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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-0708 July-Aug23Volume 26, Issue 4 July/August 2023 ANDOVER TODAY NEWSLETTER MAYOR’S REPORT Sheri Bukkila 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 JULY 4TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY. This past January, we created the Critical Infrastructure Planning Committee to provide a particular time to discuss our city's critical infrastructure status . Critical infrastructure is assets, systems and networks that provide necessary functions for our continued quality of life . These complex interconnected systems divide into individual sectors . Any threats or hazards to these systems can lead to disruptions or losses, resulting in negative economic, public health or safety impacts . City government is limited to ownership of assets in the Government Facilities, Emergency Services, Transportation Systems, Water and Wastewater Systems sectors . However, we are heavily interdependent and dependent on other entities in the Communications, Commercial Facilities, Critical Manufacturing, Energy, Financial Services, Healthcare and Public Health and Information Technology sectors . Our dependencies demand partnerships and active conversations with stakeholders from each sector to maintain adequate delivery of goods and services, particularly in emergencies and disasters . To help the City of Andover identify potential threats and hazards to the City's infrastructure, we called in a Department of Homeland Security's Protective Security Advisor Program representative to perform risk assessments at crucial site locations . The Protective Security Advisor recently provided information for the City to assess capabilities . Half the battle is knowing what we can and cannot do to help us identify areas where our resources may not be adequate . The Critical Infrastructure Planning Committee strategizes how to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from any threat or hazard . Remember that we cannot avoid all risks, so we must prepare for how we handle moving through an event . To meet these goals, the Critical Infrastructure Planning Committee comprises staff from each City department and two City Council Members . The group's makeup provides a multi-disciplined panel to review potential threats to our critical infrastructure from unique vantage points to provide a robust perspective on roles and responsibilities . The goal is to flush out as many problems as possible for different scenarios. Discussion leads to identifying gaps and setting priorities to build our City's resiliency . Recommendations go before the City Council to review where items may need budget approvals to move forward . To carry out these measures to the fullest extent, the City Council, department staff, and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office representative attended two strategic planning sessions to review where the City is and how we plan to meet the City's needs well into the future . Discussions provoke decisions on overarching visions and goals for policies to guide City staff in operations. Recognizing that Andover does not work in a silo, our City relies substantially on partnerships with other government units and community-based organizations to support our goals . Together we are shifting our plans to move from a fast- growing City for the past twenty years to a well- maintained resilient City capable of responding and recovering from what lies ahead . The results of the strategic planning goals focus primarily on infrastructure and equipment maintenance, maintaining collaborative external relationships with community groups and government units, staffing retention, recruitment, and succession development . Additionally, the Fire Department requires further staffing analysis to meet the fire and medical responses . Overall, the City looks to create efficiencies and make the most of every dollar spent to provide quality services and amenities to residents. Supply chain difficulties, inflation, and an uncertain economic environment challenge achieving these goals . Having open and honest conversations outside of a regular City Council meeting allowed us the freedom to learn from each other and build consensus on the direction the City needs to go . Lastly, we need to acknowledge that many of our changes do come from lessons learned, which is essential . We know we cannot anticipate everything from pandemics to water quality issues . We can only try to improve based on what we know today, having lived through these experiences and take from that how to better prepare for tomorrow to be more resilient . I sincerely want to thank the residents of the Red Oaks Community for their involvement at the legislative level in advocating for funding in this session's bonding bill . I am sorry for the situation and all that you have gone through over the past two years . AndoverToday Page 3 SHERIFF’S REPORT Pedestrian Safety Bikes, skateboards and scooters are all great ways for kids and adults to enjoy the summer weather and get some exercise. For some younger children, it may be beneficial for them to be accompanied by an adult or older sibling . Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks, wear appropriate gear (helmets, protective clothing, etc .) and always stay focused on the road and not electronic devices . Water Safety Anoka County and the State of Minnesota have many great areas of water to cool off in the heat. Make sure that when you are swimming in pools with shallow water to enter the water feet first. It is good practice to always enter lake water feet first, no matter the depth. Children should always wear flotation devices such as life jackets and should not participate in water activities they are not strong enough to maneuver in case of emergency . Adults should appropriately assess their swimming ability and take measures to ensure they are safe in the water (swimming with a buddy, wearing a life jacket, etc .) . Additionally, swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea and can lead to unintended loss of control . Animal Safety One of the biggest threats to animal safety in the summer include leaving animals in vehicles . Did you know animals should never be kept in a vehicle, even with the car running and air conditioner on? For example . On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows slightly open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and 120 degrees after 20 minutes . If you see an animal in a car unintended, please notify Anoka County Dispatch at (763) 427-1212 or 911 . Fireworks While for some people, fireworks and summer may go hand in hand, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. However, if you are setting fireworks off at home, make sure to keep the following safety tips in mind: • Choose a location away from buildings and trees . • Never give fireworks to small children. • Be sure participants, including children and pets, stay back . • Keep a supply of water or fire extinguisher at hand. • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection . Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Open House 13301 Hanson Boulevard NW Andover, MN 55304 Thursday, September 21, 2023 4:00 P .M . - 7:00 P .M . Summer brings many welcome benefits such as sunshine, fresh air and many outdoor activities. However, while much fun is to be had, there are still important things to keep in mind to ensure you, your family and animals stay safe! Night to Unite will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 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 Page 4 AndoverToday Andover Residents were encouraged to celebrate Earth Day by cleaining up the neighborhood, a park, street or planting something . Individuals who participated were encouraged to submit photos and enter for a chance to win an outdoor bench made of recycled materials . Congratulations to the Bies family, who won the recycled plastic bench for participating in our 2023 Earth Day Event! EARTH DAY BENCH WINNER! METAL & ELEMENT RECYCLING by Kelsey Brodt If you look around your home you’ll probably find a lot of different metals & elements. Brass door knobs & bed frames, aluminum cans & foil, carbide tools, copper wires, iron railings, stainless steel kitchenware & hangers, and lithium batteries . Mining is necessary to bring us all these wonderful things . Unfortunately, sometimes mining can have devastating impacts to communities like soil, groundwater & surface water pollution. Also, there is a lot of energy used in the process of mining, transporting raw materials to a facility & processing it into the product you see today. When we recycle these products there is a significant savings! Recycling saves 90-97% of the energy. In fact, recycling one ton of aluminum cans equals the amount of energy used by a typical home in 10 years . Plus, it reduces the need for mining & potential harsh environmental impacts. How can YOU help? Recycle your metals curbside & scrap metals at the numerous drop off locations in Anoka County. Here are some tips! • Aluminum foil & food trays wiped free of food debris go curbside! • Aluminum cans go curbside but don’t flatten because that makes the sorting harder . • Have a metal lid from a glass jar? Drop that into your soup can & give it a little scrunch to hold it inside. • Aerosol cans are tricky . For example, if the product is PAM and empty it can go in your curbside bin . BUT if you have spray paint, hairspray or some other toxic chemical those need to be taken to the Anoka County Hazardous Waste center in Blaine for safe recycling because they could explode & injure workers. • All sorts of other scrap metals can be dropped off at the Andover Recycling Center. Recycling technology is improving & providing jobs to help create a better life for us all. Thanks for doing your part! Kelsey Brodt lives and works in Anoka County. She is a MN Master Naturalist & Anoka County Recycling Ambassador. She enjoys gardening, kayaking and walking with her husband, dog & cat. 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: 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 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 AndoverToday 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 . REDUCING STORMWATER POND ALGAE BLOOMS Most ponds in residential areas have been constructed as a tool for capturing runoff pollution from rainfall and snowmelt. Runoff contains anything picked up from driveways, sidewalks and streets. Most stormwater ponds are designed to capture runoff pollutants like phosphorus. Phosphorus feeds plant growth and algae, so stormwater ponds can look green and smell badly, especially in late summer or during droughts because of algae blooms. (Sometimes it’s not algae but tiny plants called duckweed or watermeal which don’t usually smell. These plants are important food for ducks and ducklings). So, if your pond is green and smelly, it is likely doing the job it is designed to do! How to reduce algal blooms? Reduce phosphorus pollution! 1 . If you fertilize your lawn, first find out if it is even 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; up to one inch in length can easily decompose . 2 . Keep an unmowed strip of vegetation surrounding the pond . Put in native plants for our 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 . 3 . Pick up the dog poo! Pet waste can contribute excessive phosphorus and bacteria . 4 . Don’t feed the ducks; their waste is a source of bacteria in our waterways. Recreational activities on stormwater ponds are not recommended because stormwater can contain sediment, nutrients, bacteria, trace metals, oil and grease, and organic contaminants such as pesticides . Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District: www .cooncreekwd .org or (763) 755-0975 We would like to hear from you! Each year the Andover Park & Recreation Commission makes recommendations on how to improve Andover’s parks. Please use the QR Code to complete a short survey and give feedback on your favorite park . PARK SURVEY Page 6 AndoverToday WATER RESTRICTIONS If you have city water, the City of Andover has water restrictions in place that allows 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. 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 (parkinglot, 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/ DocumentCenter/View/3423/Licensed-Solicitor-List If you are looking for that one special gift idea, look no further. Give Thanks To Our Nation’s Finest . Dedicate a plaque to someone you love . Make your memories last forever . Just think, 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 – www .andovermn .gov VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAQUES Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 9:30 a .m . Andover Family Fun Fest Andover City Hall Garages 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Register by July 7th! REGISTER NOW! Andover Family Fun Fest 5K Fun Run finisher medals for entrants 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 and programs . Visit www .AndoverMN .Gov/ACC for more information and to register . 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 $5 per person . Calendars available on the website . Cash, credit, ACC Punch Cards and Free Andover Resident Passes accepted for activity admission fees . 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 $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 - Visit website for specific days and Summer 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 . RESERVE PRIVATE COURT OR ICE TIME! (763) 755-3238 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 . Online registration will open August 3rd . 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 . Online registration opens August 1st . 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. Online registration opens August 1st . 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 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) 767-5109 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 .