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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-0304 Mar-AprVolume 29, Issue 2 March/April 2026 ANDOVER HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM The intent of the Andover Home Improvement Grant Program is to pay a portion of project costs to Andover property owners, who will make certain exterior improvements to the front (street side) of their home, increasing its curb appeal, which benefits the entire community. Property values less than $316,000 are eligible based on Anoka County 2026 Assessment Year Payable Taxes in 2026. There are no income limits to participate in this program. However, there are eligibility requirements. Grant amounts awarded will be between $500 - $5,000. Homeowners must pay at least $1,500 (75% of project costs) of their own funds to be eligible to receive the minimum grant amount of $500 from the City. Grant dollars do not need to be repaid. Grants will equal 25% of the applicant’s individual project amounts depending upon the scope of work. If the scope of work includes qualifying projects from both categories, then the grant amount will be determined individually in each category. The combined project amount must be $2,000 or more to be eligible. Cost of tools will not be eligible for grant dollars. Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available. Grant recipients will be awarded on first come first serve basis. The Andover Economic Development Authority reserves the right to modify the program at any time. Additional information including eligibility requirements can be found on the City of Andover’s website at www.andovermn.gov/526/ Home-Improvement-Grant-Program CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AND WIN! • Clean up a neighborhood, park, street or plant something between April 13th - May 17th. • Submit pictures and description to: s.morgan@ andovermn.gov • Participants will be entered into a drawing to win an outdoor bench made of recycled plastic. Open to Andover Residents Only Now is the time to mark your calendars to celebrate our great community at our 30th Annual Andover Family Fun Fest (AFFF) on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th! Our committee is already working on another weekend full of great food, music and activities for the whole family to enjoy, plus some extra festivities to celebrate 30 years! If interested in joining our volunteer committee, please message us on our Facebook page or email us at: AFFFcoordinator@outlook.com. SAVE THE DATE 30th ANNUAL ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST Lauren Bertilson, AFFF Committee Member TREE GIVEAWAY The City will once again have some larger, bare root saplings available this spring. There are limited quantities available. An order form and all the details will be available in early March on the website under the link: TREE GIVEAWAY. Please note this is separate from the annual Arbor Day Event, which will be on May 9, 2026. Details on this will be in the May/June edition. Questions, contact Kameron with Natural Resources at (763) 767- 5137. ANDOVER TODAYNEWSLETTER 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 MEETING AGENDAS & MINUTES www.lf.andovermn.gov/WebPortal QCTV www://qctv.org/andover REPORT A PROBLEM www.andovermn.gov/425/Report-a- Problem WEBSITE www.andovermn.gov Page 2 AndoverToday MAYOR’S REPORT Jamie Barthel The last few months have been difficult. Our great State of Minnesota has been in the spotlight for reasons that are not always glamorous. From concerns over fraud to the presence of federal agents, Minnesota has come under the microscope. These are controversial topics that elicit strong reactions; we have residents who are directly affected by these events, and others who are passionate about seeing them corrected. I have heard from many of you regarding these issues. I understand how heated these topics can be and how personal they become. Some residents are asking for changes within our local control, while others are focused on broader state and federal matters. This dialogue is vital because, in the end, we all want to be heard. Our local elected officials are easy to contact, and that is exactly how it should be. We are here to listen. Even when certain issues fall outside of the city’s jurisdiction, there are times when we can and must act. When news of potential fraud involving state government programs began to surface, many residents reached out with their concerns. Although this financial fraud has not directly affected our City budget, we wanted to formally notify the Governor that it could impact our residents in various ways. On January 20th, the Andover City Council passed an official resolution demanding that the State address the fraud and ensure it does not negatively impact our residents’ taxes. This resolution was sent to Governor Tim Walz, the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and Andover’s state representatives. At the time of this writing, we have heard back from Representatives Scott, Niska, and Rehrauer, as well as Speaker of the House Demuth. We have also been contacted by various media outlets regarding our stance. In a similar vein, residents and business owners have reached out to express concerns about the presence of federal agents in our community. Our hearts go out to those individuals and all Andover residents who may feel uneasy. Our role as a City government is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and to deliver essential services. Our contract with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office remains focused exclusively on enforcing state and local criminal laws. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office does not act as federal immigration agents. Additionally, the City of Andover does not engage in civil immigration enforcement, nor do we provide information about our residents for that purpose. We are not involved in federal enforcement; that is simply not our role. Emergency services, including 911, remain available to every member of our community without exception. If you feel unsafe, please call 911. Someone will be there to help. I am not sure if these challenges will get easier, but I pray that these issues are resolved quickly. I hope that Andover residents are shielded from the fallout of these events, and I want you to know that your city leadership is doing its best to advocate for you. This is new territory for us. In today’s world of instant communication, misinformation can spread quickly. You are always welcome to reach out to me, your local elected officials, or our City staff. Our contact information is available on the city website. We are always listening! LIBRARY ON THE GO! The Anoka County Library offers secure book lockers for picking up requested library materials as well as book returns at the Andover YMCA Community Center. This is an unstaffed Anoka County Library on the Go location. Please contact the staff at the Rum River Library at (763) 324- 1520 if you have any questions or need to report any problems while using the services. Learn more about Library On The Go at www.andovermn.gov/199/Library-On-The-Go. AndoverToday Page 3 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. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is excited to share the continued expansion of victim support services with the addition of facility dog Sedona, a three- year-old yellow lab/golden retriever. Sedona has been trained and generously provided by Can Do Canines to use specific skills to give comfort and support to victims who are experiencing difficult situations. Sedona will work closely with handler Victim Advocate Tristin Gillespie and Detective Troy Edmond with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. “Comprehensive law enforcement requires that we provide effective support to victims, and those who are experiencing distressing circumstances. The addition of Sedona will help those needing to revisit traumatic experiences reduce anxiety and build trust with staff,” states Sheriff Brad Wise. “Ultimately, by continuing to forge trusting relationships between our office and victims, we can not only bring those who do harm to justice but help provide some closure for those who were harmed.” DRIVER DISCOUNT PROGRAM 55+ Precision Driving Center of Minnesota will be hosting 55+ Driver Discount Program Courses at the Andover Senior Center (north end of City Hall), located at 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW, Andover, MN. The course fee is $24 per person. Thursday, April 9th 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Attend this course to receive a 10% discount on auto insurance. For more information and to register, call (320) 308-1400 or visit www.stcloudstate.edu/precisiondrivingcenter/55-plus/default.aspx Sedona SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK APRIL 13TH - 17TH Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) collaborates with the National Weather Service to sponsor Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to educate the public on seasonal dangers like tornadoes, floods, and lightning. It’s also a great time to make and practice an emergency plan with your family and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit. Topics for Severe Weather Awareness Week include: • Monday, April 13th - Weather Alerts and Warnings • Tuesday, April 14th - Severe Storms, Lightning, and Hail • Wednesday, April 15th - Floods • Thursday, April 16th - Tornadoes• Friday, April 17th - Extreme Heat The most important event during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the two annual statewide tornado drills. In Minnesota, the 2026 statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 16th at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. CDT. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families. For additional information about Severe Weather Awareness Week visit www.weather.gov/mpx/swaw. ADOPT A PARK PROGRAM The Adopt-a-Park Program is a great community service activity that gives the citizens of Andover the opportunity to participate in helping to keep the parks clean and looking good. Individuals or community groups that adopt a park are responsible for picking up litter twice a year, spring and fall. So if your group, organization, family or yourself are interested in doing something to make the community a better place to live, work and play, consider Adopting-a-Park. Please contact the Public Works Administrative Assistant at (763) 767-5175 or d.lenzmeier@andovermn.gov for more information. COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE All garden plots have been reserved for the 2026 season. Plots will be ready for planting May 4th, 2026, weather permitting. If you have a plot, or are interested in the future, please review the 2026 garden plot info found on the City of Andover website www.andovermn.gov under the Parks Maintenance Department page. If you have questions about the Community Garden Plot, feel free to stop by City Hall or contact us at (763) 767-5103. 2026 SEASONAL ROAD RESTRICTIONS Each spring Andover places road restrictions (weight limits) on City streets. Limiting vehicle weight minimizes damage to the streets when the frost comes out of the ground. This will extend the life of the street and reduce the need for early (and costly) reconstruction. Road restrictions are typically put into effect in early March (depending on the weather) and kept in place through the end of April. Residential streets are restricted to 5-ton per axle weight limit with some residential streets restricted to 4-ton per axle limit. Road restrictions may prevent you from receiving or scheduling a large, heavy delivery to your home in March & April. To determine if road restrictions/load limits are currently in effect and/or what road restrictions are for your street, please visit the City’s website at www.andovermn.gov and view the Seasonal Road Restrictions Map. The link to the map will be located on the lower left side of the home page once they go into effect. WOMEN’S CLOTHING EXCHANGE Check out Andover Recycling’s newest sustainability event: Women’s Clothing Exchange: Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW. More details available at www. andovermn.gov/266/recycling. MONTHLY RECYCLING Andover residents recycle appliances, electronics, mattresses, box springs, paper shredding and more the second Saturday of every month (except for July). For more information and fees associated with recycling, visit www.andovermn. gov/266/Recycling. Upcoming Recycle Event Dates 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. March 14th April 11th May 9th June 13th No July EventAugust 8th September 12th October 10th November 14th December 12th Page 4 AndoverToday AndoverToday Page 5 HOW DOES A PERMIT HELP YOU AS A PROPERTY OWNER? Your home or business is an investment… 1) Property Value: If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. 2) Insurance: Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. 3) Property Sale: If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to remove the unpermitted work, leave it unoccupied, or perform costly repairs. 4) Safety and Health: Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. It’s required by state law for most work to safeguard public welfare. 5) Code Compliance: Verifies adherence to Minnesota State Building Codes and local zoning (setbacks, height). A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met, as demonstrated by municipality’s carefully maintained records, has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, and future owners. This will also ensure projects meet state codes for structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, protecting occupants. To obtain information on State Licensed Contractors you may visit the Department of Labor and Industry website at www. dli.mn.gov/. The Building Department also has Construction Guides & Helpful Information available online at www. andovermn.gov/384/Construction-Guides-Helpful-Information and in our brochure racks at City Hall. If you have questions regarding permit requirements for your specific project, please call us at (763) 755-8700. PREVENTING DRYER FIRES Preventing dryer fires isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of consistent attention. Most incidents start with lint—a surprisingly flammable byproduct of doing laundry—so the first line of defense is clearing the lint trap before every cycle. That simple habit keeps air moving freely and reduces heat buildup. The vent system deserves just as much care: the hose and exterior exhaust duct should be cleaned several times a year to remove lint that escapes the filter and accumulates out of sight. Using rigid metal ducts instead of plastic or foil-style hoses also lowers risk because they resist crushing and allow better airflow. It helps to avoid overloading the dryer, since heavy, tightly packed loads force the machine to run hotter and longer. Keeping the area around the dryer uncluttered, especially free of cardboard boxes or cleaning products, adds another layer of protection. And when the dryer shows signs of trouble—longer drying times, unusual noises, or any burning smell—turning it off and having it inspected promptly can stop a minor issue from escalating. A little routine maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home safe. VACANCY FOR COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT Persons residing within the watershed district boundaries interested in being appointed to serve on the Coon Creek Watershed District Board of Managers and seeking recommendation from the Andover City Council to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners for appointment may submit their name (via a letter of interest and a resume) to the City of Andover by 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 3rd. In addition, you will need to complete an application at www.anokacountymn.gov/FormCenter/ Administration-21/Anoka-County-Committee-Appointments-Appl-121. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dave Berkowitz at (763) 767-5133. Term of appointment is for three years. If you have any questions about the role of Manager, feel free to contact Jon Janke, Coon Creek Watershed District Administrator at (763) 755-0975. Page 6 AndoverToday Pothole Patching - With winter comes potholes. We do our best to prioritize repairs based on location, amount of traffic on the street, and severity. In the Winter, a cold patch material is used to repair the bigger holes that form. As soon as the hot- mix asphalt plants open, typically in late April, crews will start hot patching. This is a crew of 3-4 workers where potholes are filled with hot asphalt and compacted with a vibratory roller. This crew will typically patch an entire neighborhood at a time. This is the most efficient approach to get as many streets done throughout the summer. We also utilize a spray patch truck which is done by a single operator, safely from inside the vehicle. It has a mechanical arm that blows out the hole, fills the pothole with rock coated in an asphalt emulsion, and then covers it with dry rock to prevent it from sticking to vehicle tires while it cures. This is a very efficient and safe operation that we utilize to repair the potholes that are spread out over a wide area. Typically, a street sweeper will follow this operation in the weeks after to clean up any excess loose rock. You can report potholes in a couple of ways. The preferred method is on the Andover website, www.andovermn.gov, you can report potholes and other issues in the REPORT A PROBLEM tab. This provides staff with a work order and a mapped location or the issue. Or feel free to call the Streets Maintenance Department Lead person at 763-767- 5170. Reporting issues helps us get them resolved in a timely manner. Street Sweeping - As soon as the weather allows, Public Works crews will begin street sweeping. This typically takes about 6-7 weeks to get through all city streets. City staff works closely with the watershed districts to study and implement best management practices to most effectively plan and execute street sweeping operations for maximum benefit to our lakes and streams. Street sweeping is a slow process, especially in areas of heavy tree cover. We ask that you keep streets clear of vehicles, garbage cans, and basketball hoops when the sweepers are working in your area to allow them to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. PLEASE do not rake or blow yard waste into the street as it is a misdemeanor. Mn Statute 169.42 Sub 1. All the asphalt streets get swept each spring and fall, and areas will get swept as needed throughout the summer. Winter Parking Regulations – Every snow event, we see several vehicles parked on the street. This creates safety hazards for snowplows and the traveling public. REMINDER- Ordinance No. 218 – It shall be unlawful for any person to park on any City street or right-of-way, on the traveled portion of the road, or to obstruct the flow of traffic, unless for an emergency, between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., November 1st to April 15th. It is also unlawful to park on a City street any time after a 2-inch or more snowfall until such time the snow has been plowed from said street. Vehicles are reported to Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for enforcement. Warnings and tickets will be issued, repeat offenders will be towed. Snowplow Operations – The City of Andover has a Snow and Ice Control Policy that we follow. It can be found on the City’s website in the Snow and Ice tab on the Public Works page. Most plowing operations begin between midnight and 4:00 a.m. due to the reduced traffic on the roadways. This makes operations much safer and allows crews to clear the streets as effectively and quickly as possible. During periods of heavy snow during the daytime hours, attempts are made to plow main routes to keep them open, then come back overnight to do a full plow. We try to have the plows off the road by 5:00 p.m. due to safety hazards of the extra traffic on the city streets at that time. This gives operators time to rest so they are ready for another overnight shift once traffic has cleared off the streets. Not every snow event will justify plowing of the cul-de-sacs as well, such as snowfalls under two inches. In the events of back-to-back snow events, cul-de-sacs might not be plowed until after the completion of the multiple events. The City is divided into 11 street, 9 culdesac, and 2 trail plow routes not including plowing public parking lots. Road Salt and Pretreatment of Streets - Treated salt is rock salt that has been treated in a liquid additive to enhance the performance of the salt. Using treated salt has many benefits. It lowers the effective melting temperature, the dark green color not only absorbs more heat from the sun, but it allows the plow operators to see what they are spreading on the street. Most importantly, it reduces the amount of salt needed each time we plow. The moisture in it helps keep it in place on the roadway, and it starts actively melting ice as soon as it is put down. Using treated salt can reduce salt applied by 20 to 30 percent. You might also see Public Works Staff spraying a brine solution on some of the streets and parking lots prior to a storm. This helps prevent the snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, allowing it to be plowed off easier and without nearly as much salt needed to keep the roadways safe. Both these practices of pre-treatment and using treated salt are identified as Best Management Practices to reduce salt usage by the MPCA. The City of Andover is committed to the responsible use of road salt while keeping the streets safe. 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 at www. andovermn.gov. Thank you. WINTER REMINDERS FROM PUBLIC WORKS 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 TURF SOCCER - The Spring Indoor Turf Soccer Program is for youth ages 4 - 9. Program will be held Saturday mornings, March 14, 21, April 11, and 18 (4 weeks) $75 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 - Spring lessons for youth ages 3 - 15 will be held Sunday evenings, April 12, 19, 26, and May 3. Lessons include 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of optional on-ice practice. Specific class times are posted on the community center website. Cost is $83 per skater. 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 at 7 p.m. on April 12, 19, 26, and May 3 and are 30 minutes in length and features age appropriate, off and on-ice activities. Program meets for 4-weeks. Cost is $73 per skater. Register for programs at: https://acc.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activitylist 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 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. 20th ANNUAL HOME LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN FAIR Hosted by Anoka County Master GardenersSaturday, March 28, 2026 Bunker Hills Activities Center 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW Andover, MN 55304 Complete details on speakers, schedule, registration, fees, and ticket information will be available on the organizations’ website www.anokamastergardeners.org. Website: www.AndoverMN.Gov/ACC • Email: accinfo@andovermn.gov • Main Phone: (763) 755-3238 AndoverToday Page 7 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 Page 8 AndoverToday ANDOVER’S 2026 ANNUAL CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE May 7th - 9th (Thursday – Saturday) Sale hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Maps will be available on the City’s website and at City Hall by May 6th. There is no cost to participate. Advertising will be on the City’s Website, Craigslist and other free sites. Name: Address: Phone: (H #) (W #) (C #) Email address: Items for sale (list up to 5 items): Days of Sale: (Please circle all that apply) Thursday Friday Saturday Signature ____________________________________________________________ Date ___________________ Please return completed form to: City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304 Registration deadline is May 1st --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------