Anoka City Council

February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 17 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 18, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist 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 Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver. 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; Utility Director Del Vancura; Sewer & Water Supervisor Pete Klingenberg, and Sewer and Water – Maintenance IV Bill Bendiske. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 January 27, 2025, Worksession. February 3, 2025, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2025, Worksession as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025, Regular meeting as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson shared an update regarding spring flooding predictions then spoke about calls for service such as medicals and domestic violence then commented about Alexandra House’s work to address domestic violence. He spoke about their stance for zero tolerance for these types of calls and noted they February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 17 are usually one of the most dangerous calls an officer can respond. He then shared about the domestic incident one year ago in Burnsville that resulted in the loss of two officers and a firefighter and asked that everyone remember those individuals lost. Councilmember Weaver asked if there will be a public reception for Chief Peterson’s retirement. Chief Peterson said a reception will be held on March 21 in the lower level of City Hall. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Bill Folkes, Coon Rapids, requested a worksession be scheduled to discuss the current parking ordinance and shared a suggestion for Section 66-49 shifting parked cars within a time frame. He said there is currently nothing in City code to address if an individual obliterates a chalk mark on a tire and said that should be addressed, adding he believes 83 businesses want this ordinance repealed then shared comments about how this was discussed at a recent Anoka Area Landowners Association (ABLA) meeting. Mayor Skogquist noted this item will be discussed as part of Item 9.3b and encouraged Mr. Folkes to remain and listen and he believed some of his concerns would be addressed. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Public Improvement Hearing. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating a resolution was adopted by City Council on November 18, 2024, authorizing the preparation of a Feasibility Report for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street. The 2025 project is proposed to be approximately 1.3 miles of street resurfacing in the neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Mineral Ponds, and the Anoka Enterprise Park. Resurfacing of a road comprises of a full depth reclamation of existing bituminous pavement and paving a new bituminous asphalt surface. An informational neighborhood meeting was held at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center on January 15, 2025, for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project to further educate the neighborhood on our Street Surface Improvement Program (SSIP) and receive feedback from the benefiting property owners. Approximately eight people attended the meeting. Overall, the residents were in favor of the project. The project webpage is another way for our residents to obtain information about the Street Surfacing Improvement Program (SSIP) and for the City to receive feedback from the benefiting property owners. On January 21, 2025, City Council adopted a resolution receiving and accepting the Feasibility Report, setting the public improvement and assessment hearings for 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2025. In February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 17 accordance with the public improvement process, the next step is to hold the public improvement hearing. After the improvement hearing has been held, City Council may hold the assessment hearing. The roads that are proposed to be included in the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project includes McKinley Street from Thurston Avenue to St. Francis Boulevard (TH 47) and Lund Boulevard from Thurston Avenue to McKinley Street. This proposed project will involve the reconstruction of the street surface, including the bituminous pavement, minor replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, sidewalks, spot watermain repairs, traffic control, and storm sewer drainage improvements only as necessary. As part of the sidewalk work, all pedestrian ramps will be reconstructed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. The spot watermain repair work is for the malfunctioning gate valves and broken access valve boxes. This project is proposing a number of new infrastructure changes which consist of the 2025 SSIP Overall Project Exhibit: • McKinley Street Infiltration Basin • George Enloe Park Parking Lot Resurfacing off Weaver Avenue • George Enloe Park Parking Lot Resurfacing off McKinley Street • McKinley Street and Weaver Boulevard Center Media Streetscaping (includes two banner poles w/flags and boulevard trees w/mulch) • McKinley Street and Quarry Avenue Intersection Improvements (pending Council direction). Based on discussion held at the January 21, 2025 Council meeting, the voting poll on the project webpage for the McKinley Street curb bump-outs remained live until February 14, 2025, for the neighborhood to voice their input. The results of the poll as of February 12, 2025, were the following: • 1 vote for “Yes” • 12 votes for “No” • 0 votes for “No Preference” As a reminder, at the neighborhood meeting staff had attendees vote if they were in favor of this improvement and no one was in favor of this change. Council shall be aware, if it is the desire of Council to have a bicycle lane along the north side of McKinley Street, engineering guidelines state that curb extensions shall not interfere with a bicycle lane. Additionally, curb extensions should not affect or interrupt on-road bicycle facilities, such as extending into or narrowing the width of a bicycle lane. It is noteworthy to mention; the original construction plans from the 1997 signed the north side of McKinley Street as no parking and it remains as no parking today. Staff is seeking City Council direction for installing the curb bump-outs at the intersection of McKinley Street and Quarry Avenue. Mr. Nelson said the purpose of the first hearing is to allow City Council to discuss the improvements before ordering the project. At the improvement hearing interested persons may voice their concerns or input whether or not they are in the proposed assessment area. Should City Council wish to proceed with this project; the next step in the public improvement process is to order the project. In the case of this project, there was not a petition from the property owners so the adoption requires a super-majority vote, meaning City Council can only adopt the resolution by four-fifths vote of all members of City Council. The next step in the engineering process is to authorize the preparation of plans and specifications for the project. With any public improvement project, it is frequently necessary to acquire real property in the form of right-of-way or utility easements to allow for February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 17 the relocation of city utilities. As per City Charter, City Council approval is required to acquire real property, or in the case of easements, an interest in real property. Staff recommends that City Council authorize staff to pursue and acquire all utility easements necessary for the successful implementation of this project. Based on the Feasibility Report, the estimated project cost of the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project is $2,724,000, which includes 5% for construction contingency and 10% for engineering, legal, administrative, and fiscal costs. Assessments are proposed to each benefiting property within the project area. The assessments for the street reconstruction will be according to the City’s Street Reconstruction Assessment Policy. The proposed assessment rate for 2025 will consist of a $1,930 street unit assessment and a $10 per lineal front footage street assessment. These are the proposed rates to be set by City Council for each single-family residential property zoned or used as R-1 and R-2. Four or more-unit residential buildings along with commercial or industrial properties have an assessment rate of double this amount. The typical 80-foot residential lot assessment would be $2,730 based on the above-mentioned rates, and the assessments will be levied over a five-year period at a 5% interest rate. The annual payment for a $2,730 assessment would be approximately $619 and a total principal plus interest of $3,095. Mr. Nelson reviewed the project schedule and said it is recommended that the Mayor opens the public improvement hearing to receive any concerns or input from the public, close the public hearing and conduct City Council discussion, then move to Item 5.2; the assessment hearing for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project, and once closed recommended to move to Item 9.1 and Item 9.2 forward and conduct City Council discussion. He said finally it is recommended that City Council adopts the resolution from Item 9.1; Ordering the Project and Authorizing the Preparation of Engineering Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street. Lastly, it is recommended that City Council adopts the resolution to Adopt the Assessment Roll for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project. Mayor Skogquist opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Being no comments Mayor Skogquist closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. 5.2 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Assessment Hearing. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on January 21, 2025, City Council adopted a resolution receiving and accepting the Feasibility Report, setting the public improvement and assessment hearings for 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2025, for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street. In accordance with the public improvement process, the next step is to hold the public improvement hearing. After the improvement hearing, City Council may and shall hold the assessment hearing. He outlined the proposed project and the process for public hearing publication. The assessment roll and February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 17 the property frontage maps for the proposed 2025 project were shared and included a list of all property owners with their individual proposed assessment amounts. For single-family residential property zoned or used R-1 and R-2, City Council has set the street unit assessment at $1,930 and a $10 per lineal foot assessment for 2025. For all other properties, including but not limited to, four or more-unit residential properties along with commercial, industrial, school, and church properties will be double these amounts. An example of a typical 80-foot R-1 or R-2 residential lot would pay the following proposed assessment: Street Unit Assessment $1,930 Street Front Footage Assessment ($10 x 80’) $ 800 Total Assessment: $2,730 Assessments are levied over a five-year period at a 5% interest rate. The annual payment for an $2,730 assessment would be approximately $619 and a total principal plus interest of $3,095. Mayor Skogquist opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Richard Lesh, 3401 St. Francis Boulevard, shared that former Mayor Skogquist visited his property and that a portion of the McKinley Street Additions #1 and #2 and #3 was purchased from 20 feet into 108 feet and is now City-owned property. He said the City should buy that property back for a future turn lane, adding it was purchased for $1,000 and was surveyed at 208x110 feet. He noted there wasn’t a driveway installed in the area then said he spoke with staff earlier and understood the City owns the property but he doesn’t have access and didn’t feel like he should pay the assessment as he didn’t agree to pay to have the City re-cut the curb. He then shared about the need for painting the fire hydrant near his property as the condition was very poor and hasn’t been maintained since he painted it once. Mr. Nelson explained this property is owned by the City and was reviewed as part of the assessment roll and is only being charged a unit assessment as it has no front footage and because the property owner receives a benefit and has access off McKinley Street. He shared a similar example with a parcel on Gray Street that was assessed as well. Mayor Skogquist stated he understood the concerns but felt the assessment amount was fair for the street to be redone, adding the property will have more value having access off McKinley Street and not just Highway 47. Councilmember Weaver asked staff to address the fire hydrant maintenance concerns as well. Being no further comments Mayor Skogquist closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Mr. Nelson explained a supermajority vote is required for ordering the project but a simple majority vote is required for the other items. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 17 Mayor Skogquist commented about biking on the northern part of the road by the industrial park and how bump outs could push bike traffic into the lane and the northern portion of the road has been posted as no parking for 28 years. He said some don’t want change at time and that a trail sidewalk improvement plan should be done at some point then stated he would be in favor of not including bump outs in this project. Councilmember Weaver asked if there were parking restrictions as part of this MSA road on one side of the street then stated he has no concerns with the bike lane on the north side and if no restrictions occur now we need to have input from the neighborhood first. He said he supported the bike lane but not the bump outs and stressed the need to be open and transparent with the neighborhood. Mr. Nelson explained in order to use MSA funds the street has to be posted as no parking. Mayor Skogquist spoke about the logic was that people use this area and that the Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Plan showed a non-motorized vehicle access in this area and that off-street is better than on-street and agreed we need to share any plan well before we anything is changed, adding it makes sense to look at this as a larger item overall. Councilmember Rostad spoke about rationale for the bump outs for pedestrian safety as it provided in less distance to pass but asked if it actually increases liability if we chose not to do this. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner responded pushing the bump outs and making the distance shorter comes at a cost and pushes bikes into the lane so the benefit is offsetting. He said the liability would have to be well accepted into the community and if that is the new standard, adding we have offsetting competing safety concerns and would likely not set up for a concern. Mr. Nelson said bump outs should not interfere with a bike lane in the design of this project and that usually bike lane flows in the direction of traffic. 5.1.a. RES/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Order Project and Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specifications. ACTED UPON AT THIS POINT IN THE AGENDA 9.1 RES/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project - – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Order Project and Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specifications. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Scott, which was seconded by Councilmember Rostad, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.1 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 17 RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution to order the project and authorize plans and specifications without the proposed bump outs, with a bike lane on the north side, and continue no parking on the north side. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 5.2.a. RES/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Assessment Roll. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating on January 21, 2025, City Council adopted a resolution receiving and accepting Feasibility Report, setting the public improvement and assessment hearings for 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2025, for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street. In accordance with the public improvement process, the next step is to hold the public improvement hearing. After the improvement hearing has been held, City Council may and shall hold the assessment hearing. He outlined the roads that were proposed to be included in the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project and outlined the public hearing notification requirements. The assessment roll and the property frontage maps for the proposed 2025 project were shared. The assessment roll includes a list of all property owners with their individual proposed assessment amounts. For single-family residential property zoned or used R-1 and R-2, City Council has set the street unit assessment at $1,930 and a $10 per lineal foot assessment for 2025. For all other properties, including but not limited to, four or more-unit residential properties along with commercial, industrial, school, and church properties will be double these amounts. An example of a typical 80-foot R-1 or R-2 residential lot would pay the following proposed assessment: Street Unit Assessment $1,930 Street Front Footage Assessment ($10 x 80’) $800 Total Assessment: $2,730 Assessments are levied over a five-year period at a 5% interest rate. The annual payment for an $2,730 assessment would be approximately $619 and a total principal plus interest of $3,095. The purpose of the assessment hearing is to hear and consider all objections from the property owners about the proposed assessment, whether presented orally or in writing. A written objection must be signed by the property owner either prior to the meeting or at the hearing in order to maintain the right to appeal. Any person who objects to his/her assessment amount may appeal to district court within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment roll by City Council. The next step in the Minnesota State Statute §429 process is to adopt the assessment roll to set liens against the properties listed in the roll. The assessments will be payable over a five-year period with an interest rate set at 5%. A property owner can pay all or part of their assessment with no interest charges until November 15, 2025. After this, any balance remaining will automatically be certified to Anoka County for collection on the property taxes. Deferments of the February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 17 assessments are available to qualified senior citizen, people with permanent and total disability, and military service deferrals. All deferred assessments constitute liens on the property and must be paid within 30 years of the assessment levy. Interest on the assessments discussed subsequently, may be paid or deferred. The estimated project cost of the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project is $2,724,000, which includes 5% for construction contingency and 10% for engineering, legal, administrative, and fiscal costs. The following breakdown shoes that the city’s share of the project will amount to approximately 88%, while the special assessments to benefiting properties will only be 12% of the total project cost. Funding of the project is proposed to come from several different funding sources including the following: MSA Construction Fund $1,771,494 Park Capital $191,000 Water System Utility $435,500 Municipal Electric $6,750 Special Assessments $319,256 Council shall be aware, the Park Capital Funds will pay for the parking lot improvement components of the project, special assessments levied for the project will not be used for said park improvements. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Scott, which was seconded by Councilmember Rostad, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.2 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. 9.2 RES/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Assessment Roll. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Rostad seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street; Adopt Assessment Roll. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Weaver shared about HRA Chair Bonthuis’ professional career as a school principal, National Guard service, and City service career on the HRA from 2014 to the present and thanked him for his dedication to the City. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 17 6.3 Harrison Street Surface Improvement Project; Final Payment and Project Close- Out. 6.4 Resignation from Housing and Redevelopment Authority; Dave Bonthuis. 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/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Order Project and Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specifications. ACTED UPON EARLIER IN THE AGENDA 9.2 RES/2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Boulevard and McKinley Street, Adopt Assessment Roll. ACTED UPON EARLIER IN THE AGENDA 9.3.a. ORD/Amendments to Chapter 66 Traffic and Vehicles, Article I. and Article II. Division 1 and Division 2. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Chief Peterson shared a background report stating the City Council introduced the ordinance amendment and held first reading at its regular City Council meeting on February 3, 2025. No changes to the proposed amendment were made by the City Council regarding existing Chapter 66 that regulates traffic, vehicles, and parking. He said 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 included establishing appropriate and updated protocol for 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. The PAB approved the changes January 15 2025. He referred to some numbering changes since first reading February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 17 regarding wiping off chalk marks and the resulting penalty of moving a vehicle 200 feet within the parking area and not deceiving law enforcement. He said if a conclusion cannot be reached related to the offense a citation will be issued and a judge could make a ruling about the validity similar to all enforcement work. Mr. Baumgartner spoke further about the administrative hearing process, the benefit of not having an administrative process, noting the cost to enforce a parking ticket is offset by what to enforce. He added the City would be better off cost-wise not issue a ticket, adding an administrative process cannot be used per statute. Motion by Councilmember Campbell seconded by Councilmember Scott, to hold second reading and adopt 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, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3.b. RES/Summary of Ordinance Amending to Chapter 66 Traffic and Vehicles, Article I. and Article II. Division 1 and Division 2. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution providing for summary publication for 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, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Chapter 2 – Land Use (Implementation of Anoka Station Area Master Plan Update). RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating in 2012, the Anoka City Council adopted the Anoka Station Plan. This document established the vision and guiding principles for the redevelopment of the Anoka Station area and prescribed the development form and urban design character that the City of Anoka envisioned. In 2023, the City acquired the 7.5- acre Miller Manufacturing Site, one of the largest industrial sites in the area. As the previous plan envisioned this site for long-term manufacturing, the City February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 17 enacted a moratorium which restricted development in the station area until the City had time to revisit and update the station area plan. In 2024, the City initiated an update to the 2012 Anoka Station Plan. The updated plan was adopted by the City Council in December 2024. Implementation elements of the plan include a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning map amendment and zoning text amendment. He outlined general changes being proposed that included a Comp Plan Amended Land Use Chapter to be consistent with the updated plan, updated text throughout the chapter, updated future land use map, updated redevelopment area map boundary, and updated minimum residential density/units per acre table He said the amended zoning map would be consistent with the updated plan and consistent with the amended TOD district regulations. He said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and held a public hearing at their regular meeting held on February 4, 2025, and no objections were expressed by members of the public. Senior City Planner Clark Palmer further shared elements that compared and contrasted the 2012 plan with the proposed plan in detail that included updated definitions section, uses, removal of the maximum parking requirement, the step- back requirement for high-density residential along Grant Street, assurance that the rest of the section is consistent, and other highlights. He said the Anoka Community Mission intends to remain in this area so an added use of Community Resource Center has been included to define the use. He noted at the recent City Council goal session there was discussion about a possible community center so that definition has been added too for the future, noting the City has private recreational facilities and parks but did not quite fit the definition of a future community center. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution Approving A Comprehensive Plan Amendment Chapter 2 – Land Use. Councilmember Weaver noted these amendments were a vision and not set in stone, adding there will likely be other plans, proposals, and letters of intent for the City to consider in the future. Mr. Palmer responded the area north of the railroad tracks is medium-high density but there is a use allowed with a conditional use permit consistent with the master plan for possible retail shops. Councilmember Weaver noted the plan doesn’t address the potential for a commuter train in the future such as the Borealis or similar. Mr. Borglund said that was addressed in the master plan but if done the group would typically look to utilize the existing NorthStar platform and routes, adding Council did adopt a resolution of support of such a concept. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 17 9.5 ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Transit Oriented Development District (Implementation of Anoka Station Area Master Plan Update). (1st Reading) Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment, Transit Oriented Development District (Implementation of Anoka Station Area Master Plan Update). Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 ORD/Zoning Text Amendment; Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78-317 – Transit Oriented Development District. (1st Reading) Motion by Mayor Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance for a zoning text amendment; Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78- 317 – Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District to add language for the community center in both employment and residential emphasis. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Order Project, Waive Public Improvement Hearing, and Authorize Plans and Specifications. 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) altered its drinking water standards related to lead and copper in 2021 and went into effect on October 16, 2024. This is called the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) which aims to reduce lead in drinking water. 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 the human 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 the federal LCRR require the City of Anoka to identify the service line materials of all service connections in the public water distribution system. A lead water service line is defined as the pipe connecting the water main to the interior plumbing in a building and is made from lead or that has lead components, i.e. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 13 of 17 galvanized. State and federal funding have made millions of dollars available for lead service line replacement in Minnesota, including $240 million appropriated by the 2023 Minnesota Legislature and approximately $40 million per year in federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To access these funds, local units of government with public water systems can apply through the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF), which is jointly administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The City of Anoka received the first round of Drinking Water Revolving Funding in December of 2023. On July 15, 2024, City Council awarded the construction contract for the 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Project and now that this project is substantially completed, staff has applied for a second DWRF grant for the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project. The goal for 2025 is for staff to finish inventorying the private lead service lines in the City of Anoka and replace the rest of the services in 2025/2026. Prior to discussing the proposed 2025 project, below are a few highlights from the 2024 project: • The City of Anoka was the recipient of $1,125,000 from the DWRF for year one (2024) • Staff identified over 100 lead service lines • 88 existing galvanized lead copper water service lines were replaced by the project As of October 30, 2024, Anoka’s inventory contains the following; 0 pure lead service lines, 119 galvanized service lines requiring replacement, 94 unknown material service lines, and 5,045 non- lead service lines. On December 6, 2024, the PFA approved its 2025 Intended Use Plans for the DWRF. The 2025 Intended Use Plan identifies the projects and activities the PFA intends to fund from the DWRF in state fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025), including the use of federal funds from year two of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The City of Anoka was the recipient of $1,190,000 of the Drinking Water Revolving Funds for year two (2025). These funds will be used to replace existing lead service lines and will fund the replacement by the following ways: • There will be no cost to the property owner to replace the privately owned portion of the lead service line. State and federal funds will be used to provide a 100% grant for the privately- owned portion. • The publicly owned portion of the lead service line will initially be funded with a combination of grant funds and zero-interest loans. After the work is completed, the public water system will receive a grant to pay off the loan portion. In the fall/winter of 2024, to assist with staff’s assessment of potential water service lines that have an element of lead, a survey was mailed out in November and December to the residents of Anoka. The survey was simply to confirm the type of material of the existing water service line. Based on a survey that was sent out, there has been mainly all positive feedback and out of the 175 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 interest in having their service replaced. Another method of public engagement has been the use of hanging door knockers on known homes with lead services as well as an article published in the 2025 winter edition of the City View. Staff also made available to the public an informational water line inventory handout. The proposed 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 14 of 17 Project will involve the removal of up to 150 existing galvanized lead copper water services and replacement with plastic water service pipe, along with restorations in kind. The 2025 project limits include mainly the neighborhoods of Slab Town, Swede Town, Rum River, and Whiskey Flats. To date, there have been 101 services confirmed with an additional 45 services that are unfirmed but could be part of the project. He said should City Council wish to proceed with this project; the next step in the public improvement process is to order the project. In the case of this project, there was not a petition from the property owners, so the adoption requires a supermajority vote, meaning the council can only adopt the resolution by a four-fifths vote of all members of City Council. Since this project is proposed to be financed without special assessments, as per Minnesota Statue §429.031, City Council may waive the Public Improvement Hearing for the project. The estimated total project cost of the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project is $1,190,000 which includes a 10% construction contingency and 15% for design, administration, and engineering. The total project cost would be for the replacement of 150 water service lines. The project will be financed primarily by the MDH Drinking Water Revolving Grant Funds with minimal use of local funds. Councilmember Scott thanked staff for their work as this was a very important topic and that all residents will benefit from this then asked about the secured funding. Mr. Nelson explained in December 2024, the City was authorized $1.19 million from the PFA who oversees the program for this project and that it is a reimbursement grant that would be received after the work is completed. Mayor Skogquist asked if we have the funding back and that this would not be like the Highway 47 project then said this is an important project and encouraged residents to contact staff. Mr. Nelson said because this was done in 2023 the grant was already administered and the funds are available. Councilmember Rostad asked more about where residents can look to determine if their lines needed to be replaced. Sewer and Water – Maintenance IV Bill Bendiske encouraged residents to contact him with any questions or assistance with the survey and said their hope was to have 120 lines replaced by the end of the project. Mr. Nelson shared that the City has created a project webpage to assist residents then stated there is no cost to the resident to have the service line replaced and if their service fails it would be the resident’s sole responsibility, including the possibility of road repair. Councilmember Campbell thanked staff for the great job communicating this program with residents. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 15 of 17 Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution for the 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Order Project, Waive Public Improvement Hearing, and Authorize Plans and Specifications. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Appointments to Boards/Commissions to Fill Vacancies. Councilmember Rostad referred to a potential conflict of interest with one applicant who donated to her election campaign. Mr. Baumgartner explained the difference between a disqualifying conflict and perception of conflict and said board and commission appointments are solely done by the City Council per City code and is a back-looking benefit and didn’t believe campaign donations qualified as a conflict. He added there is also category case law that if all members had to abstain due to a similar potential conflict then the City’s work cannot be done. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating per City policy, staff solicited applications to fill vacancies on the City boards and commissions. Postings were made in the Anoka County Union, the City website, and through social media. There currently is one vacancy on the Charter Commission with a term to expire November 1, 2028, and that applications were received from Joanna Gilbert, Jayd Piercy, William Ganser, Colleen Werdien, and Jeanne Wilkinson. He then reviewed the vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Board and the three applications received then said the action for the Charter Commission was a recommendation to the 10th Judicial District Court for appointment but an actual appointment to the Parks and Recreation Board. Councilmember Scott said it is great to have good people apply and noted that while both applicants have been involved in the community for some time, he supported Ms. Gilbert being recommended based on her tenure in the City. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Mayor Skogquist, to recommend the appointment of Joanna Gilbert to the 10th Judicial District Court for the Charter Commission vacancy. Councilmember Weaver said he instead supported Jayd Piercy based on her background and knowledge as it would be very beneficial on the Charter Commission. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 16 of 17 Jayd Piercy, applicant, thanked the Council for the opportunity and kind words of support and said she was excited to join the Commission to use her education and experience as an attorney to help the City. She complimented Mr. Baumgartner on his intelligence making recommendations to the Council and said if appointed she would dedicate her time to this position. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Councilmember Campbell abstained. Motion carried. Mayor Skogquist thanked Ms. Piercy and encouraged her to become involved in another Commission such as the Parking Advisory Board, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, or Heritage Preservation Commission. Councilmember Weaver said he supported appointing William Ganser to the Parks and Recreation Board as he resides on 3rd Avenue South, has a young family, is an avid golfer and leases a boat slip, and serves as a firefighter and would be a good fit. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to appoint William Ganser to the Parks and Recreation Board with a term to expire December 31, 2025. Councilmember Scott shared that he used to go to school with Mr. Ganser and that while he felt he would be a great choice he encouraged the Council to consider appointing Ms. Wilkinson as there is already a lot of focus on traditional parks and sometimes less focus on the nature preserve and felt that she would encourage that focus. Mayor Skogquist shared further background on all applicants and said the Park Board was the largest board with nine members with very diverse ideas and that he felt the Board was missing someone who looks at the natural aspect and supported Ms. Wilkinson as well. Councilmember Campbell said all three were excellent candidates and that he supported appointing Ms. Wilkinson as his first choice as he had high regard for her work. Mr. Lee encouraged the other two candidates not appointed to stay involved by attending meetings as the members would very much welcome for their input. Upon a roll call vote: Councilmembers Rostad and Weaver voted in favor. Councilmembers Campbell, Scott, and Mayor Skogquist voted nay. Motion failed. February 18, 2025 (Regular) Page 17 of 17 Motion by Mayor Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to appoint Jeanne Wilkinson to the Parks and Recreation Board with a term to expire December 31, 2025. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. 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. Councilmember Scott shared that at the Fire Board meeting last week, the proposed formulary change was making headway towards addressing fair and equitable costs and avoiding undue burden by defining fixed costs with the goal of staying similar to past budgets. Mayor Skogquist shared an update from the MMPA meeting for the 2024 wholesale electricity costs of 8% which was on target and below Xcel Energy then spoke about the 48% carbon-free power generation resources with a goal of achieving 60% by 2030. Councilmember Rostad asked for an update on compliance with the consent decree. Mr. Baumgartner said part of the consent decree dealt with the City and the crime-free addendum and now that the addendum has been removed, they had hoped to be able to amend the decree but unfortunately, the Department of Justice was not willing to amend but would consider a supplement of the new requirements. 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: 9:01 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk