Anoka City Council

November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 1 of 12 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 17, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Present at roll call: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver. Also present: City Manager Greg Lee; Public Works Director Mark Anderson; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Senior City Planner Clark Palmer; Housing and Code Compliance Inspector Dave Zimmerman; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Electric Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 October 27, 2025, Worksession. November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Rostad noted corrections needed on Page 8 of the November 3 regular meeting minutes to add “… regarding election and campaigning…” and on Page 20 to include the name Jay Tomaszewski. Councilmember Campbell noted a correction needed on Page 16 of the October 27 worksession minutes to say “…the Met Council has reached an agreement with Big Lake and Elk River…”. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve minutes of the October 27, 2025, Worksession and November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting as corrected. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Introduction of Dave Zimmerman, Housing and Code Compliance Inspector, Community Development Department. November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 2 of 12 Community Development Director Doug Borglund introduced Dave Zimmerman, Housing and Code Compliance Inspector of the Community Development Department. He shared Mr. Zimmerman’s background and said he has been working with the City since September 24. Mr. Zimmerman thanked the City for this opportunity, then shared his background that included serving at a California fire department for 34 years before retiring as a captain, providing safety training at a gas and electric utility, and currently completing his master’s degree in public administration. 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Andy Youngquist shared about the importance of traffic safety and the resulting impacts that can include property damage, injury, and death. He shared statistics year to date and said peak months for accidents included summer and the holiday season. He spoke about how the department was working to address DWIs and other impaired driving this holiday season, especially with students coming home for the holidays. He encouraged people to use a sober driver or ride share service when impaired to keep everyone safe. Mayor Skogquist shared a traffic complaint by a student at Lincoln Elementary School’s 3rd-grade class while presenting to the students about the role of government. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM No one appeared. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, 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 U.S. Highway 10/169 Improvement Project; Approve Change Order Number 89. 6.4 Anoka Dispensary; Approve Change Orders Number 13, 25, and 26. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 3 of 12 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 ORD/Amending City Charter, Section 2.05, Vacancies in Elected Office. (1st Reading) City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating that at the August 18 meeting, the Council reviewed a recommendation by the Charter Commission on a revision to Section 2.05 of the City Charter relating to filling vacancies in elected office. The Council discussed the proposed recommended changes and discussed the situation of how a 2-1-1 tie vote scenario would happen. Council also discussed the length of time an appointed person would serve if no special election were held. By motion and vote, the Council deferred this back to the Charter Commission for further review, discussion, and new recommendations. The Charter Commission held a special meeting on October 15 and developed a new recommendation that addressed both concerns expressed at the Council meeting. Minnesota Statutes 410.12 Subd 7 states that upon recommendation of the Charter Commission, the City Charter may be amended, with the following conditions: City Council must hold a public hearing on the proposal, which must be published, and the notice must contain the text of the amendment. The public hearing will be held at the December 1, 2025, meeting; the amendment must be approved by a unanimous vote of the Council; and the ordinance amending the Charter does not become effective until 90 days after passage or publication or at a later date if stated in the ordinance. The Commission has made a recommendation to amend the charter as shown. This recommendation was passed unanimously by the members present at the meeting (12 members present, 3 members absent). This is an introductory first reading; the public hearing and final action on this ordinance will occur at the December 1, 2025, Council meeting. Councilmember Campbell thanked the entire Charter Commission for their work on this ordinance. Mayor Skogquist said he was very impressed with the ideas and solutions that resulted from the Commission’s meetings regarding this ordinance and how the proposed amendment closed any potential loopholes. He said vacancy processes can be difficult and that this ordinance will still allow the Council to adopt an ordinance to address any appointment process allowed within the Charter and provide for changes if needed. November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 4 of 12 Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance amending the Anoka City Charter, Section 2.05, Vacancies in Elected Offices. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2. a ORD/Amending Chapter 22, Adding New Article; Mobile Food Units. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Andy Winkel, Assistant Fire Chief, has been working with staff regarding developing an ordinance related to Mobile Food Units. The purpose of this ordinance is safety. Our current City Code does not have a section related to mobile food units, and the Fire Department has stated that it is vital that we have something in our Code that will address mobile food units as it relates to registration, licensing, inspections, etc. The first reading of this ordinance was held on October 6. At that meeting, the Council requested that it specifically be listed in the ordinance that the annual fire safety inspection shall not exceed the requirements outlined in the Minnesota State Fire Code. That text has been added to this second reading. Other changes made from the first reading were shared, and the numbering of this section has also been corrected, since it is becoming a new section of our Code of Ordinances. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Business and Services, Establishing Article XVI. Mobile Food Units, of the Anoka City Code. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.2. b RES/Summary Resolution Amending Chapter 22, Mobile Food Units. RESOLUTION Mayor Skogquist summarized that this action would allow for the publication of a summary of an ordinance to inform the public of an amendment to the City Code. Publication of the title and a summary of the amendments is deemed to fulfill the legal publication requirements. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution providing for summary publication for an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Business and Services, Establishing Article XVI. Mobile Food Units, of the Anoka City Code. November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 5 of 12 Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3. a ORD/Amending Chapter 54, Article VIII: Display of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Community Development Director Doug Borglund Lee shared a background report stating the City Council, at its regular scheduled worksession meeting on October 27, 2025, discussed the proposed amendment to Chapter 54 Streets, Sidewalks and other Public Places, Article VIII. Display of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property. The City Council agreed with the following proposed amendment as noted below and directed Staff to bring the amendment forward for first reading. The City Council, at its regular meeting on November 3, 2025, introduced the ordinance amendment and held the first reading. The City Council made changes and corrections, which have been included in the second reading: Sec. 54-363. Display of flags or similar objects or displays on city property. (c) No person shall display or place upon any city property any flag, artwork, sign, or similar objects or displays not otherwise authorized by the city as an expression of government speech. For purposes of this section, the use of water-soluble chalk or similar water-soluble product, on horizontal City property surfaces exposed to the elements, intended to mark such areas for less than 24 hours and that can be completely and easily removed with non-pressurized water, shall not constitute a violation of this Section. Sec. 54-364. Display of flags at half-mast on city property. Further, staff is recommending that the City Council consider amending the name of Article VIII. Display of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property and change it to the following as noted: Article VIII. Private Displays Of Flags Or Similar Objects Or Displays On City-Owned Property And City Flag Protocol. Councilmember Scott thanked staff for their work on this, stating he and Councilmember Campbell thought it was important to allow this type of activity, making it appropriate for youth to chalk sidewalks where they please. Councilmember Weaver asked if any tickets had been issued to anyone using chalk on a public sidewalk. Chief Youngquist responded that no tickets had been issued since the adoption of this ordinance, as no complaints had been received. Councilmember Weaver said this was known as the chalk ordinance, which wasn’t actually relevant, then asked for a summary of the actual intent of the ordinance and the reason to remove soluble materials, and the potential challenges that could occur. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said the ordinance was intended to address destroying public property with materials such as spray paint, but that chalk was a topic of a good discussion among the Council. He said the November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 6 of 12 intent was focused on preventing the destruction of City property while ensuring First Amendment rights. He said this ordinance accomplishes that and ensures that it doesn’t address what is being said, but just the act of putting anything on public property, while clarifying that chalk is not permanent and removes the concern about destruction of public property. Mayor Skogquist referred to other examples, such as the kindness rock garden and the decoration of light poles in addition to chalk, stating this was addressed by including government speech and allows us to display purple lights to honor Alexandra House, for example. He agreed that while a ticket had never been issued, it was important not to have laws if we aren’t going to enforce them. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance Amending Chapter 54; Article VIII. Displays of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property of the Code of the City of Anoka, Minnesota. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3. b RES/Summary Resolution Amending Chapter 54, Article VIII: Display of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution providing for summary publication for an ordinance Amending Chapter 54; Article VIII. Displays of Flags or Similar Objects or Displays on City-Owned Property of the Code of the City of Anoka, Minnesota, Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4. RES/Setting a Public Hearing Vacating a Portion of Fairoak Street, Jerome Street, and Alley in Highland Park Addition. RESOLUTION Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the City of Anoka owns or has acquired a total of approximately 15 acres of redevelopment property on Green Haven Golf Course. Many of the existing streets are no longer available to the traveling public and have been taken out of service. The first step to cleaning up the real estate title work is to replat the property and vacate the existing public right-of-way that is no longer being utilized. He reviewed the proposed public right-of-way vacation exhibits and then outlined the procedural steps that included November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 7 of 12 the public hearing and considering a resolution approving the vacation of streets as legally described on December 1, 2025. Councilmember Weaver asked if these properties included both Torrens and abstract properties, and who was assisting with the title work. Mr. Borglund said the properties include both Torrens and abstract properties and that staff were working with Registered Abstracters for the title work. He said M&I will be able to replat once done, adding that since the original plat was done in 1887, it was difficult to determine tracking these rights-of-way and whether they were completed over the years, so this way they can ensure the process is done correctly. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed vacation of Fairoak Street, Jerome Street, and Alley in the Highland Park Addition. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.5 ORD/Amending Chapter 78, Establishing Section 78-567 Solar Equipment Regulations. (1st Reading) Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating the Planning Commission, in coordination with staff, is recommending establishing solar equipment requirements. Currently, solar energy systems are allowed within residential districts as an accessory use. The Code, however, lacks specific standards. The proposed amendment is also consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, specifically goal 8 in the land use chapter, which says, “Set responsible protections around Anoka’s renewable solar energy resources to enable Anoka residents and employees to maximize solar energy. Incorporate solar energy technology into existing and new residential, industrial, and commercial development.” The proposed amendment includes standards on height, location, setbacks, roof mounting, screening, size, permitting, and other elements. He shared about the proposed process that would be used, which would include the Heritage Preservation Commission as well as the Planning Commission. Councilmember Weaver said the table outlined the zoning districts that allowed solar and noted solar was not allowed in B-6 zoning, where the municipal dispensary was located. Mr. Palmer said solar would be allowed as an accessory use, as this ordinance was intended for solar access and to ensure it was not in conflict with the current ordinance. Councilmember Weaver disagreed, stating the City was applying for a grant for solar and that it was not allowed in this district, and that we need to lead by November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 8 of 12 example. Mr. Palmer said this ordinance was more for the chapters that reference solar and didn’t believe the language would be problematic. Councilmember Weaver suggested defining and including wind power as well. Mr. Palmer said a variety of accessory uses could be allowed, including wind energy, but said the ordinance lacks standards such as size and location, and agreed wind power could be considered. Councilmember Weaver said he was pleased to see that this will allow power to be placed back on the grid. Mr. Baumgartner clarified that the language includes solar energy in accordance with permitted accessory uses in all zoning districts, so he had no concerns with the language as proposed. Mr. Palmer said the language was intended to state we don’t allow solar, but just that we didn’t have specific standards in place for solar, such as in the event the State proposes solar in the MRCTA or possibly free-standing solar farms, which, because of the makeup of the City, wouldn’t be the right use in Anoka. Mayor Skogquist referred to R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning, and if we have to have more specific language for solar. Mr. Borglund said we wanted to allow solar by right as it was becoming popular, but said that without standards in place, it is difficult to communicate what’s allowed. Mayor Skogquist referred to any potential wind generation uses, which would be unlikely, but asked if requested, how would that be addressed? Mr. Borglund said wind generation is usually a very large structures that need enough space in the event of a collapse, so they would likely not be allowed based on the City’s current development. He said staff can certainly review this further should Council wish to see that done, but noted there is an entire set of standards that would not fit into the City based on how it was currently developed. Mr. Palmer added that there is still a lot of leverage in the current zoning code, such as height, that would address those types of concerns. Mayor Skogquist noted that an accessory use can’t be higher than the principal structure. Mr. Palmer agreed, stating that it was consistent with the current ordinance that a structure can’t exceed the height outlined in the district. Councilmember Weaver said home wind turbines were not much higher than an antenna on the top of a house, and felt this accessory use should be addressed. Mr. Borglund said staff will review wind generation structures and return with a recommendation. November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 9 of 12 Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 78 – Zoning, Article IX. – Supplemental Regulations, Division 1 – Generally, Section 78 567 – Solar Equipment Regulations. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.6 RES/2026 Street Surface Improvement Project; Authorize the Feasibility Report in the Mineral Ponds and Sandra Terrace Neighborhood. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report stating that in 2009, the Anoka City Council began the Street Surface Improvement Program (SSIP) for City streets, showing accelerated deterioration in order to create longer-term benefits than just with roadway maintenance. The main construction component of the Street Surface Improvement Program is the reconditioning/resurfacing of City roads. Reconditioning of a road comprises a full-depth reclamation of existing bituminous pavement and paving a new bituminous asphalt surface. Since this program began, over 2,360 properties have benefited, and 25.4 miles of city roads have been resurfaced, or 30% of the 84.6 miles of city roads. To date, the total investment in our roadway system with this program is approximately $17.4M. This proposed project will involve the reconstruction of the street surface, including the bituminous pavement, minor replacement of the concrete curb and gutters, sidewalks, spot water main repairs, traffic control, and storm sewer drainage improvements only as necessary. As part of the sidewalk work, all pedestrian ramps will be reconstructed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. The spot water main repair work is for the malfunctioning gate valves and broken access valve boxes. Page 97 of 109 The 2026 project is proposed to be approximately 1.1 miles of street resurfacing for the neighborhoods Mineral Ponds and Sandra Terrace. The roads that are to be included for study within the 2026 SSIP Feasibility Report were shared. Based on Minnesota State Statute §429.031, the City Council may act on its own initiative in proposing a local improvement and ordering a feasibility report. Authorizing the feasibility report is the first step in the Chapter 429 process. The report will examine the scope of the proposed improvements and explore estimated project costs, preliminary property assessments, project schedules, as well as the feasibility and general cost effectiveness of the proposed project. This project follows the City of Anoka’s current Capital Improvement Program and follows current budget considerations. Generally, the staff intends to concentrate efforts in areas of the city with poor condition of the bituminous surfacing based on the Pavement Index Condition System, available funding, and the age of the underground infrastructure. It should be understood that, prior to the City Council considering approving the feasibility report, staff will hold an informational “neighborhood” meeting for the 2026 Street Surface Improvement Project. The November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 10 of 12 feasibility report will explore the project’s costs and available funding sources, including special assessments. The estimated project cost will include construction costs plus 15% for a construction contingency and engineering, legal, administrative, and fiscal expenses. City Council should be aware that, based on unanimous consent from the council at the December 2, 2024, regular meeting, the Street Reconstruction Assessment Policy was amended to include special assessments for various types of street improvement projects, including SSIP projects. This amendment was intended to ensure uniform and consistent treatment of various properties, with the understanding that all benefiting properties shall pay a fair share toward the cost of local improvements. He shared the project schedule that will be substantially complete by fall 2026. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution for the 2026 Street Surface Improvement Project; Authorize Feasibility Report in the Mineral Ponds and Sandra Terrace Neighborhoods. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Skogquist inquired about the status of a boulevard tree replacement at 3820 East Mineral Pond and suggested that if not been completed yet, it could be included as part of this project. Public Works Director Mark Anderson said staff will check and confirm the status of this tree replacement. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Options for Restoration of the Former Bolduc and North Star Fence Properties. Mr. Anderson shared a background report stating that as of October 1, 2025, the City of Anoka took possession of the former Bolduc Company property (649 Garfield Street) and prior to that, the former North Star Fence property (541 Garfield Street and 551 Garfield Street). In 2023, demolition of the site was completed at the former North Star Fence property. Buildings remain on the former Bolduc Company property. Staff received a demolition estimate from Sauter & Sons Excavating to demolish the remaining building, along with site restoration. On September 25, 2025, Sauter and Sons Excavation provided a quote for $43,500 to complete the site demolition. This quote does not include the costs associated with the site restoration. The staff intends to complete this work using the golf course maintenance team to minimize the cost. Additionally, there will be a cost associated with the well sealing, which is estimated to be $3,500, along with the pre-demolition survey of buildings, which is estimated to be $1,500, in addition to any potential extra abatement costs. Staff is recommending paying for November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 11 of 12 the site demolition and other associated costs from the Green Haven Golf Fund, which currently has a balance of $471,100. This is more than enough to cover the costs of this site's demolition and restoration. He said staff is requesting Council discussion and direction regarding the demolition and restoration of the former Bolduc Company and North Star Fence Company. Councilmember Weaver asked if removing the ballasts would be part of the survey, including bulbs and hazardous waste. Mr. Anderson said these items will be identified in the study, and then an action plan created to address them, stating staff intend to enlist the help of the Electric Department as needed. Mayor Skogquist said this was a very reasonable bid, especially with the reuse of the pole building that would be addressed by Sauter and Sons. He asked when this area was opened up, and staff work to address the junk items on the property across the railroad tracks, as it will be more visible once this structure is demolished. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, approving the recommended demolition and restoration of the former Bolduc Company and North Star Fence Company. 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. Mr. Nelson confirmed the tree at 3820 East Mineral Ponds had been planted, then shared about the upcoming engagement meeting for the commercial site on Bunker Lake Boulevard and 7th Avenue that would occur on November 20 at City Hall. He said the intent was to engage the Rum River Shores neighborhood for their feedback on either a public road connection or a private road connection through commercial development. Electric Utility Director Del Vancura inquired about the ACBC Food Shelf challenge with the City of Coon Rapids. Mayor Skogquist said the challenge was going very well and encouraged everyone to participate. Councilmember Weaver asked about the Miller building status. Mr. Nelson said this topic was scheduled for the December 8 worksession. Mr. Lee confirmed the intent for the neighborhood meeting was to help obtain Council direction for when a developer approaches the City for this area. He said November 17, 2025 (Regular) Page 12 of 12 any public roadway would be paid for by a developer, then clarified this feedback was not any type of vote, but was merely collecting data for the Council to review and then provide staff direction. He said any traffic signal would be at the developer’s cost and that the public road connection was conceptual only. He noted 6th Avenue was shown as a one-way to prevent commercial traffic entering their development and that the City was seeking Council direction on that as well, adding action could include requiring escrow funds for possible future improvements if clear direction is received. Mayor Skogquist asked about the status of including youth on City boards and commissions. Mr. Lee said the staff has created a draft policy and will be sharing it with the Council soon for feedback. 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Scott made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Rostad seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 8:09 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk