HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-0910 Sept-Oct23ANDOVER TODAY
NEWSLETTER
Volume 26, Issue 5 September/October 2023
ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST:
ANOTHER FUN FEST IN THE BOOKS
WITH A NEW CHAPTER BEGINNING
A picture-perfect weather weekend set the stage for our spectacular annual
celebration! On behalf of the Committee, we want to thank everyone who came
out to attend the AFFF, as well as everyone who helped support our efforts to
provide a fun and safe weekend.
After 27 years of leading the Andover Family Fun Fest, Event Co-Chairs Bob
DeSteno and Gary Wrobel, along with Entertainment Co-Chair Nancy DeSteno,
are retiring and Angie Sedesky will continue as Event Coordinator. We are so
grateful for their dedication to creating a fun and family-friendly community event
we look forward to each summer!
Congratulations also to the winners of the various events during this year’s AFFF:
MEDALLION HUNT: Angie Kacures of Ham Lake – Congrats and a huge thank you to Premier Banks for sponsoring the
prize money!
5K WINNERS: Overall: Calvin Fiala – 17:05 and Women’s: Claire Beckman – 19:07; Thanks to Snap Fitness for your
sponsorship!
BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT: 1st Place: Jason Hendrickson & Owen Engen
ANTIQUE CAR SHOW WINNERS: 1st Place: Garth Restad - 1957 Cadillac, 2nd Place: Chad Tingvold- 1965 Chevrolet
Chevy 2, 3rd Place: Rick & Peggy Sue Fredrick - 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Thank you to Mike Orn with State Farm
Insurance for sponsoring the event!
As a committee of volunteers, the success of the AFFF depends on the help of the community. We are in need of event leads
next year – if interested in hearing more, please reach out on our Facebook page: Andover Family Fun Fest, or visit our site:
https://www.andovermn.gov > Our Community > Andover Family Fun Fest.
Left to Right, Nancy and Bob DeSteno, Gary Wrobel
On behalf of the City of Andover, thank you to the Andover Family Fun Fest Committee, the
numerous volunteers and Andover City staff members, who together, make the Andover Family
Fun Fest possible each year. Thank you, Bob, Nancy and Gary for the countless hours you’ve
contributed over the years for our community. Enjoy your retirement.
5K Fun Run Andover High School Marching Band Council Member Barthel, Mayor Bukkila, Council Member Butler
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
POLICE & FIRE
All Emergencies....911
Police....(763) 427-1212
Fire....(763) 755-9825
COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT
Ted Butler
CITY OFFICES WILL
BE CLOSED
SEPTEMBER 4Tth
IN OBSERVANCE
OF LABOR DAY.
Page 2 AndoverToday
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.
ACCAP CHORES & MORE PROGRAM ANDOVER SENIOR CENTER
HAS A NEW NUMBER
If you would like more information on our Senior Center
call (763) 767-5159 and leave a message. This number is not
answered, however your calls will be returned as soon as the
messages have been retrieved.
SPIRIT OF SERVICE
As a Council Member, I have the opportunity
to learn about a lot of the great work done in
our community through volunteers and non-
profit organizations. From booster clubs to
youth athletic associations to the all-volunteer
Andover Family Fun Fest Committee, great
works of volunteerism surround us and the
spirit of community is alive and well in
Andover.
If you haven’t found your volunteering niche
yet, though, I encourage you to do so. Beyond
the benefits to the community that come from
your efforts, did you know you’re actually
improving your own health? Along with
providing a sense of purpose and learning
new skills, the Mayo Clinic has found that
volunteering has measurable positive effects
on both physical and mental health, especially
in people over 60.
Want to learn more about volunteer
opportunities? Local schools and churches are
always looking for volunteers. The ACBC food
shelf, Youth First Community of Promise and
other nonprofits have volunteer opportunities.
Organizations focused on youth athletics and
other activities are always looking for more
people to be involved and Anoka County
has a web page dedicated to community
volunteering. Just search the web for Anoka
County volunteer opportunities.
ROADS & ROUNDABOUTS
As you’ve driven throughout Andover this
summer you have undoubtedly seen road
construction. As part of the City’s ongoing
commitment to infrastructure reinvestment, 16
miles of Andover roads have been (or are in the
process of being) resurfaced through milling
and overlaying or reconstructed. The method
of road improvement is based on the road’s age
and engineering assessment of its condition.
You may have seen the news recently that the
first roundabout on a City of Andover road will
be constructed this summer on Prairie Road
NW. Roundabouts are used for a variety of
reasons from improving traffic flow to reducing
serious accidents to slowing traffic in areas
where pedestrians and bicyclists are frequently
present. In the case of the roundabout at Prairie
Road NW and 151st Lane NW, the roundabout
is funded by the developer of the residences
on either side of Prairie Road NW. It will
calm traffic through this stretch of Prairie
Road NW and facilitate better pedestrian and
bicycle safety in the area. This has been a
good example of planning a development with
pedestrian and bicycle safety in mind.
The City continues to evaluate roundabouts in
which construction is planned for roundabouts
at the intersections of Crosstown Boulevard NW
and Nightingale Street NW and Nightingale
Street NW and Veterans Memorial Boulevard
NW in 2025. Anoka County also has plans to
construct roundabouts at Crosstown Boulevard
NW and 161st Avenue NW and 7th Avenue NW
and 165th Avenue NW in 2026, intersections
that have presented safety concerns for some
time.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY
Speaking of safety, back to school season
is upon us and I encourage everyone to
slow down just a little on your morning and
afternoon commutes, pause an extra second
at intersections to check both the street and
trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, and keep
our eyes on the road for the safety of our kids
heading to and from school.
Lastly, fall is a great season in Minnesota. Take
a moment to get out and visit one of Andover’s
parks or nature preserves and enjoy this time
of year!
AndoverToday Page 3
PARK PLACE
Jason Baumunk, Parks and Streets Operations Manager
Hopefully everyone had a fun, safe summer and had a
chance to get out and enjoy the summer weather at some of
the City’s many parks and trails. It has been a busy summer
so far with numerous projects, playground replacements,
and a few projects that will be finishing as we get closer to
fall. Along with all the current projects, there has been a lot
of planning for next summer and the years to come.
Parks Department Staff replaced two playgrounds this
summer at Hills of Bunker Lake West Park and Hidden
Creek East Park. The Hills of Bunker playground also
saw ADA improvements at the request of residents in that
neighborhood. Playground equipment gets inspected twice
a year and staff determine which ones should be replaced or
refurbished. After 15 years of age, plastics start to fade and
get brittle, rubber coated metal platforms start to rust from
the inside out, both of which can cause unseen safety issues.
This is why we attempt to replace equipment between 15-
20 years of age although on the surface they do not always
appear to need replacement.
Currently the City of Andover owns and maintains forty-
two playgrounds at various parks around the City. Over the
last five years, we have seen a 45-60% increase in costs
for equipment, wood fiber mulch and shipping costs. Due
to the drastic pricing increases, the size and selection of
the new equipment going back into the playgrounds has
become very limited. The Park & Recreation Commission,
City Council and City Staff are looking at options for
maintaining the level of amenities in our playgrounds, while
still maintaining our budgetary responsibilities. If you have
ideas, suggestions or input you would like to provide, I
encourage you to attend the Park & Recreation Commission
meetings. Every meeting starts with a Residents Forum for
residents to speak to the Commission and Staff about items
such as this.
A new playground at Lund’s
North Park was added this
year as well. The aging
main parking lot at Sunshine
Park was reconstructed in
July and is back open for
use. Also new this year will
be a medium sized shelter
at Hidden Creek North Park. This project is expected to
be finished this fall. One other large project of note is the
replacement of the wooden boardwalk at Kelsey Round Lake
Park. The new boardwalk will be much sturdier as it will
be constructed on helical piers drilled into the more stable
soils underneath the wetland. Construction on this will be
expected to be performed over the winter months.
Looking ahead to the future, the Park & Recreation
Commission and City Staff are actively looking for ways to
improve our parks and trials. Each year, the Commission,
City Staff and City Council work on reviewing and amending
our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This five-year plan
includes upcoming projects, improvements and additions
to our parks and trails. The discussions on the CIP start in
early spring at the Park & Recreation Commission meetings
and are a wonderful opportunity to provide your suggestions
or ideas for our parks and trails. The Commission and City
Staff utilize input from the public when making decisions
on improvements or changes that get added to the CIP.
Residents are welcome to attend the Park & Recreation
Commission meetings to provide input. They are held the 1st
and 3rd Thursday of most months at City Hall starting at 6:00
p.m. See www.andovermn.gov for the schedule and agendas
of upcoming meetings.
If you want to learn more information about these projects or
have questions, feel free to contact Jason Baumunk or Dave
Berkowitz at (763) 755-5100. Thank you.
Kelsey Round Lake Park Boardwalk
Weather dependent, Fall Street Sweeping will start in
September. All attempts are made to get as many of the
leaves off the streets as possible with the time allowed
before snow starts. To help keep this process as effective
and efficient as possible, please keep vehicles and other
objects off the roadway when you see the sweepers
working in your area. This includes portable basketball
hoops and hockey goals. Please do not blow your
leaves and grass clipping into the street. Keeping leaves
and grass out of storm drains is critical in preventing
phosphorus and nitrogen out of our natural waters. If you
need to dispose of leaves, you can take them to Bunker
Hills Compost Site. 13285 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon
Rapids, (763) 767-7964. Thank you.
STREET SWEEPING
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ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO PAY
YOUR HEAT & ELECTRIC BILLS?
Energy Assistance may be able to help. The Energy
Assistance program is available October 1, 2023-May 31,
2024. Contact ACCAP at (763) 783-4747
or visit our website at www.accap.org for
more informaiton. Program guidelines
and applications will become available by
September 2023.
New homeowners are reminded
that December 15, 2023 is the
deadline to file for Homestead
Classification. You can file at
the Anoka County Government
Center. A copy of your deed is
needed to file. If you have any
questions, contact Michelle at
(763) 755-5100.
QCTV WINS BIG AT THE HOMETOWN MEDIA AND TELLY AWARDS
Quad Cities Community Television (QCTV) was named the winner of two Hometown Media Awards and ten Telly Awards.
Awards Received:
• Hometown Media Awards
- Overall Excellence P.E. or G. Access $650,000 - 1,000,000: Overall Excellence
- Sports Coverage Live Competition Access Center Professional: Football Section 7AAAAA Championship
• Telly Awards
- Three Silver Awards
- Seven Bronze Awards
The Hometown Media Awards are presented by the Alliance for Community Media and recognize excellence in local
programming distributed on Public, Educational and Government (PEG) cable access channels across the country. The Telly
Awards highlight excellence in television nationally. A full list of programs awarded can
be found at www.QCTV.org/Awards.
“Our Commission is extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by QCTV
staff every day,” said QCTV Board Chair Jamie Barthel, “It is an honor to see QCTV
recognized by its colleagues nation-wide for the excellent programming they provide for
our communities.”
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.
ANDOVER COMMUNITY
GARDEN PLOT RENTERS
Now that the season is close to being over, we want
to remind the gardeners that all Garden Plots must be
cleaned and cleared out by the end of the day on
Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Please refer to your sign-up paperwork for all rules and
regulations regarding clean-up.
SOLICITORS
HOMESTEAD FILING
15200 Hanson Blvd. NW • Andover, MN 55304
Website: www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC • Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov • Main Phone: (763) 755-3238
AndoverToday Page 5
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 and to register.
Monthly activity calendars provide specific dates, times and fees of ACC activities listed below. These activities are open
to the public, no pre-registration required. Calendars available on the website. Cash, credit, ACC Punch Cards and Free
Andover Resident Passes accepted for activity admission fees. NEW admission fees go into effect September 1, 2023.
15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304
www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC eMAIL: ACCINFO@ANDOVERMN.GOV
763-755-3238
ADULT HOCKEY - 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 open pickleball times include
weekday, evening and weekend hours. Graphite paddle rental
available $3 ea. Lessons and Skills & Drills info on website.
VOLLEYBALL - Volleyball is for participants who are 14
years of age or older.
GROUP EVENTS, PARTY PACKAGES & FIELD
TRIPS Host your next group event, field trip, birthday party
or bridal/baby shower at the ACC.
WALKING TRACK - 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 -
Activities 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
Rochelle at the Andover YMCA (763) 317-9044. You do not
need to be a member of the YMCA to participate in many of
these activities.
FALL PROGRAMS & LESSONS
ACTIVITIES
INDOOR SOCCER PROGRAM
The Fall Andover Community
Indoor Soccer Program will be held
Saturday mornings, October 7th –
November 18th (6 weeks) $85 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.
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 17th
and Session II begins October 15th.
ICE SKATING LESSONS - AGES 3 - ADULT
Fall Lessons for youth ages 3 - 15 will be held Sunday
evenings, September 17th - November 12th (8 sessions) $114
per skater. Lessons include 30 minutes of instruction and 30
minutes of optional on-ice practice. Adult/Teen Lessons will
also be offered; 30 minute classes (8 sessions) $84 per skater.
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WEAPONS/HUNTING REQUIREMENTS
With hunting season approaching, the City wants to
remind residents of the restrictions regarding the discharge
of firearms and bows in Andover. The information below
is a summary of City Code 5-4 Weapons. For complete
regulations please refer to the City Code. Copies are
available at City Hall, via email, and on the City’s website
at www.andovermn.gov. The map indicates the various
zones within the City.
Prohibited Zone: The discharge of firearms and bows is
prohibited.
Restricted Zone North: To discharge a firearm, a
minimum of ten (10) acres is required. To discharge
a bow, a minimum of two and one-half (2.5) acres is
required. A Deer Hunting Permit is not required for this
zone regardless of weapon.
Restricted Zone South: Early Goose and Regular
Waterfowl Season: To discharge a firearm, a minimum
of ten (10) acres is required. Refer to the MN DNR for
specific dates and regulations. No permit is required for
goose/waterfowl hunting.
Deer Hunting - Bow: To discharge a bow, a minimum
of two and one-half (2.5) acres is required. Bow hunting
does not require a Deer Hunting Permit.
Deer Hunting - Firearm: To discharge a firearm
(shotgun only), a minimum of forty (40) acres is required
as well as a City-issued Deer Hunting Permit. A permit
is required for each hunter and all rules/regulations
established by the MN DNR apply. No discharge shall
occur within one-quarter mile of any urban development,
park, or institutional use.
Deer Hunting Permit: In order to receive a Deer
Hunting Permit, an individual must be the landowner
or an immediate family member and have written
permission from at least fifty (50) percent of adjacent
landowners.
If you are applying for a Deer Hunting Permit or have
any additional questions, please contact Jake Griffiths at
(763) 767-5142 or j.griffiths@andovermn.gov.
AndoverToday Page 7
ANDOVER IN 2ND PLACE
IN ADOPT-A-DRAIN STANDINGS!
In the first half of the 2023 Anoka County Community Adopt-a-
Drain Challenge, Columbia Heights is in the lead - but Andover
is not too far behind!
Adopt-a-Drain is an easy way for people to play an important
role in preventing water pollution by removing debris from
the top area of adopted stormdrain(s) once or twice per month.
This cleaning also keeps the drains clear to prevent local street
flooding from rainstorms or snowmelt. Cleanings take about 15
minutes each, and YOU get to name your drain! Find out more
at https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/
Be sure to report your adopted drain cleanings online to help
Andover win the coveted Golden Grabber! The Challenge runs
through October 2023. Let’s go for Gold, Andover!
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!
ADOPT-A-CITY STREET PROGRAM ADOPT-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.
GROUNDWATER, A GROWING CONCERN!
With three years of summer drought, conserving groundwater is important and can be helped by how you take care of your
lawn. There are two basic ways: infiltrate/irrigate.
Infiltrate: Having a healthy, aerated lawn with good soil can help soak in water. This includes:
• Aerate in early September so the water can get to the roots. If you belong to a homeowners association (HOA), find
out if the landscape contractor aerates the turf annually.
• Leaving the grass grow 3 inches tall before mowing, so that the roots will grow deeper taking moisture down deeper.
• Make sure your downspouts go to your yard or flower gardens.
Irrigate: Efficiency is key
1) Use the professionals tip: limit lawn watering to 1.5 inches once per week on sandy soils.
2) Make sure irrigation systems are working properly.
3) Use soil moisture sensors instead of “setting and forgetting” timers.
Whether you have a private well or City water supply, remember that you are using drinking water on your lawn when you
water it! More tips at: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/water-saving-strategies-home-lawns.
Information by the Coon Creek Watershed District; find us at www.cooncreekwd.org.
Page 8 AndoverToday
MATERIALS THAT HAVE CHARGES:
• APPLIANCES: Most - $10 each; Camper
refrigerators - $75;
Gas/Ammonia (Servel) refrigerators - $150 and up
• ELECTRONICS: Charge is determined by item/
size
• FLUORESCENT LAMPS: First 5 free per
household for Andover residents
• MATTRESSES & BOX SPRINGS: Dry and not
moldy. $20 each
CASH OR MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
City of Andover
For a complete list of items accepted
and their charges, please visit
www.andovermn.gov
• TIRES: Price depends on size
CASH OR MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
First State Tire
MATERIALS THAT ARE FREE:
• BATTERIES: Lead acid car, boat and motorcycle
rechargeable batteries - The Knights of Columbus
collect these batteries
• BICYCLES: Any condition. They are repaired
and given away
• DOCUMENT SHREDDING
• PROPANE TANKS
• SCRAP METAL: All metals must be free from
other materials
• USED EYE GLASSES: The Andover Lions
collect these. This is an ongoing project.
We can NOT accept any furniture.
Do not bring Household Hazardous Waste.
Anoka County HHW Facility (763) 324-3400
Call (763) 767-5114 with recycling questions.
ANDOVER FALL RECYCLING DAY Saturday, September 9th
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Andover Public Works - 1785 Crosstown Boulevard NW
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
Andover TodAyAndover TodAy