Anoka City Council

June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 1 of 18 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 17, 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 Manager Amy Oehlers; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; City Attorney Kurt Glaser; and Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 May 28, 2024, Worksession. June 3, 2024, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Skogquist requested changes on the minutes of the May 28, Worksession Item 3.1 regarding road construction south of Highway 10 in the Franklin School area; Page 10 regarding the Franklin Avenue road project; the June 3 meeting Item 5.1 reference to City; and Page 13 correction to Jeremy McFarland. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2024, Worksession and the June 3, 2024, Regular Meeting as amended. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Presentation; ABDO 2023 Annual Audit. Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating the 2023 financial statements are completed and have been reviewed by auditors at ABDO and are being presented at this time. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 2 of 18 Brad Falteysek, ABDO, provided a presentation for Council stating in summary they were issuing an unmodified opinion under general accounting principles. He said Anoka met Minnesota’s legal compliance report and all tests were clean in a single audit report and all compliance checks were met as well. He shared the general fund fund balances which were managed well, budget to actuals, general fund expenditures by type, and special revenue fund balances, noting the parking fund was the one fund in deficit and that the City will need to show the plan to bring this fund up. He spoke about the police forfeiture fund and the public safety aid restricted only for public safety dollars, then outlined debt service funds, capital projects fund balances, internal service funds, and enterprise funds including electric, water, sewer fund, storm drainage fund, liquor fund, golf fund, and recycling fund. He reviewed the cash and investment balances by type, taxes, debt per capita and debt service indicators, and current expenditures per capita, and thanked the entire Finance team for their work and cooperation during the audit. 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared about the increase in the use of golf carts on trails and other areas and noted there were currently 54 active golf cart permits with few complaints and will continue to provide public education. He shared about the upcoming Safety Fair and Cook Out with Cops events then said they were fully staffed for officers but were experiencing vacancies in the CSO unit and encouraged the public to apply. He spoke about the social district progress and significant improvements with most establishments in preventing people from walking out after 10:00PM with alcohol then shared about a recent fight incident that resulted in arrests. Councilmember Weaver asked about a recent encounter of assistance that occurred. Chief Peterson shared how Officer Jackson and CSO Block assisted an individual whose wheel had fallen off from their wheelchair and how pleased the individual was for their assistance. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Sara Gall, 1811 2nd Avenue, shared concerns that some of the questions in the 2024 community survey were intrusive in nature including race, gender, etc. She said the City of Ramsey was doing a similar survey through Polco and asked questions on how they retained the data and how they ensured it would be secure. She spoke about the possibility of weighted responses that could indicate racism and asked who authorized the gathering of such data. She shared an ordinance adopted by Ramsey City Council that limited their city’s ability to collect sensitive data on its residents and asked if Anoka would be open to adopting a similar ordinance. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 3 of 18 Councilmember Weaver said this was a standard survey but that Council had the ability to include additional questions. City Manager Greg Lee agreed Council had the ability to alter the standard survey if chosen. Councilmember Skogquist said there had been discussion about adding and subtracting questions as there was value in understanding different groups in the City but that no data was tied to any individual. He said there will need to be some follow up on how the data was treated as he thought it was aggregated and was unaware of any weighting but would follow up on the methodology. Councilmember Weaver said he felt Ramsey’s ordinance was not too intrusive and could support something similar in Anoka. Councilmember Wesp asked if results of the survey could be provided to groups such as political parties and marketing firms and asked if there is a way to withhold the data to decide what data is ultimately released. Mr. Lee said once presented to the Council the data would be public but would follow up on what can be released. Utility Director Del Vancura shared former Fire Chief Dick Finney recently passed away and would share information on arrangements once received. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Skogquist asked about Change Order 29 for the concrete inlet pad. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson explained the change order was for a 4x4 concrete pad around the basin in the shoulder section to protect the infrastructure underneath from bus traffic after the bus lane was added. Councilmember Scott asked if the Historical Society would need a social district license if their temporary license was approved. Assistant City Manager Amy Oehlers explained the temporary license was being requested for their fundraiser and likely would not include the social district areas. Councilmember Weaver noted the Society may not be holding the event due to liability insurance. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 4 of 18 6.3 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Order Number 29 and 82. 6.4 Issuance of a Sale of Used Motor Vehicles License for Fast Auto Sales LLC, 434 W. Main Street, Anoka. 6.5 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Bridget Schramm-Coons of Anoka Family Wellness, 3507 Round Lake Boulevard NW, Suite 300. 6.6 Waiving Monetary Limits for Liability Coverage and Annual Insurance. 6.7 Approve Temporary Liquor License; Anoka County Historical Society at Riverfest, July 13, 2024. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Approving Election Judges and Ballot Board Judges for August 13, 2024, Election. RESOLUTION Ms. Oehlers shared a background report stating the Minnesota Statute §204B.21 requires the City Council approve the appointment of Election Judges. She shared the resolution for adoption which approves the appointment of Election Judges and Ballot Board for the August 13, 2024 Election. 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 then explained who can serve in precincts based on state law. Councilmember Skogquist disclosed that his mother could serve as an election judge during the August primary but would not be serving as an election judge in November as he will be a candidate on that ballot. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution of appointment of Election Judges for 2024 Primary and City Special Election August 13, 2024 and Establishment of Election Ballot Board. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 5 of 18 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Establishing a Solid Waste Collections Options Committee. RESOLUTION Ms. Oehlers shared a background report stating at the meeting on May 20, 2024, staff was directed to prepare a resolution to establish a Solid Waste Collections Options Committee. At the meeting on June 3, 2024, the Council voted to postpone action on the resolution until the June 17, 2024 meeting. She said how options committees are 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 committee's final report and recommendation to be presented to the City Council. Staff met with the haulers on May 29, 2024 and at that meeting, they requested that the City Council not establish the committee at this time and allow the negotiation process to continue and provide a 60-day timeframe to present a negotiated proposal to the City by August 1, 2024. She said at the meeting with the Haulers on June 13, 2024, they again expressed their opposition to the City Council passing this resolution and establishing a Solid Waste Collection Options Committee. Councilmember Skogquist asked questions regarding logistics of the committee should be included in the resolution itself. Ms. Oehlers said they could either included in the resolution or attached as an exhibit. Councilmember Skogquist said the proposal is due back by August 1 and suggested including language on or before the August 5 Council meeting in the resolution as well. City Attorney Kurt Glaser advised deadlines are best but can always be extended if approved by the Council. Councilmember Skogquist supports this not as an action item but a step in the process and that the group would collect the information to present to the Council and that they’ll review the proposal from the haulers if submitted by August 1. Councilmember Weaver noted staff has been meeting weekly with the haulers who are negotiating in good faith so unless the haulers haven’t been negotiating in good faith a committee should not be formed. Mr. Glaser responded the Statute states a committee can be formed after haulers negotiates exclusively for 60 days. Councilmember Weaver said it seems like we are forming a committee and that the City is not negotiating in good faith which he didn’t support. He said he’s not June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 6 of 18 in support of the question for organized collection being on the August 13 ballot and the intent was for the question to be on the general election which circumvented the intent of the petitioners. He spoke about the proposed Charter amendment and asked if Charter Commission has had any discussion on the amendment. Ms. Oehlers said the Commission did not meet as that was not a requirement but were informed of the proposed amendment. Councilmember Weaver said he was disappointed with the process and felt it was important to be fully transparent and asked how we’ll manage organized hauling if passed as the result will likely be a higher levy. He spoke about the need to inform voters, adding there is no local election race on the Anoka ballot so there will be no reason to come to the polls. Councilmember Scott said we’re following our original intent of putting the question on the ballot as well as the intention of the petitioners all along. He said the Charter amendment was to ask the question if the decision should remain with the Council or the voters, adding we were advised not to do the dual track. Councilmember Weaver noted the City of Mounds View was still in a law suit over organized hauling with a trial to come in March 2025 and didn’t want the same thing to happen in Anoka. Joelle Alverud, Anoka, shared comments regarding meeting with staff and clarified the ballot language states the question would be on the November 5 ballot which was misleading to the voters. She said voters don’t come to the primary election and that petitioners signed with the knowledge the question would be on the general ballot. She said the result is misleading and the Council was usurping their authority and in violation of what was presented. Sharon Duffing, Anoka and lead petitioner, said the sample ballot was provided by the City on May 9 to collect signatures for November 5. Councilmember Scott said he read the question to be amending the Charter first then change how garbage was collected to be at the general election. Councilmember Weaver asked about the percentage needed for petition signatures which is based on voter turnout which ranged between 18% and 89% between the primary and the general which is confusing and asked if staff provided the sample ballot language. Ms. Oehlers said the threshold for signatures was 5% of the previous general election and that staff did provide this language but we were meeting to approve the question and that the petitioners assumed the question would be at the general election but the petition did not say that. She noted the question was brought to Council which was reviewed and approved for August 13. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 7 of 18 Mayor Rice said we all believe the answer to this question will be yes, regardless of which election, and the method was to get this done in the most efficient manner and get the question asked at the general election but said if the question was voted down at the primary could it still be put on the general ballot. Ms. Oehlers this will already be on the primary ballot and based on statute changes would be too late to include on the November ballot. Councilmember Weaver said the intention of petitioners was to include the question on the general election. Councilmember Skogquist said it matters what was put forward and the goal was to allow the voters to have a say. He said legal issues in Mounds View are being tested in court and that this is the same question that occurred in Bloomington and Mounds View but doesn’t ask the Charter amendment as that has to happen first. He said it is important for all to weigh in and that’s what we’re trying to do, adding the Options Committee will provide options for language. Councilmember Wesp said discussions were held at a worksession and not through formal action and while the intent was for the question to be at the general election through political wrangling it will be on the primary and result in more opportunity because of fewer voters. He suggested a second opinion be obtained by the League of Minnesota Cities. Mr. Glaser said the Council can always seek direction from the League but said they have the authority to call a special election and the question and process was legal. Ms. Oehlers said the Council adopted a resolution on May 20 for the language to be on the August 13 primary ballot and that the resolution and action before the Council now was whether to approve the Options Committee. Councilmember Wesp noted the haulers have asked the City not to approve the Committee and asked if they have been negotiating in good faith. Ms. Oehlers said of the haulers who have participated they have been negotiating in good faith. Councilmember Wesp asked if we will know the full extent of costs to the City and residents if passed such as staff and levy impacts. Ms. Oehlers said we will receive a proposal for services but that not the costs etc. have yet to be determined. Councilmember Wesp noted we won’t know the full aspect of the contract to the City but the action is to establish a Committee which he won’t support as the haulers are negotiating in good faith. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to deny a resolution establishing a Solid Waste Collection Options Committee. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 8 of 18 Ms. Alverud said Council had an opportunity to pose their own ballot question but the citizens did so now we have muddy waters and that they felt misled by staff that the question would be November 5 ballot. She said the question was different than what the public was led to believe and they need to know how this has changed since absentee voting starts June 28. Councilmember Scott agreed public education will be needed in this process and Council wants the residents to know what the questions are and be most informed. Councilmember Weaver asked about process to inquire with the League of Minnesota Cities. Councilmember Skogquist said he won’t support the motion because we want to know all the options and data which is what the Committee would be doing. He said he appreciated the haulers working with us but at this point we need to have information to share with the public. Ms. Oehlers said the proposal for a contract is due August 1. Councilmember Wesp noted voting starts prior to the contract’s due date so this will not really be informing the voters for six weeks then asked about Mounds View’s situation. Mr. Glaser said Mounds View wasn’t negotiating in good faith so it was turned back. Councilmember Weaver said but we are operating in good faith but are now turning the tables. Ms. Oehlers said the question on the August 13 ballot refers to just the authority to change the Charter to who should be allowed to move to organized hauling and not actual organized hauling, just who gets to make the decision. Councilmember Weaver noted litigation will likely follow and called the question. Upon a roll call vote: Councilmembers Weaver and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, and Mayor Rice voted nay. Motion failed. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to direct staff to inquire about the process with League of Minnesota Cities for a second opinion on concerns raised including the sample ballot provided to petitioners by staff that showed a November 5 sample ballot and intentions of the petitioners. Mayor Rice commented how this leads to the root of the voters regarding organized hauling and the expectation that the question will be yes and felt the shenanigans were to purely delay the process when you don’t want to in fact ask the voters. He said Statute allows the question to be at the primary which is what June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 9 of 18 is happening and while he was in favor of a second opinion it will delay the process and could still approve the Options Committee while we wait for the League to respond. Councilmember Scott said it is wrong to assume that this action is in bad faith because that is not what the Statute states. Councilmember Weaver said three Councilmembers wanted to introduce this question in a primary that has no local races and one commissioner race that does not include all of Anoka with an 18% voter turnout which is not the full voice of the people and felt the City could be facing litigation. Councilmember Skogquist asked if asking the League will delay the process. Mr. Glaser said this will not delay the process. Mayor Rice noted he was lobbying for the question to be answered yes. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution establishing a Solid Waste Collection Options Committee as amended to be the Waste Reduction and Recycling Board and request recommendations to be received on or before August 5, 2024. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Skogquist voted in favor. Councilmembers Weaver and Wesp voted nay. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Calling for a Special Election to be Held on November 5, 2024, Relating to the Implementation of an Organized Solid Waste Collection System and Accepting Ballot Language. RESOLUTION Ms. Oehlers shared a background report stating the at the request of Councilmember Skogquist and Councilmember Scott this item has been placed on this agenda for City Council consideration. The resolution is to call for a Special Election on November 5, 2024, for voters to vote on whether or not they want the City to implement an Organized Solid Waste Collection System. The ballot language was shared and included in the resolution and staff has inserted recycling and yard waste as part of the collection system as well but that Council should discuss whether or not they want an all-encompassing collection system. She said if the resolution passes and it becomes a ballot question on November 5, 2024, if 51% of the votes cast are in favor of an organized collection system, the following steps would occur: staff would prepare an Ordinance amending the City Code to reflect the organized collection system; staff would notify residents of the June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 10 of 18 new organized collection system; and staff would work with the haulers on the implementation of the new system. The haulers will need time to do some re- organization of operations, purchase bins, etc. This has been discussed with the haulers and they said that the most efficient and feasible time that the new system could commence would be July 2025. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution Calling For A Special Election And Approving Ballot Language Relative To The Implementation Of An Organized Solid Waste, Recycling And Yardwaste Collection System In The City Of Anoka. Councilmember Wesp said there are two Councilmembers who want public input on this process and that’s happening and the shenanigans are from those opposed. He said it is Council’s ability as members to debate and ask questions to get what we want and felt that it was funny that a question by petitioners and conjecture that happened the same way before with no input from the community. He said through a petition the people have spoken and by putting this on the ballot now voting starts on June 28 and won’t have full knowledge of impacts which is not fair. He said he won’t support the motion as there should have been a public forum then commented how this topic has been included in campaigns. Councilmember Weaver said he wouldn’t be supporting this motion either and that we should use different language and suggested adding government- organized hauling for full transparency. Ms. Oehlers said organized hauling is defined by Statute and noted the ballot question title can only be 10 words long but the question is clear. Councilmember Weaver said the proposed language should have been shared with the haulers as it could affect their businesses. Mr. Lee said the agenda was shared with the haulers stating the question would be in the packet. Ms. Alevurd asked for the question to be displayed and agreed it doesn’t say City- selected hauler and included no explanation of what organized collection was. Councilmember Scott said government already regulates how we collect garbage through a maximum number of licenses issued in Anoka. He said we’re looking to outsource this service as we have for many decades and adding the word government could actually confuse voters and the question should remain as presented. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, and Skogquist voted in favor. Councilmembers Weaver and Wesp voted nay. Motion carried. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 11 of 18 9.4 RES/2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Set a Bid Date, and Authorize a Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program Loan/Grant Application with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating on June 3, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution ordering the project, authorizing the preparation of engineering plans & specifications, and authorizing advisement for bids. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) 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/galvanized service line is a service line made from lead or that has lead components. The lead service line replacement project will involve the removal of approximately 100 existing galvanized lead copper water services and replacement with plastic water service pipe, along with restorations in kind. The 2024 project limits include the neighborhoods bounded by the Rum River to the west, East Main Street to the north, the city limits to the east, and the Mississippi River to the south. He shared the estimated total project cost of $745,605 and the project schedule. Councilmember Scott explained how QR codes were used and encouraged residents to access the code to complete the survey. Councilmember Weaver asked if any of the affected water services were located within recent street projects. Mr. Nelson explained they were not in any recent SRP projects and when done will include restoration of the boulevard, sidewalk, driveway, curbing, etc. by the contractor. Councilmember Weaver stressed importance of standards restoration and asked if this work will be led by the contractor or staff. Public Works Director Mark Anderson said staff will ensure restoration is done appropriately. Councilmember Skogquist said not many lines will be 100% lead but some will be galvanized lines which deteriorate and rust and that this is unique opportunity for those property owners in the southeast portion of the City to get that replaced June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 12 of 18 and paid for as they will likely fail at some point and encouraged everyone to do so when available. Mayor Rice encouraged everyone to take a photo of their line and speak to staff to see if it qualified. Motion by Councilmember Wesp, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for the 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Approve Plans & Specifications, Set A Bid Date, And Authorize A Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program Loan/Grant Application with The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 ORD/Zoning Text Amendment; Chapter 78, Article V, Division 3, Section 78- 265; Highway Business District. 1st Reading Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating Council recently approved the sale of the former west liquor store located at 809 Highway 10. The subject property is located within the B-1 Highway Business District. The City is selling the property to Vapor Trail Archery (the Buyer). The Buyer specializes in bowstring manufacturing and retail sales of archery products. The City Council is requesting a zoning text amendment to the B-1 district allowing limited product assembly/manufacturing of retail goods sold or shipped from the site. Staff has prepared the following amendment regarding Sec. 78-265. B-1 Highway Business District. (e) Accessory uses. The following are permitted accessory uses: (2) Product assembly/manufacturing of retail goods/products sold on-site or sold/shipped by a permitted retail establishment limited to no more than 50% of the gross floor area. Mr. Lee said the property is scheduled to close June 28. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to hold first reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 3 – Business Districts, Section 78-265 – Highway Business District. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Councilmember Skogquist absent for vote. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Variance for Garage/Driveway, 3600 Rum River Drive. RESOLUTION June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 13 of 18 Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating Brian and Shelly Bloch, owners of 3600 Rum River Dr., are seeking variances for a new detached garage and driveway. The new garage is proposed to be 1,008 sq. ft. and located at the northwest corner of the subject property. A new second driveway is proposed at the location of the new garage for access to the public right-of-way (ROW). The subject property is approximately one acre in size which is considerably larger than surrounding lots. The applicant seeks to create more indoor storage for a pontoon and other things. The subject property is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential District. The maximum accessory structure square foot allowance in the district is 1200 sq. ft. The owners have an existing attached garage of approx. 600 sq. ft., meaning a variance of 408 sq. ft. above the maximum allowance is requested. Additionally, the district allows a maximum of one driveway access to the ROW. The applicant is requesting approval of a second driveway access to the ROW. In summary, the following variances are requested 1. A variance of 408 sq. ft. above the maximum accessory structure square footage. 2. A variance for a second driveway accessing the public right-of-way. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing at their June 4 regular meeting. There were no comments received from the public and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilmember Skogquist said as owners of both lots with the home on one lot if the garage was not built could that lot be subdivided lot or was it too narrow. Mr. Palmer said the lot size is minimum 15,000 square feet and may not be deep enough but the larger issue would be meeting setback requirements from the existing home. Councilmember Weaver said the Blochs were fortunate to have this property and supported the variances. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt a resolution for approval of a variance at 3600 Rum River Drive. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/Safe Road Work Zone Grant; Authorize the Execution of a Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the Use of Enforcement State Funds. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating pursuant to 2023 Laws of Minnesota, H.F. No. 2887, Chapter 68, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 3(a), the State appropriated $1,000,000 from the general fund for safe road zones including development and delivery of public awareness and education campaigns about safe road zones. The Transportation Omnibus Bill was passed into law by June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 14 of 18 Governor Dayton and was effective the 1st day of July 2023. On May 3, 2024, the City of Anoka applied to the Safe Road Zone Program. The application for Safe Road Zone Funds included Safe Road Zone State Funds and Enforcement Safe Road Zone State Funds in the amounts of $58,000 and $59,000 respectfully. This state funds made available to the City of Anoka as the grantee will provide the funding to provide enforcement, dynamic speed feedback signs, advanced intelligent signage, and an education campaign with materials to reduce excessive traffic speeds and distracted driving in an urbanized downtown area. The safe road zone is the County State Aid Highway 1 (CSAH 1) corridor in the City of Anoka that comprises of 5th Avenue as you travel north/south and East River Road as you travel east/west in the City of Anoka. East River Road changes to Coon Rapids Boulevard as the road continues into the City of Coon Rapids. On May 10, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety notified the city that Anoka was the recipient and awarded the full request of state funds plus an additional $29,000 in Enforcement Safe Road Zone State Funds to share with the City of Coon Rapids. Due to the City of Anoka and the City of Coon Rapids having very similar applications, both cities having the same safe road zone, and already working together on enforcement along the CSAH 1 corridor, the State Program Administrator with the Office of Traffic Safety combined the two grants into one for the enforcement portion of the grant. The City of Anoka was selected to be the lead fiscal agency and the City of Coon Rapids as a partner to the City of Anoka to receive these funds. The method and means of determining the lead agency were by a simple “flip of a coin”. Some important requirements of the grant contract agreement Council shall be aware of are the following: The City received a total of $100,000 in Enforcement Safe Road Zone State Funds to split with the City of Coon Rapids. Of these funds, at least $54,000 are designated to the City of Anoka and up to an additional $29,000 may be spent for enforcement by the Anoka Police Department. The local match commitment for the Page 135 of 174 Enforcement Safe Road Zone State Funds was $5,000 on the application and will be financed by the Public Safety Fund if required. The grant contract agreement amount of matching requirement is $0.00. Councilmember Scott said the funds means 25 hours of enforcement per month for one year for additional enforcement on CSAH 1 from Main Street to 5th Avenue to Coon Rapids for them to continue enforcement in their city. Councilmember Skogquist said if we don’t have staffing can we work with Coon Rapids to coordinate coverage. Chief Peterson said it could be arranged to combine efforts with other agencies and said while we estimated 25 hours per month we won’t be there on a predictable basis as enforcement needs to be more random but that they’ll work with Coon Rapids to develop a plan to focus in our own areas. He added enforcement work was already occurring as part of the Auto Theft Task Force and TZD Grants. Councilmember Weaver said the residents on 5th Avenue will be very pleased with this additional enforcement. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 15 of 18 Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Wesp, to adopt a resolution Safe Road Work Zone Grant; Authorize The Execution Of A Grant Agreement With The Minnesota Department Of Public Safety For The Use Of Enforcement State Funds. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.8 RES/Approving Joint Powers Agreement for the Anoka Police Department to Provide Police Officers for the Security Detail at the City of Blaine Professional Golf Association (PGA) 3M Open, July 22-28, 2024. RESOLUTION Chief Peterson shared a background report stating it is requested that the City Council approve a Resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement between the Anoka Police Department and City of Blaine to provide police officers to assist in security details for their upcoming Professional Golf Association (PGA) 3M Open, July 22 – 28, 2024. This PGA event requires more security personnel than the City of Blaine Police Department is able to provide, so they have reached out to neighboring law enforcement agencies in a mutual aid request. He said as Chief he recognized and supported this mutual aid request as this event is large, and large events bring public safety concerns and interests. All hours worked by Anoka PD officers will be fully compensated by the PGA. Councilmember Weaver asked if officers have a different uniforms for this detail. Chief Peterson said it depends on the role such as traffic enforcement or plain clothes on the course. Motion by Councilmember Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement for the Anoka Police Department to Provide Police Officers for the Security Detail at the City of Blaine Professional Golf Association (PGA) 3M Open – July 22nd – 28th, 2024. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10.1 Fire Board Formulary from Joint Powers Agreement, Section 3. Contributions. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating on January 17, 2024 the Anoka- Champlin Fire Department Board made a motion to recommend changes to Article III Contribution section of the Joint Powers Agreement between the cities of Anoka and Champlin. The Fire Board also made a motion recommending that the proposed changes be presented to the respective City Councils for June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 16 of 18 consideration of approval. On March 25, 2024 the City Council discussed the Joint Powers Agreement Formulary for Anoka-Champlin Fire Department. The Fire Board recommended changes to the Joint Powers Agreement will increase the City of Anoka's contribution to the Fire Department an average of $181,209 per year, every year, into the future. This amount is based on applying the Fire Department Board recommended formulary, to the current 2024 budget. He reviewed how other joint powers fire departments determine contributions, either by population or estimated market value, then spoke about how State fire aid is calculated based on Statute which is population and estimated market value. He spoke about the demand on the Fire Department and how the new proposal now supports going back to using the number of calls. He shared contributions to date and the proposed formula. He said options for Council include approving the Fire Board recommended proposal, amend their proposal, keep the current JPA, or discuss long term fire district options and goals with Champlin such as expanding the current district. Councilmember Wesp said the Fire Chief has implemented duty crews and the Fire Board approved the 1/3 scenario and using the 50/50 split and in both cases duty crew calls have dropped from paid on call firefighter calls, which saves both cities money. He said while they are using more hours, as Champlin expands the formulary it trends to them needing more. He explained how the formulary was created and is changing the way we are addressing calls and that Champlin has more fires to respond to but Anoka leads the number of calls. Mayor Rice said he understood that fixed costs would be split 50/50 but there are differences in the cities which makes sense to create a level playing but missed that 83% or 1/3 would be split 50/50 which doesn’t make sense to him. He said the only response is to reexamine and make an amendment to the formulary calculation. He supported splitting the fixed costs equally then taking the differences in the number of calls and other costs and divide those based on factors. Councilmember Wesp said he believed a majority of the Fire Board was to split 50/50 but that’s not how it was approved. He said this fire department works very well but the way departments acquire new equipment is extremely expensive and we have the right to equity between the cities to pay for this equipment. He said to date costs have been close between the two cities and that this should continue. Mayor Rice said with Champlin’s population exceeding Anoka and duty crews he anticipates Anoka’s duty staff changing and likely even out but said we share the equipment and fixed costs will rise. He felt it only fair to take 100% fixed costs 50/50 then use the metrics to divide out the remaining costs and see who’s using the services. Councilmember Wesp said if we don’t do the Fire Board recommendation the budget will be reviewed by the Fire Board and the friendly amendment will result June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 17 of 18 in a meeting and be at the 2021 formulary for 2024 that is currently in place. He said while the Fire Board vote was unanimous, he felt there was confusion of the motion. Councilmember Skogquist supported the friendly amendment and if Champlin did not support it suggested a meeting of both Councils to discuss. Councilmember Wesp said when we met in 2020 the two items discussed was changing the board composition to electeds and rearrange the formulary to be more equitable for both communities. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Skogquist, to adopt the changes to the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department Joint Powers Agreement based on the recommendation of the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department Board with a friendly amendment that represents the fixed costs split 50/50 and the variable costs split at 1/3, 1/3, and 1/3 through duty crews and paid on call. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rice, Councilmembers Scott, Skogquist, Weaver, and Wesp voted in favor. Motion carried. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Distribution of 1st Half Round-Up Funds. Assistant Finance Director Liz Douglas shared that Round-Up Fund program began in 2012 as an optional program to donate to charitable organizations through rounding-up utility payments and that in March 2024 donations were advanced to the food shelves for MN Foodshares Campaign and the remaining first half of $8,000 is recommended to be split between Alexandra House and the Anoka Community Mission. She shared statistics on the program’s growth in participation after a decline in 2020 and was now 42% participation. Councilmember Wesp made a motion to approve distributions of $4,000 to Alexandra House and $4,000 to the Anoka Community Mission from the Round-Up program as presented. Councilmember Skogquist seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12.2 Update on Meeting(s) with Licensed Residential Solid Waste. None. June 17, 2024 (Regular) Page 18 of 18 12.3 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.4 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Weaver asked for update on the CIP allocation in 2025 to create an access point to the Stonehouse and requested that staff be working on the needed permits to expend those funds when available. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Wesp made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 10:11 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerks