The council approved the final payments for the newly built Fire Station 3, indicating that most payment obligations had been settled, with only minor issues related to concrete work and contractor performance remaining. The firefighters moved into the facility in January, and finishing touches were completed over the following months. An open house is scheduled for October 12th from 10 AM to noon, allowing the public to tour the state-of-the-art facility located across from Anoka Ramsey Community College. This year, the open house will be consolidated at the new Fire Station 3.

In another key decision, the council discussed a budget amendment and a resolution awarding a contract for improvements to the East Water Treatment Plant’s generator system. The current generator could only maintain minimal operations during power outages, risking water supply depletion in extended outages. The plan includes increasing the capacity of the existing generator and adding a second generator to ensure uninterrupted water extraction and treatment. This upgrade aims to mitigate risks associated with potential natural disasters, drawing from historical data from a severe storm in 2005 that highlighted system vulnerabilities.

A contentious rezoning proposal for a property on Butternut Street, intended for townhouse development, was ultimately denied after discussions and community feedback. The decision was influenced by concerns regarding the property’s history as part of Peace Lutheran Church and its previous uses, including community gardens. Additionally, residents from Butternut Street expressed traffic concerns, noting that the street is already used as a shortcut by many drivers. Developers were urged to find alternatives that would allow access from University Avenue, but the lack of curb cuts on University Avenue posed a challenge.

Adding to the infrastructural advancements, a resolution was passed to award a contract for constructing a pedestrian bridge over Rapids Boulevard as part of the Creek Regional Trail project. The bridge aims to enhance connectivity and is expected to take about a year to complete. The council discussed the design and expressed enthusiasm for the project, which is anticipated to create a gateway to the city.

Further, the council reviewed a proposal for a new wireless communication tower to replace the existing Foley water tower, which will be decommissioned once a new water tower becomes operational. The temporary tower is necessary to maintain ongoing wireless service needs, as multiple companies currently rent space on the existing tower. The new monopole will also provide additional capacity for two more companies, enhancing the city’s revenue from these rentals, which has a relatively short payback period.

Approval was also given for a design services agreement for the Highway 610 and East River Road full interchange project, with a budget of approximately $2 million for final design services. The project aims to transform the current half-interchange into a full interchange, facilitating more efficient traffic flow in all directions. Although funding of about $21 million has been secured out of an estimated $41 million total project cost, additional funding sources are being explored to cover the remaining costs, with hopes for construction to commence as early as 2027.

The council also tackled environmental concerns, discussing a budget amendment regarding the removal of compost piles accumulating in the industrial park. The city has used this area for temporary storage of compost from storm debris, but it has become an issue. The costs for removal total approximately $425,000, which was not initially budgeted but deemed necessary. The council recognized the importance of preventing future accumulation and plans to incorporate regular budget allocations for compost disposal moving forward.

Additionally, the council approved a site plan for JHM Medical Park on Holly Street, involving the construction of a new warehouse building of approximately 39,000 square feet. The project, situated in an industrial park within the River Rapids overlay district, required attention to visual aesthetics. The developers presented a design intended to align with the attractive style of surrounding buildings, and the council granted several design flexibilities. The loading docks for the new building were strategically placed on Holly Street to minimize visibility from Coon Rapids Boulevard, facilitating practical truck access.

In community news, the council approved an on-sale strong beer and wine liquor license for an upcoming military softball tournament at Sand Creek Park, scheduled for September 13th to 15th. This event, organized by the Minnesota Military Softball Association (MMSA), is highly anticipated and attracts numerous veterans and community members. The local police association is also involved, organizing a bags tournament to raise funds for initiatives like “Shop with a Cop,” making it a community-centric event.

The meeting concluded with highlights of upcoming community events, including the “Rhythm of the Rapids” concert at Anoka Ramsey Community College on September 12th, featuring GB Leighton. This event aims to raise funds for student scholarships. Additionally, the Farmers Market continues to operate on Wednesdays through October 9th. The council also mentioned the proposed 2025 budget, with a levy standing at 7.85%, and plans to finalize it by December following a public hearing.