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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-0506 May-June23Volume 26, Issue 3 May/June 2023 IT’S THE ANNUAL ARBOR DAY EVENT “TREE TIME” Saturday, May 13th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1785 Crosstown Boulevard NW Free seedlings will be dispersed to Andover residents To see the map of the location of the event, species of seedlings to be dispersed and for helpful tips prior to picking them up, visit the website and follow the links “Your Government,” “Natural Resources” and “Seedlings.” With questions, contact Kameron, Natural Resources Technician at (763) 767-5137. 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. Please review your garden plot rules before planting. For those of you that have rented a Garden Plot this year. Planting begins May 1st. Weather Permitting. NOTE: If you purchase a plot but do not plant anything in the plot by May 22nd, your plot will be offered to others on our waiting list. ANDOVER TODAY NEWSLETTER ANDOVER SPRING RECYCLING DAY Saturday, May 13th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m Andover Public Works - 1785 Crosstown Boulevard NW COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT RICK ENGELHARDT 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 POLICE & FIRE All Emergencies....911 Police....(763) 427-1212 Fire....(763) 755-9825 CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MAY 29Tth IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY. We’ve moved through spring, and shortly will be well into summer after the long winter that we all thought would never end. As our winter cleanup wraps up, we can look forward to the start of many summer projects such as landscaping, home improvements and repairs as well as some well-earned spring and summer events and well-deserved relaxation. In this edition of the Andover Today newsletter you’ll see a few references to resources and expertise regarding a variety of spring and summer projects and recreation endeavors. If you’re looking to knock a few items off your To Do List, you can start with a few things around the house. Whether the project is big or small there are several guides and project references to give you a nice path and ensure that the important or vital items such as permits inspections clearances are available both online and at the City Hall. Projects such as decks, fences, and other household modifications, are key items to check before you start. Project guides, references or getting advice from the appropriate inspector or a staff member can often save several headaches and problems. Lawn and garden projects can present their own unique challenges and troubles. Resources such as tree, plant and lawn care references can help answer questions before things become a problem. Simple items such as tree or lawn pests, invasive plants, or pond, lake and flood spillway maintenance guidance can be provided to prevent future problems such as shore erosion, or restoration of native plants and grasses. A friendly reminder, please recycle or compost yard waste, keeping these materials out of the storm drains and sewers help keep the system clear and functional. As for relaxation, Andover has over 60 parks, and 4 Nature Preserves to enjoy. Each park and preserve has its own unique personality and amenities such as play fields, ball fields, walking trails, wildlife viewing and breathtaking views of the Minnesota landscapes and wildlife. If there’s interest in a bit more immersive experience, there are an abundance of volunteer and other opportunities through the summer months. Congratulations’ Class of 2023 Andover residents who attend Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Legacy and St Francis High Schools, congratulations to the graduating class of 2023! It’s a day to celebrate with your family and friends sharing the journey you’ve completed. Graduation day is a day you’ve been waiting for since starting Kindergarten so many years ago. This is a major step in your life that you may not realize right away as you start to build your story. The journey to graduation is the first adventure of your lives, one that should be recognized for its tremendous significance. For some of you, it’s waiting to get out of school and get on with life. For many others, high school graduation is a leading step in your education journey. You are headed to a university, community college, apprenticeship, or military training - to the overwhelming task of preparing for or beginning the career you want to pursue. For all of you, as you put away your caps and gowns, and show off your diplomas and mementos, remember your pride, the hard work, and sacrifice. Congratulations again to each of you, best wishes and much success as your journey continues. May you all succeed in your future goals. SUMMERTIME, WE MISSED YOU MOST OF ALL AndoverToday Page 3 The Building Department has construction guides and helpful information on the City’s website to help you through your project. These handouts include information on basement finishes, decks, residential accessory structures, reroofing, residing (including how to remove a water meter radio), swimming pools, electrical inspections, additions onto your house or garage and more. These handouts are on the City of Andover’s website under the Building Department or at https://www.andovermn. gov/384/Construction-Guides-Helpful-Information. The Building Department can assist you with a copy of your survey (if one is on file). If you have any questions about your upcoming project, please call the Andover Building Department. ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT A NEW GARAGE OR DECK THIS SUMMER? ANDY SLOTH (763) 421-2360 Office Hours: M-F 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Electrical Inspections can also be scheduled online at www.slothinspections.com 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 $293,000 estimated property value based on Anoka County 2022 Assessment Year, Payable taxes in 2023 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 under News & Upcoming Events at www.andovermn.gov. ANDOVER ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR ANDOVER BUILDING DEPARTMENT Office Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (763) 755-8700 Online permit applications available at: www.andovermn.gov/132/Building-Department Email at building@andovermn.gov Summer’s Great Community Get Together: Andover Family Fun Fest Lauren Bertilson, AFFF Committee Member We are just 2 months away from this year’s festival and planning is in full swing! Mark your summer calendars for Friday and Saturday, July 7th & 8th for a weekend of family- friendly activities, parade, great food, live music and fireworks! We’re looking forward to celebrating our community with you! Our weekend schedule is full of engaging and exciting events for all ages. You can look forward to the mainstay favorites like bingo, Craft & Gift Show, Classic Car Show, and the Magic Bounce Fun Zone. A returning attraction this year after a few-year absence is the MN Zoomobile. We’re excited to have them on Saturday from 2 - 4 p.m. to showcase animals and learn from a MN Zoo ambassador! Visit the AFFF Facebook page or website at https://www.andovermn.gov/252/Andover-Family-Fun-Fest for registration links to the parade, community booths, Fun Run 5k, bean bag tournament and baby crawling contest. For more updates and information regarding the AFFF, please follow our Facebook page, Andover Family Fun Fest. Page 4 AndoverToday The City of Andover has an annual program that is completed on local City streets, trails, and parking lots to help prolong the life of the pavement infrastructure. Crack sealing is completed on City streets and parking lots. The sealant is covered with a paper product to reduce tracking of the material as it cools. Crack sealing helps keep water and incompressible material from entering the pavement structure. Crack sealing will take place sometime between late April to late July, with the work taking about one week. Residential areas being crack sealed this summer include: Andover Station, Andover Station North, Alladin Acres, Enchanted Drive Area, City Hall Complex, Woodland Estates 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th Additions, Country Oaks North 4th Addition, Villas at Crosstown Woods 1st & 2nd Additions, Meadows at Nightingale, Catcher’s Creek East, Catcher’s Creek West and Shadowbrook North. There are also several City parks and publicly owned areas being crack sealed. Fog sealing includes spraying asphalt emulsion on trails and parking lots. The emulsion is absorbed by the asphalt and protects the pavement from oxidation and weathering. As it can take several hours, up to a full day to dry (weather dependent), City streets are not currently fog sealed. With faster setting products being studied, this could be a potential maintenance activity for City streets in the future. Fog sealing of trails and parking lots will take place sometime between mid June to late August, with the contractor being in town for about one week. City trails and parking lots are fog sealed on a 3-year rotating basis. The City is working on additional trail connections. Design and easement acquisition is on-going for a trail segment planned on the south side of Crosstown Boulevard from Hanson Boulevard NW to Prairie Road NW and north along the east side of Crosstown Boulevard NW from 157th Avenue NW to the new trail access constructed north of Fire Station #3 into the Villas of Crosstown Woods. Depending on easement acquisitions, it is possible that when construction occurs in 2024 the sections of trails that will be built will be along the south side of Crosstown Boulevard NW from Bluebird Street NW to Xeon Street NW, and on the east side of Crosstown Boulevard NW from 157th Avenue to north of Fire Station #3 until additional easements can be acquired. There will also be some minor trail improvements constructed along Prairie Road NW at 151st Lane NW in conjunction with the Fields of Winslow Cove housing development. Other projects of interest that are referred to as 2023 street projects include street mill and overlay construction of approximately 7.1 miles of streets in various locations throughout the City, full street reconstruction in the Oak Bluff neighborhood which is generally located east of Hanson Boulevard NW and along 148th Lane NW and a full depth reclamation and repaving project of approximately 6.5 miles of streets which are generally located south of Crosstown Boulevard NW, east of Hanson Boulevard NW, north of Coon Creek and west of Xeon Street NW. For more information on the City’s 2023 street projects, please refer to the City of Andover website on the Engineering Department page, then the Project Updates section (https:// www.andovermn.gov/148/Construction-Updates). There is a GIS viewer that highlights projects, with additional details in the project specific links located in the left margin on this webpage. For questions relating to these projects contact David Berkowitz at (763) 767-5133 or Jason Law at (763) 767-5130 in the Andover Engineering Department. For those on municipal water, the 2022 Water Quality Report or otherwise known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available on the City of Andover web site. If you would like a hard copy of the report you can get it by printing it off the web site, stopping by City Hall to pick it up or by calling (763) 755-5100 and requesting a copy to be mailed to you. The direct link to the CCR is: https://www.andovermn.gov/Docu- mentCenter/View/5627/2023-Water- Quality-Report-for-2022 2023 STREET, TRAIL & PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE MONTHLY RECYCLING On the second Saturday of each month there is recycling for a charge: appliances, electronics, fluorescent bulbs and mattresses. Free paper shredding is available as well. Future dates are: June 10th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th & December 9th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Andover Recycling Center, 1825 Crosstown Boulevard NW Call (763) 767-5114 with questions or email: s.morgan@andovermn.gov 2022 WATER QUALITY REPORT AndoverToday Page 5 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 Danielle Lenzmeier, 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 Danielle Lenzmeier, Public Works Administrative Assistant at (763) 767-5175 or d.lenzmeier@andovermn.gov. Purple Park/City Hall Park PARK PLACE Jason Baumunk, Parks & Streets Operations Manager Now that the snow might finally be over, I would like to take a few minutes to let you know about some of the new and existing opportunities to get out and enjoy our park system. After this long and nearly record-breaking winter that brought us over 7 feet of snow, I’m sure we all are ready for spring and summer to get here. For this summer, here are some of the major projects that will be taking place in our parks. • The playground at Hidden Creek East is getting a full replacement as it is going on 21 years old. New equipment, swings and wood fiber mulch will be installed early this summer. • The playground at Hills of Bunker Lake West Park is getting a full replacement as well. This playground will see ADA accessible upgrades after much input from the surrounding neighborhood. This will also see the wood fiber mulch replaced in the process. • Lund’s North Park will have a playground added this summer as well. Currently there is only a baseball field at that location. After discussions with many in the neighborhood, the Park & Recreation Commission decided to add a playground to that park. • Staff was awarded a MNDNR grant to replace the aging boardwalk at Kelsey Round Lake Park trail system. This boardwalk will be replaced later this year with a much sturdier and more stable boardwalk constructed on helical piers screwed deep into the solid ground underneath the wetland. • A new picnic shelter is scheduled to be added to the Hidden Creek North Park in 2023. Staff is currently working through the design and bid process for this project. Staff received several survey results from the previous newsletter QR code survey link. All the responses were complied and presented to the Park & Recreation Commission. Public input is very valuable to the Commission and staff to help make decisions on the future improvement or changes to the City’s park system. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. If you have input on any parks or trail improvements, additions, or changes, attending a Park & Recreation Commission meeting is a great opportunity to give your input. The meetings are held at City Hall on the first and third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. of most months. At the beginning of each meeting there is time for resident input. Although they are formal meetings, they are a very relaxed environment for you to present you ideas to the Commission and to staff. Check the City of Andover website for meeting dates. If you want to learn more information about any of these projects, feel free to contact Jason Baumunk or Dave Berkowitz at (763) 755-5100. You can find a free park and trail map on the City’s website www.andovermn.gov or stop by City Hall. Another good resource is an interactive map from Anoka County where you can find more information about local parks and trails. https://gis.anokacountymn.gov/GoAnoka/ Page 6 AndoverToday POLLUTION PREVENTION IN STORM SEWER Did you know that anything not naturally occurring in stormwater running off into the street is considered a pollutant and can negatively impact wildlife and water quality in our waterways? Perhaps you spill fertilizer or paint and wash it into the street,or blow grass clippings or leaves into the curb and gutter. Another example is pet waste from not picking up after your dog. These are called Illicit Discharges - “any discharge to a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, with some exceptions,” such as firefighting or permitted discharges (Andover City Code 10-7). The County compost site accepts grass clippings & leaves which could also just be left on the lawn to add natural fertilizer to the soil. If you see anyone dumping or disposing materials into a storm drain or the street it should be reported to Andover Engineering Department at (763) 755-5100. Call 911 if you think it’s an emergency. The Fire Department handles emergency responses for contamination and spills. Thanks for doing your part to keep it clean! The City has once again hired a contractor who will offer a discounted rate for injecting eligible ash trees to help protect them from falling victim to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). If you have ash trees that are worthy of saving, now is the time to get them treated or retreated. For more information on this program, go to: www.andovermn. gov and click on the links “Your Government” “Natural Resources” “EAB,” “City Ash Injection Program” ASH INJECTION PROGRAM WATER RESTRICTIONS 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 runs through August 31st. For more information about the restrictions, please checkout the City’s website at www.andovermn.gov - Summer Water Restriction Information - City of Andover Code 10-1-13 Deficiency of Water or call City Hall at (763) 755-5100. For more information, visit https://www.andovermn.gov/525/Earth-Day-2023 Perfect the art of recycling with Anoka County’s free six-week program led by industry experts. Gain the skills to understand and overcome the tricky apects of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Upcoming Class: June 13 - July 25 Held virtually on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. AndoverToday Page 7 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. Visit www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC for more information. ACTIVITIES 15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304 www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC eMAIL: ACCINFO@ANDOVERMN.GOV 763-755-3238 QCTV is thrilled to be bringing you live regular-season coverage of the Andover Huskies’ spring sporting events! We will be covering baseball, softball, lacrosse and more! As summer arrives, you can look forward to coverage of games from the Andover Aces and Andover American Legion Baseball teams. We also spotlight sports we are not able to cover in our show, At the Half, hosted by students from our local schools! Look out for that program during halftime of games we cover! QCTV is also excited to continue to provide live coverage of the Andover High School 2023 Graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 4th at 7:00 p.m.! You can catch all the action on QCTV’s YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/QCTV, our website at www.QCTV.org/LIVE, and Comcast Channel HD859/SD15! QCTV SPRING/SUMMER LIVE EVENTS 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 $3 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. 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. WALKING TRACK - The indoor walking/jogging track Summer hours will begin in May. Visit website for specific days/hours. 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. CALL (763) 755-3238 TO RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE COURT OR ICE. 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 at https://www.andovermn.gov/233/ Licenses-Permits 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 ANDOVER’S ANNUAL CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE May 11th - 13th (Thursday – Saturday) Sale hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration deadline is May 5th. Maps will be available on the City’s website and at City Hall by May 10th. There is no cost to participate. Advertising will be on the City’s Website, Craigslist and other free sites. 2023 CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE REGISTRATION FORM Name: Address: Phone: Email address: Items for sale (list up to 5 items): Days of Sale: (Please circle all that apply) Thursday Friday Saturday Please return completed form to: City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd, NW, Andover, MN 55304