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1. What can I do to get a traffic signal installed?

Requests for signals on county highways are forwarded to the Anoka County Highway Department. Most major roads are county highways.

Requests for signals on city roadways are reviewed with the following details in mind. To get a traffic signal installed at an intersection, specific engineering criteria (warrants) must be met. There are 11 warrants that relate to details such as:

• The number of cars on the intersecting streets traveling through the intersection
• Pedestrians crossing the intersection
• Delays to all vehicles and the history of accidents at the intersection

City staff reviews the number of accidents at intersections and attempts to observe intersections for delays. Insight from residents or travelers regarding the operation of specific traffic signals is welcome assistance.

Once concerns are recognized, the traffic conditions will be reviewed through an engineering analysis. If warrants are met, consideration is given to install a traffic signal. The installation of a new traffic signal may be added to the city or county’s program of projected improvements (Capital Improvement Program) for assignment of priority with construction subject to funding availability.

2. How can I get a streetlight on my residential street?

Steps for Getting a Streetlight:

1. Residents wishing to have a streetlight installed must present to the city a petition indicating support and financial participation of all adjacent residents.
2. City staff will designate the benefiting properties so that associated assessments may be calculated and hearing notices sent.
3. Following a public hearing, the City Council votes to approve or deny the request for streetlights.
4. Upon approval, local electric utility providers install new streetlights.

3. How can I get a stop sign installed?

Petitions are required for stop sign requests. Stop sign requests are referred to the Engineering Department for a traffic engineering study. A report is then sent to the City Council, who makes the final decision.

Studies show that drivers can easily distinguish stop signs that are not necessary to provide traffic control at intersections. If a stop sign is placed as a speed control device, drivers tend to be less observant when approaching it and often reduce their speed, but don't stop. In these instances, stop signs may create more of a traffic hazard than they prevent since pedestrians and other drivers expect all cars to stop.

It has also been shown through studies that motorists tend to increase their speeds after stopping at a "speed control" stop sign to make up for lost time or will increase speeds through other less direct residential areas to avoid improper stop signs. Essentially, stop signs placed inappropriately can create more safety problems than they solve.

4. How can I get the speed limit reduced on my street?

Speed limits are set by state statute, not by the City of Andover. Residents are encouraged to contact the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department with concerns about excessive vehicle speeds on any city roadways. The Sheriff’s Department will review the request. Sometimes methods other than reduced speed limit can be effective to control speeds including educational programs and pavement markings.

For more information please contact the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department at 763-427-1212.

5. Can I get a "Children at Play" traffic sign on my street?

The City of Andover places significant importance on the use of all of the street signs within the city. The use of "Children at Play" signs has been limited to areas directly adjacent to schools, parks and playgrounds, where the number of children is typically greatest.

It is important that drivers understand they are driving next to a special area with the likelihood of children being present. The use of these signs in other areas will lessen the significance of the signs and give a false sense of security to children. For more information please contact the City of Andover at 763-755-5100

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1. Will my tree die from the larvae eating all the old growth needles?

No, your tree should still survive because the new growth is not being harmed. This will only be a setback and possibly stunt the growth of the tree. Be aware though, of other factors that can add to this current stress and push a tree past the stage of coming back.


If a tree is severely defoliated, take precautions to make sure the tree is not stressed further this summer by drought or other pests. Water severely defoliated trees and check periodically for other pests or insects that could potentially harm this year's current needle growth.

2. How long does the feeding last?

The larvae stage occurs from early-May through mid-June, but may go longer or shorter depending on how the previous winter was (i.e. amount of snow, temperatures, etc.)

3. Will this be a problem next year?

The likelihood of this reoccurring is rather high. Prepare by looking over current year's needle growth for signs of eggs (white spots). Prune or pluck these needles off to prevent hatching and feeding. Another option is to check in late-April for signs of larvae and to control the populations early on with a strong liquid dish soap and/or pressure spray.

4. Will needles re-grow?

No, once a needle is cast or shed from the branch it will not re-grow a new needle in that spot. The only new growth that will occur is at the tips of branches. Your pine might look a little bare for a year or two until a couple cycles of needle growth have filled in.

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1. When should I stop pruning oaks?

April

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1. What will the city accomplish with this dedicated funding?

Andover will use the funds to acquire land from willing sellers for protection of water and air quality, preservation of wildlife habitat and natural amenities.

2. How will the city do this?

The city will acquire land and/or enter into land preservation agreements to permanently protect natural areas.

3. Where would the lands be located?

Land throughout the city will be eligible for consideration.

4. What can be accomplished with $2,000,000?

An initial investment by Andover residents will open the door to matching funds from public agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporate sponsors. Preservation can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including the purchase of property, dedication of conservation easements, purchase or transfer of development rights and park dedication. By utilizing a combination of funding sources and methods, the amount of land that can be protected will be multiplied.

5. How long will these properties be protected?

The land will be protected in perpetuity.

6. How much will property taxes increase to fund this program and for how long?

A property owner will pay about $8 per year for each $100,000 of assessed property value for fifteen years. The annual tax impact is expected to decrease in future years due to growth in the city’s tax base.

7. How will the city ensure the program is effective?

A citizen advisory committee appointed by the City Council will review spending and expenditures will be audited annually. This information will be open to public review.

8. Does the city have experience with similar projects?

This year the city acquired more than 20 acres of natural habitat area and reached agreement to protect an additional l0 acres along the same wildlife corridor near Hanson Boulevard and 161“ Avenue. The agreement includes a trail connection to the existing system along Hanson Boulevard. A restoration project in Kelsey Round Lake Park was also completed with funding from with the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The city is currently working with the DNR, Coon Creek Watershed Management District, Tree Trust and Anoka County Parks to restore native plants in wetlands along Coon Creek. With dedicated funding a city wide effort to preserve natural areas can be implemented.

9. What will the effect be on my property?

Local and national research has shown that natural areas positively affect home values and consistently rank high on lists of homebuyer preferences.

10. Are there natural areas remaining in Andover that need to be protected?

Yes. Approximately 40% of the city remains undeveloped. However, The Metropolitan Council forecasts the city’s population will grow to 39,000 people with the addition of as many as 4,000 new homes by the year 2020. There is presently an opportunity to preserve unique natural areas from development for the enjoyment of residents now and in the years to come.

11. Will all property owners be required to pay this tax?

No, state law exempts agricultural land and seasonal property from taxes used to repay all referendum debt.

12. Why would a landowner want to participate in this program?

This would be an option for landowners who don’t want to see their land developed but want to protect it for the enjoyment of future generations. For Additional Information Contact City Hall at 763-755-5100

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1. Where is the compost site, and when is it open?

For more information on fees, maps, hours of operation and examples of acceptable materials at both compost sites, go to Anoka County's website or call Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400.

For finished compost availability call 763-767-7964.

2. Where can I take paint?

Call Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions 763-324-3400 Recycling & Resource Solutions

3. Where is the Recycling Center located?

The Recycling Center is located at 1825 Crosstown Blvd NW. Use the same driveway as the outdoor hockey rink. It is open from 8am until 8pm.

4. Can plastic toys, tables, big wheels, etc. be recycled?

Unfortunately, no they cannot be recycled at this time.

5. What do I do with my batteries?

Common household batteries can be disposed of in the garbage or they can be recycled. The City of Andover only collects auto batteries at their Spring and Fall recycling events. Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste (763-324-3400) collects batteries for no charge. Click below for more information. 

Anoka County Battery Disposal and Recycle

6. Do you accept furniture?

The Andover Recycling Center's Salvation Army drop off does NOT accept furniture. This includes couches/sofas, dressers, tables and chairs and entertainment stands. If your furniture is in good usable condition, you may contact the Salvation Army at 1-800-728-7825 for a location that accepts furniture.