City Council

ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – OCTOBER 26, 2021 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Sheri Bukkila, October 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present remotely: Valerie Holthus, Jamie Barthel, Ted Butler, and Randy Nelson Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson City Engineer/Public Works Director, David Berkowitz City Planner, Joe Janish Others DISCUSS DRAFT STREET RECONSTRUCTION PLAN The City Council is requested to review and discuss the Street Reconstruction Plan (SRP) needed to issue General Obligation Street Reconstruction Plan Bonds. Mr. Dickinson explained the document meets the minimum State Statute requirements for the City to issue the bond. He noted State Statute requires a public hearing and an SRP approved with a two-thirds majority. Mr. Dickinson stated a reverse referendum is allowable if there is a petition signed by 5% of people who have voted in the last election. Mr. Dickinson stated the goal is to spend the funds as quickly and wisely as possible. The funds can be spent on mill and overlay and street reconstruction. Mr. Dickinson stated the City will use the PIR fund which requires a four-fifths majority. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the bond, the interest rate, and the impact on the City. 2022 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION/UPDATE The City Council is requested to review the proposed 2022 General Fund Budget and provide direction to staff. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the 2021 General Fund Estimates and asked Council what they would like to do with the estimated improvement in position. Mr. Dickinson presented updated information on employee health insurance options. The Council discussed healthcare options and reached consensus to keep the same healthcare plan for 2022. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – October 26, 2021 Page 2 Mr. Dickinson provided an update on the Fire Department duty crew proposal. He stated the Chief and Captain met with firefighters to explain what the City is intending to do and also sent out a survey to gather anonymous feedback. The City received 29 responses out of 44 surveys sent. Mr. Dickinson noted the responses were generally positive and firefighters posed good questions. He stated the City is looking at taking their feedback and trying to build flexibility in the duty crew option. He also noted there are some firefighters that do not like the mandatory aspect and will be resistant. RECEIVE SEPTEMBER 2021 GENERAL FUND PROGRESS REPORT The City Council is requested to review the September 2021 General Fund Budget Progress Report. The Council reviewed the written report and had no comments. RECEIVE SEPTEMBER 2021 COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRESS REPORT The City Council is requested to review the Community Center Progress Report through September, 2021. Mr. Dickinson pointed out the Community Center has been in transition for the past 2 years; construction occurred during 2019 and COVID affected 2020. He stated the City is searching for a vendor to replace Subway and has offered Subway an extension of their service without entering a long-term contract. The City received around $10,000 from Subway the prior year. Mayor Bukkila asked about bringing in more customers and providing vendors to cater to the customers. She asked staff to bring forth what they offer now and ideas to increase revenue. Mr. Brezinka stated he has seen vendors attend tournaments. Mayor Bukkila would like to see vendors increased and the revenue go to the City. Mr. Berkowitz noted that associations are arranging vendors and they get a cut of the proceeds. OTHER ITEMS Mr. Janish stated staff met with the owner of 3415 163rd Lane. The owner wanted to split their property into 3 lots and provide for one additional split in the future for their children. He explained how the property owner would like to subdivide their land. He explained the previous subdivisions of the property and the legal issues surrounding it. He said there is a regulation in the code that a subdivision must provide access to adjacent properties. Mr. Berkowitz explained the surveyor suggested an access to property X identified on the map that is not acceptable to the City. The City is requiring the applicant to provide a better access to property X. Staff is looking for direction from the City Council. Staff provided three options for the applicant, and none have been acceptable. Mr. Janish asked if the Council wanted them to continue to look for solutions. The Council reached consensus to encourage the applicant to work with the adjacent property owner to agree to Option 1 and if that did not work out, the City can also offer Option 2. Andover City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – October 26, 2021 Page 3 Mayor Bukkila stated she received an email from a resident who built a noncompliant fence and did not consider getting a permit because it was not on the property line. Mayor Bukkila explained the fence is a barn style metal product that is not in compliance with code. Mayor Bukkila stated the fence is reflective and feels it is a nuisance. Mr. Janish stated he will speak with Mr. Griffiths to get more information. Mr. Berkowitz stated there is a neighborhood information meeting for the street reconstruction project. He noted there are some residents who are not in favor of the assessment method and said there may be many residents who attend the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Butler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Shari Kunza, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.