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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-0708 July-Aug24Volume 27, Issue 4 July/August 2024 Andover Family Fun Fest 5K Fun Run/Walk Online registrations ends July 10th. Questions: Contact Race Director Brian Siddons at BrianJSiddons@gmail.com ANDOVER TODAYNEWSLETTER Page 2 AndoverTodayPage 2 AndoverToday MAYOR’S REPORT SHERI BUKKILA For those of you unaware, I announced my intention not to seek re-election for Mayor this November. I enjoyed representing the residents for 12 years as a City Council Member and four years as the Mayor. Together, we endured two recessions, a pandemic, increased development, a major clean-up of the WDE site, the Community Center expansion, a new Public Works facility and ongoing response and recovery from private well water contamination in the southern portion of the City. I want to leave you with a better understanding of the challenges we presently face this year and moving forward to address the transportation and fire protection that are vital to long-term budget programming needs. Since 2009, when I first came into office, the Capital Improvement Plan and maintenance budget did not scale up with the number of roads built. At the time, the Council decided, due to the recession, to reduce hardship for taxpayers. As the economy recovered, the Council majority focused funding on the expansion of the Community Center and building the Public Works maintenance facility. In the meantime, science failed our roads. The composition of road materials changed, and the seal coating material intended to preserve the road surface was incompatible with the old material below it. The surface began to degrade prematurely and layers were sloughed off in sections, creating large potholes and uneven surfaces. When we recognized the cause, the City stopped using the seal coating in favor of a mill and overlay process, effectively prolonging the life of the road if completed before a road began to go into failure between 15-18 years. We have three distinct road repair options: mill and overlay, full-depth reclamation and reconstruction. Costs nearly double between each of the three options. Removing and replacing concrete curbing adds another cost to the project. Projects include repairs or replacement of storm water drain or ditch systems to mitigate problems in the future. We made considerable progress since 2021. The City completed 28.89 miles of mill and overlay, 10.71 miles of full-depth reclamation, and 7.5 miles of street reconstruction for a total of 47.10 miles. The Public Works Department recently completed a full analysis of the City’s road inventory using the PASER rating system. The results indicated a failure rate that exceeds our current budget and maintenance plan. A conservative project plan identified 87.63 miles that need attention over the next five years with an estimate at today’s cost of $66,727,828 or an $13,345,565 average per year. If we fail to address the problem now, the roads will continue to decline to a much costlier project. The City Council continues to review budget proposals that include bonding options and factors in the policy for the current 25% assessments to property owners in the improved project area. Property owners can expect an increase in property taxes in 2025, potentially reaching a double-digit percentage. The Council will narrow the options closer to September when we set the limit for the 2025 tax levy. If we plan for this correction now, we will be better positioned on annual maintenance and reduce peaks like we are experiencing now. The second issue to address relates to fire protection. On a national comparison level, paid-on-call systems, as we have in Andover, have seen a decrease in new firefighters, and locally, the response between police, fire, and ambulance experienced changes that resulted in continuing challenges. The City will contract with a consulting firm starting in July to examine our fire service model, infrastructure, equipment and response needs. The study results will help the City understand what we are doing right and how we can improve to provide optimal response times to meet our population’s needs and expectations. We can anticipate the study’s final presentation around the first of the year so that the new City Council can begin digesting and formulating plans. We currently staff 42 paid-on-call firefighters with a budget of 55. If you are a resident looking to provide service to the community, please consider applying. I feel the City of Andover is on a good trajectory, prepared for the worst but ever hopeful for the best when it comes to maintaining our essential government services. I want to thank City staff for working through the challenges, maintaining flexibility and changing when needed to help residents and businesses enjoy our City. Thank you to all the residents who approached the Council with your ideas, volunteering at events and looking out for each other in times of need. Andover really is a great City to live in and raise a family in because of the community! All of you are at the heart of where the community begins, and that is what makes Andover feel like home. Thank you! ANDOVER CITY OFFICIALS MAYOR Sheri Bukkila ...................(763) 757-4808 cm.bukkila@andovermn.gov POLICE & FIRE All Emergencies....911 Police....(763) 427-1212 Fire....(763) 755-9825 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 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Phone: (763) 755-5100 Fax: (763) 755-8923 COMMUNITY CENTER Main Phone: (763) 755-3238 Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov SHERIFF’S REPORT AndoverToday Page 3 Night to Unite will be held Tuesday, August 6th and we look forward to seeing everyone out celebrating that night! Through N2U we work to: • Build strong, safe and united neighborhoods • Heighten crime prevention awareness • Strengthen police-community relationships Planning an event for your neighborhood can be as simple as turning on the outside lights, locking your doors and inviting your neighbors over to your front yard. For more information on Night to Unite, or to register your party with the Sheriff’s Office, go to: https:// www.anokacountymn.gov/1979/Night-to-Unite. NIGHT TO UNITE As we continue to enjoy the beautiful summer, it is imperative that we also reiterate to the teens and children in our lives the importance of safe activities. One activity that continues to be popular with teens is a practice called Nerf Wars. Nerf Wars involves players forming teams and then locating opposing players, before shooting them with Nerf guns. While on the surface this game is harmless, careless decisions have historically been made by participants which have resulted in property damage, injury and even death to people in Minnesota. Reports to law enforcement have included dangerous driving that impedes traffic, excessive speeds and failing to wear seatbelts to allow the participants to exit the vehicles quicker. These types of behaviors have resulted in both players and innocent individuals dying due to tragic and avoidable driving decisions. Additionally, some have chosen to escalate the game by using weapons such as airsoft or paintball guns instead of Nerf guns. These can obviously cause a greater amount of injury and damage to property and are not appropriate to be used in this type of scenario. If you or an individual in your home plays or is likely to participate in a game like this, advise them regularly that they should only play in safe public areas in a respectful manner. Safe driving is always more important than the game and the driver and passengers should not be playing while in the vehicle. Nerf guns or other similar toys should be brightly colored and NEVER use replica guns in public places. Finally, if encountered by law enforcement while in possession of a Nerf gun (or similar), put it down immediately and follow the instructions being given. Spending time outside with others is one of the best parts of this time of year. Using good judgement when engaging in any activity is of paramount importance to protect yourself and others. Educating younger individuals that sudden poor decisions can have long lasting consequences will help them have a summer to positively remember! Sheriff Brad Wise • Anoka County Sheriff’s Office • 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW • Andover, MN 55304 • (763) 324-5000 CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED JULY 4TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY. One stop shopping for minor home repairs, housekeeping and seasonal chores for people 60 +. We utilize independent contractors and when available volunteer groups. Call (763) 783-4767 for more details. ACCAP CHORES & MORE PROGRAM CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION (BLUEBIRD STREET NW TO XEON STREET NW) PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2024 Page 4 AndoverToday A new section of trail is planned on the south side of Crosstown Boulevard NW from Bluebird Street NW to Xeon Street NW that will be constructed this summer. The proposed Andover Senior Complex development at the southeast quadrant of Hanson Bloulevard NW and Crosstown Boulevard NW will extend this trail segment from Bluebird Street NW to Hanson Boulevard NW. A future roundabout is being contemplated with the development at Crosstown Boulevard NW and Bluebird Street NW which would provide a pedestrian crossing at that location. The future extension of the trail north is being studied and reviewed with Burlington Northern Railroad, and if the crossing of the railroad tracks is deemed feasible from a city standpoint, the trail section from Xeon Street NW to Prairie Road NW would be constructed in the near future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact David Berkowitz, Director of Public Works/City Engineer at (763) 767-5133, or Jason Law, Assistant City Engineer at (763) 767-5130. ADOPT-A-CITY STREET PROGRAMADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM The City of Andover has an Adopt-A-Park Program which allows individuals or community groups to adopt a park and keep it litter free for a two or four- year commitment. A sign will be placed in the park recognizing your contribution to the park system. If you are interested in adopting one of the available parks, please contact the Public Works Administrative Assistant at (763) 767-5175 or d.lenzmeier@andovermn.gov. The City of Andover has an Adopt-A-City Street Program which allows residents/groups to adopt and clean up a two- mile stretch of road on one of our city streets. Cleanup involves a two-year commitment, and cleanup is done twice a year, spring and fall. A sign will be placed on the street with your name or group name of who is responsible for cleaning that street. If you are interested in adopting one of the available streets, please contact the Public Works Administrative Assistant at (763) 767-5175 or d.lenzmeier@ andovermn.gov. Thank you for helping us keep the City of Andover looking great! The City has in place watering restrictions that will allow everyone to water their grass and shrubs and maintain an adequate water system. These restrictions start every year on May 1st and run through August 31st. For more information about the restrictions, please visit the City’s website at https://www.andovermn.gov/145/Water-Department or call City Hall at (763) 755-5100. WATER RESTRICTIONS REDUCING STORMWATER POND ALGAE BLOOMS Did you know that the pond in your neighborhood may be a “tool” for capturing runoff pollution from lawns and streets? The main pollutant is phosphorus which fuels plant growth and can cause algae blooms. Ponds look green plus smell badly. But, this means they are working by keeping the phosphorus out of our creeks, lakes, and rivers. If the pond isn’t smelly and just the surface is green, there could be duckweed or watermeal. These don’t usually smell and are important food for ducks and ducklings. Don’t want a smelly pond? Reduce phosphorus pollution! If you fertilize your lawn, test to see what is needed. Check out the UMN Soil Lab for process & cost: (612) 625-3101 or online at https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ testing-services/lawn-garden. Use “natural fertilizer” by grasscycling: leave grass clippings on your lawn as you mow. One inch or smaller will break down easily. Keep an unmowed strip of vegetation surrounding the pond. Plant native flowers for pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, or the endangered Rusty Patch Bumblebee. Long-rooted vegetation can help filter out pollutants before getting to the pond. Long roots also reduce soil loss from erosion. Trash dog poo! Pet waste has phosphorus and bacteria. Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District: www.cooncreekwd.org or (763) 755-0975. AndoverToday Page 5 Filings for the following offices will open Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2024: • Mayor 1 (Two-year term) • Council Members 2 (Four-year term) Candidates must be eligible voters and reside in the City of Andover. A $5 filing fee shall be paid at the time of filing. Affidavits of candidacy are to be filed with the City Clerk at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FILINGS PRIMARY ELECTION A Primary Election will be held in the City of Andover on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of nominating candidates for federal, state, county, local and judicial offices. Precinct #1 Hope Lutheran Church 16180 Round Lake Boulevard NW Precinct #2* Riverdale Assembly of God Church 3210 Bunker 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 If you are unsure of where you vote, you can 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. 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. Voters who prefer to cast their absentee ballot in person may vote at the city hall of the city in which they reside during regular office hours. Primary Election– August 13, 2024 In Person Absentee Voting Hours Monday through Friday, June 28 – August 9 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 10 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 12 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Voters who wish to vote absentee by mail can download the absentee ballot application any time at www.anokacounty. us/absenteevoting. Voters also can call (763) 324-1300 to have an absentee ballot application sent to them. SOLICITORS Solicitors, peddlers and transient merchants are required to carry a permit approved by the City. If someone approaches you at your home or if someone is selling at a location (parking lot, street corner), you can ask if they have a permit from the City. If they do not, call the non-emergency police number at (763) 427-1212 to report them. Each approved solicitor is issued a City badge with the following information on the badge: license number, expiration date, company they are representing and their name. A current list of licensed solicitors is located on the City’s website. * NOTE: PRECINCT #2 HAS CHANGED LOCATION FOR PRIMARY ELECTION Monthly activity calendars provide specific dates and times of ACC activities. Activities include: Adult Hockey 16+, Basketball, Open Skate, Pickleball, and Volleyball. 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. WALKING TRACK As a reminder, the indoor walking/jogging track hours vary this time of year based on private rentals and facility hours of operation. Monthly track hours are posted on the website. 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 to show proof of residency. Create your household account at https://acc.finnlyconnect.com/Login 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 or contact Rewa at the Andover YMCA (612) 465-0515. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to participate in many of these activities. Page 6 AndoverToday FALL PROGRAMS & LESSONS ACC INDOOR SOCCER PROGRAM The Fall Andover Community Indoor Soccer Program will be held Saturday mornings, October 5th – November 23rd (7 weeks) $95 per player. 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. Online registration will open August 5th. INTRODUCTION TO ICE SKATING - AGES 3 - 5 Introduces the sport of ice skating to youth ages 3 - 5 who have little to no skating experience. Classes held Sunday evenings, 30 minutes in length and features age appropriate, off and on-ice activities. Program meets for 4-weeks and cost is $64 per skater. Fall Session I begins September 22nd and Session II begins October 27th. Online registration opens August 1st. ICE SKATING LESSONS - AGES 3 - 15 Fall Lessons for youth ages 3 - 15 will be held Sunday evenings, September 22nd - November 17th (8 sessions) $114 per skater. Lessons include 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of optional on-ice practice. Online registration opens August 1st. Online registration available at https://acc.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activitylist. ACTIVITIES NEW FINNLYCONNECT SOFTWARE Andover Residents - the Andover Community Center will be using a new software system for Walking Track Check-In and Andover Resident Passes effective July 1, 2024. If you already have an Andover Community Center Card, do not discard, we’ll be reusing these cards with the new software. If you or a family member has registered for programs, reserved meeting rooms, or privately rented a court or ice time since September 2023 you probably already have an account on the new FinnlyConnect software system. Create or verify your FinnlyConnect account at https://acc. finnlyconnect.com/Login. Once you’ve created or verified your account, email the Community Center at accinfo@ andovermn.gov. Staff will load your 2024 unlimited Walking Track Pass and 8 FREE activity passes to your household account. For more information visit https://www.andovermn. gov/494/Andover-Resident-Special. AndoverToday Page 7 The Andover Senior Center, located in the Andover City Hall complex, conducts a variety of activities throughout the year. Functions are open to all seniors, and membership is only $10 per year. Seniors meet on the 1st Monday of the month with a pot luck lunch at noon, followed by a meeting and Bingo. The 3rd Monday of the month, seniors meet at Pizza Ranch and then play bingo at the Andover Senior Center afterwards. Seniors also meet every Friday at 1:00 p.m. for game playing (mostly cards, but are flexible and welcome new games if you want to bring something else to the group). Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. to establish your playing group. If you have questions or would like more information please call (763) 767-5159 and leave a message. This phone number is not answered, however your call will be returned as soon as messages have been retrieved (usually every Friday). The Andover Senior Center is located in the Andover City Hall building at 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Andover, MN. ANDOVER SENIOR CENTER ANDOVER HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM The intent of the Andover Home Improvement Grant Program is to pay a portion of project costs to Andover property owners who will make certain exterior improvements to the front (street side) of their home, increasing its curb appeal, which benefits the entire community. Property values less than $299,000 estimated property value based on Anoka County 2023 Assessment Year, Payable taxes in 2024 will be used to determine if a property qualifies. There are no income limits to participate in this program. However, there are eligibility requirements. Grant amounts awarded will be between $500 - $5,000. Homeowners must pay at least $1,500 (75% of project costs) of their own funds to be eligible to receive the minimum grant amount of $500 from the City. Grant dollars do not need to be repaid. Grants will equal 25% of the applicant’s individual project amounts depending upon the scope of work. If the scope of work includes qualifying projects from both categories, then the grant amount will be determined individually in each category. The combined project amount must be $2,000 or more to be eligible. Cost of tools will not be eligible for grant dollars. Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available. Grant recipients will be awarded on first come first serve basis. The Andover Economic Development Authority reserves the right to modify the program at any time. Additional information including eligibility requirements can be found on the City of Andover’s website https://www.andovermn.gov/526/Home-Improvement-Grant-Program. GIVE THANKS TO OUR NATION’S FINEST Dedicate a plaque to someone you know. Make someone’s memories last forever. A beautiful gift that keeps on giving. If you are a veteran or have a loved one who is a veteran, be a part of our memorial by having your name or veteran of your choice engraved in a granite plaque. Our beautiful Veterans Memorial is the perfect place to honor those who have served in the military for our country. For more information on how to get your plaque please refer to Veterans Memorial Policy on the City’s website at https:// www.andovermn.gov/488/Veterans-Memorial. Andover Veterans Memorial 1990 Veterans Memorial Boulevard NW, Andover, MN ANIMAL CONTROL No person shall own, keep, harbor or have custody of any dog over six (6) months of age without first obtaining a city dog license, (City Code 5-1A-2). Licenses are issued upon presentation of a current rabies certificate and the license fee of $6.00 per year. Licenses are available at the front desk at City Hall. Dogs or cats may not run at large and must be under effective control (City Code 5-1A-6). Owners are required to clean up and dispose of their pet’s excrement (City Code 5-1A-1). It shall be considered a nuisance for any animal to habitually or frequently bark or cry (City Code 5-1A-1). A resident who has a stray dog or cat contained can call 763-427-1212 (non-emergency number to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office) to have the animal picked up. Andover TodAyAndover TodAy ECRWSSRESIDENTAndover, MN 55304 POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL 1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W. Andover, MN 55304 DATED MATERIAL PRSRT STDU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 26 Anoka, MN Curbside Recycling Collection Monday - Friday, August 5th - 16th Call Certified Recycling at (952) 894-1448 to schedule a pickup. All items must be curbside and are paid for directly by the resident. Do you have large, bulky items that you want to recycle, but you don't have a way to transport them? The City of Andover has teamed up with Certified Recycling to coordinate a city-wide curbside recycling event, August 5th - 16 th, for the collection of appliances, electronics, mattresses, box springs, and more. For a complete list of items accepted along with their disposal fees, visit https://www.andovermn.gov/268/Curbside-Recycling- Pickup-Event or scan the QR code below. The City of Andover will cover the $25 trip charge, Certified Recycling charges to pick up your items. Please note, advance payment to Certified Recycling is required prior to picking up your items. Questions about the event and to schedule a pickup, contact Certified Recycling at (952) 894-1448. The deadline is the end of business day, August 15th. This curbside recycling event is available for Andover Residents only. Congratulations to the Schroepfer family for winning the City of Andover Earth Day event contest. The Schroepfer’s are enjoying their new bench made of recycled materials. Thank you for helping keep Andover clean!