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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-19 WK ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – FEBRUARY 19, 2026 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, February 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt, Karen Godfrey, Scott Schue, and Jonathan Shafto Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Community Development Director, Joe Janish Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Others ALTERNATIVE AREAWIDE REVIEW (AUAR) DISCUSSION Mr. Janish presented the staff report and explained the City is currently in the process of completing the AUAR study for the area known as the Fields of Andover. At this time, the Council is required to review the specific components, draft findings, and proposed mitigation strategies detailed within the study documents. Jennifer Haskamp explained this study is a mandatory environmental review process initiated because the proposed development intensity within this geographic area exceeds the state-defined thresholds for a standard Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). She identified the phase of the process they are in, opportunities for public comment, and actions that have been completed. She highlighted the key themes received through public comment and the details included in the order, which directed the study of two scenarios. She provided information on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan scenario and the PUD Concept Plan. She provided information on the existing conditions of the land within the AUAR, input and recommendations from other agencies, and requirements and permitting that would exist under either development scenario. She reviewed assumptions, mitigation strategies, and other items of consideration for each development scenario. Councilmember Godfrey appreciated the methodology that was described, which gives her great confidence. She asked for more information on the reliability of the underlying data for the soil and topography. She noticed some of the soil borings were from 2005, some data were collected in 2022, and some were collected more recently. Ms. Haskamp explained an AUAR looks at information that exists that can help to inform them, and the site itself has a lot of peat and an extensive amount of correction would be needed in order for certain areas to be buildable and Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 Page 2 suitable. She explained that this would be the tip of the iceberg as to what would be needed, and much more information would be gathered and provided during the plat process under either scenario. Mayor Barthel referred to some of the plant and animal species that were mentioned as not existing or potentially existing and asked if there would be further review of those elements in the future. Ms. Haskamp stated a native plant survey was completed, specifically looking for plants, and determined that there were no protected plants on the site. She stated wildlife is trickier because animals move, and therefore, the DNR identified certain species that may be in the area and provided specific mitigation strategies. Councilmember Schue reiterated that the animals may be there, and at no point has the DNR said that those animals are there. Ms. Haskamp confirmed that it is accurate. She noted there was a public comment related to sandhill cranes, but that species was not listed by the DNR. She provided additional information on the DNR reporting tool that could be used by residents and/or contractors who may see something on the property. Mayor Barthel stated all of the plans show all the drainage going to the southwest corner of the site and asked about the type of protection that would exist to ensure that flooding would not occur for the residents in that area. Ms. Haskamp stated currently, this is agricultural land, and there is no treatment occurring onsite for water/drainage. She commented the post-construction condition would require all the stormwater control measures to be met, where none of those things exist today. Brian Krystofiak, Project Engineer, Carlson McCain, provided additional information on the stormwater treatment system that would be included with the development. Mr. Janish commented the applicant’s engineer would design that system, which would then be reviewed by the City Engineer and the Watershed District. Mayor Barthel recognized that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan information was used for this process and asked how different that information would be compared to the new information from the Metropolitan Council that will guide the 2050 Comprehensive Plan process. Ms. Haskamp stated the community designation for this area has not changed between the 2040 and 2050 system statements from the Metropolitan Council, as the area is still not within the MUSA. She explained because the 2040 Plans are the adopted plans, any requests would be reviewed under those versions, because 2050 is not yet the adopted policy in place. Mr. Janish provided additional information on discussions with the Metropolitan Council, noting that a change from three units to 3.5 units per acre will result in less land developed. He explained it is easier to provide additional capacity to a new area rather than try to retrofit to provide more capacity in an area that is already developed with infrastructure. Ms. Haskamp stated an estimated density calculation was done to provide a density range and provided additional details. Councilmember Shafto referenced County Ditch 37, which may be designated as a public Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 Page 3 waterway, and asked about the impact that would have on a potential project. Ms. Haskamp explained the permitting process would determine if changes and impacts could be made. Katie Schmidt explained the methodology used for the traffic study and the area included within the study. She explained the existing condition and a no-build scenario were reviewed to provide a baseline of information. She reviewed those results and recommendations for intersections that would need future improvements under the no-build scenario. She recognized the development proposed for the AUAR would be phased and provided information on the review and recommendations for phases one and two through 2030. Councilmember Schue commented if this is to move forward, some of these issues would need to be improved sooner than anticipated. Ms. Schmidt reviewed the information and recommendations related to traffic for the AUAR scenario through 2050. Councilmember Shafto asked when the County would become involved and what that process would be, recognizing that some of the road improvements identified are on County roads. Mr. Berkowitz explained the County has thresholds for traffic volumes that would trigger the need for improvements. Councilmember Shafto asked what would happen if the development outpaced the County process. Mr. Berkowitz replied the City would continue to monitor those levels, noting that some of these improvements have been within the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for many years, and others would be added. th Mayor Barthel referenced 149 Avenue and Round Lake Boulevard, which included a recommendation to remove a median. He stated if the County does not approve that action, a high th amount of traffic would go through 150 Lane. He noted the City is currently improving the roads in that area for which residents are being assessed, so he would have a problem directing 250 th homes down 150 Lane. Mr. Berkowitz stated when Round Lake Boulevard was rebuilt, the City had a conversation with the County that the road would need to be opened. He stated the County is aware of that, and the cost for the improvement would be the responsibility of the developer. Councilmember Shafto referenced the Veterans Memorial Boulevard corridor, noting that the traffic study did not anticipate any issues. He asked if there was a sense of what the traffic level increase would be for that area. Ms. Schmidt stated the traffic distribution to and from would be to the south, as general commuting patterns would lead towards the highway and/or school. She noted once Andover Boulevard is punched through, that it will take some pressure away from Veterans Memorial Boulevard as well. Councilmember Shafto commented the punch-through of Andover Boulevard is not a guarantee as to when it will occur. Mr. Berkowitz commented Veterans Memorial Boulevard is currently underutilized and is designed to handle more traffic. Mayor Barthel stated they will need to continue to monitor the traffic speeds on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 Page 4 Ms. Schmidt stated the proposed internal roundabout will assist in calming the traffic. Mayor Barthel explained he is worried about the stretch from the AUAR to Nightingale Street, where they already have traffic moving at speeds higher than the posted speeds. Mayor Barthel asked if traffic was monitored on Round Lake Boulevard and whether it would remain within the acceptable range. Ms. Schmidt confirmed the roadway would remain within the acceptable range for a four-lane roadway, even under the 2050 AUAR scenario. Councilmember Schue recognized the roadway may be designed to handle more traffic, even when functioning within the acceptable range, but there will be an increase in traffic, and it will be an issue of perception for residents. Ms. Haskamp reviewed the next steps, which will involve public engagement, a comment period, and an additional review period for public agencies prior to finalization of the AUAR. Councilmember Schue asked about the ability/process for Ms. Haskamp to revise the document if there are extensive public agency comments to address. Ms. Haskamp provided additional information on that process. She noted they would be aware of what the public agency comments may be during the 30-day comment period. Mayor Barthel explained when this document comes before the Council, the Council will be approving whether the AUAR and the information within are adequate, and would not be approving a specific project. He confirmed the consensus of the Council in support of continuing to move forward on this. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Schue, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The workshop meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary