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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-24 WK ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MARCH 24, 2026 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, March 24, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt, Karen Godfrey, and Jonathan Shafto Councilmember absent: Scott Schue Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Community Development Director, Joe Janish Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz City Finance Manager, Lee Brezinka Streets and Parks Manager, Jason Baumunk Others PROPOSAL FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER POSITION Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Commander Brent Erickson introduced Deputy Zakary Gallegos, who provided an overview of the current School Resource Officer (SRO) program and a proposal to add one additional SRO position for the 2026/2027 school year. Commander Erickson explained the numbers for the 2026/2027 year are estimates. He reviewed the 2026 and 2027 Sheriff’s Office contracts, costs, and services provided within. He also provided a cost estimate for an additional SRO under the 2027 contract, with everything else in the contract remaining the same, as well as an alternative that would eliminate some Community Service Officer (CSO) hours while adding the additional SRO. He noted the State Aid dollars received also reduce the overall contract cost. He provided information on the estimated impact on each household for each of the two options. He noted the budget cuts the School District has had to make in recent years, which means that the School District would not provide additional funding. He stated they would like to add the additional SRO in the 2026/2027 school year, as they have seen a shortage in Andover for that position. Deputy Gallegos commented this is not so much about adding a new position, but filling a gap that exists to keep kids safe in the schools. Councilmember Godfrey asked about the impact of removing six hours daily of CSO coverage, if they have explored alternate methods of filling the gap, and whether this only includes Anoka Hennepin School District schools or other schools that Andover residents attend. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 2 Commander Erickson stated in 2025, the CSOs responded to about 1,400 calls for service. He stated that CSOs would not be cut by six hours every day and explained the CSOs would still be out and about, but there would not be one dedicated to the City of Andover. He stated that would have an impact as there may or may not be a CSO available to handle a call in Andover, which means the call load for Deputies could increase. He stated in terms of the scope, they want to create a model in the City of Andover that they could build upon, and he could see this model expanding to other schools within their patrol area in the future. He stated the department is bound by the personnel available to them, and most of the time they would have Deputies available who could respond to the elementary school if needed but were not aware of other alternative options. Deputy Gallegos commented other alternatives would be of the School District in terms of hiring private security, and that does not seem to be within the scope of the School District at this time. Councilmember Godfrey asked if there would be an option to provide additional training to the reserve unit to assist in filling the gap. Commander Erickson stated the reserve unit is 100 percent volunteer, they are not armed, and are limited in the scope of what they could do, so they would not have the same authority as an SRO. He noted the reserve members also have full-time jobs, which creates difficulty in terms of daytime staffing for schools. Councilmember Shafto acknowledged this has not been considered for the 2026 budget and was interested in the impact on the budget for those months. Commander Erickson replied the County would cover that cost for those four months. Councilmember Shafto commented he does agree there is a gap and would support doing something to address that. Councilmember Engelhardt asked if the added resources would allow them to expand additional resources, such as DARE. Deputy Gallegos commented he would be interested in adding more youth programming to engage with the youth outside of school and in the summer. DISCUSS POSSIBLE CITY CODE AMENDMENTS Mr. Janish presented the staff report and explained the Council is requested to provide direction to City staff related to possible City Code Amendments. He reviewed the issues of clarity, consistency, and relevance and confirmed the support of the Council related to the first four changes. He provided information on the fifth change related to the definitions of deck and porch. Councilmember Shafto asked if “roof” would need to be defined. Mr. Janish replied the Building Code has a definition of roof, but that was not included in this definition in order to provide Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 3 flexibility. He explained when you provide a definition in a certain context, you also have to look in other areas of the Code for consistency. Mayor Barthel reviewed questions submitted by Councilmember Schue as to how an attached pergola would be considered. Mr. Janish noted that is part of the dilemma in trying to define too much. The Council agreed with the definitions of decks and porches in item five and also agreed with the changes as proposed in items six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and 11. Councilmember Godfrey asked if there was a typo within the proposed change for item 12. Mr. Janish agreed that “and” could be removed. The Council agreed with the changes to item 12, with the removal of “and” as discussed. Mr. Janish noted the remaining amendments to be discussed would potentially result in policy changes. He asked how the City would like to address utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). Mayor Barthel stated originally he supported ATVs and UTVs on City roads, but after thinking about it, it would be difficult to get to places because of the layout of roads and the necessity of using County roads. He acknowledged that you cannot get anywhere without going on a County road, and ATV, UTVs, and golf carts are not allowed on County roads. He stated he does not support the use of golf carts on sidewalks. Councilmember Godfrey agreed. She noted a nearby community does permit the use of those vehicles on roads, and she finds it dangerous that those vehicles are mixed with regular vehicles on the roads. She did not support the use of those vehicles on roadways. Councilmember Shafto commented he tends to go back and forth on this issue, as he does not mind the use of those vehicles on neighborhood roads, but also acknowledges that you cannot get anywhere around the community without going on a County road. Councilmember Engelhardt stated there are a few in the neighborhood that do not cause issues but acknowledged the issue that could be created if they go outside of the neighborhood. Councilmember Shafto agreed there are ways to use these vehicles safely within a neighborhood. Mr. Janish noted right now it is illegal to take one of those vehicles off of private property. Mayor Barthel commented there are golf carts in the neighborhood at times that do not cause issues and will often not receive complaints. He stated the prohibition allows for enforcement when that is necessary. The Council agreed to leave the language as is, only allowing those vehicles on private property. Mr. Janish provided information on a situation in a neighboring community where the Department Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 4 of Justice required the removal of the Crime Free Addendum from rental housing policies and suggested that Andover also remove that addendum. He stated if desired, this item could be added to a future workshop if the Council would like to ask questions of legal counsel. Ms. Cotton noted that maintaining the current language poses a significant legal risk, as its inclusion would likely lead to an unfavorable court ruling. Mr. Janish reviewed the next proposed amendment, which would allow ADA ramps to homes as something that is permitted. Councilmember Shafto asked if the ADA defines an access ramp. Mr. Janish confirmed that it is defined by the ADA. He noted that, as proposed, the ramp could encroach into the setback. The Council agreed with the change as proposed. Mr. Janish moved to the next proposed amendments related to the sizing of accessory structures and reviewed the proposed changes. Councilmember Godfrey asked why the measurement would be based on the foundation area rather than the living space square footage. Mr. Janish explained the accessory structures would increase in size if the square footage were used rather than the foundation size/building footprint. Mayor Barthel stated he built a shed five or six years ago and is at the limit with a large shed. He found the regulation easy to understand and provided for a sufficiently sized accessory structure. The Council agreed to leave that regulation as is. Mr. Janish moved to the issue of shipping containers and provided additional information on trends that he has noticed with contractors using shipping containers for material and equipment storage. He stated the proposed language would allow for shipping containers to be stored at ground level, if screened, in a contractor’s yard. Councilmember Godfrey referenced language within item one related to prohibiting trailers from being used as sales offices and asked if dwelling units should also be added. Mr. Janish did not believe that a contractor trailer could be used as a dwelling unit, as it is not connected to water. Mayor Barthel asked if a contractor’s yard is defined by Code. Mr. Janish confirmed that contractor’s yard is defined in Code and that a contractor could not put a shipping container in the yard of their private residence. He confirmed if there is an active permit, the shipping container could be on the property where they are building while the project is taking place. Mr. Janish provided additional information and examples of shipping containers within Andover. Mayor Barthel stated he would be hesitant to make the change, but the remainder of the Council Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 5 supported the change as proposed. Mr. Janish continued to review the proposed changes related to joint parking facilities, and the Council agreed with the added language. He continued to review proposed changes to off-street parking requirements for corner lots. Councilmember Godfrey asked why the word basement would need to be included, as there could be a door on another level. Mr. Berkowitz stated the language was based on previous City Council discussion and action. He agreed it would not have to be a basement, and the language could instead be for a separate access. Mayor Barthel stated he did not agree with this at the previous meeting, where it was discussed, and does not support the change. The remainder of the Council supported the change as discussed to remove the word basement. Mr. Janish reviewed the proposed changes related to pleasure/recreation animals and confirmed the consensus of the Council that alpacas and llamas should have the same setback as equine. The Council agreed with the change. Councilmember Shafto stated he often receives questions from residents about the keeping of chickens on MUSA properties and why it is not allowed. Mr. Janish provided clarification on where the keeping of chickens is allowed and the related regulations. He stated if they were to allow the keeping of chickens on MUSA properties, it would be difficult to meet the required setbacks. Councilmember Shafto acknowledged that some neighboring communities allow the keeping of chickens and stated that he would be interested in the regulations used by those communities. Mayor Barthel recalled the last discussion on this topic, two or three years ago, noting that many of those cities felt pressure to allow the activity and wished they could go back. He commented the biggest issue is related to the manure generated by the chickens and how that is managed. Ms. Cotton commented there are already issues in the community on the locations of decks and fencing, and would be concerned where the chicken coops and runs would be located on those smaller lots, as that can create issues with enforcement and between neighbors. CAMPUS MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION Mr. Berkowitz presented the staff report and explained the City Council is requested to review the City Campus Master Plan improvements that have been completed since the plan was developed in 2017 and discuss the vision for completing the plan. Mr. Baumunk provided additional details on outdoor rinks, the maintenance needs, and costs. Councilmember Godfrey asked what would be involved and what the cost would be to update the Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 6 Master Plan. Mr. Berkowitz replied it would depend on how deep they go into the process. He estimated $40,000 if stakeholders are involved and noted that essentially the plan may not change as much of the infrastructure is already in place. He stated the main question is whether there is still a desire to have a large gathering space for the community, as identified in the plan. It was acknowledged that the main area of question is the public works area. Councilmember Shafto commented they should continue towards completion of the plan. Mr. Brezinka provided information on bonds that will be repaid in future years and noted that bonding could then be a source of funding, and in that timeline, construction could begin in 2032. Mr. Berkowitz stated he believes the public works facility would need to be relocated, and then everything else would begin to fall into place. Mayor Barthel agreed they do not need to redo the Master Plan, but the Council could still provide input on changes within the plan. He agreed the public works facility is the largest priority and should be the focus. He stated it could potentially be relocated near the vehicle maintenance facility. Councilmember Shafto agreed they could shoot to accomplish the plan but prioritize the public works facility. Councilmember Godfrey agreed the public works facility should be a priority, as it will be a huge decision as to whether they demolish and rebuild or attempt to fix the current facility. Mr. Brezinka agreed that it is the decision, whether they try to patch the problems with the knowledge that they will tear the facility down and rebuild. Mr. Berkowitz stated if there is understanding from the Council to relocate/rebuild the facility, staff would bring that forward in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2031. Mayor Barthel stated the public works facility should be moved next to the vehicle maintenance facility. Councilmember Engelhardt asked if there were any concerns with employee health or safety at the public works facility. Mr. Berkowitz replied there are not. He noted there are issues with the pressure of the building, but that has been reduced with the vehicle maintenance facility being relocated. Mayor Barthel stated they should continue to move forward, one step at a time, focusing on the larger priority of the public works facility. Councilmember Godfrey stated it would be nice if they could patch the current facility to last until the new facility is constructed. She asked if the issue of pressure would be resolved in a new facility. Mr. Berkowitz replied there would not be a similar issue in a new building. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 7 Mayor Barthel referred to the water treatment facility and asked how much capacity it provided. Mr. Berkowitz provided information on the water treatment facility and noted that staff will begin the biological evaluation later this year. He stated they may have enough capacity for whatever is left outside of the rural reserve, but the rural reserve may change that. He stated as the AUAR is written, another water treatment plant would need to be constructed. He stated updates may be needed to the current water treatment plant in order to provide the needed capacity. He reiterated that improvements to the water treatment plant would be funded through that enterprise fund, which is funded with payments from users. 2027 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES DISCUSSION Mr. Brezinka presented the staff report and explained that City Administration and Finance are starting to focus on the 2027 Annual Operating Budget Development process and are looking to the City Council to establish the Council’s guidelines for the preparation of the 2027 Annual Operating Budget. Mayor Barthel asked for clarification on the road bonds. Mr. Brezinka replied they would be issued in 2026 and levied in 2027. He also provided information on previous bonds issued for road projects. Ms. Cotton stated there is a bill in the legislature that would impose levy limits on local governments. She did not believe that the bill had gained much traction and was set to go to committee. She explained how levy limits would impact the City and noted she will continue to watch the issue and provide updates to the Council. OTHER TOPICS None. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS Mayor Barthel provided suggestions he received from Councilmember Schue for future agenda items, which included the State flag. Councilmember Shafto commented it is a State issue and seems like a waste of time for the City. Councilmembers Godfrey and Engelhardt agreed. Mayor Barthel stated the other topic suggested by Councilmember Schue was related to election audit results. Councilmember Godfrey stated she would not be interested in discussing that item and believes it would be an unnecessary use of taxpayer resources. Councilmember Shafto agreed that it is an issue of the County and State and not of the City. Councilmember Engelhardt agreed. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2026 Page 8 COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATES Councilmember Godfrey provided an update on the most recent meeting of the Community Education Advisory Council for Anoka Hennepin School District. She stated the City of Anoka also provided an update on a potential Amtrak stop in Anoka, a potential partnership with a hot tub boat company on the Rum River, planned improvements to the dam, and how they will use the tips received at the cannabis shop to donate to charity. She stated she provided updates on the AUAR public comment period and the new businesses that came to Andover. Councilmember Shafto provided an update on the most recent meeting of the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization, noting that all fees must be paid before permits are issued. He noted the health of the Rum River was also discussed. Councilmember Engelhardt thanked City staff for their assistance at the recent home show, which was a success. Mayor Barthel stated the Executive Director of QCTV has announced her retirement, recognizing the great work she has done in that position and the plan for recruitment. He stated even though Andover assists with HR and finances for QCTV, Ramsey will handle the recruitment. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The workshop meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary