Anoka City Council

March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 16 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 17, 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 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; Finance Director Brenda Springer; Water and Sewer Supervisor Pete Klinenberg; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: Council Campbell. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 February 18, 2025, Special Worksession. February 24, 2025, Worksession. March 3, 2025, Special Worksession. March 3, 2025, Regular Meeting. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2025, Special Worksession, February 24, 2025, Worksession, March 3, 2025, Special Worksession, and March 3, 2025, Regular Meeting as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Eric Peterson thanked Council for his final opportunity to address the City Council as he was retiring after 36 years of service. He recognized several police retirees in attendance this evening, demonstrating their support of the department. He shared how he began almost 39 years ago as a Police Explorer and said his career has been nothing short of amazing, then spoke about his work to focus on the department during the last eight years as Police Chief as well as March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 16 building trust in the community. He shared about a murder that occurred on his first day and how that focused his goals on the importance of community engagement, then spoke about other events during his career that included civil unrest, a pandemic, the loss of officers, and much more. He spoke about the bond with his officers and Council and thanked them for the continuous support then thanked the citizens of Anoka for their strength, resilience, and kindness. He said he was very grateful for all the connections that made his career so meaningful then said Anoka had the best City staff. He said he couldn’t be prouder being the City’s Chief, then offered his strong endorsement of Captain Andy Youngquist as the next Chief, who will be a great leader. Councilmember Weaver thanked Chief Peterson for his service and said the attendance in the room was a testament to his service to Anoka. He spoke about how Chief Peterson brought so many up through the ranks and built a strong team, and that he should be very proud of his work. Councilmember Scott thanked Chief Peterson for his strong leadership and said great commanders lead by example as it sets the tone and helps recruit and retain talent. He said this strong leadership speaks of the character of the entire department. Councilmember Rostad said she was honored to be able to work with Chief Peterson who has built a team of positive, engaged, and truthful members, stating that starts at the top and is an expectation. Mayor Skogquist recapped the turmoil and difficult situations encountered over the years and how Chief Peterson handled them all so well and agreed that a great department starts at the top and said he couldn’t think of a better personality than Chief Peterson’s during those difficult times. He thanked him for everything he’s done and welcomed him to the Chambers anytime. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Utility Director Del Vancura congratulated Chief Peterson and Captain Younguist, then shared about MMUA grant opportunities through the Susan Harwood Grant for area businesses, stated that information sessions would be held on May 6 and July 14, and encouraged businesses to attend. He also shared that the City received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce for $177,000 to bury the electrical lines at the 7th and Main Street property. Bill Folkes, Anoka business owner, thanked Chief Peterson for his service then renewed his request to include the parking ordinance on an upcoming worksession. He said over 100 businesses oppose the current ordinance and that a change is what the businesses want to see. He said he promised those businesses on the list anonymity as he believes there is a group of people who have tried to dilute opposition to this ordinance. He shared two examples of how this seems to March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 16 be occurring then shared about last year’s surveys that included only 24 responses but he believed there were more and was unsure why some weren’t included. Richard Jellinger, 316 Rice Street, spoke about Council’s recent decision to contract with BBG for civil and criminal legal services and how the issue of conflict of interest had been raised during the interview process that could result in divided loyalties should a firm choose to represent a Councilmember in a private legal matter and suggested that could be easily addressed by including language as part of the contract negotiation. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 6.1 Approve Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Tree Care/Arborist License; Midwest Tree Experts MN, Inc. 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/Approval of Appointment of New Police Chief; Andy Youngquist. City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating Eric Peterson has submitted his official retirement notice as Police Chief effective March 28, 2025. City Charter Section 7.02, Subdivision 3, states that the City Manager shall appoint, upon the basis of merit and fitness and subject to applicable civil service provisions, all department heads, of which the Chief of Police is categorized as the department head of the Anoka Police Department. He said he formally submits the appointment of Captain Andy Youngquist as Anoka's new Chief of March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 16 Police and that if approved will begin the duties of Police Chief effective March 22, 2025. He shared that after adoption of the resolution, Police Chief Peterson will administer the Oath of Office to Andy Youngquist. Councilmember Scott shared his endorsement of Captain Youngquist and said he fully supports this appointment. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to adopt a resolution declaring appointment of Andy Youngquist to the position of Anoka Chief of Police. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. Chief Peterson issued the oath of office to Police Chief Andy Youngquist. A standing ovation was offered by all in attendance. Chief Youngquist thanked everyone for their attendance and said this week should be about Chief Peterson and invited the audience to offer a round of applause for his work. He shared that this was an honor and thanked the entire Council, past and present, for their support during his career. He shared how he worked with Chief Peterson for many years and that his grandfather served as an officer for Anoka in the 1940s. He said he has been blessed to serve in many positions over the last 33 years and that his mission will be to continue the cultivation of the trust built. He thanked Mr. Lee for his confidence and encouragement for this appointment and said Mr. Lee has always been a strong supporter of staff and that he looked forward to working with everyone then recognized the entire team across all departments. Chief Youngquist shared his love, support and pride for his family and friends, then thanked the entire department for their support, stating they all possessed dignity, respect, and professionalism. He said he believed in leadership from the bottom up and pledged to support them all. The Council recessed at 7:44 p.m. and reconvened at 7:50 p.m. 9.2 ORD/Amending Chapter 6, Alcoholic Beverages. (1st Reading) Mr. Lee shared a background report stating last year, the Council held some worksessions with bars and restaurants that hold an On-Sale Liquor or Wine Licenses. The worksessions were to discuss an increase in license fees, which was approved in the 2025 Master Fee Schedule, and changes to the City Code regarding items such as minimum food sales requirements, square footage of dining areas, etc. He said it has been discussed for years about developing different types of licenses so that smaller establishments would be able to obtain an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License. These proposed changes were presented March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 16 at the worksessions and obtained consensus of the Council to institute. We instituted them in the 2025 Master Fee Schedule and now need to amend our ordinance to match the new levels of licenses. At the worksessions, Council provided direction to staff on what amendments they would like to see made to our City Code. He shared highlights of the proposed ordinance, which included the definition of a restaurant, minimum food sale requirement, closing time, special 1:00 am license (this special license is at no additional cost to the bar/restaurant). The section that addresses suspension or revocation, specifically related to the Special 1:00 a.m. license, does need further discussion by the City Council. It is drafted as: Sec. 6-68. Suspension or revocation. (b) The City Council may suspend or revoke a Special 1:00 a.m. for just cause, at their sole discretion. Should an establishment have their Special 1:00 a.m. license suspended or revoked, they must close their establishment by 11:00 p.m. on all days of the week until such time the suspension ends or the Licensee has their Special 1:00 a.m. re-instated or re-issued. Suspension or revocation of a Special 1:00 a.m. license does not require a public hearing. After discussions between City staff and the City Attorney, we think it is important that we include some sort of parameters for determining just cause. This will help to ensure that all establishments get treated equally and to avoid arbitrary decisions on a suspension or revocation. During the worksession, it was expressed very strongly by our establishments that they do not want suspensions, revocations, or fines, based on the number of police calls as this would deter establishments from calling the police, even in situations where it would be vital for the police to be called. These proposed amendments do not include anything relating to fines, which is something that staff will be working on in the future. Staff suggests Council hold first reading of the ordinance and provide direction to staff on what type of parameters you want to use for just cause regarding suspension or revocation of a Special 1:00 a.m. license. Mayor Skogquist asked if there is anything similar in other license types related to just cause, such as tobacco. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said no, then spoke about allowing too much discretion which can cause concerns and that the City wants to ensure all license holders are treated the same. Councilmember Weaver suggested using the number of compliance failures as a measure of just cause, then referred to incidents when alcohol is allowed to be taken after the social hour has ended and how that should be just cause for revocation as well. Councilmember Scott agreed and suggested adding willfully negligent over time. Mayor Skogquist suggested creating bullet points of specific items such as underage serving or over serving, serving outside permitted hours, and allowing disorderly conduct but avoid specifics because it could be a combination of items such as violations of health and safety. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 16 Mr. Baumgartner said it is difficult to be specific because one event could be significant enough in itself and that willfulness and things under a license holder’s control should be considered, and asked if the Council was considering an administrative hearing for the Council need to decide. Councilmember Rostad asked if this would be a fixed time period or the discretion of Council. Mr. Baumgartner advised that just cause should be at the Council’s discretion and could be flexible and amended to direct the requirement of additional training for example. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 6, Alcoholic Beverages of the Code of the City of Anoka, Minnesota and include direction for the City Attorney to devise reasons for just cause for inclusion at second reading. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 ORD/Approving Lease with The Tavern at Green Haven, LLC. (1st Reading) Mr. Lee shared a background report stating the lease agreement with The Tavern at Green Haven expires at the end of 2025 and that Jason Tollette is requesting an extension of the agreement. Mr. Tollette has 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. Mr. Tollette is offering the same option to the City of Anoka in the Green Haven lease agreement for services. Mr. Tollette has also indicated that he would be agreeable to simply extending the current lease agreement, should the City of Anoka not be interested in taking on the operations and management of the Banquet Center. In addition to extending the agreement termination to December 31, 2027, Section No. 7 was added that makes the Tavern responsible to ensure that their employees obtain “Responsible Beverage Server Training.” 7. All employees of the Tenant responsible for serving adult beverages to customers, including alcohol and THC beverages, shall annually attend and successfully complete Responsible Beverage Server Training, providing a certificate of completion to Landlord. Staff is recommending that the City Council consider extending the current lease agreement at this time. Further, staff recommends that the lease agreement be extended to the end of 2027 as 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. Councilmember Weaver spoke about common area maintenance (CAM) charges based on square footage of the restaurant, kitchen, and available space of 4,200 square feet and how only $18.44 goes to CAM each month which was not appropriate then shared his concern. He said there was no escalator clause March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 16 included and that we should include a review of ROI on the pro shop as it’s possible it could be operated better and almost needs a section to the lease as a percentage of rent if the bar reaches a certain percentage as this would bring back funds to offset the lower numbers not being paid in the square footage amount. Councilmember Scott said he supported the concept as it was fair to have escalators over time and that we should conduct our due diligence for the residents to ensure we are being fair to ourselves as well as the proprietor. Councilmember Rostad asked if a lease based on square footage has been the template in the past. Finance Director Brenda Springer said 2024 was the first time we used CAM as prior to that it was rent that increased over time and a percentage of sales. She added the City hasn’t needed to see The Tavern’s financials since 2024 because that was not the basis of the rent. Mayor Skogquist agreed it was typical to have CAM and lease amount escalators over an amount and would be interested in reviewing this as well and suggested postponing first reading to allow that analysis to occur. Mr. Lee said the proposal looked at a 10-year extension and included a portion of profits and agreed we want to have an escalator clause going forward and suggested extending the current lease then add an escalator over the next two years. He suggested holding first reading and allow staff to work on adding language regarding escalators in order to move forward for second reading as The Tavern was currently working to book events into the next two to three years. Councilmember Scott agreed with the suggestion as the Council doesn’t have to approve second reading if not acceptable. Councilmember Weaver stressed the need for a thorough discussion on the lease as Mr. Tollette has a great reputation at Green Haven but that we also have to respond to the taxpayers. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold first reading of an ordinance approving a lease extension agreement between The Tavern at Green Haven, LLC and the City of Anoka relating to the food and beverage services at Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center with direction to staff to include as part of second reading language regarding additional rent, an escalator clause, and review of CAM to support a triple net lease. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, Set a Bid Date, and Authorize a March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 16 Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program Grant with the Minnesota Public Facilities. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben 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. On December 6, 2024, the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved its 2025 Intended Use Plans for the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (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. Over the past year, residents of Anoka were contacted (i.e. mail, telephone, email, “door knockers”, etc.) by staff and Water Pipe Survey forms were available to aid in the assessment and inventory of the lead water service lines for the 2025 project. Another method of public engagement was the publication of articles in the 2025 winter edition of the City View. Staff also made available to the public an informational water line inventory handout. Interested property owners can participate in the lead service survey by clicking on QR code to the right, on the city web site or by clicking here. It should be understood, 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. galvanized. 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. The 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement 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 has been 110 services confirmed with an additional 19 services that are unfirmed but could be part of the project. On February 18, 2025, City Council adopted a resolution ordering the project, waived the public improvement hearing, and authorizing the preparation of engineering plans and specifications. He shared the next step in the public improvement process is to adopt a resolution March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 16 approving the plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bid and set a bid date for the 2025 project. He shared the financial impact would be $1,184,000 then reviewed the project schedule in detail. Councilmember Scott great program and prudent for the City to get these replaced and for residents to be aware of this opportunity. Mayor Skogquist said there is the potential that many will have galvanized lead especially in the southeast portion of the City are asked if there are any outstanding property owners from the last cycle who haven’t contacted the City. Water and Sewer Supervisor Pete Klinenberg said there are currently two on the list who would still be eligible for funding and that of the current 116 on the list only 11 have not contacted staff but that they will continue to work to contact them. Mayor Skogquist thanked staff for working on this and said we were reimbursed last year for this work through the Jobz Act and with the current federal funding he wanted to ensure Anoka is not just a pass through and that we will receive the funding if spent. Mr. Nelson said the Minnesota Department of Health’s response states that funding will be provided once they approve the plans. Mr. Klinenberg shared that the contractor has done a great job on this project and can accomplish line 2–3-line replacements a day and was confident they could complete the list as planned. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution 2025 Lead Service Line Replacement Project; Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bid, Set A Bid Date, And Authorize A Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program Grant With The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Anoka Dispensary; Approve a Construction Management Agency Agreement and Authorize Advertisement for Bid. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson 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. It’s worth mentioning, by State Law, the City of Anoka is required to allow at least one private cannabis dispensary to operate within the City limits based on population. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 16 Based on discussion at the February 10, 2025, Goals Session Meeting, Council 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. Pursuant to a resolution adopted by City Council on March 3, 2025, the Anoka Dispensary Project was ordered, the public improvement hearing was waived, and the plans and specifications and procurement process for a Construction Management Agency (CMA) delivery method were authorized. Below are some statistics and facts about a cannabis dispensary. The project will involve the construction of a new municipality-owned temporary single story cannabis dispensary at 839 East River Road adjacent to Anoka’s Liquor Store. The plans meet current building codes and have incorporated 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. He shared the next steps in detail, project schedule, and total project cost of $2,461,300 and the projected net profit of approximately $3 million by 2029. Councilmember Scott thanked staff for their work and time, adding there are many opinions on the proposal itself and how since cities can’t deny licenses by law, he felt it was prudent to have one public license to compete because of the negative externalities that may occur and could help fund some of those with this income such as public education programs. He said it was important that the City have the control to ensure we are doing this the right way to limit any potential issues that could occur with a private license, including creating the right culture. Councilmember Rostad said Point Seven Consulting and liquor store sales have laid the foundation on how this will be a value-add to the City and managed well within our current system and contribute to the City’s bottom line. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving the Anoka Dispensary; Approve a Construction Management Agency Agreement with RJM Construction and Authorize Advertisement for Bid. Mayor Skogquist explained a construction management agency was similar to a general contractor and confirmed that staff would provide hands-on oversight. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 16 9.6 RES/Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project; Receiving Feasibility Study, Order Project and Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating the dam on the Rum River located in the historic downtown Anoka has existed since the early 1850s. The old timber dams 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. Log timbers and flashboards were placed on the Dam at Anoka to raise the level of the Rum River. In the 1930s the City of Anoka was granted and deeded the flowage rights purchased the Anoka Rum River Dam and became the sole owner 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. 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. He reviewed the project in detail, proposed schedule, and financial impacts and said staff recommended Council adopt the proposed resolution. Councilmember Scott thanked staff for the time and work on this project as he felt this would be great for the City and region. He said while there may be some trepidation and culture change, he believed this would only be a value-add and bring the region many opportunities. He said the Legislature knows we support this project, adding river surfing will be a big draw for the entire region and that the project will provide training opportunities for emergency personnel for the entire State as well. Councilmember Rostad said this infrastructure project is very exciting and agreed it will be an incredible opportunity to provide value-add to the entire community, adding it will also reduce the risk to Public Works by eliminating removing the boards each year. Councilmember Weaver said it was remarkable to see the Legislature be on board with this project then spoke about the excitement being generated. He said while this will be a high impact project there will be a large cost and said everyone is working to reduce costs where we can which will help make Anoka an even larger destination location. Mayor Skogquist agreed, stating we have the funding and looked forward to the next steps and added that Representative Stephenson is working to identify additional State funding. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 16 Motion by Mayor Skogquist seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution for the Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project; Receiving Feasibility Study, Order Project, and Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications. Mr. Baumgarter clarified voting requirements for each portion of the resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/Recommended Approval of an LG214 Gambling Permit for Anoka Area Hockey Association at Billy’s Bar & Grill. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Anoka Area Hockey Association has submitted an application for a State-issued LG214 Gambling Permit to sell Pull Tabs, conduct Bingo and Tipboards at Billy's Bar & Grill, 214 Jackson Street. He said this is a State-issued license but requires the approval of the municipality in which the event will take place. Staff has reviewed the application and that no concerns or objections have been expressed. Motion by Councilmember Weaver seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution recommending the issuance of a State-issued LG214 premises permit for lawful gambling for Anoka Area Hockey Association at Billy’s Bar & Grill. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.8 RES/Variance for Standing Seam Metal Roof; 854 River Lane. RESOLUTION Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating CJs Enterprise LLC is seeking approval of a building permit for a standing seam metal roof for the home located at 854 River Lane. Current City Code says, “Standing seam metal roof design is not allowed on single-family homes, townhomes, and row homes, with the exception of copper accents or trim” (City Code Section 78- 564 – Metal Roof). The applicant is therefore requesting the following variance: 1. A variance, from City Code Section 78-564 – Metal Roof, permitting a standing seam metal roof on the single-family home located at 854 River Lane. The variance is being requested because the existing home has a low-sloped roof at a 2/12 pitch. The ordinance that prohibited the use of this type of roof design on single family homes was first adopted in January 2015. The issue was raised in 2014 after a few commercial developments included the use of standing seam metal roofs (e.g., US Bank located along West Main Street, Anoka’s Public March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 13 of 16 Safety Center, condo building at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Van Buren Street). Note: metal roof designs in the form of slate, shingle, shake or tile are allowed but not standing seam. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing at their regular meeting on March 4, 2025. No comments or concerns were received from the public and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The existing roof consists of tar and gravel and per Building Code, traditional asphalt shingles are not allowed on roof pitches of less than 2/12 and tend to not perform as well on lower sloped roofs. Standing seam metal roofs are allowed down to a 0.25/12 pitch, making them ideal for low- sloped roofs. Mayor Skogquist asked why this roof type was prohibited in 2015 as it is a historically accurate roof for properties and that maybe people confused corrugated roofs with this type and suggested an ordinance amendment be considered. Mr. Palmer explained the ordinance was adopted due to concerns with commercial developments in 2014 such as the Public Safety Center and others, adding the ordinance allows other types such as slate, shingle, tile and mimics the look of shingles and how maybe it was because of Anoka’s historic feel and that standing seam may have a more modern look and feel. He said staff could bring the topic to the Planning Commission for a potential zoning text amendment. Motion by Councilmember Scott seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving a variance for a standing seam metal roof on the single- family home located at 854 River Lane. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.9 RES/Accepting 2024 Donations and Contributions. RESOLUTION Ms. Springer shared a background report stating Minnesota Statute Section 465.03 requires that municipalities accept all contributions, donations and grants through adoption of a resolution. Annually, the City Council will be presented with a resolution for adoption recognizing and accepting donations and contributions from various contributors for a variety of projects or expenditures, along with the conditions, if any, as established by the contributor. She shared the list of donations received in 2024 with their purposes specified and had donations of over $30,000. Motion by Councilmember Rostad seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution accepting donations received by the City of Anoka in 2024. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 14 of 16 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Appointment to Boards/Commissions to Fill Vacancies. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating per City policy, staff solicited applications to fill vacancies on our City Boards & Commissions. Postings were made in the Anoka County Union, our City website and through social media. The deadline for applying was March 7, 2025, however, positions remain open until filled. We have one vacancy on the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) with a term to expire December 31, 2026 with residency required to serve on the HPC. He stated no applications were received. He said there is one vacancy on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) with a term to expire December 31, 2028 and that residency is required to serve on the HRA. Mr. Lee stated we received one application from Andrea Murff. He outlined the vacancy on the Parking Advisory Board with a term to expire December 31, 2025, and that the applicant must be either a resident, property owner, or rent office, commercial, or industrial property in the City. He said the City received one application for this vacancy from Jesse Hauf. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to appoint Andrea Murff to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for a term to expire December 31, 2028, and Jesse Hauf to the Parking Advisory Board for a term to expire December 31, 2025. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 4th Quarter Financial Report. Ms. Springer shared the fourth quarter financial report outlining general fund revenues were up $150,000 compared to 2023 as a result of the increase in property taxes. She said total expenditures were down due to emergency street repairs and that personal services were up $493,300 due to changes in governmental reporting requirements. She reviewed governmental funds assets at $19.5 million and liabilities of $13.5 million then reviewed proprietary funds in detail. She reviewed the enterprise funds and net income of the liquor store, electric revenue, water revenue, and golf revenue in detail. Ms. Springer March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 15 of 16 reviewed operating income and internal service funds in detail as well as cash and investments, stating overall the City continues to plan and prepare for the future through investing in infrastructure and equipment. Councilmember Scott commented on the new reporting requirement change that almost shows cities double dipping in different accounts but said the requirements were approved and must be followed. Ms. Springer shared that staff is working with Ehlers and Associates on the City’s financial management plan which will include a comprehensive look at all funds looking out 10 years. She said staff was going to include this on a March worksession but decided to first review the plan with department heads then bring it back to Council for input at a worksession in May. 12.2 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed the tentative agendas of the upcoming Council meetings. 12.3 Staff and Council Input. Mayor Skogquist said an item has been added for the March 24 regarding the NorthStar rail and the need for a discussion with the Legislature regarding the future of the service as there is a current 200-year lease and infrastructure on the site and the need to share the City’s position on the State’s plan. Councilmember Weaver suggested adding legislative actions regarding zoning issues that affect Anoka to the same worksession as well. Mr. Lee said staff is working on this topic and said the Council adopted a resolution in 2022 and 2023 and could draft another one for this year to make the City’s position more formal. Mayor Skogquist said this was a topic at the recent Mayors at the Capitol event. Councilmember Scott congratulated Anoka High School boys’ team for their upcoming State tournament placement. Councilmember Weaver asked if the City will be doing anything to support the team and asked that we communicate this where possible. Chief Peterson said the department will be escorting the boy’s team as they leave. 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: 9:12 p.m. March 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 16 of 16 Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk