Anoka City Council

February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 1 of 15 WORKSESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION ROOM FEBRUARY 24, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the worksession meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Police Captain Andy Youngquist; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Green Haven Golf Course Manager Larry Norland; Green Haven Staff Mike Brual and Brandon Howard; Utility Director Del Vancura; and City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent: None. 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS and/or DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1 Discussion; Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project; Feasibility Study Findings and Next Steps. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating the dam on the Rum River located in the historic downtown Anoka has existed since the early 1850s. He shared history of the dam that provided power for the saw mills, wood working plants, and copper shops operating along the east bank of the Rum River. In the summer of 1891, the Rum River recreational pool was created and explained how the Pillsbury Washburn Flour Mills Company granted and deeded the flowage rights forever to the City of Anoka on January 19, 1935. On March 11, 1935, the City of Anoka purchased the Dam at Anoka from the Pillsbury Flour Mills Company and became the sole owner of the dam. As the owner, the City has been and continues to be responsible for the ongoing operations, maintenance, repair and replacement of the dam. In 1969, the City of Anoka replaced the existing log timber dam from the late 18th century. The dam was completed in 1970 and is the current structure across the Rum River. On May 24, 2023, Governor Dayton signed the State Bonding Bill into law awarding the City of Anoka with a $500,000 grant for feasibility studies for the design, engineering, and environmental analysis for the repair and reconstruction of the Rum River Dam. This appropriation was for one-time and available until June of 2027. On the 16th day of January, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution awarding a professional service contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for the concept development and feasibility analysis of the Anoka Rum River Dam. At the July February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 2 of 15 29, 2024, worksession, staff sought direction on the selection of base and alternative options for further study to complete the feasibility study. Council consensus was to move forward with next steps as outlined in the feasibility study for all components. The components included the following: dam safety, automated crest gates, trailway/bridge, lock system, recreational features, and fish passage. The feasibility study examines the cost and benefit for various elements of the Rum River Dam. The Anoka Rum River Dam is a key asset to the region with the recreational pool extending over six miles upstream. Recreational opportunities will be further enhanced through this project as it will re-establish the connection from the upper pool of the Rum River to the Mississippi River, thus benefiting multiple communities within Anoka County and Hennepin County. Mr. Nelson further shared about the proposed project, current condition of the dam, and the series of meetings during spring and summer 2024 to discuss prospective alternative dam improvement features and developed a water allocation model to illustrate how Rum River flows could be distributed between the alternative dam features. Five prospective dam improvement features were evaluated. He reviewed potential modifications, which would include replacement of the tainter gate with a crest gate, bolstering of existing concrete walls, addition of a downstream miter gate, and lock filling/emptying system. The intent of the lock would be that it is capable of passing two pontoons (or similar- sized recreational vessels) at a time. He noted it is anticipated that construction of the project would require permits or approvals from many agencies as outlined in the report, then reviewed recommended next steps to advance the design of the project in detail for the Council to consider. Based on the findings of the study, the modifications elements would include dam safety, automated crest gates, trailway/bridge, lock passage system, recreational/whitewater features, and a fish passage. Mr. Nelson said based on what is known at the time of this report, the opinion of probable construction cost was developed based on crew wage projects, quotes, and unit costs and is estimated at approximately $37 million (2024 dollars). According to the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering and the present maturity of project definition, the opinion of probable construction cost accuracy range is +50 percent to -30 percent. Based on the report, the total cost of the project ranged from $25,900,000 to $55,480,000. Many funding sources may be available to reduce the City’s burden. Council shall be aware, this past December, staff submitted a $5.6M request for the 2025 Capital Budget General Obligation Bonding to MN Management and Budget related to engineering and final design development for all elements of the project based on the findings from the feasibility report. The total legislative financial support the City will be requesting is $51M for the project, which includes inflation costs to 2028. If the City is unsuccessful on securing all $51M of the funding for all elements of the project, a smaller, alternate base project shall be considered. This base alternate project would include safety components, i.e., crest grates, the recreational lock vessel passage feature, and miscellaneous repairs to the dam. The estimated total cost of this base alternate project ranges from $9,600,000 to $20,600,000. Below is a breakdown of the proposed projects that totaled $9.6 million to $20.6 million for the base alternate and $26 million to February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 3 of 15 $55 million for all elements. Staff is seeking council discussion and input on the draft feasibility study. Furthermore, staff is seeking direction on accepting the final feasibility study and next steps in the public improvement process. Staff recommends that the City Council at a future regular meeting consider the adoption of a resolution; 1) accepting the report, 2) to pursue and support future grant applications, 3) order the project, and 4) authorize preparation of construction documents for the Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project. Mr. Nelson introduced the project team that included Martin Weber, HDR, Marcus Bush, HDR, Riley Adams, S20 Calibre, Dan Coyle, Kimley Horn, and Ben Sporer, Kimley Horn, to further outline the project. Martin Weber, HDR, shared background of the existing dam, hydrology and hydraulics that included streamflow, spillway capacity, minimum aesthetic flow, and water allocation model. They reviewed the alternatives selection process, alternative features and dam safety improvements, spillway crest gates, recreational vessel passage, and fish passage. Mayor Skogquist asked about the bladder system in Coon Rapids that failed and if this will be different in Anoka. The consultants explained it would be different as that bladder system had been exposed to sun, ice, debris, while Anoka’s are more protected. Riley Adams, S20 Calibre, shared proposed alternative features that could provide river recreation such as surfing, kayaking, tubing, river rafting, and other recreational opportunities. He spoke about how training could occur in conjunction with emergency services as part of a whitewater park. He outlined how these parks provide healthy, sustainable recreation, community gathering space, educational and training opportunities, and provide a potential for significant economic impacts. He then spoke about how festivals, competitions, community, education, and spectator opportunities could be included. Dan Coyle, HDR, shared about the bridge and trail system and what can be done to build a bridge and get a trail on the west side of the river. He reviewed the West Rum River corridor framework plan guiding principles that could include a low water crossing, a concept recreation channel section, pools, and other elements. Councilmember Weaver asked about other options similar to the draw bridge in Duluth as a less expensive option. Mr. Coyle responded there are a number of varieties and spoke about miter gates as an option. Mr. Coyle shared a plan view of the overall configuration with the fish passage, recreation feature, gate control building, safety boom, crest gates, and other elements, then shared a rendering of all the proposed features. He spoke about hydropower possibilities with a potential of 600 kw or 60 kw with a payback of 58-68 years and how the payback isn’t viable due to the competition for water, February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 4 of 15 high capital cost, 60-year payback, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations/permitting. He outlined solar possibilities with 20-300 kw capacities, but how the payback was 30-70 years and likely not feasible either. He discussed the heat exchanger option that would use the Rum River water to heat and cool City Hall, and how the heat would be extracted from the water during the heating season and rejected to the river during the cooling season, then noted the building systems would require extensive modifications. He reviewed the construction considerations sequence that would construct the recreation/fish feature, gate pier, and spillway right, then spoke about the discharge via spillway left and Tainter gate, and how Phase II included king piling walls, temporary access bridge, and other elements. He reviewed construction costs that could range between $9.6 million to $20.6 million then reviewed the regulatory and permitting considerations from the DNR, MPCA, and many others then spoke about the potential funding opportunities that included dam safety grants from the DNR, legislative-citizen commission on Minnesota Resources, Public Water Access Sites, Clean Water Revolving Fund, and Outdoor Recreation Grant Program from the DNR. They provided a project flyer that outlined potential funding opportunities. Mayor Skogquist confirmed the estimates do not incorporate the 25% payback. Mr. Nelson reviewed a timeline and potential schedule with feasibility in 2024 and general construction in 2028-2029, then asked that Council discuss the completed feasibility report, overall improvements, and provide staff direction. Mayor Skogquist shared the legislators’ goals as well, and their goal to get funding in the bonding bill and a bill for $11.5 million and interest from the State. Councilmember Weaver said the Conservation District may be able to take on the fish passage element, which would be important. Councilmember Campbell asked how long the river would be shut down. Mr. Nelson explained the pool could be kept either higher or lower but added it would take two years to build. Councilmember Scott spoke about the recreational access for boaters and other bridge ideas for pedestrians as this is one of the more expensive elements of the project. Tom Grant, Anoka, spoke about promoting a heat pump at City Hall, then referred to an email sent to Council about hydro-electric and work in Elk River where equipment was purchased and moved to Idaho and has been working great for 40 years. He said this idea should be further explored here and he believed they would last and should be included in the study. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 5 of 15 Mr. Coyle responded that the current equipment would not necessarily be feasible based on the condition of the equipment, as it included not just the turbine and generator but other work would be required. Mayor Skogquist asked about the FERC application and exemptions. Mr. Nelson said hydropower was not feasible but solar and heat pumps would be added once we knew hydropower was not possible. Councilmember Rostad referred to federal grant money and said she knows it’s difficult to get, and at what percentage, then thanked them for the renewable energy options and that we’d try for federal grant money, and if not successful, what are next steps to enhance the river to the community. Mr. Coyle said most of the federal administration isn’t looking at these projects right now and that there are not a lot of investment loans going on right now, and the point is what is the lowest cost to the City. Mr. Nelson outlined the Highway 10 project funding splits that were used in comparison to what could be done with this project. Ed Evans, Anoka, inquired about the potential vibrations and impacts to surrounding businesses during pile driving work and if they can guarantee that this won’t occur. Mr. Coyle said they can’t guarantee these impacts won’t occur but noted once the soil borings are complete, they can calculate the energy needed to drive the pilings and identify ways to mitigate the risk. Mayor Skogquist said this topic will return for official action soon, then staff will see if funding can be identified by the State, and thanked the team for the presentation. Item 3.3 was heard at this point in the agenda. 3.2 Discussion; Review Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legal Services. City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating the City solicited RFPs for civil legal services and prosecution services. The deadline for submittal of RFPs was February 11, 2025. The City received the following RFPs, which were emailed to Councilmembers on February 12, 2025: • BBG, LLC - one RFP for both Civil Legal Services and Prosecution Services • Eckberg & Lammers - Civil Legal Services • Eckberg & Lammers - Prosecution Services • Flaherty & Hood - Civil Legal Services • Kennedy & Graven - Civil Legal Services. Council determines whether or not they want to conduct interviews with any or all of the firms. A decision on choosing a firm to provide civil legal services and prosecution services is on the March 3, 2025, agenda. The 60-day notice was given to City Attorney Scott Baumgartner on January 10, 2025, and the 60th day will be March 11, 2025. He said if a firm is not chosen by that date, the City will not have any civil legal or prosecution representation. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 6 of 15 Mayor Skogquist said the first step should include establishing an interview process and asked for input. Councilmember Campbell said the primary purpose of RFPs was to compare that our current contract was appropriate, and after reviewing the four RFPs received it confirmed the current contract is very reasonable compared to others. He said the civil costs were lower than three others, including mileage, printing, and other administrative costs, then noted most have offices a good distance away and were not located in Anoka. He shared previous professions always put a lot of weight in peer reviews, which is the case with City staff, who felt BBG, LLC provided outstanding current legal representation. He said all things being equal, we still have major projects coming, such as the jail expansion, property sales, and municipal cannabis, and if we interview, we need to include Mr. Baumgartner and his team. Councilmember Scott agreed with Councilmember Campbell and said Flaherty & Hood was not the correct proposal for Anoka, but said BBG, LLC was very competitive as well as the others and if interviews were held should include the other two firms as well. He commented about the issues being different in Anoka than more rural issues and that the other firms seem to have more experience. Councilmember Rostad agreed not to include Flaherty & Hood but supported including BBG, LLC, Kennedy & Graven, and Eckberg Lammers for civil. Councilmember Weaver said he felt there was no comparison with these firms against BBG, LLC and believed the peer review was very important. He said the courts had no concerns with the firm and that they were loyal to the City, passionate about Anoka, local, efficient, and timely. He said he reviewed all invoices and explained the various hours charged for the jail expansion, engineering, events, organized hauling, Department of Justice, and others, and felt another firm would have to start fresh to be brought up to speed on these topics, which would result in double the costs. He shared how we brought this upon ourselves by requiring over 150 hours in meetings, including closed sessions, and how if we take away some of these special projects, it could reduce the costs. He said we shouldn’t waste time with interviews but instead proceed with BBG, LLC’s offer, adding we were currently in the middle of some of the biggest items in the City. Mayor Skogquist said the City Attorney and City Manager work for the City Council per the City Charter and that this is a priority and said he has some concerns over the years and that part of the reason is he wanted to know what other options are out there. He said he took exception about wasted hours while having conversations with the City Attorney, adding civil costs were $91,000 and criminal was $200,000 and that is was important to have these discussions with other reputable firms. He said 100% of civil costs were billed at the highest rate and felt there were alternatives other firms could offer. He shared further February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 7 of 15 comments about the fee and the importance of doing this now to best determine the process going forward. Councilmember Rostad spoke about the importance of metrics and the recent City survey, and how high stakes litigation has cost the City a lot of money including the consent decree, which was very problematic. She said she wanted residents to know that we follow the letter of the law regarding ADA and other items such as the One Love litigation and that not all fees were equal because we’ve had to contract out some of the legal work at a higher cost. She said she understood staff supporting Mr. Baumgartner, but how that cannot be the sole metric as there is also a need to have experience in specific areas. Mayor Skogquist summarized the direction for interviews that could hopefully be conducted by March 3 and that an extension could be made if needed by March 11 for continued legal services if needed. Dr. Evans asked if the interviews would be recorded and open to the public for transparency. Mayor Skogquist said that would be the goal to have all Councilmembers present and that the meeting would be open to the public and recorded. Councilmember Campbell agreed not to rush and design a fair process where all were able to attend. Councilmember Weaver shared his frustrations about the process from the beginning as this should have been a worksession discussion first and not done during a regular Council meeting by a new member and said he felt staff was unsure of the next target and compared this to a hostile work environment. Councilmember Rostad said she didn’t need permission to do this and said as an agenda item she felt it was an opportunity to review the contract as part of her responsibility and when there was not an accurate contract on record felt it was important to review. She said she would support if the end result was the same if it was determined that this was the best outcome after the review then asked residents to share measurable metrics with staff to include as part of the process. Mayor Skogquist made suggestions on a potential process, including questions, for interviews, hopefully by March 3. Mr. Lee noted of the civil and prosecution services, only Eckberg and Lammers and our current firm does both and it would be important to conduct back-to-back reviews to best compare. Josh "inaudible - did not sign in", Anoka, asked questions about proposed costs, job reviews, and other elements the RFP included, how valuable BBG, LLC was, well respected, and that this is less comparable than every other metric here. He February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 8 of 15 understood fiscal responsibility, which was proven with the submitted RFPs, then asked what was the real concern. Councilmember Rostad said the insurance payments and damages that have had to be paid are a real cost, and that if one firm was not always doing all the work, should we look further. Former Mayor Rice said the City Attorney is an advisor to the City Council and that negative outcomes are based on the goals of the Council, and if that money was consistent with those goals, and there could have been times where the Council went against the legal advice. He also stressed the importance of questions being crafted ahead of time and asked all to remain consistent with the process. Michelle "did not state last name - did not sign in", Anoka, asked who would be checking references, then asked if not completed by March 11, what occurs with attorney services. Mayor Skogquist said Council will likely conduct reference checks with the assistance of staff on areas of expertise and that BBG, LLC would decide the process for any transition should that occur. Councilmember Rostad noted the City would also be covered by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust if needed. Joelle Allvord, Anoka, said attorneys have different specialties such as real estate and that any attorney would likely support bringing someone else in if that’s not their expertise. Councilmember Weaver said Anoka County contracts with Kennedy Graven and that this could be a concern for the potential jail expansion. Mayor Skogquist said conflicts of interest are a very important issue across the board that needs to be addressed further. An audience member spoke about subjectivity and how to quantify that through metrics, and the need to not go off script with questions and how we can’t go backwards because the circumstances were so gray. Mayor Skogquist shared many cities do this review all the time and that the characterization that this is abnormal is not correct. Josh "inaudible - did not sign in" asked questions about the bids and said he was still not sure about the issue for the review. Mayor Skogquist said the interviews will hopefully get to some of the concerns. Councilmember Weaver asked about the issues as well. Mayor Skogquist referred to two large lawsuits that have cost the City a lot of money as one potential concern. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 9 of 15 Councilmember Scott said familiarity can breed complacency and that the Council was supposed to do an annual review, and that Council failed in its role to review, adding no contract exists and that should have been a concern with the attorney as well. He said the City should have been more proactive. All others get reviewed, this is a contract position, should be reviewed on a more frequent basis. Riley "did not state last name - did not sign in", Anoka, shared comments about asking questions and how the process is becoming hostile, and asked how the current attorney has caused the lawsuits and requested examples, adding it was important to be honest and transparent. Mayor Skogquist said he didn’t think it was the right time for these questions as it was unfair, adding the City has had multiple legal actions and it is our due diligence to do this process. Councilmember Rostad encouraged residents to reach out to the Council with their questions for consideration during this process, adding we are open to looking at all viewpoints but that no conclusions have been made. Riley "did not state last name - did not sign in" said he hoped the Council is working for what is the best of the City. Dr. Evans said the City Attorney works for the Council but at times the attorney has had to share legal pathways for a case that the Council didn’t follow, which was not their fault but the Council’s decision. Councilmember Rostad said there are steps needed for the consent decree which she has concerns with, and while she is not sure whose fault it was, she didn’t want to be the one who didn’t follow and that she was just asking for clarity and how that shouldn’t be a concern to do so. Dr. Evans asked if the City has done the work, which was concerning Councilmember Rostad regarding the consent decree. Continued discussion was held on the work around the consent decree and steps to address the Department of Justice’s direction. Mayor Skogquist asked for order regarding the topic and said the meeting was becoming disruptive and ended the discussion. 3.3 Discussion; Operations at Green Haven Golf Course. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating the lease agreement with The Tavern at Green Haven expires at the end of 2025 and Jason Tollette was requesting an extension of the agreement. Mr. Tollette said he recently secured an agreement for services at the Edinburgh Clubhouse in Brooklyn Park. In this agreement, the City of Brooklyn Park retains control of the banquet center at Edinburgh and Mr. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 10 of 15 Tollette is offering the same option to the City of Anoka in the Green Haven lease agreement. Mr. Tollette has also indicated that he would be agreeable to simply extending the current lease agreement, should the City not be interested in taking on the operations and management of the banquet center. Staff is recommending that the Council consider extending the current lease agreement at this time. Further, staff recommends that the lease agreement be extended to the end of 2027. This would give the City the necessary time to fully analyze and study the financial impacts of an option where the City takes on the operation of the banquet center. The management structure of Green Haven will be modified in 2026 and this new structure will allow the Council to better understand their options regarding the management of the operation of the banquet center and Green Haven as a whole. It will also provide more instruction and lesson options to the golfers by the dedication of a golf pro to this very activity. In regard to setting golf and other related fees for Green Haven, the City will be transitioning to a more open and transparent methodology. This new method will involve the input of a golf committee for 2025 and may expand to seek input and analysis from the Park and Recreation Board, Anoka taxpayers, and golf organizations, such as the men’s club for 2026. The City of Coon Rapids annually publicly reviews and approves the fees set for Bunker Hills Golf Course. This is the type of system that the City will be gravitating to that allows for public review and comment. It is important for all to recognize that we must have competitive pricing for Green Haven to remain viable into the future and be a competitive, non-subsidized, facility. All incremental increase in revenue should be reinvested back into Green Haven. Based on the current rates, Green Haven could not afford to purchase replacement golf carts. Nor were we able to implement simple maintenance projects to revitalize items such as sand traps, bunkers, and golf cart paths. He reviewed potential changes to Green Haven that included a future driving range, conversion of the Bolduc building to a course (golf and disc) amenity, closure of West Garfield Street, residential development, golf cart rental system, and public communications. He said one of the goals that will be worked on in 2025 and 2026 is to develop/restructure websites, social media platforms, and online reservations. He noted the American Coop had some concerns and that the City was no longer considering a cannabis dispensary at Green Haven then asked about the lease extension that ends 2025, and suggested the banquet center not be part of the lease and the City take it over as one option. He said there are many intricacies that we’d have to review and the proposed lease extension for the end of 2027, and how a study is an option. He added the concept of taking over all options including golf, restaurant, and banquet, will give us a proposal for future Council consideration. Councilmember Weaver felt the proposal was very fair but asked about the number of square feet for $3,000 a month and what was included in the common area maintenance (CAM) charges. Golf Course Manager Larry Norland responded the amount was based on the square foot usage, The Tavern has exclusive access to and how often they use it. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 11 of 15 Mayor Skogquist explained the primary use was the restaurant, bar and other areas based on use throughout the year. Mr. Baumgartner said the amendment to the lease in 2024 explained what was included for CAM charges in detail. Mayor Skogquist said he supported continuing the contract for a couple more years as he understood they were booking two years out and supported revisiting in a year and a half. He said he understood the need for maintenance of sand traps and other areas, then asked about an electronic billboard proposal that should be coming soon that would allow Green Haven to have allotted time Mr. Baumgartner clarified the Council would review this again in 2027. Mr. Lee explained the goal was to be more transparent to the public regarding fees and that they proposed to increase it by $3 per round. He spoke about the evening passes cost that help offset times when not very busy, and the proposal to eliminate the anytime pass and create a weekday pass for Monday – Friday. Mayor Skogquist said the public has been concerned about fee sharing and asked that we move the timeline up to publicize these before March. Councilmember Weaver shared concerns about the potential for light pollution to nearby neighbors and asked that they be considered prior to any electronic billboard proposal. Mr. Lee said the City was already leasing the lower level of Green Haven to the City’s IT provider who wants 1,000 square feet which will be fleshed out as a possible revenue source then shared over last five years taxpayers have subsidized $325,000 for the golf course and that’s the need for the more revenue. Jay Johnson, Anoka, asked questions about raising revenue in a couple of years. Mr. Lee said if we have more revenue, we can include that in the 2026 CIP for possible projects such as sand traps. Mr. Norland said 5-6% is doable and well within the range based on the course’s demographic, adding there are many golfers living in nearby housing and while still strong he was nervous as some of the courses were starting to lower revenues projections but still believed Green Haven was in a great position. Mr. Johnson said he still believed a plan could be created to address the sand traps now. An audience member said a problem still exists with golf balls hitting windows, and how the City has promised Hole 18 would be rearranged for a different direction for tee off to address, and the need to find funding. Mayor Skogquist said that funding was currently not in place and that’s why the funding increases were being proposed. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 12 of 15 Shawn Walz, President of the Men’s Club, shared concerns about the number of rounds and if we get away from anytime passes they won’t buy the weekday passes which will skew the City’s projections. He said it seemed like we were comparing ourselves to Bunker Hills but they have redone their bunkers three times in 20 years and that’s how often this is needed to remain competitive. He said many people spend a lot of money at Green Haven and these items should be addressed, adding many care about the course and want to partner with the City as best we can. Mr. Lee said the 20% discount pass could be used as well as an alternative. Erik Przybyla, Men’s Club Secretary, shared a perspective on how costs will go up 79% should this fee change be implemented. Mayor Skogquist asked if the anytime passes are common at other courses. Mr. Norland said Bunker limited times at one point but were now promoting unlimited season passes, and that Bunker is already contacting our season pass holders for $17.50, while Anoka was $14.00. Mayor Skogquist said he would like more information on that prior to final consideration. Mr. Norland shared comments about the need for balance between the number of rounds and potential revenue in the clubhouse. Councilmember Weaver said we have to answer to the taxpayers, then spoke about the number of Anoka residents who use Green Haven at only 2% with 98% of taxpayers subsidizing the course, then spoke about the need to find funding for new golf carts last year, which is why this discussion needs to occur. He said we made a $1 million but only profited $200,000 and that we need to review revenue in order to be sustainable. Mr. Norland commented about only asking for necessities and that our point of sale system is only two years old and how many older golfers don’t use that system for tee times which doesn’t require addresses and underrepresents the number of Anoka residents using the course, adding 20% of all Minnesotans claim to golf in Anoka. Joe Chesley, Anoka, thanked Council for the discussion, then noted in addition to the bunkers there are areas on the course that could be a liability concern as it is difficult to safely access the tee boxes. Richard Lewis, Anoka, said the Council believed the course isn’t bringing in enough in fees, so instead we should raise the revenue $200,000 and asked if we want to make money or have a course for the City, County, or farther. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 13 of 15 Mayor Skogquist said our job is to determine how much to pay for these quality of life elements but still cover the course and determine how much extra we want for items such as maintenance. Finance Director Brenda Springer explained part of the profit included a transfer from the general fund and removed the $100,000 of land costs, $1.1 million for the Buldoc property, which the golf course now owns, and removed depreciation of $142,000. Discussion was held on maintenance items such as ash tree removal. Mayor Skogquist spoke about the need for a business balance in elements such as the course and the pool and that this was a good discussion to learn about options and deferred maintenance items, and that this item will be heard at the March 3 Council meeting. The Council took a short recess at 6:58 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m. 3.4 Discussion; Ordinance Relating to Special Events/Amplified Noise. Mr. Baumgartner shared a background report stating staff is interested in discussing the ordinance relating to special events/amplified noise. He shared Pete Turok recently shared concerns about an individual repeatedly utilizing an amplified sound system to share messaging at River Fest, and if there are ways to exclude others from this practice. He shared the difficulty is the First Amendment and free speech and explained his research on the topic and how the City of Excelsior was sued for something similar but lost and how they amended their ordinance to be in line with the federal court. He said we can’t permit public property away and even an amplifier is protected by free speech, but noted it could be limited to normal conversation of 60-70 decibels. Mr. Baumgartner said he was working to try to limit the individual’s right but not get sued and suggested amending the ordinance similar to Excelsior except for 68 decibels. He further spoke about how 30 days to review a special event permit was too excessive for one person and suggested amending ours to include decibels and modify the permit process to allow the activity if not greater than 68 decibels. He noted the individual is looking to share his message because people are there, not because it is Anoka, and suggested River Fest provide a booth for him instead as an alternative but the properties are different such as the Anoka County fairground area where here is a public sidewalk and that we can’t require him to be in a specific location. Police Chief Eric Peterson spoke about how this would help officers address concerns when this activity occurs and about his discussions with other departments that have been sued when enforced and the need to be extremely cautious when responding. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 14 of 15 Mr. Baumgartner spoke about the concerns with law enforcement if someone is violating an ordinance, and how if they want to issue a citation the individual has to identify themselves and if not, the next step is arrest, adding the larger events draw the public’s attention. He noted the individual has never been uncooperative but also understands the law and what they can and cannot do. He added fees have to be reasonable and commensurate with issuing the permit, especially for individuals. Mayor Skogquist spoke about needing to review options when this activity occurs on a public sidewalk, what is enforceable, how will we support the ordinance, and supported amending the ordinance where possible. Councilmember Weaver asked if we can measure decibels. Chief Peterson responded not currently but that staff was researching options. Councilmember Weaver said we need to create the necessary tool while still using discretion when we can and said he would hate to see River Fest leave Anoka. Mr. Baumgartner said decibels are referred to in other places of the ordinance and that all we can do is be as fair in addressing concerns, and that we should be as proactive as we can and provide law enforcement the necessary tools. Councilmember Scott said it would be interesting to know what limits the existing technology for a decibel meter for potential violations, and if there wasn’t enforcement what was the reason, such as ambient noise. Mr. Baumgartner said complaints are many times content-driven and unfortunately can’t be addressed based on content only. Mayor Skogquist said this was similar to the residential protesting ordinance that was created a few years ago, and trespassing for cannabis, and asked if there are other ways we can use current tools to address. Mr. Baumgartner said trespass can only be used for a reason based on law. Chief Peterson said our officers assess behavior too and know when to intervene when it crosses into disorderly conduct but added these individuals are usually very skilled and don’t cross into disorderly behavior. Former Mayor Rice inquired about the other part of the ordinance for noise and if it was referencing parks, then referred to noise that comes from the park across the river from where he and his neighbors live and asked about options to control. He said staff was adding language such as from the edge of a park at a certain decibel range as one option. Mr. Baumgartner said the reference is for noise restrictions based on timeframes which comes from Minnesota Administrative Rules. February 24, 2025 (Worksession) Page 15 of 15 Council consensus was to consider these amendments as quickly as feasible to address concerns yet this year. 4. OTHER BUSINESS None. 5. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Skogquist adjourned the Worksession at 8:37 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk