Adopt Resolution #16-04-062 Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Anoka for Sanitary Sewer Service.  This case was removed from the agenda.

Purpose:
The purpose of this case it to consider adopting attached Resolution #16-04-062 approving the attached Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey to allow the City of Anoka to connect to the City of Ramsey’s sanitary sewer system to serve two parcels owned by the City of Anoka.

Background:
In 2015, the City of Anoka planned to extend trunk sanitary sewer and water utilities through the previously proposed Ridgepoint single-family residential development to serve two City of Anoka owned parcels commonly known as 6058 Highway 10, a 0.43 acre parcel with PIN #35-32-25-31-0001, and 6050 Highway 10, a 3.85 acre parcel with PIN #35-32-25-31-0004, shown in Figure 1 (attached).  However, the Ridgepoint development was aborted in the fall of 2015, forcing the City of Anoka to re-evaluate the most cost-effective means to serve their two parcels with utilities in the future.
 
The City of Anoka now wants to connect to the City of Ramsey’s trunk sanitary sewer system immediately north of Highway 10 to serve the two parcels with sanitary sewer as cost-effectively as possible.  Anoka plans to supply the two parcels with water by connecting to Anoka’s trunk water supply system north of US Highway 10.  Exhibit A (attached) shows the proposed utility connection locations.  Anoka therefore submitted the attached JPA to the City of Ramsey for consideration of approval.
 
If approved, the JPA will allow the City of Anoka to connect to the City of Ramsey’s sanitary sewer system using a gravity sewer system.  This work would include core drilling a hole into the City of Ramsey’s manhole, installing a water tight boot, boring a casing pipe under Highway 10, and inserting an 8 inch PVC sewer pipe through the casing pipe and the boot in the manhole.
 
If the JPA is not approved, the City of Anoka plans to connect to their own sanitary sewer system by installing a sewer forcemain along the south side of Highway 10 to connect to their sanitary sewer system along Cutter’s Grove Parkway, though this option would cost the City considerably more to construct.

Observations:
Staff evaluated the capacity of the City of Ramsey’s trunk system and determined there is adequate capacity to serve the two City of Anoka parcels as requested.
 
While working with the City of Anoka to evaluate their request, City staff reviewed existing drainage and utility easements along the City of Ramsey’s trunk sanitary sewer line north of Highway 10 and determined that drainage and utility easements do not exist in several locations.  Staff is currently working to resolve this issue.  The City of Anoka will be responsible for obtaining required temporary construction easements for the proposed work.
 
The City of Anoka needs to serve their two parcels with sanitary sewer and water utilities before development can occur.  The City is currently working on a development proposal with Riverplace Counseling Center who wishes to relocate their facility from Ferry Street in Anoka to these two parcels directly adjacent to the City of Ramsey.  Attached are concept drawings and construction plans for the proposed Riverplace Counseling Center.  The developer has stated they anticipate installing a 6’ tall privacy fence along the Anoka/Ramsey border, if funding is available.  The tentative project schedule is to begin grading in mid-April and start construction in May.  The developer’s goal is to get a Certificate of Occupancy by the end of 2016.
 
The two City of Anoka owned parcels are currently zoned R-6, Manufactured Home, and are guided for High Density Residential in the City of Anoka’s Comprehensive Plan.  According to Anoka Staff, the proposed use is consistent with their Comprehensive Plan, however, a Zoning Amendment will be needed to allow the proposed Riverplace Counseling Center development to occur on the site since the R-6 district generally only permits parks, churches and manufactured home parks. The City of Anoka is electing to approve a Planned Unit Development, which Anoka states is an acceptable Zoning Amendment for the proposed use under their Zoning Code. A Public Hearing was held by the Anoka Planning Commission on April 5, with final approval anticipated in early May. Ramsey Staff is in the process of scheduling an Open House for Ramsey residents for Thursday, April 21 to learn more about the project, based on feedback received thus far from residents.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #16-04-062 approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Anoka for sanitary sewer service.

Alternative #2 – Motion to deny adoption of Resolution #16-04-062 at this time.

Approving the attached JPA will not result in any costs to the City of Ramsey.
 
Approving the JPA will allow the City of Anoka to serve their two parcels with municipal utilities thereby allowing the two parcels to be developed.  The JPA requires the City of Anoka to pay all costs required to construct and maintain the sanitary sewer services to serve the two City of Anoka parcels, and allows for the City of Ramsey to collect standard sewer fees.  The City of Anoka will also be responsible for paying all costs required to record the amended JPA.

Staff recommends selecting Alternative #1 if Council has no objections to the proposed development plans for the two City of Anoka parcels.
 
Staff recommends selecting Alternative #2 if Council has objections to the proposed development plans for the two City of Anoka parcels, or wishes to table this case pending resolution of unresolved questions.

Motion to adopt Resolution #16-04-062 approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Anoka for sanitary sewer service.