HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-16 CC
REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 16, 2026
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor
Barthel, June 16, 2026, 7:00 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
Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz
Community Development Director, Joe Janish
Associate Planner, Aidan Breen
Others
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
RESIDENT FORUM
Scott Coggins, 15043 Thrush Street NW, stated he has been an Election Judge for Andover for
several years and provided an update on the Anoka County and Minnesota Secretary of State’s
attempt to ignore Andover’s right to choose whether to use electronic or paper rosters in elections.
He found it odd that they are fighting this hard to fight this issue. He recommended canceling the
existing poll pad agreements, even if electronic rosters are going to be used, as there are issues
with the agreements. He hoped the City would make an effort to fight for their effort to choose.
Eric Johnson, 15598 Inca Circle NW, commented he appreciates the service of the Anoka County
Sheriff’s Office. He noted the monthly report presented by the Sheriff’s Office and situations that
are highlighted, but stated there is more to those stories that they do not hear. He stated he is a
United States Marine Veteran who has served three terms, so he knows about dehumanization. He
believed they should think about more than just the numbers and consider how they could help
people who are struggling.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mayor Barthel noted the supplemental information received regarding:
Item #2C – Public Hearing - Consider an Interim Ordinance Temporarily
Prohibiting Approval of Certain Residential Development in Order to Protect the
Planning Process While Conducting Studies for Local Sewer Capacity – Applicant:
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 2
City of Andover
Item #2E – Consider City Code Amendments – Title 11: Subdivision Regulations,
Title 12: Zoning Regulations, Title 13: Planning and Development, and Title 14:
Flood Control – Applicant: City of Andover
Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Godfrey, to approve the Agenda as amended with the
supplemental items. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 26, 2026, Workshop: Correct as written
June 2, 2026, Regular Meeting: Correct as written
Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Shafto, to approve the May 26, 2026, Workshop and June 2,
2026, Regular meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
1. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Approve Payment of Claims
B. Approve Plans and Specs/Order Ad for Bids/25-37 Kelsey Round Lake Park Trail
Reconstruction (R053-26)
C. Receive May 2026 General Fund Progress Report
D. Receive May 2026 City Investment Report
E. Approve Resolution Accepting Donation from Wayne and Kathleen Bergstrom (R054-26)
F. Approve Nature Conservancy Grant for Ecological Restoration at Pine Hills North Park
G. Approve Appointment – Deputy Fire Marshal
H. Approve Application for Exempt Permit/Andover Firefighters’ Relief Association
Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion
carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT
Commander Brent Erickson referenced the comments made by Mr. Johnson, recognizing that the
report is very abbreviated and providing additional explanation on the purpose of that abbreviation.
He understood the comments of the resident and wanted him to rest assured that Deputies show a
fair amount of grace to residents, but ultimately their duty is to uphold the law and peace. He
provided a monthly report, highlighting incidents that took place during that time.
B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 3
Interim Fire Chief Jason Baumunk provided a monthly report, highlighting fire activity during the
last month. He provided an update on major injuries sustained by a member of the department and
his family, thanking the community for their support. He noted a recent meeting with local
departments and the County Records Management Coordinator related to the software contracts
for records management and stated they were able to negotiate a five-year contract. He stated they
would look to complete an RFP after five years to ensure they are receiving competitive pricing.
He provided an update on additional software the department is looking into that will move
forward soon. He commented there is a mass casualty training exercise that will be occurring with
Allina near the Fire Station.
Councilmember Shafto expressed support for the Gast family as they go through a trying time. He
stated there is a GoFundMe page for residents interested in helping.
C. PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDER AN INTERIM ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY
PROHIBITING APPROVAL OF CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
ORDER TO PROTECT THE PLANNING PROCESS WHILE CONDUCTING
STUDIES FOR LOCAL SEWER CAPACITY – APPLICANT: CITY OF ANDOVER
The City Council is requested to consider the adoption of an interim ordinance temporarily
prohibiting the acceptance and approval of certain residential development applications. This
temporary pause will protect the City’s planning process while staff conducts necessary studies
regarding local sanitary sewer capacity. Community Development Director Joe Janish reviewed
the information with the Council and recommended approval.
Councilmember Godfrey thanked Mr. Janish for an excellent explanation, as it helps to create an
understanding of the situation and how we got here. She asked what they had learned from the
AUAR process that could apply to this study to help expedite this process and create a more
accurate picture of the needs of the system. Mr. Janish stated the calibration of the model and
review by an outside consultant will add accuracy to our existing data. He stated through the
AUAR, the sanitary pipe was designed based on expected land uses. In this scenario, there are
miles of infrastructure already in the ground, so it is more of an analysis of the current system.
Councilmember Engelhardt complimented Mr. Janish for the clarity of his presentation, as it was
presented in a manner that was easy to understand.
Mayor Barthel asked if there is any precedent that exists, using the scenario that they determine
the system cannot support 3.5 units per acre. Mr. Janish stated the expectation would be that the
Metropolitan Council would instruct the City to make changes to the existing system to
accommodate that density.
Mayor Barthel stated every ten years or so, the goalpost is moved by the Metropolitan Council.
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to open the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 4
No comments.
Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Godfrey, to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Motion
carried unanimously.
Councilmember Godfrey asked about the current inventory of lots that are buildable and where
there would be a year's worth of buildable lots that have been approved and can continue to be
built during the moratorium period. Mr. Janish stated there are 211 lots that have been approved,
and typically, 100 homes per year are approved for building permits.
Councilmember Godfrey recognized the study is necessary, which means the moratorium is
necessary, and building can continue, given the inventory of approved lots. She recognized by
eliminating the need for staff to review new development applications, more time could be spent
on the study.
Councilmember Shafto stated they need to see the results of the study before they try to problem-
solve something theoretical. He stated the goal of the moratorium is to gather data that will be
used to guide future development. He thanked staff for the clear and informative presentation and
article in the newsletter.
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Ordinance No. 590, an Interim Ordinance
Temporarily Prohibiting Approval of Certain Residential Development in Order to Protect the
Planning Process While Conducting Studies for Local Sewer Capacity.
Further discussion: Mayor Barthel echoed the comments of Councilmembers Shafto and Godfrey.
He expressed frustration with the Metropolitan Council continuing to move the goalpost, but
recognized that they need this information in order to move forward.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. CONSIDER AN INTERIM USE PERMIT (IUP) FOR INTERIM PERFORMANCE
ND
STANDARDS PURSUANT TO ANDOVER CITY CODE 12-14-18 AT 3149 162 LN
NW; PID 16-32-24-23-0009 – APPLICANT: LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED
The City Council is requested to review an Interim Use Permit (IUP) application for Interim
nd
Performance Standards for the subject property at 3149 162 Lane NW. Andover City Code 12-
14-18 establishes Interim Performance Standards for properties within the Hughs/Westview
Industrial Park, which are triggered when a property expands the commercial structures on the
property. The applicant proposes to construct a 1,960 square foot detached garage on the site,
requiring a Commercial Site Plan application (submitted) and an IUP application for Interim
Performance Standards. Associate Planner Aidan Breen reviewed the information with the
Council and recommended approval.
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 5
Councilmember Godfrey commented the photograph shown as the current condition of the
property is out of date, noting that landscaping has been added to the western side of the property.
Councilmember Shafto stated this aligns with what was discussed at the workshop and noted that
the Planning and Zoning Commission did an excellent job discussing this request.
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R055-26 Approving the Interim
Use Permit Request by Landscapes Unlimited Outdoors, Inc., for Interim Performance Standards
nd
for the property at 3149 162 Lane NW. Motion carried unanimously.
E. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENTS – TITLE 11: SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS, TITLE 12: ZONING REGULATIONS, TITLE 13: PLANNING
AND DEVELOPMENT, AND TITLE 14: FLOOD CONTROL – APPLICANT: CITY
OF ANDOVER
The City Council is requested to consider the adoption of miscellaneous City Code Amendments.
Community Development Director Joe Janish reviewed the information with the Council and
recommended approval.
Councilmember Godfrey proposed an amendment under Title 14: Flood Control, General
Provisions, F. She stated there is a lot of redundancy and recommended the second sentence be
dropped. She recommended “In addition” be dropped from the beginning of the next sentence.
She also proposed to use restrictive rather than stringent.
Mayor Barthel stated if desired, those changes could be recommended with the motion.
Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Ordinance No. 591, Amending City Code
Title 11 Subdivision Regulations; Title 12 Zoning Regulations; Title 14 Flood Control, including
the changes as proposed by Councilmember Godfrey. Motion carried unanimously.
3. STAFF ITEMS
A. RESCHEDULE AUGUST 4, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Administrator Sarah Cotton explained the need to reschedule the August 4, 2026, City
Council meeting due to the conflict with Night to Unite.
Motion by Engelhardt, Seconded by Shafto, to reschedule the August 4, 2026, City Council
meeting to August 3, 2026. Motion carried unanimously.
B. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
City Staff updated the Council on the administration and city department activities, legislative
updates, updates on development/CIP projects, and meeting reminders/community events.
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 6
th
(Administrative Staff Report) Ms. Cotton stated on Wednesday, June 17, the Metropolitan
Council is hosting its Committee of the Whole on the Road meeting at the Maple Grove
Community Center from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
(Public Works/Engineering Department Report) Mr. Berkowitz provided project-related
updates.
Councilmember Engelhardt stated he recently directed a resident with questions to City staff, and
the resident was very happy with the answers and prompt response they received.
Councilmember Shafto asked about the anticipated closure of the Kelsey Round Lake trail and
whether there would be signage posted prior to the closure. Mr. Berkowitz estimated a six-week
closure and confirmed that signage would be posted prior to the planned start of construction. He
noted an update can also be posted on the City website.
Ms. Cotton asked and received confirmation that the motions for Items 2C and 2E included
approval of summary publication.
MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT
Councilmember Shafto commented there is a lot of construction occurring in the community and
encouraged residents to be patient and drive slowly.
Mayor Barthel noted the upcoming Andover Family Fun Fest, noting that additional volunteers
are needed. He stated some events have been canceled due to insufficient volunteer levels. He
commented the parade will be back this year, and there will be a drone show on Friday night of
the event weekend.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary
Regular Andover City Council Meeting
Minutes – June 16, 2026
Page 7
1 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – JUNE 16, 2026
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
4
5 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1
6 RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1
7 AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................1
8 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................2
9 1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................2
10 A. Approve Payment of Claims ........................................................................................2
11 B. Approve Plans and Specs/Order Ad for Bids/25-37 Kelsey Round Lake Park Trail
12 Reconstruction (R053-26) .......................................................................................................2
13 C. Receive May 2026 General Fund Progress Report .......................................................2
14 D. Receive May 2026 City Investment Report ..................................................................2
15 E. Approve Resolution Accepting Donation from Wayne and Kathleen Bergstrom (R054-
16 26) ........................................................................................................................................2
17 F. Approve Nature Conservancy Grant for Ecological Restoration at Pine Hills North Park .2
18 G. Approve Appointment – Deputy Fire Marshal .............................................................2
19 H. Approve Application for Exempt Permit/Andover Firefighters’ Relief Association ......2
20 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2
21 A. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT ...................................2
22 B. ANDOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT .............................................2
23 C. PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDER AN INTERIM ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY
24 PROHIBITING APPROVAL OF CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
25 ORDER TO PROTECT THE PLANNING PROCESS WHILE CONDUCTING
26 STUDIES FOR LOCAL SEWER CAPACITY – APPLICANT: CITY OF ANDOVER
27 (Ordinance 590) ...............................................................................................................3
28 D. CONSIDER AN INTERIM USE PERMIT (IUP) FOR INTERIM PERFORMANCE
ND
29 STANDARDS PURSUANT TO ANDOVER CITY CODE 12-14-18 AT 3149 162 LN
30 NW; PID 16-32-24-23-0009 – APPLICANT: LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED (R055-26) .4
31 E. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENTS – TITLE 11: SUBDIVISION
32 REGULATIONS, TITLE 12: ZONING REGULATIONS, TITLE 13: PLANNING AND
33 DEVELOPMENT, AND TITLE 14: FLOOD CONTROL – APPLICANT: CITY OF
34 ANDOVER (Ordinance 591) ...........................................................................................5
35 3. STAFF ITEMS ................................................................................................................5
36 A. RESCHEDULE AUGUST 4, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING ....................................5
37 B. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT .....................................................................................5
38 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ...................................................................................................6
39 ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................6
40