Pam Bowman

This document outlines the City Council's goals for 2026-2027 for the City of Anoka. It focuses on key areas including Economic Development & Fiscal Responsibility, Public Safety & Community Well-being, Community Engagement & Quality of Life, Transportation & Connectivity, and Infrastructure and City Assets, aiming to guide the city's strategic direction.

The meeting agenda included the Call to Order, Roll Call, Oath of Office for new and reappointed members, and the Election of Officers. Key discussion items involved the review of the Mission Statement and Policies, Old Business items such as establishing 2026 Subcommittees, subcommittee reports covering initiatives like the Alley & Ave Retail Boutique collaboration, the status of the Organics Program (including addressing yard waste contamination and security for bag dispensing), the Soles4Souls Program partnership decision, and the Solid Waste Ordinance update pending state information on curbside organics recycling. New Business centered on the RAW Spring Newsletter topics, 2026 Recycling Events, and the July-December 2025 SCORE Report submission. Communications included updates on the 2024 Anoka County Solid Waste Master Plan and the Environmental Specialist Position.

The Heritage Preservation Commission meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. An update was provided on the sandwich board program. The fundraising program was discussed, including results from the 2025 Riverfest event. Information was shared on a possible Tree of Valor event. A zoning text amendment concerning solar equipment requirements was mentioned. Bart Ward announced that he is not planning on reapplying to continue to service on the HPC.

The Anoka Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss several applications. The first was a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Salt & Light Church to establish a worship space at 202 East Main Street, including discussions on parking, occupancy, signage, and property taxes. The second application was a CUP for Verdant AgriTech LLC to establish an indoor agricultural growing facility specializing in mushrooms and microgreens at 3801 Thurston Avenue, including discussion about the steam autoclave and emissions.

The Anoka Planning Commission held a regular meeting to discuss a Site Plan Review for the Anoka County 5-Level Parking Ramp. The commission reviewed the proposed development, which includes the construction of a five-level parking ramp with 931 stalls. Concerns were raised regarding the project's consistency with the city's comprehensive plan, zoning district regulations, and potential impacts on traffic, historic preservation, and water quality. The commission ultimately recommended denial of the application to the City Council.