The issuance of conduit charter school lease revenue bonds emerged as a primary topic during the meeting. The City of Coon Rapids agreed to act as the issuer for the bonds aimed at funding Alo Leadership Academy in Brooklyn Park. The bonds, valued at up to $26 million, are primarily intended to refinance existing bonds and support maintenance and improvements. The City’s involvement was facilitated by Brooklyn Park’s current lack of capacity to issue these bonds, with Coon Rapids stepping in due to its available bonding capacity. This decision promises to generate approximately $50,000 in administrative fees for Coon Rapids, with assurances that the process would not impact the city’s debt capacity or credit rating. The Council unanimously approved the motion.

Another agenda item was the amendment to the 2025 budget concerning boulevard tree removal. The city is grappling with the emerald ash borer, a destructive invasive species, which has led to the deterioration of ash trees along city boulevards. The Council approved an interfund loan of $550,000 to accelerate the removal of approximately 1,600 remaining affected trees. This decision was necessitated by faster-than-anticipated progress in tree removal, thanks to contractor availability. The city initially identified around 6,700 affected trees and has made substantial headway in their removal. Additionally, the Council discussed a forthcoming $70,000 grant dedicated to replanting efforts, which is set to aid in restoring tree coverage in impacted areas.

The Council meeting also addressed the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the United States Department of Justice, with Coon Rapids receiving $12,901 of the total $24,271 allocation shared with the city of Fidley. The funds will be used to replace outdated preliminary breath tests in police squad cars, a necessary upgrade as the existing units are over two decades old. The Council expressed hope for Fidley to assume a greater role in managing future grants, as this year marked Fidley’s first application. The discussion touched on the potential auctioning of old equipment to benefit smaller agencies, with proceeds returning to the general fund.

In other financial matters, the Council approved a right of entry agreement with University Avenue Rental Town Homes LLC, allowing the city to access property for water main maintenance. The Council also adopted resolutions related to the local results and innovations state performance measurement program and scheduled a public hearing regarding the vacation of drainage and utility easements.

Community involvement was highlighted through the proclamation of June 17, 2025, as Rapids Women of Today Day. This acknowledgment came after a presentation by the Rapids Women of Today, who detailed their community service initiatives and upcoming “Pack the Pantry Summer Challenge” event.

The meeting also previewed upcoming community events, including the Fourth of July celebrations and the Coon Rapids carnival and parade scheduled for July 2. The Council noted the commencement of the farmers market on June 18, running through October 8, and plans for special days focused on children and seniors.

As the meeting concluded, a moment of reflection was held, acknowledging recent tragic events within the community. The Council expressed gratitude for the city manager and police chief’s efforts during the crisis and mentioned an upcoming vigil to demonstrate community solidarity. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.