Anoka City Council

January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 1 of 17 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 5, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Skogquist called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:08 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 Services Director Mark Anderson; Police Chief Andy Youngquist; 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 December 8, 2025, Worksession. December 15, 2025, Special Worksession. December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting. Councilmember Campbell noted corrections needed on the December 8 worksession to correct the spelling for Brian Lindberg. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve minutes of the December 8, 2025, Worksession, as corrected, and the December 15, 2025, Special Worksession, and the December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting as presented. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Streetlight Painting Funds from Anoka Business and Landowners Association (ABLA). Electric Utility Director Del Vancura requested that the City accept $10,000 from the Anoka Business & Landowners Association (ABLA) to help fund the cost of re-painting the decorative light poles in downtown Anoka. The City of Anoka January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 2 of 17 contracted out to have 81 light poles cleaned and painted along both sides of Main Street from Greenhaven Road on the west to 9th Avenue on the east. Pete Turok, ABLA, shared information about their funding to repaint the light poles and the background of ABLA, which has ensured businesses in Anoka continue to thrive. He spoke about projected projects and their intent to continue this work into the future. Councilmember Weaver spoke about how this funding was raised by businesses through higher electric rates, which helped beautify the entire community. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. 4.2 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Andy Youngquist shared new year wishes from the Police Department and then recapped highlights from 2025 that included a calls for service summary by incident type. He noted their officers continued to make good decisions regarding when to pursue vehicles, then shared that the department made 962 total arrests in 2025. Mayor Skogquist asked for the reason for the increase in warrant arrests last year. Chief Youngquist responded that it could be due to past COVID-related activities, as well as the probation office being located nearby. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Rich Frieberg, Anoka, asked for the audience’s opinion regarding the democratic process and said, as a member of the community, the organized hauling topic keeps coming up as if the residents haven’t already been heard. He spoke about the efforts being made to be listened to, but said this is not really what was going on, and then spoke about broken trust. He said residents voted for the Council and that he felt it was time to step back from the feedback provided and be concerned about losing trust in the process. Mayor Skogquist noted further comments on organized hauling would be taken during that item later in the agenda. Peter Squares, Anoka, asked for plans to replace the high-pressure sodium lighting in the City, as they can result in significant cost savings almost immediately. Mr. Vancura responded that the City is currently working on changing its lighting in areas such as along East River Road, as replacement parts for the current lighting are no longer available. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to move Item 11.2 forward in the agenda following approval of the Consent Agenda. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 3 of 17 Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Scott noted his spouse was the Chairperson of the PTO, who was requesting a waiver under Item 6.6. Mayor Skogquist noted his spouse was involved with the Boy Scouts, who were requesting a waiver under Item 6.6. City Attorney Scott Baumgartner confirmed neither spouse's involvement constituted a conflict of interest with regard to Council action on this item. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Cambpell, to approve Items 6.1 through 6.6 of the Consent Agenda. 6.1 Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. 6.3 Recommendation on Approval of an LG220 Bingo Permit for Church of St. Stephen at St. Stephen Church on January 24, 2026. 6.4 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Lowell Hansen of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.5 Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Theresa Wilson of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.6 Waiving Facility Charges for 2026-2028 for Designated Organizations. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Item 11.2 was heard at this point in the agenda. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION None. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 4 of 17 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 ORD/Amending Chapter 10, Article IV. Charitable and Legalized Gambling. (1st Reading) City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating that at the December 8, 2025, worksession, the Council reviewed the draft amendments to the charitable and legalized gambling regulations, where many of the gambling organizations and gambling establishments were present to provide input and feedback. He shared the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article IV, Charitable and Legalized Gambling, developed by Attorney Scott Lepak, and shared the changes in detail, including the proposed gambling tax and contribution. Lori Allert, Anoka American Legion Post 102, shared her background and how they were the fourth largest post in the State. She shared the Post’s mission statement and passion for the community, stating they were a 501C-19 federal charter with unique responsibilities. She shared their contributions to Anoka and the surrounding communities, then shared their 2025 charitable gambling data and the amount they pay out in prizes, stating the resulting money is used to pay for heat, utilities, labor, and other costs. She said the proposed gambling tax and contribution would total $6,150 and result in the loss of an Eagle Scout award and six high school scholarships, and suggested that the City work with the Legislature to reduce the State tax instead of taking it from the organizations. Ms. Allert said they also pay property taxes, and while they want to do more, they can’t, adding lots of money is provided to the youth, 4th of July, and tree lighting, fireworks, events, and flags for City streets. She stated that the youth they benefit are primarily from Anoka, and these new costs would eliminate all their programs and result in reductions to City programs such as K-9 support and City events. She asked how the City would spend these funds better than they are already doing, then spoke about intangible contributions such as free meeting space. She shared photos and statistics of their work and their impact in the community, and asked that the City exempt the Anoka American Legion from the proposed tax and contribution requirements. Mayor Skogquist thanked Ms. Allert for the information, then shared reasons for the proposed ordinance and statute that allows this, adding that the City didn’t want taxes to subsidize charitable gambling, and the only way we can do this is to implement a gambling tax and a 10% contribution to ensure the money stays in Anoka. He said this is the only tool we have, adding that cities can’t restrict anything outside of the trade area. Councilmember Weaver said the ordinance was a good start, but felt we had a long way to go before adoption, and said he couldn’t support the first reading. He said he wouldn’t support taxing veterans, as it would take some of their funding away, as well as taxing the ice arena and other groups. He referred to the waivers January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 5 of 17 and the request by an outside organization wanting to operate in Anoka, but how the city where they are based doesn’t allow Anoka organizations to operate in their city. He suggested tabling this topic for further review at an upcoming worksession. Councilmember Campbell said he wanted to learn how they could exempt certain organizations and agreed more time was needed for discussion at a worksession. Scott Lepak, Barna Guzy, and Steffen spoke to the past licensing of organizations, exemptions, and other avenues available to cities. He said the initial focus for the amendment was how the City should address non-Anoka-based organizations, which resulted in limiting leases on premises for non-local organizations, and then evolved into how the funds were being utilized in the City. He said this resulted in an opportunity to recognize these additional costs and explained the two options available, which included a gambling tax and a gambling contribution in detail. He said exemptions would be difficult to do, so it will likely be the more overarching way instead. Councilmember Rostad said she hoped there was a chance to exempt the Legion, then said their data reporting was the gold standard in reporting, and that she didn’t want to see a situation that excluded or created a hardship for this organization, and suggested exemptions for organizations specific to veteran- related services. Councilmember Scott thanked Ms. Allert for the presentation, then noted he was a veteran himself. He said he understood why organizations couldn’t be treated differently, but supported a worksession to further review certain requirements, such as mandatory payback from the City, if this is the direction that is ultimately decided. Mayor Skogquist said the 10% fund would be a policy decision as long as it meets the criteria outlined in Statute, and should be a good discussion item for consideration, but stated timing was imperative and that an ordinance requires two readings. He suggested a first reading be held with a worksession on January 12 for further review to move the process along. Councilmember Weaver said he would like to see a waiver not granted to any organization based in another city that doesn’t allow an Anoka-based organization to operate in theirs. Mayor Skogquist spoke about the minimum trade area for Anoka, which required contiguous cities, and that the City of Dayton needed to be added to the trade area outlined in the ordinance. Councilmember Rostad said Anoka was a small community and that bringing in different groups contributes to Anoka, whether they are based here or not, and January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 6 of 17 that if we deny a waiver, there is any liability to the City. Mr. Lepak noted that while anyone can sue the City right now, the outside organizations are going to have to have limited leases, which in all practicality would eliminate organizations far outside Anoka, as it would be too expensive for them to operate, but added the City still had discretion to a certain extent, as long as it wasn’t arbitrary or capricious. Bob Erickson, Anoka Ice Arena, thanked the Legion for explaining what they have been trying to explain for some time, then expressed concerns and disappointment regarding the proposed changes to City code. He reviewed comments from Council that included wanting to be Anoka-first and reduce bureaucracy for Council and staff, but said the direction being given conflicts with these goals. He said the proposed 10% contribution and the local gambling tax are not minor changes and were significant overreach that created more oversight and costs to the City, and did not stem from abuse or failure in operations, but from a mistake made by the City. Mr. Erickson said that instead of taking ownership or denying the outside organization, the City proposed to rewrite the ordinance completely. He said the Anoka Ice Arena was constructed in 1981 and that their organization has provided 45 years of community service and served generations of families through lawful gambling being reinvested back into the community. He said this is a 50-year-old facility that needs support and asked that the City not punish them and respectfully urged them to reconsider. Mayor Skogquist said he didn’t believe all organizations have been compliant with the regulations and that while he appreciated all the organizations have done, it is the organizations’ responsibility to be compliant, and if not, there is a cost associated with that work that the taxpayers shouldn’t have to subsidize. He said that while what the organizations do with the funds is good, this concern needs to be addressed. Jerry Reiman, American Legion, said the State of Minnesota Gambling Board licenses their organization, which already double-checks their reporting, so there is no need for the City to do it as well. Mayor Skogquist said while the Board oversees State licensing, they don’t oversee the City’s ordinance requirements, which is a concern. Doug Hookom, American Legion, said he was a long-time resident and member of the Legion, and said they were at fault for not sending a representative earlier in this discussion. He thanked Mayor Skogquist for meeting with them and asked that the Council consider what they’ve done for the community, adding that they helped build the ice arena. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to table the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 10, Article IV. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 7 of 17 Charitable and Legalized Gambling to allow further discussion at a worksession on January 12, 2026. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Skogquist encouraged further comments to be shared with City staff before the worksession and asked staff to provide clarification on allowable expenses for that worksession. 9.2 RES/Annual Designations and Appointments to Various Committees. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating Anoka City Council Bylaws and Charter require that at the first meeting in January, the Anoka City Council shall: (1) Choose a Mayor pro-tem (Acting Mayor) from the Council who shall perform the duties of the Mayor during the disability or absence of the Mayor from the City, or in the case of a vacancy in the office of Mayor, until a successor has been appointed and qualified; and (2) designate the official newspaper, (3) designate official posting location, (4) designate date/time of regular meetings and worksessions, (5) appoint such officers, employees, and committees, and citizens to various boards and organizations as may be necessary. The City received only one proposal for the designation of the Official Newspaper, which came from ECM Publishers/Anoka County Union. He explained the suggestion to move from designating an engineering firm to designating himself, as he was a licensed civil engineer who could sign plans. Councilmember Rostad supported the engineering firm change. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to designate Councilmember Scott as Mayor Pro Tem. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to designate the official newspaper, posting location, regular meetings, work sessions, city attorney, city engineer, and secretarial services as outlined in Exhibit A. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Councilmember Weaver said Pete Turok has served on Twin Cities Gateway as the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce for a long time and suggested this year’s designation be ABLA so Mr. Turok can continue to serve. He said he felt this January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 8 of 17 would be a better fit, but wasn’t sure if anyone had spoken to either the new Chamber of Commerce president or Mr. Turok about this suggestion. Mr. Lee suggested the Council make the appointment contingent upon Mr. Turok’s acceptance. Mayor Skogquist agreed, stating that if not accepted, then the designation will fall to the new Chamber President. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to designate representation to ABLA, Anoka-Champlin Joint Powers Fire Board, Anoka County Fire Protection Council, Anti-Crime Commission, Community School Advisory Council, Joint Law Enforcement Council, LRRWMO, MMPA, MMUA, Twin Cities Gateway, NMMA, and QCCC as outlined in Exhibit B, with the removal of the second alternate for the Anoka-Champlin Joint Powers Fire Board and the designation of Pete Turok to Twin Cities Gateway contingent upon his acceptance. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Lee inquired about the need to continue the Anoka County Jail Expansion Project Task Force. Mayor Skogquist said this task force could likely be disbanded, as any further action would be done by the Council. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to disband the Anoka County Jail Expansion Project Task Force. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving the annual designations and appointments to various committees as presented. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.3 RES/Annual Designation of Financial Depositories. RESOLUTION Mr. Lee shared a background report stating that annually, the City Council adopts a resolution designating the official depositories and signees. He shared the resolution for the 2026 designations of U.S. Bank, Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, Bank of Elk River, Venmo, Square, and PayPal. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 9 of 17 Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to approve annual designations of financial depositories as presented. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4a ORD/Zoning Text Amendment to City Code Sections 78-2, 78-316, 78-265, 78- 267, 78-268, 78-270; Amending and Establishing Use Regulations for Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Art Establishments. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE Councilmember Weaver noted that he would be abstaining from discussion on this item due to a potential conflict of interest. Senior City Planner Clark Palmer shared a background report stating this was the second reading of the ordinance. At the first reading, staff recommended a few minor adjustments to some of the zoning definitions, which are reflected in the revised text. The goal of the amendment includes: develop new zoning definitions for body art, body art establishment, micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, personal service establishment, and spa; allow cosmetic tattooing (as defined) for personal service establishments and spas (as defined) in the WM, EM-1, EM-2, EM-3, EM-4, B-1, B-3, B-4, and B-6 districts; continue to permit traditional tattooing and body establishments in the WM district; minor amendments to other text for consistency across districts and definitions. Tattoo shops are currently prohibited in all zoning districts with the exception of the Main Street Mixed Use, West Main Street Subdistrict (WM). However, in the past, staff have received inquiries from beauty shop/salon operators asking if the City of Anoka allows cosmetic tattooing. Based on current zoning regulations, staff have considered this activity prohibited in districts that prohibit tattoo shops. Cosmetic tattooing, also known as permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is a procedure that involves implanting pigment into the skin using specialized needles. This technique is designed to enhance or mimic the appearance of makeup, such as eyeliner, eyebrows, and lip color. Cosmetic tattooing is done for aesthetic and sometimes medical purposes, such as after reconstructive surgery or to conceal skin discolorations. One form of cosmetic tattooing is microblading. Microblading is a cosmetic tattooing technique used to create the appearance of fuller and more defined eyebrows. Unlike traditional tattoos, cosmetic tattoos are semi-permanent and can last from one to three years. Tattooing, including cosmetic tattooing, is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health and is considered a form of body art. Anoka County Environmental Health licenses body art establishments, and the Minnesota Department of Health licenses body art technicians. Since the City of Anoka prohibits tattoo shops in most zoning districts, staff have considered cosmetic tattooing a prohibited use. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 10 of 17 Councilmember Rostad said this was a great way to bring in new business. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance approving a zoning text amendment to City code Sections 78-2, 78-316, 78-265, 78-267, 78-268, 78-270; amending and establishing use regulations for Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Art Establishments. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 9.4b RES/Summary Resolution for Ordinance amending Sections 78-2, 78-316, 78- 265, 78-267, 78-268, 78-270; Amending and Establishing Use Regulations for Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Art Establishments. RESOLUTION Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution for summary publication of an ordinance approving a zoning text amendment to City code Sections 78-2, 78-316, 78-265, 78-267, 78-268, 78-270; amending and establishing use regulations for Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Art Establishments. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver abstained. Motion carried. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Appointments to Fill Vacancies on City Boards and Commissions. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating the City currently has openings on City Boards and Commissions. He outlined the current vacancies and said staff posted these vacancies according to City policy. The deadline for applications was December 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., and only those applications submitted by the deadline would be presented for consideration. The City received one application for the Planning Commission, which was from Emiley Sandvik. Any vacancies that remain after these appointments are made will continue to be posted. Those will be posted without a deadline date, and applications will be brought forward to the Council as they are received. Mayor Skogquist asked if the City received any applications for the Parking Advisory Board. Chief Youngquist said no applications have been received to January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 11 of 17 date, but that staff have been sharing these openings with the Chamber of Commerce and ABLA. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to appoint Emiley Sandvik to the Planning Commission. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Councilmember Campbell thanked former Planning Commissioners Borgie Bonthuis, Don Kjonaas, and Shari Nemeck for their service. Mayor Skogquist noted that with the passing of Commissioner Karna Brewer, the Planning Commission has changed significantly and thanked everyone for serving. 11.2 Discussion: Consideration of Organized Solid Waste Collection and Recycling System. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating that on December 15, 2025, the City Council held a special worksession to meet and confer with the current licensed collectors on topics of waste collection issues, i.e., road deterioration, public safety, pricing mechanisms, and contractual considerations. A second meet and confer meeting with the current licensed collectors was also conducted on January 5, 2026. At this meeting, the Council should vote on whether or not to proceed with the process as set forth in Minnesota Statutes on Organized Solid Waste Collection. Attorney Baumgartner has prepared a document that outlines the process for implementing an Organized Solid Waste Collection System. The City may follow this process, but an Organized Solid Waste Collection system cannot be implemented unless it is passed by the voters at our next State General Election, November 3, 2026, per the Anoka City Charter. If the Council votes to proceed with the process, the next steps would include notice to the public and to licensed collectors of the City’s intent, meet and discuss waste collection issues with current licensed collectors, and a 60-day negotiation period with licensed collectors. If the City reaches an agreement with collectors, this process stops, and the Council submits the question to the voters at the next State General Election. He explained the organized collection options committee, which can only be established if an agreement with the collectors isn’t reached. This committee can be established after the 60-day negotiation period. If the Council decides to proceed forward with organized collection, they would submit a public notice and hold a public hearing on the City’s desire to implement organized collection and submit it to the voters at the next State General Election. Implementation of an organized collection can’t occur unless passed by the voters at the next State General Election. Mr. Baumgartner further explained that organized hauling is the voters’ decision to make and that the City Charter says, absent a vote of the people, the current January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 12 of 17 garbage collection cannot be replaced. He explained how the City had arranged two meet and confer meetings with the haulers and said that should the Council move forward with organized hauling for the citizens to vote on, the next step would be to conduct exclusive negotiation sessions with the haulers. Councilmember Weaver referred to the discussions last year about the city attorney contract and potential lawsuits, and how the Council has the right to put this on the ballot again. He referred to the earlier speaker about the lack of trust with the City and said statute requires the City to give notice to the public and haulers first, and that the Charter amendment states the City cannot implement organized hauling unless first approved by the voters. He said this process is not in the spirit and intent of the Charter amendment and felt the election outcome didn’t seem to matter. He said this process will be expensive to conduct for both the City and the haulers, and that we were only speculating the outcome. He said he was adamantly opposed to this process. Councilmember Campbell said that in 2024, he voted for the Charter amendment that decided about hauling, and as a private citizen, supported organized hauling by Ace Solid Waste, but when he ran for Council in the fall, he supported organized hauling and said he would respect the outcome of the voters. He said this was a close vote, but that in his opinion, placing this question on the ballot in November wouldn’t be respecting the process. He said he’s received a lot of calls on both sides and that people are more important than trash, and encouraged everyone to have a civil conversation. Councilmember Rostad agreed that this has been a conversation where half the people agree, and the other half don’t. She encouraged people to reach out with their input, then said she took issue with Councilmember Weaver’s comment about revisiting topics because they were doing this based on new data and because things change. She shared how she was able to reduce her own garbage bill by 60%, but that it was still 20% more than what the City negotiated. Then commented on how the City changed the way we assess for street maintenance, which is a significant change from the past. She said she did not believe this was a large request, as the City reviews things all the time. Councilmember Scott said sometimes a good enough reason to review something is that time has passed. He said this was addressed a couple of years ago at the voters’ direction and that he believed we didn’t implement a single hauler. He said road conditions are a concern for everyone and shared how people’s feelings can change. He said there are valid reasons that surfaced over time and that change is vital in democracy, adding that going to the voters is not a dictatorship. He noted Council still can’t make a change, as that has to be done by the voters regardless. Councilmember Weaver said he was glad we have choices in elections, but felt this was wrong as it went against the spirit of the Charter, and didn’t want to January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 13 of 17 speculate with taxpayer dollars unless first approved by the majority of voters. He said he felt the Council was just hoping to get the right answer this time, noting it has only been 13 months since the question was on the ballot. Mayor Skogquist recapped the process done 13 months ago and asked if the City is allowed to do this now. Mr. Baumgartner explained that the City cannot replace the competitive market unless approved by the majority of voters, and that ultimately the decision is made by the voters and not the Council. Councilmember Weaver said he felt that was Mr. Baumgartner’s interpretation that could be challenged by anyone, and felt it was wrong to start the process again, as it would likely lead to litigation. He said we are wasting money on this process when we just had a 9.8% levy increase with no new projects included. Mayor Skogquist outlined the parameters for public comment. Joelle Alvord, Anoka, spoke about the petition she was part of for the last ballot question and how the City Council moved the question to the August election, then changed the question that was presented. She said this was an important distinction that changed the people’s intent with the vote. Mayor Skogquist said the City put a charter amendment on the ballot based on the language brought forward, which was for single hauling on the November ballot. Mr. Baumgartner said the petitions brought forward were for language on the August ballot, and the language was selected by the petitioners. Peter Squares, Anoka, said RFPs came in, but quotes didn’t, and that we would have saved money going to a contract. He said he shouldn’t have to negotiate with his hauler and that by doing a contract for private hauling, this is a cheaper alternative that focuses on rights and not pricing. He said there are fewer trucks on our street and that the weight makes no difference, which isn’t true, as trucks destroy the roads faster. He said one truck versus four is better as it is safer than shared literature from his hauler, who was lobbying their position for a firm out of Texas, and said the topic should be opened to the voters for cheaper rates. Alan (last name unknown), Anoka, said it is natural that vehicles wear out roads but referred to axle weights and being within weight limits. He said the source of the problem was the road and not the hauler, and that the number of wheels was important to distribute weight over the road and reduce PSI overall. He said if done, then the City should consider banning Teslas, then all cars, and use trains instead of buses. He suggested negotiating better pricing with the City and that this should be the people’s choice, adding that the City can’t take over everything. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 14 of 17 Dave Beckman, Anoka, said he has lived in Anoka for 28 years and that while he understood there may be reasons felt this action was too soon and should be brought forward again in 5-10 years. Jake Fleming, Anoka, expressed support for organized hauling. He said Ace tried to downplay the cost savings due to local support and that he does care about lowering his bill. He said there was a PCA analysis conducted that said organized hauling would reduce costs, and he wanted the opportunity to vote on this again. Benneth Taylor, Anoka, questioned the amount of new data available that is resulting in bringing this question forward again and said the voters should have the opportunity to re-elect the Council again instead. He said the trust the residents have in the Council is important and that they trust them to use their tax dollars wisely, but not bring the same topic up again without a lot of new data, then suggested malfeasance may be occurring. Doug Borgeson, Anoka, said he lived in Brooklyn Park for 27 years, where they could choose any hauler, and his road was resurfaced only once during that time. He said roads should last here, then said he valued small businesses, then shared an incident about how a hauler dumped oil in front of his house. Nasar Green, Anoka, said St. Paul has many haulers and that Anoka just voted on this 13 months ago, and that time is money. He commented on the number of city attorney hours that are being spent on this and suggested focusing on reducing the number of trips for recycling instead. Unknown individual from Anoka, said he was offended by having to address this again and said competition among haulers isn’t real as there is a monopoly amongst the four haulers. He said the price currently being charged is not affordable for the amount of garbage he generates, and he found a hauler willing to pick up his garbage for half the price, but two months later couldn’t pick it up anymore because the City wouldn’t allow that hauler. He said the process should be done by a sealed bid and that providers need to address elderly and retired customers who generate less garbage, and to make this more affordable based on volume. Andy Gall, 1811 2nd Avenue, congratulated the Council for promoting civic engagement, then commented on how it was clever to trick the residents by bringing this up again. He said he was disappointed in the process and that the Council wasn’t trusting the will of the people, and that the Council should work to earn our trust back. He said that while he had great appreciation for Councilmembers and his neighbors, this issue should not be brought forward again. Brendan McBride, Anoka, said he has heard a lot about law and negotiation, and as an attorney himself, lawyers bank on dealing with people who don’t understand January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 15 of 17 legal issues and can’t afford to hire anyone to help. He said most contracts are ambiguous, and the concept is to negotiate with the haulers, which takes time, adding that if the competition were providing lower pricing, they would have done it already. He said the suggested $100,000 cost to put a question on the ballot sounds made up, then spoke about lobbying mailers being sent by haulers. Mike Erickson, Anoka, said the voters also elected the City Council and likened that to hauling and keeping the current Council in place into perpetuity. Andrew Blema, Blaine, asked why his costs are twice as expensive as his home in Blaine and thanked the City for trying to lower costs. James Hankey, Anoka, said since this was just voted on, it would be better to wait 5-6 years. He said the Council has lost the voters’ trust and that he was still fighting over the grass the City replaced for a road construction project, then said haulers provide more services, such as yard waste, which hasn’t been discussed but was important. He spoke about the weight of trucks and their footprint, and the impacts of PSI on roads. John Hall, Anoka, said he was a retired fleet manager for St. Paul and understood the impact of trucks and axle weight. He said the current report was only based on full axle weights but didn’t include speed, stopping, and acceleration, which matter. Then said he didn’t appreciate the City and their lack of transparency in this process. He said he was concerned about the violation of trust and said many on the Council were sneaky in their approach. Alex (last name unknown), Anoka, said he supported this going on the ballot again and using our collective bargaining power to lower costs. Mayor Skogquist outlined the intention for a vote. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to not proceed with the process as outlined in Minnesota Statutes on Organized Solid Waste Collection. Vote taken. Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Rostad and Scott voted nay. Motion failed. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to proceed with the process as outlined in Minnesota Statutes on Organized Solid Waste Collection. Vote taken. Councilmembers Campbell and Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. Mr. Lee said staff will contact the haulers providing notice of the 60-day negotiation period. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 16 of 17 Councilmember Weaver suggested opening the negotiation to all interested haulers and not just the four currently licensed haulers. Mayor Skogquist has to follow the statute, but it could be considered, but not at this time, not what we voted on. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed tentative agendas. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared that the last NorthStar trip occurred on January 4 and that the transition to bus service began January 5. He said there have been active discussions with entities and BNSF on the disposition plan that may transfer to MnDOT ownership for a possible Borealis line, and then shared discussions are being held with Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council on the south tower. He said the challenge is that the tower is located on both BNSF and City property, and ADA and fire code requirements make the tower vital to remain. He shared about Amtrak’s engagement with the NorthStar rail and that the City will continue to voice our support and keep this momentum going to retain the tower. He said there may be a resolution of support presented to Council for the Borealis line and that lobbying work will continue at the next legislative session. Mayor Skogquist said he was pleased to see so many involved in moving this concept forward, as it would be a good thing for the area. Councilmember Weaver said Empire Builders’ interest is huge in the TOD area and could bring energy back to this area for a whole new development. He spoke about a small replica station and letter of intent for a kiosk of some sort at this location that could eventually include a coffee shop or similar stores, adding that if Amtrak is keeping the NorthStar station at Target Field, they may be considering a future shuttle route in Anoka. Mr. Borglund said there was potential for a City rail stop at this location. Councilmember Weaver thanked staff for keeping this going and suggested others support this concept, including the Economic Development Commission. Councilmember Rostad said she recently toured the municipal dispensary and said the building was incredible and was a testament to the City’s work over the last year. She said the building was beautiful and would be opening soon. January 5, 2026 (Regular) Page 17 of 17 13. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Campbell made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council meeting. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. Time of adjournment: 9:46 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off-Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk