Anoka City Council

October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 16 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OCTOBER 20, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver. Also present: Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Andy Youngquist; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Electric Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 September 29, 2025, Special Worksession. September 29, 2025, Special Meeting. October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Rostad noted corrections were needed regarding the spellings of Jeanne Wilkinson and Joelle Alvord. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve minutes of the September 29, 2025, Special Worksession, September 29, 2025, Special Meeting, and the October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Andy Youngquist shared an update regarding activities for Anoka Halloween and said that, outside of some DUIs and some minor incidents, no significant issues were reported. He shared the parade routes and detours for the Parade of the Little People on October 24 and Grand Day Parade on October 25, and how reader boards will be used to communicate street closures, then spoke October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 16 about other activities and officer staffing for the month. He stated that the Anti- Crime Commission will be hosting its annual breakfast, which will feature Bloomington Police Chief as the guest speaker. Councilmember Scott said the Light Up the Night parade went well, with many people attending then asked for an update on 5th Avenue speed signage and if any progress has been made on slowing traffic, especially during school hours, and if there was a better placement for the sign going northbound. Chief Youngquist said staff could place a covert device on 5th Avenue to gauge traffic and speeding, which would allow officers to stop a car for education, but not cite, but said to date they are encouraged with the results of the signage as they are great visual reminders to slow down. Councilmember Weaver asked if the other sign could have the no parking sign relocated so it was more visible. Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson said that relocation could be done, hopefully by the end of the month. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Jeff Nelson, 2827 Wingfield Avenue, said the school district held a meeting earlier today that resulted in parking on both sides of Pleasant Street, making it difficult to get two cars through at the same time, and suggested one-sided parking be posted on Pleasant Street. Heather Moeller (did not sign in), State Avenue, shared concerns about the proposed changes for the Greens of Anoka and how the website renderings are dated 2012, but were changed when Highway 10 was done. She referred to backdoor deals occurring and not notifying the citizens of updates on the actual plans regarding the road. Mayor Skogquist said the original plan was done in 2012 and that adjustments may have been made with Highway 10 construction, but said the process was done very openly. Ms. Moeller said City Manager Greg Lee has refused to return her calls and emails and said he likes to call people in the neighborhood to find out where she lives, stating this is unprofessional. She said Mr. Lee has received over $64,000 in raises and felt that the amount was unfair for the amount of work being done, and believed the Council needs to look at the finances of the City. She said she has been hearing stories from former employees about poor money management and stated that if anything shady was going on, people would be upset. Alyssa Neidenfuehr(did not sign in), Epiphany Foundation, requested guidance on their charitable gambling application that was submitted in July and echoed Ms. Moeller’s frustrations on receiving a response from the City. She said they followed the current process and understood the window was closing on Thursday for other organizations interested in the open gambling site and would like to be placed back on the November 3 agenda for approval. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 16 Mayor Skogquist said the application period closes on Thursday and that the Council will be addressing the ordinance at the November worksession, and that staff can follow up after the October worksession as well. Councilmember Weaver disagreed about staff not responding to Ms. Niedenfuer’s emails, as Council was copied on the thread that showed today’s timely response. Ms. Niedenfuer said they had originally emailed last week and that today’s response was very vague. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to approve Items 6.1 through 6.4 of the Consent Agenda. 6.1 Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Recommended Approval of an LG240B Bingo Permit; Anoka Knights of Columbus at Church of St. Stephen on November 14, 2025. 6.4 Anoka Dispensary: Approve Change Orders Numbers 15, 17, and 18. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS 7.1 Utility Advisory Board Item: 7.1a. Distinguished Service Award from MMUA – Ed Evans. Electric Utility Director Del Vancura shared a report stating that at the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association’s (MMUA) 2025 Summer Conference, Ed “Doc” Evans received the Distinguished Service Award. Nominated by MMUA, Doc was said to rarely miss the Association’s events, often attend multiple meetings in various locations, and be a key figure in organizing the association’s Summer Conference bike tour. Every year, this award honors a leader who demonstrates outstanding service in support of MMUA and its goals. Doc has served for more than 35 years at the Anoka Municipal Utility and is currently the Chairperson of the Utility Advisory Board. He is known for his active participation to stay informed and is unafraid to raise issues he believes will benefit MMUA and its members, AMU and its customers, and broader efforts of both. He shared the October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 16 background of the MMUA and noted that Easton Dale, who was awarded the Rising Star Award, was Jeff Dale’s son, who recently retired from Anoka Municipal Utility. Doc Evans said MMUA was an extraordinary organization and said their lobbying and mutual aid were extremely valuable and that MMUA has very good roots in every city. He said the organization was extremely well run and that it was great to see more women involved in both management and as linemen then spoke about the training facility in Marshall, which was nationally known and extremely valuable. He said Anoka was the fourth largest utility in the group and greatly benefits from MMUA, and said he was humbled to have received this award. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Councilmember Campbell thanked Doc Evans for the thousands of hours devoted to MMUA on behalf of the entire City. Councilmember Weaver referred to the amazing amount of knowledge with Doc Evans’ 34 years of experience and Mr. Vancura’s 40 years of experience, who was retiring in February, and thanked them both for their work. Mayor Skogquist said he and Doc Evans always agreed on the importance of the electric utility and acknowledged both him and Mr. Vancura for the time and energy, and working to teach and mentor new people, which is why we have rising stars at AMU. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 ORD/Adopting 2026 Master Fee Schedule. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Community Development Director Doug Borglund Lee shared a background report stating that annually, staff reviews the fee schedule and determines whether or not a recommendation should be made to the Council to adjust the fees that the City charges for services and licenses. Fees are to be based on the actual costs to provide the service, issuance/enforcement of a license or code regulation, background checks, materials, time, etc. On October 6, 2025, Council held the introductory first reading of the ordinance, and the changes from that meeting included Electric Utility Fees, Fire Department Fees, and Police Department Fees. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 16 Mayor Skogquist noted the changes from the first reading had been incorporated in the second reading. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance establishing a fee schedule for the City of Anoka, effective January 1, 2026. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2 ORD/Approval of an Extension to a Temporary Site License Agreement for New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC and its Affiliates (North End of 11th Avenue). (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Director of Public Services Mark Anderson shared a background report stating that on October 7, 2024, the City Council approved a temporary one-year lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) to install a temporary monopole communication tower located at the north end of Sunny Acres Park property near 11th Avenue and Grant Street. This temporary monopole was installed and is operable at this time. AT&T has experienced a delay in the planning and installation of the long-term monopole at this site. Because of this delay, AT&T is requesting a one-year extension of this temporary lease. This extension will allow additional time to develop a plan and specifications to construct the new long- term communication tower adjacent to this temporary monopole tower. The temporary monopole tower will be removed following the installation of the new long-term monopole tower at this site. AT&T is the tenant and owner of the temporary monopole and will continue to be the tenant on this lease extension. This is a second reading of the temporary site license agreement. Mayor Skogquist asked if this was the location of the permanent tower. Mr. Anderson said the permanent tower will be placed within 20 feet of the temporary tower. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance authorizing the extension of a temporary site license agreement with new Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, and its affiliates at 11th Avenue and Grant Street, Anoka, Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 16 9.3 ORD/Approval of an Extension of a Temporary Site License Agreement for New Cingular Wireless, PCS, LLC and its Affiliates (1609 Fifth Avenue). (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Anderson shared a background report stating that on October 7, 2024, the City Council approved a temporary one-year lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) to install a (1) temporary 18” satellite dish at Anoka Water Tower 1, located at 1609 Fifth Avenue. This satellite dish provides vital communication to the temporary monopole tower located at Sunny Acres Park near 11th Avenue and Grant Street. This satellite dish was installed and is operable at this time. AT&T has experienced a delay in the planning and installation of the long-term monopole tower at 11th Avenue, and because of this delay, AT&T is requesting a one-year extension of this temporary satellite lease. This extension will allow additional time to develop a plan and specifications to construct the new long-term communication tower at Sunny Acres, which will communicate with this temporary satellite dish and complete the communication link to the monopole. This temporary satellite dish will be removed following the installation of the new long-term monopole tower at the Sunny Acres site. AT&T is the tenant and owner of the temporary satellite dish and will continue to be the tenant on this lease extension. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance authorizing the extension of a temporary site license agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC and its affiliates at 1609 5th Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 RES/Anoka Rum River Regional Trail 4th Ave BNSF Railroad Crossing and Trail Connection Project; Approve and Authorize the Execution of the Federal Participation in Force Account Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report stating pursuant to a resolution adopted by City Council on the 2nd of July, 2018, the City applied for the Metropolitan Council TAB Grant. On January 25, 2023, the Transportation Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Council awarded $556,000 to the City of Anoka for construction of the Anoka Rum River Regional Trail 4th Avenue BNSF Railroad Crossing and Trail Connection Project, slated for program year 2025. The grant request was for $706,000, which included a city local October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 16 commitment of 20 percent or $150,000. On August 18, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Office of Land Management (OLM), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approved the Right-of-Way (ROW) Public Interest Findings (PIF) document. This approval allows for the City of Anoka to proceed with funding authorization, given that all of the necessary right-of-way had not been obtained before that date. It’s worth mentioning, an approved ROW Certificate is required before the City can set a bid opening date. On September 15, 2025, MnDOT received federal funding authorization approval, allowing for the construction of the project in 2026. The project is for the construction of a new multi-use 10-foot bituminous trail approximately 0.17 miles on the west side of 4th Avenue (CSAH 31) and the installation of pedestrian crossing gates at the at-grade railroad crossing. These improvements will help safely channel pedestrians and bicyclists along 4th Avenue (CSAH 31) and reduce pedestrian/bicyclists’ exposure while improving access and mobility, safely channelizing pedestrians and bicyclists across the BNSR Railroad line. Given that the project has been authorized, force account purchases can begin. However, an agreement must be executed with MnDOT before the City can be reimbursed for any of this work. This agreement between the City of Anoka and MnDOT will allow MnDOT to act as the City’s agent in accepting federal aid for the project. Staff recommends that the Anoka City Council approve the agreement. Should Council wish to proceed with the project, the required next step is for City Council to approve and enter into the agreement (MnDOT Contract No. 1061039) with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to obtain federal funds. The agreement has been reviewed, and there are no specific objections by the City’s attorney. Council should understand that this is not a negotiated contract; rather, it essentially reflects the standard State and Federal requirements tied to the City’s acceptance of federal funding. As part of the agreement, the local agency is required to designate an Authorized Local Unit of Government Representative. Given that Anoka is a home rule charter city, the City Council may delegate signing authority. Therefore, to formalize this, a signed resolution designating the grant’s agent (authorized representative) should be adopted. To ensure successful project completion, it’s recommended that the City Council designate Ben Nelson, Assistant City Engineer, or their successor, as the authorized representative for the City of Anoka. It is recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the said contract on behalf of the City. Furthermore, the authorized representative for the City of Anoka maintains execution authority to execute any amendments to the agreement as necessary for the project. There is no cost associated with approving and for the City entering into said agreement with MnDOT. The approval of the agreement will allow the City to be reimbursed for any of this work by federal funding. He shared the project schedule that included an anticipated construction start date of April 6, 2026. Councilmember Scott said this was a long time coming and was pleased to see this project begin. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 16 Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution for the Anoka Rum River Regional Trail 4th Avenue BNSF Railroad Crossing and Trail Connection Project; Approve and Authorize the Execution of the Federal Participation in Force Account Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mayor Skogquist said there is a great trail that runs in this area with one break for two blocks, and that this will be much improved over the well-used path. He said the staff was persistent in getting a grant and meeting federal and MnDOT stipulations, and that he looked forward to this project. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 ORD/Approval of Purchase Agreement for Eastview Meadows 2nd Addition, Outlot A. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating first reading was held on October 6 and that the Council stated no concerns or amendments to the first reading. The City has been in discussions with STC Homes, LLC, regarding Eastview Meadows 2nd Addition Outlot A, a City-owned parcel originally platted as an Outlot. This property was previously leased to Crown Castle for use as a cellphone tower site. The lease expired in January 2025, and the tower was removed earlier this spring to prepare the site for future development. STC Homes, LLC plans to construct two detached, association-maintained townhomes on the site. The City has long intended to continue its partnership with Mark Strandlund of Shade Tree Construction (STC) to complete the neighborhood with detached townhomes, now that the site is available for redevelopment. To proceed, Outlot A will be subject to a replat as Eastview Meadows 3rd Addition, creating two new lots. These homes will be incorporated into the existing homeowner’s association. The original lots were sold by the City to STC at $17,000.00 per lot. The current, approved Letter of Intent (LOI) reflects a revised price of $22,504.00 per lot, representing the raw land cost. This adjustment accounts for inflation and aligns with the increase in the Consumer Price Index since 2017, when the initial purchase occurred. The total sale of the City’s real estate holdings amounts to $45,008.00. From a legal standpoint, the City Attorney has reviewed and approved the terms of the purchase agreement. He shared the proposed schedule that included closing on October 31, 2025. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance to convey real property to STC Homes, LLC. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 16 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/Conditional Use Permit for Church (Salt and Light Church), 202 E. Main Street. RESOLUTION Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating Lyman and Denise Jenkins were requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for the establishment of a worship space in the lower level of the property at 202 E. Main Street. The applicants seek to establish a retail store at the property, which will tentatively operate during weekdays and on Saturdays. On Sundays and weeknights, the space will be used as a worship space for Salt & Light Church. The property is zoned Main Street Mixed Use, East Main Street Subdistrict 1 (EM-1). Churches/religious institutions require a CUP in the zoning district. The applicants are aware that if the CUP is approved, a building permit will be required to establish the use, which may require more detailed plans. The applicants have already consulted an architect and begun conversations with the Building Official’s office in preparation for the next steps. For parking, the property does not have any specific off-street parking facilities; however, none is required in the EM-1 district. The applicant plans to rely on available public parking. He said the Planning Commission reviewed the application and held a public hearing at its regular meeting on October 7, 2025. No public comments were received, and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the CUP. Pastor Lyman Jenkins, Salt & Light Church, said he’s been an Anoka resident since 2015 and said the Bible states he should seek the welfare of the city in which he’s been placed, and he felt this is what they were doing. He said the church will provide an incredible economic impact in downtown Anoka, especially on Sundays, adding that service times would be great for the many restaurants afterwards. He said they conducted a code analysis for parking and felt it was important to invest ahead of time to prove sufficient parking. He said this project began four years ago when they contacted property owners Dan and Julie Smith. He said they have been transparent about their intentions and noted one of the concerns from the Planning Commission was how their use could inhibit the Smiths’ ability to lease the main floor space, but confirmed the property owners were present and supported the plan, and ended that he hoped to serve on the Council someday. Mayor Skogquist said the request was for the lower level and suggested the CUP include a condition stating the use is for the lower level, and include ingress/egress and retail uses outside of Sundays and weekday evenings. Pastor Jenkins shared how the use of the space has evolved since the narrative was written, and the plan now is that the space would be used for church activities on October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 16 Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays to make it easier to own/operate the store, adding that Wednesdays through Saturdays are best for retail activities in Anoka and not have that be an added condition. He said the arrangement of space should be between the tenant and property owners, but agreed the lower-level condition could be included. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution of a conditional use permit, 202 E. Main Street, as amended to include that the applicant's use shall be held to the lower level of the building, including ingress, egress, and main level restrooms. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.7 RES/Conditional Use Permit for Indoor Agricultural Use (Verdant AgriTech, LLC), 3801 Thurston Avenue. RESOLUTION Mr. Palmer shared a background report stating Verdant AgriTech LLC was requesting approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for the property located at 3801 Thurston Avenue. The applicant seeks to establish an indoor agricultural growing facility specializing in mushrooms and microgreens. The property is zoned M-1 Light Industrial. The proposed use is not specially listed as a permitted use. The M-1 district allows CUPs to be issued for “Other manufacture, processing, storage or commercial uses as determined by the planning commission to be of the same general character as the permitted uses above and found not to be obnoxious, unhealthful, or offensive by reason of the potential emission or transmission of noise, oxidation, smoke, dust, odors, toxic or noxious matters or glare or heat” (City Code Section 78-289 (c)(2)). Staff finds the use to be suitable for the proposed location and not in conflict with any performance standards outlined in the district regulations. There are no exterior changes proposed. Staff has determined parking to be sufficient for the proposed use. There are no plans for outdoor storage of materials, equipment, or large vehicles, and the applicant has been working with the City’s Building Official to secure any necessary building permits and a certificate of occupancy. Mr. Rogers (did not sign in), Verdant Organic, shared a presentation stating they were a very green and sustainable farm-to-delivery operation that offered high- quality, affordable organic produce. He said they grow indoors in a controlled environment and that their mission and values statement includes being a reliable business for reliable products and filling a gap in this sector. He shared their process of indoor agriculture that would include 60 grow rooms, a lab, and packaging space, then shared other aspects of their process and team. He said they wanted to be located in an area with great buildings and an older warehouse style, and that this site would be perfect for their process. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 16 Councilmember Rostad thanked Mr. Rogers for the opportunity to provide a new and different way to use the space and create jobs, and said he appreciated the environmental imprint. Councilmember Scott said he supported the agriculture aspect being in the City and noted Anoka used to have a lot of agricultural use and that he was pleased to see it coming back again. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution of a conditional use permit, 3801 Thurston Avenue. Mr. Baumgartner said this was a unique use in the City and noticed a condition not stated is that the applicant needs to obtain building permits and a certificate of occupancy, and said he was not sure what that would entail with this new use, and suggested a condition be added regarding allowing for the growing of mushrooms and microgreens. Mr. Rogers said their plan for the first five years was microgreens, but hoped to grow other products in the future if allowed, confirming they would not grow cannabis. Mr. Baumgartner said the City may not want an open-ended CUP and said if the applicant wanted to expand products, they could request an amendment to the CUP. Mayor Skogquist explained cannabis would not be allowed per City code, but felt it made sense to outline the products for possible outside building impacts, such as odor, glare, or heat, and suggested limiting growth to indoor only. Mr. Rogers said the only outside noise would be from a generator should the power go out. Mr. Palmer said that if we want to control the products grown, we should include the products that could always be amended to allow the growth of other products. Mayor Skogquist suggested an amendment be included to include the growth of mushrooms, microgreens, and other vegetables. Mr. Roger agreed and said they would approach the City if they wanted to add something additional that could be questionable to the City. Mr. Palmer confirmed that no produce would be grown outside the building and noted that the applicant has met with Building staff for a walk-through. Mayor Skogquist said he agrees this would be appropriate and noted the CUP goes with the property and not the applicant, which covers that concern. Councilmembers Campbell and Rostad accepted the friendly amendment. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 16 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Public Feedback for the Closure of Garfield Street West through Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center and Consideration of Setting a Public Hearing Date for Vacating a Portion of Garfield Street West. Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating that on August 18, 2025 City Council held the first reading and introduced an ordinance to approve a purchase agreement for the sale of property known as the Highland Park Redevelopment Site. This site comprises approximately 12 acres located on the west side of Green Haven Golf Course and Event Center. On September 2, 2025 City Council held the second reading and approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement for the Highland Park Redevelopment Site. The Council reviewed and discussed the purchase agreement; there were no concerns or changes made to the proposed terms. As a result of the land sale, Garfield Street West will be impacted. Currently, a portion of Garfield Street West is located in a platted right-of-way, which will require vacation before the city’s closing on the property. To evaluate future use and the potential for permanent closure of the road, the city temporarily closed Garfield Street West between Wingfield Avenue and Green Haven Parkway on October 6, 2025. During this closure, no through traffic has been permitted, and warning signage was posted in adjacent neighborhoods to inform motorists accordingly. The trial period has enabled the city to gather public feedback through an online questionnaire, which closed on Friday, October 19, 2025. Since it went live on the city’s website, over 100 responses from the public have been received. Mr. Nelson shared a summary of the questionnaire responses received through October 16, 2025, then said, given the public feedback provided by the questionnaire since the temporary closure of Garfield Street West, Council should discuss the long-term closure of the street. As a reminder, a portion of Garfield Street West is required to be vacated for the sale of the Highland Park Redevelopment Site to the developer. There are two options proposed for Council’s consideration: Option A – Leave the temporary closure of Garfield Street West in place as a permanent road closure and proceed with the vacation of Garfield Street West; and Option B – As part of the Developer Agreement, continue the process to vacate Garfield Street West, including language that allow for the street to remain open until April 2026, following the sale of the land. The April 2026 date is due to the developer beginning the removals and mass grading of the Highland Park Redevelopment Site. Based on the public feedback, the staff is recommending Option B to reopen Garfield Street West until April 2026. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §412.851, October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 13 of 16 Vacation of Streets, Council may by resolution vacate any street, alley, public grounds, public way, or any part thereof, on its own motion or on petition of a majority of the owners of land abutting on the street, alley, public grounds, public way, or part thereof to be vacated. Whether initiated by the Council or by petition from the abutting owners, the City must conduct a public hearing to solicit public input on a proposed vacation prior to granting a vacation. This agenda item sets the public hearing date for November 3, 2025. After the Council sets the public hearing, notice will be sent to all property owners located within 350 feet of the street vacation, and notice of the public hearing will be posted in the Anoka County Herald Union. Mr. Nelson shared the proposed schedule and timeline for the closure of Garfield Street West and recommended that Council conduct a discussion about the temporary trial closure and provide staff direction on the option Council will move forward with on Garfield Street West. Mayor Skogquist asked for some background on the process. Councilmember Weaver explained that the 2012 drawings were conceptual only from the HRA and included purchasing properties on the west side of the City, which took off quickly, adding that the closure of Garfield was discussed for some time, as it really is just a cut through and was supported to be closed sooner rather than later. He said if M/I Homes wants to start earlier than April, there could be activity in this area that is difficult to deal with if Garfield is left open, and said the road was going to close one way or another. Mayor Skogquist said there are impacts to the neighborhood when backed up, and that the road was not in great shape, and costs a lot to maintain, and there were discussions about what Garfield was going to be once Highway 10 was in place. Councilmember Rostad asked about the length of the road. Mr. Nelson said the road was 3,300 feet. He Councilmember Rostad asked how much this would cost with the new assessment policy. Mr. Nelson said the policy includes Green Haven Golf Course, so the only special assessments would be the end home on Slab Town, which was assessed in 2015 and wouldn’t be again. Councilmember Scott said he’s heard comments about travel times and back-ups on Ferry Street and shared concerns that most live in quiet neighborhoods, and now a new one is coming in, and it will be difficult to have a commercial pass- through if it stays open when there can be an alternative with no lights or stop signs, and access for multi-modal is increased. Mr. Nelson said a trail is proposed along the tracks for 2027, with a gravel path along the same route in the interim time. Mayor Skogquist agreed this would be important as it would be a big area to go around and that he would like to leave a temporary connection of some type, but October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 14 of 16 said we need to get a section vacated to proceed with M/I Homes, and there needs to be a connection for neighbors east to west for those other than vehicle traffic. Councilmember Weaver said we just don’t want to jeopardize the purchase agreement with M/I Homes by suggesting a permanent easement, but would support a temporary easement that would be removed in. Mr. Borglund said if the Council moves forward between now and the public hearing, staff can discuss a temporary easement scenario. He said the purchase agreement and concept show 46 homes based on the vacation of a portion of Garfield Street, and the plan shows a pedestrian connection, and staff can discuss options regarding a temporary basis or something more along the railroad tracks and return with options. Councilmember Weaver said we first need a discussion with M/I Homes to gauge their reaction to whether they are supportive of any of these decisions. Mayor Skogquist said after the November 3 public hearing, we can get staff feedback with M/I Homes and create paths for potential closure. Mr. Nelson confirmed that the staff is leaving the temporary closing in place. Motion by Mayor Skogquist, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold a public hearing on November 3 regarding the vacation of a portion of Garfield Street and direct staff to discuss a potential trail access with M/I Homes and to leave the temporary closure in place at this time. An audience member expressed concerns regarding this action. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 11.2 Letter of Intent 4th Avenue and Johnson Street City-Owned Development. Mr. Borglund shared a background report that included a property overview and development history of the subject property is 2.58 acres in size and located within the TOD area at 4th Avenue and Johnson Street, just north of the parking ramp. This property has been leased by Met Council/Metro Transit and used as a parking lot to serve the NorthStar Station and Commuter Rail. He shared the terms of the agreement and said the City will have put Met Council/Metro Transit on notice that the City will need to retake possession of the site if the City Council moves forward. The City and MWF Properties have been discussing this site since 2020. MWF Properties has plans to develop a 4-story 131-unit market-rate apartment building on the 2.58-acre site. Conceptual site and building elevations were shared. The current Letter of Intent (LOI) reflects an odder price of $1,000,0000 raw land cost. MWF Properties has come up from its original offer in 2021/2022 of $713,700 and the January 2025 offer of $805,000. The City did an October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 15 of 16 appraisal of the subject property in March of 2025, which resulted in a value of $1,310,000. Potential sale of City real estate holdings equaling $1,000,000. He said Council is asked to approve a Letter of Intent with MWF Properties for the 4th Avenue and Johnson Street City-owned development site and direct staff to develop a Purchase Agreement to be brought back to City Council at a future date. Councilmember Weaver said he had no concerns about accepting this letter of intent at this price. Councilmember Rostad asked if this was part of a TIF district. Mr. Borglund confirmed the property was not in a TIF district, then added we did have CBRE marketing this site, but staff has been brokering the deal for the most part, so it may be just some costs. Marty O’Connell, formerly of MWF Properties and now Velair, shared that they were based out of Richfield with 3,500 units across 50 properties and that they have had discussions for years to further a concept and development for this site. He said the site will be served by transit in spite of the Northstar train closure, is close to the river with trails to downtown Anoka, and would redevelop the surrounding area, and would be a good step to spur neighborhood development. He said, while this is just a concept, the project is intended to include amenities such as a fitness center, patio, game room, dog run, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit washer and dryers, and parking underground. Then shared more about similar projects they have done. Councilmember Campbell asked if they intend to break ground in 2026. Mr. O’Connell said they hope to break ground one year from now, but that it is a difficult development market now with interest rates higher than in 2020 and 2021, and that they need to do title work, but will start as soon as possible. Mayor Skogquist said this is not right downtown, but close to for walking and biking, and that the David Weekley lots move in from other areas to have access to trails, river, and downtown, which is a natural extension, and whatever you can do to interact with outdoor living will be important, such as rooftop space and decks, and balconies. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve a Letter of Intent with MWF Properties for the 4th Avenue and Johnson Street City-owned development site and direct Staff to develop a Purchase Agreement to be brought back to City Council at a future date. October 20, 2025 (Regular) Page 16 of 16 Mr. Baumgartner clarified the need to notify the Metropolitan Council to retake possession. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed tentative agendas. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Councilmember Weaver referred to the recent closure of Lincoln rink and the need to expand, and suggested exploring an outdoor rink by the arena. He said he was not sure if there’s room or space for a rink, but would like to explore, adding that some outdoor rinks are refrigerated and Zamboni-friendly. Mayor Skogquist suggested this topic be discussed by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Councilmember Weaver agreed, stating we need to be cognizant, as this concept will be dependent upon parking at Castle Field. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Scott made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Campbell seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:12 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk