Anoka City Council

April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 1 of 12 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 15, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:27 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; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 February 12, 2024, Goals Session. March 25, 2024, Worksession. April 1, 2024, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Skogquist said corrections were needed on Page 3 of the April 1 Regular Meeting for a name spelling of “Pender” and on Page 11 showing Councilmember Wesp voting nay on the social district motion. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2024, Goals Session, March 25, 2024, Worksession, and April 1, 2024, Regular Meeting as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Proclamation; National Linemen Day, April 18, 2024. Mayor Rice read the Proclamation into the record. Utility Director Del Vancura shared that on April 10, 2013, the 113th Congress adopted Senate Resolution 95 recognizing linemen and the profession of linemen for the contributions these brave men and women make to protect public safety and expressing support for the designation of April 18, 2024, as National Lineman April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 2 of 12 Appreciation Day. He shared further about the work of City linemen working in the field. Councilmember Weaver stated linemen were on call 24 hours a day and respond similarly to first responders. Mr. Vancura said a crew can be on scene within 30- 45 minutes then shared about new technologies to help better pinpoint where a failure is occurring to increase response time. Councilmember Skogquist shared how fast and responsive Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU) staff was and how the rates are kept low, adding AMU was second to none. Mr. Vancura thanked the Council for providing the necessary equipment and training for all staff. Mayor Rice spoke about how the importance of safety training, especially working with electricity, then spoke about how every outage is different. Councilmember Weaver asked about alternatives to energize if needed and how much of Anoka’s electric system is looped. Mr. Vancura explained more about overheads and the looped system to decrease outages, stating 30% power was overhead lines and how secondary power was not nearly as backed up as primary power. 4.2 Proclamation; Tree City USA and Arbor Day, April 26, 2024. Mayor Rice read the Proclamation into the record. Natural Resources Technician Tessa Saloka said the Proclamation recognizes the achievement of the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 43rd consecutive year and the importance of Arbor Day. Communities achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. She said for 2024, the City of Anoka will be celebrating Arbor Day on May 1, 2024 with a community tree planting in neighborhoods near the Montessori School on 5th Avenue then shared photos from last year’s celebration. Councilmember Weaver spoke about diseases affecting trees such as Dutch elms, maples, and now Emerald ash borers and what trees should be planted going forward. Ms. Saloka stressed diversifying from maples and suggested trees such as ironwoods, lindens, hackberries, flowering crabs, and others. Councilmember Skogquist shared he liked the educational component through partnerships at schools and holding community tree planting events there but said April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 3 of 12 it will be nice to see plantings in neighborhoods where needed and thanked staff for being creative. 4.3 Police Activity Update. None. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to approve Consent Agenda Items 6.1 through 6.5 as presented. Councilmember Weaver shared comments regarding Item 6.3 and the proposed social district licenses and his disappointment in seeing trash in parking lots when the social district has not even started. He stressed the importance of enforcement prior to the upcoming licensing renewals, adding the social district was a privilege as well as the liquor license itself and if there isn’t responsibility at the establishment level it will ruin the entire concept. He reiterated the importance of curb appeal in the City and that trash has to be addressed. City Manager Greg Lee said the trash concerns appears to be from one establishment and that staff will work with them to ensure there is no alcohol allowed when leaving the establishment until the social district starts. He said staff will be recommending a substantial increase to the liquor license fees in June as well as other options to address these concerns such as fines or penalties. Councilmember Wesp referred to the upcoming executive session regarding garbage hauling on April 22 and requested that item be rescheduled due to his and Councilmember Weavers’ absence. Councilmember Skogquist said we had wanted to wait until April due to potential litigation and it made sense to hold at the end of the worksession but did not want to delay longer and suggested May 6 instead. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to amend the calendar for the closed session from April 22 to May 6 following the regular meeting. Vote taken. All ayes. Amended motion carried. April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 4 of 12 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Approval of 2024 Social District Licenses. 6.4 Waiving Facility Charges for Designated Organizations; American Indian Education Anoka-Hennepin School District. 6.5 Issuance of Temporary On-Sale Liquor Licenses for Castle Field Association for Summer Baseball Games and Tournaments at Castle Field. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Recycling Item: 7.1.A. Waste Reduction and Recycling Board Annual Report. Veronica Jones, Vice Chair of the Waste Reduction & Recycling Board (WRRB), presented the annual report to the City Council. She introduced the board members, shared information on SCORE funding, then outlined their 2023 accomplishments that included increased reuse opportunities, enhanced community outreach through City events, reduced customer fees at recycling events, and expanded the organics drop off program. She spoke about curbside recycling services through ACE Solid Waste and their offerings and rates then thanked them for being such a great partner. She reviewed tonnage goals from 2023 and 2024 then reviewed projects and activities for 2024 that included research for a future recycling center, increased community outreach at various City events such as in the Anoka Social District and Farmers Market on the Rum, and education of the public on hazardous e-waste and proper battery recycling. Councilmember Weaver thanked the WRRB for their great work and contributions for Waterfowl for Warriors. Councilmember Scott said the WRRB provides many opportunities for the community to get together and was proud of their work to break down barriers and find common hobbies. Councilmember Wesp spoke about his personal household recycling goals and how to recycle and reuse materials. Councilmember Skogquist stated WRRB was the hardest working board in the City and thanked them for their work. April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 5 of 12 Mayor Rice thanked the WRRB for teaching the community to reduce and reuse as it was extremely important for the future. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Budget Rollovers and Amendments. RESOLUTION Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating the City Council has the authority to revise the 2023 budget by transferring unencumbered appropriations from one office, department or agency to another, by increasing the total appropriations to the extent of actual revenues, by appropriating for unexpected emergency expenses or by carryover for incomplete projects. After reviewing the actual activity for the year ending December 31, 2023, and speaking with department heads, the proposed resolution describes the proposed amendments to the 2023 budget and the 2024 budget respectively. The proposed resolution does impact the overall total budgeted expenditures in 2023 and also impacts the overall budgeted expenditures in 2024. Expenditure budgets in the general fund are being reallocated between departments within the fund. The total budget requested for carry over is $2,471,201, and consists of an entrance monument, carpeting of City Hall and the Public Safety Center, updating of the City Hall community room, Public Works card alarms and card access, Safe Routes to School grant revenue and expense, Highland Park playground, bituminous hot box, bucket truck, Crooked Lake substation transformer, Wells 6 and 8 rehab and a golf intermediate rough mower, which are requested to be carried over for receipt and payment of asset or completion of the project in 2024. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution authorizing revision of the 2023 budget department and carryover to 2024. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Rum River Channel Restoration Project – Phase II; Authorize Preparation Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bid. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating pursuant to discussion at the June 26, 2023 worksession meeting, Council direction was April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 6 of 12 given to create/re-establish a navigation channel with minimum dimensions of 40 feet wide at bottom, and a minimum depth of 4-feet along the entire length of the Rum River from north of the Main Street Bridge to the confluence of the Mississippi River. On October 2, 2023, Council adopted a resolution approving the feasibility report for the Rum River Recreation Channel Restoration Projects. The Rum River Recreation Channel Restoration Projects included both the Rum River Channel Maintenance Project - Phase I and the Rum River Channel Recreation Project - Phase II. A resolution was adopted by City Council on December 18, 2023, waiving the public hearing, ordering the project, and authorized staff to apply for the MN DNR Permit together with an Environment Assessment Worksheet document for the Rum River Channel Recreation Project - Phase II. The Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II is for a new dredging operation of a navigational channel from the confluence of the Mississippi River to limits of the Rum River Maintenance Project – Phase I (just south of the pedestrian footbridge). The proposed dredging would include the excavation for a navigation channel approximately 2,750 feet in length, 40 feet wide bottom, 2-feet to 4-feet deep, with a bottom elevation of 826 +/- and 3:1 side slopes. Below is the typical river channel cross-section. This project will require the permitting from the following regulatory agencies; Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He noted in October 2023, the City received approval from USACE for the corridor including Phase II and the current status of the MN DNR Public Water Works Permit is pending approval. The permit is currently in the 30-day public comment period with a deadline of the first of May. Page 99 of 237 Council shall be aware, pursuant to Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is mandatory for projects that will change or diminish the cross-section of one acre including the cumulative acreage total of a proposed project that is a stage/component of an existing project within a 3-years’ time of construction. Given this, an EAW document was submitted to the Minnesota Environment Board (EQB) and the public comment deadline is April 18, 2024. The EAW Findings of Facts & Record of Decision will be presented to Council for the consideration of approval at the May 6, 2024, regular Council meeting. Staff will be recommending Council to declare that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required since the project does not have significant impacts to the environment. The feasibility report estimated construction cost including a 25% overhead and contingency was $495,000 for Phase II. The estimated construction costs for Phase II based on the low bid and the average bids received for the Phase II are $209,000 and $385,300 respectfully. And the total project costs including professional services, permitting, and inflation (10%) are $297,500 and $536,200 respectfully. Page 100 of 237 Funding for the project was not included in the 2025 budget. Mr. Nelson shared the available funding sources for Council consideration and project schedule and said staff recommended Council adopt the proposed resolution to authorize the preparation of plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bid for the Rum River Channel Restoration April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 7 of 12 Project - Phase II and provide guidance to staff on the preferred funding sources to finance this project Councilmember Weaver confirmed the permit will allow the City to work within the full length of the footbridge and other areas. Mr. Nelson said that was correct and that the City can get an amendment for the rest of the areas each year while the EAW was for the entire corridor. Councilmember Weaver said the distance of the work area was 2,800 feet but the entire stretch wasn’t needed now but just the Woodbury House and 100 feet below the boat ramp so this will be less expensive. He said he hoped the specs include clean-up of the channel area as the rivers are in fact parks in our community and get the most visits and suggested considering creating an enterprise fund to fund this into the future. Ms. Springer noted staff identified ARPA funds first as they need to be spent this year and will provide us the opportunity to build up the River Maintenance Fund. Councilmember Scott said we should use ARPA funds for something else and the River Maintenance Fund for river maintenance at least partially since it will be replenished each year. Councilmember Skogquist said he was in favor of getting plans and specs so we can understand the costs first and instead disrupt in the middle of fall but said he was not sure he will support this fully as there are many other things that are important to be done in the City, such as Franklin School area for example. Mr. Nelson outlined a potential schedule for work to begin this fall and be substantially done by 2025. Councilmember Weaver said what we lose in dockage is lost revenue. Mr. Nelson said this would be a separate project and permitting and can’t be done until June 15. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution authorizing Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II; Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids. Mr. Nelson confirmed the motion includes obtaining alternate bids for work to begin in both June and November for comparison. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Adopting 2024-2025 City Goals. April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 8 of 12 RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating at the goal session on February 12, 2024, the Council discussed overall City goals for 2024-2025. Based on that discussion, the City Council goals for 2024-2025 were established in the proposed resolution. Staff will provide the Council with a goals status report throughout the year then shared the 2024-2025 accomplishments and goals for City boards, commissions, and departments. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution adopting the 2024-2025 City goals. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/West Rum River Trail Phase I Project; Approve Limited Use Permit with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Non-Motorized Recreational Trail in the Right-of-Way Off State Highway 169/Ferry Street. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is requiring the City of Anoka to execute a Limited Use Permit (LUP) for the West Rum River Trail Phase I project trail section that is to be constructed on/adjacent to MnDOT right-of-way along Trunk Highway No. 169 (C.S. 0209 T.H. 169). He reviewed the terms standard to MnDOT LUP that pertain to duration, use, construction, and maintenance in detail, and said the City agrees to remove the trail at no expense to MnDOT if the LUP expires or if MnDOT terminates the permit. Per MnDOT State Aid they have never seen an LUP cancelled and there have been times when a trail has had to be relocated per a MnDOT initiated project that MnDOT covered the expenses. Mr. Nelson said the permit has been reviewed and there are no specific objections by the City’s attorney and that staff is recommending that the City executes and enters into the LUP permit for the West Rum River Trail Phase 1 Project. The City will be responsible for the long-term trail maintenance. Under the Grant Agreement with the MN DNR, the City is responsible for snow removal. He said the construction of the West Rum River Trail Phase I project is expected to begin after May 1, 2024 and will be substantially complete by September 30, 2024, and that staff recommends that Council adopt the proposed resolution to execute the Limited Use Permit (LUP # 0209-0110) with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Non-Motorized Trail and Amenities, Aesthetic or Beautification in the Right-of-Way of Trunk Highway No. 169 as shown, noted the trees were marked earlier today in preparation of the project, if approved. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution for the West Rum River Trail Phase I Project; Approve Limited Use April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 9 of 12 Permit with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation for a Non- Motorized Recreational Trail in the Right-Of-Way of State Highway 169/Ferry Street. Councilmember Skogquist referred to work in the State’s right-of-way and if there was a need for an agreement to do that work. Mr. Nelson explained necessary work was similar to the Highway 10 project and would outlines areas of responsibility for MnDOT, Anoka County, and the City. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 ORD/Green Haven Parkway Project; Changing the Name of Jacob Lane, West of Greenhaven Road/Main Street to Green Haven Parkway. 1st Reading Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Green Haven Parkway is a new public parkway between Thurston Avenue and Main Street with pedestrian accommodations. Green Haven Parkway was originally identified in the Greens of Anoka Redevelopment Master Plan from 2012 and the Highway 10 Access Planning Study from 2014. In 2015, City Council adopted a resolution approving the “Highway 10 Anoka Solution” which acknowledged the Green Haven Parkway projects. In 2017, the City constructed the first phase of the parkway from Thurston Avenue to Garfield Street and was substantially completed in the spring of 2018. In 2021, the City constructed the second phase of the parkway from Verndale Avenue to Fairoak Avenue and was substantially completed in the spring of 2022. In 2023, the city constructed the last portion of the parkway from Fairoak Avenue to Main Street, formerly Jacob Lane, and was substantially completed in the fall of 2023. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §440.11, Street Name Change Ordinance; Council may by ordinance change the name of and rename any of the streets, lanes, avenues, public highways, parks, and public grounds of the City. Immediately after publication, the ordinance shall be recorded in Anoka County’s recorder’s office. Now that all phases of the parkway are built, the next step based in this process is for City Council to approve the name change pursuant to the authority granted under Minnesota Statute for the portion of the street along the alignment of Jacob Lane. He noted that Community Development staff has notified all of the affected property owners of this change who were agreeable to the proposed street name change. Council shall be aware, as part of the U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project, there are multiple existing roads that shall require name changes. The proposed changes are due to non-existing roads or for a new roadway connection. It is staff’s intention to first have discussion with Council at a future worksession meeting highlighting the proposed street name changes and affected properties then hold an information public meeting for the properties with a change of address to provide Council feedback received from the meeting. City Council then could consider authorizing an ordinance to change the name of a certain street. The implementations of the April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 10 of 12 street name and address changes would officially occur in 2025. It shall be understood; no action or discussion on the Highway 10 Solution Project is part of this ordinance. Financial impact includes the cost associated to publish the notice in the Anoka County Union Herald for seven days and the cost to replace four street name signs in the amount of $400. Councilmember Wesp shared concerns this action seemed disrespectful in a way as it was named after the Jacob family and was now being renamed. Councilmember Skogquist said he felt the same way, noting the plat in 1952 didn’t include Jacob Lane and suggested incorporating Jacob Lane somewhere else. Councilmember Scott noted Vista was separating from Federal Cartridge and suggested Jacob Lane be used for Vista Way. Councilmember Weaver suggested renaming a roundabout instead. Mr. Lee said there will be other development along Green Haven Parkway and even if a private road is constructed the City could require it to be called Jacob Lane. Councilmember Wesp said that felt appropriate and supported that idea, adding he wanted to be respectful to the family and the clinic who has made a major commitment to the area. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to hold first reading of an ordinance changing the name of Jacob Lane, west of Greenhaven Road/Main Street, to Green Haven Parkway. Mr. Nelson noted staff reviewed records from 1876 to present and no ordinance was found that changed the road to Jacob Lane so the road was likely platted this way, adding the last name change in the City was Hoffman Way to Vista Way. Councilmember Wesp noted Bob Ehlen Drive was also changed not that long ago. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Recommended Approval of an LG230 Gambling Permit; Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association; Pull Tabs at Anoka County Fair Grounds, July 23-28, 2024. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association has submitted an application for a State issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit to allow them to sell pull tabs at the Anoka County Fair from April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 11 of 12 July 23-28, 2024. He said they held this permit in 2022 and 2023 and while this is a State issued license it requires approval of the municipality in which the event will take place. This is a temporary pull tab license and because it is temporary, the City does not contact other Anoka entities to give them the first option. We do that process only for the Premise Permits applications, because that is a permanent pull tab stand and it is required that we do that for Premise Permits (Permanent Pull Tab locations) per our City Code. Staff has reviewed the application and no concerns or objections have been expressed. Councilmember Wesp asked if when a non-City organization requests a gambling permit is there compensation for the City. Mr. Lee said when that occurs, we contact other possible organizations letting them know in the event they are interested in the site, otherwise if not we allow the approval, adding he will confirm that protocol was followed. Mayor Rice said a portion of revenue has to be paid into our community and benefits youth from our area. Mr. Baumgartner explained since this is temporary license City doesn’t contact other organizations then noted the service area is even larger than Anoka and includes adjacent cities. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution recommending issuance of a State issued LG230 Off-Site Gambling Permit for Andover Huskies Youth Hockey, for Sale of Pull Tabs at Anoka County Fair July 23-28, 2024. 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 None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Legislative Discussions and Update. Councilmember Weaver asked if there was a possible bonding bill this session as the revenue forecast was not good and concerning. April 15, 2024 (Regular) Page 12 of 12 Councilmember Skogquist said he recently spoke with Representative Stephenson who wanted to learn more about costs for the proposed dam bill. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. None. 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: 9:13 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk