HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-0102 Jan-Feb24Volume 26, Issue 1 January/February 2024
ANDOVER TODAY
NEWSLETTER
Each year the City Council is required by state law to adopt an
annual budget and submit a property tax levy certification to
Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division. The
deadline for the 2024 budget was December 28th. The 2024
Budget and Tax Levy certification were adopted by the City
Council at the December 5, 2023 regular meeting.
The 2024 Budget and Levy certification are the outcomes
of budget workshops with the Council and numerous staff
meetings. The overall City of Andover 2024 Budget proposes
total revenues of $45,540,023 and total expenditures of
$54,402,391. The $8,862,368 of expenditures over revenues
is largely due to street reconstruction projects ($2,567,522),
park improvements projects ($463,050), redevelopment
expenditures ($709,418), improvements to the water
trunk ($3,290,022) and operating system ($1,122,565)
and other offsetting increases/decreases in other funds.
The 2024 Budget proposes a total property tax levy of
$18,097,274 of which, $3,891,710 is classified as a special
levy for the payment of debt. In summary, the proposed tax
levy is estimated to increase the current City tax rate by 3.99%
and will generate additional tax revenue when applied to the
growing tax base to preserve the City’s current operations and
infrastructure assets. This is a 6.00% increase in the gross tax
levy.
This article contains the City of Andover 2024 Budget in
summary form, a property tax rate comparison and various
charts and graphs which can be found on Page 4 of this
newsletter. For further information on the City of Andover
2024 Budget, please view on the City’s website www.
andovermn.gov or call the City Administrator, Jim Dickinson
at (763) 767-5110.
CITY OF ANDOVER 2024 BUDGET CITY OF ANDOVER 2024 BUDGET SUMMARYSUMMARY
Property tax rate comparison and various charts and graphs can be found on Page 4
All City legal notices are published in the City’s official newspaper, the Anoka County Union.
Revenues:$14,506,539 Revenues:$2,769,968 Revenues:$4,737,010 Revenues:$14,758,797 Revenues:$6,878,484 Revenues:$1,889,225
Expenditures:$14,975,613 Expenditures:$2,953,603 Expenditures:$4,470,420 Expenditures:$21,848,120 Expenditures:$8,315,168 Expenditures:$1,839,467
- General Government - EDA - G.O. CIP Bonds - Water Trunk - Sewer Fund - Central Equipment / Maint.
- Drainage & Mapping - G.O. Street Recon Bonds - Sewer Trunk
- Public Safety - LRRWMO - G.O. Equip Certificates - Road & Bridge - Water Fund - Risk Management
- Forestry - G.O. Referendum Bonds - Trail & Transportation
- Public Works - ROW Mgmt / Utility - G.O. Abatement Bonds - Cap Equip Reserve - Storm Sewer Fund
- Construction Seal Coating - Tax Increment
- Other - Community Center - Park Dedication
- CDBG - PIR Projects
- Charitable Gambling - Building
- CARES Act / ARPA Funding - CIP / Street Recon Bond Projects
- Equipment Certificates
Fund Definitions
General Fund - accounts for the revenues and expenditures necessary to carry out basic governmental activities of the City such as general government, public safety, public works, and other.
Special Revenue Funds - accounts for revenue sources that finance particular functions and projects.
Debt Service Funds - accounts for the accumulation of resources for, and the payment of general long-term debt.
Capital Projects Funds - accounts for the acquisition or construction of major capital facilities financed mainly with governmental fund sources, general obligation debt, special assessments, and other.
Enterprise Funds - accounts for activities that consist of rendering services or providing goods to the public for which a fee or charge is collected.
Internal Service Funds - accounts for goods and services that are provided to other City departments, or to other governments, on a cost reimbursement basis.
Enterprise Funds Internal Service FundsGeneral Fund Special Revenue Funds Debt Service Funds Capital Projects Funds
Governmental Funds Proprietary Funds
CITY OF ANDOVER
City of Andover - Budgeted Funds
2024 Budget Summary By Fund Type
Total Revenues: $45,540,023
Total Expenditures: $54,402,391
Page 2 AndoverToday
ANDOVER CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Sheri Bukkila (763) 757-4808
cm.bukkila@andovermn.gov
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Jamie Barthel 612) 669-7512
cm.barthel@andovermn.gov
Ted Butler (763) 712-0277
cm.butler@andovermn.gov
Rick Engelhardt (612) 889-8097
cm.engelhardt@andovermn.gov
Randy Nelson .(763) 862-8878
cm.nelson@andovermn.gov
CITY HALL (763) 755-5100
Fax Number (763) 755-8923
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW
COMMUNITY CENTER
Main Phone: (763) 755-3238
Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov
15200 Hanson Boulevard NW
POLICE & FIRE
All Emergencies....911
Police....(763) 427-1212
Fire....(763) 755-9825
CITY OFFICES
WILL BE CLOSED
THE FOLLOWING
DATES:
Monday, January 1st
Monday, January 15th
Monday, February 19th
The Chores & More Program assists seniors, ages 60 and older with housekeeping,
minor home repairs, and seasonal chores. For some people, Chores & More is a
solution to a temporary situation such as an illness, injury, or a recent hospital stay. For
others, this program becomes an essential service to help people remain living safely
and independently in their own homes. If you or someone you know is interested in
these services, please contact the Chores and More staff at (763) 783-4767.
ACCAP CHORES & MORE PROGRAMACCAP CHORES & MORE PROGRAM
Jamie BarthelJamie Barthel
COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORTCOUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT
When hearing “Strategic Plan,” you might think
about large corporations. But strategic plans are
also essential for cities the size of Andover. This
summer, the Mayor, Council Members and City
Department heads met for multiple hours to
update the City of Andover’s Strategic Plan. It
had been a while since it was updated, and with
the changes in our community, now was the right
time. There was discussion around community
feel, safe neighborhoods, being fiscally
responsible and protecting the environment. It
was fun sharing ideas and seeing how important
this City is to everyone.
Often, after these types of sessions are
completed, the words are placed on a website
and forgotten. But our group’s intention was
not to hide it away but to make sure it was
shared. To inform residents of the City’s
values, to discuss long-term goals, and to share
the vision for the future. All of us at the City of
Andover, are excited to share what came out of
the meetings.
Community Slogan
“Andover: A Safe, Vibrant Community” After
developing our slogan, we worked on a vision
statement to help guide the City into the future.
We wanted a strong vision statement that
showed the City’s commitment to the residents
of Andover.
Vision Statement
Andover is a safe, healthy community that strives
for excellence in quality of life for its citizens
and businesses through recreational opportunity,
quiet neighborhoods, civic involvement,
strategic partnerships, fiscal responsibility and
environmental stewardship.
Next, we talked about long-term values, both
internally and externally. What focus is needed
in the long term to make Andover a Safe
and Vibrant Community? Although, due to
limitations with the size of this article, we can
not list everything, I wanted to share our long-
term organizational values.
Long-Term Organizational Values
• Excellence and quality in the delivery of
services: The City of Andover exists to provide
quality services to the public professionally and
cost-effectively.
• Fiscal Responsibility: The City of Andover
believes that fiscal responsibility and prudent
stewardship of public funds are essential if
citizens and businesses are to have confidence
in government.
• Ethics and Integrity: The City of Andover
believes that ethics and integrity are the
foundation of public trust and confidence and
that all relationships are built on these values.
• Treating our citizens and businesses as our
customer: The City of Andover believes that its
citizens and businesses are its customers and, as
such, should be treated with courtesy, respect and
integrity.
• Open and honest communication: The City
of Andover believes that open and honest
communication with each other and the public
we serve is the key to having an effective
organization and informed citizens.
• Prioritizing people: The City of Andover
believes that talented and well-supported officials
and employees operating in a solid organizational
culture provide stability, creativity and excellence
in service delivery.
• Maintaining organizational flexibility and
adaptability: The City of Andover believes that
organizational flexibility and adaptability are
crucial to meeting the changing and evolving
needs of the community.
To learn about everything else discussed, please
visit our website at www.andovermn.gov. Type
“strategic plan” into the search bar, and the
whole document will be available. As always,
if there are any areas you want to discuss, I am
open to a conversation.
AndoverToday Page 3
A Presidential Nomination Primary Election will be held in the City of Andover on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
WHAT IS THE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ELECTION?
• Legislation was passed in 2016 to establish a presidential nomination primary to award delegates as part of each major
political party’s presidential nomination process.
• Only major political parties are eligible to participate in the presidential primary. Each party will have a separate
ballot, the voter’s must indicate which party’s ballot they wish to receive and sign an oath affirming “I am in general
agreement with the principles of the party for whose candidate I intend to vote.”
• Your party selection is considered private data. However, each voter’s party selection is recorded and shared with the
chairs of each major political party.
• Precinct caucuses will still be held on February 27, 2024 to develop positions to shape the party platform.
• More information on the presidential nomination primary is available on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.
state.mn.us
ANDOVER POLLING LOCATIONS
The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Precinct #1 Hope Lutheran Church
16180 Round Lake Boulevard NW
Precinct #2 Grace Lutheran Church
13655 Round Lake Boulevard NW
Precinct #3 Riverdale Assembly of God Church
3210 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW
Precinct #4 Crooked Lake Elementary School
2939 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW
Precinct #5 Andover Christian Church
16045 Nightingale Street NW
Precinct #6 Transform Church
1657 - 161st Avenue NW
Precinct #7 Andover Community Center
15200 Hanson Boulevard NW
Precinct #8 Andover Community Center
15200 Hanson Boulevard NW
Precinct #9 Bunker Hills Activity Center
550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW
Precinct #10 Andover Elementary School
14950 Hanson Boulevard NW
WHERE SHOULD YOU VOTE? Access the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.mn.us to find your correct
polling place or call City Hall at (763) 755-5100. For more information about elections, go to the City’s website or www.
anokacounty.us/elections
WHAT IF I’VE NEVER VOTED IN ANDOVER OR IF I’VE MOVED? If you have not voted in Andover or have
moved, you must first register before voting. A valid driver’s license with your new address will allow you to register and
vote. Please take care of this before Election Day. Minnesota State Law requires you to update your license within 30
days of moving.
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ELECTION PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PRIMARY ELECTION
NOTICE FOR CITY OF ANDOVERNOTICE FOR CITY OF ANDOVER
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PUBLIC MEETINGNATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PUBLIC MEETING
The City of Andover is required to comply with the latest state storm water quality regulations as administered by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The overall goal of this program is to improve the quality of stormwater
runoff to keep our waterways clean for a healthier environment. The City accomplishes this by operating a series of
Best Management Practices (BMP’s), which are found in the City’s dynamic Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program
(SWPPP). A public informational meeting will be held Tuesday, February 6th at the City Council meeting at Andover City
Hall. This will be preceded by a brief presentation on a stormwater related topic.
Meeting Components:
• The public will have an opportunity to make oral and/or written comments on the adequacy of the City’s program. To
request a copy of the City’s SWPPP contact City Hall or visit the City’s website at www.andovermn.gov and follow the
links: Your Government, Natural Resources, NPDES Phase II Program/Water Quality.
• The City will consider comments received, modify its SWPPP accordingly and include them in its Annual Report to
the MPCA.
Page 4 AndoverToday
Continued from Page 1
CITY OF ANDOVER 2024 BUDGET & CERTIFIED 2024 PROPERTY TAX LEVYCITY OF ANDOVER 2024 BUDGET & CERTIFIED 2024 PROPERTY TAX LEVY
19.500
20.488
20.783
22.699
31.499
32.109
34.339
36.084
36.716
37.048
37.752
38.230
39.840
40.715
41.167
41.876
42.397
42.796
49.989
66.505
99.255
0.000 20.000 40.000 60.000 80.000 100.000 120.000
Ham Lake
Linwood
Nowthen
Oak Grove
East Bethel
Andover
Blaine
Lino Lakes
Coon Rapids
Anoka
Spring Lake Park
Columbus
Centerville
Lexington
Ramsey
Bethel
Fridley
Circle Pines
St. Francis
Columbia Heights
Hilltop
TAX RATE
CI
T
Y
/
T
O
W
N
S
H
I
P
MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN ANOKA COUNTY
Proposed 2024 City Tax Rate Comparison
Municipalities Only
PERCENTAGES ARE PROPORTIONAL TO REFLECT 100% RATHER THAN ACTUAL AMOUNT $4,239.02; EMV $441,500.
County
27.989%
City
33.443%
School District
35.660%
Other
2.908%
CITY OF ANDOVER
2024 Proposed Tax Breakdown
Fines & Forfeits
0%Charges for
Services
6%
Property Taxes
80%
License & Permits
4%
Miscellaneous
1%
Interest Income
1%
Intergovernmental
6%Transfers
2%
CITY OF ANDOVER
2024 General Fund Revenue Types
expenditures by function
general government expenditures
General Government
26.6%
Public Safety
43.2%
Public Works
29.6%
Other0.6%
CITY OF ANDOVER
2024 General Fund Expenditures by Function
Council
2.8%
Administration
7.6%Newsletter
0.9%Human Resources
3.4%
Attorney
5.6%
City Clerk
5.1%
Elections
2.3%Finance
9.0%Assessing4.0%Information Systems
6.3%
Planning & Zoning14.3%
Engineering
19.0%
Facility Mgmt
19.7%
CITY OF ANDOVER
General Fund -General Government Expenditures
Police Protection
57.9%
Fire Protection
32.8%
Protective Inspection
8.6%
Emergency Management
0.5%
Animal Control
0.2%
CITY OF ANDOVER
General Fund -Public Safety Expenditures
Streets & Highways
22.4%
Snow & Ice
20.3%
Street Signs
5.0%Traffic Signals
1.0%Street Lighting
1.0%
Street Lights -Billed
4.1%
Parks & Recreation
40.2%
Natural Resource Preservation
0.4%
Recycling
5.5%
CITY OF ANDOVER
General Fund -Public Works Expenditures
AndoverToday Page 5
15200 Hanson Blvd. NW • Andover, MN 55304
Website: www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC • Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov • Main Phone: (763) 755-3238
The City of Andover and the YMCA collaborated in 2005 to provide the community the Andover YMCA Community Center. The
City of Andover operates the indoor ice arena, sports complex and the fieldhouse, which requires no membership. The YMCA
leases a portion of the building providing members use of the aquatics and fitness center. Listed below are Andover Community
Center activities and programs. Visit www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC for more information.
ACTIVITIES
Monthly activity calendars provide specific dates and times of ACC
activities listed below. These activities are open to the public, no pre-
registration required. Admission is $7 per person. Calendars available
on the website. Cash, credit, ACC Punch Cards and Free Andover
Resident Passes accepted for activity admission fees.
ADULT HOCKEY
Weekday Adult Open Hockey 16+. Gloves and helmets are
required. Goalies skate FREE.
BASKETBALL
All ages shoot hoops. No full court games, team practices or training
equipment allowed. ½ court games allowed if space allows.
OPEN SKATE
All ages welcome. Skate rental available for $4 per pair, sizes available
youth 8 – adult 13. Skate sharpening available $6 per pair.
PICKLEBALL
Drop-in beginner and open pickleball times are available weekdays,
evenings, and weekends. Graphite paddles available for rent. Lessons
and Skills and Drills programs available; pre-registration required.
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball is for participants who are 14 years of age or older.
WALKING TRACK
The indoor walking/jogging track is open daily from 6:30 a.m. – 8:30
p.m. Admission is free for Andover residents, however, those utilizing
the track between the hours of 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
must check in at the information desk to show proof of residency.
Create your household account at www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC for
easy check-in. Individuals using the track evenings and
weekends are not required to check-in. Non-resident
admission fees are $2 per person, Monday – Friday, 6:30
a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS - FOREVERWELL
A number of activities are available for active older adults to participate
in while at the Andover YMCA Community Center. The Foreverwell
Newsletter link can be found on the Community Center’s website
under Older Adult Activities You do not need to be a member of the
YMCA to participate in many of these activities.
PROGRAMS
ACC programs listed below are open to the public, pre-registration
required at www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC
INDOOR SOCCER PROGRAM
The Spring Turf Andover Indoor Soccer Program will
be held Saturday mornings, March 23 - April 20 and
will take place in the Sports Complex. This recreational
program is for youth ages 4 – 9 and focuses on individual
skill development and having fun. All players will be
organized into age-appropriate teams with each player receiving a team
t-shirt and an award. Teams will practice skills for the first 30 minutes
then scrimmage against another team for the remaining 30 minutes
of the program. This program is a great start for beginners and fun
for those who have already played organized soccer. Specific program
dates and cost will be posted on the ACC website. Registration will
open January 29th.
INTRODUCTION TO ICE SKATING LESSONS
A great program to introduce the sport of ice skating to students ages
3 - 5 who have little to no skating experience. Classes are held Sunday
evenings and are 30 minutes in length and features age appropriate, off
and on-ice activities. This Spring program will meet for 5 weeks and
the cost is $74 per skater. Spring Session will begin March 24nd. Visit
the ACC website for more details. Registration will open January 30th.
ICE SKATING LESSONS
Spring Ice Skating Lessons for youth ages 3 - 15
will be held on Sunday evenings, March 24 – April
28 (5 weeks) $84 per skater. Lessons include 30
minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of on-ice practice. Registration
will open January 30th.
YOUTH CENTER / AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT GYM
In partnership with the YMCA, The Andover Community Center
offers a free after school program for middle school students in the
multi-purpose/teen room. Free student gym is also available to high
school students. For more information visit www.AndoverMN.Gov/
ACC and click on Youth Center.
The Andover Community Center has community and conference
rooms available for meetings, training events, private parties and other
functions. Rooms include TV and USB/electric outlets. Room rental
fees may apply. For pricing, availability and reservations, contact us
during business office hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at
(763) 767-5169 or by email at accinfo@andovermn.gov
MEETING ROOM RENTALS
Page 6 AndoverToday
PARK PLACEPARK PLACEJason Baumunk. Parks & Streets Operations Manager
Holidays and District #11 school breaks warming house hours are: Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Hopefully everyone had a great holiday season and has
been enjoying the mild winter so far. Even though we are
in the middle of the winter season, City staff is working
hard on the final steps in some exciting park and trail
improvement projects for 2024. Three parks will have the
aging playground equipment replaced with new equipment,
including replacing the existing wood chips with a new,
safer wood fiber mulch. Shady Knoll Park, Oakview Park,
and Woodland Estates Park will all have the playground
equipment replaced in 2024. City staff was able to
acquire a matching grant to offset the rising costs of the
new playground equipment. We will also evaluate all 43
playgrounds and add more wood fiber mulch as needed to
ensure all fall zones meet minimum safe depth requirements.
There are a few updates about the trail systems. The old
boardwalk at Kelsey Round Lake Park was replaced with
a new boardwalk installed on fixed piers screwed into the
solid ground below the wetland. This will provide a much
more stable, consistent walkway that will not move and
shift as much as the current one that has piers that “float”
on the surface of the marsh bottom. This project was funded
mostly by a grant through the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources. With the favorable weather, crews were
able to finish this project way ahead of schedule. If you have
not had a chance to, I encourage you to check out the new
boardwalk and natural beauty of Kelsey Round Lake Park.
Another trail project staff has continued to work on is
the addition of a trail along Crosstown Boulevard NW.
This project has had several challenges, but Engineering
staff continues to work through the design and easement
acquisition with the property owners. A portion of this trail
is hoped to be completed in 2024.
One other project to note is at Pine Hills North Park. The
Park & Recreation Commission, City Council and Staff
have continued to work through the feasibility, location,
amenities and costs associated with adding a multi-purpose
building to this park. This building would likely have a
shelter with picnic tables, bathrooms for park users and
some storage capacity for the athletic associations that
utilize that park.
For further information regarding City parks, free park
maps are available at City Hall or visit the City of Andover’s
website at www.andovermn.gov If you are interested in
one of the County parks, you can stop by the Bunker Hills
Activity Center on Bunker Lake Boulevard NW or visit the
Anoka County website at http://www.anokacountyparks.
com/
If you have questions about any of these projects or parks in
general, feel free to contact myself, Jason Baumunk at (763)
767-5178, or Terry Seeger, Park Maintenance Leadman at
(763) 767-5177 with the Andover Parks Department.
• Monday, Tuesday & Thursday - (Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association), 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Wednesday & Friday – 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday – 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
PARK LOCATION WARMING HOUSE HOCKEY RINK SKATING RINK
Prairie Knoll 595 - 146th Lane X X X
Crooked Lake School 2939 Bunker Lake Boulevard X X X
Hawkridge 18001 Verdin Street X X X
City Complex East/West 1885 Crosstown Boulevard X X X
Nordeens 15535 Juniper Street X
Hidden Creek North 2620 Bunker Lake Boulevard X
SLIDING HILL
Andover Station North 1823 - 139th Lane Lighted
Prairie Knoll 595 - 146th Lane Lighted
2024 ICE SKATING RINKS AND SLIDING HILLS
Due to the unprecedented temperatures, skating rinks will be delayed in opening this season.
Official opening dates will be shared on the City’s website and facebook page.
WARMING HOUSE HOURS OF OPERATION AND RINK ATTENDANTS
HOLIDAY RECYCLINGHOLIDAY RECYCLING
Holiday wreaths and trees: Check with your refuse/recycling hauler & Anoka County Compost Site.
Holiday light strings: Andover City Hall. Corrugated cardboard boxes: Andover Recycle Center.
AndoverToday Page 7
WINTER REMINDERS FROM PUBLIC WORKSWINTER REMINDERS FROM PUBLIC WORKS
UPDATING YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMSUPDATING YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
When an alteration, repair (including installation or replacement of windows or doors) or addition occurs, the individual dwelling
unit shall be equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms located as required for a new dwelling. Interconnection
of alarms in existing areas shall not be required and battery powered devices allowed where alterations or repairs do not result
in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure.
Smoke alarms shall be installed in each of the following locations:
• In each sleeping room.
• Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the
bedrooms.
• On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements but not including
crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
• Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet horizontally from the
door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this
would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by this section.
Carbon Monoxide alarms shall be installed in the following locations:
• One Carbon Monoxide Alarm shall be installed outside and not more
than 10 feet from each separate sleeping area or bedroom on each level.
• Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached
bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom.
For additional information regarding Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, please contact the Andover Building
Department at (763) 755-8700.
Parking on Streets: No parking on Andover City streets
between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., November 1st
to April 15th, It is also unlawful to park on any City street after
a 2 inch or more snowfall until such time the snow has been
plowed from said street. Warnings and tickets will be issued.
Road Salt and Pretreatment of Streets: Treated salt is rock
salt that has been treated in a liquid additive to enhance the
performance of the salt. Using treated salt has many benefits.
It lowers the effective melting temperature, the dark green
color not only absorbs more heat from the sun, but it allows
the drivers to see what they are spreading on the street, and the
additives lower the corrosivity. Most importantly, it reduces
the amount of salt needed each time we plow. The moisture in
it helps keep it in place on the roadway, and it starts actively
melting ice as soon as it is put down. Using treated salt can
reduce salt applied by 20 to 30 percent.
You might also see Public Works Staff spraying a brine solution
on some of the streets and parking lots prior to a storm. This
helps prevent the snow and ice from bonding to the road
surface, allowing it to be plowed off easier and without nearly
as much salt needed to keep the roadways safe. Both these
practices of pre-treatment and using treated salt are identified
as Best Management Practices to reduce salt usage by the
MPCA. The City of Andover is committed to the responsible
use of road salt while keeping the streets safe.
Pushing Back Snowbanks: Crews will often need to push
back the snowbanks to make room for future snowfalls. If
the banks are not pushed back, they get so high that the plow
cannot get the snow off the streets. It simply falls back into
the street off the end of the plows, making the street narrower
and trapping water on the roadway as the snow melts. Making
more room for snow in the boulevard also keeps some of the
snow from ending up in your driveway. Your understanding
with this is greatly appreciated. This allows us to keep the
streets clear and safe.
At times, snow will be pushed through the yard stakes. Stakes
are not intended to prevent snow from being pushed into
the right-of-way. They are intended to help establish where
edge of the street is during the early snow events before the
ground is frozen. We see this most often in the cul-de-sacs.
Snow needs to be removed from the street and pushed into the
right-of-way around the cul-de-sac. We do our best to evenly
distribute the snow, but it is not always feasible with limited
open space in some cul-de-sacs.
The City is not responsible for damage to items placed in the
right-of-way including, but not limited to, sod, landscaping,
irrigation systems and other such items. The right-of-way is
essential for snow storage as it is plowed off the street.
Mailboxes: Need to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight
of heavy snow being pushed off the road against them. Mailbox
placement diagrams are available on the City website at www.
andovermn.gov. If you believe your mailbox has received
damage from contact with the plow, please report it to the Parks
& Streets Operations Manager, j.baumunk@andovermn.gov
(763) 767-5178, or Chris Olson, Street Maintenance Leadman,
c.olson@andovermn.gov (763) 767-5170.
ECRWSS
RESIDENT
Andover, MN 55304
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W.
Andover, MN 55304
DATED MATERIAL
PRSRT STD
U.S. PostagePAID
Permit No. 26
Anoka, MN
Page 8 AndoverToday
2023 has been a great year for the City of Andover and QCTV
has had the pleasure of bringing you the latest news and
information from the City!
Here are a few of the top Andover programs and stories this year:
• Elk River vs Andover Section 7AAAAA Championship
• Live and Local: Andover (August & November shows)
• Andover High School 2023 Graduation
• “Mrs. Taco Salsa Contest” (Story from The Post)
• “Eveland Family Farm – Andover’s Hidden Autumn
Gem” (Story from Live and Local: Andover)
• “Andover Monthly Recycling Events” (Story from the
Post)
Watch all of these programs & more on QCTV’s YouTube
channel at www.YouTube.com/QCTV, website at www.
QCTV.org/LIVE, and Comcast Channel HD859/SD15!
Follow us on our social media platforms and subscribe on
YouTube so you never miss our latest Andover stories!
COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
The sign-up for this year starts
Tuesday January 2nd. This will allow
Andover residents only (or non-
residents that are employed within the
City limits) to come into the City Hall
and fill out the application and pay the
required fee. Only one plot per address can be purchased
at this time. The applications are also available on the City
of Andover’s website at www.andovermn.gov The fee for
each plot is $50 which goes towards the maintenance costs
of the site. Guidelines and Rules will be implemented this
year to help with a successful gardening experience.
ANDOVER’S YEAR ON QCTV ANDOVER’S YEAR ON QCTV