City Council

REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 18, 2023 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Bukkila, April 18, 2023, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Jamie Barthel, Ted Butler, Rick Engelhardt, and Randy Nelson Councilmembers absent: None Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM Dan Anderson, 13445 Heather Street, is a board member of the Crooked Lake Area Association. He presented a newsletter to the Council that provided updates on recent happenings at Crooked Lake. He shared about the importance of taking interest in the quality of the lake. Two years ago, they treated the lake with an herbicide to reduce milfoil and became an example for the DNR, who is using their story across the country as an example of how to reduce milfoil in lakes. He shared about the lake’s recent water quality. They received an “A” from the Coon Creek Watershed District two years ago, and a “B” last year due to lower water levels. He stated that the lake levels are up this year so it should be better. They did not treat the lake for milfoil last year but they did some weeding by hand and then disposed of it. There is still some curly leaf pondweed, which they have been pulling, treating, and monitoring. He shared about some recent events including an ice carousel, and an ice-out event which led to some trouble with the DNR and conservation office. They sold raffle tickets and there were rules to follow that they didn’t know about. He shared they enjoy using the lake all year long, especially in the winter time. Mayor Bukkila thanked Mr. Anderson for all he is doing to help the water quality of Crooked Lake and for building community involvement and excitement. Mr. Anderson thanked the Council for being a sponsor of the Crooked Lake Area Association and helping with some of the funding. He shared he appreciated the Council’s help and involvement. AGENDA APPROVAL Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 18, 2023 Page 2 Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Butler, to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 28, 2023 - Workshop Meeting Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Nelson, to approve the March 28, 2023, Workshop meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. April 4, 2023 - Regular Meeting Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Nelson, to approve the April 4, 2023, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT ITEMS Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims Item 3 Approve Plans and Specs/Order Advertisement for Bids/23-22, Sunshine Park North Parking Lot Reconstruction & 23-23, Fire Station #2 Parking Lot Reconstruction (See Resolution R035-23) Item 4 Approve Updated Public Works Policies Item 5 Approve Request to Waive Tournament Fee for The Heroes Tourney 7th Annual Softball Tournament, The Invisible Wounds Project Item 6 Approve Addition Expenditures/23-28, Lunds Park Playground Structure & 23-29, Hidden Creek North Park Shelter Item 7 Accept Resignation of Jeff Cielocha, Fire Technician/Captain Item 8 Accept Resignation/Retirement of John Wallace, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Item 9 Declare Surplus Equipment Item 10 Receive March 2023 General Fund Budget Progress Report Item 11 Receive March 2023 City Investment Reports Motion by Butler, Seconded by Nelson, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT Commander Paul Lenzmeier provided a monthly report for the month of March. He noted they recently escorted a procession to and from the Midwest Medical Examiner's office for three officers in the upper Midwest within a week. They remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of their community. He reported that the number of violent calls for service are going up including domestics and DWIs. One individual was going to be arrested and activated a propane torch toward the officers. They were able to use a taser and subdue the male. He shared his concern for the rise they are seeing in erratic behavior. He reported 323 traffic Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 18, 2023 Page 3 arrests, 940 calls for service, 21 thefts, 19 misdemeanors, and 8 DWIs. He noted that the numbers of thefts are decreasing. There have been 65 so far this year, and there were 104 at this time last year. He shared other significant events including a murder/suicide event on March 10th, a 15-year-old discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a traffic stop on March 17th, and a house fire on March 18th. He shared it has been a busy start to the year, and they are hoping things will slow down. They are also hoping to control violent behavior. He emphasized the importance of making sure residents in the community care for one another. Mayor Bukkila stressed for residents not to hesitate to call the Sheriff’s Office if they witness a behavior or event that is concerning. When calling in, be as descriptive of individuals and the situation as possible. Commander Lenzmeier concurred and stated it’s never a bother to receive calls, they want to hear from the community. 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) City Administrator Dickinson shared he attended the recent 911 groundbreaking event. He participated in a Metropolitan Council Regional Planning group study, and shared that interesting topics are being discussed and proposed. He is concerned about some of them, one being that they are starting to measure ground temperature for densities. He attended meetings for the Board of Review and will be attending numerous upcoming meetings on behalf of the City. He shared they are following up with the Red Oaks project at the Capitol, and that the audit is underway for the Finance Department. (Public Works/Engineering Department Report) On behalf of Mr. Berkowitz, Mr. Dickinson shared that the Engineering Department has been having pre-construction meetings in preparation for the upcoming 2023 road projects. They have also been spending time with design work to start working on next year’s projects. Mr. Dickinson recognized John Wallace who is retiring after 30+ years of service in the City. He shared that he will be missed and wished him the best. (Community Development Department Report) On behalf of Mr. Janish, Mr. Dickinson shared the new Taco Bell on the west side of the City will tentatively open on June 1st. The Planning Department has been receiving questions about outdoor projects now that spring is here. Code enforcement calls and complaints are up significantly now that the snow is gone. He shared there have been flooding activities near the Rum River. They are monitoring five properties that are experiencing flooding, assisting with delivery of sand. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 18, 2023 Page 4 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Mayor Bukkila agreed Mr. Wallace will be missed. She thanked him for his years of service to the City for vehicle maintenance and fire service and wished him the best in his retirement. Councilmember Nelson reminded residents of property refunds that are available to those who live in Anoka County. He stated many aren’t aware and don’t apply. He shared the following examples of the available refunds: Veterans have property tax exclusion if they have a service related disability; Renters who receive a Certificate for Rent Paid (CRP) can submit that by August and expect a refund in September. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Bukkila recessed the regular City Council meeting at 7:29 p.m. to a Closed Session of the City Council to receive a Union negotiations update. The City Council reconvened at 7:45 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Butler, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kristina Haas, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – April 18, 2023 Page 5 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – APRIL 18, 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE......................................................................................................1 RESIDENT FORUM...................................................................................................................1 AGENDA APPROVAL.............................................................................................................. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES....................................................................................................... 2 CONSENT ITEMS......................................................................................................................2 Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims......................................................................................2 Item 3 Approve Plans and Specs/Order Advertisement for Bids/23-22, Sunshine Park North Parking Lot Reconstruction & 23-23, Fire Station #2 Parking Lot Reconstruction (R035-23) ................................................................................................................................... 2 Item 4 Approve Updated Public Works Policies.................................................................. 2 Item 5 Approve Request to Waive Tournament Fee for The Heroes Tourney 7th Annual Softball Tournament, The Invisible Wounds Project..................................................................2 Item 6 Approve Addition Expenditures/23-28, Lunds Park Playground Structure & 23-29, Hidden Creek North Park Shelter................................................................................................2 Item 7 Accept Resignation of Jeff Cielocha, Fire Technician/Captain.................................2 Item 8 Accept Resignation/Retirement of John Wallace, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.... 2 Item 9 Declare Surplus Equipment....................................................................................... 2 Item 10 Receive March 2023 General Fund Budget Progress Report.................................... 2 Item 11 Receive March 2023 City Investment Reports.......................................................... 2 ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT.............................................2 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT................................................................................................ 3 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT.......................................................................................................3 CLOSED SESSION.....................................................................................................................4 ADJOURNMENT....................................................................................................................... 4