Anoka City Council

August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 14 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUGUST 4, 2025 Mayor Pro Tem Scott called the annual budget presentation to order at 6:00 p.m. City Manager Greg Lee and Finance Director Brenda Springer shared a background report stating that at previous worksessions, department heads presented their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP) requests. The 2026 budget presentation reflected those requests, along with other changes to the 2026 budget. The 2026 budget includes a proposed operating increase of $2,797,509 or 29.21% over the 2025 budget. The debt levy will increase by $99,120, or 0.89%, and Council and staff will have the opportunity at upcoming work sessions to adjust this initial budget. Staff reviewed the proposed 2026 general fund budget and highlighted specific changes in each fund, and asked Council to review, discuss, and provide input and proposals for the 2026 budget. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Scott 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 Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Andy Youngquist; Finance Director Brenda Springer; City Assessor Ted Anderson; Public Services Administrator Lisa LaCasse; Utility Operations Director Kevin Morelli; and Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; and Electric Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: Mayor Skogquist. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 July 21, 2025, Regular Meeting. Councilmembers Rostad and Weaver noted they would be abstaining from the approval of minutes due to their absence from the meeting. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott Campbell, to table consideration of the minutes until a future meeting. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 14 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Oath of Office for Police Reserve Unit Leadership and Police Activity Update. Police Chief Andy Youngquist shared the importance of the Police Reserve Unit, which assists the department with many activities. He explained how Reserves are not sworn members of the department but are instrumental in their support, then announced the promotions of Captain Andy Provo and Lieutenant Logan Sheehy as Reserve Unit leadership. He shared their backgrounds and said both have volunteered hundreds of hours, voluntarily, without pay. He thanked them for their exemplary service, then issued their oaths of office in these new roles, adding how invaluable their work was to staff. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Councilmember Rostad thanked the Reserve Officers for their work and said the City was so thankful that they gave of their time to the community. Chief Youngquist shared about upcoming events that included National Night Out, with 24 parties registered, which provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other. He spoke about the State Street grant that addressed traffic speeds on 5th Avenue and outlined the results of this enforcement, which was very effective, and thanked Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson for coordinating this grant. Mayor Pro Tem Scott highlighted the Night to Unite activities and said he looked forward to the takeaways from the 5th Avenue enforcement, then shared about the new speed sign that has a no-parking sign in front, which may be blocking the speed sign. Mr. Nelson explained how the City received two grants, one for a dynamic speed sign, and that staff will ensure the new signage isn’t blocked. Councilmember Weaver confirmed the enforcement will continue on 5th Avenue. Chief Youngquist confirmed enforcement will continue, then added the speed signs have helped curb speeds, and that staff will continue to work to be creative with enforcement. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Ron Prokott, 2701 Greenhaven Road, thanked the City and Senior City Planner Clark Palmer for addressing their concerns with the lighting at Jimmy John’s and Baskin-Robbins, and said the work on this shows what can be accomplished as a group, and said they appreciated the Council, the Planning Commission, and staff for their work. He shared his appreciation for the recent concert and thanked the police for their attendance, and invited the Council and Police Department to attend their Night to Unite event tomorrow evening. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 14 Alyssa Niedenfuer, Epiphany, shared an introduction of their upcoming agenda item and said the Epiphany Foundation was created 10 years ago and serves members of many communities with 350 students annually. She shared about their work to support the school and said they were excited for the partnership with 201 Tavern. Gloria Nelson, 201 Tavern, shared reasons for partnering with the Epiphany Foundation that included support of her own family, which included scholarships and educational opportunities. She said their work also honors former owner Bill Boyum, who passed away and was very involved in Epiphany. 4 PUBLIC HEARING(S) 5.1 Issuance of an Intoxicating Liquor License; Social Contract Supper Club LLC, dba Nucky’s Speakeasy, 300 E. Main Street. RES/ Issuance of an Intoxicating Liquor License; Social Contract Supper Club LLC, dba Nucky’s Speakeasy, 300 E. Main Street. RESOLUTION City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating that the ownership of Nucky's Speakeasy/Club 300 is changing. The new owner, Alyson Newquist, has applied for an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor (with special 1:00 a.m. license) and Sunday Liquor license to continue the operation of this business at 300 E. Main Street. The license will be issued to Social Contract Supper Club, LLC, dba Nucky’s Speakeasy, if approved, and the staff is in the process of conducting the necessary background investigations and inspections, and approval would be contingent upon successful investigations and inspections. Mayor Pro Tem Scott opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Alyson Newquist, applicant, explained how they have worked to take over the location quickly after the previous owner exited in May, and that they currently operate the Courtyards of Andover. She explained that they are an employee-centered business and that they hope to open very soon and are working on a new menu for the social supper club. She said they looked forward to getting information from customers on what they would like to see, felt they would be successful and consistent, and looked forward to being part of the community. Being no further comments, Mayor Pro Tem Scott closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. NOTE: After a motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, Item 9.1 was moved up to this point in the agenda. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving the issuance of an on-sale intoxicating liquor/1:00 A.M. and Sunday August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 14 liquor license for Social Contract Supper Club, LLC, dba; Nucky’s Speakeasy at 300 E. Main Street, Anoka, Minnesota, pending a successful background investigation. Councilmember Weaver said it is important that the applicant is successful and welcomed them to Anoka. Mayor Pro Tem Scott agreed, stating this is a prominent corner and that they looked forward to this location thriving and being successful. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 5 CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve Items 6.1 through 6.9 of the Consent Agenda, pending successful background investigations for Items 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6. Councilmember Weaver clarified that cannabinoids can be sold in the downtown area. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner clarified that the licensee would allow for the sale of low-potency hemp, which is currently being sold at other locations throughout the City, similar to the municipal liquor store. 6.1 Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Issuance of a Special Event Permit; Ribs, Bibs, and Blues. 6.4 Issuance of a Tobacco License for Anoka Smokes LLC, 2010 2nd Avenue. 6.5 Issuance of a Cannabinoid License for Anoka Smokes LLC, 2010 2nd Avenue. 6.6 Issuance of a Tobacco License for Anoka Gas Station LLC, 703 E. River Road. 6.7 Recommended Approval of a Temporary On-Sale Liquor License; Church of St. Stephen, Pumpkin Fest, October 18, 2025. 6.8 Recommended Approval of LG220 Gambling Permits for Church of St. Stephen, October 16, 19, and November 22, 2025. 6.9 Issuance of a Commercial Pedal Car Driver's License; Aaron Frommelt. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 14 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/ Issuance of an Intoxicating Liquor License; Social Contract Supper Club LLC, dba Nucky’s Speakeasy, 300 E. Main Street. ACTED UPON AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING 9.2 ORD/Zoning Map Amendment; Rezoning 3601 and 3301 7th Avenue and 649 Garfield Street from R-1 Low Density Residential to Anoka County Rum River Human Services District. (1st Reading) Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating because of planning efforts related to the proposed Anoka County jail expansion, the Anoka City Council has directed staff to bring forward a zoning text amendment that would allow a correctional facility through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in the Anoka County Rum River Human Services (ACRRHS) District. The amendment also includes a new definition for a correctional facility. The boundaries of the ACRRHS district are also proposed to be expanded to encompass approximately 77 acres of land north of the existing district, which is currently zoned R-1 Low-Density Residential. The ACRRHS District’s proposed boundary would include a parcel that the City of Anoka owns (i.e., 649 Garfield Street), which has been considered in the past as a potential location for a new public services maintenance facility. Therefore, the text amendment includes the use of a municipal public works maintenance facility as a permitted use in the district and includes uses accessory to a public maintenance facility, such as a salt storage facility and screened outdoor storage. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 22, 2022 recommended approval of both the zoning map amendment and zoning text amendment to the Council. Councilmember Rostad clarified that this action is similar to what we did for the former Vineyard restaurant site and is more administrative. Mr. Borglund agreed, stating this change would create consistency and hopefully allow for another jail location and institutional use. Councilmember Weaver said he was concerned the first time this was discussed and that the southeast corner of Garfield Street and 7th Avenue is City-owned and can still be part of a commercial use at a later date. He noted there have not been August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 14 many discussions regarding this area as a potential jail site and that the public needs to be aware of that fact. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning map amendment rezoning properties from Low Density Residential (R-1) to Anoka County Rum River Human Services District (ACRRHS). Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 ORD/Zoning Map Amendment to Section 78-2 (Definitions), Adding “Correctional Facility” and Section 78-369(c) Permitted Uses adding “Municipal Public Works Maintenance Facility,” (d) Accessory Uses and (e) Conditional Uses Adding “Correctional Facility”. (1st Reading) Councilmember Weaver asked if signage had been placed on this site to notify the public of the proposed change. Mr. Borglund said signage wasn’t required because of the property size, but agreed on the need to be transparent regarding this topic and that property owners had been notified as part of the Comprehensive Plan amendments. Mr. Lee agreed, stating that the only aspect the public may not be aware of is the jail. Councilmember Rostad referred to the $75 million infusion for a treatment facility already in this area, and that the Miller facility will double in size and bring more jobs and resources. Mr. Borglund agreed, adding that the area near the cottages includes the Anoka County workhouse, so similar uses are already in place. Mayor Pro Tem Scott said while not required, public notice should be considered outside of what we normally do, including signage. Mr. Lee suggested delaying the second reading to either September 1 or 15 to allow the posting of signage adding a correctional facility to the zoning. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Weaver, to hold first reading of an ordinance Amending Chapter 78, Article 1, Section 78-2 Definitions and Chapter 78, Article V, Division 7. Section 78-369 (c)(d) and Addition of Subsection (e)(1) Anoka County Rum River Human Services (ACRRHS) District of the City of Anoka, Minnesota, and extend second reading to September 15, 2025, to allow for the posting of signage on the property. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell and Weaver voted in favor. Councilmember Rostad voted nay. Motion carried. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 14 9.4 RES/Abate Assessments for Citations and Certify Citations for Collection with Anoka County. RESOLUTION City Assessor Ted Anderson shared a background report stating that in January of 2024, the property in question suffered a ruptured water pipe, which required extensive rehabilitation of the property. Lack of initial response to notices resulted in the accumulation of fines and citations for $2,182. On August 16, 2024, former City Code Enforcement officer Keith Demarest sent an email to former City Assessor Ryan Kirby requesting to close out any citations on 2315 Branch as the property owner was working with their insurance company to bring the property back to code. Failure to complete this requested removal in the special assessment program resulted in fines of $2,182 to be certified on the County of Anoka record books and added as a one-year special assessment to the property owner’s 2025 tax statement. The failure to remove the citations as requested on August 16, 2024, resulted in the certification of those citations by the county and being applied to the property owner’s 2025 tax statement. This also reflects expected income for the City and internal adjustments of expected revenue for $2,182. The submitter would like to point out that there is a second special assessment for street renewal that is a multi-year payment plan that is not impacted nor has any involvement with the one-year special assessment for the rescinding of the citations. Mr. Anderson said the violation involved mold and mildew in the basement and that while this was an owner-occupied property, they were not residing in the home due to the damage, and that the property was boarded up. Mr. Baumgartner outlined the three administrative citations that were issued and the process likely used to address these concerns. He spoke about the possibility of a lack of communication and how the property owner was working with their insurance company to address and the intent to rescind, which didn’t occur. Mr. Anderson shared that there was a dumpster currently onsite and that the property owner was working to address the clean-up, and that the boards had been removed and progress was being made. Councilmember Rostad thanked staff for the report and said the process wasn’t helped due to staff changes, and that we shouldn’t hold the homeowner accountable for that, and felt this abatement was reasonable. Mayor Pro Tem Scott agreed, especially since work was now progressing. Mr. Anderson said staff will ensure a plan is in place going forward to ensure this doesn’t occur again. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 14 Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution to abate assessments for rescinded citations and certify rescinded citations for collection with Anoka County. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 RES/Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of the FY 2027 through 2028 Transportation Economic Development (TED) Program Funding. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating at the April 22, 2024, worksession, discussion occurred about the leadership and next steps including a proposed path moving forward on the responsibilities/rolls of the City of Anoka and State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Hwy 47 (Ferry Street) and BNSF Crossing Project. The consensus of the Council was to proceed as the lead agency in this project, which would then be combined with the City-led Highway 47 Corridor Improvements Project from north of Garfield Street to Bunker Lake Boulevard, for which the City had previously established itself as the lead agency. The City-led Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project is for the improvements along Highway 47, extending north from U.S. Highway 10 at Pleasant Street (CR 30) to Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116). The Project limits consist of both the Highway 47 BNSF Grade Separation Project, which was initiated by the MnDOT in 2015, and the Highway 47 Corridor Improvements Project that was initiated by the City of Anoka in 2017. He explained that a letter of interest (LOI) was submitted to Noah Hansen at MnDOT and that applications are due September 29, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified in December 2025. Then said an excellent candidate for these funds is the City’s Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project. He explained the benefits of this funding if received and said that if awarded, the City is committed to securing the required 20% local contribution and meeting all major project milestones as required by the fiscal years 2029 through 2030. These funds may be provided through other local competitive funding sources. This could be one of the very few ways the city could advance these projects from their current stage with minimal use of local funds. The City is requesting $10,000,000 through this solicitation, and with a non-federal local match commitment for this grant request, it would be $2,000,000 contingent upon grant approval. An important component of the local match commitment is the flexibility to utilize other funding sources, such as state bonding funds, other competitive grants, or a financial commitment from MnDOT. This approach mirrors the successful strategy used to complete the funding plan for the Anoka Highway 10 Project, which minimized the use of City of Anoka local funds. August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 14 Mayor Pro Tem Scott agreed that this will be a great project and supported the action. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of FY 2027 through 2028 Transportation Economic Development (TED) Program Funding. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of the FY 2029 through 2030 Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP) Funding. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating at the April 22, 202, worksession, discussion occurred about the leadership and next steps including a proposed path moving forward on the responsibilities/rolls of the City of Anoka and State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Hwy 47 (Ferry Street) and BNSF Crossing Project was discussed. The consensus was for the City to proceed as lead agency in this project, which would then be combined with the City-led Highway 47 Corridor Improvements Project from north of Garfield Street to Bunker Lake Boulevard, for which the city had previously established itself as the lead agency. The Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP) is a statewide competitive program designed to address Minnesota’s freight transportation needs by funding projects that enhance freight transportation safety, improve mobility, increase efficiency, and expand access through the freight network. The program provides federal funding for construction projects that offer measurable benefits across modes, including those that connect highways, railroads, ports, waterways, and airports. These federal funds were made available through the creation of the National Highway Freight Program in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, with continued support provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The investments made in the program support the freight infrastructure investment goals outlined in the Minnesota State Freight Plan. The MHFP funds are targeted toward projects that improve freight safety, freight mobility, freight sustainable supply chains, or improve first and last-mile connection access to freight facilities. Applicants are required to identify other public and/or private funding sources that will contribute to the cost of the proposed project. The MHFP may provide federal funds for up to 80 percent of the eligible project cost. The current MHFP solicitation has approximately $51M available for road, rail, ports, intermodal, and air freight projects, and for fiscal years (FY) 2029 and 2030, the MHFP is projecting $25.6M per fiscal year. For new construction projects, the minimum award provided to any one project in this solicitation will be $500,000. The August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 14 maximum award in this solicitation is $10M for any one project. Applications are due September 3, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified in January 2026. Existing BNSF at-grade crossing looking north on Hwy 47 (Ferry St) DISCUSSION An excellent candidate for these funds is the City’s Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project. Mr. Nelson said if awarded, the City is committed to securing the required 20% local contribution and meeting all major project milestones as required by fiscal years 2029 through 2030. These funds may be provided through other local competitive funding sources. It’s worth noting that, as part of the awarding process, the City will be required to enter into an agreement that incorporates all applicable state and federal regulations associated with accepting federal funding. This could be one of the very few ways the City could advance these projects from their current stage with minimal use of local funds. To ensure successful project completion, the staff recommends that the City Council designate Greg Lee and Ben Nelson or their successors as the authorized representatives. He outlined the preliminary project cost of $90M, with $43M in committed funding to date. The MHFP Grant could fund the final design and construction costs for the entire project. The City of Anoka is requesting $10,000,000 through this solicitation, with a non-federal local match commitment for this grant request of $2,000,000 contingent upon grant approval. An important component of the local match commitment is the flexibility to utilize other funding sources, such as state bonding funds, other competitive grants, or a financial commitment from MnDOT. This approach mirrors the successful strategy used to complete the funding plan for the Anoka Highway 10 Project, which minimized the use of City of Anoka local funds. Councilmember Rostad thanked Mr. Nelson for all his work in identifying these additional funding sources. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution for Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of FY 2029 through 2030 Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP) Funding. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/Recommendation of Issuance of an LG214 Premise Permit for Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation at 201 Tavern Grill. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating that during the week of July 21, the City received an application from Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation for a State Issued LG214 Premise Permit to allow them to conduct gambling activity (Pull Tabs, Bar Bingo, Tip boards, Electronic Pull-Tabs, and Electronic Linked Bingo) at 201 Tavern & Grill. In reviewing their application, it was discovered that the August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 14 organization’s address is 1900 111th Ave NW, Coon Rapids, which is the address of the church. Per our City Code, Chapter 10, Article IV, Section 10-90 (d): (d) Organizations eligible to conduct gambling activities in the city shall be limited to organizations that have their main physical office located in the city. Existing organizations and their premises permit locations that have been approved by the city council before August 1, 2007, are exempt from this requirement as long as there is no lapse in their premises permit. Our process is, if their main physical office location is not in the City of Anoka, staff notifies the known non-profits (with a main physical office location in the City of Anoka) that have held LG214 permits in the City and informs them that an establishment in the City of Anoka is looking for an organization to conduct gambling activities at their establishment. A waiver could be granted only for the specific location outlined in the premises permit application and would remain in effect for the duration of the original premises permit license. Upon the need for renewal of a premises permit location, a non-eligible organization would follow the same process of approval as stated herein. He outlined the priority set by the Council for approving a premises permit application and said on July 25, 2025, staff notified the applicant of this Code requirement and our process of contacting other non-profits about this opportunity. Staff also spoke with the owner of 201 Tavern & Grill, Darin Crasper, and informed him of this as well. Mr. Crasper stated that he just wants a different organization to conduct the gambling. Currently, Anoka Area Hockey Association (whose main physical office is registered in the City of Anoka) provides this gambling activity at 201 Tavern & Grill. Both the applicant and the owner of 201 Tavern & Grill requested that staff place the LG214 application on hold, and on July 28, 2025, staff received a new application from Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation that listed their address as 822 Washington Street, Anoka. I confirmed with our Utility Department that this new address is a residential home address, and the organization’s filing with the Secretary of State’s office is their registered address as 1900 11th Ave NW, Coon Rapids. On July 29, 2025, staff contacted the applicant and informed her that the new application lists a different address than what is registered with the Secretary of State’s office. The applicant advised that she had applied for a change of address on July 29, 2025, and that they are now registered at the residential home located at 822 Washington Street, Anoka, which has since been confirmed with the Secretary of State’s office. Councilmember Weaver clarified the applicant’s business address. Mr. Lee explained that the organization’s business is registered at a residential address in Anoka. Councilmember Campbell thanked staff for the background explaining this situation. Mayor Pro Tem Scott thanked the applicants for their work. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution Recommending The Issuance of a State-Issued LG214 August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 14 Premises Permit for Lawful Gambling to Our Lady of Epiphany Foundation at 201 Tavern & Grill. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed tentative agendas. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Weaver spoke about the discussion at the July worksession that occurred during his absence with the Park and Recreation Advisory Board regarding the Anoka Nature Preserve (ANP) and his request that another discussion occur at the September worksession to hear their recommendations as he felt the Council did not fully understand all aspects of the Deer Permit Area (DPA) 601 and Chronic Wasting Area (CWD) impacts of their decision, adding the State has a great interest in curbing this work. He asked if the Police Department had ever had an incident with hunting in this area. Chief Youngquist said staff receive reports of shots fired, but nothing regarding archery. Councilmember Weaver encouraged the Council to vote on this topic after hearing from the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. He noted one member who did not support hunting did a workaround and approached the Mayor about the topic, and felt it was important to discuss this topic publicly. He said a conservation officer should have been invited to the worksession to share their perspective about herd movement and when it occurs, and that the DNR wouldn’t allow the harvest of five deer to occur if there was a concern. He noted the high school was never told they couldn’t be in the ANP and that not sending students was their decision alone. Mayor Pro Tem Scott agreed that the City wants to have a good discussion on priority projects and felt that occurred at the meeting where the Park and Recreation Advisory Board was invited and attended. He noted we were not August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 13 of 14 taking away hunting but tightening the timeframes, and that Anoka was being more generous than most other metro areas. Councilmember Weaver disagreed, stating it was important to be transparent. Councilmember Rostad said there was a robust conversation as well as public input, and said there are no real changes around hunting and that this is a good time to reassess the use to ensure it is more equitable and available, and open to the public. Councilmember Campbell noted the Council asked the Park and Recreation Advisory Board to make the final determination on when hunting should occur and to meet with them again about their priority list at a future worksession. Mayor Pro Tem Scott said he envisioned this report to occur at a regular meeting. Mr. Lee outlined the summary report he presented, which included a shortened hunting season. Joelle Alvord, Anoka, said she attended the meeting and felt everyone that was at the meeting agreed with how the hunting was occurring today, except for Council in attendance. She felt good about the intent of the ANP, but said it would be good to support Councilmember Weaver on his request to have further discussion. Park and Recreation Advisory Board Chair Steve Nelson said he didn’t attend the worksession because he felt there was no organization around the topic or resources available regarding the points to be made. He said they voted on the fall season and had one member who dissented based on a 25-year-old grievance with the Friends of the Rum River, and felt the process didn’t go well and wasn’t proper. He said he was unsure of the Council’s goal for the joint meeting, with no supporting material or list of questions, and said he sometimes feels like the Council tried to act as the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. He said they want to help the Council and that we need to discuss all types of recreation, and if one member doesn’t agree, they shouldn’t try to conduct a workaround to get what they want. Councilmember Rostad asked if this worksession discussion was different than other topics. Mr. Lee said the Council placed this topic on the agenda and that when this occurs, staff rely on the Council for the background information, then noted the management plan was included in the report. Councilmember Weaver encouraged another member to second his request to place this on a future agenda and said he didn’t expect anyone to change their position, but just wanted a transparent discussion. He suggested no changes occur this year to allow for further discussion for possible changes next year. He commented he wished Anoka High School were as passionate about using Green August 4, 2025 (Regular) Page 14 of 14 Haven Golf Course as they were for the ANP, adding they were using Rum River Hills instead. Councilmember Campbell said he would prefer a worksession discussion with parameters and representation from the high school about ways to work around classes being held during early morning hunting hours. Mayor Pro Tem Scott said he felt we had background information and a good discussion, and that hunting was supported. He said staff had communication with the high school, which shared concerns about classes due to liability, and that no one told them that they can’t be in the ANP, adding the Council wants to see hunting occur and everyone use the space. Councilmember Weaver said he felt we were giving up an Anoka program to allow residents outside of Anoka to take advantage of the area and felt the Park and Recreation Advisory Board wasn’t allowed to speak. Councilmember Rostad said she attended an event in May with the Anoka County Historical Society that highlighted the service of men and women in Vietnam, and that they were still looking for first-hand accounts from anyone, and encouraged the public to contact the Society. Mr. Nelson shared an update on Fairoak Avenue at West Main Street stating staff had proceeded with recommendations on changes to the intersection that included removing the north leg of the crosswalk, installing a stop bar for southbound Fairoak approach, and others, and were waiting for a response from MnDOT regarding the rapid flashing beacon and when received will update Council. He said this will be a change order for Council approval. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Rostad made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Campbell seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:43 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk