Anoka City Council

June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 1 of 18 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 3, 2024 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rice called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:05 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; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Housing and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Darin Berger; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Utility Director Del Vancura, and Bill Bendiske, Public Services/Sewer & Water Division. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 May 6, 2024, Worksession. May 20, 2024, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2024, Worksession and the May 20, 2024, Regular Meeting presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson congratulated the 2024 Anoka High School graduates then noted the beginning of summer includes the need for increased attention around pedestrian and bike safety. He shared about the usual fireworks complaints that occur and reminded the public about legal fireworks then shared about activities being planned for youth including Safety Fair, Cook Out with Cops, and Night to Unite. He shared two CSOs were recently hired as licensed officers at other agencies and their work to replace and cover. He spoke about the uneventful social district weekend and the well-attended car show and how volunteers were reminding people about social district boundaries which was June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 2 of 18 helpful. Chief Peterson shared that May 15 was Police Officer Memorial Day and his sadness about once again wearing mourning bands in memory of Minneapolis Officer Jamal Mitchell who was killed in the line of duty and shared how many officers continue to die in the line of duty nationally and the profound impact of this on officers and thanked the Anoka City Council for their support. Councilmember Weaver asked about the status of the safety grant. Chief Peterson responded how a grant was applied for to address enforcement on 5th Avenue that should occur in July and will occur throughout the summer for several hours each month. Councilmember Skogquist said he recently volunteered at the Anoka Car Show and was impressed with the family event and agreed there were no concerns with the event being next to the social district. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Annual Meeting. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program is a comprehensive national program for addressing polluted stormwater runoff. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issues the NPDES permits for construction sites, industrial facilities, and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4). As of March of 2003, the City began operating under its own stormwater discharge permit. This annual meeting is one of the requirements of the city’s NPDES permit program to update City Council and provide an annual opportunity for the public to provide input on the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). This plan establishes annual goals and objectives for the city in an effort to implement policies and procedures that will meet stormwater quality requirements of the permit. To comply with federal regulation, municipalities are required to have a SWPPP that focuses on ways the municipality will reduce the amount of sediment and pollution entering the surrounding water bodies. The SWPPP includes six minimum control measures that need to be addressed by the City and each measure is aimed at reducing the amount of pollution entering water bodies through various methods such as public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site stormwater control, post construction stormwater management for new development and redevelopment, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations. He shared the City also required typically to submit an annual report to the MPCA documenting the accomplishments of the previous year. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 3 of 18 Mayor Rice opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Rice closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Ehlers Proposal for a Long-Term Financial Management Plan and Utility Rate Study. 6.4 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Order Number 79, Number 80, and Number 81. 6.5 Approving One-Love Settlement Agreement. 6.6 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Raffle Permit; Ramsey Police Association. 6.7 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Halloween, Inc. 6.8 Recommended Approval of an LG220 Raffle Permit; Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce. 6.9 Issuance of Temporary Liquor Licenses for Anoka Lions Club. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Heritage Preservation Commission Recommendation; Restoration of Stone Stoves at Akin Riverside Park and Goodrich Park. Councilmember Skogquist noted his mother served on the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating one of the goals of the HPC is to advocate for the restoration of the historic stone stoves located at Akin Riverside Park and Goodrich Park. The stone stoves were constructed in 1939 by the National Youth Administration agency as part of the Works Projects Administration (WPA). The stone stoves are currently in need a repair. The HPC has solicited quotes/estimates from four parties ranging in price June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 4 of 18 from $15,700 up to $80,000. At their May 14, 2024, meeting the HPC motioned to recommend proceeding with a quote from Jake Nelson, independent stone mason, for a cost of $15,900. The scope of work includes replace missing limestone with approved color limestone, using mortar dowel finish, build support for chimney and close openings using Platteville limestone, grind and tuck-point areas which mortar has cracked and/or is missing, remove concrete from cap areas and replace with limestone cap stone, remove metal grates for grilling, salvage to reinstall at Goodrich Park Page, and complete teardown of chimney and relay using salvaged and new stones, form and pour new chimney cap (Akin Riverside Park only). He said staff expects work to begin in June and finish within 3 to 4 weeks from the start date. The City’s finance department suggests that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are available to finance this project. Cost of $15,900, 50% due to schedule/start and remainder upon completion. He noted should the chimneys fail additional costs would be needed then referred to another option that was to tear down and completely rebuild and how the Commission recommended full rebuild utilizing the available ARPA funds. Commissioner Collins shared historical background of the stone stoves which were constructed in 1939 as part of the WPA program. He said they were constructed as part of the National Youth Administration, which was established in 1935 to provide high school and college students opportunities to earn money as most jobs went to adults during The Great Depression. He shared further about similar stove restoration in Robbinsdale then shared how cooking was done on these stoves during that period. He thanked Councilmember Weaver for his efforts to protect these stoves from the elements. Vice Chair Thurston said they have been working to protect the stoves and obtain bids since 2020 then shared concerns with water damage and the importance of doing something now. Councilmember Wesp said these stoves harken to a different time and how through a government program provided work for individuals how the stoves still stand today then agreed about the impact of water to these stoves. He compared these to the Carnegie Library in its uniqueness and stressed the importance to preserving history. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to authorize staff to enter into contact with Jake Nelson for the restoration of the stone stoves at Akin Riverside Park and Goodrich Park in the amount of $15,900. Councilmember Skogquist thanked the HPC for their work to get the lowest bid possible then said the funding source was appropriate as ARPA funds need to be spent by year end and felt it was appropriate to use federal funds to restore an original government project. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 5 of 18 Councilmember Weaver noted the stoves were not the only WPA projects in Anoka and referred to others and why were they done in Anoka. Commissioner Collins felt it was due in part to current and past Councils who worked to solicit these types of projects. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Vice Chair Thurston shared about other work of the HPC which included phasing out of the sandwich board program, raising funds through the sale of witch medallions and Halloween medallions, and their work to clean up Gideons Gardens. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Weaver, which was seconded by Councilmember Scott, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.61 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. 9.1 ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Creating a New East Main Street Subdistrict 3 (EM-3) with the Main Street Mixed Use District. 2nd Reading ORDINANCE Councilmember Weaver noted he would be abstaining from this item. Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating with the potential development of the property located at the southwest corner of Main Street/7th Ave (650 E. Main St.), the City of Anoka has seen a number of development concepts. Some concepts were not consistent with the current zoning, namely because of the restriction of the location of parking facilities between Main Street and principal buildings. The City Council is requesting changes to the zoning to allow for greater flexibility than the current zoning allows. This amendment concerns all properties abutting the intersection of Main Street and 7th Ave. This amendment proposes to create a new sub-district within the Main Street Mixed-use District located at the intersection of East Main Street and 7th Ave. The current area is zoned Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 2 (EM-2). The subject area is proposed to be rezoned to a new sub- district called East Main Street Subdistrict 3 (EM-3), and the existing EM-3 is proposed to be renamed to East Main Street Subdistrict 4 (EM-4). Affected properties include: • 650 East Main St. • 657 East Main St. • 700 East Main St. • 703 East Main St. The goal of the amendment is to allow greater flexibility for June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 6 of 18 development including the option to locate parking facilities and drive lanes between Main Street and principal buildings. Included in your packet is a map of the proposed zoning map amendment. This map amendment will also require a zoning text amendment to City Code Section 78-316. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendment and held a public hearing at their regular meeting on May 7, 2024. No comments were received by the public. The Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the amendment for the following reasons: • Concerns over the amendment constituting spot zoning. • Concerns over parking facilities and drive lanes being located between buildings and Main Street. • That no specific site plan has been reviewed for the site at the southwest corner of 7th Ave/Main St. • That three corners at the intersection of 7th Ave/Main St. are already developed. • Redevelopment at the southwest corner of 7th Ave/Main St. can still occur under the existing zoning. Councilmember Skogquist said he voted against first reading because he felt the current zoning made sense and the Planning Commission rejected the ordinance. He spoke how we had nothing to react to and that while creating flexibility is good it may be for things we do not want. He said the HRA owns the parcel but the City has control and did not want to change the zoning at this time and suggested tabling the item to bring up later when a proposal comes around. Councilmember Scott said it was unusual to make a change without a plan in place but felt this may make the corner more attractive to a potential developer. He said we’ll have to have agreement for any development that results and felt it needed to be something that works for Anoka and its culture especially with Main Street as its heart. He said he was in favor of the zoning map amendment as presented because the City will have ultimate control. Councilmember Wesp noted the Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny the rezoning and while he did not want to go against the Planning Commission he understood where they are coming from but felt this change would give us flexibility because we don’t know what’s out there. He said the ultimate goal is to construct a liquor store and hoped a developer will work with us but added this area is different than the downtown area because it didn’t have on street parking and felt this would be a different choice that may attract someone but once purchased will be under City control and that we could be more restrictive if we choose to be. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment to the Main Street Mixed-Use District. Mayor Rice said the lot has been for sale since 2019 and there have been interested parties but none for us and if the zoning change creates more interest he would be in favor. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 7 of 18 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist voted nay. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 9.2 (A) ORD/Zoning Text Amendment; City Code Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V. – District Regulations – Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78-316 – Main Street Mixed Use District. 2nd Reading ORDINANCE Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 78 - Zoning, Article V - District Regulations, Division 5 - Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78- 316 - Main Street Mixed Use District. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist nay. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. (B) RES/Approving Summary Publication of Zoning Text Amendment to Section 78-316 – Main Street Mixed-Use District. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution for summary publication of Zoning Text Amendment to Section 78-316 – Main Street Mixed-Use District. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Approving Purchase Agreement for the City’s Purchase of 7th Avenue and Main Street. RESOLUTION HRA Executive Director Darin Berger shared a background report stating the HRA began assembling the blighted properties in this expanded South Central Business Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District in August of 2019. After the HRA purchased 640 E. Main Street out of the HRA General Fund, they secured bond funds and the following properties were purchased: 650/658 E. Main Street, 639 Monroe Street, and 1919 7th Avenue. He said the HRA issued bonds through the City of Anoka to purchase and redevelop properties at this location. The City of Anoka and the HRA entered into a Pledge Agreement which pledged the TIF revenues from the South Central Business TIF District to pay the principal and June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 8 of 18 interest of the bond debt. This district already had internal loans from both the HRA General Fund and the expired (pre-1990) Redevelopment TIF District. He outlined the debt incurred and said staff worked with Ehlers, Inc. to analyze TIF revenue projections and other aspects of the potential deal. TIF revenues should exceed what it would take for the City to repay all HRA debt ($4,011,298 including interest), however, the actual TIF numbers will not be determined until a more specific plan is agreed upon. After reviewing the first draft of the Purchase Agreement, the HRA requested the addition of a few contingencies for the sale of this property: buyer agrees to construct a municipal liquor store on a parcel of the Property within three (3) years from date of closing; the Purchase Agreement must be signed by buyer on or before July 8, 2024 (6 months after HRA signed the PA), the date of closing must take place within 6 months of final execution of purchase agreement, and buyer agrees to include commission fees to CBRE, Inc. in the debt incurred After this item was initially presented and tabled at the February 20, 2024 Council Meeting, two work sessions were held and staff was given direction to create a new EM3 sub-district for the 4 corners at 7th Avenue and Main Street. The zoning change was intended to provide greater flexibility within the district including allowing parking facilities and drive lanes to be located between principal buildings and Main Street. The first reading of the Zoning Text Amendment was already held and the City Council was asked to consider second reading. The City of Anoka would buy the property for $1.00 and incur HRA debt in the amount of $4,011,298.00 to be repaid by TIF Revenues. Councilmember Weaver thanked the HRA for compiling these parcels over the years and felt they had a great vision. He said he fully supported a liquor store on this site to help support the parks system and felt this would be a great location. He said changing the zoning should make this site more palatable then spoke about the cost of construction materials including brick and supported the purchase. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution Approving Purchase Agreement for the City’s Purchase of 7th Avenue and Main Street. Councilmember Wesp confirms the rendering shared was just conceptual. Mr. Berger confirmed the rendering was not specific as to what the building may ultimately look like. Councilmember Wesp agreed the concept would not be of interest to him as shown but would support as it included the eventual liquor store. Councilmember Scott said he supported the ordinance and thanked the HRA for their work. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 9 of 18 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Order Project, Authorize Plans and Specifications, and Authorize Advertisement for Bid. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating the Minnesota Department of Health Lead and Copper Rule defined by the U.S. Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently altered its drinking water standards related to lead and copper. This is called the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. The rule was enhanced to protect property owners by reducing their exposure to lead and copper. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body. The drinking water provided to residents from the City of Anoka does not contain lead. However, lead can enter the drinking water from lead service lines and plumbing fixtures made with lead components through the corrosion process. These materials were commonly used before 1986. State statute and federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions require the City of Anoka Water Department to identify the service line materials of all service connections in the public water systems distribution systems. A lead service line is defined as a service line is the pipe connecting the water main to the interior plumbing in a building. A lead service line is a service line made from lead or that has lead components. This past spring, to assist with city staff’s assessment of potential water service lines that have an element of lead, a survey was mailed out this past April to the residents of Anoka. The survey was simply to confirm the type of material of the existing water service line. Based on survey that was sent out, has there been mainly all positive feedback and out of the 500 surveys sent out, only a couple of people were concerned about the fact they had a lead service. Over 50 residents were pleased about the City even considering this as a problem and expressed interested to have their service replaced. Another method of public engagement has been by the use of hanging “door knockers” on known homes with lead services as well as an article published in the 2024 winter edition of the City View. He spoke about the work to order the project, authorize prep of plans and specs, and advertisement for bids. Shared the financial impact of 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project is $745,605.00, which includes 10% construction contingency and 15% for design, administration, and engineering. The project will be financed primarily by the MDH Drinking Water Revolving Grant Funds with minimal use of local funds then shared the project schedule and said staff recommended moving forward. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the defined target area for the work. Bill Bendiske, Public Service/Sewer & Water Division, said the survey returned 56 of 100 property owners. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 10 of 18 Councilmember Weaver said they were not getting a lot of interest in the free waterline replacement program and asked how we get people to participate as upgrades will increase their home values and reduce health issues. Mr. Bendiske said he felt some didn’t believe the program applied but explained once hooked up to a gooseneck line it typically was a lead line. Councilmember Wesp agreed door knocking is difficult and hard to get property owners to respond and suggested we move forward with the number we have to ensure those properties get the needed replacement. Mr. Bendiske explained the replacement would be from curb stop into the meter only. Mr. Nelson said we had funding for 2025 to continue with the program and while it may be difficult to add properties at this time, we can extend to the next cycle by applying for grants today. Mr. Bendiske said 305 property lines should be replaced but that they were only working one area right now and have shared the program online and in other ways and will continue to work to get more signed up. Councilmember Scott suggested using an iPad to sign people up during door knocking. Mr. Baumgartner confirmed that the bid was based on property or as a whole. Mr. Nelson clarified the bid was per item and not household and actually was lineal feet. Mr. Bendiske said as long as they were in the Anoka area the change order could be up to 25% of the local total. Councilmember Weaver suggested online posts be done to continue to promote the program. Joelle Alvord, Anoka, noted QR codes are difficult for some to navigate and suggested alternate ways to share the program. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Order Project, Authorize Plans & Specifications, And Authorize Advertisement for Bid. Councilmember Skogquist said he will work to share the message too and noted the need to share photos of differences between galvanized and lead pipes. Mr. Bendiske said many were considered lead because they were hooked up to lead at one time and that the program would go until May 2025. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 11 of 18 9.5 RES/Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project; Approve Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating the City-led Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project is for the improvements along Trunk Highway 47 north of U.S. Highway 10 at Pleasant Street (CSAH 30) to Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116). The Project limits consist of both the Hwy 47 (Ferry Street) and BNSF Railway Crossing Project that was initiated by the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in 2015 and the Highway 47 Corridor Improvements Project that was initiated by the City of Anoka in 2017. At the April 22, 2024, City Council Worksession Meeting, discussion occurred about the leadership and next steps including a proposed path moving forward on the responsibilities/rolls of the City of Anoka and State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Hwy 47 (Ferry Street) and BNSF Crossing Project was discussed. The consensus of the Council was for the City to proceed as lead agency in this project, which would then be combined with the City-led Highway 47 Corridor Improvements Project from north of Garfield Street to Bunker Lake Boulevard; which the City was previously established as the lead agency. This past April, the City of Anoka was approved for up to $30,000.00 in state funds from the IIJA Technical Match Assistance Grant Program and was assigned a State Aid Project (SAP 103-589-001) number. Should Council wish to utilize the state funds for the Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project; the next step is for the City to approve and enter into the Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement (MnDOT Agreement No. 1056929) with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. The agreement has been reviewed and there are no specific objections by MnDOT State Aid office or the City Attorney. He outlined some of the important requirements of the grant contract agreement for Council to be aware of then said the only eligible consultant cost incurred after the date of the Funding Letter will ultimately be eligible for reimbursement, city received letter on May 17, 2024, a pre-ward audit of the consultant, performed by MnDOT Audit, will be required before the grant agreement can be executed Authorization to Execute Agreement. Staff recommends entering into this grant agreement with the MnDOT to utilize the available grant funds from the state to hire consultants to develop grant application for said project, see The IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant in the amount of $30,000.00 will aid in funding for the City’s desire to apply for upcoming competitive based grant solicitations. This could be one of a very few ways the City could apply for future grant applications with minimal use of local funds. No local fund match is required by the City. Mr. Nelson outlined future upcoming grant applications for the IIJA Technical Discretionary Grant funds that could be utilized by the City then shared the anticipated schedule for the combined Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project is the following: 2024 – 2025 Secure Funding and Public Engagement June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 12 of 18 (through 2027) 2025 – 2026 Planning Preliminary Design of Preferred Alignment and Environmental Documents 2026 – 2027 Final Design & ROW Acquisition 2028 – 2029 Construction of Project. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution for Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Separation Project; Approve Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mayor Rice said this action will be a huge benefit to the City at no cost outside of staff time. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Rum River Channel Restoration Project – Phase II; Approve Bids and Award a Construction Contract. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating pursuant to City Council discussions in 2023, a feasibility report was completed and approved for the study of creating/re-establishing 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. The feasibility report included both the Rum River Channel Maintenance Project - Phase I and the Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II. The Rum River Channel Maintenance Project - Phase I was completed by Rachel Contracting, LLC in November of 2023. The project limits include the Rum River from just south of the pedestrian footbridge to north of the Main Street Bridge. On May 6, 2024, City Council approved the plans & specifications, set a bid date, approved the Environmental Assessment Worksheet with a Finding of Fact & Record of Decision declaring a negative declaration of significant effects or impacts on the environment for the need of an Environmental Impact Statement and to proceed with the Rum River Channel Restoration 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. The dredging work includes the excavation for a navigation channel approximately 2,100-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. He shared a summary of the regulatory agency permits and the current statuses for the project. The scope of the Base Bid included a project start date of June 17, 2024, and a substantial completion date of July 19, 2024. The Base Bids received ranged from $214,600 to $531,700 and a summary of the bids is the following: Contractor Base Bid June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 13 of 18 Rachel Contracting, LLC $214,551.02 Peterson Companies $324,184.71 Sunram Construction, Inc. $531,720.00 Engineer’s Estimate $276,655.00 The apparent low bidder was Rachel Contracting, LLC with a Base Bid of $214,551.02. Rachel Contracting, LLC has successfully completed the 2023 Rum River Channel Maintenance Project – Phase I and the 2008 Rum River Recreation Channel Restoration Project. He shared the project schedule and explained the base bid work and alternate bid work and requested a motion to Base Bid. He said staff recommends City Council adopt the first resolution to approve bids and award a construction contract to Rachel Contracting, LLC in the amount of $214,551.02 for the Base Bid, if an early summer of 2024 construction schedule is chosen for the Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II. Alternate Bid – It is recommended City Council adopts the second resolution to approve bids and award a construction contract to Peterson Companies, Inc. in the amount of $179,109.78 for the Alternate Bid, if a late fall of 2024 construction schedule is chosen for the Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II. It is further recommended that the motion made by City Council states the selected funding source(s) for the project financing. Councilmember Weaver asked if Rachel Contracting conducted Phase I. Mr. Nelson said Rachel Contracting they conducted Phase I and maintenance as well as the original dredging project 15 years ago and have done a good job. Councilmember Skogquist asked how much of the work area was in the Mississippi Recreational Area and if it covered 90% or more. Mr. Nelson said most was in the area and was part of the EAW that included some vegetation in the river which won’t be disturbed but is just in the vicinity. Councilmember Weaver noted this area is located in a national park and was important to Anoka and hoped that we would to preserve its history as well. Jim Meyers, Anoka, said he was in favor of dredging as it was important to see Anoka from the waterway which provided a different experience similar to Stillwater and Prescott. Scott Neilson, Anoka, said Anoka was all about the river and knows the Council fully supports the river as it brings income to the downtown area, including the new social district, adding Anoka is a river town with the downtown area being unique and special. Jeff Lee, Anoka, referred to the unfortunate silt issue last year and that he enjoyed bringing people to Anoka via the river as the river was and important to Anoka. Jeremey McFarland, Anoka, said he had a slip on the Rum River and enjoyed bringing people via the water and that people use the slips to access the river and that this project really needs to happen. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 14 of 18 Councilmember Weaver spoke about the slip project to allow people to access the river at a reasonable cost as well as access downtown with a golf cart and said he pleased Champlin will be introducing a new restaurant by The Crossings and that they agreed with the value of destinations in both cities. He said access by the water makes sense and was exciting and agreed with the importance of the resulting economic impact. He said we should designate these areas as parks then commented about the resulting tax revenue from includes property values of $12.6 million in land value and that we need to protect this public resource. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution Rum River Channel Restoration Project - Phase II; Approve Bids and Award a Construction Contract (Base Bid) to Rachel Contracting, LLC, in the Amount of $214,551.02 Utilizing ARPA Funding. Councilmember Wesp shared history of the docks that included a vision that worked out very well to create an opportunity for river and downtown access. He said he couldn’t envision the situation that occurred last year with silt and then shared how 20 years ago they created a channel similar to what’s happening today by repurposing the waterways. He said the Watershed has made the river much cleaner than ever and we are all being good stewards of the river then added the silt by the former boat ramp created a beach area and suggested that be preserved and enhanced. Councilmember Skogquist said he was more in favor of the bid alternate because the base bid isn’t until August anyway and the second occurs in the fall and saves over $50,000. He said the work creates a channel but does nothing for the silt and knows that Phase III would cover that with this savings and preferred the bid alternate to avoid construction during the summer. Councilmember Scott supported the project especially as a river town and said looking at this project he agreed with the savings options but supported Rachel Contracting and offered a friendly amendment to use $50,000 first from the River Maintenance Fund with the remaining as ARPA funds in order to use for other projects. Councilmember Weaver accepted the friendly amendments and asked about public safety funds for $50,000. Mr. Nelson said based on a previous motion Council had removed the public safety funds as an option but that they could be directed then said the boat launch dredging is undergoing a public comment period which will end on June 27 with a permit expected soon. He said the docks will remain at Peninsula Point for this season and the landing is under a separate permit that can be dredged at any time. He estimated $25,000 of work around the dock system which was received as a future dredging area. Councilmember Wesp said the docks off 2nd Avenue and the Landing have been moved to Peninsula Point temporarily until completed. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 15 of 18 Mayor Rice noted engineers have spoken about excess material left behind and if we do this how will we know it will not just fill in again. Mr. Nelson explained the 30 feet out at 3-foot depth and how they dredged the boat landing area twice but was not the full upstream portion of the docks. Councilmember Weaver asked if the removed sand could be used in the sand traps at the golf course. Mr. Nelson said the sand would be the property of the contractor to be used in other projects. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/Establishing Solid Waste Collections Options Committee. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating at your meeting on May 20, 2024, staff was directed to prepare a Resolution to establish a Solid Waste Collections Options Committee. How this committee is formed and the responsibilities of the committee are stipulated in Minnesota Statutes §115A.94. If the City Council adopts this Resolution, direction on the formation of the committee will need to be determined and given to staff relating to how the City Council wants to make the appoints to the Committee, i.e. applications, advertisements, number of committee members, what meeting you want the committee appointments to be made at, committee meetings, i.e. how often, and date of the Committee's final report and recommendation to be presented to the City Council. He said staff met with the haulers on May 29, 2024, which the haulers requested that the City Council not establish the committee at this time and allow the negotiation process to continue and provide them with a 60-day timeframe to present a negotiated proposal to the City by August 1, 2024. Councilmember Skogquist confirmed the regular meetings with hauler and how the process has taken a lot of time, and that he expected some proposal based on the current meeting schedule, especially based on Mounds View experience, and hoped for a report at the next meeting. Councilmember Scott said this was reasonable as long as everyone was operating in good faith. Mr. Baumgartner spoke with legal representation of one hauler who felt the City was working in good faith negotiations and felt good about the expected direction and Council’s work to continue good faith negotiation. Mayor Rice suggested including this topic on each agenda for either postponement or enactment if needed. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 16 of 18 Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to postpone consideration of a resolution Establishing a Solid Waste Collection Options Committee to June 17, 2024. Councilmember Weaver said he understood the goal of government hauling but wanted to remind everyone about the petition and the effort and legal time that accrues and how this will be on the primary and not general ballot which was not good government. Mayor Rice said he objected to the term government hauling as this would be a private hauler facilitated through a process. Councilmember Scott said the amendment being proposed was in support for being on the ballot, adding the primary purpose was to educate voters at this point. Mayor Rice said this is a parallel process and in fairness to petitioners who put in the time and others the petition needs to be included in the discussion. Councilmember Skogquist said the petition is not for organized hauling but for the Council to be able to make the decision or put it to the voters, adding we have to make it very clear for the question to be on the November ballot. He added if we are making an informed decision such as river dredging without a price a price is needed and we need to have as much data as possible for residents to make an informed choice. Councilmember Weaver said but if the petition question is placed on the primary instead of the general ballot the process can be frustrating. Sharon Duffing, lead petition of trash haulers, encouraged residents to vote on August 13. She felt this postponement was a veiled threat to the haulers and that this action is different than the dredging project as some members are creating a monopoly by saying some can’t do business in Anoka any longer and that this is not how this should work. Mayor Rice noted Ms. Duffing appears to not understand what the petition is and felt her words were inflammatory as the result. He said this will not be a monopoly when a competitive bid would be timed if done and the voters are asked if we should vote then in November to vote on organized hauling, adding each business will have the opportunity to provide a bid. Councilmember Scott said we currently have a fixed market with four haulers but as long as they reapply there is no opportunity to open the market and suggest opening up the process. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 17 of 18 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Skogquist voted in favor. Councilmembers Weaver and Wesp voted nay. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Authorizing Request for Proposal for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Utility Director Del Vancura shared a background report stating from 2005 to 2008, Anoka Municipal Utility moved from mechanical or electromechanical meters to Automated Meter Reading (AMR) devices. As the meters have aged or failed, they have been replaced ad-hoc from meters purchased for inventory. Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU) recognizes that the expected life of an AMR meter is about 20 years and has scheduled for a large-scale meter replacement to begin in 2025. AMU has planned to take this opportunity to invest in technology that will give vital load management, leak detection, and outage information, and allow for better service to customers. In 2023 the City Council approved capital improvement project #EU24-01, beginning with 2024 professional services costs for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and smart utility services consultant, and a cost of service and rate study. AMU selected Vass Solutions, headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, to assist in the development and implementation of this project. Vass Solutions was selected based on extensive industry experience. Vass Solutions has recently worked with Elk River and Buffalo Municipal Utilities in their AMI transitions. City staff will work with Ehlers on a cost of service and rate study to coincide with the AMI project. Vass Solutions is prepared to issue a request for proposal for this project with an issue date of June 5, 2024. Response deadline from suppliers is August 7, 2024. Staff will return to Council with project plans, specifications, and bid information at a work session in November 2024 and request formal approval through resolution on December 6th 2024. Councilmember Weaver said the Council was well educated about the topic at the worksession and supported the request. Councilmember Skogquist said they were in essence moving to a smart meter process which the market has been doing for a while and while it was wise to wait for any issues to be worked out the proposal now was good as it was 10% cheaper than others and that he supported the action. Councilmember Scott said great information was shared at the worksession and that residents can look forward to ways to monitor usage for both electric and water, including the possibly of any water leaks. June 3, 2024 (Regular) Page 18 of 18 Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to authorize Vass Solutions LLC to issue and advertise a request for proposal as of June 5th, 2024. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Update on Meeting(s) with Licensed Residential Solid Waste. Mr. Lee said staff met with the haulers on May 29, 2024, for another negotiations meeting which was very productive. He shared they set a schedule for weekly meetings then noted staff committed negotiations would stay private at this point and Councilmembers are encouraged to attend as long as there is not a quorum. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Wesp noted filing ends soon for City Council candidates and thanked those who have filed then announced this will be his last term on Anoka City Council. He encouraged those coming forward to serve and felt this has been some of the greatest work he has done in his career. He said Anoka is a remarkable City with a very bright future with staff second to none and thanked them all then congratulated Anoka High School 2024 graduates. Councilmember Skogquist suggested an upcoming worksession topic to review use of the remaining ARPA funds. 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: 9:25 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerks