HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 022420261
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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRURARY 24, 2026
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Mayor Webster called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Webster invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL.
Present: Mayor Webster, Doolan, Jenson, Elnagdy, and Randle
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello, Police Chief
Jeff Spiess
CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS.
IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 24, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
Council Meeting Agenda of February 24, 2026.
Motion carried 5-0.
V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS — NONE.
A. Water Conservation Poster Winners
Parks and Environmental Commission Chair Natalie Warren provided information on the Water
Conservation Poster Contest, which helps students learn about water conservation at home. She
commented that fourth -grade students created the posters and recognized the winners: Josie
Fillbrandt, Allen Zheng, Calaya Garnett, and Ruby Hill.
Mayor Webster presented certificates to each of the winners.
B. Swearing In of Police Officers
Police Chief Spiess introduced two new Officers, Jackson Billman and Dalton Krueger, and
conducted the swearing -in of the new Officers. The Council welcomed the new Officers to the
community.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026
Page 2
A. Approve February 10. 2026. Council meeting minutes.
B. Licenses and permits.
C. Claims.
D. Resolution 26-021— Authorizinu Purchase of Custom Cabinetry and Shelving for
Marketplace Liquor Store.
Motion by Councilmember Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the
Consent Agenda items.
Motion carried 5-0.
VI. PUBLIC HEARING.
VII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
IX. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
A. Administration Annual Report
City Manager Yunker presented the Annual Report for Administration, including information on
the 2025 Strategic Plan, 2025 meetings, members of staff, and the responsibilities of the
administration department.
Assistant City Manager Morello reviewed the goals and accomplishments from 2025 related to
the City Code and planning, communications and engagement, human resources, sustainability
programs, and plans.
Mr. Yunker provided information on community affiliations, grants, and cooperative ventures.
He highlighted information on looking ahead in 2026 and reviewed ways to connect and engage.
Councilmember Doolan recognized the great year and appreciated the progress that was made in
sustainability.
Councilmember Jenson thanked staff for choosing to work in St. Anthony, recognizing the wide
variety of work that is accomplished by staff.
Councilmember Elnagdy expressed appreciation to staff.
Mayor Webster commented that the staff team is small and appreciated the collaboration that
occurs between staff. She noted that the tone and culture that is modeled by staff is seen
throughout the departments.
B. Liquor Operations Annual Report
Liquor Operations Manager Larson presented the Annual Report for liquor operations and
introduced staff members in attendance. He reviewed the current locations, mission and vision
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026
Page 3
statement, and value of municipal liquor operations. He presented the sales and profit
comparison of 2025/2024, five-year profit history, consumption trends and outlook, market
outlook, and 2025 accomplishments. He encouraged residents to visit the website for more
information.
Councilmember Elnagdy recognized that alcohol sales have been decreasing nationwide and
noted that there was not a large decline for the municipal stores. She recognized the work of
staff. Mr. Larson commented that he was happy to see the second half of the year rebound. He
stated that he believes that alcohol sales will continue to be different from the past, but believed
the municipal stores will continue to have success.
Councilmember Doolan appreciated the leadership of Mr. Larson.
Councilmember Randle commented that the numbers for the stores have been great for years and
admired the leadership provided by Mr. Larson, especially during these changing times.
Councilmember Jenson recognized the success over the years, which he attributes to the clean,
organized, and welcoming stores and staff members.
Mayor Webster agreed that there is a great culture and sense of belonging when you walk into
the liquor stores. She was excited about the vision the team has created for how the stores can be
community hubs. She stated that the leadership of Mr. Larson has shown the Council how they
can continue to adjust to the trends to continue to serve the community. She also recognized the
contribution the liquor stores provide to the general fund.
C. Retail Cannabis ULAate
Liquor Operations Manager Larson shared Minnesota industry news and presented the cannabis
sales forecast and an overview of the vision for cannabis and liquor retail. He provided an
update on the planned renovations for the Village Muni, Marketplace, and Silver Lake Village
cannabis/liquor retail locations, and additional information on the scope, budget, and timeline of
the project.
Councilmember Elnagdy asked for a licensing update. Mr. Larson replied that the low -dose
hemp licensing has been secured. He stated that the cannabis licensing continues to move along,
and he had no concerns that the City would not receive the license.
Councilmember Jenson asked if a supply chain has been developed for cannabis. Mr. Larson
replied that the City of Anoka and other cannabis businesses have secured supplies. He stated
that as stores continue to open, it will be interesting to see if the supply chain can keep up. He
noted that currently, the Native Americans are doing most of the cultivation and would most
likely supply the store.
Councilmember Doolan commented that it appears that cannabis is a less costly business to run,
compared to liquor, but will only take up one quarter of the store. Mr. Larson replied that there
is much more inventory and overhead for the liquor store compared to the cannabis operation.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026
Page 4
1 He commented that the capital costs are much lower because they are partitioning off an area of
2 the building already owned by the City. He commented that the kiosk use will also help to keep
3 labor costs low. He commented that the ROI could be under three years because of how it was
4 designed and modeled.
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6 Mayor Webster thanked Mr. Larson for his presentation and for his leadership.
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8 Mr. Larson announced his decision to retire. He commented on how he has enjoyed working
9 here for the past 30 years and stated that he is excited to retire to spend more time with his
10 family. He recognized the growth of the municipal liquor stores over the past 30 years and the
11 continued success that his replacement will have.
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13 Mayor Webster recognized the role that Mr. Larson has filled for the last 30 years and the impact
14 that has on the family, and was happy that his family could be present tonight. She thanked Mr.
15 Larson's family for their support over the years and for being part of the St. Anthony family.
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17 Councilmember Randle stated that Mr. Larson is one of the small group of people that he trusts
18 and stated that his friendship has meant a lot over the years. He thanked him for being him, for
19 being a friend, and for running a great business.
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21 Councilmember Doolan commented that Mr. Larson was the first person to welcome her to the
22 City and appreciated all that he has done for the community. She recognized the great leadership
23 that he has provided in looking towards the future and maintaining success.
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25 Councilmember Jenson believed that Mr. Larson would enjoy his retirement and recognized the
26 contributions that he had made to St. Anthony during his long tenure.
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28 Councilmember Elnagdy commented that it has been great to work with Mr. Larson for the past
29 year and hoped that they would continue to see him.
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31 Mayor Webster thanked Mr. Larson for serving the community so well, noting that his legacy
32 will continue.
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34 X. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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36 City Manager Yunker provided an update on recent City activities following the special
37 worksession the City held related to immigration enforcement. He stated that the City has joined
38 the Safe and Stable Cities Coalition and provided an update on recent actions from that group.
39 The City Attorney has looked at amicus briefs for the City to sign on to and will continue to
40 monitor that item. He stated that the Board of Metro Cities has also discussed policy language
41 related to financial aid for impacted communities.
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43 Councilmember Elnagdy provided an update on recent meetings she attended, including the
44 community advisory meeting and community listening sessions.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026
Page 5
1 Councilmember Jenson noted recent meetings that he attended for the Ramsey County League of
2 Local Governments Climate Committee and Legislative Program Recap Committee.
4 Councilmember Doolan reported that she recently attended meetings for the League of
5 Minnesota Cities Legislative preview, the Historical Society's planning for their annual meeting,
6 and the Jigsaw Puzzle Showdown.
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8 Councilmember Randle had no report.
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10 Mayor Webster reported that she recently listened to a virtual meeting hosted by Majority in the
11 Middle related to election security, an interview from the Northeaster, and noted that today was
12 the last of the listening sessions. She noted that the next Connect with the Council event will be
13 held on March 28a'.
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15 XI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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17 Mayor Webster invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items
18 that are not on the regular agenda.
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20 Dr. Bibi Neumann stated that her written public comment was not publicly posted and provided
21 copies. She provided comments related to scale and accountability. She recognized the large
22 portion of the budget that is allocated to public safety and stated that it is reasonable for residents
23 to know who is policing their community. She appreciated the introduction of two new Officers
24 and the update from the liquor store. She recognized the longevity of Mr. Larson's career and
25 the sense of family, but did not believe that everyone in the community feels that same sense of
26 family. She recognized the community space that would be included in the liquor stores, but
27 recognized that not everyone in the community consumes alcohol. She stated that the scale
28 requires transparency and was unsure why $701,711 was being invested in cannabis sales.
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30 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
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32 A. Future Agenda Items.
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34 No comments.
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36 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
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38 Motion by Councilmember Randle, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to adjourn the meeting
39 at 8:53 p.m.
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41 Motion carried 5-0.
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44 Respectfully submitted,
45 Amanda Staple
46 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026
Page 6
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3 ATTEST:
4 City Clerk
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Mayor