HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-1112 Nov-DecVolume 28, Issue 6 November/December 2025
LAND DEVELOPMENT IN ANDOVER: A GUIDE FOR RESIDENTS
Land development in Andover is a thorough, multi-step process that can span many months or even years. Although
we guide you through the process sequentially, it is important to know that developers frequently submit multiple
applications (such as rezoning, a Preliminary Plat, and a PUD) to be reviewed concurrently (at the same time) by
the City. Regardless of the pace, the City is committed to ensuring all new projects align with our community’s vision. Your input is a critical part of this process, and there are multiple opportunities to provide feedback.
Here is a simplified guide to the Andover land development process, outlining the key steps and how you can get involved.
1. The First Look: Sketch Plan Review
Most development projects start with an initial review. This informal stage is a crucial first chance for
residents, city staff, advisory commissions, and the City Council to provide feedback to the developer
on a development proposal. • During this step, the city determines if the proposal is consistent with the City Code and the
Comprehensive Plan and what other reviews and/or approvals might be needed.
• The Sketch Plan review process provides the applicant with feedback from the community prior
to detailed plans being created by the developer.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to gather comments from the community during the sketch plan review.
2. The Big Picture: Zoning and Comprehensive Plan
Before a project can move forward with specific design details, the City Council typically considers “big picture” items to ensure the proposal aligns with our long-term community vision.
Comprehensive Plan & Amendments (CPA)
The Comprehensive Plan is Andover’s long-term master plan, required by the State of Minnesota and updated every ten years, to guide future development. It determines the appropriate Future Land Use (FLU)—what the land is guided for—and
helps the City coordinate services like sewer extensions.
• Regional Consistency: As a Metropolitan area city, Andover must ensure its plan is consistent with the Metropolitan
Council (Met Council) regional system plans. This includes maintaining a community-wide net density average, meaning a land use change may impact other parcels to maintain compliance.
• Addressing the Future: A Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) allows the City to address issues that arise between
the required 10-year updates. This is often necessary when property sells sooner than expected, requiring a change to the
sewer staging to extend services, or when a developer proposes a different housing type (more or less dense) than the
current Future Land Use designation allows. Public hearings are required for all CPAs. Zoning Changes / Rezoning
Zoning is the set of rules that governs the specific use, size, and location of buildings on a property.
• When it’s Needed: A Rezoning is required when a development proposal is not allowed under the property’s current zoning classification—for instance, changing from a lower-density residential zone to a higher-density one.
• Consistency is Key: Any proposed rezoning must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. If it’s not, a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment must be approved first. Rezoning applications also require a public hearing.
Both CPA’s and rezonings require public hearings, which are your opportunity to provide official input.
Continued on page 2
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
CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH
WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 24TH
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25TH
3. Detailed Plans: Land Subdivision and Site Review
Once the “big picture” approvals (Comprehensive Plan and Zoning) are in place, the developer
focuses on the specific design and layout of the project.
Land Subdivision (Plats)
If a development involves dividing a piece of property into smaller lots, a formal subdivision
process is required.
• Preliminary Plat: This is a comprehensive, detailed plan submitted for Planning & Zoning
Commission review and City Council approval. In Andover, this plat requires extensive
information, including:
o Proposed lot lines, roadway designs, and driveway grades.
o Details on how the property will be graded.o Studies on rainwater (stormwater) management, wetland
locations, and soil types.
o The Planning & Zoning Commission holds a public hearing to gather input and forward a recommendation to the City
Council.o Approval allows the applicant to finalize staff comments,
obtain necessary permits, and, under certain conditions, begin grading the property.
• Final Plat: This is the formal, legal document that follows the Preliminary Plat. It is recorded at the County to officially create the lots that individuals or builders can purchase.
The Final Plat is reviewed by staff and typically approved by the City Council as part of their consent agenda. Recording the Final Plat may also include recording homeowner association
covenants, development agreements, and easements.
Site-Specific ReviewsIn addition to the main processes, a project may require other reviews based on the proposed use
or location of structures:
• Conditional Use Permits (CUP) or Interim Use Permits (IUP): Required for specific uses
that may be appropriate in a given zoning district, but only if certain conditions are met to
ensure compatibility.• Variances: A request to deviate from the strict requirements of the City Code (like setback
distances or lot sizes) due to a unique hardship related to the property itself.
All Site-Specific Review applications (CUPs, IUPs, and Variances) include opportunities for
public input.
4. Special Considerations: Environmental Review and PUDs
Some projects have unique requirements or characteristics that necessitate special review
processes to ensure high-quality development and compliance with state regulations.
Environmental Review
An Environmental Review is not required for every development application. These reviews are
mandated by the State of Minnesota based on the size and type of the proposed development.
• Applicant Responsibility: If required, the applicant is responsible for managing that process.
• Timing: Reviews are often completed early, as the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) requires them to be finished before it will consider a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
• Current Activity: On September 23, 2025, the Andover City Council approved a
resolution ordering the preparation of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). The AUAR process analyzes the cumulative impacts of anticipated development
scenarios in an area. There will be an opportunity for agencies and the public to review and comment on the Draft AUAR, which is anticipated to be available in
early 2026. Residents can continue to follow the AUAR process on the City’s website
at:https://www.andovermn.gov/546/Alternative-Urban-Areawide-Review-AUAR
Continued on page 3
Land Development in Andover: A Guide for Residents Continued from page 1
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Planned Unit Development (PUD)
A developer may propose a Planned Unit Development (PUD) when they seek flexibility in design or want to offer a housing
type that doesn’t strictly conform to standard zoning.
• Purpose: A PUD is intended to provide greater creativity and flexibility in design than is possible under the strict application of the City Code.
• Criteria: The applicant must demonstrate to the City Council that the PUD will result in a higher quality development than
could otherwise be achieved.
• Scope: PUDs generally cover multiple parcels of property and may include development standards specific only to that
project. PUD proposals require public hearings.
5. Your Voice Matters: How to Get Involved
We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. Here’s how you can stay informed and engaged:
• Access Project Documents: All meeting packets for the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council, which
contain detailed information, plans, and staff reports for all development applications, are available on the City’s Public Document Portal at: https://lf.andovermn.gov/WebPortal/.
• Public Hearings: We notify residents of public hearings through:
o Notices in the official City newspaper, the Anoka County Union Herald.
o Mailed notices to property owners within a certain distance of the proposal.
o Signs posted on the property itself, weather permitting. These hearings are your chance to speak directly to the Planning Commission and City
Council.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: The City will be updating its Comprehensive Plan within the
next few years. This is a vital chance to help shape the future of Andover, and we encourage
everyone to participate.
• Contact Us: Have questions about a specific project or the development process in general? Don’t hesitate to reach out to
staff in the Planning Department at (763) 755-5100.
Land Development in Andover: A Guide for Residents Continued from page 2
AndoverToday Page 3
SHERIFF’S REPORT
It’s difficult to imagine some of the most vulnerable members of our community being harmed. However, the
maltreatment of seniors and vulnerable adults continues to be a serious issue that all of us should be aware of. Anoka
County continually sees increases in the cases reported of possible abuse towards vulnerable adults. However, numbers
are still likely under-reported as people don’t know what to look for or don’t know how to help.
Vulnerable adults are individuals over the age of 18 who may have physical, mental, or emotional needs making it hard
for them to care for themselves without assistance. They also could reside in facilities such as hospitals, care units, and
assisted living. Services such as home care, day services, or other licensed services in the home could be assisting their
day to day lives.
What To Look For
Maltreatment can come in many forms, but the top reported type within the county is for abuse and neglect. Physical
and mental abuse by caretakers can include use of restraints and/or involuntary seclusion or punishment. Signs of
physical abuse include bruises, cuts, burns and broken bones. Behavioral signs include depression, fear, conflicting statements, and hesitation to speak openly.
Not all neglect is imposed by caretaking individuals. Not having enough food or supplies, appropriate shelter, or access
to services such as health care are examples of an adult who may be suffering from self-neglect. While they are unlikely
to be purposefully harming themselves, they are exposing themselves to potentially dangerous situations that could be prevented with better care.
Financial exploitation is also a risk that vulnerable adults fall victim to. Unauthorized use of an individual’s funds or
accounts which are not being used to the benefit of the adult, is one example of financial exploitation. This can happen
from people as close to the adult as family, as well as strangers setting up scams via the phone or internet. Signs of financial exploitation include lack of access to their own funds, sudden changes made to a will or banking practices,
and unexplained missing funds or valuables.
How To Help
Staying engaged with vulnerable members you know is one of the first steps you can take to monitor their wellbeing.
By visiting regularly and tracking important information regarding their care, you could be one of the first people to
notice if something is going astray. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate on the behalf of a vulnerable adult.
There are many ways to report suspected maltreatment of seniors and vulnerable adults. The State of Minnesota has the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center available 24/7 by calling 1-(844) 880-
1574 or visiting mn.gov/dhs/adult-protection. In addition, you can always make a report by calling
911 or (763) 427-1212. Remember, you can make a difference in the life of a vulnerable adult by
alerting authorities of suspected abuse.
Sheriff Brad Wise • Anoka County Sheriff’s Office • 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW • Andover, MN 55304 • (763) 324-5000
ELECTION DAY - NOVEMBER 4, 2025
While there are no City of Andover City Council positions on the November 4, 2025,
election ballot, there are some school board seats that are up for election in the Anoka-
Hennepin Public School District #11 and Saint Francis Public Schools District #15. We encourage all residents to check their sample ballot and voting precinct before Election Day.
There is no absentee voting at Andover City Hall for this election. All in-person absentee voting
will take place at the Anoka County Government Center at 2100 3rd Avenue, Ste W130, Anoka,
MN 55303, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For additional information visit the Anoka County
Elections website at https://www.anokacountymn.gov/266/What-is-on-the-Ballot.
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THE RISKS OF LITHIUM BATTERIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire
Lithium batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact space. When damaged, improperly charged, or
exposed to extreme temperatures, they can undergo thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery
overheats, ignites and sometimes explodes. This can be triggered by:
• Physical damage (puncture or crushing) • Overcharging or faulty chargers
• Manufacturing defects • Exposure to heat or fire
Once ignited, lithium battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish. They burn hot, release toxic gases,and can reignite even after being doused.
Safety Tips
To minimize risk:
• Use manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries. • Avoid exposing devices to high heat or direct sunlight.
• Don’t charge devices under pillows or blankets. • Recycle damaged or old batteries properly—never toss
them in the trash.
In Case of Fire
If a lithium battery catches fire:
• Evacuate the area immediately.
• Call emergency services.• Do not attempt to extinguish with water, use a Class D fire extinguisher if available.
As you move your clocks back an hour, don't forget
to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and
other home safety devices. Having a working smoke detector can mean the difference between life and
death. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.
clocks are turned backward one hour to Sunday,
November 2, 2025, 1:00 a.m. local standard time.
UPDATING YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
When an alteration, repair (including installation or replacement of windows or doors) or addition occurs, the individual
dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms located as required for a new dwelling.
Interconnection of alarms in existing areas shall not be required and battery powered devices allowed where alterations or
repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure.
Smoke alarms shall be installed in each of the following locations:
• In each sleeping room.
• Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
• On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
• Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by this section.
Carbon Monoxide alarms shall be installed in the following locations:
• One Carbon Monoxide Alarm shall be installed outside and not more than 10 feet from each separate sleeping area or
bedroom on each level.• Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be
installed within the bedroom.
For additional information regarding Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, please contact the Andover Building
Department at (763) 755-8700.
AndoverToday Page 5
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.
OPEN HOCKEY - Weekday Adult Hockey 18+. 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 $5 per pair, sizes available youth 8 – adult 13. Skate
sharpening available $8 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. Hours may vary based on private rentals and facility hours of operation. 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 https://www.andovermn.gov/494/Andover-Residents 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 Winter Indoor
Youth Soccer Program is for youth ages 4 - 9. Program will be held Saturday mornings, January 10th - February 28th (7 weeks) $97 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.
ICE SKATING LESSONS - Winter lessons for youth ages
3 - 15 will be held Sunday evenings, January 4th - February
22nd (7 sessions) $106 per skater. Lessons include 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of optional on-ice practice.
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. Winter Session I begins January 4th and Session II
begins January 25th.
https://acc.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activitylist
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HOMESTEAD FILING
New homeowners are reminded that December 15, 2025 is the
deadline to file for Homestead
Classification. You can file at
the Anoka County Government
Center. A copy of the deed and Certificate of Real Estate Value
is needed to file. If you have any
questions, contact Anoka County at (763) 323-5400.
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
ANIMAL CONTROL
No person shall own, keep, harbor or have custody of any dog over
six (6) months of age without first obtaining a city dog license, (City Code 5-1A-2). Licenses are issued upon presentation of
a current rabies certificate and the license fee of $6 per year.
Licenses are available at the front desk at City Hall.
Dogs or cats may not run at large and must be under effective
control (City Code 5-1A-6).
Owners are required to clean up and dispose of their pet’s excrement (City Code 5-1A-1).
It shall be considered a nuisance for any animal to habitually or
frequently bark or cry (City Code 5-1A-1).
No person, firm or corporation shall
harbor more than three (3) dogs over
the age of six (6) months in any one-family residence unit or place of
business. (City Code 5-1A-3)
A resident who has a stray dog or cat contained can call (763) 427-1212
(non-emergency number to the Anoka
County Sheriff’s Office) to have the
animal picked up.
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.
PUZZLE EXCHANGE
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Fall Puzzle Exchange! 1,800 puzzles were
collected and exchanged; it was a great success! Save the date, a Spring Puzzle Exchange will be
held April 25, 2026! More details to follow in coming newsletters.
AndoverToday Page 7
WINTER REMINDERS FROM PUBLIC WORKS
SNOWPLOW OPERATIONS – The City of Andover follows the Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy as closely as
possible. This policy can be found on the City of Andover website www.andovermn.gov. Snow accumulations of 2” or more will warrant full snowplowing operations. This includes all streets, cul-de-sacs and trails. There are times when plows
will be sent out for snow falls less than 2” if there is a potential of drifting or icing that could create hazardous driving
conditions. Commencement of Snow and Ice operations will normally start as close to the end of the snow event when
possible. Typically, this is in the early morning hours when traffic is at a minimum. At times, main heavily traveled streets
will be plowed daytime hours during the storm to keep them passable with a full plow to follow overnight. For the safety of everyone, we do not typically plow between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. due to the heavy traffic on the roadways. This
also allows us to utilize limited staffing most efficiently to ensure we have enough drivers to do a full plow in a timely, safe
manner.
MAILBOX REQUIREMENTS - The base of the box should be 48-50” above street level. The post should be 20” back from the curb. The face of the mailbox should line up with the curb. The snowplow wing needs the 48” height clearance to
avoid hitting the box and the 20” from the curb to clear the post. The City does NOT assume liability for mailboxes damaged
during plowing operations, unless it is determined the plow made direct contact with a mailbox that is properly installed
using the standard 4 x 4 post and metal box requirements. Decorative mailboxes are not within the requirements
and will not be replaced if damaged. The mailbox should be secured to the base and post and the post securely in the ground, no rotting wood. There should not be any plastic newspaper tubes or attachments to the mailbox
below the 44” minimum height requirement. (See mailbox placement diagram on the City website at www.
andovermn.gov).
TRAILS are plowed during the regular scheduled working shift except for trails within a 2-mile radius of a school. These trails are plowed as soon as possible during regular plowing operations.
CUL-DE-SACS are plowed by smaller snow removal vehicles. You may notice the large plow truck will clear one path
while turning around in the cul-de-sac, but the smaller plows will clear the street curb to curb. Plow operators try to evenly
distribute snow throughout the cul-de-sac, but limited space makes it difficult. Reminder to keep cul-de-sacs clear of all sports equipment such as hockey nets and basketball hoops. Plow operators cannot leave the vehicle to move objects left in
the road.
DO NOT plow, shovel or blow snow ONTO or ACROSS any public roadway.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds everyone it is against state law to deposit snow onto a public roadway. Dumping or plowing snow onto a roadway can create a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, which has the potential to contribute
to a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident. MN Statue 160.27 and many local ordinances prohibit the plowing, blowing,
shoveling, or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots onto public roadways. The public is
cautioned that violations are misdemeanors and civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person/company
who placed the snow improperly.
GARBAGE CANS/RECYCLE BINS should be placed approximately 2 feet behind the curb IN the driveway.
Plow operators cannot leave the vehicle to move objects left in the road.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS placed in the curb right-of-way are not the responsibility of the City if damaged during snowplowing operations.
NO PARKING on any City street after 2 inches or more snowfall until the streets have been plowed curb to curb. The City
of Andover observes a parking ordinance during the winter months, which is NO PARKING on any City street between the
hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. from November 1st to April 15th. Cars parked or left unattended in a City street during plowing operations will be tagged and towed.
CITY PARK parking lots that are not required to remain open during the winter months may be closed and are unlikely to
be plowed.
OUTDOOR ICE RINKS are cleared and maintained as quickly as possible after a snow event. Plowing streets and trails
is our priority before we clear the outdoor rinks. During heavy snow, or multiple day events rinks will often remain closed.
Please help us maintain them easier by not shoveling piles of snow against the boards. The piles freeze into place making it
difficult to clear them in an efficient and timely manner. Check the City of Andover website for up-to-date information on the
status of the ice rinks and warming houses. https://www.andovermn.gov/131/Parks-Maintenance-Dept.
Page 8 AndoverToday
SNOWPLOWING
CURB STAKING GUIDELINES
To assist snowplow
drivers during early season
snowfalls, residents are
encouraged to place
wooden stakes along the curb line. These stakes
help drivers identify the
edge of the street, ensuring
safer and more efficient
plowing.
Wooden stakes with the
top four inches painted orange will be available at City
Hall from the second week of October through the end of
November. When placing the stakes, please use wooden stakes and not steel posts. They should be positioned
no more than six inches behind the curb and spaced
approximately 25 feet apart.
Please note that the City is not responsible for any damage to items placed within the right-of-way, including but
not limited to landscaping, sod or irrigation systems. The
right-of-way is the designated area for snow storage after
plowing.
ADOPT-A-PARK AND
ADOPT-A-STREET PROGRAMS
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.
The City also 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
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!
2026 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Every year the City prepares a 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which identifies various street improvement
projects. The type of improvement is based upon the existing roadways age and condition. The improvements, along
with on-going routine maintenance, are completed to maintain and extend the condition and life cycle of the City’s
roadway infrastructure. Three key improvements are street reconstruction, full depth reclamation, and mill and overlay projects. In accordance with the City’s Assessment Manual, 25% of the project costs for a standard street section are assessed to properties fronting or addressed along these projects. In 2026 these projects will improve approximately
8.2 miles of City streets.
The following areas are part of the 2026 Street Reconstruction program: Creekridge Estates (C.P. 26-02A), Kadlec Estates (C.P. 26-02B), East Round Lake Estates (C.P. 26-02C), Nightingale Preserve/Wittington Ridge/Nightingale Estates 1st – 3rd Additions (C.P. 25-02D), and Leeman Lake Estates (C.P. 26-02E). The total length of street reconstruction
improvements is approximately 3.8 miles.
The following areas are part of the 2026 Full Depth Reclamation program: 173rd Ave/Navajo Street/175th Ave (C.P. 26-11A), Northglen Area/Woodland Pond (C.P. 26-11B), Birchwood Pond (C.P. 26-11C), and Old Constance Blvd (C.P. 26-11D). The total length of full depth reclamation improvements is approximately 4.1 miles.
The following areas are part of the 2026 Mill and Overlay program: Grow Oak View Estates (C.P. 26-12). The total
length of mill and overlay improvements is approximately 0.3 miles.
Further details and location maps for each project are available on the City’s website. An on-line
viewer with this information can be accessed on the Engineering Department “Project Updates”
webpage at https://www.andovermn.gov/148/Project-Updates or by scanning the QR code below. If you have questions regarding these projects, please contact David Berkowitz at (763) 767-5133 or Jason Law at (763) 767-5130 in the Andover Engineering department.
AndoverToday Page 9
HOLIDAY RECYCLING
As the holiday season quickly approaches, some of our frequently asked questions regarding recycling are answered as follows:
HOLIDAY WREATHS AND TREES: Can be brought to the Anoka County Compost Site, please call
(763) 324-3400 for details.
HOLIDAY LIGHT STRINGS: Drop them off at Andover City Hall (1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW) Monday
– Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Accepted year-round for recycling.
GIFT WRAP AND CARDS: Can be recycled, however anything that has glitter, foil, ribbon or bows
degrades the value of the paper and cannot be recycled.
CARDBOARD BOXES: Remove all packing materials and recycle at the Andover Recycling Center.
ELECTRONICS: Are in a special recycling category. Anything that has a cord or lithium battery should not be placed in the
recycle bin and needs to go to a center that processes e-waste. The City of Andover offers monthly recycling events for the disposal of electronics and other items, for varying fees.
OLD PLASTIC TOYS, LAUNDRY BASKETS, PLASTIC STORAGE TOTES/TUBS AND OTHER BULKY PLASTICS:
Are not recyclable, place them in your garbage can.
• Monday, Tuesday & Thursday - (Andover Huskies Youth Hockey Association), 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.• Wednesday – 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Friday – 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.• Saturday – 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.• Sunday – 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
PARK LOCATION WARMING HOUSE HOCKEY RINK SKATING RINK
Prairie Knoll 595 - 146th Lane X X X
Crooked Lake School 2939 Bunker Lake Boulevard X X X
Hawkridge 18001 Verdin Street X X X
City Complex East/West 1885 Crosstown Boulevard X X X
Nordeens 15535 Juniper Street X
Hidden Creek North 2620 Bunker Lake Boulevard X
SLIDING HILL
Andover Station North 1823 - 139th Lane Lighted
Prairie Knoll 595 - 146th Lane Lighted
2025-2026 ICE SKATING RINKS AND SLIDING HILLS
Listed below are park ice rinks that will be maintained
by the Public Works Parks Department throughout the skating season.
Holidays and District #11 school breaks warming house hours are: Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
WARMING HOUSE HOURS OF OPERATION AND RINK ATTENDANTS
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.
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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 Andover 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.
PHOTO CONTEST COMING SOON!
Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce that Andover’s
first-ever Photo Contest is coming in January 2026! Whether
you’re a seasoned photographer or just love capturing special moments around the city, this will be
your chance to showcase your talent and
community spirit. Stay tuned—full contest
details, categories, and entry information
will be shared in the next edition of the Andover Today Newsletter!
NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION
Welcome New Residents! If you’re new to our city—welcome! We’re glad you’re here. Our community is a wonderful place
to live, work, and play. Be sure to stop by Andover City Hall
to pick up a New Resident Packet or view the information
online at https://www.andovermn.gov/251/New-Residents.
The packet includes helpful details about City services, parks, the community center, garbage and recycling, and much more.
AndoverToday Page 11
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
COMMISSION VACANCIES
Individuals seeking to fill the vacancies must have interest in public policies, willingness to learn, problem solving and communication skills and be able to contribute to positive decision making. Commission members are compensated.
Advisory Commission applications may be obtained at City Hall or on the City website at https://www.andovermn.gov/
DocumentCenter/View/401/Advisory-Commission-Application-PDF. Deadline is 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2025.
Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council in January.
Planning & Zoning Commission - The City is seeking individuals to serve 3-year terms on the Planning & Zoning
Commission. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and reviews matters concerning City
planning and development issues. The Planning & Zoning Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month in the evening. For more information, please contact Joe Janish, Community Development
Director at (763) 767-5140.
Nature Preserve Commission - The City is seeking individuals to serve 3-year terms on the Nature Preserve Commission.
The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and reviews matters concerning preservation of “open
space” issues. Commission members are compensated and meetings are held on the second Wednesday of selected months
in the evenings. For more information, please contact Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician at (763) 767-5137.
Park & Recreation Commission - The City is seeking individuals to serve 3-year terms on the Park & Recreation Commission.
The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and reviews matters concerning park and recreation
programs, park dedication requirements for new developments and proposed new park construction projects. Individuals
seeking to fill the vacancies must have interest in public policies, willingness to learn, problem solving and communication skills and be able to contribute to positive decision making. The Commission members are compensated and meetings
are held the first and third Thursday of each month in the evenings. For more information,
please contact Jason Baumunk, Parks & Streets Operations Manager at (763) 767-5178.
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