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Home My WebLink About2025-0708 July-AugVolume 28, Issue 4 July/August 2025 ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST 5K REGISTRATIONHAS MOVED TO ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY! https://raceroster.com/events/2025/103093/andover-family-fun-fest-5k YMCA / Comm. Center GroundsMain Stage 10 - 9:30 Jump City $ 2 - 5 Classic Car Show 2:30 - 3 Karate Demo Premier Karate 4 - 5 Gary LaRue 6 - 8 Whiskey & Water Main Grounds 9:00 Morning Yoga Under beanbag tent 10:00 Baby Crawling Contest 12 - 8 Community Booths 1 - 3 Craig Carlson Strolling Entertainment 1:30 Beanbag Tournament $ 2 - 6:30 Silent Auction $ 2 - 9 Bingo $ Food Vendors Friday 5 - 11 PM Saturday 10 am - 11:30 PM Lions Beer Tent Friday 5 - 11 PM Saturday 12 - 11:30 PM Fireworks showSunshine Park | Saturday, 10:00 -10:15pm 11 - 12:30 Gymnastics Demo Jam Hops 1 - 2 Big Fun Show 3 - 4 Brian Richards Magic Show 5 - 6 Dark Horse Blues Band 8 - 11:30 Street Dance “The Law” Events Schedule July 11 - 12, 2025 www.andovermn.gov > My Community > Andover Family Fun Fest Andover Family Fun Fest 12 - 1:30 Emergency Vehicle Display 12:30 - 2:30 Meet & Greets (indoors) Spiderman & Merida 1 - 3 Raptor Center 1 - 4 Safety Demo by Connexus Energy 4 - 6 MN Zoomobile Entertainment TentDINING Tent SATURDAY 8 am-11:30pm 2:30 - 5:30 Facepaint & Balloon Art A Touch of Magic Friday 5-11pm 5:00 8:00 Community Booths 5:00 6:15 Battle of the Bands by Bach to Rock (Entertainment Tent) 5:30 7:30 Caricature Artist (dining tent) 5:30 7:30 Belle Meet & Greet (outside Dining Tent) 5:00 9:30 Jump City $ 6:00 9:00 Bingo $ 7:00 8:00 Todd Anderson as Garth Brooks (Entertainment Tent) 8:00 11:00 Street Dance “Rockin’ Hollywoods” Andover Elementary Craft & Gift Show Saturday 10 AM - 5 pm INDOORS - COMM CENTER 5k Fun run/walk Sat:8am* Kids 1/2 mile fun run 9:15am *Pre-reg req’d ANDOVER TODAYNEWSLETTER ANDOVER CITY OFFICIALS MAYOR Jamie Barthel (612) 669-7512 cm.barthel@andovermn.gov COUNCIL MEMBERS Rick Engelhardt (612) 889-8097 cm.engelhardt@andovermn.gov Karen Godfrey (612) 670-3186 cm.godfrey@andovermn.gov Scott Schue (763) 276-3493 cm.schue@andovermn.gov Jonathan Shafto (651) 387-2728 cm.shafto@andovermn.gov CITY HALL 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW Main Phone: (763) 755-5100 Fax Number: (763) 755-8923 COMMUNITY CENTER 15200 Hanson Boulevard NW Main Phone: (763) 755-3238 Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov POLICE & FIRE All Emergencies: 911 Police: (763) 427-1212 Fire: (763) 755-9825 Scott SchueCOUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED: FRIDAY, JULY 4TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY. Page 2 AndoverToday Construction in Andover: Building a Brighter Future What's happening with all the construction around town? Whether it's the expansion at Walmart to better serve shoppers who utilize customer pickup, the new Chase Bank building, or the Starbucks under construction at Clocktower Commons, Andover is buzzing with development. This growth brings exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors—more jobs, more services and a stronger local economy. When businesses thrive in Andover, we all benefit! We encourage you to support our local businesses, including recent additions and expansions at Clocktower Commons like the recently opened Chipotle and 304 Bakery, and the recently completed expansion at White Rabbit Kitchen. Please also continue to support our long-standing local favorites throughout the community. On the residential front, Andover has already issued 51 new home permits this year, reflecting our community’s ongoing growth. We're also thrilled about the groundbreaking of Crosstown Landing, a new senior living facility that will offer independent living, assisted living,and memory care options. This project addresses a significant need in our community, allowing our cherished seniors to remain close to family and friends while accessing high-quality care and amenities. Beyond buildings, our City's infrastructure is also undergoing significant improvements this year. The roundabout project at Nightingale Street NW and Crosstown Boulevard NW and Nightingale Street NW and Veterans Memorial Boulevard NW is currently underway, with this section of roadway closed until the end of August. In total, the City has 12.5 miles of street construction activities planned for this summer, including full street construction, full-depth reclamation and mill and overlay projects. If you're interested in seeing if your road is planned for construction in the next five years, please refer to the City of Andover webpage and search for the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan for details. Naturally, development can bring challenges such as increased traffic, demands on schools and public services, noise and other concerns. Our City works hard to balance the rights of property owners and developers with the needs of the community. Through the efforts of our Economic Development Authority, City Advisory Commissions, along with City Administration and the City Council, Andover strives to manage growth responsibly and mitigate any negative impacts, always within the framework of the law. Together, we’re building a vibrant future for Andover. ACCAP CHORES & MORE PROGRAM Do you have a desire to give back to the community? Consider volunteering with the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP). One of the programs offered through ACCAP is the Chores & More Program. This program assists seniors, ages 60 and older with housekeeping, minor home repairs and seasonal chores. For some people, Chores & More is a solution to a temporary situation such as an illness, injury or a recent hospital stay. For others, this program becomes an essential service to help people remain living safely and independently in their own homes. If you or someone you know is interested in these services, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact the ACCAP Chores and More staff at (763) 783-4767. SHERIFF’S REPORT AndoverToday Page 3 Night to Unite 2025 is happening on Tuesday, August 5th! This annual event is all about building strong, safe, and united neighborhoods while strengthening police-community relationships. Hosting can be as simple as turning on your outside lights, locking your doors, and inviting your neighbors over for a gathering. If you’re planning to host a party for your neighborhood, you can register with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office by scanning the QR Code above or by visiting https://www.anokacountymn.gov/1979/Night-to-Unite. 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover Tuesday, September 23rd 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE OPEN HOUSE Sheriff Brad Wise and the staff of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office invite the public to come and experience the office, as well as the services provided to the citizens of Anoka County. Demonstrations, displays and opportunities to interact with some of the County’s public safety partners will also be available. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local area food trucks. Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. The public is urged to safely drop off unused prescription drugs at public disposal locations. Saving unused or expired medications can lead to improper and illegal use if they fall into the wrong hands. A safer solution is to immediately dispose of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine as soon as it expires or when it is no longer needed. Before discarding any medicine, review any specific disposal instructions from your healthcare provider. Follow any directions provided and contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist with any disposal questions. Before disposing of any bottles or medication packaging, make sure all personal information has been removed including name and prescription number. Drug Take-Back Sites The best way to dispose of most types of unused or expired medicines is to drop off the medicine at a drug take-back site, location, or program immediately. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collects and safely disposes of all medications dropped off at all drug take-back sites. The DEA maintains a list of permanent collection sites on the Diversion Control Division website, or residents can call 1-800-882-9539 for assistance locating a collection point. Before disposing of prescription medicines, be sure to remove all personal information on bottle labels and medicine packaging. All medicines dropped off at the take-back locations will be destroyed, including medicines that contain controlled substances. The DEA also hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events in April and October. Visit DEATakeBack.com for participating collection sites. Sheriff Brad Wise • Anoka County Sheriff’s Office • 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW • Andover, MN 55304 • (763) 324-5000 scan to register Keep your neighborhood clean and protect local waterways. Sign up today! Sign up at www.mn.adopt- a-drain.org which includes a map of adoptable drains in your neighborhood. Help the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) achieve clean lakes & rivers. The LRRWMO is a special purpose unit of government made up of three Cities: Andover, Anoka and Ramsey. Its purpose is to manage the area’s waters, particularly those that flow across City boundaries. 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 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. ADOPT-A-CITY STREET AND ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM 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. 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 streets or parks, 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! Page 4 AndoverToday SIGN UP TO ADOPT A STORM DRAIN! Website: www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC • Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov • Main Phone: (763) 755-3238 The Andover Community Center offers drop-in activities open to the public, no pre-registration required. Admission is $7 per person. Cash, credit, ACC Punch Cards and Free Andover Resident Passes accepted for activity admission fees. Monthly activity calendars provide specific dates and times of ACC activities. Visit www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC for more information. Register for programs at https://acc.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activitylist. AndoverToday Page 5 OPEN HOCKEY - Weekday Adult Hockey 16+ and Youth Hockey sessions available throughout the summer. Gloves and helmets are required. Goalies skate for 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. VOLLEYBALL - Volleyball is for participants who are 14 years of age or older. WALKING TRACK - The indoor walking/jogging track is open daily, see website for summer hours. Hours will be based on facility usage. 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. ACC INDOOR SOCCER PROGRAM - The Fall Indoor Youth Soccer Program is for youth ages 4 - 9. Program will be held Saturday mornings, October 4th – November 15th (6 weeks) $87 per player. This recreational program 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. ICE SKATING LESSONS - Fall lessons for youth ages 3 - 15 will be held Sunday evenings, October 5th - November 16th (6 sessions) $96 per skater. Lessons include 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of optional on-ice practice. Online registration opens August 7th. INTRODUCTION TO ICE SKATING - 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 3-weeks and cost is $56 per skater. Fall Session I begins October 5th and Session II begins November 2nd. Online registration opens August 7th. $7 Admission, FREE Skate Rental available during Family Fun Skate Nights. Wear your Pajama’s and your favorite sports wear! Skate Director, Ashley and coaches will be available to provide tips to improve skating skills, enjoy refreshments, music, and prize drawings for youth ages 15 and younger. Sponsored by Andover Youth Hockey Association and the Andover Community Center. TUESDAY, JULY 15TH 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER FAMILY FUN ICE SKATE NIGHTS MONDAY, AUGUST 18TH 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Page 6 AndoverToday SAVE THE DATE! CURBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION Do you have large, bulky items like an appliance, treadmill or mattress 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 for the collection of appliances, electronics, mattresses and box springs and more. Simply call Certified Recycling at (952) 894-1448 to schedule the pickup between August 4th - 15th. Deadline is end of business day August 15th. Advance payment to Certified Recycling will be required. The $25 trip charge fee is being covered by the City of Andover Recycling and is funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment). This curbside recycling event is for Andover residents only. MONDAY - FRIDAY, AUGUST 4th - 15th Call Certified Recycling at (952) 894-1448 to schedule a pickup. All items must be curbside and are paid for directly by the resident. SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS Did you know that building permits are required for pools and spas that exceed both 5,000 gallons in capacity and 24-inch depth. The building permit for a pool includes the required fence or access barrier permit. SWIMMING POOLS MUST NOT BE CONSTRUCTED: • In or over drainage, utility and other public easements.• At an elevation lower than the highest known ground water elevation. • Closer than six feet (6') from a principal structure. • Below electrical power utility lines or over underground utility lines of any type. • Within twenty feet (20') of any part of a septic system or alternate drain field. All outdoor swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a non-climbable fence, wall or equal barrier, so as not to be penetrable by toddlers. The fence shall offer no external handholds or footholds and shall be a minimum of four feet (4’) in height. Swimming pool covers, including latch-able, lockable or safety covers, are not allowed as a substitute for a required swimming pool fence. OUTDOOR SPAS AND HOT TUBS: All outdoor spas and hot tubs shall either have a pool fence installed or a latch-able, lockable cover. The cover should be constructed of a material not penetrable by toddlers and is subject to inspection by the Building Inspector. FENCE PERMIT & SURETY: When a swimming pool contractor is not responsible for construction of a required pool fence, a $2,500.00 surety/escrow must be submitted to the City by the property owner prior to issuance of a building permit for a pool. The surety may be paid by credit card, cashier’s check or cash deposit. The surety will be reimbursed after final inspection approval of the fenced swimming pool. SOLICITORS Solicitors, peddlers, transient merchants and food trucks 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. AndoverToday Page 7 America honors its veterans because they have served with courage, honor and commitment. 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, please refer to Veterans Memorial Policy on the City’s website – https://www. andovermn.gov/488/Veterans-Memorial. VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAQUES ANDOVER SENIOR GROUP COME JOIN US! We meet for social interaction and fun in the afternoons of the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month and every Friday for game day at the Senior Center next door to City Hall. If you wish to join seniors for fun and want more information you can call (763) 767-5159 and leave your name/number and we will return your call as soon as we retrieve the message. 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 are eligible based on Anoka County 2025 Assessment Year Payable Taxes in 2025. 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 at https://www.andovermn.gov/526/Home- Improvement-Grant-Program. ANDOVER HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM 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 Page 8 AndoverToday Andover TodAyAndover TodAy