What this meeting did about specific topics, organized by issue rather than by document.
Anoka County assessor contract renewal (presentation by Alex Guggenberger)
The council heard a presentation and asked questions about renewing the city’s contract with the Anoka County Assessor, including how the county bills for assessment costs, how tax court petitions and professional appraisal services are handled, county oversight responsibilities, and a timeline of changes and reviews connected to assessment expectations for 2019.
Agenda: 1. Speakers: Alex Guggenberger, Rainville.
Subdivision ordinance amendment to allow administrative approvals for lot reconfigurations/minor subdivisions
The council and planner discussed a proposed amendment to Section 10 of the city code that would allow certain lot reconfigurations and minor subdivisions to be approved administratively instead of requiring city council approval, including discussion of escrow flexibility, changing the review/decision period to 14 days, and using an hourly rate for work in place of a required report of findings.
Agenda: 2a. Speakers: Breyen, Stockman, Rainville, Pilon.
Code enforcement approach and Guyer property follow-up (animals/IUP discussion)
The planner updated the council after speaking with Guyer, reporting that most animals were removed and that, based on what she was told, he was in compliance; the council debated whether a site inspection should be conducted and whether the city’s first step should be a more personal contact versus the standard written notice letter, with direction for a draft example letter and for Rainville to bring an RCA and draft process at the November meeting; several members stated that a site inspection should be performed if that is the general process.
Agenda: 2b. Speakers: Stockman, Rainville, Bettinger, Pilon, Reighard, Breyen.
Skating rink lighting and electricity to the warming house
The council discussed adding lights to the ice skating surfaces, including that staff had been directed to obtain bids, the possibility of donated power poles from A&B Welding with electrical work by Dependable, and a Connexus Energy verbal estimate to run electricity to the warming house; members debated whether to proceed before further engineering/layout input and whether the warming house should be moved closer to parking/power to reduce electrical costs, with no final spending approval recorded in the workshop minutes.
Agenda: 4a. Speakers: Reighard, Pilon, Rainville, Bettinger, Breyen, Stockman.
Handling remaining dirt near the recycling center/fire station and possible engineering/grading plan
The council discussed options for removing or repurposing remaining dirt, including spreading fill in low areas, concerns about needing a grading plan and topsoil work, and the idea of having the city engineer review the site and recommend a plan; the minutes note there was $14,000 left in the city engineer budget and suggest the item be moved for further discussion under council items.
Agenda: 3.1.10. Speakers: Rainville, Bettinger, Stockman.
CAT 930 loader replacement planning
The council reached consensus that Glaze would consult with Bettinger and Breyen regarding inspections and purchases related to replacing the CAT 930 loader.
Agenda: 4b. Speakers: Glaze, Bettinger, Breyen.