Anoka City Council

March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 16 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 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, Scott, and Weaver. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Eric Peterson; Police Captain Andy Youngquist; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Manager of Liquor Operations Kevin Morelli; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to add Items 5.1 and 9.5 to hold a public hearing and consider an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street. Vote taken. All ayes. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 February 18, 2025, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, 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 Presentation; Chris Riley – Anoka Car Show. Chris Riley provided a recap of the 2024 Anoka Classic Car Show and presented the City with their annual check from the show’s net proceeds. He shared that they held 12 successful car shows in 2024 with 4,300 cars displayed along with food trucks and had a great season. He thanked Council and staff for their work and said their success was because of the many volunteers including Boy Scout March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 16 Troop 233. He spoke about the 2025 season with 12 dates already planned for June through September and thanked the Council again. Councilmember Campbell said he attended most events and said these were great shows and thanked everyone for their work. Councilmember Scott thanked the group for hosting such a great family-friendly event for the community. Mayor Skogquist said he has been attending the event for 20 years and agreed it is a great event for the community and families at not much cost, adding he has worked the gate as part of the Boy Scout Troop support and said this event helps build community. 4.2 Presentation; Representatives Karen George and Seamus Burke to Recap 2024 at QCTV. QCTV Executive Director Karen George presented a recap of 2024 at QCTV. She highlighted QCTV’s operation since 1981 with Andover, Anoka, Champlin, and Ramsey through a joint powers agreement then shared their local economic impact and strategic plan. Seamus Burke, QCTV, shared statistics on impact in the community that included top viewed programs, website viewing method, awareness of QCTV and how the recent cable subscriber survey has shown increased viewer awareness and engagement. He said they engaged over 900,000 viewers online and hosted 324 community programs and 205 city programs. He reviewed other programs that included The Post, City Matters, the bulletin board, and live and local programming. He reviewed 2024 city meeting coverage, plans for an updated website, and an update on YouTube channels. He shared the 915,000 users on social media in 2024, over 1,800 new accounts, and how they experienced rapid growth in Instagram presence, then reviewed the top Anoka stories from 2024. Ms. George shared that QCTV was the honored business for Anoka Halloween, then introduced QCTV’s award-winning staff and shared funding sources and their work with the legislature. She spoke about the 2025 outlook and state funding appropriation as a stop-gap measure and how to respond to streaming options and create a legacy fund and their work for support at the legislature. She thanked the City for the over 40 years of support. Councilmember Weaver said QCTV does a great job, then asked about game night play-by-play that sometimes only includes voice-over. Ms. George explained their work with the Minnesota State High School League, who oversees playoff eligibility for programming and rights to broadcast certain playoff games by region. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 16 Mayor Skogquist said the QCTV executive board is great and complimented new Chair Jamie Bartell who does a great job and commented how the organization has evolved over time. Councilmember Rostad thanked QCTV for their work and asked how the City and public can support their work for more funding. Ms. George said she was available to speak to any organization to help share the importance of community television. 4.3 Police Activity Update. Captain Andy Youngquist said QCTV did an amazing tribute to K-9 Bravo who passed away last month and thanked them for such a great piece that recognized Bravo’s service. He spoke about social media and public notices and how any immediate public safety risk would be communicated in real time through press releases and social media, then spoke about a recent incident that involved a short vehicle pursuit and entry into a home that resulted in SWAT team activation. He thanked the Council for allowing the City to be part of the Anoka County SWAT team as it pays in dividends by providing professional tactical support and avoids injury to all involved. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Mike Steel, 2733 Rivers Bluff Lane, congratulated the two new Councilmembers, then spoke about Chief Peterson’s upcoming retirement and shared how well he worked with the neighborhood when a home invasion occurred some time ago. He said he found Chief Peterson to be an active listener with attention to detail, had the ability to evolve with the times, was resourceful, service-oriented, and set the level of professionalism. He commented on the number of events held in the City, which was because the community was safe and that while he was sad to see him leave, he admired his work and what he will leave behind in this department. Jesse Hauf, 10K Brewing, said he had no concerns with Councilmember Rostad but asked why she wanted to re-evaluate the City Attorney contract but didn’t share the conflict of interest with the City Attorney and the Department of Justice (DOJ) considering that her spouse worked at the agency. Councilmember Rostad said her family members didn’t run for office, and was not sure of the concern and said this occurred in 2023 and that her spouse doesn’t work for any entities regarding ADA. She said the DOJ issued findings on November 2023 and that she was not an active candidate at that time, but had done lots of research on this topic and that he had no role in this matter. She said she was looking for an RFP not to necessarily hire a new law firm, but provide an opportunity to hear others then commented further about conflicts of interest. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 16 Mr. Hauf said he didn’t have a concern but just felt the topic should be shared and that the public be aware, then used an example of disclosing that his landlord was Councilmember Weaver should he have been elected. Councilmember Rostad said that would be similar to Mr. Hauf owning a bar and selling alcohol and that there could be a correlation to underage drinking. Mr. Hauf objected to Councilmember Rostad accusing him of underage alcohol sales. Mr. Hauf referred to Mayor Skogquist’s behavior at the last worksession and felt his behavior was not good governance for Council. Mayor Skogquist said people can be very passionate about certain topics, which sometimes get heated, and said he was included in that scope as well and he hoped there would be grace as we work through topics and pledged to learn from that and better address situations that arise. Joelle Alerud, Anoka, referred to the City Attorney interviews and their physical location and appearance at meetings, and if that was being considered as some candidates may not be able to attend meetings except via Zoom. She said this process was not about personal choice but about the citizens of Anoka collectively and that 18 years of service is a powerful reason to choose the current attorney who also resides in our community, which is important. Mayor Skogquist explained how the City drafted questions asked of all candidates and that anything negotiated would be part of a potential contract. Ms. Alerud confirmed that Councilmember Rostad’s husband works for the DOJ and didn’t believe it was a conflict of interest issue but an ethics issue that she may want to consider moving forward as it could influence the decision-making process. Councilmember Rostad said the government is a very large entity and that the State of Minnesota has 45,000 employees and that she works for the Minnesota Management and Budget in human resources and that her family’s work was not up for conversation and had no influence, adding she didn’t believe there was a conflict of interest. Jeff Lee, 706 River Lane, said the 10.17% levy increase last year was larger than in the past and that the attorney contract has been a distraction and that the Council’s number one job was finding taxpayers and developing land not on the tax rolls, adding developers not being present for such items is not good and the responsibility of the Council. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 16 City Manager Greg Lee shared this item was properly published in the official newspaper but was inadvertently omitted from the agenda. He shared a background report stating MPR Enterprises, LLC, the new owner Casa Rio, for an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License and Sunday Liquor License (to include outdoor seating), at 201 Jackson Street. He said ownership of Casa Rio was changing and the new owner, MPR Enterprises, LLC was purchasing the business Casa Rio and has applied for an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor license to continue the operation of this business. He said staff has processed the necessary background investigations, which will be completed soon. Mayor Skogquist opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. The applicant clarified he had already paid the fee and had a closing date and hoped the background check would be done quickly as he was expecting the documentation by tomorrow. Mr. Lee said the background would be done expeditiously. Captain Youngquist said staff will have a conclusion on the background by tomorrow. Being no further comments, Mayor Skogquist closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. NOTE: By motion from Councilmember Weaver, which was seconded by Councilmember Scott, and by a unanimous vote of the Council, agenda item 9.5 was moved up on the agenda and acted upon at this point. RES/On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving the Issuance of an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor & Sunday Liquor License for MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba; Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street, Suite 104, Anoka contingent on a successful background investigation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 16 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Matt Horikawa of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 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, Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, and Set a Bid Date. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating on February 18, 2025, City Council held the public improvement hearing and assessment hearing for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Blvd & McKinley St. It’s noteworthy to mention, there was no public comments received, no objections to the special assessments, and no property owners present at the time of the hearings. After the hearings, City Council adopted a resolution ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of engineering plans and specifications. Second, the City Council passed a resolution adopting the assessment roll. The roads that are included in the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Blvd & McKinley Street includes McKinley Street from Thurston Avenue to St. Francis Boulevard (TH 47) and Lund Boulevard from Thurston Avenue to McKinley Street. This 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. The construction plans include the following new infrastructure changes; new stormwater infiltration basin off McKinley Street, Weaver Boulevard, and McKinley Street center median streetscaping (includes two banner poles w/flags and boulevard trees w/mulch), and parking lot improvements at George Enloe Park. The park improvements at George Enloe Park include the resurfacing of the two parking lots off McKinley Street and Weaver Boulevard. The parking lot off Weaver Boulevard will have the center islands removed and replaced with new March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 16 street lights mounted on bollards for additional lighting. Staff recommends to develop a comprehensive bicycle plan for the entire City of Anoka that is established by the community’s goals and objectives to create a roadmap for implementation. If it’s City Council’s desire to have designated bike lanes along McKinley Street as part of the project, the existing drive lanes would be reduced from 12-foot to 10-foot to provide 6-foot bike lanes on both sides of the road. The existing parking lane would remain on the south side of the road and the eastbound bike lane would be adjacent to the drive lane with a 3-foot buffer zone to the parking lane. See cross-section below. Staff is seeking City Council direction (Yes or No) including bike lanes with the 2025 SSIP Project. He shared the proposed project and schedule in detail. Councilmember Scott asked where the project starts and ends in detail. Mr. Nelson explained the project starts at the west end with room for a bike lane from the median to Highway 47 with two lanes, one on each side of the road. Councilmember Weaver asked how semi-trucks will work with bikes, parked cars, and other trucks and felt the area was too narrow. Mr. Nelson said the proposed 10 feet is narrower and will reduce speed, but there is a buffer for the bike lane and concrete gutter, which isn’t included in the calculation. Mayor Skogquist said this is not as busy of a road compared to Main Street so the concern may not be as much, and felt there should be enough space and worth doing, and if this doesn’t work it can be corrected with repainting, adding this is an opportunity to do something unique. Councilmember Scott asked why don’t we have bike lanes on both sides. Mr. Nelson said for that we would need permanent dividers or ribbon curbing to avoid confusion to drivers and that six feet is the minimum. Councilmember Scott said this would be for more avid users for long-term biking versus recreational. Mr. Nelson said by using State aid funds we have to follow State guidelines and can’t deviate from those standards. Mayor Skogquist said if someone wants to utilize the sidewalk, they can such as walkers or slower bikers, adding many bikes to the industrial park and utilizing the shoulder, which is one of the reasons for this proposal. Councilmember Scott asked if there are approved additional changes in the look for the user to make sure cars are aware of the bike lanes and signage. Mr. Nelson said there have been no discussions about additional signage but could include an article in City View. Councilmember Weaver said the industrial park is a signalized access onto a State highway and will be a cut-through and encouraging people on a narrow road with lots of activity could be a concern. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 16 Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution for the 2025 Street Surface Improvement Project – Lund Blvd & McKinley Street; Approve Plans & Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid and Set a Bid Date for a project that includes the bike lanes. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. 9.2 RES/Zoning Map Amendment; Transit Oriented Development District (Implementation of Anoka Station Area Master Plan Update). 2nd Reading ORDINANCE Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report in 2012, the Anoka City Council adopted the Anoka Station 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 included a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning map amendment and zoning text amendment. At the March 18 regular meeting, the City Council approved the comprehensive plan amendment and held first readings of both ordinances related to the zoning map and text amendments. The following general changes are proposed. • Amend Zoning Map to be consistent with updated plan • Amend TOD district regulations to be consistent with updated plan Zoning Map Amendment There have been no changes to the zoning map amendment since the first reading. Zoning Text Amendment Since the first reading, one change that has been made to the zoning text amendment is to add “Community Center” as a permitted use in the applicable zoning district (TOD-E and TOD-R). A definition of the use has also been added to the definitions section of the text amendment to say the following: Community Center means a public facility where individuals from a neighborhood or community can gather for social, educational, recreational, or cultural activities. These centers often host events, classes, and meetings, and provide resources and support to the local community. They aim to foster a sense of belonging and enhance the overall well-being of community members. Councilmember Weaver confirmed addition of community center as a permitted use would be anywhere in the TOD area. Mr. Palmer said it would not be tied to the TOD specific so it was not shown on the plan but is just allowing a permitted use in the district. Motion by Councilmember Campbell seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 16 9.3.a. ORD/Zoning Text Amendment; Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78-317 – Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Palmer shared the only change from first to second reading was the zoning amendment adding community center as allowed in TOD zoning district and definition as stated. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78- 317 – Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District. 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 Zoning Text Amendment; Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78- 317 – Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution providing for summary publication for an ordinance City Code Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article V – District Regulations, Division 5 – Mixed-Use Districts, Section 78- 317 – Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Anoka Dispensary; Order Project, Waive the Public Improvement Hearing, Authorize Plans and Specifications, and Authorize the Procurement Process for a Construction Management Agency and Architect. RESOLUTION Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating the State of Minnesota is in the process of making the sale of cannabis legal for municipal and private dispensaries. City staff have been closely monitoring these cannabis proceedings with the intent to move forward with construction and opening of a City-owned cannabis dispensary and begin to sell product by January 1, 2026. This past fall, Point Seven Consultant Group prepared a business plan for the City of Anoka and the findings of the report were presented to the City Council at the August 26, March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 16 2024, worksession meeting. Based on discussion at the February 10, 2025, Goals Session Meeting, Council’s consensus was to build a municipality-owned temporary single-story cannabis dispensary at 839 East River Road adjacent to Anoka’s Liquor Store. City Council direction was to accelerate the construction process with an inexpensive building. The goal of the council was to have the dispensary constructed by December 2025 and ready to open when the state allows and product becomes available. This past February, Oertel Architects was selected by staff to begin the preliminary building plans and site improvements for the dispensary. The building will be designed and constructed to meet current building codes. Along with it will incorporate the necessary elements to provide maximum efficiency in the sales of cannabis, as well as inclusion of the necessary safety and security elements. The floor plan will be an approximately 3,000 square foot stand-alone building and include a “sally port” to provide a safe area for the deliveries and transporting money to a financial institution. Based on the timing and milestone deadlines for this project, the City will use a Construction Manager Agency (CMA) delivery method. With this method, the City will hire a Construction Manager (CM) to oversee the contractor. The CM is a professional who is an advisor to the City through the construction which involves the following general roles and responsibilities. He reviewed the process to order the project, waive the public hearing, authorize plans and specifications, and authorize procurement process for a construction management agency and architect then reviewed financial impact for a total project cost of $2,320,000. Councilmember Campbell asked when the City would hear from the Office of Cannabis Management about the municipal license. Kevin Morelli, Anoka Liquor Operations Manager, said the City is guaranteed a license. Councilmember Rostad asked how the Police Department feels about the rendering. Captain Youngquist said while he hasn’t had the opportunity to fully review the plan the secured sally port is an important element and that staff will be working with the builder on the entire security system. Mayor Skogquist said the plan has evolved over time and that security was important and will meet the criteria. Mr. Nelson noted the rendering was received just this evening and added to the packet. Councilmember Scott referred to the updated tables and financial impact, partial year of sales, full year sales, and asked if the updated proforma for 2026 reflects a full year proforma. Mr. Morelli said he was not sure but would clarify, adding the consultant was told opening would be December or early January and that the figures were conservative by design. Councilmember Weaver asked about the cash only business or if credit cards could be used. Mr. Morelli said the industry is still cash and will remain unless the Federal Government declassifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, and if it March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 16 doesn’t, we will always be a cash business and utilize armored vehicles for deposits. Mr. Lee said Mr. Morelli was working on a process for cannabis as well. Councilmember Scott asked if we have a timeframe for next steps for a business plan and staffing, suppliers, etc. Mr. Morelli said the project is happening quickly and that staff was meeting with consultants to get questions answered but should begin quickly to include six part-time associates, receptionists, and a head of security. He noted they were currently working with tribes on a product who were excited to work with cities because it would be guaranteed revenue. Councilmember Weaver referred to the dysfunction at the OCM and St. Paul and if the City will have a full department for this enterprise. Mr. Morelli said he was not sure but the path forward included working with Representative Stephenson on some topics and hoped the project would move forward and fall under the liquor operation. Councilmember Weaver said he hasn’t been supportive of this since the beginning and was open to a public/private partnership and not just the City. He asked if the Police Department had a concern about identifying under the influence. Captain Youngquist said this will be challenging as some can recognize under the influence but usually a search warrant is needed for proof in court. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner explained that with alcohol there is a specific level outlined in the Statute. Marijuana is difficult, but should an individual refuse the process, it should be similar to alcohol but noted the additional burden to test. Captain Youngquist said drug recognition training is substantial and the task will be to train more officers in the near future. Councilmember Weaver said with the lack of ability to detect where does the City become liable if we sell and someone is injured or killed, adding we need to understand the legalities going forward. Mr. Baumgartner said the responsibility is ultimately the user’s but agreed this could open the opportunity for additional litigation. Councilmember Scott agreed, but said we already operate liquor stores which could have potential incidents and that additional training will result in more costs but asked if we have the resources for training to fully fund this as well as the additional flexibility to mitigate negative externalities. Mayor Skogquist commented about why Anoka operates liquor stores and how that occurred in the City, adding this happened in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s with alcohol when legalized and now that cannabis is legal, we should move March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 16 forward. He said the City got involved in alcohol sales to be the responsible party selling products and provide training and education, and felt the same will occur with cannabis by creating a high-quality location operated well. Mr. Morelli noted the City can only have one license at a time and will not be able to continue to sell low dose hemp at the liquor store, although Representative Stephenson has introduced a bill this week for that topic. Mr. Baumgartner said he was concerned with the location as it was near Coon Rapids and confirmed they aren’t planning on municipal cannabis and didn’t want to start seeing private stores nearby for competition. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution Anoka Dispensary; Order Project, Waive Public Improvement Hearing, Authorize Preparation of Plans & Specifications, And Authorize the Procurement Process for A Construction Management Agency and Architect. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. Jason Berry, Anoka Community Mission, asked for clarification in the TOD district and the definition of the mission and their work and if that was included and approved. Mayor Skogquist confirmed the approval included a non-profit facility with onsite access to resources without housing. 9.5 RES/On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street. ACTED UPON EARLIER IN THE AGENDA 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Green Haven Golf Course Setting 2025 Fees. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating at the February 24 worksession Green Haven Golf rates were discussed, which was a paradigm shift for the first time in 20 years. He shared the CIP for Green Haven was discussed by all stakeholders and that a golf committee was developed and their goal to include the Park Board into the process going forward. He shared the recommended fees for 18 holes be increased by $4 and $2 for nine holes and $2 for a cart. He discussed the season passes and weekdays for Sunday through Thursday to maximize revenue and how March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 13 of 16 the season pass should focus on green times during the week as opposed to Friday and Saturday. He spoke about how to maintain 6-10% increase, but how the revenue will remain with Green Haven for maintenance and golf carts, which couldn’t be replaced but had to be leased because we had no other choice. He said they want to be transparent about the fees and noted taxpayers had to help support the golf operation and that staff will be working to provide better reporting of rounds and other data going forward. Councilmember Scott asked about no longer offering the anytime season pass and the concerns by the men’s club going to other courses, and that the Haven card would more than offset that revenue. Mr. Lee said they only issued 32 passes last year and have 76 weekdays now so golfers were already gravitating towards that pass and we can compensate that with the Haven card, which takes 20% off round. Councilmember Rostad asked if the 32 anytime passes was a max or a cap. Mr. Lee said there is no cap for the anytime passes. Councilmember Rostad said we will have a better sense of data gathering going forward and would like to see comparisons to others such as Bunker Hills then referred to the multiplier effect of money spent at the clubhouse and the need to continue that. Mr. Lee said they are looking at other cities now for next year’s reporting but noted season passes at other courses usually have many restrictions and may not be an apples to apples comparison. Councilmember Weaver said he was concerned about not having the anytime pass for the men’s club and would hate to lose that base, but it was important to do based on the projections and the need for revenue, and asked for the estimated increase. Mr. Lee said if accurate, they anticipated $672,000 but noted data was lacking. Councilmember Weaver shared how taxpayers are subsidizing the course and the need to discuss adding a driving range. He shared cost estimates that compared to the law enforcement training center, the use of a revenue bond, and that raising rates won’t sustain us. We need to capitalize on all ways to raise revenue as this was too important of an asset not to consider all options. Mayor Skogquist said he was trying to get better information and operate more professionally, adding data is always better and said changing the anytime pass may not be the right thing now because of the lack of data. He suggested for this year increase the fees and continue the anytime pass at $1,600 and enforce the 100-round max, which would be a 14% increase. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 14 of 16 Councilmember Scott agreed since there is no price point presently so this needs to be brought up modestly. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to set the 2025 fees for Green Haven Golf Course as presented with the amendment of $1,600 for any anytime pass with a 100-round maximum. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. 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 Weaver asked that the City Attorney topic be discussed at a special meeting on March 10 to ensure all Councilmembers can attend and include only one topic. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to call a special meeting for March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to consider the City Attorney contract. Rostad, to add Items 5.1 and 9.5 to hold a public hearing and consider an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Liquor License; MPR Enterprises, LLC, dba Casa Rio, 201 Jackson Street. Vote taken. All ayes. Mayor Skogquist referred to perceptions of conflicts of interest and read from the code of conduct regarding this topic then shared a complaint from Richard Jellinger regarding Councilmember Weaver hiring an attorney from BBG, LLC, for a neighborhood complaint that ultimately resulted in an ordinance change, how the attorney portion was not disclosed, and how we want to address the complaint. Councilmember Weaver said he wasn’t a Councilmember in 2019 and 2020 when this occurred, he hadn’t hired Attorney Curt Glaser when the ordinance changed, and had abstained from those discussions. Mayor Skogquist said Councilmember Weaver had a duty to disclose this fact and asked Council how to deal with the complaint based on this nondisclosure. Councilmember Scott said the first step would be to verify the claims and timeline in order to be fair to the process and Councilmember Weaver. March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 15 of 16 Mayor Skogquist said there is a process in place for a hearing but it needs to be determined by the City Attorney first and because they were part of the complaint, he suggested contacting the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) for advice. Councilmember Campbell cautioned the Council about this as it was five years ago over a neighbor dispute and that he wants to be fair and not make assumptions, adding there were comments about City staff in the complaint. Councilmember Scott said he wasn’t on the Council at the time and didn’t have the familiarity of the situation and needed to confirm the complaint through a fair process. Councilmember Weaver asked if it was Mayor Skogquist’s goal to get rid of him as this topic has been public for many years, and felt that it is coming up now was silly. Mayor Skogquist said he was only responding to a received complaint. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to direct Councilmember Scott and Mr. Lee to contact the LMC to gather information on next steps to address the complaint. Councilmember Campbell confirmed they will just check with the LMC on the course of action, then noted the attorney of the complainant was a personal friend of his from his previous occupation and confirmed he was able to vote on this motion. Councilmember Scott confirmed this was not accusatory of Councilmember Weaver but just confirming with the LMC if there is anything that needs to be done. Vote taken. All ayes. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. Mayor Skogquist referred to a recent Department of Corrections regional consolidation report for future jail populations which was now projecting half of what Anoka County’s study showed and how the County was working to reduce inmate stays which would result in less need for increased beds and that hopefully the County will use this updated study in their jail expansion plans. Mr. Lee referred to an email from Jaclyn Duren, Walker Methodist, regarding air rights above the parking garage and use of their plaza and the difficulty over the last three years to get an hold harmless agreement and how staff will meet with the new director but that a possible worksession may be needed to resolve this situation. Mr. Baumgartner said he drafted a lease agreement three years ago, which is required for any exclusive use of public property exclusive as well as March 3, 2025 (Regular) Page 16 of 16 indemnification for $1, but that to date they have been unsuccessful in getting this lease signed. He said the lease would allow the residents' use of the roof but needs to have the right protections included for the City before this use can occur. 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: 9:38 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk