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Home My WebLink About2026-01-20 CC REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 20, 2026 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, January 20, 2026, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt, Scott Schue, and Jonathan Shafto Councilmember absent: Karen Godfrey Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM Kate Haase, 13986 Quinn Street NW, expressed concerns with immigration enforcement and the fear that it creates in the community. She asked the City’s policy on sharing demographic information with the federal enforcement and how residents should report enforcement activity that is not legal. Mayor Barthel explained a response is not provided during the resident forum, but residents can reach out to City staff or members of the Council. He stated if an Andover resident is in need of help, they can call the Sheriff’s Office. th Dan Johnson, 2165 154 Lane NW, commented that his property is on the list for street reconstruction and noted the estimated assessment for the project. He noted the construction detour the previous year that pushed additional vehicles onto the road. He stated perhaps the City wants to cost-share a larger portion of the project cost because of the additional traffic that was pushed onto the road. He stated he does not need a new street and would rather not pay the additional funds through the assessment. He noted perhaps a survey could have been sent out asking residents if they want the project and to solicit additional input. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz confirmed the public hearing for that project is scheduled for February 2, 2026. Kristen Bromen, 14911 Osage Street NW, requested that an official statement be made by the City on how it is directing the officers who cover the city to work with Federal agents. She commented Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 2 they cannot afford to have anyone on the City Council stay silent on what is going on, as there are children in the school district who do not feel safe to go to school. AGENDA APPROVAL Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 6, 2026, Regular Meeting: Correct as written Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the January 6, 2026, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried 3 ayes – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Schue). 1. CONSENT ITEMS A. Approve Payment of Claims B. Declare Costs/Order Assessment Roll/25-11A:2025 Full Depth Reclamation (R006-26) C. Approve Donation to the Andover Fire Department (R007-26) D. Approve Debt Service Payments E. Approve December 2025 City Investment Report F. Approve 2026 Massage Therapy License G. Declare Surplus Equipment/Property H. Approve Lower-Potency Hemp Retail Registrations I. Approve 2026 Used Vehicle Sales License J. Approve Joint Powers Agreement/Anoka County/Gate Valve Improvements/Round Lake Boulevard NW K. Approve 2026 Tobacco License Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Shafto, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT Commander Brent Erickson provided a monthly report for December and a snapshot of the 2025 year. He noted overall, the calls for service were down by two percent from the previous year, as well as a reduction of 17 percent for all reported crimes. He reviewed the other statistics from 2025 and compared them to the previous year. He then reviewed the incidents that were reported during December. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 3 B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Fire Chief Dennis Jones presented the Andover Fire Department monthly report, as well as details from the 2025 year and comparisons to the previous year. He reviewed the incidents the department responded to during December in Andover and the surrounding communities. C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-02A: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (CREEKRIDGE ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-02A: 2026 Street Reconstructions (Creekridge Estates). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the staff report with the Council. Councilmember Schue asked staff to provide additional information on the street rating. Mr. Berkowitz explained how roads are rated, noting that about one-third of the streets are rated each year. He provided more examples of damage you would see on roads rated at a three or four, where roads need to be reconstructed, versus the damage you would see on roads rated a six or seven, where a mill and overlay would be appropriate. Councilmember Schue asked at what point roads are slated for improvement. Mr. Berkowitz replied it would depend upon the treatment. He reviewed the different elements that are considered for different types of improvements, noting the importance of timing for a mill and overlay project, as that type of improvement will not be successful if there is structural damage. He commented that very minimal attention is needed for new roads outside of crack sealing. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to open the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No one came forward to address the Council. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Shafto, to close the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution No. R008-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-02A: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Creekridge Estates) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. D. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-02C: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (EAST ROUND LAKE ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 4 Project 26-02C: 2026 Street Reconstruction (East Round Lake Estates). Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the staff report with the Council. Mayor Barthel asked when the road north of the development was done. nd Mr. Berkowitz replied that project is scheduled for a public hearing on February 2. He highlighted some of the differences that will be included in that project. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to open the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No one came forward to address the Council. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to close the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution No. R009-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-02C: 2026 Street Reconstruction (East Round Lake Estates) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. E. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-11B: 2026 FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION (NORTHGLEN AREA/WOODLAND POND) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-11B: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Northglen Area/Woodland Pond). Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the staff report with the Council. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to open the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No one came forward to address the Council. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to close the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution No. R010-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-11B: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Northglen Area/Woodland Pond) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. F. CONSIDER RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONCERN REGARDING STATE FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS ON LOCAL Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 5 SERVICES The City Council is requested to consider a resolution formally communicating the City of Andover’s concerns to State leaders regarding Minnesota’s projected budget deficits, reports of fiscal mismanagement, and the potential for these issues to negatively impact local taxpayers and municipal services. Mayor Barthel reviewed the staff report with the Council and explained the impact that mismanagement of funds at the State level can have on local municipalities and residents. He stated that if adopted, the resolution would be sent to the Governor and other State Representatives. Councilmember Schue suggested an amendment to the draft to insert some additional language. He provided copies of his suggestions to staff and the other members of the City Council. He commented there are families that have already been impacted by budgetary restraints before the corruption was disclosed. He stated for families with special needs, those budgets had already been reduced and had concern with further impacts to come. Mayor Barthel suggested first considering the three additions suggested by Councilmember Schue. Councilmember Shafto referenced the proposed addition to number four and asked if there was a specific reason to add that. Councilmember Schue replied they had already mentioned unfunded mandates in the draft resolution and felt it necessary to address both future unfunded mandates as well as others that have already been implemented. He stated if there are cuts or a change in distribution as to how things are funded, the review should be done not just on future considerations, but also on things that have been implemented in the past. Councilmember Shafto commented he struggles with that addition as it is very broad and could be interpreted to propose the removal of all previously imposed unfunded mandates. He stated perhaps if the word consider is used, he could support that, but he does not have knowledge of all unfunded mandates. Councilmember Schue commented he would be happy to use consider to soften that language. Councilmember Shafto stated he could support that addition with the word consider, or would also feel comfortable not including that addition to number four and moving forward with the other suggestions proposed by Councilmember Schue. Councilmember Engelhardt agreed with Councilmember Shafto. He stated there are a number of unfunded mandates that have been in progress for many years, and it may be tough to unwind them. He stated while he agrees with the spirit of the phrase, he also understands that commitments, actions, and ongoing progress have already been made on some of the mandates. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 6 Mayor Barthel asked and received confirmation that Councilmember Schue would be comfortable removing his proposed additions to number four. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to add the two suggestions from Councilmember Schue to the draft resolution. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Barthel stated he has received input from many residents over the past few weeks and wanted the City to take an official stance on what the impact could be to Andover residents. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution No. R011-26 Expressing the City of Andover’s Concerns Regarding State Fiscal Management, Systematic Fraud, and the Potential Adverse Impacts on Local Services and Taxpayers as it has been amended. Further discussion: Councilmember Shafto appreciated this letter was brought before the Council rather than the Mayor signing onto a letter from another community. He also appreciated the ability for members of the Council to provide input. Councilmember Schue echoed those comments and commended Mayor Barthel for not signing onto the other letter and instead following this route to involve the Council and take a formal position. Mayor Barthel appreciated the support from City Administrator Cotton to draft the resolution. 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. (Public Works/Engineering Department Report) Mr. Berkowitz noted an upcoming open house for the proposed roundabout at Bluebird Street and Crosstown Boulevard, which will take place th on January 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He stated letters will be sent out this week to property owners for the Red Oaks groundwater contamination mitigation phase two project, related to construction access. (Administrative Staff Report) Ms. Cotton reported the City Council will be conducting advisory stndth board interviews on January 21 and 22, with a final interview session on January 27. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Councilmember Shafto stated he had an opportunity to join the Fire Department for their push-in Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2026 Page 7 ceremony for the new truck. Mayor Barthel stated he received an email prior to the meeting related to the high school cheer nationals in February 2026. The Coon Rapids team will host a send-off for all the cheer teams in nd the district on February 2. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 1 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 20, 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1 RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1 AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................2 1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................2 A. Approve Payment of Claims ............................................................................................2 B. Declare Costs/Order Assessment Roll/25-11A:2025 Full Depth Reclamation (R006-26) .2 C. Approve Donation to the Andover Fire Department (R007-26) ........................................2 D. Approve Debt Service Payments ......................................................................................2 E. Approve December 2025 City Investment Report ............................................................2 F. Approve 2026 Massage Therapy License .........................................................................2 G. Declare Surplus Equipment/Property ...............................................................................2 H. Approve Lower-Potency Hemp Retail Registrations ........................................................2 I. Approve 2026 Used Vehicle Sales License ......................................................................2 J. Approve Joint Powers Agreement/Anoka County/Gate Valve Improvements/Round Lake Boulevard NW ........................................................................................................................2 K. Approve 2026 Tobacco License .......................................................................................2 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2 A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT ...................................2 B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT .............................................3 C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-02A: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (CREEKRIDGE ESTATES) (R008-26) ........................3 D. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-02C: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (EAST ROUND LAKE ESTATES) (R009-26) .............3 E. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS/26-11B: 2026 FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION (NORTHGLEN AREA/WOODLAND POND) (R010- 26) ...................................................................................................................................4 F. CONSIDER RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONCERN REGARDING STATE FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS ON LOCAL SERVICES (R011-26) .....................................................................................................4 3. STAFF ITEMS ................................................................................................................6 A. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT .....................................................................................6 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ...................................................................................................6 ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................7