riverfront Memorial Park which would be dedicated to the service of Vietnam Veterans. They shared a conceptual drawing of the proposed memorial and said they were working with Two Rivers Monuments of Elk River to design the memorial. They said there were seeking guidance from Council and the City regarding guidelines for design, processes and procedures for implementation. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 2 of 10 Councilmember Scott thanked the speakers for the presentation and said this monument was greatly needed in the plaza as it would allow more opportunities for the community to reflect upon what veterans experienced then asked more about the proposal’s left side. Mr. Freitag said inscriptions would be included to reflect some of the accomplishments the chapter has done over the years, including their work to honor veterans at gravesites and in homes which totaled 4,500 since 1991. They shared more about a legacy stone to help show what the organization has done which would be positive image to the public. Councilmember Wesp suggested including names of soldiers from Anoka killed in Vietnam to this memorial then encouraged them to work with the Park Board on this project. Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse shared about the walk of honor that allowed the public to purchase bricks to honor friends and family who served then spoke about the granite ideas for a contiguous look and well thought out plan to the existing park. Laurie Ehler, American Legion Commander, said they fully supported the endeavor and liked the design. Doug Urkam, Anoka American Legion Executive Board, said they supported the project as long as it met the memorial guidelines. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the importance of legacy which already exists in Anoka and thanked the VFW for their work to honor what they do for the community. 4.2 Police Activity Update. POSTPONED 4.3 Highway 10 Anoka Solution; Construction Accomplishments. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a time lapse video highlighting construction of the Main Street interchange, Fairoak Avenue underpass, Thurston Avenue interchange, and the new roundabout on Green Haven Parkway/Thurston Avenue. Councilmember Wesp shared his pride for this project and thanked all City staff for their work to make this project such a success. He spoke about the impact for the community at large then referred to the upcoming awards for this project. Mayor Rice shared the importance of taking the lead on this project and how other cities recognized how Anoka wanted to be the bat and not the ball with this February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 3 of 10 project by creating partnerships with many entities to create the momentum and thanked staff for their work. Mr. Nelson said the video will be shared once the public awards were announced. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.5 as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 David Miller Settlement Agreement. 6.4 Approval of Special Events Permit Policy Revisions. 6.5 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Knights of Columbus, March 23, 2024. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Appointment of Election Judges for 2024 Elections. Councilmember Skogquist stated he would be abstaining from this item due to a potential conflict of interest. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 4 of 10 RESOLUTION City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating Minnesota statute requires Council appointment of election judges. Wages for election judges is paid out of the 2024 election budget and wages were increased from the 2022 election cycle to draw more individuals to serve and be more aligned with what other cities are paying. This resolution includes a statement that changes/additions to this list may occur after adoption of the resolution to fill spots or obtain necessary party balances in each precinct. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution of appointment of election judges for 2024 elections. Councilmember Scott asked how this election is staffed compared to others historically. Mr. Lee said staffing for this election places the City on track with other elections which ranged from 65 to upper 70s for judges. Mayor Rice noted it was difficult for Council to say they did not know someone who served as an election judge and thanked them for their service. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist abstained. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project; Approve Grant Contract Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on May 23, 2023, the State bonding bill was presented to Governor Dayton and on May 24, 2023, was passed into law. As part of the bill, there was a one-time appropriation of $500,000 for the feasibility study which includes the design, engineering, and environmental analysis for the repair and reconstruction of the Anoka Rum River Dam. Pursuant to 2023 Laws of Minnesota, H.F. No. 2310, Chapter 60, Article 10, Section 2, Subdivision 4(u), the State (Department of Commerce) as the grantor, was appropriated $500,000 in funds for the feasibility studies related to the repair and reconstruction of the Rum River Dam in the City of Anoka. On the 16th day of January, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution awarding a professional service contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for the concept development and feasibility analysis of the Anoka Rum River Dam. This grant money made available to the City of Anoka as the grantee will provide the funding for studying various elements of the Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project. The study will examine the feasibility and cost associated to new automated crest gates, maintenance platform, hydroelectric power generation, recreational and river surfing, a new lock or boat portage system, fish passage, and enhanced environmental benefits. The cost estimate for the feasibility February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 5 of 10 analysis of the Anoka Rum River Dam is $325,125. This work will be financed from the State funds mentioned above. No local fund match is required by the City and costs are expected to be minor for the report. It shall be understood that an amendment to change the scope of this agreement will be required by the City of Anoka to utilize the remainder total budget once the feasibility study is completed. This scope change will allow the remaining portion of the State funds to be used for the preliminary design and permitting of the Rum River Dam. Mayor Rice said this will be a great opportunity for Anoka. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution for the Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project; Approve Grant Contract Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Street Renewal Project; Franklin Area Phase II, Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement to Bid, and Set Bid Date. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on January 16, 2024, City Council held the public improvement hearing and assessment hearing for the 2024 Street Renewal Project - Franklin Area Phase II. It’s noteworthy to mention, there was no public comments received, no objections to the special assessments, and no property owners present at the time of the hearings. After the hearings, Council adopted a resolution ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of engineering plans & specifications. Second, the Council passed a resolution adopting the assessment roll. The roads that are included in the Street Renewal Project and the 2024 SRP project is approximately 0.87 miles of full reconstruction, finishing the renewal of the Franklin Area neighborhood. The construction plans include the following new infrastructure changes; new sidewalk extensions on the west side of Branch Avenue and south side of Calhoun Street, increased roadway width at the north end of Branch Avenue from 26-feet to 28-feet, alleyway upgrades to typical alley sections, sanitary sewer extension along Webster Street, watermain extensions along Branch Avenue and Calhoun Street, new mid-block street lights along Branch Avenue, and the installation of surface mounted electrical components including transformers, and a switch mole. He outlined the process and financial impact which was $2,643,000, and would be funded through several funding sources. Councilmember Skogquist commented how the projects continue to get expensive but was pleased to see this accomplished then asked if the repurpose will be done February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 6 of 10 by the time the pavement is done and school opens so not to affect the brand-new road. Mr. Nelson confirmed the school work would be done this fall. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for the 2024 Street Renewal Project – Franklin Area Phase II; Approve the Plans & Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set a Bid Date. Mayor Rice said we were used to reconstructing many streets for a third of cost but times have changed and these projects were getting more and more expensive. He said while this is a big item, he is pleased to see it being accomplished. Mr. Nelson noted the City has spent $51 million to date or $3.2 million per mile, then spoke about how costs used to be $1 million for a quarter of a mile but how costs will only continue to increase. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Approving Time of Use Pricing Rate Structure for Electric Vehicle Chargers (EV). RESOLUTION Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas shared a background report stating staff presented a process for customers with electric vehicles to have the option to charge those vehicles during off peak hours at a discount at a January 2024 work session. This process includes electric permit, additional subpanel and meter, and a grid charge. The electric utility will offer a rebate to customers to help offset these charges, on top of existing tax credits available. Once the customer has completed the steps and a meter is installed, the customer will receive a discount for the kwh used for that EV charge during off peak time which is currently 10pm to 7am. The customer would pay a premium for any use during peak time. This rate structure is only available to residential customers using a Level II charger. Customers who do not have Level II, or who find they would need to charge during peak hours, would not financially benefit from this process and staff would recommend that they charge at regular rates. Councilmember Skogquist said the goal is not just discounted power but to shave off peak demand that requires additional infrastructure and how this will be a good way to accomplish this. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution to establish a time of use pricing rate structure for (EV) electric vehicle chargers. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 7 of 10 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Appointment to the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Lee shared a background report currently the City has one (1) vacancy on the Economic Development Commission. This a partial term vacancy that will have an expiration date of December 31, 2024. Applications closed for this on January 26 and one application was received from Joelle Alvord. Joelle currently serves on the Human Rights Commission. Back in May of 2023 she had expressed an interest in serving on the EDC, but there were no vacancies on the EDC at that time. She then applied and was appointed to the HRC in July 2023. Joelle has expressed an interest in serving on the EDC, with the understanding that should she be appointed to the EDC, that would be an automatic resignation from the HRC. Individuals cannot serve on more than one City Board/Commission at a time. Councilmember Skogquist made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint Joelle Elvord to the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2024. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 11.2 Appointment to the Heritage Preservation Commission. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating currently the City has one vacancy on the Heritage Preservation Commission as a result of Colleen Hansen opting not to re-apply when her term expired December 31, 2023. This term will have an expiration date of December 31, 2026 and applications closed on January 26. He said the City received two applications from Kelli Szurek and Brenda Thomas. Councilmember Wesp made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint Kelly Surik to the Heritage Preservation Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2026. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 8 of 10 Councilmember Wesp noted the other applicant, Brenda Thomas, should be encouraged to apply again. 11.3 Appointment of Three (3) Citizens to Serve on the Jail Task Force Committee. Mr. Lee shared a background report Council directed staff to solicit for individuals to serve on the City's Jail Task Force Committee. We anticipate the commitment will be up to two meetings per month for up to 4-6 months. One of each of the following will be appointed by the Anoka City Council: 1 - Neighborhood Representative, 1 - City-at-large Representative, 1 - County-at- large Representative. Pete Turok of the Chamber of Commerce also shared the information through communication methods. He outlined the applications received then noted the good input and reviews for this work. Councilmember Skogquist said Mr. Stockholm was very active and supported his appointment. Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint Mr. Stockholm City's Jail Task Force Committee for the neighborhood component. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Mr. Lee shared Mr. Stockholm provided good input and reviews and would be a great addition. Councilmember Skogquist said Mr. Stockholm was very active and supported his appointment. Councilmember Wesp stated Sharon Doffing was very active and supported her appointment. Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Mayor Rice, to appoint city at large representative Sharon Doffing. Mayor Rice seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Wesp voted in favor. Councilmembers Scott and Skogquist voted nay. Motion failed. Councilmember Skogquist noted how involved Borgie Bonthuis was who did her homework and believed she would be very good addition and supported her appointment. Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint city at large representative as Borgie Bonthuis. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 9 of 10 Mr. Baumgartner indicated potential conflicts with this appointment due to Ms. Bonthuis’ appointment to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Skogquist said the perception versus actual conflict was in place and if so, she would step away immediately. He said he saw this as a positive having someone from the Planning Commission on the task force. Mayor Rice said it may be a perception but in essence this would be a planning item and supported having a Planning Commissioner appointed as a member. Councilmember Wesp said he would rather have Ms. Bonthuis on the Planning Commission than this committee to address concerns if and when needed. Mr. Baumgartner said he was not sure if there was a conflict of interest in place but only brought it up to be united in alternatives and anticipate any potential concerns. Councilmember Skogquist asked about him and Councilmember Weaver being part of the task force and being on the Council being different than Borgie Bonthuis part of the whole. Mr. Baumgartner referred to being appointed as a representative instead of as a whole. Upon roll call vote, Ayes: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott and Skogquist. Opposed: Councilmember Wesp. Motion carried. Mr. Lee noted Larry Shallow was a resident of Coon Rapids but could serve in this role. Councilmember Skogquist noted Mr. Schalo still calls Anoka home and supports his appointment, adding he would know the current facility construction. Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint County-At-Large representative as Larry Schalo. Mayor Rice seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, Ayes: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist and Wesp. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. February 5, 2024 (Regular) Page 10 of 10 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Skogquist spoke about the proposed legislation at the State and parking requirements bill which would not work well in downtown Anoka, adding part of the reasoning was comparing parking needs to bowling alleys which was out of date and worth a review. Mayor Rice noted CVS Pharmacy relaxed their standards and how the City has to be more or less restrictive while still having space for people to park. Mr. Baumgartner said he was not sure regarding the latitude which depends on statute but said if it was to supersede how cities can be more restrictive it would be difficult to do at this point. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:15 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk