Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-28 WK ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 28, 2026 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, April 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Rick Engelhardt (Arrived at 6:12 p.m.), Karen Godfrey, Scott Schue, and Jonathan Shafto Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Community Development Director, Joe Janish Associate Planner, Aidan Breen Interim Fire Chief, Jason Baumunk Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Finance Director, Lee Brezinka Natural Resources Technician, Kameron Kytonen DISCUSS INTERIM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN HUGHS/WESTVIEW INDUSTRIAL PARK Mr. Breen reviewed the staff report and stated the Council is requested to review the Interim Performance Standards for the Hughs/Westview Industrial Park and direct staff on how these nd standards are to be implemented for the Commercial Site Plan application for 3149 162 Lane NW. Councilmember Godfrey asked if the applicant identified what would move from the fenced storage area into the garage. Mr. Breen replied the applicant indicated that most of the items would be moved to the garage, but was not specific. Councilmember Godfrey commented there are a lot of things stored in that area that are kept neat and organized, but noted the lack of screening. She supported the concept of a garage to store those materials. She stated she would be unlikely to give much flexibility on the requirements for landscaping and screening, as that area continues to have increased traffic. Councilmember Schue agreed with the comments of Councilmember Godfrey. He stated his bigger concern is screening, noting the residential area to the north. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 2 Mayor Barthel stated he does not mind variances in situations beyond someone’s control, but stated that shrubs and trees are not beyond control. He stated the only item he could see not requiring is the curbing, as the other properties in that area do not have curbing. He stated all the other requirements should be met, as the other properties meet those requirements. Councilmember Godfrey stated she could be flexible on the lighting as their hours are during daylight business hours, and no outside customers are visiting the site. Councilmember Schue stated he could also agree to some flexibility on the lighting and on the curbing. Mr. Breen identified areas of the site that could reasonably not require lighting. He confirmed he had adequate direction from the Council on this item. DISCUSS CUL-DE-SAC LENGTH AND EMERGENCY ACCESS REQUIREMENTS Mr. Janish reviewed the staff report stating the City recently reviewed a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Sketch Plan featuring a proposed emergency access. During the review, adjacent residents raised concerns regarding privacy and the removal of trees required to accommodate the access road. Staff is seeking Council direction on cul-de-sac length and the emergency access policy. Mr. Baumunk provided additional input on the balance between what is economically feasible and fire safety that would be provided by limiting the number of homes for one access. He stated typically these are larger lots where the probability of a fire spreading to another home would be rare, compared to the urban setting. Councilmember Schue asked if some of the language could be adopted or whether the entirety would need to be adopted. Mr. Janish replied they would make a policy or ordinance mimicked after appendix D, as that would provide additional flexibility. Councilmember Schue agreed they will need that flexibility as they continue to see development requests for more challenging properties. It was noted the Fire Code would still provide the authority for the Fire Chief to require a second access. Mayor Barthel stated he likes the 500-foot maximum length for a cul-de-sac. He stated three years ago, the home across the street caught fire and commented on the speed at which the fire spread throughout that home and the need for a quick response. He did not believe the number of homes matters, and if the cul-de-sac is more than 500 feet, there needs to be a secondary access. Councilmember Shafto stated the City currently maximizes a cul-de-sac length of 500 feet without a secondary access and asked what benefit would be provided in changing those requirements. Mr. Janish stated the proposed change would eliminate the 500-foot threshold in the rural setting but would limit the number of homes that could be on that cul-de-sac to 30, with only one access. He stated the Fire Chief would still have the authority to require a secondary access. Councilmember Godfrey stated she would agree with the proposed changes as they are coming to more difficult properties. She did not anticipate that there would be that many homes developed Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 3 on the challenging properties, as they are smaller properties. She supported a policy that would provide flexibility, but still provide for safety. Mr. Baumunk noted additional research that he completed following that last discussion to determine where the 500-foot maximum came from and the guidance provided in Appendix D. Councilmember Godfrey believed they needed guidance for the rural area, which would result in a smaller number of homes for the most part. Mayor Barthel stated he would not want to see a 3,000-foot cul-de-sac with 20 homes. Ms. Cotton commented it seems that the consensus of the Council is to codify what the practice has been, rather than taking into consideration what is within the Fire Code. Mr. Janish asked for direction on the previous sketch plan that was reviewed with this issue. Councilmember Godfrey stated she believed the access road is needed and confirmed the agreement of the other members of the Council. DISCUSS CITY CAMPUS MASTER PLAN STAGING FOR THE 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Berkowitz presented the staff report and explained the City Council is requested to review the City Campus Staging Plan and direct staff on how to proceed with planning and implementation into the City’s 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. He provided details on the proposed changes to Veterans Memorial and the phasing proposed for the public works campus. Mr. Janish provided additional information on the salt shed, noting that the structure does not comply with City Code. He stated perhaps it should be on the radar to review other architectural style buildings for the salt shed. Mr. Berkowitz noted it would impact the cost as well. He asked for direction on the type of salt building so that they can accurately plan for that. He reviewed the other elements that would be part of phase one. He asked for feedback on the proposed phasing and noted staff would then like to work with RJM to complete an estimate for the work. He noted the CIP would then be evaluated each year and the cost adjusted. Mayor Barthel began the discussion with the suggested extension of Veterans Memorial Boulevard to Hanson Boulevard. Councilmember Godfrey acknowledged that the community center parking is at a premium and asked if they would need to accommodate additional parking for the community center and ice rinks into this plan. Mr. Berkowitz stated with the road curving, it would create more land that could be used for overflow parking. He did not believe the parking needed to be constructed with Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 4 the road. Councilmember Godfrey stated she would like to see additional thought and planning put into that parking. Mayor Barthel agreed there is a need for additional parking, as he has seen people parking at the elementary school and walking to the community center. Mr. Berkowitz identified additional parking shown in the Master Plan, and also identified an area that could be used for parking in the short-term. He confirmed the consensus of the Council for staff to price out parking sooner rather than later. He asked for direction on which phase of the project the Council would like to include the parking. Mr. Brezinka commented the road improvement is funded and proposed for 2028. Mayor Barthel confirmed the consensus of the Council to support that phase as proposed and directed staff to investigate the cost for additional parking options. Mr. Berkowitz moved to phase one, which is proposed to begin in 2030, with the new public works building and salt shed/building being constructed in 2031. Councilmember Schue asked for more information on why they would be moving out of the old buildings into new ones. Mr. Berkowitz replied the buildings are deteriorating to the point where the cost of improvement would not make sense, along with issues with the HVAC system and an issue with negative pressure. Councilmember Schue recognized these buildings are then at the end of their lifespans, and new buildings would make more sense. Mr. Berkowitz also recognized the intended use of the space in the future. Mayor Barthel and the Council agreed the salt shed will need to meet the City Code requirements. Councilmember Schue asked for clarification on the location of buildings. Mr. Berkowitz noted the locations shown in the Master Plan, but noted those locations are not locked in until they continue with the site design. The consensus of the Council supported moving forward to further explore the plans and costs for phase one. Mr. Berkowitz moved to phase two, acknowledging it may not end up in the time period of the CIP, but it would be placed in 2031 or 2032 as a placeholder for future planning. He provided additional details on the proposed timeline for phase two, acknowledging the timeline may change. The Council agreed with those details. Mr. Berkowitz moved to phase three. Mayor Barthel stated perhaps the outdoor rink is located within the large park, and it could be paved or cemented to allow summer recreation such as rollerblading. He provided additional suggestions that would provide recreation opportunities for everyone. Mr. Berkowitz stated the rinks would be demolished in phase two and asked for direction on when the rinks would be replaced, as it is currently proposed in phase three. He noted there would be a year or two, or three, without rinks if the construction of the rinks is placed in phase three. Additional information Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 5 was provided on the proposed location of the outdoor rinks that would allow access for the Zamboni and could potentially add rinks for tournaments. He noted an additional suggestion to purchase a new Zamboni at some point that would be used for indoor rinks, and the old Zamboni could be kept for the outdoor ice. Mayor Barthel stated the rinks are useless in the summer and asked if they could be tarred for use in the summer months. Mr. Berkowitz stated when they paved Prairie Knoll, it was not used very much. Mayor Barthel noted the rink does not get as much use in the winter either. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed staff can price out that option for further consideration in both bituminous and concrete. Mayor Barthel asked if cost estimates for future years are shown at today’s cost or whether the estimate accounts for inflation. Mr. Brezinka stated they would use the cost estimate and add for inflation for each additional year the item is postponed in the plan. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed there were no issues with phase three as proposed at this time. DISCUSS FENCE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS Mr. Kytonen provided information on the current fence permitting process. Mr. Berkowitz explained the Council is requested to discuss the current fence permit requirements and process, and evaluate additional requirements that would reduce the number of fence installation disputes. Councilmember Godfrey asked if this would apply to both residential and commercial properties. Mr. Berkowitz explained if there is a commercial site plan, the applicant has already staked the property and any easement concerns are addressed through that process. He stated if there was an existing site with an easement, this would apply to the commercial property as well. Councilmember Godfrey asked if this would include fencing of a pool and/or hot tub area. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional background information on issues with accessory structures within easements and on property lines, and how staff would benefit from having the same requirement. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed the consensus of the Council to allow staff to require a location of the property when determined necessary for accessory structure placement, and placement of other items such as pools, hot tubs, septic, etc. DISCUSS SANITARY SEWER SERVICE RELATED TO THE RURAL RESERVE AUAR STUDY Councilmember Godfrey requested a more condensed executive summary be prepared for the water and sewer portion prior to this item being considered at a regular City Council meeting. She suggested the executive summary provide some context on current funding for water and sewer, sources of income, typical and permitted ways to use those funds, current fund balance, projected expenses by year, the impact on those funds, the process for proper replenishment and timing, a Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 6 conclusion that shows the funds shortfall year by year if that exists, and how that shortfall could be mitigated if one exists. Mr. Berkowitz presented the staff report and explained the Council is requested to discuss the sanitary sewer service related to the Rural Reserve AUAR Study. Councilmember Schue asked if there has ever been a situation where the costs to extend the sanitary sewer were not recouped. Mr. Berkowitz replied the situation had never occurred and provided additional explanation on the work that is being done to make necessary adjustments. Councilmember Shafto asked and received confirmation that the $1,000,000 up front would be required before work even starts. He referenced a scenario where the trunk is extended, and the development falls through. He acknowledged the City would have already collected the $1,000,000, but then it would seem the City would be stuck with the remainder of the cost until the time another development came through. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed that it is accurate. He stated ultimately the property will develop, especially if the sewer has been extended to that property. He stated even if development were postponed once utilities were extended, there would still be value in that infrastructure. Mr. Berkowitz reviewed additional information on the timeframe for the design process and build time, acknowledging delays on equipment that is necessary for the project. He stated part of the project would be the reconstruction of Eidelweiss Street. Mr. Brezinka provided additional financial information on rates, financing, fund balances, and developer costs. He noted this project would be funded in-house rather than issuing revenue bonds. Councilmember Schue stated it is his understanding that the City has the money available now and will use it, along with a portion contributed by the developer, up front, to construct this project so it will not have an impact on taxpayers. Mr. Berkowitz stated this is a trunk fund generated by the user and not the entire community. He stated people in the rural area have contributed zero dollars to this fund. Mayor Barthel acknowledged that funds within this account can only be used for sewer purposes. Councilmember Godfrey commented the only cost would be the opportunity cost to do this now, but with the contribution from the developer that pays for the up-front costs and then some. Mr. Berkowitz confirmed the funds contributed up front by the developer would be used as needed as they move forward. Mr. Berkowitz commented he would go back and clean up the dollar amounts and show more details on what this looks like, as this may move quickly after the AUAR process is completed. Councilmember Schue stated the City is making a good effort on getting communication out, and that needs to continue. Mayor Barthel stated perhaps an article could be included in the next Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 7 newsletter, further explaining things related to the MET Council and State requirements and mandates related to consideration of an AUAR. Mr. Berkowitz stated part of the AUAR showed adjustment and improvements that are needed with or without the development. He stated the water fee will be adjusted to fund the necessary improvements. He confirmed that rural properties will not contribute towards the costs for water or sewer system improvements, as they are not connected to those services. He stated more work will be needed to fine-tune the needs for water. OTHER TOPICS Mr. Berkowitz recognized there is a lot going on to respond to current requests, projects, and day- to-day operations, along with future planning. He provided additional information on upcoming grant applications and the cost to work with consultants. He stated he would like to move forward with the Crosstown Boulevard Trail applications with a not-to-exceed cost of $8,500 and provided additional information on the cost for the process thus far. He confirmed the consensus of the Council to move forward with the proposal for the grant application with a not-to-exceed amount of $8,500. He stated there have been two applications submitted before for Crosstown Drive and Crosstown Boulevard, and the cost to update those would be a not-to-exceed cost of $6,500. He confirmed the consensus of the Council to move forward with that. He stated the last application is related to Crosstown Boulevard and Prairie Road, and the cost for that grant application would be $18,500, noting the elements that would be required for that application. Mayor Barthel asked if there are funds in the budget for that. Mr. Berkowitz stated this is shown in the CIP for 2031, and with grant funds, the City could pay for the remaining cost with municipal state aid (MSA) funds. Mr. Berkowitz stated there is a request to move forward with the grant application in the amount of $18,500, and it was noted the cost would come from the road and bridge fund. Mayor Barthel confirmed the consensus of the Council to move forward with the grant application for that project. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS Ms. Cotton commented they receive a lot of questions about open meeting laws and requirements for minutes. She provided additional information about agendas and packets, and when those are posted, noting there is no legal mandate on when those items are made available. She stated it is legally permissible to add information to the packet on the day of the meeting or at the meeting. She stated the minutes serve as the official record of the meeting, and the City Code requires all regular meetings to be tape-recorded, while State law does not require that. She stated the open meeting law requires closed session meetings to be audio recorded unless they involve attorney- client privilege. She stated the approval of the agenda at the regular meeting is the time when the Council officially sets the agenda for that meeting, noting that additions and modifications can be made during that time. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2026 Page 8 COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATES No comments. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The workshop meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary