Anoka City Council

February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 9 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 3, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Police Captain Andy Youngquist; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: Councilmember Weaver. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 January 21, 2025, Regular Meeting. January 21, 2025, Summary of Closed Executive Session; Performance Evaluation-City Attorney. Councilmember Rostad requested a change on Page 7 to show unanimous support for the appointment of Councilmember Campbell, correction on Page 6 to Councilmember Rostad, and spelling corrections to Joelle Alvord and Mr. Jungling on Page 12. Mayor Skogquist requested corrections on Page 10 to state that the properties mentioned do not have access to sewer and corrections to Mayor Skogquist throughout. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2025, Regular meeting and the January 21, 2025, Summary of Closed Executive Session; Performance Evaluation – City Attorney as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 9 Police Chief Eric Peterson shared that former K-9 Bravo passed away on January 24. He highlighted his work that included tracking and locating narcotics and how he retired in February 2021 as a result of a shooting during a carjacking incident. He said K-9 Bravo had great expertise and after his retirement worked as an unofficial therapy dog and was recognized for many Minnesota Medal of Honor and Valor from them K-9 Police Association for his work. He said while the department had a heavy heart, he thanked the community for their outpouring of support. Chief Peterson shared a staffing update that included an offer of employment to an officer from Jaynesville Wisconsin who was from Minnesota and wanted to return and that they were conducting interviews regarding the second vacancy next week. He outlined the reassigned COPS officers shifts and the current reduction of community outreach activities with the goal to return them in the spring. Councilmember Scott thanked Chief Peterson for the update on K-9 Bravo and his work and suggested creating a dog park in his memory. Mayor Skogquist agreed and suggested requesting the Park Board to consider this suggestion. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM None. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Scott thanked Commissioner Szurek for her service and encouraged all residents to apply for vacancies on all boards and commissions. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Resignation from Heritage Preservation Commission; Kelli Szurek. 6.4 MN Municipal Power Association Annual Published Power Rates. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 9 6.5 Acceptance/Approval of Pay Equity Report. 6.6 Recommended Approval of LG220 Bingo/Raffle Permit; Anoka Auxiliary 102 at American Legion Post 102 on March 22 and November 15, 2025. 6.7 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Knights of Columbus at St. Stephen’s Church, April 4, 2025. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 2024 Annual Report from Human Rights Commission. Chholing Taha, previous Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, presented the 2024 Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission. She shared about the home resource page they created that included links and resources for addressing vaping, drugs, and stalker concerns, provided parent and home resources such as yard help, the community garden project that included youth growing seedlings then delivering for planting and caring, and thanked the Tornado Club for their support. She outlined emergency information being offered in different languages such as Spanish and the inclusion of cautions around online scams especially focusing on youth. Ms. Taha spoke about the bridging opportunities and sustainability connections created through the Heritage Preservation Commission and the goal to create fundraising opportunities. Councilmember Rostad commended the Commission for collecting and making these resources accessible. Councilmember Scott thanked the Commission for their hard work then asked about the community garden project and service organizations that could be the recipients of the harvest and partnerships with the high school students. Ms. Taha explained the connection with the Tornado Club through other Commissioners which has proved to be invaluable. Mayor Skogquist thanked the Commission for the outreach and partnerships with others which is key. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 ORD/Amendments to Chapter 66 Traffic and Vehicles, Article I. and Article II. Division 1 and Division 2. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 9 (1st Reading) Chief Peterson shared a background report stating the existing Chapter 66 regulates traffic, vehicles, and parking. Amending Chapter 66 was necessary as some language was antiquated and was inconsistent with the City’s current operations and enforcement procedures. Highlights of changes to Chapter 66 include: establishing appropriate and updated protocol for the direction of actions to be taken throughout the proposed amendment, elimination of “cruising” regulations in their entirety, removal of antiquated language throughout, and update of the citation process to reflect current actions and operation of the City. The Parking Advisory Board (PAB) reviewed the proposed ordinance changes and approved the changes on January 15, 2025. Mayor Skogquist noted how times and priorities have changed and causes that removed cruising from Anoka which was once very important. Councilmember Scott agreed the priority should be reviewing parking in the City and referred to overnight parking review instead of a permit authorized by the Police Department to provide a more streamlined approach for the occasional overnight guests. He said this is a move in the right direction and thanked staff for streamlining the language. Chief Peterson said he was pleased to remove the cruising language but noted it wasn’t really an ordinance change but a cultural change regarding cruising and referred to the current list of overnight parking and how unless there was a snow emergency or otherwise abused the requests are granted. Mayor Skogquist stated making the process as easy as possible for parking is key. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 66 Traffic and Vehicles, Article I. In General, Article II. Stopping, Standing, and Parking, Division 1. Generally, Division 2. Enforcement of the Code of the City of Anoka Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment; Eastview Meadows Addition. RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating in 2017, the City approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a proposed 28-unit townhome development east of 11th Avenue, north of North Street. The current project was constructed in two phases (Eastview Meadows 1st February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 9 Addition and Eastview Meadows 2nd Addition). The 2nd phase of the project is nearing completion. One outstanding improvement is the completion of a private, not public, trail and gazebo. The City of Anoka currently retains a financial guarantee in the amount of $10,000 for the private trail and gazebo improvements. Recently the homeowner’s association (Association) met to discuss the private trail and gazebo. Residents of the development voted to forgo the proposed private trail and gazebo. Reasons for forgoing the private improvements include a desire to see the area remain open and natural, and there was some concern about the private trail inadvertently being used by the public. Since the proposed improvements were approved as part of a PUD, staff is not at liberty to administratively approve the changes. Changes have to be approved by a PUD amendment. A PUD amendment requires that the Planning Commission review the request and hold a public hearing. After review and recommendation by the Planning Commission, the City Council makes a decision on the proposed amendment. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and held a public hearing in December 2024. Representatives of the Association stated at the Planning Commission meeting that they are willing to install additional landscaping of equivalent value in lieu of constructing the trail/gazebo. Areas identified for additional landscaping include the following areas. Councilmember Scott said he was pleased with the feedback from the neighborhood and noted if they want to keep the area natural that was good and that it was fair to go back to show the path and redirect the funds to beautifying the trail. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner asked if there is an easement around the path from Lot 17 and 18 as he was concerned about the maintenance of the area. Mr. Borglund confirmed all common space and outlot were part of the association and would be maintained. Dan Meyers, Anoka, said he lived near the path area and commented about the low area and how most residents don’t want this here and how currently the area was sand. He said he hoped to have black dirt soon and supported the street going from a public street to a private street and how the berm will make this area look nice. He noted there were currently many semis in the area that created dust area and that hopefully the area will be paved as the current asphalt is in rough shape. Mr. Borglund said the City currently held $114,000 in escrow and the outstanding punch list would need to be addressed to release that escrow which included the boneyard to pave the City drive, trail, berm, and finalize the grading and landscaping. Mayor Skogquist said it would be nice to see if we could do the entire area as one project if possible as this was a good connection to access Sunny Acres Park when that time comes. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 9 Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment Eastview Meadows Development. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Cannabis Retail Business Registration Multiple Application Selection Process Policy. Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the Council at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, adopted an Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 Business Services and Establishing Article XIV Regulation of Adult Use Cannabis Business Operations. The adopted Ordinance Amendment included language with the following directive to create a new policy: “If multiple valid applications for retail registration exceeding the number of registered Cannabis Retail Businesses permitted under Section 22-805(a) are received by the City on the same business day, the issuance of retail registrations shall be in accordance with a criteria selection policy established by the City.” The proposed policy establishes a review and selection process for multiple applications for cannabis retail business registration as required per the ordinance language noted above including a weighted scoring system. Mayor Skogquist explained while this policy may not be necessary it could be important should multiple registration applicants be received and asked how the criteria was determined. Mr. Borglund said staff reviewed cities in New Mexico for ideas as well as discussions with the City Attorney and created a weighted process that seemed to make sense then noted the policy could always be amended. Councilmember Scott said while the policy may not be needed, he was pleased it would be in place and said he liked Category 1 as a business plan then asked if the feasibility was part of that consideration. Mr. Baumgartner noted this was unchartered territory and said the City was not sure what to expect. He said they didn’t want to overburden applicants since the State would have already requested substantial information and that if submitted the City could review. He said they tried to create a criterion to assist the Council in identifying the best fit for the Council in the instance of multiple applications and avoid any discrimination possibilities and provide an additional tool should the instance arise. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 9 Mr. Borglund shared that staff will be creating a website for applicants that will include this policy so they are aware of the criteria should they wish to apply for a registration in Anoka. Councilmember Rostad said it will be helpful to know the minimum expectations then asked about proactive complaints in the neighborhood criteria and if that would be at the Council discretion. Mr. Borglund said the intent is to determine if the applicant has thought about that criteria. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the Cannabis Retail Business Registration Multiple Application Selection Process Policy as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 Recommended Appointment to the Charter Commission; Teresa Cleveland. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating currently the City has two vacancies on the Charter Commission, both with an expiration date of November 1, 2028. He said Teresa Cleveland has submitted her application which was included in the packet and said while appointments to the Charter Commission are made by the 10th Judicial District Court the Council does make a recommendation on appointments. Councilmember Campbell said he felt Ms. Cleveland was a strong candidate as she formally served on the Ramsey Charter Commission. Councilmember Scott agreed, stating Ms. Cleveland has great credentials which included a master’s degree in public policy and administration and that she served on the Ramsey Charter Commission. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to recommend appointment of Teresa Cleveland to the Charter Commission for a term ending November 1, 2028. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.1 Anoka County Jail Expansion – Consideration to Update and Revise City Generated “Justice Center” Option. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating this item was placed on the agenda at the request of Councilmembers Campbell and Scott to discuss the Anoka County Jail Expansion Project regarding updating the City's Justice Center option. He said the option was proposed off of 7th Avenue but that the City believed the option didn’t compare apples to apples but as the City included the court system February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 9 and office center. He said the City proposed a more comprehensive plan overall and that the City believed the plan warranted more discussion. Councilmember Scott shared further context after the meeting with Anoka County Commissioners last year that included a common thread that everyone was working towards and felt Anoka proposed a full Justice Center in a different location. He said the City felt the downtown posed challenges for any expansion and that we did not want to vacate Van Buren Street and hoped this alternative could be reviewed for cost and considered. Councilmember Campbell echoed Councilmember Scott’s words and said this was an effort to get an idea of costs to relocate to another location either in or outside of Anoka. Councilmember Scott said there was a good faith effort with Anoka County to have the apples-to-apples comparison, then agreed the current proposal is too expensive but asked how we make a fair argument from both sides as a possibility. Mr. Baumgartner said he was not sure the proposal was apples-to-apples because the City is proposing something different but felt if it was a vision, we need to find out the cost to maintain the current courthouse structure. He said Wold Architects indicated of the $267 million project cost, $6.8 million was to renovate the court system and asked what the additional cost of the court system would be. He used the analogy of making repairs to a used car and when you purchase a new car then referred to the $40-$50 million for a parking ramp that could be used towards an alternate site if not in the downtown area, adding this was a worthy conversation to have. Mr. Baumgartner said we shouldn’t delay the decision for a project as it will only increase costs and should look at the cost now. Councilmember Scott said the proposed downtown concept is more piecemeal and phased and will hopefully get a more apples-to-apples cost but noted the actual cost of the building would be good but that this was not the current plan being proposed. Mayor Skogquist said the City has been trying to work with the County since June 2024 and that currently no discussions are being held. He said it is important to show the due diligence as a City to date and the goal to be more collaborative. Councilmember Rostad said we need to find out how bad the current court system is and if we have the flexibility on the parking ramp and current repairs needed. Councilmember Scott said it has been eight months since the last meeting and that the Department of Corrections is waiting for the status of the jail, adding there is a need to communicate in a more consistent manner. February 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 9 Mr. Baumgartner said it would be helpful to get real input from the County regarding the offsets to see if the total figure is being decreased due to the City’s diligence and feasibility. Mayor Skogquist said this has been a great discussion and said if we truly want to find a solution for the next 40-80 years, we need to provide direction. Councilmember Scott said the goal was to review the revised proposal in a future worksession. Councilmember Campbell said a worksession should include information from the consultants for further options. Mayor Skogquist suggested a special worksession be scheduled to ensure this discussion occurs in a timely manner and invite all appropriate parties. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Mr. Baumgartner shared about the grants for Trunk Highway 47 and President Trump’s executive order regarding federal funding. He said the pause on allowing grants is no longer viable and that cities could continue to expend funds and explained it is very likely the states will achieve an injunction, with the end result prohibiting the executive order. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Scott made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting Councilmember Rostad seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:15 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk