Anoka City Council

July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 1 of 10 JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PARK AND RECREATION WORKSESSION OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION ROOM JULY 28, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the worksession meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott. Absent Councilmember Weaver. Staff present: City Manager Greg Lee; Police Chief Andy Youngquist; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks; Electric Utility Director Del Vancura; Public Services Supervisor Jon Holmes; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner. Absent: None. Also present: Park and Recreation Advisory Board: Commissioners Don Rowell, Mark Beckenbach, Kirk Schnitker, Jeanne Wilkinson, Bob Erikson, and Mary Blankenship. 3. COUNCIL BUSINESS and/or DISCUSSION ITEMS 3.1 Joint Meeting Discussion with the City Council and Park and Recreation Advisory Board to Discuss Various Items:  Anoka Nature Preserve  Park Capital Needs and Funding Strategies  Sidewalk and Trail Long Range Plan Anoka Nature Preserve Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse shared a background report stating that the Council has requested a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Advisory Board to discuss the following topics: Anoka Nature Preserve (ANP); Park Capital Needs and Funding Strategies; and Sidewalk and Trail Long Range Plan. She shared information, including the Anoka Nature Preserve Management Plan, an email regarding the Electric Transfer to Park Capital, Park Capital Projects – estimated costs worksheet, and the Trail Plan excerpt from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She also shared an update on buckthorn management and many other projects, such as prairie restoration and the wildlife management program to address deer and waterfowl populations through the Waterfowl for Warriors program. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 2 of 10 Councilmember Campbell asked about registration and breaks for these programs. Recreation Manager Nickie Jenks outlined the registration process and when breaks occur for the season of October 10. Councilmember Rostad inquired about the overlap of the seasons. Ms. LaCasse explained the seasons and how they typically let the archers know when they can hunt for safety reasons and management of different groups, adding that the youth who come to the ANP usually have a veteran connection, and an adult accompanies them. Commissioner Rowell explained that when duck hunting goes on during weekdays and the closing of deer hunting affects very few overall. Commissioner Wilkinson shared that she was a member of the Board when the 200 acres of the ANP were put in place and was also part of the group Friends of the Preserve. She spoke about the trails near Andover and the docks, pontoons, kayaks, and sandbags, and the need to address poison ivy in some areas and work with the DNR and Conservation District on trail intersections and the ADA- compliant shelter that could be coordinated together. She spoke about the rope swing area that needs to be addressed and the north end of the ANP with informal trails throughout the area. She encouraged the continuation of the buckthorn management program and the prairie restoration management plan, and said this could be extremely valuable to the City with all the beautiful wildflower areas, then referred to the wildlife area management plan from 2012. Commissioner Wilkinson suggested deer hunting should be based on the annual harvest goals based on data along Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th Street, and suggested possible early termination of the goals, as there are not as many deer harvested as hoped. She shared concerns that Anoka chose to have archery hunting and commented about caution signs posted from September through December that could be giving pause to new users of the park, as the signage is not welcoming, and suggested amending the harvest goals as they were out of sync with other uses of the park. Commissioner Rowell explained the differences between duck and deer hunting and how the harvest plan provides an opportunity for residents to hunt who otherwise can’t, and further explained parameters of hunting that included being 75 yards from the property, elevations, and a special permit away from the trails. He said the hunting dates are clear and that decreasing the dates will not work. He said this opportunity is open to Anoka residents and is a limited but great opportunity to offer, and noted that deer stands are not located by the trail for safety reasons. He said education is important by letting people know to stay on the trails and how the ANP provides an opportunity to enjoy nature in many ways. Commissioner Schnitker commented about the need for safety and the possibility of duck hunting, then said he disagreed with Commissioner Wilkinson’s objection to hunting as it was passed by State law. He explained the State’s work to July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 3 of 10 purchase wildlife acquisition areas through the Legacy amendment, then said most have a good relationship regarding hunting. He spoke about an excise tax created in 1938 by Congress, then spoke more about the federal wildlife areas, which benefit Minnesota tremendously, and felt that Anoka could make this work. Commissioner Erickson commented about the use of trails in the ANP and the average 200 days walking through the park, never been denied access due to hunting, work to educate people to stay on the main trails during the hunting season and don’t see a concern with denying access, see hunters from time to time and know the signs say caution but it is to ensure they stay on the main trails so both can enjoy. Councilmember Rostad said she appreciated these opportunities for hunters and wasn’t aware the dock was for public use, and suggested the map be clarified for the dock as well as the makeshift trails within the ANP. She spoke more about the primary function of the land as a conservation easement and how everything we do should be done through that lens filter to honor that contract of protecting property, using it equitably, and allowing everyone the opportunity to use the area if they choose. Councilmember Scott asked if we should take a census of the area to know if we should stop the harvest early. Ms. LaCasse said not to my knowledge, this was likely do to cost, and that the DNR relies on visual counts, but shared that from experience, there are plenty of deer in the ANP. She said staff also rely on DNR permits issued for our area and noted staff tracks how many are harvested, with the highest year occurring in 2020, with seven deer. Councilmember Scott said it was important to have warning signage and that it also shares what amenities are in the ANP and encouraged extended signage outlining some of those amenities, including mileage estimates, as there are a variety of users who go to the park. Cary Thelen, 605 Bean Street, said he’s involved in Waterfowl for Warriors and recognizes the importance of this program for veterans and complimented Ms. LaCasse and Public Services Supervisor Jon Holmes for their work on this event, adding he was proud to be part of this program. He spoke about prairie restoration and the river/field set-ups used, and how they hunt the top of the hill, and the need to be selective for restoration work. Members of the audience shared further stories about the importance of these hunting events for veterans. Mitchell Thies, 934 Norwood, said the ANP is the greatest thing the City has done and shared how he’s never had a concern while in the park and thanked the City for this opportunity. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 4 of 10 Joelle Alvord, Anoka, inquired about the Council’s hunting experience to ensure they have an appreciation of the hunting occurring in the ANP and that they understand the value this area has to the City. Mayor Skogquist said he has been involved in the ANP since high school and know more people are utilizing the area and asked how we can make it beneficial to as many people as possible then spoke about the wildlife policy and confirmed that Council wasn’t interested in stopping hunting as there are benefits to it but that the goal is to ensure the ANP benefits as many people as possible and stressed the need to educate the public about safe practices while hunting is occurring. He said he liked the Waterfowl for Warriors template versus what we have now to make the area more welcoming for everyone. Ms. LaCasse explained the tree removal proposal that would be fully funded by Conservation Legacy Partners for 12-14 acres, then spoke about turning over the farm fields for $3,500 per acre and using a prairie restoration contractor to ensure a good plan occurs. She said any work would take 1-3 years to complete, with spot checking afterwards and a controlled burn after five years. Councilmember Scott asked how many acres are needed for a good Waterfowl for Warriors hunt to balance this event with the general public. Mr. Holmes said that the group needs at least 40 acres. City Manager Greg Lee commented on how no farmer is willing to turn over their land for this use. Ms. LaCasse agreed, stating it is difficult to get the equipment, time, and materials needed. Ms. Jenks said the hunting application will be posted August 1 and asked if the goal is to balance a shorter time-period, including the need for hunting set up, then spoke about work by high school students and their current shortened class periods which results in not enough time for them to assist in the ANP, adding the work needs to happen when hunting is not occurring. Mayor Skogquist stressed the importance of setting times to balance hunting with an urban nature area. Ms. LaCasse said that with the decrease in all park usage as winter approaches, she suggested reformatting the period to be after MEA or the end of October. Ms. Jenks referred to the cross-country season and those delays, which could be more inviting to them, too. Councilmember Campbell said hunting occurs early morning and evening hours, and suggested coordinating those times at least earlier in the season. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 5 of 10 Mayor Skogquist said the issue is that the school won’t send students during hunting season, and that we need to balance the different uses, and asked staff what the best times would be. Commissioner Erickson noted the difference between rifle hunting versus archery and how archery was less dangerous, and felt that if the school won’t allow students in the ANP, the City shouldn’t have to accommodate the school. Councilmember Scott said MEA is scheduled for October 15-17, which is a month after the season opener, and felt the more users who can utilize the ANP, the more vibrant the area becomes, but still allows for a long hunt period. Commissioner Rowell commented that it appears that no one is concerned about students playing broomball on the river, and therefore, shouldn’t be concerned about students in the ANP. Mayor Skogquist said the City has created a policy for hunters and that we just want to balance it with the primary goal in the ANP and vegetation control, with no longer than a three-week period around MEA. Commissioner Rowell spoke about the time restrictions placed on hunters and noted not all hunters are hunting at the same time, adding all other hunts in the metro area go from when the park opens until it closes, and that this is restricting residents' access to what’s available in the City. Councilmember Rostad spoke about Elm Creek’s hunting schedule and how each areas have two parcels of time for three days each, then rotates, which is more generous than Three Rivers. Ms. Jenks spoke about Elk River’s schedule and how they allow others who have applied to fill the open deer tags, then noted Elk River experienced people wandering off the main trails, but had no real issues occur. Mayor Skogquist suggested the Council set the parameters, then let the Park and Recreation Advisory Board and staff finalize the details to allow three weeks around MEA for archery and asked that the Board provide the Council with regular updates. Councilmember Campbell said he wished they had heard from the school to allow students their use it. Councilmember Scott spoke about precedent-setting, stating he was glad we can use the ANP for hunting and that adding another group may not result in using the space. He said the ANP provides a great educational opportunity and keeps the area more vibrant than stressed the need to balance between a nature preserve and a hunting reserve by incorporating the founding documents and ensuring they are adhered to. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 6 of 10 A discussion was held on the proposed timeframes. Mr. Lee confirmed the program was established by policy. Mayor Skogquist said there are no policy easements that mention waterfowl hunting, but just deer and turkey, and suggested adding it to the policy and finalizing the prairie restoration. He said the three areas should conform to the same period around MEA and felt there was no need to talk to the school district at this point. Park Capital Needs and Funding Strategies Ms. LaCasse outlined the proposed Park Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and shared how staff tried to prioritize potential projects. She spoke about the 1% increase in utility funds and what could be done if the City bonded for the amount, and the cost impacts of bonding for $2,250,000 at 3.37% interest for 10 years would result in annual payments of $265,350. Mayor Skogquist said he understood the Park and Recreation Advisory Board has been concerned about the lack of funding for projects over the years, which totaled $15 million for general park projects and another $6 million for trails. Councilmember Scott said the 1% increase had a sunset date and needs to be authorized. Ms. LaCasse said the sunset was 2027 and that other funding has been identified. Mayor Skogquist said this won’t tie to a specific project but more as a GO bond. Councilmember Rostad asked about the Park and Recreation Advisory Board's priority list. Mayor Skogquist said the City committed to the 1% electric charge that will generate $260,000 annually, which could be front-loaded as a potential bonding, and that the reason for a municipal cannabis dispensary was to generate revenue as well as work on other revenue ideas. He said we don’t want to overcommit, and a balance makes sense as part of both the electric utility and the cannabis enterprise, and agreed that a prioritization list would be important from the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. He also suggested they identify other revenue and potentially up the amount if we want to front-load that amount, as we don’t want to overcommit and said there needs to be a balance of the two by utilizing the electric rate and cannabis first, then pay the funds back. Commissioner Rowell cautioned against relying too much on cannabis revenue and then shared a story from a Denver dispensary who were millions of dollars short. Councilmember Scott said ideally the City could use these funds to advance capital projects and commented about margins and if we can advance any capital expenditures, how they will compress and have to adjust for that. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 7 of 10 Mayor Skogquist confirmed the Park and Recreation Advisory Board would prioritize their list and present it to the Council for review, and do so for a backlog or more every year. Commissioner Wilkinson commented about the park dedication fund and maintenance of facilities, and the need for redoing some equipment, as well as adding new projects that will eventually need maintenance, while still needing maintenance of current items. Councilmember Scott spoke about the increase in schools and commented on the front-end loan or bond options. He spoke about current municipal bond rates and the difficulty of bonding or funding one-off events. Mr. Lee said the Park and Recreation Advisory Board will review and prioritize projects that total $660,000 over the next two years. Donna McGregor, Anoka, asked which pavilion was being removed. Ms. LaCasse said it was the pavilion next to the senior center. Sidewalk and Trail Long Range Plan A discussion was held on the sidewalk and trail plan. Ms. LaCasse outlined the current trail map, comprehensive sidewalk plan, and other plans in detail. Mayor Skogquist spoke about a DNR grant Coon Rapids received for sidewalks and trails, which covered both current and long-term goals, and said Anoka has three different maps and suggested the need for one comprehensive map for use. Councilmember Scott spoke further about the need for a comprehensive sidewalk and trail plan to cover trail gaps, especially with the increase in e-bikes and e- scooters. A discussion was held on simple surveys on the need for connections throughout the City to create an updated plan going forward. 3.2 Discussion: City Code Chapter 54, Article VIII, Display of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating members of the Council had requested that this item be placed on the agenda, then shared that Chapter 54, Article VIII, Display of Flags or Similar Objects on City-Owned Property, was adopted November 1, 2021. Councilmember Scott shared about the work to update the policy of display of flags on City-owned property, adding he didn’t agree with the prohibition of chalk on City sidewalks as it was a non-permanent form of speech. He shared the July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 8 of 10 ordinance in detail and the difficulty in enforcing this, and suggested the Council consider what other cities have enacted to ensure we still can address concerns when they arise. Councilmember Campbell suggested amending the ordinance by removing sidewalks or adding verbiage that permanently defaces sidewalks. Mayor Skogquist said when the ordinance was adopted, chalk work was occurring during COVID, then referred to the Christmas tree event and other great community-building events, and how we aren’t enforcing everything, which then creates problems, and supported changing the ordinance after a larger discussion. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said this is a difficult topic and understood the Council wanted to remain as neutral as possible, then referred to a religious group who had been denied in another community and cautioned against making all displays illegal, such as allowing commenters at River Fest, for example. He then spoke about the need to educate the public while not violating First Amendment rights. Councilmember Scott referred to the definition of defacing, which is why he was concerned with chalking. He commented further about benign chalking with a positive message, but then being selective in enforcement. Mr. Lee said we need to get specific on items such as the interior of buildings, the exterior of buildings, the tunnel, and other worse areas. Mayor Skogquist spoke against regulating everything and the need for specifics. Mr. Baumgartner spoke about flag-raising opportunities being different than sidewalk defacing and if there’s a distinction. Councilmember Campbell said he liked the current language that referred to specific flags. Councilmember Scott suggested this be codified in ordinance instead of policy, and that it’s okay to be offended based on what’s out there. Mr. Baumgartner agreed but said that results in a whole new level of prosecution. Mayor Skogquist confirmed we’re not getting into a position to have a speech without City action, adding Anoka is not the only one, and supported that direction. Councilmember Scott said that using a medium such as chalk is that it is temporary, but presents a fine line with the First Amendment, and he liked what Northfield did in their ordinance. He said the Police Department sees infractions but has to use their judgment regarding how to address, adding there is not July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 9 of 10 enough staff or hours in the day to address everything, even if it occurs in the band shelter or another park shelter. He said he doesn’t see other cities having this occur with chalk, as it is not a medium to be problematic. Mayor Skogquist said some will happen as part of routine maintenance and discussed examples that we see, such as signs on the boulevard. Mr. Baumgarter suggested adding an exception, such as what Northfield did, that would address the concerns. Councilmember Scott felt that it would be a good alternative to address chalking. Mr. Baumgartner said it would be no problem, but Northfield included what could be allowed, which could be problematic. Mayor Skogquist said there seems to be consensus on the temporary nature of mediums used that were not allowed, then noted decorating light poles is not allowed, but we’re allowing it, and that we need to be equitable and defensible. A discussion was held on examples of public and private structures. Councilmember Rostad suggested including stickers in the definitions. Consensus was to work towards Northfield’s model and contribute to the kindness element to start initiatives such as the Kindness Rock Garden. Mr. Lee spoke about the City lighting and plans to bring to the Council to support whatever requests may come in for email updates; otherwise, the item would return to a work session. Mr. Baumgartner suggested reviewing the ordinance on some other medium first. Councilmember Scott inquired about replacement lighting. Ms. LaCasse said staff have budgeted $80,000 to $125,000 to replace and said kids are climbing on the arches, which is breaking the electrical lines. 4. UPDATES/REPORTS/COUNCIL SUGGESTIONS FOR TENTATIVE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Rostad said the City of Champlin hosts a Harvest Hub event for excess produce to share with others and asked if the Waste Reduction and Recycling Board (WRRB) or Human Rights Commission would be interested in doing a similar event. Mr. Lee said he liked the idea and suggested the WRRB take the lead so that organic recycling could occur as well. Mayor Skogquist suggested the event be held at the senior center, as it provides a good location with easy access. Mr. Lee said staff will work with growers regarding damaged produce for consumption and recycling. July 28, 2025 (Worksession) Page 10 of 10 5. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adjourn the Worksession at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk