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Home My WebLink About2026-09-01 CC REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Barthel, September 1, 2026, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Karen Godfrey and Jonathan Shafto Councilmembers absent: Rick Engelhardt and Scott Schue Also present: City Administrator, Sarah Cotton Assistant City Engineer, Jason Law Finance Manager, Lee Brezinka Community Development Director, Joe Janish City Attorney,1452 Scott Baumgartner Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROCLAMATION – CONSTITUTION WEEK Mayor Barthel read the Proclamation declaring September 17 – 23, 2026, as Constitution Week. June Anderson, 1452 Ward Lake Drive, and Fran Sorensen were present in representation of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Ms. Anderson provided information about DAR, which is a lineage-based organization. She provided additional information on the American Revolution, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. th Fran Sorensen, 3325 140 Avenue, introduced herself and asked Andover to remember the rights and privileges that they have as residents of the United States. RESIDENT FORUM No one came forward to address the Council. AGENDA APPROVAL Councilmember Godfrey noted the resolution was revised for Item #1N: Item #1N – Approve Resolution Findings for Zoning Interpretation Appeal/16369 Gladiola Street NW Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 2 unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 18, 2026, Closed Session Meeting: Correct as written August 18, 2026, Regular Meeting: Correct as written Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to approve the August 18, 2026, Closed Session meeting and August 18, 2026, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 1. CONSENT ITEMS A. Approve Payment of Claims B. Receive Assessment Roll/Waive Assessment Public Hearing/Adopt Assessment Roll/25- 32: Dahlberg Addition (R075-26) C. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-02E: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Leeman Lake Estates) (R076-26) D. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11A: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation rdth (173 Ave./Navajo Street/175 Ave.) (R077-26) E. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11C: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Birchwood Pond) (R078-26) F. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11D: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation (Old Constance Boulevard) (R079-26) G. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-12: 2026 Mill & Overlay (Grow Oak View Estates) (R080-26) H. Memorialize Non-Participation in Red Oaks Drinking Water Contamination Mitigation Project (R081-26) (R082-26) I. Approve Application/Bingo/Crooked Lake Elementary J. Approve Andover Firefighters Relief Association Bylaw Amendments K. Approve Funding/26-35: Sunshine Park Parking Lot Lighting (West/South Pk Lot) L. Approve Appointment – Deputy Fire Chief M. Approve Met Council Planning Assistance Grant (R083-26) N. Approve Resolution Findings for Zoning Interpretation Appeal/16369 Gladiola Street NW (R084-26) O. Approve Change Order 1/24-43: Coon Creek Corridor Trail East of Prairie Road (R085- 26) P. Approve Cannabis Renewal Registration/14029 Round Lake Boulevard Q. Approve Appointment – Parks and Streets Operations Manager Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-02A: 2026 STREET Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 3 RECONSTRUCTION (CREEKRIDGE ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and approve the resolution adopting the assessment roll for Project 26-02A: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Creekridge Estates). Assistant City Engineer Law reviewed the information with the Council and recommended approval as presented. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to open the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No comments. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to close the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Godfrey commended City staff for their skills and efficiency, which help to keep costs lower on these projects. She stated the work of staff saved over $15,000 in indirect costs for this project. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution No. R086-26 Adopting the Assessment Roll for the Improvement of Project No. 26-02A: 2026 Street Reconstruction (Creekridge Estates). Further discussion: Councilmember Shafto agreed the in-house work of staff does save money for residents. He stated this is one of the biggest cost pressures to cities, noting that in the past seven years the cost to build any street has risen by 40 to 50 percent. He noted staff tries to do what they can to lower project costs for residents, and the Council will continue to work on getting the roads back in order. Motion carried unanimously. B. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-02C: 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION (EAST ROUND LAKE ESTATES) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and approve the resolution adopting the assessment roll for Project 26-02C: 2026 Street Reconstruction (East Round Lake Estates). Assistant City Engineer Law reviewed the information with the Council and recommended approval as presented. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to open the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. No comments. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to close the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 4 unanimously. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R087-26 Adopting the Assessment Roll for the Improvement of Project No. 26-02C: Street Reconstruction (East Round Lake Estates). Motion carried unanimously. C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-11B: 2026 FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION (FDR) (NORTHGLEN AREA/WOODLAND POND) The City Council is requested to hold a public hearing and approve a resolution adopting the assessment roll for Project 26-11B: 2026 FDR (Northglen Area/Woodland Pond). Assistant City Engineer Law reviewed the information with the Council and recommended approval as presented. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to open the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. th Jim Traver, 3873 139 Lane, stated the residents wish that more of the curb would have been replaced. He noted the existing curb has weeds growing out of it and asked if the City would be cleaning out those weeds, or whether that is the responsibility of the residents. He asked if they could add stop signs, as there has been a problem with speeding along Undercliff Street and on th 139 Lane and had concern that it could become worse with the new blacktop. He also noted a speed monitor sign that is not always working. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to close the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Law explained how staff determines the amount of curb and gutter to replace, noting that less curb replacement results in a lower project cost for residents. He stated weed removal is typically the responsibility of residents. He stated a four-way stop at Undercliff Street and 139th or 138th was removed about ten years ago because it did not meet the warrants or standards for a four-way stop condition. He noted there is more information on the City website as to how the City determines where stop signs should be placed. Mayor Barthel stated if the resident wants more information, they could stay after the meeting to speak more with City staff or email members of the Council. Councilmember Shafto asked about the speed monitor sign mentioned by the resident. Mr. Law stated the Sheriff’s Department uses those and the City has access to one, which it rotates to different locations. He noted the monitoring may assist in lowering speeds while it is in place, but often traffic reverts to previous speeds when the monitoring is removed. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R088-26 Adopting the Assessment Roll for the Improvement of Project No. 26-11B: 2026 FDR (Northglen Area/Woodland Pond). Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 5 Further discussion: Mayor Barthel thanked staff for their estimates for these projects as well as the final costs. He noted that project one saved $175, which is eight percent less than the estimate; project two saved $370, which is five percent less than the estimate; and this project saved $350, which is 12 percent less than the estimate. Motion carried unanimously. D. DISCUSS/ADOPT PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY The City Council is requested to approve a preliminary budget and submit a preliminary levy th certification to Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division by September 30. Finance Manager Brezinka reviewed the information with the Council and recommended approval of the resolution that indicates the total preliminary levy of $23,174,401 to be submitted to Anoka th County Property Records and Taxation Division by September 30. Councilmember Shafto commented the nine percent levy increase is the highest that it can be set, noting that only reductions could be made before the final adoption occurs towards the end of the year. He asked when final adoption of the levy would be considered. Mr. Brezinka replied that setting the final adoption of the budget and levy is an upcoming agenda item and is proposed to occur on December 1, 2026. Councilmember Shafto referenced the $800,000 bond that is being taken out for street reconstruction and noted it is the final bond. He reminded residents the City is playing catch-up on road improvement and is attempting to work as quickly as possible as the costs continue to rise. He stated if the road bond is not factored into the levy, they would only be at an increase of 3.63 percent year over year, which is similar to inflationary costs. Councilmember Godfrey noted while there is very little discussion tonight on this topic, the Council has had many discussions with staff to develop the preliminary budget over the past several months. She also acknowledged the work of City staff to properly plan for future capital and equipment expenses. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R089-26 Adopting the City of Andover 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy to be Certified to the County Auditor. Motion carried unanimously. E. DISCUSS/ADOPT 2027 DEBT SERVICE LEVY CHANGES The City Council is requested to consider a resolution changing bonded indebtedness levies for 2027 that would have been certified to Anoka County as part of prior years’ bond sales. Finance Manager Brezinka reviewed the information with the Council and recommended approval of the resolution as presented. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution No. R090-26 Updating Certified Bonded Indebtedness for 2027. Motion carried unanimously. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 6 F. SET HEARING DATE(S) FOR 2027 BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT The City Council is requested to schedule a meeting at which the budget and levy will be discussed, and public input will be allowed prior to the final budget and levy determination. Mr. Brezinka reviewed the information with the Council and stated the meeting must be scheduled between thth November 25 and December 28 after 6:00 p.m. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to set a 2027 Budget and Levy hearing schedule for December 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. and a continuation hearing date of December 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. G. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND TH UTILITY EASEMENT – 2343 135 LANE NW The City Council is requested to consider the vacation of a portion of the drainage and utility th easement along the western property line of 2343 135 Lane NW in the Andover Commercial Park development. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the information with the Council and asked the Council to hold a public hearing and make a decision on the vacation of the easement. Councilmember Godfrey asked if the proposed sidewalk is to be private to the property owner, or whether it would require City maintenance. Mr. Janish replied the sidewalk would be private to the property owner. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to open the public hearing at 7:51 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. th Dean Marquette, 727 177 Lane, appreciated consideration of the Council and asked that the vacation of the easement be approved. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to close the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution No. R091-26 Granting the Vacation th of a Portion of the Drainage and Utility Easement for the Property at 2343 135 Lane NW in the Andover Commercial Park (PID: 34-32-24-32-0017). Further discussion: Mayor Barthel suggested the applicant install a sign stating that the sidewalk is private. Motion carried unanimously. H. CONSIDER A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) FOR PLANNED UNIT Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 7 DEVELOPMENT (PUD) WITHIN SHORELAND FOR WARD LAKE PRESERVE, A 9-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH DEVIATIONS RELATED TO LOT WIDTH, BLOCK LENGTH, RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH, TO BE LOCATED AT THE UNADDRESSED PROPERTY AT 17xxx WARD LAKE DRIVE NW; PID 12-32-24-22-0007 – WARD LAKE OF MN, LLC (APPLICANT) The City Council is requested to review a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a rural single-family residential development as proposed by Ward Lake of MN, LLC. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the information with the Council and stated the Council is requested to consider the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation of approval (4 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent). Councilmember Godfrey referenced the shared access/driveway with the property owner to the east and asked if the maintenance agreement would be recorded between the property owner and HOA. Mr. Janish confirmed in a future step, there would be an outline of the shared costs between those parties. Councilmember Shafto asked if there is an estimated price point for the homes to be constructed. Mr. Janish replied the applicant could respond to that question. Councilmember Shafto commented the homes appear to be significant and the cost of roads is very expensive. He noted in some instances of rural development, the value of the home will not pay for the road, but did not believe that would occur in this situation. He recognized this is a difficult piece of land to develop, noting the emergency access that is required. He asked and received confirmation that if the property to the east were to develop, there would be an opportunity to connect to the development and the emergency access would no longer be needed. He stated while he has hesitation with the challenges of the property, it appears that the homes to be constructed will support the costs of the necessary infrastructure. He appreciated the developer has been accommodating of the requests of the City throughout this process. Councilmember Godfrey expressed gratitude to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City staff, and the residents who attended the Commission meeting. She agreed this is a challenging piece of property to develop and commented that this appears to be the best solution for development. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to adopt Resolution No. R092-26 Approving the Conditional Use Permit/Planned Unit Development Requested by Ward Lake of MN, LLC. Further discussion: Mayor Barthel referenced the proposed lot width and stated going back to 300 feet would require another cul-de-sac, which would be detrimental to the emergency access. He commented on the importance of the emergency access and the ability for the homes to receive emergency services if the entrance were blocked. He noted although these homes will be 2.5-acre parcels, there will still be restrictions as to what can be constructed on the lots and wanted to ensure that is communicated to the residents purchasing those properties. Councilmember Godfrey stated with the use of a CUP/PUD, the HOA will be required to disclose Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 8 restrictions on building to potential buyers of the properties. City Attorney Baumgartner stated he can review the bylaws for the HOA to ensure what the developer has said they will do is communicated through those bylaws. He stated a condition can be included to ensure the City reviews the HOA bylaws and documents to ensure that there is something to afford potential buyers and prevent a buyer beware situation. Mayor Barthel confirmed the consensus of the Council to add the condition specified by Mr. Baumgartner. Motion by Shafto, Seconded by Godfrey, to amend the motion to adopt Resolution No. R092-26 Approving the Conditional Use Permit/Planned Unit Development Requested by Ward Lake of MN, LLC to include a condition specifying that the developer must provide for prior approval of Homeowners Association bylaws and documents. Motion carried unanimously. I. CONSIDER A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR WARD LAKE PRESERVE, A 9-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION TO BE LOCATED AT THE UNADDRESSED PROPERTY AT 17xxx WARD LAKE DRIVE NW; PID 12-32-24- 22-0007 – WARD LAKE OF MN, LLC (APPLICANT) The City Council is requested to review a Preliminary Plat for Ward Lake Preserve, a proposed 9- lot rural subdivision on 29.97 acres. As the proposal is a rural residential development, a private well and private septic system will be required for each home. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the information with the Council and stated the Council is asked to consider the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation of approval. He provided additional information on the tree clearing request. Mayor Barthel asked when the City allowed such a tree clearing request. Mr. Law stated it has been done in the past but was unsure when that occurred. He noted if a developer owns a property, they could clear-cut it prior to submittal of a Preliminary Plat, which did not occur. He stated the developer would also need to meet with the Natural Resources Technician to ensure proper tree protection is in place and that the tree removal/preservation plan is followed if the Council grants this permission. He confirmed the developer does own the property outright. Mayor Barthel stated although it pains him, the owner of a property is allowed to cut down trees if they wish. He stated he was unsure the City could stop someone from cutting trees on their own property. Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to adopt Resolution No. R093-26 Approving the Preliminary Plat of “Ward Lake Preserve” with the additional condition that the Council will permit tree clearing to begin after the developer completes a tree-clearing-specific preconstruction conference with the City’s Natural Resources Technician; and all standard development contracts must be executed, all fees paid, and the standard preconstruction meeting must occur before a permit to build. Motion carried unanimously. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 9 3. STAFF ITEMS A. 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. (Administrative Staff Report) Ms. Cotton stated the new roundabouts at Crosstown Boulevard and Bluebird Street and Crosstown Boulevard and Constance Boulevard are anticipated to be open to traffic around Labor Day. She stated most of the City’s street projects have been completed or are nearing completion, with two remaining to be completed in October. The building department has issued 66 new residential home building permits. She stated Crosstown Landing has received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy and the Bank of Elk River is also nearing completion with a planned opening at the end of September. She noted upcoming events scheduled at the Community Center, including the Fire Department open house. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Councilmember Shafto noted that tonight they appointed the Deputy Fire Chief and was excited that he has accepted that position, noting his career experience will bring value to the department. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Godfrey, Seconded by Shafto, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple, Recording Secretary 1 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 4 5 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1 6 PROCLAMATION .................................................................................................................1 7 RESIDENT FORUM ..............................................................................................................1 8 AGENDA APPROVAL ..........................................................................................................1 9 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................2 10 1. CONSENT ITEMS ..........................................................................................................2 11 A. Approve Payment of Claims ........................................................................................2 12 B. Receive Assessment Roll/Waive Assessment Public Hearing/Adopt Assessment 13 Roll/25-32: Dahlberg Addition (R075-26)...............................................................................2 14 C. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-02E: 2026 Street Reconstruction 15 (Leeman Lake Estates) (R076-26) ...........................................................................................2 16 D. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11A: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation rdth 17 (173 Ave./Navajo Street/175 Ave.) (R077-26) ....................................................................2 18 E. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11C: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation 19 (Birchwood Pond) (R078-26) ..................................................................................................2 20 F. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-11D: 2026 Full Depth Reclamation 21 (Old Constance Boulevard) (R079-26) ....................................................................................2 22 G. Receive Assessment Roll/Order Public Hearing/26-12: 2026 Mill & Overlay (Grow 23 Oak View Estates) (R080-26) .................................................................................................2 24 H. Memorialize Non-Participation in Red Oaks Drinking Water Contamination Mitigation 25 Project (R081-26) (R082-26) ..................................................................................................2 26 I. Approve Application/Bingo/Crooked Lake Elementary ...................................................2 27 J. Approve Andover Firefighters Relief Association Bylaw Amendments ...........................2 28 K. Approve Funding/26-35: Sunshine Park Parking Lot Lighting (West/South Pk Lot) ....2 29 L. Approve Appointment – Deputy Fire Chief .....................................................................2 30 M. Approve Met Council Planning Assistance Grant (083-26) ..........................................2 31 N. Approve Resolution Findings for Zoning Interpretation Appeal/16369 Gladiola Street 32 NW (R084-26) ....................................................................................................................2 33 O. Approve Change Order 1/24-43: Coon Creek Corridor Trail East of Prairie Road 34 (R085-26) ...............................................................................................................................2 35 P. Approve Cannabis Renewal Registration/14029 Round Lake Boulevard..........................2 36 Q. Approve Appointment – Parks and Streets Operations Manager...................................2 37 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS .....................................................................................................2 38 A. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-02A: 2026 STREET 39 RECONSTRUCTION (CREEKRIDGE ESTATES) (R086-26) .......................................2 40 B. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-02C: 2026 STREET 41 RECONSTRUCTION (EAST ROUND LAKE ESTATES) (R087-26) ............................3 42 C. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING/ADOPT ASSESSMENT ROLL/26-11B: 2026 FDR 43 (NORTHGLEN AREA/WOODLAND POND) (R088-26) ..............................................4 44 D. DISCUSS/ADOPT PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY (R089-26) ..........................................5 45 E. DISCUSS/ADOPT 2027 DEBT SERVICE LEVY CHANGES (R090-26) ......................5 46 F. SET HEARING DATE(S) FOR 2027 BUDGET AND LEVY DISCUSSION AND 47 PUBLIC COMMENT ......................................................................................................6 48 G. HOLD PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND TH 49 UTILITY EASEMENT – 2343 135 LANE NW (R091-26) ..........................................6 Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 1, 2026 Page 11 1 H. CONSIDER A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) FOR PLANNED UNIT 2 DEVELOPMENT (PUD) WITHIN SHORELAND FOR WARD LAKE PRESERVE, A 3 9-LOT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH DEVIATIONS 4 RELATED TO LOT WIDTH, BLOCK LENGTH, RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH, TO BE 5 LOCATED AT THE UNADDRESSED PROPERTY AT 17xxx WARD LAKE DRIVE 6 NW; PID 12-32-24-22-0007 – WARD LAKE OF MN, LLC (APPLICANT) (R092-26) .6 7 I. CONSIDER A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR WARD LAKE PRESERVE, A 9-LOT 8 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION TO BE LOCATED AT THE 9 UNADDRESSED PROPERTY AT 17xxx WARD LAKE DRIVE NW; PID 12-32-24- 10 22-0007 – WARD LAKE OF MN, LLC (APPLICANT) (R093-26) ................................8 11 3. STAFF ITEMS ................................................................................................................9 12 A. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT .....................................................................................9 13 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ...................................................................................................9 14 ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................9 15