One of notable topics of the evening was the Council’s consideration and approval of a budget amendment and Resolution Number 24-18 Sub 9, which awarded a contract for improvements to the East Water Treatment Plant generator. The Public Works Director addressed the Council. Plans were laid out to upgrade to a 130-kilowatt generator, which, paired with well 21, would enhance the plant’s ability to maintain water production during emergencies. A proposal for a second generator for the East booster was also discussed. This upgrade was deemed necessary despite concerns about the project’s cost, which had risen over the initial estimate.

The Council had received three bids, with Phaser Electric’s bid of $69,700 being the lowest. Council Member Jennifer Geisler made a motion to approve the resolution amending the Water Utility Fund and awarding the contract to Phaser Electric. The motion was seconded by another council member, leading to a discussion about the increased costs. One council member emphasized the importance of the backup generator, highlighting the necessity of maintaining the city’s water supply, especially during emergencies. Mayor Jerry Koch concurred, citing past storms that had caused prolonged outages in specific areas.

Concerns were raised by Council Member Sean Novack regarding the overall spending by the Council in recent years. However, it was clarified that the increased costs were justified due to inflation and supply chain issues affecting generator components. Despite the budget overrun, the necessity of the project for ensuring the reliability of the city’s water supply was underscored, leading to the motion being approved unanimously.

In another notable agenda item, the Council approved contracts for the installation of field lighting at the Coon Rapids Soccer Complex and the replacement of the electrical control cabinet. Mr. Stemell provided an overview, noting that the equipment purchase had been approved earlier in the year due to long lead times. The project was divided into different packages based on a consultant’s advice. Three bids were received for the installation, with Kil Electric selected as the lowest bidder at $19,800. Additionally, MUSC Electric was recommended for the electrical cabinet replacement at a cost of $110,000. The overall project was noted to be under budget, which was seen as positive news. A motion was made to award the contracts, which passed unanimously without further discussion.

The meeting also included a segment for public comments, known as the Open Mic session. Doug Sturgill, a resident, recounted an incident from July when a storm caused a tree in his front yard to fall, blocking part of his driveway. Sturgill sought clarification on the city’s responsibility for the removal and payment of a boulevard tree located near the curb. The mayor assured Sturgill that city staff would follow up with him in writing regarding his concerns.

Another resident, Susan Stein, expressed frustration about a fence and wall ordinance in her neighborhood, asserting that her neighbor’s fence did not adhere to city codes. She sought clarity and accountability from city officials. The Council assured her that staff would review her concerns and provide feedback. The Open Mic session concluded with a reference to a previous speaker, Mr. Butler, who had requested the ability to house more than six unrelated individuals in his single-family homes, a request the city currently does not permit. The Council reiterated the regulations surrounding this matter.

Additionally, the Council Member Geisler highlighted upcoming community events, including the Farmer’s Market held every Wednesday at the ice arena from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, and a photo contest organized by the Arts Commission. Other announcements included the Rapids Business Council meeting scheduled for August 27 and the Rhythm of the Rapids event featuring GB Leighton, set for September 12 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.