City Council

REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Bukkila, September 3, 2024, 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 Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Community Development Director, Joe Janish Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Fire Chief, Dennis Jones City Attorney, Scott Baumgartner Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROCLAMATION - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH Mayor Bukkila read the proclamation and declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. RESIDENT FORUM Thomas Lamon, a resident who lives on the corner of 137th Lane and Swallow Street, came forward and shared he has noticed many signs being put in City rights-of-way. He brought signs that he pulled that were in the City right-of-way from between his house and the Council Chambers. He noted he is seeing more and more of these signs being put up at every intersection and he does not think the City should stand for this. He stated if the City does not already have an ordinance that addresses this, then they should create one. He said he wants the beauty of the City to be maintained. City Administrator Dickinson shared these kinds of signs are not allowed, and staff does pick them up when they have time to do so. He noted as quickly as they are taken down, they are put back up. He said they do not have staff dedicated to following these signs and it is only done when staff time is available. Councilmember Engelhardt shared this is a similar situation to solicitors not having solicitor’s Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 2 licenses but still going door-to-door soliciting. He suggested having people work with the City to get sign permits. Mr. Dickinson asked the Council if they are interested in a permitting process for allowing these signs which would allow them to only allow signs in specific places in the community. Mayor Bukkila said she is not interested in a permitting process. Councilmember Butler agreed. Councilmember Butler added if they have a large number of signs from the same company and the company’s contact information is displayed, they could ask staff to contact these companies. Mayor Bukkila said she does not think they need to dedicate staff to removing these signs; however, she encouraged staff who feel compelled to remove these signs when they pass by them. Councilmember Barthel asked if there is a way that they can contact these companies and fine them if they continue to put their signs in the rights-of-way. Mr. Dickinson said they can do this; however, it is not typically the company that puts the sign up. Councilmember Barthel stated the companies are still responsible since the signs belong to them. Mr. Dickinson explained in the last few weeks they have increased their enforcement of these signs, yet they keep coming back. He said they could attempt fining these companies. FIRE DEPARTMENT - PINNING CEREMONY Fire Chief Jones introduced Troy Pouliot, Tim Saldana and Annie Wesp, and gave a brief background on their experiences and accomplishments. Mayor Bukkila swore in the new firefighters. AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Bukkila noted the supplemental information received: Item #6 – Approve Contract for School Liaison/Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 Mayor Bukkila noted the addition of the following agenda item: Item #6A – Approve Cannabinoid Beverage License for 15190 Bluebird Street, Suite 109 Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Butler, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 20, 2024, Regular Meeting: Correct as written Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 3 Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Engelhardt, to approve the August 20, 2024, Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT ITEMS Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims Item 3 Accept Resignation of Kristy Wisniewski – Fire Technician/Captain Item 4 Approve Change Order #2/23-38/Red Oaks Water Contamination Mitigation (See Resolution R073-24) Item 5 Schedule City Administrator Candidate Interviews Item 6 Approve Contract for School Liaison/Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 Item 6A Approve Cannabinoid Beverage License for 15190 Bluebird Street, Suite 109 Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Barthel, to approve of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER INTERIM USE PERMIT (IUP) - INTERIM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - 3160 162nd LANE NW - PID#16-32-24-23-0005 - RANDY FERGUSON (APPLICANT) The City Council is requested to receive the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation of approval and make a decision on the IUP request. Community Development Director Janish reviewed the staff report in regard to the Interim Use Permit request for 3160 162nd Lane NW. He shared the applicants request to expand their existing gravel parking area and new concrete parking for employees, with no curb. Councilmember Barthel asked if they required the athletic construction businesses on 161st Lane to have curbing when they put in their parking lot. Mr. Janish shared they ran curbing in certain locations in order to direct the water to their ponding area. Councilmember Barthel shared he is in support of this. He said he likes that they are putting up a fence as it will help with the appearance. Councilmember Butler agreed and added this is a well thought out proposal. Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution No. R074-24, granting an Interim Use Permit for interim performance standards at PID#16-32-24-23-0005. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS/ADOPT 2025 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY The City Council is requested to receive a brief presentation on the preliminary levy and corresponding operating budget and discuss and approve the resolution that indicates the total preliminary tax levy of $20,404,084 to be submitted to the Anoka County Property Tax Records Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 4 and Taxation Division by September 30th. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the staff report concerning the 2025 preliminary tax levy adoption. He shared the Council would have the opportunity to reduce the levy or keep it constant until the final certification in December. Mayor Bukkila shared it was a long road to get the tax levy to where it is now. She noted it had a lot to do with the roads. She shared they are not in an enjoyable position; however, it is a consensus of the Council that they needed to find a solution for the roads, so they do not keep putting them off. She said it is the Council’s hope that this levy will help them start to get some of the very necessary repairs complete so they can have a regular maintenance cycle for the roads. She added this is the largest tax increase she has seen in her time on the Council; however, she believes it is the right solution at the right time. Councilmember Butler agreed and noted they are attempting to deal with a problem they have known about for a long time and have been trying to deal with on a piece-meal basis. He stated they are constantly chasing this problem. He shared this is not the levy increase that the Council wanted to see but he thinks it is for the betterment of the community in the longer term by taking care of the infrastructure in the way they need to. Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution No. R075-24, adopting the City of Andover 2025 proposed property tax levy to be certified to the County Auditor. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS/ADOPT 2025 DEBT SERVICE LEVY CHANGES The City Council is requested to approve the updates to the certified bonded indebtedness levies for 2025. . Mr. Dickinson reviewed the staff report in regard to the 2025 debt service levy changes adoption. Motion by Butler, Seconded by Nelson, to adopt Resolution No. R076-24, updating certified bonded indebtedness for 2025. Motion carried unanimously. SET HEARING DATE(S) FOR 2025 BUDGET & LEVY DISCUSSION & PUBLIC COMMENT The City Council is requested to schedule the 2025 Budget and Levy public hearings. Mr. Dickinson reviewed the staff report concerning setting dates for the 2025 budget and levy public hearings. He shared the proposed dates of December 3rd and December 17th to coincide with regular Council meetings. Motion by Nelson, Seconded by Barthel, to schedule the 2025 budget and levy public hearings for Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 5 December 3rd and December 17th. Motion carried unanimously. CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION R044-24 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT REQUESTED BY J.A. WEDUM FOUNDATION. PRESENTED AS ANDOVER SENIOR CAMPUS The City Council is requested to consider an amendment to a City Council resolution for approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD.) Mr. Janish reviewed the staff report concerning an amendment request for the PUD from J.A. Wedum Foundation. He shared the amendment is to help identify the coordinated participation of the roundabout project at Bluebird Street and Crosstown Boulevard. Motion by Butler, Seconded by Engelhardt, to adopt Resolution No. R077-24, amending Resolution No. R044-24, which approved the Conditional Use Permit/Planning Unit Development requested by J.A. Wedum Foundation. Further discussion: Councilmember Barthel shared he has not been a huge proponent of this project as he believes this land could be better used. He noted this intersection is dangerous as it stands, and he will be voting in favor of this as he would like to see a roundabout at this intersection. Motion carried unanimously. 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) Mr. Dickinson reviewed the Administrative Staff report. He shared this will be his final report as City Administrator. He noted they are at 69 new homes for the year. He explained many of the churches in the City underwent renovations at some point throughout the year and noted a lot of these had to do with getting rid of temporary buildings. He thanked staff for their work navigating the storms from the past week. He noted he participated in some legislative committees for the Met Council’s Imagine 2050 Plan. He shared the Met Council is moving the goalpost from three units per acre to four units per acre. He stated many municipalities are not speaking up against this. (Public Works/Engineering Department Report) Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the Public Works and Engineering Department report. He shared there was a tornado that touched down on Thursday afternoon around 4:00 p.m. He thanked the Public Works Staff for their quick response to the disaster and thanked staff and the Fire Department for their assistance as well. He stated a majority of the City issues have been taken care of, including moving trees from roads or hazardous areas. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 6 He added there is no curbside pickup, and any debris left in the right-of-way will be the property owner’s responsibility to remove. He noted there is a disposal site for residents located at the City Hall Complex, just north of Sunshine Park. He also thanked Connexus Energy for their quick response to lift station being down and wells being out. He added by Saturday morning, all residents had power again. He shared they are starting work on the west Public Works parking lot. He thanked residents for their patience while Crosstown Boulevard is closed. He stated he has been extremely honored to work with Mr. Dickinson over the years and he thanked him for all of the incredible things he has done for the City. He noted staff works the way they do because of Mr. Dickinson’s leadership. He shared Mr. Dickinson will be greatly missed. (Community Development Department Report) Mr. Janish reviewed the Community Development Department report. He shared staff is in the process of reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and the document is available on the Met Council’s website. He added the Met Council is looking for feedback on the Comprehensive Plan not only from cities, but also from residents. He stated they will be bringing it forward to the Council to develop a formal response to the Met Council. He added they are continuing to work through the commercial site plan processes and meeting with developers who are looking at doing projects in the community. He shared he has had an amazing experience working with Mr. Dickinson. Mayor Bukkila explained staff’s response to the storms looked routine by how well they responded to this unexpected event. She shared she received a message from a resident wanting to know how they were so quickly able to decide that they would not be doing curbside pickup. Mr. Dickinson explained the damage from this storm was very localized to a few places. He added they have a limited amount of funds to deal with these natural disaster related items and they prioritize making sure road rights-of-way are clear. He noted residents cleaning up their own properties will get them done a lot quicker than if they waited for the City to clean it up. Mayor Bukkila shared they are also wanting to limit the tree contractors' access to the debris drop site. Mr. Dickinson added they are limiting their out-of-pocket costs by allowing the City’s contractor to access the drop site; however, all others can turn these bills over to their insurance companies. Mayor Bukkila added with the drop site, they cannot tell where the source came from. She noted surrounding communities also experienced storm damage that could try to dump their debris in the City. She explained they were trying to pick a reasonable cut off point of how they can maximize their ability to help while understanding that property owners are responsible for what happens on their private property. She stated it is the government's role to get utilities back up and running and not their responsibility to clean up resident’s yards. Mr. Dickinson shared this is his final report as City Administrator since he started with the City in 1999. He recounted his time with the City and all that has been accomplished over the last 25 years. He stated he is leaving the City in good hands with the current staff. He shared his last day with the City is Friday, September 6th. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 7 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT Councilmember Butler stated he moved to Andover in 2000 and noted that a common thread to all of the great changes and growth he has seen made in the City was Mr. Dickinson. He shared a story of his first interaction with Mr. Dickinson just a few years after moving to the City when he received a letter from the City that he needed to move his mailbox. He noted Mr. Dickinson has always made himself available to any resident in the City for the entire time he has been with the City. He stated this attitude of service pervades the culture of staff. He added he hopes the next City Administrator can bring this same level of service to the community. He thanked Mr. Dickinson for all he had done for this City. Councilmember Nelson shared whenever the Council has had any questions at any time, Mr. Dickinson has always been available to help. He noted when there are residents that contact the Council, he always runs it by Mr. Dickinson who tells him to have the residents reach out to him if they have any further questions. He said he cannot imagine not having Mr. Dickinson helping and mentoring the Council and staff. He thanked Mr. Dickinson for his amazing work. Councilmember Barthel jokingly shared he will not miss how Mr. Dickinson always encouraged the Council to look at things from different perspectives to ensure they are making the best decisions and always overestimated costs so that things would always come out cheaper than anticipated. He thanked Mr. Dickinson for all he has done for the City and shared he has made such an impact on all of the Council’s lives. Councilmember Engelhardt stated as the newest member of the Council, he has spent the least amount of time with Mr. Dickinson. He explained Mr. Dickinson has always had a positive perspective on everything that comes his way. He shared he has been impressed with how Mr. Dickinson takes ownership over the City and how it runs, while giving staff the same opportunities. He added Mr. Dickinson always wanted to leave things better than he found them for staff and residents. He thanked Mr. Dickinson and wished him and his family all the best. Mayor Bukkila shared she first met Mr. Dickinson when she attended a Workshop meeting as a Council candidate. She stated Mr. Dickinson was always chasing down answers for her. She thanked Mr. Dickinson for everything that he has done. City Attorney Baumgartner shared he has worked with Mr. Dickinson for 17 years. He stated he learns as much from Mr. Dickinson as anyone else. He noted one of Mr. Dickinson’s greatest assets is that he solves problems, and he solves them with compassion and outside-the-box thinking. He added Mr. Dickinson approaches difficult issues in a different manner and always encourages people to look at all sides of the issue. He noted the Council could not ask for anything more than a City Administrator who works this way. He thanked Mr. Dickinson for his great work over the years and shared he will miss him. ADJOURNMENT Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 8 Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Butler, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ava Major, Recording Secretary Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – September 3, 2024 Page 9 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC \h \u \z \t "Heading 1,1,Heading 2,2,Heading 3,3," PROCLAMATION - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH ...............................1 RESIDENT FORUM ..................................................................................................................1 FIRE DEPARTMENT - PINNING CEREMONY .....................................................................2 AGENDA APPROVAL ............................................................................................................. 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ...................................................................................................... 2 CONSENT ITEMS .....................................................................................................................3 Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims .......................................................................................3 Item 3 Accept Resignation of Kristy Wisniewski – Fire Technician/Captain ....................... 3 Item 4 Approve Change Order #2/23-38/Red Oaks Water Contamination Mitigation (R073- 24) .................................................................................................................................... 3 Item 5 Schedule City Administrator Candidate Interviews ................................................... 3 Item 6 Approve Contract for School Liaison/Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 ............ 3 Item 6A Approve Cannabinoid Beverage License for 15190 Bluebird Street, Suite 109 ......... 3 CONSIDER INTERIM USE PERMIT (IUP) - INTERIM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - 3160 162nd LANE NW - PID#16-32-24-23-0005 - RANDY FERGUSON (APPLICANT) (R074-24) .................................................................................................................... 3 DISCUSS/ADOPT 2025 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY (R075-24) .........................................3 DISCUSS/ADOPT 2025 DEBT SERVICE LEVY CHANGES (R076-24) ............................. 3 SET HEARING DATE(S) FOR 2025 BUDGET & LEVY DISCUSSION & PUBLIC COMMENT ........................................................................................................................3 CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION R044-24 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT/PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT REQUESTED BY J.A. WEDUM FOUNDATION. PRESENTED AS ANDOVER SENIOR CAMPUS (R077-24) ............ 5 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT ............................................................................................... 5 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT ......................................................................................................7 ADJOURNMENT ...................................................................................................................... 7