Anoka City Council

February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 1 of 15 REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANOKA CITY COUNCIL ANOKA CITY HALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBRUARY 2, 2026 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; Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson; Police Chief Andy Youngquist; Community Development Director Doug Borglund; Director of Public Services Mark Anderson; Enterprise Director Kevin Morelli; Dispensary Manager Stephanie Rietz, Assistant Dispensary Manager Jamie Croyle, Marketing Director Megan Thielke, Lead Budtender Stacy Daden; Electric Operations Superintendent Warren Magnus; Assistant Electric Director Paul Houts; City Attorney Scott Baumgartner; and Electric Utility Director Del Vancura. Absent at roll call: None. 3. COUNCIL MINUTES 3.1 January 12, 2026, Special Worksession. January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting. Mayor Skogquist clarified the vote on the Consent Agenda, with Councilmembers Campbell, Scott, and Mayor Skogquist voting aye and Councilmember Weaver voting nay. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to approve minutes of the January 12, 206, Special Worksession and the January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting as corrected. Vote taken. Mayor Skogquist, Campbell, Scott, and Weaver voted nay. Councilmember Rostad abstained. Motion carried. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 2 of 15 4. OPEN FORUM 4.1 Police Activity Update. Police Chief Andy Youngquist shared an update regarding two recent significant incidents. He said one involved an impaired driver who was arrested and encouraged the public to contact 911 when seeing concerning driving. He then shared about the great police work and citizen assistance that helped save the life of an individual who was in cardiac arrest at a place of worship, was revived, and was currently recovering. He then shared current happenings in Minnesota with Homeland Security, the Minnesota Police Chiefs Association, the Sheriff’s Association, the Department of Public Safety, and federal authorities to help better collaborate with public safety, and then shared the Chiefs Association statement regarding this topic. He shared how this situation was still fluid and how he hoped it would become calmer over time, and he will continue to update the Council on the status. Councilmember Rostad thanked staff for the update that recognized citizen safety throughout the community and asked for data on calls regarding immigration enforcement activity. Chief Youngquist said staff could share those reports, but noted sometimes the reports don’t contain much, as they are not responded to unless there is an active operation. Mayor Skogquist said he appreciated the elements of public safety, accountability, community safety, and budget that was having more and more of an impact on the community, residents, and businesses then shared his frustration regarding the situation and said data would be important to understand how much this is occurring and resulting in calls and resources deployed throughout the City which should be continued to be monitored. Chief Youngquist said he was encouraged by the conversations being held, was trying to remain optimistic, and was grateful that these organizations were advocating for continuing collaboration in operations. Motion by Councilmember Weaver, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to correct the January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting reference on Page 13 from Chief Peterson to Chief Youngquist. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. OTHER INFORMATION UNDER OPEN FORUM Ellen Hadley, Anoka, thanked the Council and staff for their statement regarding immigration enforcement and encouraged people to call if they see something. She said she was pleased to know that First Amendment rights to protest would be February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 3 of 15 honored and shared how their group had taken that to heart during their recent food drive to support students and parents. She said the event brought attendance from Governor Walz and Ms. Walz, and that they felt less fearful of retribution from outsiders because of the Anoka Police Department. She shared how their group took to the streets to protest the next morning after Alex Pretti was murdered, and how their pop-up vigil had over 300 people attend, and how they felt confident in doing this with the Police Department’s assistance. Sue Dergantz, 342 Wilson Street, said she had been told by others not to mention ICE when calling 911 because the police would not respond, and asked for clarification. Chief Youngquist said the presence of an ICE official alone was not a reason to call 911, but if a conflict was taking place or something that compounds towards a public safety concern should be reported. Joelle Alvord, Anoka, commented about people congregating to protest, which was seriously impacting downtown Anoka businesses, and suggested that groups consider congregating in areas farther away from downtown Anoka. Councilmember Rostad said several cities were joining Cities for Safe Communities and suggested this could be a possible solution regarding this topic. She said the group’s goals included a number of elements that resonated with her in ensuring that people feel safe and encouraged. Anoka to consider this or adopt our own resolution, as citizen voices needed to be heard and have consistent messaging. Mayor Skogquist said the North Metro Mayors Association recently held a meeting in Ramsey and said no matter what people feel about the situation, there are real impacts that are occurring, and suggested contacting them regarding their work on this topic. 5. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA City Attorney Scott Baumgartner clarified the fee limits for the lower-potency hemp edible registration that totaled $250.00. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve Items 6.1 through 6.7 of the Consent Agenda. 6.1 Verified Bills. 6.2 Revising and Setting Council Calendars. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 4 of 15 6.3 Minnesota Municipal Power Association Annual Published Power Rates. 6.4 Approve Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Shuana Yang of Anoka Massage and Pain Therapy, 710 East River Road. 6.5 Approve Issuance of a Massage Therapist License for Erin Boston of Restore Therapy LLC, 229 Jackson Street, Suite 105. 6.6 Approve Issuance of an Adult-Use Cannabis Products Registration Applicant for the City of Anoka, dba Anoka Cannabis Company, 830 East River Road. 6.7 Approve Issuance of Lower-Potency Hemp Products (LPHE) Registration and Renewal Applications for the City of Anoka, dba Better Values Liquor, 847 East River Road. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS None. 8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION None. 9. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 9.1 RES/Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Grade Separation Project; Approve and Authorize the Execution of the 2026 Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation. RESOLUTION Assistant City Engineer Ben Nelson shared a background report that the City led the Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project, which is for the improvements along Highway 47, extending north from U.S. Highway 10 at Pleasant Street (CSAH 30) to Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116). On June 3, 2024, Council approved the 2024 Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the amount of $30,000. These funds were used to apply for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) and Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Federal Grant Applications. On January 21, 2025, Council approved the 2025 Federal February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 5 of 15 Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the MnDOT for the amount of $30,000. These funds were used to apply for the CRISI and RAISE Federal Grant Applications. Pursuant to the 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session, Chapter 68, Article 4, Section 110, and Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 5(a), the State appropriated $2 million in general funds available for grants to townships, small cities, state aid cities, counties, and tribal governments to hire consultants for technical assistance in identifying and applying for transportation-related federal discretionary grants. The MnDOT State Aid Office administers and manages the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Discretionary Match Program for local agencies to apply and receive these funds. The technical assistance grants may not exceed $30,000, and no more than one grant can be awarded to each local government in a calendar year. State-funded technical assistance grants are available primarily for hiring consultants to develop Federal IIJA discretionary grant applications. Federal discretionary grants generally are those that require an application to be submitted directly to the federal government. The City of Anoka was approved for up to $30,000 in state funds from the IIJA Technical Match Assistance Grant Program and was assigned a State Aid Project. The City entered into a Force Account Agreement with the MnDOT State Aid Office, and State Aid issued the City a funding letter. These funds have been made available to the City of Anoka in the City’s State Aid Accounting System Account for engineering. Should Council wish to utilize the state funds for the Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project, the next step is for the City to approve and enter into the Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the MnDOT. The agreement has been reviewed, and there are no specific objections by the MnDOT State Aid office or the City Attorney. He outlined important requirements of the grant contract agreement, then shared that the IIJA Discretionary Match Assistance Grant for $30,000 will aid in funding for the City’s desire to apply for upcoming competitive-based grant solicitations. This could be one of the very few ways the City could apply for future grant applications with minimal use of local funds. No local fund match is required by the City. Future upcoming grant applications for the IIJA Technical Discretionary Grant funds that could be utilized by the City to hire a consultant engineering firm are for the following grant solicitations. Mr. Nelson outlined the proposed project schedule, which included construction from 2029 to 2031. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to adopt a resolution approving the Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Separation Project; Approve and Authorize the Execution of the 2026 Federal Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”) Discretionary Match Assistance Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 6 of 15 9.2 RES/Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (“BUILD”) Grant Program Funding. RESOLUTION Mr. Nelson shared a background report on the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. This program provides project sponsors the opportunity to obtain funding, and it supports projects that often struggle to find funding elsewhere. The BUILD funds are targeted toward surface transportation projects that will have a significant local or regional impact to improve safety, quality of life, mobility, and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity; and innovation. The BUILD Grant is a multimodal, merit-based, competitive award for planning or construction of surface transportation infrastructure that may provide federal funds up to 80 percent of the project cost. The minimum 20 percent non-federal share may be comprised of local or private sector funding. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) made $1.5B through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) in federal funds for FY 2026. This solicitation requires urban projects to request at least $5M, and the maximum award is $25M. Applications are due February 24, 2026, and successful applicants shall be notified in late summer to early fall 2026. DOT will not accept late applications, and an applicant may submit up to three applications. The City-led Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project is for the improvements along Trunk Highway 47 (Ferry St. and St. Francis Blvd.), extending north from U.S. Highway 10 at Pleasant Street (CSAH 30) to Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116). An excellent candidate for these BUILD Grant Program funds is the City’s Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project. As identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad Crossing at Highway 47 (Ferry Street) is considered one of the worst crossings in the State. The intent and desire of this grant would be to fund final design and construction. This grant would finalize the City’s desire to explore a more comprehensive reconstruction of the Highway 47 corridor, beyond just solving transportation needs, focusing on maximizing safety to the traveling public while minimizing environmental impacts. The benefits of this corridor will reduce severe and fatal crashes, improve operational efficiencies, relieve congestion, and decrease emergency response time. Additional benefits include improving safety for bicyclists by providing a multi-use trail connection. As part of the application process, the local agency is required to submit a signed resolution stating that the agency is requesting funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the RCE Grant Program and to document the funding commitments. And if awarded, the City of Anoka is committed to securing the required 20% local contribution and will be required to enter into a grant agreement to utilize these funds as part of the February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 7 of 15 awarding process. These funds may be provided through other local competitive funding sources. It’s worth noting that, as part of the awarding process, the City will be required to enter into an agreement that incorporates all applicable state and federal regulations associated with accepting federal funding. It is recommended that staff be appointed as the designated agent (authorized representative) to execute agreements as necessary to satisfy said funding. The authorized representative for the City of Anoka retains the authority to execute any amendment related to the project. To ensure successful project completion, it’s recommended that the City Council designate Greg Lee, City Manager, and Ben Nelson, Assistant City Engineer, or their successors, as the authorized representatives for the City of Anoka. Existing BNSF at-grade crossing looking north on Hwy 47 (Ferry St). As part of the application process, the local agency is required to submit a signed resolution stating that the agency is requesting funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the BUILD Grant Program and to document the funding commitments. The preliminary project cost for the project is $90M, with $43M in committed funding to date. The BUILD Grant could fund the final design and construction costs for the entire project. The City of Anoka is requesting $25,000,000 through this solicitation, with a non- federal local match commitment for this grant request of $5,000,000 contingent upon grant approval. An important component of the local match commitment is the flexibility to utilize other funding sources, such as state bonding funds, other competitive grants, or a financial commitment from MnDOT. This approach mirrors the successful strategy used to complete the funding plan for the Anoka Highway 10 Project, which minimized the use of City of Anoka local funds. Additionally, the staff intends for the city to apply for MnDOT’s assistance available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Match Program, should a future legislative session provide additional funding for this program. Mr. Nelson shared the proposed project schedule that would occur from 2029 to 2031. Councilmember Rostad commended staff for finding creative ways to find grant funding for infrastructure. Motion by Councilmember Rostad, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to adopt a resolution approving Trunk Highway 47 Corridor and BNSF Railroad Grade Separation Project; Supporting Pursuit of FY 2026 Building Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program Grant Funding. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 8 of 15 9.3 RES/Approving Agreement Between the City of Anoka and Hoisington Koelger Group Inc. for Services About Preparing the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. RESOLUTION Community Development Director Doug Borglund shared a background report stating it was time to begin updating the City of Anoka’s Comprehensive Plan. He said while it may feel like the City just adopted the 2040 Plan, Community Development staff will be focusing on the next update in 2026. As required by Minnesota law, all cities, counties, and townships within the seven-county metropolitan region must update their comprehensive plans every 10 years. This process ensures that our local plans for future development and infrastructure improvements align with the Metropolitan Council’s goals for coordinated regional growth. The kickoff to this update process is the release of Community System Statements from the Metropolitan Council. Locally, the Comprehensive Plan serves as a vital tool for City officials, staff, residents, and other stakeholders. It provides forecasts and future needs, guidance for development and zoning, prioritization of public investments, and a centralized information resource. He outlined the Metropolitan Council’s responsibilities and how all incorporated cities, counties, and townships within the seven-county metropolitan region must prepare a comprehensive plan and update that plan every 10 years. The regional planning process begins after the U.S. decennial census, using updated forecasts and local plans to inform the region’s long-term vision. Mr. Borglund said staff recommends that the City move forward with contracting Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGI) to complete the Comprehensive Plan update. HKGI is a highly regarded land-use planning firm with extensive experience in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, greater Minnesota, and throughout the Midwest. The firm has an established working relationship with the City of Anoka and brings valuable institutional knowledge from previous projects, including the 2012 Greens of Anoka Redevelopment Plan, the 2012 Anoka Station Plan, the 2024 Anoka Station Plan Update, and the Miller Building/Community Center Study. The Comprehensive Plan is a complex, wide- ranging document that addresses numerous elements of the community’s long- term vision and development. Given the size and scope of this project, it exceeds the capacity of the current Community Development staff to complete it in a timely and effective manner. Engaging HKGI will ensure the City receives a high-quality, comprehensive, and professionally guided planning process. Councilmember Weaver spoke about disagreements with the Met Council and affordable housing and owner-occupied housing, and asked how we will address this since Anoka already has so much rental housing in place. Mr. Borglund confirmed that the topic will be part of this process. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 9 of 15 Mayor Skogquist said this is a very complex document and that in the past staff has tried to complete inhouse but other issues arose, and while this is an expensive document, there are efficiencies in hiring a consultant as they do this work in other cities, and the project has been budgeted for. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to adopt a resolution approving an agreement between the City of Anoka and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. for Services About the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. 9.4 ORD/Approving a Purchase Agreement for the 4th Avenue and Johnson Street City-Owned Development Site. 1st Reading Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the subject property consists of 2.58 acres located within the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area at 4th Avenue and Johnson Street, immediately north of the parking ramp. The site is currently leased by Met Council/Metro Transit and used as a parking lot serving the NorthStar Station and Commuter Rail. Should the City Council proceed with the proposed purchase agreement, the City will need to formally notify Met Council/Metro Transit of its intent to retake possession of the property. The City has been in discussions with MWF Properties regarding the redevelopment of this site since 2020. MWF proposes construction of a 4-story, 131-unit market-rate apartment building on the 2.58-acre parcel. Conceptual site plans and building elevations have been provided as part of the development review materials. The executed Letter of Intent (LOI) and the draft purchase agreement established a $1,000,000 purchase price for the raw land. He outlined MWF’s offer history and said the City completed an appraisal of the property in March 2025, which determined a market value of $1,310,000. Mr. Borglund shared the proposed schedule and said the staff recommended holding the first reading of the proposed ordinance. Mayor Skogquist thanked staff for their work on the purchase agreement. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold first reading of an ordinance to convey real property to MWF Properties, LLC, dba Velair Development Company. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 10 of 15 9.5 ORD/Approving an Option Agreement for the 2nd Avenue and Van Buren Street City-Owned Development Site. 1st Reading Mr. Borglund shared a background report stating the subject property consists of 2.15 acres located at 2nd Avenue and Van Buren Street, immediately north of the 2nd Avenue City parking ramp. The site has remained vacant for several years and has long been identified as a priority redevelopment opportunity for the City of Anoka. The only existing structure is the Old Library Building, utilized by the Anoka County Historical Society. The Historical Society is relocating to another site within the City, clearing the way for redevelopment. Proposed Development Plans: The City and Gaughan Development have been in discussions regarding the redevelopment of this site since 2018. The current concept envisions a 4–5 story mixed-use project with the following components: 371 structured parking stalls, 164 market-rate apartment units, 21 ownership condominium units, 11,000 sq. ft. event center, 38-room boutique hotel, and restaurant space. The estimated construction value is approximately $60 million, representing a major private investment in downtown Anoka. He shared conceptual site plans and building elevations, then outlined the Option Agreement in detail. He noted Gaughan Development, LLC, may extend the Option Period twice, each for 120 days, by providing written notice at least 30 days before expiration and paying an additional $5,000 per extension. He then shared an overview of Projected Development Milestones. Dan Hebert, Gaughan Development LLC, shared further about their proposed project improvements that would highlight the riverwalk, social district, and downtown activities like the pedal pub. He said they wanted this to be a connective piece through the unit mix and would take advantage of the beautiful river views and drive the need for condos in the social district and bring rooftops to the downtown for both living and shopping. Councilmember Scott thanked the applicant for the background and the Economic Development Commission for the hotel study, stating the proposed mixed-use will result in more demand for housing downtown and highlight the cultural elements and other events in the downtown area, creating a great stay and play amenity, adding he felt the project fit the feel of downtown Anoka. Councilmember Campbell said he has seen designs of similar projects in other cities and was very impressed and excited to see this project occur in Anoka. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to hold first reading of an ordinance approving an option agreement for the 2nd Avenue and Van Buren Street City-owned development site. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 11 of 15 Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, Rostad, Scott, and Weaver voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Skogquist thanked the applicant for investing in Anoka, which would be similar to the City of Shakopee, and felt it would work well. 9.6 ORD/Amending City Council Salaries. (2nd Reading) ORDINANCE City Manager Greg Lee shared a background report stating that pursuant to Section 2.17 Salaries of the City Charter, the City Council is to review the Mayor and City Council salaries in June of every odd-numbered year. He said at the June 23, 2025, worksession, Council discussed and reviewed the salaries, and direction was given to staff to bring forth an ordinance amending the Mayor and City Council salaries, providing for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase for 2026 and 2027, which coincides with the COLA increases given to staff. The Council also requested that there be included reimbursement for out of pocket- expenses expended by the Mayor or City Councilmembers for mileage relating to attendance at conferences, seminars, meetings other than City-held meetings, where a member was attending as a representative of the City Council. The first reading of this ordinance was held at the January 20, 2026, meeting, and the second reading was being presented at this time for adoption. He said if adopted, the increase would go into effect in January 2027. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance Establishing Salaries For Mayor And City Council Pursuant to Section 2.07 of the Charter of the City of Anoka. Councilmember Scott said it was appropriate for any Councilmember, regardless of who is serving the citizens, receive similar compensation based on cost-of- living increases. Mayor Skogquist shared that the Council’s annual salary was $9,900, and the Mayor’s was $11,000, and that whoever serves it was important that they receive what employees were receiving and felt this was reasonable. Motion by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, to hold second reading and adopt an ordinance establishing salaries for Mayor and City Council pursuant to Section 2.07 of the Charter of the City of Anoka. Upon a roll call vote, Mayor Skogquist, Councilmembers Campbell, and Scott voted in favor. Councilmember Weaver voted nay. Motion carried. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 12 of 15 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Consideration of Appointment to the Parking Advisory Board. Mr. Lee shared a background report stating that the City has been advertising for quite a while for applications for the Parking Advisory Board. He said there are currently three vacancies on this Board, all full-term positions for three-year terms. He said staff received one application from Borgie Bonthuis, who served on the Planning Commission for many years but chose not to continue serving on that Commission when her term expired last year. Mayor Skogquist asked if Chief Youngquist was able to identify anyone interested in serving. Chief Youngquist said he contacted the new Chamber of Commerce president but had not received a response, adding he has worked with Ms. Bonthuis in the past and that she will be a good addition to the Board. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Rostad, to appoint Borgie Bonthuis to the Parking Advisory Board. Vote taken. All ayes. Motion carried. 12. UPDATES AND REPORTS 12.1 Anoka Dispensary; Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Event, Thursday, February 5, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 839 East River Road. Enterprise Operations Director Kevin Morelli shared that there was less than a year from groundbreaking to full construction completion for the Anoka Cannabis Company, which would be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony and making history as the first municipal cannabis dispensary both in Minnesota and the United States. He said the dispensary was fully-owned by the City of Anoka and all profits from the venture will be reinvested into the community. He said the ceremony would be held on February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at 839 East River Road and will include a brief program, remarks from the City of Anoka and State of Minnesota elected officials, and an official ribbon-cutting. He said additionally, there will be opportunities for photos and interviews before and after the program, and the public is welcome to attend. Dispensary Manager Stephanie Rietz introduced Assistant Dispensary Manager Jamie Croyle, Marketing Director Megan Thielke, and Lead Budtender Stacy Baden and noted the team also included Lead Budtender Tatiana Sannes- Hankerson. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 13 of 15 Jamie Croyle said she has been invested in this venture for a long time and was excited to be in and connecting in the community, and thanked the City for the opportunity. Stacy Baden said she was very excited and thanked the City for making this a reality and bringing the community back together and improving the area. Megan Thielke said she was learning a lot and was excited to bring this project to life while creating community. Councilmember Scott thanked everyone for their work and said that while this was an adult-only product, the proceeds would benefit the entire community. He thanked staff for the vision and for creating a community-centered enterprise that was welcoming, and noted he shared the opening at their recent Joint Law Enforcement Commission meeting. Councilmember Rostad said this was innovative thinking all around and that everyone worked hard to make this a reality so quickly, and that she was excited for the marketing of products and apparel as well. Mayor Skogquist said City projects can be slow at times to allow for good processes, but said the entire staff came together to make this a reality, and that he looked forward to this opening. He shared his support for the inclusion of solar panels to help offset operating costs, which were covered, and complimented everyone on a job well done. 12.2 MMUA Mutual Aid Commendation. Electric Utility Director Del Vancura introduced Construction Superintendent Warren Magnus and Paula Houts, Assistant Electric Director, and then shared a background report stating AMU received a request from MMUA to assist with the expected damage recovery from the ice storm in North Carolina on January 23, 2026. This request for mutual aid was organized, coordinated, and deployed in under 24 hours. Crews departed from Rochester Public Utility on schedule and headed southeast to support our public power partners in North Carolina. Travel for crews was challenging, with speeds periodically dropping to 25-30 miles per hour. The good news was that everyone made it safely. AMU was part of a group of 44 linemen who arrived to help. After splitting into smaller teams, AMU travelled together with its group to Kings Mountain, NC. Most public power outages at the time were heavily concentrated in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Since the storm turned into a snow event rather than the ice event that was anticipated, there was not enough damage to keep AMU crews in that area. MMUA made every effort to reassign the Minnesota crews to the Tennessee area, but there were already hundreds of crews from surrounding states converging there to assist. Crews made the long drive back to Minnesota and arrived on February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 14 of 15 January 28, 2026, at approximately noon, and according to the Department of Energy, the AMU crew learned that this deployment was considered the largest mutual aid mobilization ever recorded. He said all AMU expenses will be billed back to the Public Power groups in North Carolina, then noted Nashville utilities are looking for material to address the power outages that are currently occurring, and will work to assist if possible. Mr. Lee Anoka noted that the City gets reimbursed for any contributions and that these partnerships focus on the time and expertise of the linemen, as that is so important. Mayor Skogquist said it is great to see how we can all help each other and thanked staff for setting this up. 12.3 Announcement of Retirement for Electric Utility Director Del Vancura, February 6, 2026. Mr. Lee shared that Electric Utility Director Del Vancura was retiring on February 6 after a 40-year career and thanked him for all his efforts for the City. He said he was a great director and thanked him for his service, then invited the Council to the retirement event on February 6 at the Anoka Fire Station. Mr. Vancura shared how when he arrived for his interview, the Main Street bridge was being reconstructed, and because of the traffic impacts, he could have missed his interview. He complimented all the great people in the City throughout all departments and said everyone works together. He said it was an honor to serve the City of Anoka and its customers, adding he has almost 49 years in the industry overall. Councilmember Weaver said it is not often that an entire career is dedicated to one entity and said Mr. Vancura lives, coaches, and works in Anoka, and thanked him for a job well done. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. 12.4 Tentative Agenda(s). The Council reviewed tentative agendas. 12.2 Staff and Council Input. None. February 2, 2026 (Regular) Page 15 of 15 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: 8:23 p.m. Submitted by: Cathy Sorensen, TimeSaver Off-Site Secretarial, Inc. Approval Attestation: Amy T. Oehlers, City Clerk