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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-04 CC REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – AUGUST 4, 2025 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, August 4, 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 Community Development Director, Joe Janish 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 Councilmember Godfrey requested a correction to the July 22 Workshop minutes on page 11, line 27 to update the word ‘hire’ to ‘hiring.’ July 15, 2025, Regular Meeting: Correct as written July 15, 2025, Closed Meeting: Correct as written July 22, 2025, Workshop Meeting: Correct as amended Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the July 15, 2025, Regular meeting minutes, July 15, 2025, Closed meeting minutes, and the July 22, 2025, Workshop meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried unanimously. 1. CONSENT ITEMS Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2025 Page 2 A. Approve Payment of Claims B. Approve Coon Creek Corridor Trail Pedestrian Bridge Procurement/24-43 C. Approve Change Order #2/24-20/Water Treatment Plant Radon Mitigation (See Resolution R070-25) D. Approve Roadside Memorial Policy E. Approve Transfer of Land F. Approve Baseline Technologies, Inc. Professional Services Agreement G. Approve 2026 Law Enforcement Contract/Anoka County Sheriff’s Office H. Approve Ordering Equipment I. Amend Fee Ordinance (Ordinance 580) Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS TH A. HEARING/CONSIDER CLASSIFYING DANGEROUS DOG/2764 134 AVENUE NW The City Council is requested to receive a presentation, gather testimony, and consider adopting the attached resolution declaring a Terrier Mix named General, owned by Jason Bozicevich, a dangerous dog. City Administrator Cotton reviewed the Staff report in regard to the potential classification of a th dangerous dog at 2764 134 Avenue NW. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to open the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. th Jason Bozicevich, 2764 134 Avenue NW, came forward and shared his account of the events that rd took place on July 3. He shared he was in his backyard mowing his lawn, and General was tied to the front porch, wearing a new collar that he had only worn for a few days. He noted General broke the chain on the collar and left the property and attacked another dog being walked. He said he was hoping to see the police officer’s report of what happened, but this was not included in the report. He explained before he adopted General, he was fostered by a woman who had another dog. He said General has always played rough with other dogs, but he never expected this rough play to result in the death of another dog. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to open the Public Hearing at 7:09 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Schue asked about the request to waive the requirement to build a dedicated outdoor enclosure for the dog. Mr. Bozicevich shared even if he were forced to build a dedicated Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2025 Page 3 enclosure, he would never put General in the enclosure, so he would rather not spend the money and effort to build this. Councilmember Schue noted as a dog owner himself, he is sympathetic to the situation; however, he is concerned with General killing another dog. Mr. Bozicevich shared since this incident occurred, he has been putting a muzzle and a harness on General anytime he is outside. He added he has two dog walkers who will walk General on days when he works long hours, and both dog walkers are complying with using the muzzle and the harness when taking General outside. Councilmember Schue stated the Council has to also weigh the risks that are associated with General when making this decision. He said they cannot just look the other way in this situation; however, Mr. Bozicevich has expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for this incident. He asked if they have ever granted a waiver for the enclosures in the past in these dangerous dog situations. Ms. Cotton said she is not aware of any exceptions to dangerous dog ordinances in the past. She noted if General is classified as a dangerous dog, then Mr. Bozicevich would need to follow all of the requirements in the City Code. Councilmember Schue asked if Mr. Bozicevich would be able to appeal any part of this ordinance if General is classified as a dangerous dog. Ms. Cotton said the Council could make an exception for this requirement if they so choose; however, she would strongly advise them against this, as this would set a precedent for other dangerous dogs in the future. Councilmember Shafto thanked Mr. Bozicevich for his letter and for coming forward this evening. He noted Mr. Bozicevich only plans to keep General in the house, and if he is outside, then he will be on a harness and wearing a muzzle. He asked how the house would not be considered an enclosure. Mayor Barthel said the enclosure would allow the dog to be outside without a muzzle or needing to be on a chain. Councilmember Godfrey asked Mr. Bozicevich if his yard is fenced in or if he has a kennel run- type of enclosure for the dog. Mr. Bozicevich said no. Ms. Cotton read the requirements for the enclosure. Mayor Barthel shared his appreciation for the letter submitted by Mr. Bozicevich. He said he has been through a number of dangerous dog hearings, and he has never seen an owner be as sincere as he is. He noted he is not willing to go against the City Code on this matter as it would set a precedent. Councilmember Schue asked if the enclosure could be a fenced area. Ms. Cotton said her understanding of City Code aligns with that of Mayor Barthel. Councilmember Godfrey noted the Code states that anyone who violates this Code would be guilty Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2025 Page 4 of a misdemeanor, so she encouraged Mr. Bozicevich to comply with whatever requirements are given to him. Mr. Bozicevich asked about the timeline to be compliant with all of the requirements. Mayor Barthel shared that Staff will be in contact with him to discuss next steps and timelines. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R071-25, declaring a dog owned th by Jason Bozicevich, 2764 134 Avenue NW, a dangerous dog based on findings by Staff and testimony received this evening. Motion carried unanimously. B. CONSIDER SPECIAL HUNT REQUEST (APPLICANT: AUSTIN HANDT) The City Council is requested to review the request for a special hunt under City Code 5-4-1-G-2- a to hunt on an 80-acre property in the Prohibited Zone. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the Staff report concerning the request to hunt in a prohibited zone. Councilmember Schue asked if there would be any kind of permitting fee that would go to the City for this. Mr. Janish said no. Councilmember Godfrey noted there is permission from the land owner; however, she asked if the adjacent landowners have also granted permission for this. Mr. Janish said he does not believe the adjacent landowners have been asked for permission. Mayor Barthel asked if the request is to bow hunt on this property and if it would be stationed in the woods. Mr. Janish said yes. Mayor Barthel said he is supportive of this; however, he would not want residents passing by to see anyone on the property with a bow and arrow. He asked how the land would be accessed. Mr. Janish explained there are a few different access points for the property, including through the property owner’s access. MaryAnn Slyzuk, 14124 Crosstown Boulevard, came forward and shared she is the property owner for the property in question. She said that anyone who has asked her about hunting on her property has been told no, as she does not want hunting to take place on her property. She stated she had granted permission for hunting on her property off of Round Lake Boulevard. Mr. Janish suggested tabling action on this item until Staff can clarify with the property owner the area that has received permission to hunt on. Mayor Barthel asked if they would even need to bring this back once the area has been clarified, as the Council would not need to be involved in voting on hunting in a restricted zone. Mr. Janish said no. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2025 Page 5 Mayor Barthel suggested that they deny this request, and if the applicant needs to resubmit their request, then they can do so. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to deny the request for a special hunt under City Code 5-4-1-G-2-a. Further discussion: Councilmember Godfrey requested that if this does need to come back to the Council for approval, that the permission outline the specific property that hunting is being allowed on. Motion carried unanimously. C. FIELDS OF ANDOVER ALTERNATIVE URBAN AREAWIDE REVIEW (AUAR) DRAFT SCOPING DOCUMENT The City Council is requested to review the Draft Order for Review and authorize the submission of the draft order and scoping. Mr. Janish reviewed the Staff report in regard to the Fields of Andover AUAR draft scoping document. Councilmember Godfrey asked for a summary of what will happen after this draft order for review. Mr. Janish explained they will incorporate and respond to any comments received before coming back with the final draft. Councilmember Shafto shared the Council reviewed and discussed this at the last Workshop meeting, where they asked a number of questions of Staff and the applicant. He encouraged anyone interested in learning more about this to review the minutes from that meeting. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to authorize the submission of the draft order and scoping. Further discussion: Councilmember Engelhardt thanked the team that is working on this project. He noted there has been a lot of controversy on this at Fun Fest, and they were able to provide residents with some more information. Mayor Barthel reiterated that the Council discussed this in depth at the last Workshop meeting. He shared they discussed putting this approval on the Consent Agenda; however, for transparency purposes, the Council wanted it to be a discussion item. He said approving this draft order does not mean that homes will be built as soon as this project is in the preliminary stages. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2025 Page 6 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) Ms. Cotton reviewed the Administrative Staff report. She shared they have issued 61 new single-family home permits so far this year. She added the roundabout construction projects are still on schedule to open before school starts back. She noted the other roadway projects are also progressing well. She shared work on the Sunshine Park parking lot and basketball court began today, and they expect to have this finished this week, weather permitting. She stated the Council approved the procurement of the new bridge east of Prairie Road for construction in the spring of 2026. She shared the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is hosting two free Safeguard Your Savings Workshops in August. She noted tomorrow is Night to Unite and encouraged residents to get out and enjoy the evening with their community. Mayor Barthel shared he has been getting questions about the roundabout on Nightingale Street and Crosstown Boulevard. He asked for confirmation that it is on track to be open before the high school is back in session. Ms. Cotton said yes. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Councilmember Shafto shared he was able to attend the movie night in the park, which was a great event with a large turnout. He thanked City Staff and YMCA Staff for their work in getting this event set up. Councilmember Godfrey thanked the Park and Recreation Commission for organizing the guided th hike through Martin’s Meadows on July 19, which was also a well-attended event. Councilmember Engelhardt shared he was able to attend the Andover Boys’ Soccer fundraiser, which had a great turnout with lots of excitement for the upcoming season. Mayor Barthel shared he looks forward to seeing the residents tomorrow evening at Night to Unite. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ava Major, Recording Secretary REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 4, 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ..................................................................................................1 RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1 AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................1 1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................1 A. Approve Payment of Claims ........................................................................................2 B. Approve Coon Creek Corridor Trail Pedestrian Bridge Procurement/24-43 .................2 C. Approve Change Order #2/24-20/Water Treatment Plant Radon Mitigation (R070-25) 2 D. Approve Roadside Memorial Policy ............................................................................2 E. Approve Transfer of Land ...............................................................................................2 F. Approve Baseline Technologies, Inc. Professional Services Agreement ...........................2 G. Approve 2026 Law Enforcement Contract/Anoka County Sheriff’s Office ..................2 H. Approve Ordering Equipment ......................................................................................2 I. Amend Fee Ordinance (Ord. 580) ....................................................................................2 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2 TH A. HEARING/CONSIDER CLASSIFYING DANGEROUS DOG/2764 134 AVENUE NW (R071-25).................................................................................................................2 B. CONSIDER SPECIAL HUNT REQUEST (APPLICANT: AUSTIN HANDT) Motion to table ................................................................................................................................4 C. FIELDS OF ANDOVER ALTERNATIVE URBAN AREAWIDE REVIEW (AUAR) DRAFT SCOPING DOCUMENT ...................................................................................5 3. STAFF ITEMS ................................................................................................................6 A. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT .....................................................................................6 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ...................................................................................................6 ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................6