HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15 CC
REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JULY 15, 2025
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor
Barthel, July 15, 2025, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW,
Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt, Karen Godfrey, Scott Schue, and Jonathan Shafto
Councilmember absent: None
Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton
City Attorney, Scott Baumgartner
Fire Chief, Dennis Jones
Associate Planner, Aidan Breen
Planning Intern, Emma Remillard
Others
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RESIDENT FORUM
No one came forward to address the Council.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 24, 2025, Workshop Meeting: Correct as amended
July 1, 2025, Regular Meeting: Correct as written
Councilmember Shafto clarified what he said in the Workshop Meeting minutes on page five, line
ten, by stating that he meant that they should consider the time value of money and the longer they
leave money sitting in the account, the less purchasing power they will have in the long run.
Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the June 24, 2025, Workshop meeting
minutes as amended and the July 1, 2025, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – July 15, 2025
Page 2
1. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Approve Payment of Claims
B. Approve Debt Service Payments
C. Declare Surplus Property/Equipment
D. Approve Park Exclusive Use Permit
E. Approve Change Order #1/23-18, Nightingale St. NW & Crosstown Blvd. NW
Roundabout & 23-19, Nightingale St. NW & Veterans Memorial Blvd. NW Roundabout
(See Resolution R067-25)
F. Award Bid/25-30, Removal & Replacement of Bituminous Basketball Court at Sunshine
Park & 25-27, Sunshine Park South Parking Lot Mill & Overlay (See Resolution R068-
25)
G. Approve Resolution Accepting Anoka County Recycling Grant
H. Approve Lease Renewal Addendum/Crooked Lake Concessions LLC
I. Receive June 2025 General Fund Progress Report
J. Receive June 2025 City Investment Report
K. Receive 2nd Quarter Community Center Update
L. Approve City Code Amendment/Title 3, Chapter 11 Cannabis Business Operations
(Ordinance 578)
M. Approve Preliminary Retail Registration/Cannabis Business Retailer/14029 Round Lake
Boulevard
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion
carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT
Commander Paul Lenzmeier provided a monthly report including 1,138 calls for service in the
month of June, which is the most calls they have responded to in a single month year-to-date. He
shared they responded to one burglary and eight thefts. He explained with a high volume of calls
for service, their proactive enforcement decreased for the month; however, they are still at the
highest number of traffic stops and arrests over the last five years. He noted the following
rd
significant event, which took place on June 23 at 1:55 a.m., where a license plate reading picked
up a stolen vehicle traveling west on Bunker Lake Boulevard. He shared a deputy was able to
position himself by the railroad tracks to catch the stolen vehicle, which led to a pursuit of the
vehicle, ending with the driver and passenger fleeing on foot. He noted there was one passenger
left in the vehicle who had a felony warrant for check forgery. He said the two suspects who fled
on foot and were unable to be located at this time. He shared later that morning, around 5:00 a.m.,
they received a call from a resident who said her doorbell camera had picked up a man crawling
under her porch to hide. He stated when deputies arrived, they found the driver of the stolen vehicle
sleeping under this resident’s porch. He shared the suspect was captured and arrested. He added
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – July 15, 2025
Page 3
they had two K-9s that passed K-9 school in the month of June. He shared they will be working in
apprehension and narcotics. He explained this will be his last month presenting to the Council as
he will be transferring to the Criminal Investigation Division in August. He said he is excited about
this opportunity but will miss being the Sheriff’s Department liaison to Andover. He thanked the
Council for all of their support throughout the years. He introduced Commander Brent Erikson,
who is coming from the Criminal Investigation Division.
Commander Erikson introduced himself to the Council and gave a brief background on his time in
the Sheriff’s Office.
Councilmember Schue asked about the two incidents for the month of June that were classified as
stabbing/gunshots. Mr. Lenzmeier shared there was an incident where a 15-year-old accidentally
shot himself, and the second incident was a suicide.
Councilmember Schue noted there is a category listed for suicides and one for suicide-P. He asked
what the difference was between these two. Mr. Lenzmeier said that the P stands for priority,
meaning the call could be for someone who is having suicidal thoughts or actions.
Councilmember Engelhardt shared his appreciation for Mr. Lenzmeier and his service to Andover
over the years. He wished him well in his new role.
Mayor Barthel shared that Mr. Lenzmeier has been phenomenal to work with over the years and
thanked him for his heart and what he has done for the City of Andover. He said the City will miss
him tremendously.
B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT
Fire Chief Jones reviewed the Fire Department's monthly report for June. He said June has been
the busiest month so far this year, and was the busiest June they have on record. He shared there
were 195 calls for service, 142 of which were calls for EMS, 40 for fire responses, and 13 motor
vehicle accident responses. He added they gave mutual aid to Anoka, Blaine, and St. Francis
throughout the month. He stated there have been 931 calls for service since the beginning of the
year. He shared they added five additional paid-on-call firefighters during the month of June,
making their total number of paid-on-call firefighters 55. He noted they completed 27 inspections
and plan reviews during June, making the yearly total 119. He added there have been 11 fire
investigations so far this year with six investigators. He shared they completed 651 hours of fire
and EMS training in June. He stated they have several new firefighters currently going through
training. He noted they have a new fire engine that is being built and they are expecting it to be
delivered by the end of September.
Councilmember Shafto asked if they have access to the June 2024 data. Mr. Jones said yes.
Councilmember Shafto said he would be interested to see previous years’ data in future reports so
they can look at the trends year-over-year.
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – July 15, 2025
Page 4
Councilmember Engelhardt asked when the new fire engine was ordered. Mr. Jones said it was
ordered about two years ago.
Mayor Barthel thanked Mr. Jones for the monthly update. He agreed with Councilmember Shafto
that he would like to see data from the previous year so they can identify trends. He encouraged
Mr. Jones to report on any significant events that happened throughout the month in future reports.
C. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT - CITY CODE 12-7: FENCES AND
WALLS - CITY OF ANDOVER (APPLICANT)
The City Council is requested to consider the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning
Commission to approve the code amendment with an additional clause regarding privacy screen
dimensions, and to make a decision on the proposed city code amendment.
Planning Intern Remillard reviewed the Staff report in regard to amending City Code for fences
and walls to allow for privacy screening on chain link fences. She shared the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s recommendation for approval.
Councilmember Shafto asked if screening on chicken wire is covered under this amendment.
Associate Planner Breen shared that chicken wire is addressed in a separate area of the fence code,
and that it is permitted for a permitted chicken coop.
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Ordinance No. 579, approving amendments to
the City Code Title 12: Zoning Regulations, Chapter 7, Fences and Walls.
Further discussion:
Councilmember Godfrey thanked Staff for taking the very lengthy discussion from the Planning
and Zoning Commission and framing it in a positive manner that is consistent with Code.
Mayor Barthel shared it was extremely wise of the Planning and Zoning Commission to add that
the screening should not exceed the size of the fence, as this is not something he would have
thought of.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. STAFF ITEMS
A. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
City Staff updated the Council on the administration and city department activities, legislative
updates, updates on development/CIP projects, and meeting reminders/community events.
(Administrative Staff Report) City Administrator Cotton reviewed the Administrative Staff report
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – July 15, 2025
Page 5
with the Council. She shared they will be adding an item to the upcoming Workshop Meeting as
they have seen an increased number of motorized bicycles on roads. She noted this is extremely
dangerous and is not allowed in Statute, so the Council will be discussing how to educate the
residents on the danger of this.
(Community Development Department Report) Mr. Breen reviewed the Community
Development Department report with the Council. He shared there are a number of commercial
projects currently under construction. He added they are also working on plan reviews for
residential proposals. He noted Starbucks has called for final inspections, and they should have an
opening date soon.
MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT
Councilmember Godfrey thanked the volunteers who made the Andover Fun Fest so successful
this year. She noted this event is an entirely volunteer-run effort, and they did an amazing job. She
said the event was well attended and everyone had a wonderful time.
Councilmember Shafto also thanked the volunteers, as well as Staff who helped put on Andover
Fun Fest. He shared his appreciation for the residents who stopped by the City booth to ask
questions.
Councilmember Engelhardt thanked the residents who showed up at the City booth and asked
questions of Staff. He shared they received several great questions and comments. He noted there
was a young resident who asked a question about the senior living facility that is coming to the
City and asked if this facility will also be available to adults with special needs.
Councilmember Schue noted Council and Staff made a great effort to answer every question asked
by the residents. He shared he accidentally answered a question about the height of the senior
living facility incorrectly and apologized for this.
Mayor Barthel shared the Andover Fun Fest event was phenomenal this year and thanked those
involved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ava Major, Recording Secretary
REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – JULY 15, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ..................................................................................................1
RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1
AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................1
APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................1
1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................2
A. Approve Payment of Claims
B. Approve Debt Service Payments
C. Declare Surplus Property/Equipment
D. Approve Park Exclusive Use Permit
E. Approve Change Order #1/23-18, Nightingale St. NW & Crosstown Blvd. NW
Roundabout & 23-19, Nightingale St. NW & Veterans Memorial Blvd. NW Roundabout
(See Resolution R067-25)
F. Award Bid/25-30, Removal & Replacement of Bituminous Basketball Court at Sunshine
Park & 25-27, Sunshine Park South Parking Lot Mill & Overlay (See Resolution R068-
25)
G. Approve Resolution Accepting Anoka County Recycling Grant
H. Approve Lease Renewal Addendum/Crooked Lake Concessions LLC
I. Receive June 2025 General Fund Progress Report
J. Receive June 2025 City Investment Report
K. Receive 2nd Quarter Community Center Update
L. Approve City Code Amendment/Title 3, Chapter 11 Cannabis Business Operations
(Ordinance 578)
M. Approve Preliminary Retail Registration/Cannabis Business Retailer/14029 Round Lake
Boulevard
2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2
A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT ...................................2
B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT .............................................3
C. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT - CITY CODE 12-7: FENCES AND WALLS
- CITY OF ANDOVER (APPLICANT) (Ordinance 579) ................................................4
3. STAFF ITEMS ................................................................................................................4
A. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT .....................................................................................4
MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ...................................................................................................5
ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................5