Jamie Barthel

The mission statement of the Open Space Advisory Commission (Nature Preserves) for the City of Andover focuses on communicating the values and needs of the Nature Preserves to city residents. Key areas of focus include building awareness and promoting appropriate usage of the preserves, providing recommendations for changes or enhancements, monitoring maintenance activities, investigating opportunities for preserve expansion and acquisitions, and serving as a liaison between the city residents and the Open Space Advisory Commission.

The meeting involved a review of the Finnes Estates sketch plan, a planned unit development (PUD) proposing 28 single-family units. The commission recommended that the City Council accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication requirements. A fourth-quarter report on the Park Dedication Improvement Fund was presented, along with an Anoka County Sheriff's Office report on park activity. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including outdoor ice rinks and the new skating loop at Hidden Creek North Park. Discussion included 2024 and 2025 Park CIP projects, such as the Pine Hills Multipurpose Building (including a decision to remove a park entrance), a new park at Fields of Winslow Cove East, and Sunshine Basketball Court upgrades. The Tree Lighting Event planning was reviewed, along with a new trail segment along Coon Creek. Maintenance updates were also discussed.

The meeting will include approval of payments, feasibility reports and public hearings for full depth reclamation projects in several areas (Meadows of Round Lake Area, Fox Meadows & Indian Meadows, Pine Hills Addn., Andover Commercial Park), and mill and overlay projects (Tulip St. NW, Kadlec Addn./Oakwood Estates/White Oaks Country Estates/172nd Ave. NW, Country Oaks West & Birch Point Estates). Other agenda items include an ACD Natural Resource Improvement Grant, a change order for water treatment plant radon mitigation, ratification of commission appointments, a resolution for a public hearing on senior housing revenue bonds, scheduling a local board meeting, approval of a conduit debt policy, an NPDES presentation, a hearing on a nuisance dog, a QCTV annual report presentation, and amending a planned unit development for Grey Oaks.

The meeting included the oath of office for the mayor and councilmembers. Consent items covered payments, contributions, licenses, newspaper designation, depositories, electronic fund transfers, donations, and a sewer lift station retrofit. A vice mayor was appointed, and council committees were appointed. A resolution declaring a council vacancy was adopted, and advisory commission interviews were scheduled. The administrator's report included updates on construction permits and upcoming public hearings.

The Andover City Council held a special meeting to conduct interviews for open positions on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, and Nature Preserve Commission. Candidates were asked about their qualifications, experiences, and perspectives on various issues facing the city, including development density, community engagement, and park maintenance. The council decided to postpone the appointments until after all interviews were completed.