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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-26 WK ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 26, 2026 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Acting Mayor Schue, May 26, 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: Mayor Barthel Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Community Development Director, Joe Janish Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Others WARD LAKE PRESERVE DISCUSSION Mr. Janish stated the Council is requested to discuss and provide direction related to Ward Lake Preserve access. Nathan Fair, Hanson Builders, stated he has worked with staff after the last meeting to master plan the area and find a potential connection. He asked if the Council would allow a cul-de-sac over 500 feet, which would service multiple properties. He commented this is a very challenging site because of the wetlands, topography, and natural conditions. He stated the neighbors to the south want their privacy and do not want a fire trail. He stated the State Code allows one entrance up to 30 lots. He commented on the properties to the east and north, which would have no more than 20 lots serviced by one entrance. He stated the property to the east has an underlying easement running on the south property line. He stated those property owners are present tonight, and they have been working with them to understand their needs as well. He commented if a fire trail goes in that would negatively impact the property to the south, as trees would need to be removed. He asked the Council to consider the challenges of the site and whether they could reconsider not requiring the fire trail. He noted other developments in Andover that have a larger number of homes with only one access. He commented it would not be economically feasible for a nine-lot HOA to maintain a fire trail. Mr. Janish stated at the last workshop, the Council recommended the trail be included, and the applicant has provided more information and requested an additional review to determine if the fire access is needed. Councilmember Engelhardt asked if there would be another solution or entrance without the fire Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 2 trail. Mr. Fair replied they went through the extent of completing a master plan to determine how many lots could be built in this area, noting that 17 to 20 total units could be constructed between the multiple properties. He stated there is no guarantee that another road could be constructed in the future. He stated there would not be another access point as they would propose, noting that has been allowed in other developments in Andover. Councilmember Engelhardt asked what the residents would do if there were no other access. Mr. Fair stated if the entrance is blocked, emergency services would come into play to clear it. He stated if there was a way to put in a secondary access on the southern property, that could be feasible, but they do not own that, and the property owner is not interested in selling. Councilmember Shafto asked about the length of the road for what is proposed at this time. Mr. Fair believed the distance was 1,140 feet. Mr. Janish stated there have been discussions with the neighbor to the east to keep vegetation as a buffer from the cul-de-sac. Councilmember Shafto asked if the rationale was known for allowing other neighborhoods with only one access. Mr. Fair noted some of those developments are temporary cul-de-sacs, but White Pine Wilderness would be an accurate comparison. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional context on the open space the City purchased adjacent to that development, which precluded a secondary access from being developed. Councilmember Godfrey appreciated the input and also acknowledged the challenges. She stated these are challenges that Andover will continue to face as they get into areas with inherent challenges. She commented her concern remains with safety and believed that the risk is too much. She stated she also hears the concern that nine homes cannot afford the maintenance of a fire trail but was not comfortable without that secondary access. Councilmember Shafto stated the location is more isolated than the other developments provided in comparison, which increases the likelihood of access being blocked. He stated he would be more comfortable if this project were done more holistically. He stated if this moves forward and the remainder of the master plan does not develop; there would be a risk. Acting Mayor Schue also expressed safety concerns. Mr. Fair stated if the Council still feels that the fire trail is necessary, he understands that. Acting Mayor Schue appreciated the developer is reaching out to the neighbors to get input as well. He acknowledged that the neighbors do not want a fire trail but stated it is the consensus of the Council to require the fire trail for safety. CITY OF ANDOVER 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DISCUSSION Mr. Janish reviewed the staff report and stated the Council is requested to discuss and provide direction related to the City of Andover’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 3 Acting Mayor Schue commented that an RFP could provide solid financial information on what the potential cost would be to fully utilize consultants for the Comprehensive Plan, but acknowledged that is the most expensive option and could be a waste of time for both staff and respondents if the City does not plan to go in that direction. Councilmember Godfrey recalled that Andover has the benefit of institutional history and knowledge and believed that City staff could do a better job in-house, reaching out to consultants when needed. She believed that would better fit the needs of the community and would also be the better economic choice. She stated she would support the use of a consultant for community engagement, as the City has not received strong responses on its own in the past. Councilmember Shafto shared the same sentiment that they should complete the plan in-house. He asked about the perceived value of a consultant completing the plan rather than staff. The City Administrator provided context, as Lino Lakes fully utilized a consultant for their plan, but noted the differences in that community compared to Andover. Councilmember Shafto asked if there are additional costs for staff to complete the plan compared to a consultant. Mr. Janish provided additional context on the staff time that would be needed to complete the plan in-house. Councilmember Godfrey asked if the City has the data to identify the funds that were allocated internally to work on the Comprehensive Plan, recognizing that there is an exchange of time and money in using staff. Mr. Janish provided additional explanation on the different City funds that are allocated for different chapters of the plan. He stated the grant from the Metropolitan Council could be used for the consultant for engagement. Councilmember Shafto commented he leans towards using staff to complete the plan, recognizing that consultants would also be used for technical items, unless there would be a cost savings in fully utilizing a consultant. He had some concerns with using a consultant for public engagement, recognizing that often the loudest voices trump other voices, and he would like to see how a consultant would ensure accurate representation from the community. Councilmember Godfrey commented that part of the RFP process would identify the consultant’s plan to engage the broader community. Mr. Janish confirmed the consensus of the Council to use staff to complete the majority of the plan in-house and to potentially consider the use of a consultant for public engagement. Mr. Berkowitz stated staff could track their time working on the plan so they would have that information for future reviews. Mr. Janish moved to the issue of a Steering Committee and provided background information and additional context related to density discussions. He noted the Planning and Zoning Commission was used as the Steering Committee in the past, but the Council could be that Committee or could Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 4 appoint others to serve as a Steering Committee. Councilmember Shafto stated he would like the Planning and Zoning Commission to be involved in the Steering Committee but would be open to exploring whether there would be additional members appointed. He asked if the Steering Committee held separate meetings or whether those discussions took place at regular Commission meetings. Mr. Janish replied the Commission previously held a meeting and then had a Committee meeting immediately before or after that meeting. Councilmember Shafto commented he would not want to place an additional attendance burden on that group and would prefer the meetings aligned with regular meeting dates. Councilmember Godfrey stated she would like the option for members of that Commission to opt in or out. Mr. Berkowitz asked if there would be joint meetings of the Council and Commission throughout the update process. Mr. Janish commented he would be open to that discussion, but in the past, the Council was updated while the Steering Committee did the work, until the issue of density came forward, and the decision was deferred to the Council. Councilmember Godfrey stated this item should remain as a standing item for Council workshops to ensure the Council stays informed and/or can provide input on any topics. Councilmember Shafto suggested the Planning and Zoning Commission be the main group, but invitations be extended to the other commissions to be a part of the Committee. Mr. Berkowitz stated each commission could designate someone as their representative on the Committee. Councilmember Engelhardt agreed that would be helpful, as information could then be brought back to each commission from that representative. Acting Mayor Schue commented it should not be mandatory to be a part of the Committee, but the opportunity should be extended to the Planning and Zoning Commission and one representative from each commission. Mr. Janish provided additional information on the different grant funds available from the Metropolitan Council and the processes that would need to be followed to be eligible. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional context, noting that Andover would be nicked on the scoring because of the lack of a complete streets plan. Acting Mayor Schue stated he is excited about community engagement, as that can help to guide whether it would be worthwhile to pursue any of the additional grant opportunities, as some of the options would exceed the grant funds received. Mr. Berkowitz agreed, noting that a complete streets plan could be $20,000 to $30,000, where the grant for that item is only $10,000. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 5 Mr. Janish confirmed the consensus of the Council to apply for the main Metropolitan Council grant, and staff can later determine if it would be worthwhile to apply for any of the more targeted options. He noted as they go through the planning process, they may identify different actions the City is already doing that may qualify for the other grant opportunities. EXISTING MUSA SEWER CAPACITY/DEVELOPMENT DENSITY Mr. Janish reviewed the staff report and stated the Council is requested to discuss and provide direction related to existing Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) sewer capacity and development density. Mr. Berkowitz provided additional information on the modeling and calibration staff is working on to determine the actual flow rates, estimating another six to eight months in that process. He noted a consultant would be engaged to finalize the information that is gathered. Acting Mayor Schue recognized that staff is suggesting that they slow down development for the next six to eight months until this information is calibrated. Mr. Berkowitz clarified the slowdown would apply to the urban area and existing MUSA, as the rural reserve will not impact the sewer capacity. Councilmember Godfrey asked if there are other ways to achieve this without shutting down development for that period. Mr. Berkowitz stated he could not see another option without putting a tremendous amount of pressure on staff. Ms. Cotton stated if a development proposal comes forward, there is a timeline for the review. Mr. Janish explained the intent of a moratorium to ensure they are using the right density in the right areas and to ensure sufficient capacity and density calculations can be reached. Councilmember Godfrey recognized there is market demand right now but also believed that existing residents would support slowing development. Councilmember Shafto asked and received confirmation that staff would like to have a moratorium on development for six to eight months. Ms. Cotton commented she would prefer to enact a moratorium of one year, and that could always be lifted if the work is completed before that time. Councilmember Godfrey asked how developers would feel about that. Ms. Cotton acknowledged that developers may not be happy, but it is the duty of the City to ensure proper planning. Mr. Janish commented the regulations changed from three units per acre to 3.5 units per acre, and they need to calibrate to determine where there is additional capacity. Acting Mayor Schue commented that data-driven decisions will help to guide this Council and future Councils. Mr. Janish said there are approved lots that could continue to be developed, as well as properties Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 6 outside of the MUSA. Councilmember Shafto stressed the importance of clear communication, as most residents will believe a moratorium means that no development can occur. He also stressed the importance of explaining the purpose of a moratorium to ensure that it does not appear that the City is favoring certain developers over others. Councilmember Godfrey asked if restaurants could be built during a moratorium. Mr. Janish explained that approved lots could be developed, but noted that staff could review the available parcels. Councilmember Shafto asked how quickly the Council would need to act. Mr. Janish stated they would bring something as soon as possible. Ms. Cotton agreed it would happen quickly based on the level of interest that has been seen and the concerns that staff have. Councilmember Shafto asked if this would cause any issues with any other governmental agencies. Mr. Janish could not anticipate any issues with another entity. Councilmember Godfrey asked if the City would still have sufficient permit fee income from the approved lots or whether there would be any impact on the budget for the next year. She asked the cost for a consultant to review the information. Mr. Janish replied that application revenue would decline, but building permit revenue should remain stable because of already approved developments. He stated the new park dedication would be paused during the moratorium, as there would not be any new developments approved. Mr. Berkowitz anticipated there would be some impact, but it would not be a huge number. Councilmember Godfrey recognized that a short-term impact could save millions of dollars in proper planning. She stated this clearly seems like something they need to do; she would just like a clearer picture of the financial impacts. She asked and received confirmation that a one-year moratorium would be sufficient. Mr. Berkowitz stated staff would work as quickly as possible and would aim to have it completed before the one-year mark. Acting Mayor Schue asked how quickly this would move forward. Ms. Cotton replied that staff can make some assumptions and can include high-level information in the Council packet if they move forward with a moratorium. Councilmember Engelhardt believed that residents would appreciate this as well. Acting Mayor Schue commented the communication plan should be ready to go when the moratorium is considered. Ms. Cotton confirmed it would be done, noting that has already begun with the Council packet for this meeting and the minutes that will be produced. Mr. Janish commented this ultimately comes down to the change from the Metropolitan Council from three units per acre to 3.5 units per acre. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 7 OTHER TOPICS Ms. Cotton stated an email was sent to the Council related to new election legislation and provided a brief overview. She stated staff recommend keeping the election status quo and keeping voting in-house. She stated the Fire Relief Association would like to hold two charitable gambling raffles per year, in conjunction with two community events (Fun Fest and the Fire Department Open House). She stated they would be cash raffles and provided examples of how the funds have been used in the past. Acting Mayor Schue stated another piece is that someone has to be trained properly to conduct this type of activity, as it is very structured and regulated. Ms. Cotton commented the Financial Controls Policy provides those outlines, and she recommended the policy be incorporated into the bylaws. She noted that the Fire Relief Association is separate from the Fire Department. Councilmember Godfrey asked if there is a license requirement to hold a raffle. Ms. Cotton confirmed that an exempt permit would need to be applied for, which would come before the Council. Acting Mayor Schue confirmed the support of the Council for that item. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS Councilmember Godfrey noted a letter received from a resident related to utilities, such as cable, and believed it would be beneficial for the Council to better understand the role the City plays in that process. She recognized that another provider had shown interest in coming into the community. Acting Mayor Schue confirmed the support of the Council in adding that to a future agenda. Mr. Berkowitz stated Gateway is in the process of installation, which is going well, and two other companies have recently shown interest. He stated fiber is a desired amenity of the community and did not believe that should be included in a moratorium. COUNCIL COMMITTEE UPDATES Councilmember Godfrey provided an update on the most recent meeting of the Community Education Advisory Council for Anoka-Hennepin Schools, where they reviewed and approved a recommendation for the community education budget to the School Board. She noted there are students who serve on the Advisory Council and are interested in other opportunities to serve. She stated that Anoka and Coon Rapids attended the meeting and summarized the input received from those communities. Councilmember Shafto provided a brief update on the recent meeting of the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026 Page 8 Ms. Cotton stated QCTV is working on recruiting a new Executive Director, with Karen George announcing her retirement. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The workshop meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary