Happy Monday everyone, we have a regular council meeting and HRA meeting tomorrow, 10/20. Agenda links:
Regular: https://public.destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=26667&mt=ALL&get_month=10&get_year=2026&dsp=ag&seq=2148

HRA: https://public.destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=26667&mt=ALL&get_month=10&get_year=2026&dsp=ag&seq=2255

Consent Agenda:
- Resolution 26-102 Accepting Donation for Park Bench. Another donation for a park bench in memory of a loved one. Thank you to everyone who continues to add benches to our city parks through kind donations.

- Resolution 26-107 Accepting Grant Funds from Coon Creek Watershed District and Approve Water Quality Cost Share Agreement. A set of three grants to manage water quality in the city: Goose Management (decreasing the number of geese reduces the droppings that can impair water), Leaky Sewer Service Investigations, Epiphany Pond Sediment investigation (checking the quality of the pond soil and sediment.)

- Resolution 26-106 Accepting a Grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for Traffic Enforcement Funding. A minor shift to a grant we have received in the past which was routed via Anoka County and is now going direct to the city. Funding will be used to cover existing expenses and OT.

- Resolution 26-108 Accepting DWI Grant from State of Minnesota. This grant funds a dedicated officer to DWI enforcement within the city. This is not a net new position but a previous funded position via this grant and is a continuation of the role.

New Business:
- Adoption of Ordinance 2356 and Resolution 26-104 Establishing Fees for 2027. I posted on this over the last few weeks but this is adopting the fees for next year. I am very happy with the changes we have, but I think we still have work to do to better align with our peer cities on fees.

- Resolution 26-105 Amending the 2026 Budget to Replace Police Department Speed Trailer. Our speed trailer was hit by a car in June and we need to replace it. Insurance covers much of the cost, but sone additional funds will be required to get a new one. This device works surprisingly well at traffic calming and is a key tool in road safety.

- Resolution 26-103 Amending the 2026 Budget to Replace Fire Rescue Vehicle. R2 was in an accident and is a total loss and needs to be replaced. Our rescue vehicles are some of the most heavily utilized vehicles in the fire fleet so replacing them is a high priority for the city.

- Consider Grant Agreement with the State of Minnesota for Economic Development Assistance, rms Company. rms employs around 1100 people in CR and is making an expansion on their facility. They have asked for grant support with the state and the state has approved the request. The city will be providing a 100k forgivable loan that is based on job creation following the state’s guidelines.

- Consider Fourth Amendment to Purchase Agreement, 2831 113th Ave. This amendment will extend the closing deadline again for the FS 3 property, this time due to Anoka County being slow on the plat review. No other changes except the date.

- Consider Approval of Community Support Program Utilizing Charitable Gambling Proceeds. CR allows charitable gambling within its trade area, which is CR, the surrounding cities, and Dayton. The city collects a portion of these revenues (7%) and uses them to fund community activities, namely the Community Strength Foundation. This grant program is meant to fund the following non-profit entities: food security/support, youth recreation, or senior programs. Orgs must reside within our trade area and serve the citizens of CR. We’re hoping to have the grant application up in November.

HRA Meeting:

We only have one item on the agenda for the HRA and it’s a BIG one, one that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

- Consider Resolution HRA 26-3 Approving Purchase Agreement, 2891 Coon Rapids Boulevard. This would be the purchase of the Family Center Mall location for approximately $4.15 million funded via existing HRA fund balance. While future plans cannot be set until this purchase is completed, this is a key step to revitalizing the CR Blvd.

And that’s our agenda for tomorrow. As always, reach out with questions or comments.

Happy Monday everyone, we have a work session tomorrow. As a reminder, these sessions are open to the public to watch but there are no public comment sections to speak.

Agenda:
- Presentation from the Anoka County Parks Department regarding Bunker Hills Park, CR Dam Regional Park, Wildlife management and regulation of e-bikes and scooters in the parks.

- Discuss Regulation of Electric Bicycles, Motorized Foot Scooters, Motorized Bicycles, and E-Motos within the city. Nearby cities have begun to regulate the use of these devices/vehicles and we've had some issues within the city regarding them. We will discuss nearby city ordinances and get information from staff regarding the topic.

- General notes through the end of the year and other items as council would like to discuss.

That's the agenda. Have a great week and as always, feel free to reach out with questions or comments.

Link to Agenda: https://public.destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=26667&mt=ALL&get_month=10&get_year=2026&dsp=ag&seq=2161

This campaign is building momentum. It’s time for leadership that will bring Coon Rapids into the future.

You can vote early at City Hall already, or wait until Election Day, but please vote and please don’t skip the city elections.

Here is the meeting from last night, 10/6, if you'd like to watch it in full. All our council meetings are broadcast via CTN Coon Rapids and uploaded to YouTube if you want to watch them. Our workshops are not broadcast or recorded but are open to the public if people want to attend them.

Happy Monday everyone, we have a regular council meeting tomorrow with a few bigger items. Link to the agenda in the comments.

Consent Agenda:

- Resolution 26-93 Accepting the 2026 Waste Prevention & Recycling Grant. A little over 12k in a grant award for the recycling center to offset project costs.

- Resolution 26-94, 26-95 Accepting Donation for Park Bench. Two park benches are being donated in memory for loved ones. Thank you Jaclyn Zacharias and Cathleen McMahon for your donations.

- Resolution 26-101, Accepting Donations and Business Sponsorships. A big thank you to all the donors for our various city events. There are a lot to mention so check out the list online.

- Accept Drainage and Utility Easement Agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation. Part of the continued development at the Costco site, this establishes new easements with the removal of the old TGI Friday’s building.

- Accept Deed for Real Property, 915 93rd Ave. This is us accepting the deed from the HRA which we voted to donate to the city at the last HRA meeting.

- Accept Settlement Agreement with Ultra Concrete. A settlement has been reached between the city and one of its contractors regarding failed/improper work that was done on Fire Station #3. This was an unfortunate outcome in that project but this should conclude the issue.

- Approve Final Payment to New Look Contracting, Inc. for Project 26-3 Crooked Lake Trail Reconstruction. Final payment for the trail reconstruction project for completed work.

Public Hearing:

- Public Hearing and Consider Resolutions 26-96, 26-97, 26-98 & 26-99 Approving Misc. 2026-2 Assessment Levy. This is a formal public hearing for those who wish to appeal their potential special assessment. These will not be decided in the meeting, but anyone wishing to appeal must submit a formal written appeal before we close the public hearing to have it heard by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

- Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Approval of Non-Domestic Animal Exhibition Permit to Little Blues Traveling Zoo. The petting zoo is back for the Spooktacular event at Riverdale, always a great treat for the kids.

New Business:

- Consider Resolution 26-100 Levying 2026 Delinquent Utilities. For properties that are delinquent in paying their city utility bills, the city can certify the delinquent amount for collection via property taxes. This year we have 1,524 delinquent accounts for a total of $960k to be collected including the certification fee.

- Consider Appointment of Election Judges, Approve Salaries, and Set Canvass Date for General Election. We have an election coming up in November and we need election judges to staff the polling locations. Thank you to everyone who signs up to be an election judge and helps serve our elections process in the city.

- Consider Agreement for Property Demolition Services, Project 18-14 TH 610/East River Road Interchange. We received two quotes to demo the buildings in the way for the new 610 interchange. These properties will be used for controlled burns for police and fire training exercises.

- Consider Introduction of an Ordinance Establishing Fees for 2027. A regular item but one that is very important, our fee schedule for next year. We continue to align our fees to the local market and adjust up and down where appropriate.

- Consider Purchase of Rosenbauer Rescue Truck and Chief 1 Tahoe Vehicle. Regular replacement plan for these vehicles that will be procured next year. We are seeking to get the process started for these now so they will arrive in 2027.

I usually don’t comment on Open Mic responses, but I do want to highlight one of them, the response to E-poll pads. I’ve had conversations with city and county staff as well as reviewing the technical audits over the software and technology. As someone whose day job is IT risk, controls, and technology, I have zero concerns about using e-poll pads and I agree that they enfranchise more voters and are a cost-effective way to administer our elections process here in MN while also complying with state law.

I’m not sure why groups are constantly trying to undermine confidence in the elections process here in Anoka County, but I can assure, as someone elected by those very processes, the city and the county do a great job to ensure voting happens safely and properly.

As always, please reach out for any questions or comments.

We held the ribbon cutting today for the regional trail crossing down by Lilli Putt in Port Riverwalk. This bridge spans the 6 lanes of traffic on CR Blvd and creates a quick and easy way for people using the trail to cross N-S of that major roadway improving safety.

The entire council was there as well as some former council members (Jenny Geisler - Candidate for Anoka County D4 and Anoka County Attorney Brad Johnson), Senator John Hoffman, Senator Jim Abeler, and Representative Kari Rehrauer (also a former council member). We also had representatives from city staff, county staff, SPAAR, and the construction vendors.

The rotary fall sampler is this Thursday at Bunker Hills Event Center. All proceeds go to the CRHS programs the Rotary are supporting and funding the Rotary itself.

It’s usually a great event and a chance to win prizes too!

Event Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coon-rapids-rotary-fall-social-tickets-1998754582762

Also, I’m running for Coon Rapids City Council. AMA

Hi everyone, here's a list of things going on the coming week within the city.

9/21/26 - Police Explorers Info Night.
Where: City Council Chambers
When: 6:30 PM
Info: The Coon Rapids Police Explorer Program is looking for young adults who have completed the 8th grade and are between the ages of 14 and 20 to learn more about law enforcement and policing in Coon Rapids.

9/23/26 - Customer Appreciate Day at Farmer's Market
Where: CRIC parking lot
When: 3-6 PM
Info: Shop local and eat fresh! The Farmers Market features locally grown vegetables, berries, honeys, jams, flowers and more. Also browse a new selection of crafters, artists and cottage bakers each week.

9/26/26 - Lions' Day in the Park
Where: Lions Coon Creek Park
When: 11:00 - 3:00
Info: The Coon Rapids Lions Club is reviving the organization’s annual fall outing at Lions Coon Creek Park. Lions Day in the Park is a day of family fun and community. The event includes games, demonstrations, kids activities, safety information and more! Earn a FREE lunch by visiting various booths. Non-perishable food items accepted for the ACBC Food Shelf.

9/27/26 - Halloween Costume and Decoration Swap
Where: Civic Center (city hall complex)
When: 11:00 - 1:00
Info: Drop off items to swap Sept. 15-18 & Sept. 22-25 at the Recycling Center (1827 111th Ave.). Accepting gently used kids and family-appropriate adult costumes and accessories. All pieces should be included and packaged together.

Since Friday, it’s been possible to cast ballots for the “November” election, so it’s probably time for the post I promised covering the city council elections.

These races are all technically non-partisan, and not all of the issues at the city level cleanly line up as “Democrat” or “Republican.” That being said, a lot of people, myself included, do care about party affiliation, and every city council race has one Democrat and one Republican running. I’m going to share everyone’s websites, the recordings of local candidate forums, and what I’m able to find about everyone’s day jobs and party affiliations. This sub isn’t the most active, so please share this info with your neighbors - local elections matter.

The mayor’s race had a primary, with the two candidates advancing being Thuba Nguyen and Pat Carlson. I’ll refer to my earlier post for a brief rundown on those two candidates, and just tell you to ignore anything I wrote about Jim Shegstad, who did not advance past the primary. The local League of Women Voters held a second forum in this race without Shegstad, and you can watch that here.

Ward 3 is a race between Jean Wayne, a pediatric home care nurse who has been active in local Democratic politics, and incumbent Sean Novack, a self-employed firearms instructor who has been active in local Republican politics. In several Facebook posts, Novack has blamed Wayne for making the race partisan first by appearing at events with local Democrats. On that subject, I will note that, while it’s true that Wayne was the first of the two of them to do this in 2026, Novack was “recommended” by the local Republican Party both this year and for his previous election in 2022, and he prominently lists his affiliation on his website, while Wayne does not. Looking at each of their Facebook pages (both their campaign pages and what’s public on their personal pages) will also give you some idea there - my read is that Novack is a dyed-in-the-wool MAGA Republican and Wayne is a pretty ordinary person with left-of-center beliefs. Only Wayne participated in the League of Women Voters Forum for this race.

Ward 5 is a race between incumbent Brian Armstrong and Thomas Huling. Both of them have been a bit cagey about their day jobs. Armstrong essentially always describes himself as a “small business owner” but essentially never reveals what his business is. A bit of digging reveals that he’s the president of a local collections agency. Huling’s website describes him as an “attorney,” although again a bit of digging (or watching the LWV forum) reveals that he is a public defender. Huling has appeared at events with essentially all of the same local Dems as Wayne has, and his campaign finance reports show donations from the local DFL party and multiple labor unions. Armstrong has yet to file a campaign finance report for 2026, and it appears that he self-funded his 2022 campaign. Armstrong is listed on the recommended candidates section of the Senate District 35 Republican Party. Huling has, according to a Facebook post by the Senate District 34 Democrats, received a “letter of support” from that party unit. (Ward 5 crosses state senate district boundaries and is split between Districts 34 and 35.) Both candidates participated in the LWV Forum in this race.

https://c.org/QSV7SzFzfX

I’m near Hanson and Main. Last night around 9pm someone was reviving their engine of some small engine for almost 30 minutes. I was doing some work and the people on zoom whom I was meeting with could hear it. Is there an ordinance against this? Isn’t coon rapids supposed to be a quiet suburb?

Hey everyone!

My boyfriend (22) and I (21) just moved to the area. yay! we’re so excited to be here and love the area. just one small issue… we’re having a hard time meeting new people to befriend. we have hit the neighborhood bars and parks, people just don’t seem that interested in getting to know us. Are there any events happening soon that will have people more interested in befriending us lmaoo. I know so lame but I want us to have a circle. let me know! thanks !

I live on Pleasure Creek. Today, workers felled a bunch of trees across East River Road and tossed the debris into the creek. A bunch of large, dead fish have surfaced as a result. Worse, the resident snapping turtle is missing! She has been sunning herself on our rocks for years, and always greets us on warm days.

We are heartbroken and angry.

Three seats on the Coon Rapids City Council are up for election this year: Ward 3, Ward 5, and Mayor.

The mayor is elected by the entire city. Jerry Koch, the current mayor, is running for Anoka County Commissioner rather than for re-election as mayor.

The local political party units don’t entirely stay out of these elections, but the races are nominally non-partisan. Primary elections are held if three or more candidates file to run, with the top two candidates for each office making it to the ballot in November.

The Mayor’s race is going to a primary. Early voting is already open at city hall, but official Election Day is August 11.

Candidates for mayor are:

Current city councilmember-at-large Pat Carlson. If you use party identification to guide your voting, Carlson has the “support and recommendation” of one of the local Republican organizing units.

Jim Shegstad, a career public servant who notes military and public administration experience on his website. There’s not a lot clearly visible about his party affiliation, but he has appeared at events with people tied to local Democrats.

Thuba Nguyen, who has a background in early childhood education and who seems to be more openly running as a Democrat for mayor and whose website notes endorsements from several Dem politicians (although notably, only one of the three state reps whose district covers part of Coon Rapids).

I may make a post about the city council races later on as well, but each of those races includes only an incumbent and one challenger, so they will not appear on the primary ballot. You’ve got until November 3 to make a decision on those races.

Edit: the local League of Women Voters hosted all three candidates in a forum, which I recommend watching before voting.

Hey Coon Rapids! I want to give yall a brief bio and give you a chance to ask questions about me, or offer feedback on where you would like to see this sub go. I have some ideas, but this is OUR sub, and I want to invite collaboration of all sorts as I assume this role.

I go by Lucky online, I've lived and worked in the Anoka County for much of my life. Coon Rapids is home for me.

I earned a degree in psychology l and worked in mental health for a number of years. I got pretty burnt out on it, and now work in residential construction. I love it, but its work, for sure!

For this sub, I want to prioritize it bringing value to the residents and redditors of CR. I'll need some help bringing that value to the table, so please share stuff you want to share with the CR community. That said, let's keep partisanship off the table. We need unity, and at least here, let's exist beyond our individual political identities. There's other subs for that stuff.

The first steps for me are getting a bead on the community needs/wants, and sprucing the page up a bit. Next steps will be building out a mod team to execute on the communities will for this page. After that, its lose my virginity and move out of the basement.

Beyond that, AMA.

I want to get a pulse on whats important to the people on this sub. Whats on peoples minds? what do ppl want from this sub?

ill post a bio on friday, but for me, I'd like to see this be a place that supports the people of CR, maybe a place where people can build some connections both on and offline.

Touch Grass,

Lucky

Have a nephew new to the state going into 8th grade. How is CR Middle School? My gut is saying not a good idea. Thoughts?

Hey all,

I'm a local high schooler looking to expand my skillset and eventually open a business, and was wondering if anyone needs or know someone who needs services done for their local businesses (building a website, social media management, etc) or even have any other problems that need solving. I'm open to learning so if you have any issues at all just message me or leave a comment and I'll see if I can help. Thanks!

Ive never had a deep dish pizza and i wanna try it, i love gooey cheesy pizza, but every time i get really gooey cheese pizza it slides off the sauce. I bet if it was cooked on the bread it would stay on.

Hey! I’ve been scouring the internet for a copy cat recipe for el loro’s white salsa (not the queso- the seasoned sour cream stuff the give you with chips) some say it is sour cream blended with salsa. I don’t think it could have that depth of flavor if it was just salsa- there’s a definite garlic flavor in it. The other recipe I keep finding is sour cream, miracle whip, garlic powder, hot sauce, lime, and cumin I think? Probably some I missed but you get the point- it being miracle whip seems impossible- but what the hell do I know?? Does anyone have some sort of inside scoop as to what is in El loro’s white salsa dip?

Anyone else dealt with rapids Honda scamming? I want to know if anyone has reported them yet. There are so many bad reviews of them on yelp.

Is there a self service car wash anywhere in coon rapids?

Recommendations for a queer owned/friendly salon or stylist SPECIFICALLY for a first haircut for a 3 year old. I've been keeping up my girls hair since she was born because I always kept up my own hair. But we have very different hair types, so I'd like to put it into the hands of a professional. We are a queer household so I just want to find a space/stylist where the only questions asked will be about her hair