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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-02 CC REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 2, 2026 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, February 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt (arrived at 7:01 p.m.), Karen Godfrey, Scott Schue, and Jonathan Shafto Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Community Development Director, Joe Janish Associate Planner, Aidan Breen Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM No one came forward to address the Council. AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Barthel requested to move Item #1G from Consent to Discussion Items. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting: Correct as written. January 21, 2026, Special Meeting: Correct as written. January 22, 2026, Special Meeting: Correct as written. January 27, 2026, Special Meeting: Correct as written. Councilmember Schue noted that two members of the Council were not in attendance at some of the meetings. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 2 Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to approve the January 20, 2026, Regular meeting, January 21, 2026, Special meeting, January 22, 2026, Special meeting, and January 27, 2026, Special meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried 3 ayes and 2 present (Schue and Godfrey). 1. CONSENT ITEMS A. Approve Payment of Claims B. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/25-11A:2025 Full Depth Reclamation (R012-26) C. Order Improvement/Order Plans and Specs/25-39B: Red Oaks Monitoring Area – Public Improvements (R013-26) D. Approve Water Enterprise Fund Budget Adjustment/WTP Backwash Pump Maintenance E. Approve Replacement – Fire/Rescue Vehicles (2) F. Approve Commission Appointments G. Acceptance of Donation of Land from Glenn and Jill Sonsteby H. Approve Demolition Quote 2607 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW (fourplex and garage) & th 2542 138 Avenue NW (fourplex) Motion by Schue, Seconded by Godfrey, to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION OF LAND FROM GLENN AND JILL SONSTEBY (PREVIOUSLY ITEM #1G ON CONSENT) The City Council is requested to accept the donation of land from Glenn and Jill Sonsteby, with the request to call the donated land “Rosella’s Refuge”. Community Development Director Janish provided additional information on the request and noted the Sonstebys are present tonight. Mayor Barthel thanked the Sonstebys for their extremely generous donation and expressed appreciation. He noted there have been multiple conversations with the Sonstebys and the Council on this proposed donation. Glenn Sonsteby, 14485 Waco Street in Ramsey, thanked the City for their willingness to take on the land, see the value in it, and the ability for people to enjoy the land for generations to come. Mayor Barthel noted additional conversations of the Council to transition the Nature Preserve Commission to a Natural Resources Commission, which would have more broad review of the management of natural land owned by the City. He thanked the Sonstebys. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to accept the donation of land from Glenn and Jill Sonsteby via deed. Motion carried unanimously. B. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-12: 2026 MILL & Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 3 OVERLAY (GROW OAK VIEW ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-12, 2026 Mill and Overlay (Grow Oak View Estates). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to open the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No comments. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to close the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Godfrey recognized the various projects before the Council tonight, which range from mill and overlay to reconstruction. She asked staff to provide a brief overview of the road conditions for each type of project recommendation. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional details on the ranges of road conditions for each type of road improvement project. Councilmember Schue asked staff to provide more information on the road rating system. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional details on the scale the City uses for rating roadways. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution R014-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-12, 2026 Mill & Overlay (Grow Oak View Estates) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-11D: 2026 FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION (OLD CONSTANCE BOULEVARD) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-11D, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Old Constance Boulevard). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to open the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Greg Pajak, 26 Old Constance Boulevard NW, commented that one year ago, he stopped in at City Hall to complain about the road condition and noted his concerns were immediately addressed by a patching crew. He thanked the City for taking action to address the road conditions through the proposed project. th Julia McCumber, 2080 157 Lane NW, commented she did not notice cement curbing for this Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 4 project and asked why the project does not include that element. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to close the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Berkowitz explained many projects were designed to manage stormwater through ditch systems. He recognized as the city continued to develop, the standards changed, and curb was added within developments, noting that in those scenarios, the curbs help to direct stormwater to the designated locations for management. He explained the urban developments use curbs, while the rural developments use ditches to route stormwater. He stated it is not cost-effective to change the systems that are already in place. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution R015-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-11D, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Old Constance Boulevard) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. D. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-11C: 2026 FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION (BIRCHWOOD POND) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-11C, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Birchwood Pond). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to open the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No comments. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution R016-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-11C, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Birchwood Pond) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. E. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-11A: 2026 FULL DEPTH RDTH RECLAMATION (173 AVENUE NW/NAVAJO STREET NW/175 AVENUE NW) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for rdth Project 26-11A, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (173 Avenue NW/Navajo Street NW/175 Avenue NW). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 5 Mayor Barthel asked if the properties without numbers are agricultural and asked if the City would then fund that portion of the project cost. Mr. Berkowitz commented the assessment would be deferred for 15 years, and if there is no subdivision or development within that time, the assessment would dissolve. He stated if the property is subdivided or developed during that time, the assessment would come due. He confirmed the project cost for the other properties in the area would not increase as a result of the agricultural properties. Mayor Barthel asked if this project would coordinate with Grow Oaks. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed these two projects would be bid together and completed by one contractor. He noted other projects on the agenda tonight would also be bundled for bidding when it makes sense in order to recognize the benefit of economies of scale for an overall project. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to open the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. th Philip Spaulding, 4605 175 Avenue commented that he lived on his property when the road was gravel and was happy when it was paved. He noted he is similarly happy to see the road being improved at this time. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to close the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution R017-26 Ordering the rd Improvement of Project No. 26-11A, 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (173 Avenue NW/Navajo th Street NW/175 Avenue NW) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. F. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02E: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (LEEMAN LAKE ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-02E, 2026 Street Reconstruction (Leeman Lake Estates). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Mayor Barthel noted there are cul-de-sacs at the end of each street and asked if those are temporary to prepare for future development. Mr. Berkowitz explained the purpose of the cul- de-sacs, recognizing that it is unique to have two dead-end cul-de-sacs. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to open the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No comments. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 6 Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to close the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution R018-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-02E: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Leeman Lake Estates) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications. Motion carried unanimously. G. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02D: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (NIGHTINGALE PRESERVE/WITTINGTON STRD RIDGE/NIGHTINGALE ESTATES 1 – 3) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-02D, 2026 Street Reconstruction (Nightingale Preserve/Wittington Ridge/Nightingale strd Estates 1 – 3). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and ordered plans and specifications for the project as presented. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to open the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Tim Delapp, 15716 Raven Street, stated it is his understanding that there could be underlying peat below the roadway, causing some of the deterioration. He asked if that was true and whether that would be addressed through the project to prevent a repeat situation. th Larysa Matzek, 2381 155 Lane NW, commented on her research on concrete curbing and had concerns with the amount of runoff and the way the drainage would be impacted, and the aesthetic of the curb due to the hard water conditions. She also had concerns with the peat, noting that in her research, the proposed fabric often does not work. She stated she is not opposed to the improvement of the street, but does not want to see the concrete curb added. She asked how it would be known that this would solve the road problem and that the situation would not be repeated. She noted the only areas of the road that experienced problems are related to the peat. She believed an asphalt curb is easier to patch without becoming an eyesore, compared to a concrete curb, which is an eyesore to patch. She asked if there would be another special assessment in the near future if the peat situation is not addressed and corrected. She thanked Councilmember Shafto for his responses to her email, noting she did not receive responses from any other members of the Council, with the exception of Mayor Barthel, who directed her to Mr. Berkowitz. th Dan Johnson, 2165 154 Lane, commented that $150 a month for eight years is a lot of money, and asked if the road would be done again in ten years with another assessment. He commented th on the high level of traffic experienced on 154 due to the roundabouts and asked the City to cover more of the project cost in response. He asked how the parking issues would be addressed during construction and asked if construction would be spread out, taking the entirety of May through September. He stated the concrete curbing would make this area look like city lots rather than the black curbing, which blends in, and noted he prefers the asphalt curbing. He asked the City to Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 7 th cover a larger portion of the project cost for the portion of 154 within Nightingale Estates because of the large amount of detour traffic that was routed down the road last summer. th Ed McCumber, 2080 157 Lane, asked if there would be any guarantee of the work from the contractor/subcontractor. He asked about the plan for city sewer and water, and whether the neighborhood would be hit with that assessment in another five years, causing the road to be torn up once again. He noted the existing asphalt curbs are in good shape and have only failed where the peat exists. th Julia McCumber, 2080 157 Lane, stated she is also worried about the peat, the integrity of the road, and what guarantees there would be. She did not trust that this solution would last the next 25 years. th Randall Chadwick, 2307 155 Lane, recognized there is a lack of enthusiasm for the project, and the majority of residents would prefer to continue patching the road. He asked if the Council is going to listen to the residents or push the project through. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to close the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Barthel referenced the comment related to city water and sewer and stated as long as he is Mayor, that will not be added to that area. He explained if water and sewer were added to that area, all the lots would need to be adjusted to meet the required density of the Metropolitan Council. Community Development Director Janish identified the one property within the MUSA that could one day be connected to city water and sewer. Mr. Berkowitz stated there is not peat throughout the entire area, noting an area of 300 to 400 feet of roadway that had a settlement issue when originally built. He stated the developer would not address the issue, and therefore, the letter of credit was called upon. He stated the entire deterioration is not related to the peat. He explained it would not be feasible to dig out the peat and stated the only feasible option would be to run fabric to bridge that area. He commented there will be a two-year guarantee with the contractor, and the City is committed to completing a feasible option in an attempt to correct that area. He stated the drainage pattern and amount of runoff will not change from the existing conditions with the asphalt curb compared to the concrete curb. He stated the differences noticed will be a result of the stormwater system improvements that will be made. He stated bituminous/asphalt materials have changed, and contractors are not as familiar with curbs of that material, which often results in a lesser quality product in the end. He recognized that parking can be a challenge during road projects and provided information on the lines of communication the City uses during projects to keep residents informed. He stated a timeframe is provided for construction to ensure that the best pricing can be obtained through bidding, but explained the City does not allow a road to be ground up and the contractor to leave for one month. He provided additional information on the process of a road improvement and the related schedule. He noted the City's policy for assessment. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 8 Mayor Barthel welcomed additional comments or questions via email on the issue of assessment. He noted that compared to other communities, Andover remains one of the lowest for the amount of a project assessed to residents. He explained the action tonight is related to finalizing the plans and specifications, and the bid would still be considered at a later meeting. Councilmember Schue recognized the comments from residents related to concrete versus asphalt curbing. He asked and received confirmation that only concrete curbs would be included in the plans and specifications for the bid. He referenced the comment that the nature of the neighborhood would change in terms of aesthetics when changing from asphalt to concrete curbs. He noted the comment from staff that the concrete curbs would not change the pattern of runoff, and therefore, it seems that either type of curb would do the same job in directing runoff. Mr. Berkowitz replied that it is correct initially. He explained if the asphalt starts to settle, it will create issues with drainage, which is common with asphalt curbing. Councilmember Schue asked where staff would expect the most problems if the curbs remained asphalt. Mr. Berkowitz replied failures can occur anywhere in the project. He explained concrete is rigid with a consistent grade, whereas blacktop is flexible and can be laid at a consistent grade but experiences settlement. He stated when water sits on bituminous, it causes premature failure, but if they can prevent water from pooling, it will assist in maintaining the life of the roadway. Councilmember Shafto asked for more information on the peat section, recognizing the two-year warranty. He asked how a failure at four years would be addressed. Mr. Berkowitz replied it would be a city maintenance cost. He stated if failure occurred at 25 to 30 years, that would be a project considered for assessment. Mayor Barthel recognized resident comments related to a warranty and stated if the project fails after the warranty period, the City would correct that and would not come back to the residents for another assessment in a few years. He asked how long the period would be during which the City would cover the cost for a failure. Mr. Berkowitz replied a failure response would be covered by the City until the time of the next road project for the whole neighborhood, such as a mill and overlay or reconstruction. He stated staff will do the proper work through design to protect against failure. Councilmember Schue asked what would happen if the Council denied the action tonight. Mr. Berkowitz stated if the project is removed, it would be the decision of the Council as to where the project fits back into the schedule, noting 11.5 miles of improvement already scheduled for next year. He also noted the issue of road condition and stated if the project is not completed, additional maintenance, such as pothole patching, would be needed. He recognized if the project is delayed, the ultimate project cost will increase as costs increase each year, resulting in a higher price for the residents in the future. Councilmember Schue asked if there would be additional time in the schedule to review the project plans without delaying the timing of the project. Mr. Berkowitz stated if the item were tabled to review other options, that would not occur in the next month because of the current workflow and need for discussion in workshops, and the project would be delayed to the next year. He stated projects are bid early and grouped together in an attempt to obtain the best pricing from contractors. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 9 Councilmember Schue recognized it would likely take more than one workshop to allow additional research and discussion, which would delay the project by more than two months and ultimately would delay the project to next year, resulting in a higher cost to residents. He recognized the concerns from the residents brought forward tonight and stated he would prefer to take additional time to review the project plans. Councilmember Godfrey clarified the action tonight does not approve or deny the project but allows the project to be bid. She recognized the City achieves efficiency and cost-savings by bidding multiple projects together. She stated she would like to move this forward to determine the true cost based on the projects as designed thus far. She stated there will be another opportunity when the bids come in to approve or deny the project. Councilmember Schue stated his only concern with that statement is that the bid would go forward with the concrete curbing rather than the bituminous curbing, which is part of the debate. He stated it is the element he would like to gain more information on. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed the bid would go forward with the concrete curb, as that is the policy of the City. Councilmember Godfrey noted the policy, since 1998, has been for concrete curbs and therefore did not see flexibility in the policy. Councilmember Schue understood it is the policy, but recognized that the members of the Council are elected to review and consider policies and balance those with the rights of property owners. He stated he can see a distinction between the urban areas and the rural areas of Andover. He recognized that concrete curb is the only thing that makes sense in the urban areas, but perhaps there should be other considerations in the rural areas. He stated he would like the opportunity to speak with more residents in the rural area to gain their input on this topic. He asked the Council hold a special session to gain that information and have a related discussion as soon as possible. Councilmember Shafto commented the action tonight is just to go out for bid, and research can be completed before the bid comes back. He stated the research will inform the Council on whether or not the policy should be reconsidered. He did not want to risk delaying road projects as costs continue to rise quickly. He stated delaying the project would potentially delay the timetable to bring the roads back to where they should be. He commented on personal research that he did over the past week on the increase in construction costs, recognizing the cost impact to residents if the project is delayed. He believed they should go out for bid and commented that in the meantime, they can do additional research to understand the differences between bituminous and concrete curbing. Councilmember Schue asked if there would be a way to include asphalt curbing as an additional item within the bid. Mr. Berkowitz replied it is not current policy, so that direction would be needed from the City Council. Mayor Barthel suggested they move forward with the bid process and continue to have those desired conversations in a workshop to discuss bituminous versus concrete curbs. He stated if Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 10 they decide that bituminous curb is better, they can rebid. He explained if they do not move forward with the bids at this time, and ultimately still agree that concrete curbs are the best option, they will have delayed the process to a point where they will receive higher bids for the same project. Councilmember Schue commented he does not oppose this going out for bid as written, and having additional discussions in a workshop. He noted it would be the discretion of the Council as to whether they want to include that within the bid. He recognized the members of the Council may not agree with him and encouraged them to be open to the discussion on bituminous curbing in a workshop. Mayor Barthel confirmed the topic could be added to a workshop agenda. Councilmember Shafto asked if the Council could request a bid for asphalt curbing, recognizing that it is against policy. He recognized they could not accept the bid unless the policy was changed. He stated bituminous curbing will be cheaper in a bid, but the question is whether the benefit of concrete curbing outweighs the initial cost savings of bituminous curbing. He stated he would support including an option within the bid, recognizing that the Council should not accept the bid for bituminous curbing unless the policy is changed. Mr. Berkowitz stated bituminous curb could be added as a bid alternate, and the Council can make the decision on which type of curb to use at a later date when the bid is awarded. City Administrator Cotton asked Mr. Berkowitz to provide additional information on available staff time, expressing concerns with the current workload for engineering and their ability to also address this at the February workshop. Mr. Berkowitz stated if the Council would like to see something at the February workshop, staff will do what they can to make it happen. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution R019-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-02D: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Nightingale Preserve/Wittington strd Ridge/Nightingale Estates 1 – 3 Additions) and Directing preparation of Final Plans and Specifications, including a bid alternate for bituminous curbing. Further discussion: Mayor Barthel stated he will most likely vote against this motion, as the policy is for concrete curbing. He noted he has seen many previous projects, with higher assessments, that included concrete curbing because it is the policy and has been shown to be the better product. Councilmember Godfrey stated she is concerned with the available time and resources of City staff to develop an alternative bid and asked if that is actually doable for staff without impacting other items on the schedule. Mr. Berkowitz replied he will do what the Council asks. Councilmember Shafto stated he has done extensive personal research on this and has a preference for concrete curb as it is a better long-term product. He stated even with that information, he is open to receiving additional information from those with more experience. Councilmember Godfrey stated she has also done additional research and also relies on the Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 11 professionals with the industry knowledge and experience, and therefore will lean towards concrete curbing. She stated she will do her best to keep an open mind as they have discussions in workshops. Motion carried 4 ayes – 1 nay (Barthel opposed). Mayor Barthel stated the bids are not considered until April, and therefore, if staff needs additional time, additional discussions could occur in March. H. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02B: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (KADLEC ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and order plans and specifications for Project 26-02B, 2026 Street Reconstruction (Kadlec Estates). Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz reviewed the information with the Council, asked that the Council hold the public hearing, and order plans and specifications for the project as presented. Councilmember Schue stated there seems to be some similarities in this project and the last, and asked if there is peat within this project area. Mr. Berkowitz replied there is no peat within this project area. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to open the public hearing at 8:56 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. th William Corn, 3001 154 Lane NW, commented on the issue and controversy of concrete curb versus bituminous curb. He stated there has not been a data-driven analysis, and over the past three months, he requested information from staff on costs and project data. He thanked staff for their cooperation and explained he used that information and additional research to show the cost savings of bituminous curb initially and in the long run. He shared some of those facts and noted a bituminous curb project as recently as 2022, which was a deviation from City policy. He stated his information and data are available for review and asked that this project move forward with bituminous curb, as it could be used to review the success and guide decisions and policies for future rural projects, as they would have real-world data. He asked the City to direct staff to use bituminous curbs in the project. rd Kevin Romano, 2990 153 Avenue NW, asked if the residents are assessed based on the bid or actual costs for a project. He stated he moved to Andover almost 29 years ago to escape the city, noting that he lives on a 2.5-acre lot. He believes that this project and the development abutting theirs with 50-foot lots would change the look of their neighborhood. He asked the Council to do a better job of considering what the residents want and the impact that an assessment will have on them. He asked the Council to consider the project and what it will cost. He stated all the residents in the neighborhood signed a petition requesting bituminous curbs to save money for themselves and the City. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 12 rd Mike Olsen, 3052 153 Avenue NW, reiterated the comments of the previous speakers that this would be a golden opportunity to allow bituminous curb to be used in place of concrete curb, as it has worked just fine for the past 30 years. He stated there is no reason that this cannot go out for bid with bituminous curb as they currently have. He stated the City needs a true process, on a small scope, such as this project, to test the results of bituminous curb. He did not see a reason to pay the additional cost for concrete curb in this area specifically or the rural area in general. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to close the public hearing at 9:07 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Berkowitz stated the assessment is based on the bid cost. He explained the City used to work with actual costs, but previously made the change to use the initial contract bid cost in order to certify the costs to the County in a timely manner. Mayor Barthel recalled the discussion where they determined that the initial bid cost is always very close, or sometimes slightly cheaper, than the actual project cost in the end. Councilmember Schue stated this neighborhood is similar to the previous project, recognizing the debate tonight related to bituminous versus concrete curb. He stated there are distinct differences, noting that this neighborhood provided signatures of all residents in the project area requesting bituminous curb. He noted this road does not go through to anywhere else and therefore is not a main transport hub. He referenced the suggestion from the neighborhood to use them as a test/pilot for bituminous curbing and proposed that they also include a bid alternate for this project, as they did for the last project. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution R020-26 Ordering the Improvement of Project No. 26-02B: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Kadlec Estates) and Directing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications, including a bid alternate for bituminous curbing. Further discussion: Mayor Barthel stated he will oppose the vote for the same reasons he disclosed in the last project. Motion carried 4 ayes – 1 nay (Barthel opposed). I. CONSIDER A CITY CODE AMENDMENT TO 12-14-17: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING STANDARDS; TO ALLOW FOR ROOF PITCHES OF LESS THAN 4:12 ON SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS The City Council is requested to consider a proposed change to City Code Section 12-14-17-C to allow exceptions for flat or low-sloping roofs on properties outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA). Community Development Director Janish reviewed the information with the Council and the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the amendment, with the removal of the language “located outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area” so that it would be applicable to all single-family properties in the city. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 13 Councilmember Schue stated , as he understands this, this is driven by a resident request, which then triggered a review of the policy. Mr. Janish confirmed that is accurate and also confirmed that it was a unanimous vote of the Planning and Zoning Commission in support as presented. Mayor Barthel commented if the building on the corner can have a flat roof, residents should also be able to do that. He stated he fully supports the request. Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Ordinance 585 Amendments to City Code Title 12: Zoning Regulations, Chapter 14: Performance Standards as presented and authorize summary publication of the Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously. J. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT TO 4-1-2-F; 12-14-3; AND 12-14-8-D-3 FOR INCREASED PENALTIES FOR REPEAT INFRACTIONS OF CITY CODE WITHIN ONE YEAR The City Council is requested to review a City Code Amendment to increase penalties for repeat City Code violations for some of the most commonly-received City Code complaints. Associate Planner Breen reviewed the information with the Council and the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the Zoning Code Amendment with the clerical inconsistencies as noted. Councilmember Schue thanked Mr. Breen for his work on this change. He asked if there had been discussion with the City Attorney about the potential of retroactive enforcement or whether this would be implemented once adopted. Mr. Breen replied there would be no option for retroactive enforcement and would apply to all violations moving forward after publication. Councilmember Engelhardt asked if there would be a Code change notification as a public notice in addition to the summary publication. Mr. Breen explained how the City is required to publish the notification. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Ordinance 586 Amending City Code 4-1-2- F, 12-14-3, and 12-14-8-D-3 to Allow for Increased Penalties for Repeat Violations of City Code within One Year as presented, and authorize summary publication of the Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously. K. CONSIDER INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR MINING AND LAND RECLAMATION – TH 3261 160 LANE NW The City Council is requested to consider an Interim Use Permit (IUP) for mining/land reclamation th not to exceed 1,680 cubic feet of dirt for the construction of a berm on the property at 3261 160 Lane NW. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the information with the Council and the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the IUP. Mayor Barthel invited the applicants to speak. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 14 th Scott Jenkins, 3261 160 Lane NW, commented he began the berm without knowing the rules. He explained they are building the berm and will use seed, grass, and trees, and if approved, would begin work again in the spring. He believed the berm would provide mitigation from the intersection noise and would keep snow from blowing as well. Councilmember Shafto commented the Planning and Zoning Commission did an excellent review of this item and supports their recommendation. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adopt Resolution R021-26 Granting an Interim Use th Permit for Mining and Land Reclamation for the Property Located at 3261 160 Lane NW (PID# 17-32-24-41-0014) and Legally Described as: Lot 2, Block 4, Pine Hills Addition (Subj to Ease for Road to City of Andover 10-26-79). Further discussion: Mayor Barthel suspected the road noise increased with the additional lane of the road and supported the request. Motion carried unanimously. 3. STAFF ITEMS A. SCHEDULE SPECIAL WORK SESSION The City Council is requested to schedule a Special Work Session for a review of the Draft AUAR report. City Administrator Cotton provided additional information to the Council related to the request. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to schedule a Special Work Session for the review of the Draft AUAR report for February 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Further discussion: Councilmember Shafto asked for an estimated time for the special meeting. Mr. Janish commented it would depend on the number of questions from the Council. He anticipated one to two hours. Motion carried unanimously. B. SCHEDULE LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION MEETING The City Council is requested to schedule the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting. City Manager Cotton provided additional information to the Council related to the request. Motion by Schue, Seconded by Engelhardt, to schedule the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting for April 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 15 C. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Ms. Cotton had no further reports from staff. Councilmember Schue referenced the rural reserve area and the preliminary timetable that was released a number of months ago. He asked staff to review that timetable to determine if any changes have been made or are needed. Mr. Janish confirmed it will be part of the discussion at the special workshop. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Councilmember Godfrey commented that several members of the Council recently attended the Andover Fire Department awards ceremony. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 16 1 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2, 2026 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 4 5 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1 6 RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1 7 AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................1 8 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................1 9 1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................2 10 A. Approve Payment of Claims ........................................................................................2 11 B. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/25-11A:2025 Full Depth Reclamation 12 (R012-26) ....................................................................................................................2 13 C. Order Improvement/Order Plans and Specs/25-39B: Red Oaks Monitoring Area – 14 Public Improvements (R013-26) .............................................................................................2 15 D. Approve Water Enterprise Fund Budget Adjustment/WTP Backwash Pump 16 Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................2 17 E. Approve Replacement – Fire/Rescue Vehicles (2) ...........................................................2 18 F. Approve Commission Appointments ...............................................................................2 19 G. Acceptance of Donation of Land from Glenn and Jill Sonsteby ....................................2 20 H. Approve Demolition Quote 2607 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW (fourplex and garage) & th 21 2542 138 Avenue NW (fourplex) ..........................................................................................2 22 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2 23 A. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION OF LAND FROM GLENN AND JILL SONSTEBY 24 (PREVIOUSLY ITEM #1G ON CONSENT) ..................................................................2 25 B. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-12: 2026 MILL & 26 OVERLAY (GROW OAK VIEW ESTATES) (R014-26) ................................................2 27 C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-11D: 2026 FULL 28 DEPTH RECLAMATION (OLD CONSTANCE BOULEVARD) (R015-26) .................3 29 D. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS AND SPECS/26-11C: 2026 FULL 30 DEPTH RECLAMATION (BIRCHWOOD POND) (R016-26) .......................................4 31 E. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-11A: 2026 FULL DEPTH RDTH 32 RECLAMATION (173 AVENUE NW/NAVAJO STREET NW/175 AVENUE NW) 33 (R017-26) ..................................................................................................................4 34 F. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02E: 2026 STREET 35 RECONSTRUCTION (LEEMAN LAKE ESTATES) (R018-26) ....................................5 36 G. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02D: 2026 STREET 37 RECONSTRUCTION (NIGHTINGALE PRESERVE/WITTINGTON STRD 38 RIDGE/NIGHTINGALE ESTATES 1 – 3) (R019-26) ..............................................6 39 H. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ORDER PLANS & SPECS/26-02B: 2026 STREET 40 RECONSTRUCTION (KADLEC ESTATES) (R020-26) .............................................. 11 41 I. CONSIDER A CITY CODE AMENDMENT TO 12-14-17: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING 42 STANDARDS; TO ALLOW FOR ROOF PITCHES OF LESS THAN 4:12 ON 43 SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS Ord. 585 .................................................................. 12 44 J. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT TO 4-1-2-F; 12-14-3; AND 12-14-8-D-3 Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2026 Page 17 1 FOR INCREASED PENALTIES FOR REPEAT INFRACTIONS OF CITY CODE 2 WITHIN ONE YEAR Ord. 586 ..................................................................................... 13 3 K. CONSIDER INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR MINING AND LAND RECLAMATION – TH 4 3261 160 LANE NW (R021-26)................................................................................. 13 5 3. STAFF ITEMS .............................................................................................................. 14 6 A. SCHEDULE SPECIAL WORK SESSION .................................................................... 14 7 B. SCHEDULE LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION MEETING ....... 14 8 C. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT ................................................................................... 15 9 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ................................................................................................. 15 10 ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................................................. 15 11