JAnuAry 31 Don`T mIss

Winter 2016 Newsletter
In THis
Issue:
Page 2
• Mayor’s Corner
• Calendar
Connection
Page 3 - 10
• City News
Page 11
• Housing News
Page 12
• Business News
Page 13
• Police News
Page 14
• Fire News
Page 15
• Seniors’ Corner
Page 16-17
• Recreation News
Page 18
• Community Connection
Page 19
• Recycling Review
Page 20
• Events
• Service Directory
Follow All your
city news @
coonrapidsmn.gov
Sign up for Notify Me
New Ice Skating Trail
& Family Fun Day
Don’t miss
January 31
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
More details on page 10
Looking for a fun winter activity? Try out the NEW ice skating trail
located on the grounds of the Coon Rapids Ice Center, located at
11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard. Starting sometime in January
(weather permitting - we need some cold temperatures) the new
trail will open to the public. It will feature an approximate half-mile
of winding trail on the grounds next to the Coon Rapids Ice Center
facility. There will also be a flooded ice rink nearby. Parking will be
available on 111th Avenue and at the Coon Rapids Ice Center facility.
The trail and rink will be open during daylight hours (no evening
lighting will be available). The trail will be removed sometime in March
(depending on the weather).
Continued on page 10
City Council Approves
CenturyLink as Additional
Cable TV Provider
The Coon Rapids City Council
(at its November 17, 2015 meeting)
approved
a
new
franchise
agreement with CenturyLink to
provide cable television service
in the city. Xfinity (Comcast) had
been the only provider of cable
television in the city for many years.
The CenturyLink agreement is in
effect for five years. Coon Rapids
residents should receive marketing
materials from CenturyLink as the
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Anoka, MN
Permit No. 192
ECRWSS
Postal Patron
Prism TV service is rolled out. Coon
Rapids is just the 10th city in the
Twin Cities metro area to offer the
new TV service.
When can I start receiving this
new service?
The service is available now.
Will all households have access
to Prism TV?
The service is delivered through
the same wire line that carries
CenturyLink’s internet and phone
lines. Residents do not need to
have CenturyLink internet or phone
service in order to receive Prism
TV. The TV service does require
throughput speeds of 25Mbs, so
not all residents will be able to get
the Prism TV service immediately.
Bunker Hills
Welcomes Kendall’s
Tavern & Chophouse
A new and unique dining experience has come to
Bunker Hills Golf Club. Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse
opened its doors to the public on October 29, 2015. The
restaurant and bar is managed by Morrissey Hospitality
Companies Inc. The menu features tavern style dining
throughout the day, and entrees such as wood-fired
steak, fresh fish and rotisserie chicken offered after
4 p.m.
Bill Morrissey, President and Founder of Morrissey
Hospitality Companies, Inc. says, “The unique personality
being created at Kendall’s will be approachable,
personable and timeless. Kendall’s will be a place where
the food is craveable and high quality, yet at a price that
makes it a place to visit often.”
Continued on Page 10
Community strength...for generations
Continued on Page 10
Mayor’s Corner
Time flies - in the blink of an eye - no matter
which idiom you prefer, it describes the first year
as Mayor of this great city. After three years serving
on the City Council, I thought I had a pretty good
idea what the role of Mayor involved, but only after
becoming Mayor of Coon Rapids, do you realize
the true honor it is.
This has been an awesome year for Coon Rapids.
We hired a new Community Development Director,
Grant Fernelius, who working with Economic
Development Coordinator Matt Brown, has really
increased Coon Rapids visibility in the region.
Connecting with the development community,
with the eventual goal of finding quality projects
to infill our available properties has been a top
priority.
In June, we hired a new City Manager, Matt
Stemwedel. Matt had been an Assistant City
Manager in Coon Rapids for several years, and
has really stepped up and into his role as City
Manager. It is absolutely amazing how well our City
staff works at making Coon Rapids a beautiful,
safe and productive place to live.
We are fortunate to be making some progress
along Coon Rapids Boulevard as it relates to
new development. Several projects have taken
shape: the new Mercy Hospital expansions and
newer clinics constructed to the west, the new
Boulevard Bar & Grill at Pheasant Ridge Drive, the
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
River North 55+ apartments under construction
next to the Coon Rapids Ice Center on Crooked
Lake Boulevard, and the SuperAmerica being
built at the intersection of Egret and Coon Rapids
Boulevards to the east. It is exciting to see millions
of dollars in investment coming to Coon Rapids
Boulevard. Additionally, the new River North 55+
apartments will provide 167 affordable options
for folks age 55+ in town, many of which will be
selling their existing homes, creating opportunities
for more young families to move in to town and
take advantage of the marvelous amenities Coon
Rapids has to offer.
We can all look forward to additional
development, further park upgrades (including
the reopening of Sand Creek Park in 2017) and
MILES of street construction in 2016. Thank you
for your continued patience as you drive around
the construction projects.
You could live anywhere – thank you for making
Coon Rapids your home, and thank you for
allowing me to serve as your Mayor.
Mayor Jerry Koch
2015 Coon Rapids
City Council
Mayor
Jerry Koch
763-767-1811
[email protected]
COUNCILMEMBERS
Ward 1
Denise Klint
763-576-8488
[email protected]
Ward 2
Ron Manning
763-755-9128
[email protected]
Ward 3
Wade Demmer
612-616-0900
[email protected]
City Meetings Calendar
(All meetings held at the Coon Rapids City Center unless otherwise noted)
City Council Meetings
Planning Commission
January 5 & 19, February 2 & 16,
January 21, February 18, March 17 • 6:30 p.m.
March 2 (Wednesday) & 15 • 7:00 p.m.
Safety Commission
Arts Commission
January 19, February 16, March 15 • 6:00 p.m.
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
January 7, February 4, March 3 • 6:30 p.m.
Historical Commission
January 21, February 18, March 17 • 7:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 11, February 8, March 14 • 6:30 p.m.
Page 2
January 14, March 10 • 7:15 p.m.
Sustainability Commission
January 21, February 18, March 17 • 6:30 p.m.
Ward 4
Jennifer Geisler
763-422-1814
[email protected]
Ward 5
Brad Johnson
763-767-4684
[email protected]
City offices will be closed:
January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
February 15 (Presidents Day)
Schedule subject to change. Contact the
staff liaison at 763-755-2880 to confirm.
Public notices are published in the City’s official
newspaper, The Anoka County UnionHerald,
and on the website: www.coonrapidsmn.gov
At Large
Steve Wells
763-323-4984
[email protected]
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
City News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Continued Progress for
Hanson Boulevard Railroad Crossing
Several members of the Minnesota
Senate Capital Investment Committee
stopped in Coon Rapids on December
3, 2015 to learn about problems with
the Hanson Boulevard railroad crossing.
Legislators listened to a presentation
by local officials, including public safety
experts, who discussed the challenges of
blocked railroad crossings and “staged”
trains. Members of the Minnesota House
Capital Investment Committee also
visited Coon Rapids in August 2015 to
learn about concerns at the crossing.
Officials with the City of Coon Rapids
and Anoka County are hopeful that
state legislators will agree that an
overpass (grade separation) is critical
to the safety of this crossing and will
pay for half of the project cost. The
City and County are working with the
State to secure funding for the project
during the 2016 legislative session.
Blocked railroad crossings have
a negative effect on emergency
response times. The Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway “stages”
trains between the Hanson Boulevard
railroad crossing and the Crooked
Lake Boulevard railroad crossing
while waiting for clearance into nearby
Northtown Yard. The practice of staging
trains often blocks crossings for 6-8
minutes at a time (best case scenario) or
up to 25+ minutes.
session along with rail improvements
in Moorhead and Red Wing – Sturgeon
Lake Road at Prairie Island.
Anoka County and the City of Coon
Rapids are in favor of an overpass (grade
separation) at this crossing to secure a
reliable route for emergency response
vehicles and the driving public. The
Minnesota Department of Transportation
has ranked the Hanson Boulevard
railroad crossing as the number one
funding priority in the 2016 legislative
Mayor Jerry Koch speaks to legislators about
the importance of an overpass at the Hanson
Boulevard railroad crossing.
State Senate
District 35
Special Election
There will be a Special Election to fill a
vacancy in Senate District 35. The vacancy
was caused by the resignation of Senator
Branden Petersen, effective October 31,
2015. Senate District 35 is within precincts
1-1, 1-2 and 2-1 in the city of Coon Rapids.
The special election Primary Election will be
January 12, 2016 and the Special Election will
be February 9, 2016. Polls will be open from
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Absentee voting began
December 18, 2015 at City Hall.
PLEASE NOTE: Precincts 1-1 and 1-2
will now vote at the Anoka County Sheriff’s
Office at 13301 Hanson Boulevard. For more
election information, visit the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
After the presentation, legislators were able
to get an aerial view of the Hanson Boulevard
crossing to better understand the challenges
of train staging and the proximity of the
Crooked Lake Boulevard and Egret Boulevard
crossings.
Park Bond Project Updates
Sand Creek Park- 1008 Northdale Boulevard
Roads, trails and parking lot paving is complete at Sand
Creek Park. The athletic turf is planted, and park amenities
such as playgrounds, the skate park and buildings will be
installed in 2016.
Complete reconstruction of the park will bring the
complex up to modern athletic field standards. The
improvements include re-arranged parking and fields,
a new concession building, new football/lacrosse
fields, enhanced trails with connections to surrounding
neighborhoods, new playground areas, a hockey rink with
open skate areas and energy efficient lighting.
The entrance to Sand Creek Park will be relocated to
Redwood Street and Northdale Boulevard. Northdale
Boulevard will be upgraded to include turn lanes and a
traffic signal at the intersection of Redwood and Northdale
to allow for improved pedestrian safety and traffic flow
in and out of the park. Construction of the roadway and
intersection will occur in 2016.
Sand Creek Park is expected to be open for use in
the spring of 2017. Funding for the Sand Creek Park
improvements was possible thanks to a Park Bond
approved by voters in 2013.
Riverview Park - 2420 105th Avenue
This park has been completely renovated and includes
new playground equipment, a warming house, picnic
shelter, tennis court, half-court basketball, skate park and
expanded parking areas. New trails are complete and most
turf areas are newly seeded. The ball fields at the park will
be ready in spring 2016. The renovation was possible
thanks to a Park Bond approved by voters in 2013.
Other Park and Trail Project Updates
Renovations to the City-owned section of Hoover Park
(behind Hoover Elementary School) are complete. The
parking lot off South Heights Drive has been repaved.
Eagle Scouts have installed a rain garden. The worn out
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
tennis court has been removed as well as the track. The
park now has more green space and features a half mile
walking trail that connects the neighborhood to Rockslide
Park.
The paving of Coon Rapids Boulevard Trail, on the
south side of the road from Eldorado Street to Hanson
Boulevard, is complete. This section of newly paved trail
is three miles long.
2016 Park and Trail Improvements
Mason, Delta, Pheasant Ridge and Woodcrest Parks
will be renovated in 2016. Concept plans were approved
by the City Council at the August 18, 2015 meeting. Final
plans, which incorporate comments from a public open
house held earlier this year and the Parks and Recreation
Commission, will now be developed. Construction is
expected to begin spring 2016.
Construction of the 85th Avenue Trail will take place in
2016. The trail will connect Springbrook Nature Center
with Kennedy Park. Users will be able to navigate through
the surrounding neighborhoods to reach the trails into
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.
Woodview neighborhood park (11540 Olive Street) will
be renovated in 2016.
Page 3
City News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Coon Rapids Historical Commission
Uses Technology to Bring
History to Life
Combine interesting stories, video and a
smart phone, and you have the makings of an
interactive history lesson about the city of Coon
Rapids! The Coon Rapids Historical Commission
recently completed a project which incorporates
multi-media and QR code technology.
Five videos have been created, detailing the
history behind five key locations in the city: The
Coon Rapids Dam, The Clay Hole, The Dunn
House, Joyce Chapel and The Brick Chimney.
The videos were produced, in partnership,
by the Coon Rapids Historical Commission
and CTN-Coon Rapids, the Coon Rapids
Community Television Network. The videos are
available for viewing on YouTube through the
City’s website (www.coonrapidsmn.gov), on
a specially designed sign located on the wall
of the Coon Rapids Civic Center and on five
historical markers in the city.
A specially made sign hanging on the wall of the Coon Rapids Civic Center holds
all of the QR codes in one place and helps tell the story of the historical mural,
painted by Helen Potter, which also hangs on the wall.
Coon Rapids Dam
Clay Hole
Scan the QR code with your
smart phone to view any of
the feature videos.
Brick Chimney
Housing for
Homeless Youth
Commission
Volunteers Needed
The Coon Rapids City Council voted unanimously
at the October 6, 2015 meeting to allow Hope 4 Youth
to construct transitional housing at 80 Coon Rapids
Boulevard (the location of the former Stage Door
Dance Studio). Hope 4 Youth plans to house 12 young
adults, ages 18-23.
Are you interested in a volunteer opportunity?
Participating in a City commission may be the perfect fit
for you! Citizen volunteer commissions advise the City
Council on a variety of issues and are an important part
of the community. Attendance at a monthly meeting is
required. Each position is a three year appointment and
current commissioners are eligible for reappointment.
Hope 4 Youth is a non-profit organization, based in
Anoka, which helps homeless youth with food, clothing
and other needs. The transitional housing facility will
be the first of its kind in Anoka County. Young adults
living in the facility must be employed or in school, and
pay what they can for rent.
Organizer Brian Swanson says community members
donated more than one million dollars to fund the
project. Swanson hopes to be able to eventually
expand the facility to three stories and 36 units.
The City currently has openings on the following
commissions:
• Arts – promote and present cultural activities
• Charter – reviews and recommends amendments to
the city charter
• Planning – review issues involving zoning, the
Comprehensive Plan and land use
• Safety – review public safety issues
Other City commissions include:
• Historical – monitor matters of historical significance
• Parks and Recreation – maintain comprehensive
park plan for park development
Dunn House
Joyce Chapel
Backyard
Chickens Proposed
in Coon Rapids
The Coon Rapids City Council is discussing
the possibility of allowing chickens in residents’
backyards. The City’s Sustainability Commission has
done research to determine how the new potential
ordinance would affect homeowners, neighbors and
the community. The issue was discussed at a City
Council work session on October 13, 2015.
The potential ordinance would not allow roosters or
butchering on site.
The ordinance is still being written and is expected
to come before the City Council sometime in 2016.
To learn about what issues are coming before the
City Council, visit the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov
then
click
on
the
“Government” tab, then click on “Agendas & Minutes”
in the mega-menu. City Council agendas and work
session information is posted on the website the
Friday before the next week’s meetings.
• Sustainability – research ideas for sustainable living
• Civil Service – deals with employment decisions
regarding police and fire personnel
If you are interested in being considered for
one of the commissions, call 763-767-6493 or
download an application from the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
Page 4 Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
City News
Internet Essentials
for Low-Income
Families
Internet Essentials is a program for lowincome families through Xfinity (Comcast) that
provides high-speed internet service to homes.
As part of this service, families can sign up for
$9.95/month discounted internet as well as
discounted computers if they are enrolled in the
school’s free/reduced lunch program. In August
2015, Comcast expanded this program to
“auto enroll” families. This means all students
are eligible for Internet Essentials if their school
has 50% or more of its students enrolled in
the free and reduced lunch program (even if a
student themselves is not participating in free
and reduced lunch).
To learn more about this service, visit www.
internetessentials.com.
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
2016 City Budget
The City Council approved the 2016 budget
at the December 1, 2015 City Council meeting.
The 2016 Budget assumes continued levels of
service with some additional enhancements. The
Park Improvement Fund includes $2.6 million for
continued improvements to four parks as authorized
by voters in 2013. Park and trail improvements are
also included at $300,000. Other budget highlights
include continued aggressive street maintenance,
capital equipment replacement as well as continued
emphasis on neighborhood reinvestment initiatives.
The approved 2016 City tax levy is $24,873,760 as
compared to $24,260,690 in 2015.
Additionally, the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) is proposing to levy $725,000, the
same amount levied in 2015. To learn more about
the 2016 budget, you can find it on the City’s website
at www.coonrapidsmn.gov or watch this video
https://youtu.be/zLRs7mXFngA
Download the NEW
City of Coon Rapids APP
It’s an easy way to access City of Coon Rapids information all in one place! Download the City of
Coon Rapids app, available for iPhone and Android devices, beginning February 1. Find news and
information, event calendars, report city maintenance issues and more with this easy tool! You can
also set the app to allow push notifications for emergency alerts and other information.
The City of Coon Rapids App - available February 1. Just search Coon Rapids, MN in the Google
Play or Apple App store.
CTN Government
Channel is Now HD
CTN Government Channel 16 is now available
in high definition on channel 799. Previously,
government programming was only available in
standard definition. Watch City Council and Planning
Commission meetings on this channel, as well as
City Council Comments and other programming
featuring local legislators.
CTN Programming
Guide Now Available
on Xfinity
You can now easily find out when your favorite
CTN shows are airing on Xfinity (Comcast) cable
television by pushing the guide button on your
remote control. This upgrade was recently added to
the system features.
CTN Receives
National Award
CTN, the Coon Rapids Community Television
Network, has earned a first place award in the
“Live Sports Event” professional category from
the National Association of Telecommunications
Officers and Advisors. The award was given out at
the annual conference in September 2015 in San
Diego, California. The first place award was given
for coverage of the 2014 Coon Rapids-Anoka
prep football game. CTN also received the third
place award in programming excellence, coming in
behind Tacoma, Washington and Austin, Texas.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Page 5
City News
Winter Salt Alternatives
Before you get out your winter de-icer, think about picking up
your snow shovel instead. Clearing snow before it compacts into
ice is safer, cheaper and better for the environment.
Coon Creek, Sand Creek, Pleasure Creek, and Springbrook,
like the rest of the Metro, are getting increasingly polluted with
chlorides, primarily from road salt. This pollutant doesn’t go
away. It is very expensive to get out of water and is harmful to
fish and other aquatic life.
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Snowplowing 101
The City plows over 400 lane miles of streets
after every snow storm of three inches or more.
Residents often have a lot of questions about
snowplowing, so the City would like to take a
moment to explain some of the snowplowing
procedures currently in place.
General Plowing
• Snow is plowed only after snowfalls of three
inches or more per City Code.
To find out what you can do to have safe walkways and prevent
chloride pollution of our waters, go to: http://tiny.cc/irlopx or
check out a short 1-minute video of winter salting tips at home
at: http://tiny.cc/dolopx.
• The priority for street plowing is: main arterial
roadways (some examples include 121st Avenue,
Egret Blvd.), residential streets, then sidewalks.
The City plows arterial roadways more often as
they are more heavily traveled. Residential roads
typically are not as clear of snow and ice, down
to the blacktop like the main arterial roadways.
To do this would take tons of salt and many more
staff hours.
Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District 763755-0975 or www.cooncreekwd.org.
• The residential streets that get plowed first
vary to the extent possible after each snowstorm.
Prevention is key! Since most road salt is used for highway
safety, we can all help reduce its use by adjusting our expectations
from summer to winter road conditions and slow down when
driving.
• Sidewalks near schools are a priority for
snow clearing before other sidewalks in the city.
Please shovel the snow
out from around your
nearest fire hydrant. It will
save time for firefighters
in case of a fire. Thank
you!
City code prohibits
residents from plowing,
shoveling or blowing
snow onto a public street.
• Roads within Coon Rapids are maintained by
both the City and the County. Hanson Boulevard,
for example, is a county road. Other examples of
county roads within our city include Coon Rapids
Boulevard, Northdale Boulevard east of Hanson
Boulevard and University Avenue.
• It is the homeowner’s responsibility to
make sure that mailboxes are installed with the
proper clearance levels to avoid damage from
the snowplow. A detailed guide on mailbox
installation can be found at www.coonrapidsmn.
gov/documentcenter/view/296.
• Homeowners are responsible for clearing
snow away from mailboxes. If snow is not
cleared away from the mailbox, it may delay your
mail service by the post office.
• The City does not plow or clear bus stop
areas. This is provided by the bus company.
Cul-de-sacs
• City crews plow over 400 cul-de-sacs in the
city.
City Code requires
waste and recycling
carts to be placed
behind the curb and
out of the roadway.
This helps to keep the
streets clear of carts
so that snowplowing
can be completed from
curb-to-curb in the
winter. In the spring and
fall, it helps with street
sweeping.
Page 6 intersections and on hilly locations.
• Salt is not put down on every block of every
residential road in the city. In neighborhoods, salt
is most often put down at intersections and on
hills.
• Salt is a large pollutant in storm water runoff,
which harms and pollutes our lakes, waters and
streams. The City uses enough salt to keep our
roads safe, while balancing the needs of the
environment.
• In order for salt to effectively break up ice and
snow on the roadways, the temperature must
be above 15 degrees. When temperatures are
lower than this, salt does not work as effectively.
Sunshine makes a big difference too. If the sun
is out, it helps to heat up the pavement, which
allows the salt to go to work, breaking up the ice
and snow.
Winter Parking Ban
• From November 1 to April 1, parking is not
allowed on any street from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
• Parking is also not allowed on any street
when there is an accumulation of 3 inches of
snow or more.
• Parking can resume on the street once it
has been plowed from curb to curb (but still no
parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.)
• If you are parked on the street between 2
a.m. and 6 a.m., you could receive a ticket or
have your car towed.
• If a vehicle is blocking the path of a snowplow
after an accumulation of 3 inches of snow or
more, it may be ticketed and/or towed.
Stay Informed with the Snowplow Hotline
Get updated snowplowing information by
calling 763-755-2880, menu option #3. A new
message will be recorded after snow events of
three inches or more. Find out when City crews
got out on the roads, an estimation of when
they will be done and get updates on sidewalk
plowing. Updated information will also be posted
on the City’s Facebook page.
• The process for plowing cul-de-sacs
includes several pieces of equipment such as
large trucks, pickups and front end loaders.
Crews work together to best coordinate the most
efficient method of plowing and snow removal.
• Because of the number of driveways in a
cul-de-sac, it can sometimes be difficult for
snowplow drivers to push the snow to lawn
areas, but drivers make every effort to do so.
Salt Usage
• The City uses a salt/chemical mix, not sand.
• The salt is used on main arterial roadways, at
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
City News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Civic Center
Available for Rent
Learn to Save Lives
The city of Coon Rapids is a Heart Safe community
thanks to the work of several volunteers with the
Heart Safe Coon Rapids Program. The city is the
first in Anoka County to receive this designation
and the 25th city in the state. The program focuses
on training people in the community about the signs
of sudden cardiac arrest, hands-only CPR and AED
use. To view a video of the program and hear from
a recent cardiac arrest survivor, visit: www.youtube.
com/watch?v=tfpjfHXh6UE. This video recently won
second place at the International Emergency
Cardiovascular Care and Update Conference in San
Diego, California. Heart Safe Coon Rapids organizer,
Bryan Platz, also spoke about “Success with Heart
Safe Communities” at the conference.
Looking for a great place to host your next family
reunion, sports banquet or graduation party? The Coon
Rapids Civic Center is the perfect location! Located
within City Hall, the Civic Center can hold up to 230
guests. Kitchen facilities are also available for rent
and you can choose your own caterer (they must
be licensed through the State of Minnesota) or selfcater. For more information, call 763-767-6522 or visit
www.coonrapidsciviccenter.com.
If you or your business would like to get involved in
the program, contact [email protected].
Save the Date!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
National Sports Center
1750 - 105th Ave. N.E.
Featuring local businesses and services that focus
on sustainability and the environment.
Applications for vendor exhibitors are now being
accepted.
Visit www.mngreenexpo.org for more details.
Free event!
Thanks to everyone who turned out for the first-ever
Coon Rapids, I Love my Pet Fair, held on September 12, 2015!
The event will return again in the fall of 2016,
so keep your calendars open!
More details will be published in the summer 2016
Coon Rapids Connection newsletter.
First place costume contest winner: Katie Raeker with her dog, Sadie.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Page 7
City News
2015 Holiday Lighting
Contest Winners
All winners received a cash prize from the
Coon Rapids Arts Commission.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Motion Winner - 1st Place
Jordan DeVries ~ 11837 Zilla St. NW
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Arts Commission
Photo Contest Winners
Members of the Coon Rapids Arts Commission would like to
congratulate the winners of the 2015 Arts Commission Photo
Contest. The contest took place from June 1 – September 14, 2015. The theme for
this year was “Water.” Amateur photographers were invited to submit one photo, per
person. It was a requirement that all photos be taken in Coon Rapids. Photos were
submitted through social media, email and in person along with an application form.
Contest entries were reviewed by members of the Coon Rapids Arts Commission
and were judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality and how the image
expressed the participant’s designated theme.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the photo contest!
1st Place (18 years & older):
Lunch Time
Green Heron Catches Lunch at
Bunker Hills Golf Course
Submitted by:
Motion Winner - 2nd Place
Jerry Murphy ~ 10940 Magnolia St. NW
Walt Huss
Cash prize: $100
2nd Place (18 years & older):
Cenaiko Lake Sunset
Submitted by:
Joe Stifter
Cash prize: $50
Still Winner - 1st Place
David and Gloria Teske ~ 1850 103rd Ave.
1st Place (17 years & under):
Reflections
Submitted by:
Maddy Gast
Cash prize: $100
Still Winner - 2nd Place
Wayne Woods ~ 11261 Swallow St. NW
2nd Place (17 years & under):
Duck Along the
Mississippi River
Submitted by:
Priscilla Rogers
Cash prize: $50
Page 8 Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
City News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Helpful City Codes
At-a-Glance
Codes are the standards developed by the City Council
to keep Coon Rapids a safe and desirable place to live, but
it can be often difficult to know all of the requirements. The
codes which are most often misunderstood include:
1. Grass - No part of your yard (grass or weeds) can be
any taller than 8” in height (City code 8-500).
2. Parking - All vehicles, trailers, boats and other similar
equipment must be parked on an improved surface (NOT
on any part of the grass or class 5 rock) in the front or side
yard (City code 11-602 and 11-603). There are some offstreet parking exceptions for properties located along the
Mississippi River. Equipment must also be operational (not
taken apart, missing parts) and with current registration and
tabs (City code 11-601 and 12-306). For questions about
installing a driveway or other parking areas, call Building
Inspections at 763-767-6476.
Changes to FEMA
Flood Plain Maps
The
City
Council
has
approved the 2016 Street
Reconstruction plan which
consists of reconstructing 7.5
miles of streets as part of an
aggressive street maintenance
program. These streets are all
on the City’s State Aid system,
which means they are typically
higher volume collector streets.
These roads may cause more
concerns or have more impacts
than a standard residential street. Please note: there
have been some changes to the 2016 plan since our last
publication in the Fall Coon Rapids Connection newsletter.
The final list of streets planned to be reconstructed in 2016
are as follows:
4. Garbage Service - All homes are required to have
garbage collection service (City code 8-200).
5. House Numbers - Have you recently re-sided your
home? All buildings must have address numbers installed
so the fire and police departments can quickly locate your
home in an emergency (City code 10-106).
6. Pools - All pools with at least 24” of water must be
completely enclosed with a 4’ high fence and gate (City
code 12-500).
7. Garage Sales - You may have 6 or fewer garage sales
per calendar year, and each sale is limited to four days or
less (City code 11-601).
detailing these new regulations at the December 15, 2015
meeting.
Don’t Flush Those
“Flushable”
Wipes!
Wipes, feminine products and cat litter
may be labeled as “flushable,” but these
products don’t break down once flushed.
These items can clog up both the pipes
that run through your home AND the
City’s main sewer pipes. If the problems
aren’t caught in time, you may face a
major sewage backup or ruptured pipe,
which can happen in your home or in the
City’s main sewage lines. Even though
these products claim to be “flushable”
please remember to throw them in the
garbage instead. It could save you and
the City from an expensive repair bill!
What this means for you
Over the past couple of years the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) has been updating their
Flood Insurance Rate Maps to reflect updated flood data
and modeling. The maps the City had been using were
established in 1977. The maps are used to determine if
a property is within a floodplain and if flood insurance is
needed. The corresponding floodplain regulations control
development within the floodplain. FEMA recently issued
the new maps and the City was required to formally adopt
the new maps and amend our floodplain management
regulations so that they are consistent with the new federal
regulations. The City Council adopted the new ordinance
Planning for 2016
Street Reconstruction
3. Exterior Storage - Building materials, car parts/tires,
appliances, inoperable lawn mowers or bikes, couches or
other indoor furniture, miscellaneous debris, or any other
item not intended for outdoor use cannot be stored in your
yard or on your driveway. Items must be stored in your
house, garage or shed (City code 8-100).
As a homeowner, you may or may not be required to
change your homeowner’s insurance policy based upon
the revisions on the new maps, which determine if homes
are located in a floodplain. The changes affect about eight
percent of properties in Coon Rapids. Check with your
insurance provider for more details. The City worked with
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Coon
Creek Watershed District to revise the new floodplain
regulations and draft the ordinance to be consistent with
the new federal regulations. For more information about
the flood plain maps, visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal or
call the Engineering Department at 763-767-6479.
Project 16-1
• Evergreen Boulevard from 85th Avenue to Cul-de-sac
• 90th Avenue from Evergreen Boulevard to Springbrook
Drive
• 93rd Avenue from Evergreen Boulevard to Coon
Rapids Boulevard
Project 16-2
• Mississippi Boulevard from Hanson Boulevard to
Coon Rapids Boulevard
Project 16-3
• Crooked Lake Boulevard from 127th Circle to 133rd
Avenue
• 128th Avenue from Crooked Lake Boulevard to Coon
Creek Boulevard
• Mississippi Drive from Round Lake Boulevard to
Pheasant Ridge Drive
• Round Lake Boulevard from Mississippi Drive to 115th
Avenue
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Project 16-4
• 113th Avenue from Foley Boulevard to Northdale
Boulevard
• Dogwood Street from Northdale Boulevard to 115th
Avenue
• 115th Avenue from Dogwood Street to University
Avenue
• Egret Boulevard from Kumquat Street to University
Avenue
• Xeon Street from 114th Avenue to Northdale Boulevard
Many of the roads listed above are anywhere from 2447 years old. The City has 220 miles of streets in all. More
than 100 miles of streets have been repaired since 1994
as part of the street reconstruction program. Additional
information will be sent out this winter and spring to
property owners that reside or conduct business along
these routes. Please contact the Engineering Department
at 763-767-6479 if you have any immediate concerns or
would like additional preliminary information.
Page 9
City News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Continued From Page 1
Continued From Page 1
New Ice Skating Trail & Family Fun Day
Bunker Hills Welcomes Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse
Food, hot chocolate and other concession items will be available
for purchase inside the Coon Rapids Ice Center from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Restrooms are also available inside the facility.
Check the City’s website at www.coonrapidsmn.gov to find out
exactly when the new trail will be open. It will be featured at the top of
the homepage or in our “Newsflash.”
Family Fun Day at Coon Rapids Ice Center
Bonfire, sleigh rides (hay rides if we don’t have snow), games,
prizes, music and more!
Don’t miss Family Fun Day at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, a brand
new event that’s part of the 2016 Snowflake Days celebration. You can
also skate on the new ice trail during this event (weather permitting).
Use of the trail is free, other activity fees will apply. It’s a great way to
have fun with your friends and family this winter.
Inspiration for the name came from Kendall Bunker, a farmer and the original owner of
the land that is now Bunker Hills Golf Club and Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Bunker Hills Golf Club and Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse are located at 12800 Bunker
Prairie Road. For more information, visit www.kendallstc.com or call 763-755-1234.
Sunday, January 31
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
Continued From Page 1
Staff of Kendall’s celebrate its opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony on November 4, 2015.
City Council Approves CenturyLink as
Additional Cable TV Provider
It will take time for CenturyLink to upgrade their wire lines to the
higher speeds.
Will I be able to watch CTN, the Coon Rapids Community
Television Network?
Yes, the local CTN channels featuring government and community
programming will be available on CenturyLink Prism TV service.
Where can I find more information about CenturyLink’s Prism
TV service?
If you want to check out your potential Internet speed or learn
more about the service, visit: www.centurylink.com/prismtv.
Information about Xfinity (Comcast) cable television service can be
found at www.xfinity.com.
Page 10
Coon Rapids Receives Award for
Quality Drinking Water
Coon Rapids has been recognized with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2014 Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Minnesota Department of Health Oral
Health Program and Drinking Water Protection Section.
This award recognizes public water systems that adjust the fluoride concentration in
drinking water and achieve a monthly average fluoride level that is in the optimal range
for 12 consecutive months in a calendar year. In Minnesota, 112 of the 625 flouridating
public water systems received awards for 2014.
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Housing News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Kitchen and Dining Room Makeover
Don and Connie Heikkila wanted to open up their
home and better utilize its space. Their home, built in
the late 1980’s, was a bit dated and in need of some
upgrades. After talking about remodeling for years,
The Heikkila’s heard about the Home for Generations
II grant program, and decided it was time for a change.
The Home for Generations II program at a glance:
Don Heikkila says, “It’s something we were thinking
about for a long time. The kitchen was too small, the
dining room was small and we wanted to open it up, so
we decided to knock the walls down.”
Architectural Consultation: $25 co-pay
Income Limit: None
The Heikkila’s remodeled their entry way, dining
room and kitchen, creating an open floor plan with
more usable space.
New oak flooring, custom cabinetry and a kitchen
island were added to the kitchen. Built-ins and new
energy efficient windows and doors completed the
remodel.
Maximum Grant: $5,000
Minimum Project Amount: $35,000
Rebate: 50% of building permit fees
Financing: 4.5% fixed up to $50,000
Before
The Heikkilas knocked down an adjoining wall between the
dining room and kitchen and reconfigured the kitchen layout.
Minimum Age of House: 20 years
Availability: First come, first served
Homeowners who increase their home’s curb
appeal will be awarded a larger grant than those who
make only interior or maintenance improvements.
Find out more today! Visit the City’s website for more
information, or contact Kristin at 763-767-6517 or by
email at [email protected].
They utilized the Home for Generations II grant
program to help fund their project.
Heikkila says, “The program itself was great. We had
no problems getting it started and working with City
staff was great.”
North Suburban
Home Improvement Show
Meet a variety of contractors and other industry professionals at the
North Suburban Home Improvement Show, coming up on Saturday,
March 12. The event features over 100 exhibitors featuring everything
from roofing, siding and windows to the latest products and services for
your home interior remodel. Experts in landscaping and home energy
improvements are also available. This is a FREE event, but attendees
are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit local
food shelves or provide a monetary donation. Activities for the whole
family!
Saturday, March 12, 2016
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Andover YMCA Community Center
15200 Hanson Blvd.
www.northsuburbanhomeshow.org
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
After
The new, open kitchen features modern design, a center island,
granite countertops and new appliances.
Home Improvement
Resources
Home Improvement Loans can help finance any remodeling
project. Call the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to find
out which loan program is best for you at 612-335-5884.
The Zero Interest Home Rehabilitation Deferred Loan uses
federal grant money to help low to moderate income earners with
home repairs such as general maintenance, energy efficiency and
more. Up to $24,999 is available. Call the HousingResource™
Center at 651-486-7401 or visit www.gmhchousing.org.
Down Payment Assistance is available through the Coon
Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation. Contact Cheryl
Bennett at the City of Coon Rapids at 763-767-6422, by email
[email protected] or visit the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
FREE Home Remodeling
Advisor Visits
The City of Coon Rapids offers complimentary Remodeling
Advisor Visits for residents considering a home remodel. Receive
expert advice, free of charge, for any home improvement project.
From a simple renovation to a dream remodel, Advisor Visits can
be helpful in sorting out the possibilities when it comes to your
next project. No income limits and no minimum amount required
for your remodeling project. Find out more today by calling the
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) at 612-335-5884 or
visit www.mncee.org.
Page 11
Business News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Free Business
Consultations
Construction
Underway on
River North
Senior Housing
Exciting news! The Open
to Business program is now
being offered to anyone
in Anoka County who is
interested in starting a
business or currently owns a
business. Business Advisor
Kathleen DuChene holds
office hours at the Anoka County Government Center and other
locations around Anoka County, including at Coon Rapids City
Hall on the third Tuesday of each month from 2:00—4:30
p.m. Entrepreneurs interested in this service can also schedule
an appointment by calling Kathleen at 763-438-7315. This
service is perfect for those looking to:
A new, 167-unit senior housing facility
is under construction at the intersection of
109th Lane and Crooked Lake Boulevard. The
developer, City officials and others celebrated
the milestone for River North Senior Apartments
at a groundbreaking ceremony on December 4.
The facility, located next to the Coon Rapids
Ice Center, is expected to open in early 2017.
The project represents a major step forward in
development efforts in the Port Campus Square
district and along the Coon Rapids Boulevard
corridor. The site previously contained an
unused parking lot and two older houses.
Mayor Jerry Koch thanks Mark Moorhouse with Dominium
(developer of River North Senior Apartments) for being part of
exciting redevelopment efforts underway along Coon Rapids
Boulevard.
• Develop marketing strategies
• And other business-related needs
More information about this program can be found at
www.opentobusinessmn.org.
Financial Resources for
Businesses
Groundbreaking December 4, 2015 for River North Senior
Apartments. Featured from left to right: Vice President of
Dominium Ryan Lunderby, Community Development Director
Grant Fernelius, City Manager Matt Stemwedel, Economic
Development Coordinator Matt Brown, City Councilmember
Jennifer Geisler, Mayor Jerry Koch and Senior Vice President of
Dominium Mark Moorhouse.
New SuperAmerica
in Port Riverwalk
Construction of a new SuperAmerica convenience
store on the corner of Egret Boulevard and Coon
Rapids Boulevard is expected to wrap up in early
2016. Located in the City’s Port Riverwalk
redevelopment district, the new 3,500 square foot
store will include a car wash and 16 fuel pumps. The
store will replace an older car wash building on the
site that sat vacant for several years. SuperAmerica
is also working with the City on constructing a new
street that will provide access from the new store to
Egret Boulevard next to Fire Station #1. It is expected
that the street will eventually be extended to the east
along the south side of Al Flynn Park to serve future
development in Port Riverwalk.
Page 12
• Discuss financing options
• Understand the logistics of leasing or purchasing property
The City of Coon Rapids played an active
role in facilitating this project, including selling
the land, providing a loan, and providing taxincrement financing. Other recent revitalization
efforts in the Port Campus Square district
include the 2011 opening of the Coon Rapids
Ice Center, revitalization of the Goodwill store
and the Coon Rapids Square shopping center,
moving the City’s 4th of July activities to the area
and planning for Boulevard Park- a signature
public space in front of the Coon Rapids Ice
Center.
River North is the second senior housing
project to be constructed along Coon Rapids
Boulevard in recent years. Autumn Glen
Senior Living opened earlier this year about
a mile to the west. More information about
the River North Apartments is available at
www.rivernorth-apts.com
or
by
calling
763-762-4762.
• Open a business
Elsewhere in the Port Riverwalk district, the Coon
Rapids Fire Department burned three older apartment
buildings at 9864-9950 East River Road as part of a
training exercise in November. This property will be
held for future development.
In addition, City staff have been meeting with
residential developers in an effort to seek development
proposals for the City-owned land on the south side
of Coon Rapids Boulevard generally between Egret
Boulevard and Avocet Street. The City’s Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA) had purchased the
property, demolished older buildings, and cleaned
up contamination several years ago. A previous
development proposal for the site never materialized
and the City’s agreement with that developer was
terminated in 2014. Potential housing types could
include townhouses, apartments or senior housing.
The City of Coon Rapids offers a
variety of financing options for projects
that help achieve its development goals.
These resources are administered both
by the City and outside resources,
including the Central Minnesota
Development
Company
(CMDC),
which is authorized to provide Small
Business Administration loans, as well
as the City of Coon Rapids’ commercial loan funds. For more
information visit www.coonrapidsmn.gov/econdev or contact
Mike Mulrooney at CMDC at 763-784-3337.
Other Business News
• Carhartt (work wear) has opened its second location in
the state at 12680 Riverdale Boulevard.
• Jimmy John’s (sandwich shop) will be opening a new
location at Hanson Boulevard and Gateway Drive.
• Kirkland’s (home décor) has opened in the Riverdale
Shopping area at 12646 Riverdale Drive NW.
• Knuckleheads Garage (auto repair) has a new facility
located at 2700 Coon Rapids Boulevard.
• Relief Therapy Solutions (Health & Nutrition) has opened
at 199 Coon Rapids Boulevard, suite 213.
• Starbucks (coffee shop) has opened a new location at
13131 Riverdale Drive NW.
• Taco Bell (restaurant) has opened a new location at
Hanson Boulevard & Gateway Drive.
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Police News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
NEW Police Department Facebook Page
We want to connect with you! Your eyes and ears are
important to our policing efforts! That’s why the Coon
Rapids Police Department has recently set up a Facebook
page. Staff members will be posting information related
to community crime and prevention. You will see updates
about important crime-fighting information, photos of
suspects or other stories and information where we feel
the public needs to be informed.
Just because you will start to see more information
about crime and crime-fighting, it doesn’t mean we have
more crime occurring in our city. In fact, the city’s crime
levels are at a historic low. It just means we want to get
you, the public, more involved in our informational and
crime-fighting efforts!
In December, an alert citizen saw two suspects going
through mail in mailboxes. The alert citizen called 911,
police were dispatched to the scene, and after a short
chase, the suspects were arrested and charged with two
counts of felony mail theft. Alert citizens make all the
difference when it comes to fighting crime! That’s why
we want to interact with you through social media. We
hope you will “like” our Coon Rapids Police Department
Page (just search for Coon Rapids Police Department
on Facebook) and tell your neighbors and friends to do
the same. The department also has a Twitter page, so
please follow us there too! And if you haven’t checked
out our videos on YouTube, please do so!
Coon Rapids Police Officers are
Proud to Wear the Badge!
2016 Polar Plunge
The Coon Rapids Police Department is teaming up with Special
Olympics to participate in the 2016 Polar Bear Plunge. Participants
will jump into the frigid water of Crooked Lake and raise money
for Special Olympics at the same time! Come support the “Rapid
Responders!”
Saturday, February 27
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Crooked Lake Park
13180 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids
To read more or support the “plungers”: www.plungemn.org
(and look for the Anoka County event)
#WhyIWeartheBadge
Car Seat Clinics
Did you know 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly?
Get tips from professionally trained car seat technicians from
the Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments at one of the
following car seat clinics:
January 7 • January 21 • February 11
March 1 • March 21 • April 4 • April 21
Clinics take place from 4-7 p.m. This free service is available
by appointment only to Coon Rapids residents through Safe
Kids Anoka County. Schedule an appointment by contacting
[email protected] or call 763-767-4680, ext. 680.
Clinics take place at the Coon Rapids Police Department,
11155 Robinson Drive.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Page 13
Fire News
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Get to Know Fire Chief John Piper
John Piper began his career in 1976. He
worked at the St. Anthony Fire Department
before coming to Coon Rapids in 1981.
Piper has held several positions, including
firefighter, inspector, fire marshal, and for
the past eight years he has served as Coon
Rapids Fire Chief.
Piper became interested in firefighting
when he was in high school working at a gas
station across the street from a Minneapolis
fire house.
What made you decide to become a
firefighter?
“I wanted to be able to help people in their
time of need. We get called on possibly the
worst day of people’s lives and it’s our job to
make their day safer and better.”
2015 Poster Contest
Winner
and snowmobiling in the winter.”
Tell us about your family.
“I have three children. Joe (34), Kevin (31)
and Melissa (26). Joe has two children and
Melissa has one. Joe and Melissa both live
in the area so my partner Julie and I get to
spend a lot of time with our grandkids.”
You are three years past retirement
eligibility...yet you are still working. Why?
“I love coming to work every day. The
people I work with are doing fabulous things
in our community, and I still love what I do.”
And the winner is…
Addison Brown!
Brown is a fourth grader at Sand Creek Elementary. This
year’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest theme focused on the
importance of having working smoke detectors, especially in
bedrooms. Brown won the contest with the safety message,
“Hear the Beep Where you Sleep, Every Bedroom Needs a
Working Smoke Alarm.” Congratulations, Addison!
What do you hope to bring to the
community of Coon Rapids as Fire Chief?
“The opportunity to educate people on
their day to day activities to make them safer.
The one thing I always tell people is make
sure you have a working smoke detector.
Change the batteries twice a year, and test
the detector once a month.”
What are your hobbies?
“Lake life. We have a cabin on Lake
Alexander and I love to go boating, jet skiing
Firefighter Training
Firefighters
received
hands-on
training
experience on Saturday, November 14, 2015 as
part of a controlled training burn involving vacant
buildings. The three buildings, located at 9950,
9920 and 9864 East River Road were purchased by
the City in 2015. The land will be used for future
redevelopment.
Firefighters from Andover, St. Francis, Fridley and
Coon Rapids took part in the training exercise. The
buildings provided an opportunity to conduct test
burns, practice specific firefighting techniques and
test out new equipment.
Safety Tips
• Do not throw hot ashes in trash cans!
Ashes can remain hot for up to 7 days.
Dispose of hot ashes properly by
placing them in a metal container. When
completely cool, the ashes can be thrown
in the trash can.
• Pay special attention to portable heaters
this time of year! Maintain proper clearance
around heaters so items don’t catch on
fire.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors are clean and working.
Batteries should be changed twice a year.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
Extinguish them when leaving the room.
Page 14
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Seniors’ Corner
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
What is Your New Year’s
Resolution?
Health Insurance Counseling
For Seniors
Would you like to learn something new, get healthy or make new
friends? The Senior Center can help! We have classes, day trips, volunteer
opportunities, exercise classes and
more! Come on in and check us
out! We’re open Monday-Friday,
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call 763-767-6473 for more
information.
Get help with Medicare questions, choosing or changing supplemental
carriers, prescription drug cost options, Medicare billing questions, and
more! To schedule a free individual appointment, please call the Senior
Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433. The insurance counselor will meet you
at the Senior Center. This program is not associated with any insurance
company and is made possible by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
and the Senior Linkage Line.
Parkinson’s Support Group
Card Groups
It is going to be a long winter, so get out of the house and come to
the Coon Rapids Senior Center and play cards! No advance reservation
needed (except for Bridge). Just come on in and join the fun!
‘500’: Wednesdays at 12:45
Pinochle: Thursdays at 12:45
Cribbage: Tuesdays at 12:45
Hand & Foot: Fridays at 12:30
Bridge: Tuesdays at 12:45
Call 763-755-0008 for a reservation.
Minnesota Safety Council
Defensive Driving Courses
Consumers 55+ years of age with a valid
driver’s license can receive a 10% automobile
insurance discount for 3 years by attending a MN
Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. Anyone
taking the course for the first time must attend
an 8-hour session. Others may take a shorter,
4-hour refresher course every three years. Call
for a reservation form. Registration and payment
must be received 2 weeks prior to the class. Plan ahead! These classes fill
up early. Call 763-767-6473 to register or to get a complete listing of 2016
classes.
4-Hour Refresher Course: $20.00
Monday, January 25: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Monday, February 1: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monday, February 22: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
8-Hour Course: $22.00
Mondays, March 14 & 21: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Please Note: Classes are also now offered on-line! Sign up at
www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
2nd Thursday of each month
Coon Rapids Senior Center
11155 Robinson Drive
Everyone welcome. Coffee provided.
Questions? Feel free to contact Facilitator Milo Hartmann 763-755-2175.
Help for Seniors - ACCAP
Patty Marz, with the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP)
will now have office hours at the Coon Rapids Senior Center. She can
connect seniors with resources in the community to help them remain
in their own home as long as possible. She can help with assistance for
food support, housing, health care programs, energy assistance, or other
questions regarding resources in the community. Stop in on the 2nd
Tuesday of each month between 10:00 a.m. and Noon or call Patty at 763783-4741.
Live 2B Healthy
Fitness Class
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
8:30-9:30 a.m.
First session is free!
Improve flexibility and balance while increasing muscular endurance.
Led by a certified instructor. Classes are $35.00 per month, but there’s no
cost to “SilverSneakers” or “Silver and Fit” members. The classes accept
most Blue Cross Blue Shield,
Medica and Health Partner
Plans. First session is free. Bring
your insurance card to determine
if you will get a discount in the
future.
Page 15
Parks & Recreation
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Play Golf Indoors!
Nothing Beats that
New Restaurant Smell
Now Open at Bunker Hills Golf Club
Bunker Hills Golf Club
12800 Bunker Prairie Drive
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
763-755-4141
www.bunkerhillsgolf.com
golfTEC: 612-424-9251
Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse:
763-755-1234
Keep up your swing this winter by practicing with the
golf simulators at Bunker Hills Golf Club! Play Pebble
Beach or one of dozens of other courses! Great for
team building or corporate outings!
Do you have a goal of
improving your swing in
2016? Try private lessons
with the pros at GolfTEC!
Call 612-424-9251 or visit
www.bunkerhillsgolf.com for
more information.
Sign Up Now for
Power Skating
Sundays
Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
763-951-7222
www.coonrapidsicecenter.com
Public Skating
Hit the ice this winter and enjoy our public skating
sessions!
Winter Public Skating times:
Wednesdays & Fridays
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sundays
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission is $5.00 for adults,
$4.00 for students. Children
ages 5 and under skate FREE
with a paid admission. Skate
rental and sharpening is also
available.
Page 16
Looking to improve your skating skills? Coaches
at the Coon Rapids Ice Center are available to help
hockey players improve their skills and techniques.
Classes are one hour in length.
Perfect
for
any
occasion! From cheese
curds and burgers,
to steaks and pastas,
all that you crave,
whenever you crave
it…find it at Kendall’s
Tavern & Chophouse.
www.kendallstc.com
Host Your Event at
the Ice Center!
Did you know the Coon Rapids Ice Center has space
to accommodate your next birthday party, meeting or
other special event?
Find out more today! Contact Bill at 763-951-7219
or email [email protected].
Winter session is eight weeks:
January 10 & 24 • February 7 & 21
March 6 & 20 • April 3 & 17
11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
$96.00 for all eight weeks or
drop-in for $15 per class.
Sign Up Now for
Winter Skating
Don’t miss out on winter skating lessons at the Coon
Rapids Ice Center! Classes are available for figure
skaters and hockey players, including adults. Classes
run for 12 weeks starting Monday, January 4 (6:109:20 p.m.), and Saturday, January 9 (10:35-11:35 a.m.).
Classes are 30 minutes in length with 30 minutes of
practice time. For more information, including detailed
course descriptions, visit our website.
Save the Date!
Annual
Ice Fantasy
Skating Show
April 21-24, 2016
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Parks & Recreation
Adult Gentle Yoga
Classes
This popular gentle yoga class will link movement to
breath while building strength and increasing flexibility.
Slow paced floor poses, seated postures, spinal twisting,
standing postures, gentle back bends, and deep breathing
will be included. This is an ideal class for those new to
yoga, as well as the experienced student who enjoys
this gentle approach to their practice. No experience
is required. Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Classes offered on Tuesday and Friday
Session: Tuesdays Jan. 19 - Mar. 8
Time:
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
Fee:
$60 for eight week session
Instructor:Miriam
Session: Fridays Jan. 22 - Mar. 11
Time:
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
Fee:
$60 for eight week session
Instructor:Angela
Adult Total Circuit
Class
Total circuit will give you a complete workout, targeting
your shoulders, biceps, triceps, chest, back, core, glutes,
quads and hamstrings. Starting with a warm up and
ending with a great stretch to complete your workout.
Please bring a water bottle and yoga mat.
Session: Wednesdays Jan. 20 - Mar 9
Time:
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Location: Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
Fee:
$45 for eight week session
Instructor:Becky
Youth Sports
Summer
Registration
Local youth associations will soon begin
registration for summer programs. Check each
association’s website for details and registration
dates.
Outdoor
Skating Rinks
City parks with open skating and hockey rinks
will be open from December 23 through midFebruary, weather permitting.
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Weekends and school out days: 1:00-8:30 p.m.
Coon Rapids Baseball Registration
oon Rapids Ice Center - 11091 Mississippi
C
Blvd.
(Outdoor skating seasonally)
Coon Rapids Cardinal Little League
Thorpe Park - 2691 Carlson Drive
• T-Ball to 12-Under baseball
Website: www.crcll.com
Wintercrest Park - 10300 Woodcrest Drive
Coon Rapids Baseball Association
• 13-Under to 18-Under Rec. & Traveling Baseball
Website: www.coonrapidsbaseball.com
Coon Rapids /
Andover American Little League
• Coon Rapids / Andover American Little League
T-Ball to 14-Under baseball
Website: www.crallbaseball.com
Coon Rapids Athletic Association
• Slowpitch softball for girls 2nd to 12th grade
and boys 9th to 12th grade
• Lacrosse for boys 3rd to 8th grade
Website: www.craakids.com
Riverview Park - 2420 105th Ave.
(New warming house and rinks!)
Sledding Hills
Coon Rapids offers neighborhood sledding hills
for your enjoyment, weather permitting. Hills with
outdoor lighting are located at the following parks:
Wintercrest - 10300 Woodcrest Drive
Thorpe - 2691 Carlson Drive
Prairie Oaks (near the Hanson Water tower) 1455 127th Avenue
Sand Creek Elementary - 12156 Olive Street
Rockslide - 11200 Swallow Street
Coon Rapids Soccer Association
• Recreational and Competitive Soccer for
all ages (4 years and older)
Website: www.crsoccer.org
Coon Rapids Fastpitch Association
• Fastpitch for girls age 7-18
Website: www.coonrapidsfastpitch.com
Now Available – Online Registration
Sign up and pay for classes online! Go to
www.coonrapidsmn.gov, then find the green Parks
and Recreation button (available by hovering over any
of the Government, Services,
Community, and other main tabs).
Then look for the Class Sign Up
button. Once you click here, you
will see a listing of classes. Click
on Adult Circuit Class or Yoga
Classes and you will be taken to
our new online registration site.
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
“The Element”
Teen Center
(grades 6-12)
2701 Northdale Blvd. (at Riverwind Park)
[email protected]
763-767-6513
Once you are within the online registration site, the
first step will be to create an account. Once you have
created an account, you can sign up and pay for your
classes online under the “Class Offerings” tab. If you
have questions, call 763-767-6513 for more information.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
School Year Hours
(Sept 14 – June 3)
Tuesday & Thursday: 3-6 p.m.
Friday: 6-9 p.m.
Come socialize, play games, watch movies and
have fun with kids your age in a safe, supervised
environment. FREE! Concessions available for
purchase.
Join our Facebook page for the latest
updates and special announcements!
Page 17
Community Connection
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Head Start Now
Enrolling
Winter/Spring ECFE
Classes Starting
Head Start is a quality preschool program, serving
families in Anoka and Washington Counties. There is
no cost for families to participate in the program. Head
Start provides educational, health, nutrition and social
service assistance to children and their families who
are income eligible.
Register now for Early Childhood Family Education
classes. Strengthen your parenting
skills and discover activities to
help your child learn and thrive.
Classes start in February and are for
parents and children ages birth up
to kindergarten. Register online at
www.discovercommunityed.com or
call 763-506-1275.
For more information call the Anoka/Washington
County Head Start Program at 763-783-4300.
Radon Test Kits
Available
Radon is a colorless, odorless
radioactive gas that seeps
up from the earth. Long-term
exposure to radon can lead to
lung cancer. In Minnesota, two
in five homes have radon levels
that pose a significant health risk.
Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive.
Anoka County has residential radon test kits available
for $5.00. To get your kit, go to anokacounty.us/radon
or call 763-323-5722 to learn more.
Register for
Preschool
School Readiness Preschool and Kindergarten
Readiness Preschool will begin accepting registrations
for the 2016-2017 school year in February. Classes
are held September to June throughout the district.
Children must be either three or four years old by
September 1, 2016. Enrollment fees are based on
income eligibility of families. Call 763-506–1500 for
more information or to register.
Coon Rapids
Community Partners
Community members are invited to learn more
about “Coon Rapids Community Partners”, a group
of passionate people who are dedicated to building a
culture of understanding and inclusion among people
of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds in Coon
Rapids and surrounding communities. Meetings
include discussions, speakers, and videos. “Coon
Rapids Community Partners” meets the first Thursday
of every month at the Emma B. Howe YMCA, 8950
Springbrook Drive NW, Coon Rapids, from 7 – 9 p.m.,
with a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. for early-birds who
are hungry. For questions or more information, contact
Lori Anderson at [email protected]
Miss Coon Rapids
Crowned
Alexis Houle was crowned Miss Coon Rapids
Saturday, September 19. Houle, who is from Duluth,
was one of eleven contestants competing for the title.
Houle also received the community service award.
She now goes on to represent Coon Rapids in the
Miss Minnesota pageant this summer.
Crooked Lake Annual
Meeting
Residents are invited to attend the annual Crooked
Lake meeting held by the Crooked Lake Area
Association on Feb 25, 2016 at 7 pm (doors open
at 6:30) at the Crooked Lake Elementary School.
Refreshments provided.
s
y
a
D
e
k
a
fl
Snow
2016
January 28 – February 14
• Medallion Hunt
• Mayor’s Cup Simulator
Golf Tournament
• Movie on the Ice
• Community Sock Hop
• Cookies & Canvas
• Family Fun Day at
Coon Rapids Ice Center
Page 18
• Coon Rapids Jr. Royalty
Pageant
• NHL Alumni Hockey
Tournament vs Coon Rapids
Guns and Hoses
and MORE fun events!
Winter fun
for everyone!
For a complete listing of all the events,
with details on dates and times, visit
www.coonrapidssnowflakedays.weebly.com
Don’t forget to buy your
Snowflake Days buttons
for $3.00 at local
businesses.
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Recycling Review
Ideas to Help
Multi-Unit Buildings
Recycle More!
By Tanya Feldkamp – MN GreenCorps member
The Coon Rapids Recycling
Center has a new set of
helping hands. Hi, my name
is Tanya Feldkamp and I am
a Minnesota GreenCorps
member serving here in Coon
Rapids until August 2016.
The Minnesota GreenCorps
is a state-run Americorps
program administered by the
Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency focused on environmentally themed projects.
My focus here will be on increasing recycling rates
in multi-unit dwellings, which are mainly apartments
but also senior communities, rental townhomes and
condos. I have conducted a city-wide assessment of
multi-unit building recycling, in which I have evaluated
the centralized garbage and recycling areas. My goal
was to understand the challenges of recycling in multiunit buildings, but to also find examples of successful
recycling practices. I found two apartment buildings
with reuse practices worthy of recognition.
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
management holds donation drives for various social
service organizations, including Hope 4 Youth and the
Minnesota Veterans’ Home.
Similarly, Whispering Pines has “Resident Share
Underneath the Stairs”, an aptly named reuse space
under the stairway in the common lobby area.
Management at both apartment communities say the
programs have been very successful and items are
taken quickly by other residents. Whispering Pines
also has a Facebook page for residents to post items
for reuse. This page has the added benefit of opening
up communication between staff and residents.
These reuse programs, although modest, are
effective in reducing waste and diverting materials
from landfills. Additionally, the management of these
buildings communicate with their residents about
how to dispose of problematic materials. As a result,
both buildings have reduced waste and have a higher
participation in recycling compared to other multi-unit
buildings in the city.
I’m looking forward to implementing reuse
strategies such as these at other multi-unit buildings.
I am also implementing a project to improve signage
on recycling and garbage containers. I continue to
look for other opportunities to work with apartment
buildings on recycling and waste prevention projects.
Any inquiries or ideas are welcome and can be directed
to me at [email protected]. I hope it will
be a productive year!
Christmas Tree
Recycling
Curbside Christmas tree pick up will be offered
by individual haulers the weeks of January 4th and
January 11th. Follow guidelines from your hauler for
placement location, remove all decorations and check
with your hauler for any other specifications.
Trees can also be taken to the Bunker Hills
Compost Site (located at 13285 Hanson Boulevard
in Coon Rapids) on January 2, 3, 9 and 10. Hours
of operation are: Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
and Sunday from Noon - 4:30 p.m. Fees do apply.
Visit www.anokacounty.us/2427/Christmas-Trees for
more information.
Large amounts of garbage are generated when
tenants move out and dispose of furniture, clothing,
mattresses and other large items. These items can
often be reused or recycled rather than being
prematurely discarded. Check the Coon Rapids
website for more details about recycling reuse options.
The apartment communities of Summit Oaks
and Whispering Pines have found a solution to this
problem by creating designated Reuse Space. Here
residents can leave usable items they no longer want,
creating reuse opportunities for fellow residents. At
Summit Oaks, the management utilizes a shelf in their
parking garage as a reuse space. In another effort
toward reducing unnecessary waste, the building’s
An example of move-out waste at a local apartment building
Reuse Shelf at Summit Oaks Apartment Homes
Artificial trees cannot
be recycled, but metal
portions and lights can be.
Separate the recyclable
items and bring them
to the Coon Rapids
Recycling Center during
regular business hours.
Holiday lights and cords
that no longer work can
also be recycled at the
facility.
Coon Rapids Recycling Center
1831 – 111th Avenue, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-767-6485
Seasonal Hours
October-March: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
April-September: Tuesday and Thursday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Page 19
Events
WINTER 2016 Newsletter
Simply Elegant
Wedding Expo
The Coon Rapids Civic Center is pleased to
present the 2016 Simply Elegant Wedding Expo!
The event will feature dozens of vendors including:
cake decorators, bartending services, wedding
planners, photographers, videographers and more!
Find everything you need, in one place, to make
your wedding day a special one!
When:
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Time:
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Coon Rapids Civic Center
11155 Robinson Drive
Coon Rapids, MN 55433-3761
Reserve your tickets in advance by visiting
www.coonrapidsciviccenter.com.
Tickets are $5.00 and can also be purchased at
the door. For more information call the Civic Center
at 763-767-6522.
2016 Coon Rapids
Performing Arts
Series
The Coon Rapids Arts Commission is proud to
host the annual “Dessert and Coffee Concert Series”
starting this month! Come out and enjoy a great
evening of entertainment along with fabulous dessert
and coffee.
Mark your calendars for the following performers:
Special Election
Details on page 3
North Suburban
Home Show
Details on page 11
Thursday, January 21
Church of Cash
(Johnny Cash Tribute Band)
Thursday, February 11
Maurice Jacox with Accompaniment
(Tribute to Nat King Cole – Pop)
Thursday, March 10
Locklin Road (Celtic)
Thursday, April 14
The Bill & Tom Show (Variety)
All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Coon Rapids
Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive. Ticket prices are
$8.00 for Adults, $6.00 for Adults age 65+, and $5.00
for children 12 & under. Receive a $4.00 discount
when you purchase all four concert tickets! Tickets
are available for purchase in advance at the front
desk of City Hall (from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or at
the door on the evening of the concerts. For more
information or questions contact Stephanie Lincoln at
763-767-6432 or email [email protected].
Car Seat
Clinics
Details on page 13
Polar Plunge to
Benefit Special
Olympics
Details on page 13
Snowflake
Days
Details on page 18
Service Directory
Police and Fire: 911
City Center:
763-755-2880
Assessing:
763-767-6446
Building Inspections:
763-767-6476
Bunker Hills Golf Club:
763-755-4141
Property Maintenance:
763-767-6470
Public Works:
763-767-6462
Coon Rapids Ice Center:
763-951-7222
Senior Services:
763-767-6473
Engineering Department:
763-767-6465
Fire Administration:
763-767-6429
CTN-Coon Rapids: (Cable TV Dept.)
763-767-6525
Planning and Zoning:
763-767-6430
Civic Center:
763-767-6522
Police Administration:
763-767-6481
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Utility Billing:
763-767-6438
Fax:
763-767-6491
This is the official newsletter of
the City of Coon Rapids which
is distributed to all homes and
businesses in the city. This
newsletter is printed on recycled
paper containing
at least 30% post-consumer
paper fibers using soy-based ink.
(Circulation 25,875)
General questions:
[email protected]
Newsletter comments & information:
Stephanie Ring
Communications & Mktg Coordinator
763-767-6582
[email protected]
Page 20