HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 20, 2024
ANDOVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING–
AUGUST 20, 2024 - MINUTES
The Meeting of the Andover Economic Development Authority was called to order by Vice
President Jamie Barthel, August 20, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners Present: Sheri Bukkila (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), Ted Butler, Rick Engelhardt
and Randy Nelson
Commissioners Absent: Kari Kafer and Greg Mueller
Also present: EDA Executive Director, Jim Dickinson
Community Development Director, Joe Janish
Director of Public Works/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz
Associate Planner, Jake Griffiths
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 21, 2024, Regular Meeting: Correct as written.
Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried
unanimously.
DISCUSS/APPROVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Mr. Dickinson stated per direction from the EDA, staff has negotiated a purchase agreement for
the acquisition of the property at 13718 Xavis Street, a twin home located in the redevelopment
area. Closing is scheduled for August 30, 2024.
Motion by Butler, Seconded by Nelson, approving the Purchase Agreement for 13718 Xavis
Street. Motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSS LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING AID
Mr. Griffiths stated the State of Minnesota established a new tax in the metro area that funds
local affordable housing aid for cities. The funds are formula based for each city; Andover could
see an estimated $100,000 in 2024.
Mr. Griffiths explained the funds can be used for projects geared towards affordable housing.
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes – August 20, 2024
Page 2
There are many restrictions tied to the funds on what it can actually be used for. He reviewed
some examples of qualifying projects. If the funds are not spent within four years, the money
goes back to the State. Staff is looking for guidance from the EDA Commission on how to
proceed.
Commissioner Butler asked if the funds would fluctuate each year. Mr. Janish answered the
funds depend on the revenue since the funds are tax based.
Programs were discussed.
Mr. Janish suggested a program to use the funds for hook-up to city water. This would be
similar to the program using CDBG funds from Anoka County.
The EDA directed staff to come back with more information for programs.
OTHER BUSINESS
a. CDBG – Connection Fees
Mr. Janish reviewed the CDBG program for hooking up to city water indicating there is one
property that would qualify; however, the EDA would need to come up with $10,000-$15,000 to
get the federal funds open. Is the EDA open to finding the funds.
The EDA directed staff to compile more information regarding setting up a city program for
properties to hook up to the city water using the funds from the Local Affordable Housing Aid
that was discussed earlier.
b. After the Fact Andover Home Improvement Grant
Mr. Janish explained a property owner completed home improvement projects totaling
$50,635.37 and was unaware of the Andover Home Improvement grant. The property owner is
in attendance and is asking the EDA to consider an “after the fact” award of the grant for the
projects.
Mr. Janish indicated the way the program is written if the property owner requests funds after the
project is completed, no funds would be granted.
Commissioner Butler stated he is sympathetic to the property, however if the EDA grants this
“after the fact” request that opens the door for other property owners to think that is precedence.
The property owner left the meeting.
The EDA consensus was to not grant the “after the fact” request.
c. Discuss Possible City Code Amendment for Automated Car Wash
Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes – August 20, 2024
Page 3
Mr. Janish indicated staff received a request to consider amending the City Code to allow an
automated car wash use in the Neighborhood Business (NB) zoning district.
The EDA has no interesting in amending the City Code to allow an automated car wash in the
NB district.
d. Target Pond
Mr. Berkowitz indicated the Target pond dock that was built several years ago is in need of
replacement. Does the EDA want to replace it.
The EDA consensus is to not replace the Target pond dock.
REDEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Mr. Janish stated 2527 Bunker Lake Boulevard is vacant, no asbestos was found, and the Fire
Department will be using the building for training. The building will be removed by the end of
the year.
COMMERCIAL PROJECT ACTIVITY
Mr. Janish updated on the following:
Clocktower Commons, 15190 Bluebird Street – Shell permit and interior reviews have been done
for Chipotle and Starbucks.
th
Aurora Vista, 7 Avenue and Bunker Lake Boulevard – The property is 94% leased.
Holasek Property (near City Hall) – The applicants are continuing to work through the
preliminary plat and commercial site plan process. The DNR conducted the rare plant inventory
and found no rare plants. The applicant is working on their next submittal to the City.
Housing – 66 new home permits have been issued.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Nelson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Hartner, Recording Secretary