Parade Information Parade and Event Parking

Transcription

SUMMER 2016 Newsletter
Connection
In THis
Issue:
Page 2
• Mayor’s Corner
• Calendar
Page 3 - 8
• City News
Page 9
• Housing News
Page 11
• Business &
Development News
Don’t miss this fun family tradition! The Coon
Rapids Fourth of July Community Celebration is
coming up July 2-4 at Boulevard Park, on the
grounds of the Coon Rapids Ice Center located
at 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard. NEW this
year: the “Firecracker 5K” and craft show! You
also won’t want to miss the parade, carnival
games, rides, live music, bingo, pull tabs, car
show, food and drinks and some of the best
fireworks in the Twin Cities!
This event is sponsored by the North Star
Lions Club, the Coon Rapids Fire Social Group
and the Coon Rapids Community Strength
Foundation.
Page 12
• Business Spotlight
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
Details on page 10
Parade Information
Follow city news @
coonrapidsmn.gov
The parade will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 2. The parade route will
begin at 111th Avenue and Mississippi Boulevard, travel down Mississippi
Boulevard to Direct River Drive, travel along Direct River Drive until turning on
Flora Street where the parade will then end back near the Coon Rapids Ice
Center grounds on 109th Lane (see map at left). Parking will not be allowed
in the parade route area or other streets near the parade route from 2-6 p.m.
Watch for posted signs.
Sign up for Notify Me
Parade and Event Parking
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Anoka, MN
Permit No. 192
ECRWSS
Postal Patron
Public parking is available in the parking lots at Anoka-Ramsey Community
College. Other nearby businesses may offer their parking lots for
additional public parking as well (either free or for a fee). No parking
areas will be well-marked with signage.
Fireworks Information
Expect an even bigger and better show this year, with many
aerial fireworks July 4! The fireworks launch site itself is located
across the street from Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
Event schedule on page 10
Community strength...for generations
Mayor’s Corner
Welcome to summer! The weather is bringing us some
beautiful Minnesota summer weather, and A LOT of
construction. This year the City is reconstructing 7 ½ miles
of Minnesota State Aid roads, which means most of us will
be impacted, as these are some of our most used streets.
Although we will all have to endure some inconvenience, it
will be wonderful to be driving, walking, and biking on the new
streets. Please take advantage of Coon Rapids’ website, as
it is a great way to keep up with construction around town;
weekly construction updates are posted Friday afternoons.
This summer, be deliberate about planning outdoor fun
by using the many miles of great trails and plentiful parks
Coon Rapids has to offer! Shortly, our newest trail connection
should be open along 85th Avenue, connecting Kennedy
Park to the trails near Fridley’s Springbrook Nature Center,
and the timing couldn’t be better, as the grand re-opening of
Springbrook is scheduled for July 30th.
Summer also brings another year of “Summer in the City”
meetings, and I encourage one and all to get these dates on
your calendar. The meetings provide a marvelous opportunity
to speak directly with City staff and members of the Coon
Rapids City Council. If you are ever wondering about “why”
something is done a certain way around Coon Rapids, stop
out to one of the meetings to get an answer.
2016 Coon Rapids
City Council
I look forward to seeing you at the Fourth of July celebration
and parade near the Coon Rapids Ice Center. After many
years at Sand Creek Park, the celebration moved back to
Coon Rapids Boulevard last year. It was a fabulous event,
and after a few tweaks, it should be an even better event this
year – please plan to make it out. The fire department has
promised another amazing year of fireworks on the 4th that
you will not want to miss!
Look for more information in this newsletter about other
summer opportunities and events. Be sure to spend some
quality evenings listening to the concerts in the park, and
enjoy family time watching the movies in the park. Coon
Rapids truly is a place for all seasons, so be sure to get out
and enjoy all that the summer season has to offer here.
You could live anywhere – thank you for making Coon
Rapids your home.
Mayor
Jerry Koch
763-767-1811
[email protected]
COUNCILMEMBERS
Ward 1
Denise Klint
763-576-8488
[email protected]
Ward 2
Ron Manning
Mayor Jerry Koch
763-755-9128
[email protected]
Ward 3
City Meetings Calendar
Wade Demmer
612-616-0900
[email protected]
(All meetings held at the Coon Rapids City Center unless otherwise noted)
City Council Meetings
June 7, 21, July 5, 19, August 3 (Wednesday), 16
September 6, 20 • 7 p.m.
Arts Commission
June 21, August 16, September 20 • 6 p.m.
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1 • 6:30 p.m.
Historical Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
Safety Commission
September 8 • 7:15 p.m.
Sustainability Commission
June 16, July 21, August 18
September 15 • 6:30 p.m.
City offices will be closed:
July 4 (Independence Day)
September 5 (Labor 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
Ward 4
Jennifer Geisler
763-422-1814
[email protected]
Ward 5
Brad Johnson
763-767-4684
[email protected]
At Large
Steve Wells
763-323-4984
[email protected]
Notify Me!
Use the NEW Coon Rapids Notify Me system to receive information about a variety of topics
including important alerts, community news, events and other information. Sign up online at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov or use the NEW Coon Rapids mobile app.
Page 2
Wonder who
represents you?
Find your address on the Ward and Precinct
Map online at www.coonrapidsmn.gov/220/
Ward-Map. Then match your ward number with
the councilmember that represents that ward.
Community strength...for generations | www.coonrapidsmn.gov
City News
Backyard Chickens Now Allowed
The Coon Rapids City Council recently approved an
ordinance that allows the raising and keeping of chickens
in the city. The ordinance went into effect May 23. A permit
process is required to keep chickens on property which
includes applying for a permit, paying a fee, providing a
site plan and site inspections of the property and coop.
Highlights of the code requirements:
• Maximum of 4 chickens
• No roosters allowed
• Food material must be stored in a covered, metal
container to avoid pests (kept either inside or outside)
• The area where chickens are kept must be cleaned at
least weekly
• No slaughtering or processing of chickens allowed
• No chickens are to be kept inside a house or garage,
except during brooding
• Dead chickens must be disposed of according to
Minnesota Board of Animal Health rules
• Specific standards for the construction and
maintenance of coops and runs include:
- Maximum size of 60 square feet
- Be located in the rear yard only
- Prohibited within the first 100 feet of lot depth
for properties along the Mississippi River and
Crooked Lake
•F
ully enclosed run with fencing and netting
•L
ocated at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines,
30 feet from adjacent property owner’s house, 50 feet
from any well, and at least 6 feet from the house or
other accessory structures on the property.
•C
oop and run must be removed if the keeping of
chickens is discontinued for more than 12 months.
To get a chicken permit you need to do the following:
•F
ill out and sign the Chicken Permit Application form
(which can be found online or picked up at City Hall).
•F
ill out and sign the Supplement to Chickens Permit
form (which can also be found online or picked up at
City Hall).
•P
rovide a site plan of the lot indicating: lot lines,
dimensions of the lot, property address, all existing
structures (house, detached garage, shed, well, etc.),
location of the chicken coop and run, distances
between the lot lines and proposed placement of
coop and run, distances between any buildings/
structures and proposed placement of coop and run
and the proposed portable coop locations. A sketch
of the proposed coop is also required.
•P
ay a $100.00 permit fee.
•M
ail or deliver, in person, the following items to Coon
Rapids City Hall: the Chicken Permit Application form,
Supplement to Chickens Permit form, site plan and
payment. Check payments can be made out to City
of Coon Rapids. If mailing your materials, send the
paperwork to Coon Rapids City Hall, 11155 Robinson
Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. If delivering your
materials in person, business hours at City Hall are
from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Credit card payments can be
taken at City Hall only. Credit card payments are not
accepted over the phone.
After the application forms and site plan is reviewed, a
time will be set up to conduct a site visit of the resident’s
property. Once the site visit is completed, the resident
can build the chicken coop according to City Code
specifications. After the coop is built, another inspection
will occur to make sure all regulations are met and then
the chicken permit will be issued.
The proposed ordinance does allow City staff to inspect
the property on an as-needed basis if there is concern about
code compliance. If violations are found on site, the permit
can be revoked and/or the property owner could be subject
to administrative citations and/or criminal action. To read
the complete City Code (6-700), visit the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
Backyard
Chicken Class
Native Plantings
Approved by City
Council
The City Council recently approved an ordinance that
allows native plantings and landscapes for homeowners.
City Code 8-500 outlines specifications for native
planting areas. Traditional turf grass must be under eight
inches in height, however, native plantings can be can
be taller than eight inches. Native plantings may not be
within the public right of way (unless a permit is obtained)
or within a Sight Triangle (intersection formed by two
roads that must be clear of obstructions) and may not
include weeds. Read detailed City Code information at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov. Be sure to follow the
code carefully to ensure your yard meets all of the
requirements.
Once established, environmental experts say native
plants require less maintenance, less water, less
fertilizer/pesticides and provide habitat to pollinators
including bees, butterflies and more. The use of native
plants can be a great option for residents looking for
something different in their yards while providing
numerous environmental benefits.
These landscape areas require careful planning,
precise species selection, plus time and money to
become properly established. Typically they take about
three years to become established, but once complete,
little maintenance is required.
Requirements for Native Planting Landscape Areas:
• Must be in well-defined areas with borders, no
overgrown yards
• No turf grass
• No noxious weeds
• May include higher-growing plantings
• Setbacks include: 20 feet from front lot line and
5 feet from side and rear lot lines
• Soil erosion must be controlled during and after
plantings are established
• Must be maintained to industry standards
• No permit is required
Thursday, June 23 • 6 p.m.
Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive
FREE of charge. Registration required.
Sign up on the City website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov
The City has partnered with local chicken grower
and instructor, Tom Tidrick, to offer Coon Rapids
residents a class on raising backyard chickens. Learn
the basics of starting a flock of chickens, including
discussion on breeds, general care of poultry and
preparing your coop. This class will also cover City
Code requirements, including the permit application
and inspection process.
www.coonrapidsmn.gov | Community strength...for generations
Native plantings are now allowed in Coon Rapids after recent
changes to City Code adopted by the City Council on May 3,
2016.
Page 3
City News
CenturyLink
Franchise Agreement
The Coon Rapids City Council approved CenturyLink as
a second provider of cable television late last year. Since
then, residents in certain areas of the city have been able
to receive PRISM TV service. Availability of this service
depends on the internet speeds in your neighborhood
area. Check with CenturyLink for more information.
Many residents have asked if CTN- the Coon Rapids
Community Television Network is available on CenturyLink
PRISM TV service. The answer is yes. The local CTN
channels are now available on the CenturyLink mosaic
channel 20. The community channels can also be directly
accessed in standard definition on 8046-8051 and in HD
8546 and 8547. CTN-Coon Rapids Community Television
Network features news, sports, events, local government
meetings and other programming in the Coon Rapids area.
Additionally, PRISM TV service members can receive CTN
broadcasts anywhere in the metro area.
CTN community television programming is only on
the PRISM TV service. CenturyLink also offers service
packages that feature DIRECTV service, however,
DIRECTV does not carry the CTN local channels.
For more information about CenturyLink’s PRISM TV
services, visit www.centurylink.com/prismtv.
Xfinity (Comcast) is also a cable television provider in
the city of Coon Rapids and carries CTN local government
and community programming. The community channels
can be found in HD on channels 799 and 859. Xfinity
service descriptions can be found at www.xfinity.com.
Railroad Safety
According to Operation Life Saver, someone is hit by a
train every three hours in the United States. Don’t become
a statistic! Operation Life Saver is a non-profit group
whose mission is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries
at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad property
by providing FREE public education through a statewide
network of authorized volunteers. Some facts about train
safety from Operation Life Saver:
• Just like an aircraft, a train’s size causes an optical
illusion making it difficult to judge its actual speed.
• Even with its emergency braking system, it takes the
average freight train a mile or more to stop. That’s the
length of 18 football fields!
• Railroad tracks are private property. Walking on them
is trespassing – it’s illegal and dangerous; you risk
being ticketed and fined, seriously injured or killed.
• The only legal and safe place to cross railroad tracks
is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
Page 4 SUMMER 2016 Newsletter
Community Survey
Arriving This Fall
You could be one of 1500 households randomly chosen to
participate in The National Citizen Survey, set to be mailed out in
September. The National Citizen Survey gathers resident opinion
across a range of community issues and has been developed
through a partnership with the International City/County
Management Association and the National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Coon Rapids will customize the survey questions
to represent our community. The results will become a powerful
tool to help improve service delivery as well as identify clear
priorities for use in strategic planning and budget discussions.
Questions will represent a variety of topic areas including public
safety, transportation, recreation, land use and more.
If you receive a survey, mailed to your home in September,
please take the time to answer the questions as your feedback
is important! The data collected through the surveys will be
presented to the Coon Rapids City Council in the beginning of
2017.
Update on Hanson
Boulevard Overpass
State funding for the Hanson Boulevard grade separation
(overpass) is uncertain due to the recent legislative session. The
Bonding Bill did not receive approval during the regular 2016
legislative session, which ended on May 23. However, if a Special
Session is called by Governor Dayton, and a Bonding Bill is
passed, the Hanson Boulevard Railroad Overpass could still be
built next year. As of the time of this publication, Governor Dayton
has not called a Special Session.
The 2016 Bonding Bill contained approximately $12 million to
help fund half of the project’s $25.2 million cost. The remaining
half will be paid for through partnership funding from CTIB
(Counties Transit Improvement Board, 30%), Anoka County
(10%), the City of Coon Rapids (5%) and Burlington Northern
Santa Fe railway (5%).
The Hanson Boulevard grade separation was the number one
funding priority for the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) due to safety concerns, along with rail improvements
in Moorhead and Red Wing-Sturgeon Lake Road at Prairie
Island. The Hanson Boulevard crossing has one of the highest
exposure rates (high potential for crashes to occur) in the state
due to high traffic volumes competing with the high volume of
trains. Staged trains frequently block the crossing for 6-8 minutes
(best case scenario) to 25 minutes or more at a time, which was
having a negative impact on public safety response. The Hanson
Boulevard crossing is part of the busiest segment of rail line in the
state, with an average of 81 trains a day.
The grade separation (overpass) will improve safety by
separating vehicle and rail traffic, reduce vehicle delays due
to blocked crossings, improve response time for emergency
vehicles and improve safety and mobility for pedestrians and
bicyclists. The next public information open house event about
the project will take place Wednesday, June 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.
at Church of the Epiphany, 11001 Hanson Boulevard.
2016 Election
Information
Election Judges Needed
Election Judges are needed to help with the upcoming
Primary and General Elections. The Primary Election will take
place on Tuesday, August 9 and the General Election will take
place Tuesday, November 8.
Election Judges are vital to the election process! It takes
over 250 people to help out at 22 polling locations in Coon
Rapids!
• These are paid positions averaging $9.50/hour.
• By law, your employer must allow you time off to work
on Election Day, and your employer must pay you. The
employer must receive 20 days notice of your intention
to work as an Election Judge and the City Clerk’s Office
can provide a signed certificate verifying your position as
an Election Judge. Check with your employer for other
details.
• A 2-hour training session is required (you will be paid to
participate in training) and NEW THIS YEAR: Training will
be available online!
• Students age 16 & 17 can also serve as Election Judges,
working after school hours.
We also need alternate Election Judges who can be on-call
to fill in as needed. If you are interested in being an Election
Judge, please email [email protected] or call 763767-6493 for more details.
Who’s on the Ballot?
Several elected positions will be on the ballot this year,
including four Coon Rapids City Council seats in Ward 1, 2, 4
and the At Large seat. Candidate filings began May 17, and
June 2 was the last day to withdraw from the ballot. To see
a complete list of the City Council candidates on the ballot
for the Primary Election, visit the City’s website at www.
coonrapidsmn.gov.
When is the Primary and General Election?
A Primary Election will take place on August 9. Polling
locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find out where
to vote, visit www.coonrapidsmn.gov/511/Where-ToVote and look up the polling locations map or the State of
Minnesota Precinct Finder. If you are not able to make it to
the polls on Primary Election Day, you can vote by absentee
ballot. Absentee voting by mail or in person at Coon Rapids
City Hall begins June 24. Absentee voting takes place during
normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
The Primary Election will determine which candidates are
the final choices on the November ballot. Election Day is
Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
If you have questions about the election, contact
the City Clerk’s office at [email protected] or
763-767-6493.
Election Hotline
Call 763-767-4688
Starting June 24 thru August 9
City News
Coon Rapids Farmers
Market
Wednesdays from 3 – 6 p.m.
beginning July 13 through the end
of the growing season
Located at the Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard
NEW THIS YEAR: Special Event Days!
July 27 – Health & Wellness – Blood pressure checks,
glucose screening and more!
August 24 – Kids Day – Fun for kids and learn about
youth activities in the community!
September 21 – Senior Day – Information tailored to
senior citizens!
All vendors are part of the Anoka County Growers
Association.
Calling all animal lovers! You are invited to the Coon
Rapids Love My Pet Fair!
Sunday, September 25
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Riverview Park, 2420 105th Avenue
This event showcases local resources, vendors,
products and services for pet lovers! Enjoy K-9
demonstrations, participate in a dog parade, costume
contest, pet art and more fun activities! Information will
be updated on the City website and on the Coon Rapids
Love My Pet Fair Facebook page.
Vendors are also welcome to sign up for the event!
Find a complete vendor registration packet online at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov. If you have questions, call Liza
at 763-767-6410 or email [email protected].
Summer in the
City Neighborhood
Meetings
Plan to come out for one of this year’s “Summer in
the City” neighborhood meetings! Councilmembers and
City staff invite you to one of the upcoming events at a
park near you. This annual series is a great opportunity to
meet your councilmembers and talk with City staff about
projects going on in your neighborhood and throughout
the city.
Tuesday, June 14. . . . . . Thorpe Park
2691 Carlson Drive
Tuesday, July 12. . . . . . . Sunrise Pond Park
125 124th Lane
Tuesday, July 26. . . . . . . Vineyards Park
11947 Vintage Street
Tuesday, August 23. . . . Kennedy Park
8490 East River Road
The events take place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Presentation
at 7 p.m. Fire trucks, police cars, public works equipment
and other displays from various City departments will also
be at the events.
Love Photography?
Calling all amateur photographers! Enter the Coon
Rapids Arts Commission 2016 Photo Contest! The
contest period is June 1, 2016 – September 16, 2016.
This year’s theme is architecture.
Who is eligible? Amateur photographers (some
exclusions apply; read complete details online).
What photos qualify? Photos of architecture taken
in Coon Rapids.
How do I enter? Visit the City’s website at www.
coonrapidsmn.gov to print out an entry form and see
a complete listing of contest details.
Contest sponsored by The Coon Rapids Arts
Commission, promoting local arts events and activities
in the community.
2015 1st Place Winner 18 years and older: Walt Huss
“Lunch Time – Green Heron Catches Lunch at Bunker Hills Golf Club”
2016 Kids Safety
Camp
The Coon Rapids Fire and Police departments are
teaming up to teach kids a variety of skills that will help
them stay safe. Safety camp is a chance for Coon Rapids
students entering 4th and 5th grades in the fall of 2016
to learn important safety skills including: water, fire and
electrical safety, basic first aid and how to use 911. A
graduation ceremony will take place July 20.
Dates: July 19 and 20, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Coon Rapids Ice Center, 11000 Crooked
Lake Blvd.
Class fee: $40 registration fee* (fee covers supplies, a
t-shirt, snacks, lunch, and transportation to and from the
swimming pool).
*Scholarships are available to children using the free
and reduced lunch program. Call 763-767-6429 for more
information about scholarships
Host Your Next Event
at the Civic Center
Are you looking for great banquet space to host your
next event? Look no further than the Coon Rapids Civic
Center! Come check out the newly remodeled outdoor
space featuring a gazebo, grilling space, beautiful flowers
and more! A 10x10 pergola and 18 foot custom gazebo
have been installed, as well as new seating areas and
grilling area with plenty of counter space. Flower gardens
add color and beauty to the outdoor area and additional
lighting is perfect for evening gatherings. Whether it be
a wedding, bridal shower, birthday party or other special
event, consider renting space at the Coon Rapids
Civic Center. Open for tours! Call 763-767-6522 or visit
www.coonrapidsciviccenter.com for more information.
To register: visit the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov, then visit Parks
& Recreation, then Class Sign ups. Online
registration and credit card payment is
available this year.
Page 5
City News
Plan B for Northdale
Boulevard
Improvements
The City of Coon Rapids, Anoka County and the
Anoka-Hennepin School District joined forces to submit a
“Safe Routes to Schools” infrastructure grant application
to the Minnesota Department of Transportation earlier this
year, which would have made safety improvements to
Northdale Boulevard in front of Coon Rapids High School,
and on-campus enhancements for improved safety. The
City was notified recently that the project was not chosen
for the grant.
The City will continue to work with Anoka County
and the school district to secure funding for these
improvements. The grant money would have paid for half
of the project costs.
Proposed safety improvements near the high school
included parking lot enhancements, relocating the
pedestrian crossing, adding flashing signals, installation
of medians on portions
of Northdale Boulevard,
relocating parking lot
access,
reconfiguring
parking lots and adding
additional lighting.
The pedestrian crossing
in front of Coon Rapids
High School will remain
unchanged for now. The
City, County and school
district did not receive a
state grant which would
have helped pay for half of
the project cost.
2016 Street
Reconstruction
The City will be reconstructing 7.5 miles of streets this
year 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. If
you are a resident living in the areas affected by any of the
street reconstruction projects, you can sign up for weekly
construction information on the City’s website.
Go to www.coonrapidsmn.gov, look
for Notify Me, and then sign up for Street
Reconstruction Updates. Simply enter your
email address, and you will be added to our
email system.
Many of the roads being repaired this year are anywhere
from 24-47 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.
Please contact the Engineering Department at 763-7676479 if you have additional questions.
Page 6 SUMMER 2016 Newsletter
Goose
Management Plan
As required by the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), the City will be
developing a formal goose management plan
over the course of the next year. Development of
this plan will include guidelines for deciding on
a sustainable population, and how the City will
maintain an acceptable population within a given
area. Public participation will be part of the planning
process. The formal plan
will go before the Coon
Rapids City Council for
approval sometime in
late 2016 or early 2017.
More information about
the planning process
will be published in the
City newsletter as details
become available. If you
have any questions,
please
contact
the
Director of Public Works
at 763-767-6494.
Park Bond Project
Updates
Sand Creek Park- 1008 Northdale Boulevard
Road work is underway to relocate the entrance to
Sand Creek Park 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.
Crews are also constructing the concessions/
restroom building which will be complete by the end
of summer. Installation of playground equipment,
the skate park and other finishing touches will also
occur later this year. The park is expected to be
open for use in the spring of 2017.
Complete reconstruction of the park brings the
facility up to modern athletic field standards. The
improvements include rearranged parking and
fields, new football/lacrosse fields, enhanced trails
with connections to surrounding neighborhoods,
a hockey rink with open skate areas and energy
efficient lighting. Funding for the Sand Creek Park
improvements is possible thanks to a Park Bond
approved by voters in 2013.
Other 2016 Park Renovation Projects
Pheasant Ridge Park (11845 Pheasant Ridge
Drive) is being renovated this summer to include new
playground equipment, half-court basketball and
interpretive areas (with native plantings), benches,
New Water Tower
The City of Coon Rapids continues to work
on securing a location for a water tower on the
south side of the city. The additional tower is
needed to meet peak demands and provide
adequate fire flow capacity. The need for the
additional tower was identified as part of a
2014 comprehensive water supply plan. A few
locations have been identified for the tower, and
most are in the Evergreen Industrial Park area,
near highway 610. Decisions regarding the
final location of the water tower will be made
in the coming months, with plans to begin
construction sometime in 2017.
two wetland overlooks, and on-street handicapped
parking spaces.
Mason Park (9600 Holly Circle) will receive a new
playground with picnic shelter, new basketball court,
new half-mile walking trail around the park and the
installation of native planting areas.
Delta Park (11151 Yukon Street) will be renovated
to include a new playground with picnic shelter, a
loop trail system, and half-court basketball. The
hockey rink will also be removed.
Work is almost complete at Woodcrest Park
(901 103rd Avenue). New amenities will include a
new restroom facility (not installed until the end of
summer), half-court basketball, small picnic shelter,
and new walking trails along the perimeter of the
park which will tie into a new 21 hole disc golf course.
The ball field will also be repositioned for better use.
The new disc golf course is a partnership between
the City and the Minnesota Disc Golf Association.
Construction of the course will begin in late summer.
Volunteers are working to build the course, which
may take up to two years to complete.
The funding for all of the park improvements listed
above is also from the voter approved Park Bond.
Woodview Park (11540 Olive Street) will have a
new playground, benches, grills and picnic shelter.
Decorative pillars will be added to the existing picnic
shelter. A shelter for portable restrooms will also be
built and maintenance work will be completed on
the existing walking trails. These improvements are
being paid for through general park construction
funds.
City News
Water Saving Strategies for Home Lawns
Provided by the University of Minnesota Extension service
On
average,
three times more
water is used during
the summer than in
the winter in the Twin Cities, and much of
this water is used outdoors. If you own an
irrigation system or water your lawn with
portable sprinklers, you can reduce your
overall water use by implementing some
practical strategies:
1. Pay attention to the weather
During a Minnesota summer we may
see heavy periods of rainfall followed by
extended periods of drought. Homeowners
with lawns should adjust irrigation practices
accordingly. Operating irrigation controllers
in manual mode is one way to monitor and
cut down on water use, rather than using an
automated schedule.
2. Select turfgrasses that use less
water and can tolerate drought
Choice of grass species will impact
irrigation requirements. Traditional turfgrass
species for Minnesota include Kentucky
bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue,
and tall fescue. The fescue species offer the
Wellhead
Protection Plan
The City of Coon Rapids recently updated part one of
its Wellhead Protection Plan. Wellhead Protection is a way
to prevent the public drinking water supply from becoming
polluted by managing potential sources of contamination
in the areas that supply water to the public wells. Wellhead
Protection Plans must be reviewed and amended every
ten years. Part one of the plan includes a delineation of the
critical areas adjacent to our groundwater wells, and the
potential vulnerability of each well. Part two of the plan
will soon follow and focus on conducting an inventory of
potential contamination sources within specific Drinking
Water Supply Management Areas, developing specific
strategies for managing and protecting the wells, and
enhancing public education.
Sprinkling Ban
June 1 – August 31
Odd-numbered home addresses water on odd
calendar days. Even-numbered home addresses
water on even calendar days. This helps to even out
the demand for water treatment and usage.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Report Illegal
Dumping!
Do you see potentially hazardous material (i.e. oil,
paint) flowing into a storm drain, pond, ditch, lake or
creek? If it’s an immediate threat-call 911.
If you see anything that is not rainwater and not
hazardous (i.e. grass clippings, leaves) going down
the storm drain, report it to Coon Rapids Public
Works by calling 763-767-6462 during business
hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
best drought tolerance potential.
3. Adjust irrigation
conserve water
to
To encourage rooting and drought
tolerance, lawns should be irrigated
infrequently (one time or less per week) with a
sufficient volume of water (up to 0.5 inches).
Set irrigation programs or sprinklers to water
during the morning hours, because daytime
irrigation is often lost through evaporation or
wind deflection.
4. Implement water saving technologies
Rain sensors connected to irrigation
Water Rates
A water rate increase has been approved by the
Coon Rapids City Council to help cover the City’s water
operating expenses. These changes took effect May 1,
2016. The new water rates are:
Residential (single and multiple units):
Base fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.00
Tier 1 per 1,000 gallons (first 20,000 gallons) . . . . . $2.00
Tier 2 per 1,000 gallons (20,001 to 80,000 gallons) . . $2.45
Tier 3 per 1,000 gallons (80,001 gallons and above) . . $2.65
Commercial/Industrial Users, per 1,000 gallons . . $2.00
Sprinkling Meters, per 1,000 gallons . . . . . . . . $2.65
Significant capital improvements are required over the
next ten years as part of the City’s Water Master Plan.
These investments include replacing the City’s water
treatment plan control system, rehabbing the City’s wells,
building an additional water tower and replacing water
mains. Water charges pay for capital improvements rather
than general tax dollars.
More information can also be found on the City’s
website at www.coonrapidsmn.gov/utilitybilling.htm.
Consumer
Confidence Water
Report
The City of Coon Rapids is issuing the results
of monitoring done on its drinking water from the
period of January 1 to December 31, 2015.
The 2015 Consumer Confidence Water Report is
available online at:
http://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/ArchiveCenter/
ViewFile/Item/331
A paper copy of this report is available upon
request. For more information, contact Stephanie
Ring, Communications and Marketing Coordinator,
at 763-767-6582 or [email protected].
programs
controllers are vital to conserving water.
There’s no need for an automatic sprinkler
system to be used when it’s raining. You
can also conduct an irrigation audit on
your system. For more information, visit the
website below.
For more information: U of M Extension
Lawn
Care
www.extension.umn.edu/
turfgrass
Take our Survey!
The University of Minnesota Extension
service invites you to take our survey!
The information will help guide research
and educational programs about water
conservation.
Take the survey at
http://z.umn.edu/tcwater
The Breakdown on
Turf Care
Coon Creek Watershed District staff have been seeing
a common violation of the dumping of leaves and grass
clippings along storm ponds and creeks and ditches. This
may seem like a “natural” and cheap way to deal with
clippings, but actually it isn’t. It is a problem.
The grass and leaf piles take a long time to break
down. The weight of them compacts the soil and does
not allow sunlight for plant growth underneath. Without
plant roots to hold the soil, bank erosion can easily occur.
If this happens, it can result in the soil slumping into the
water and can mean loss of land by landowners plus add
sediment, polluting the water.
These sediment particles are likely carrying excess
phosphorus into the water. Algae needs the phosphorous
to grow, resulting in excess algae. Too much algae can
shade out aquatic plants and also result in die-off. The
resulting decay process uses up oxygen which means
there’s not enough for the fish and other aquatic life; the
die-off domino effect.
Dredging out excess sediment in a water body and
stabilizing a creek bank is costly and best avoided.
What to do? It’s easy!
• Leave your grass clippings on your lawn as you mow
so they can decompose and feed the grass roots. You
can save on fertilizer by doing this for the year. Mulch
your leaves in the fall, too, by mowing them into small
pieces. The grass roots can use the nutrients.
• Make sure your clippings are no more than 1-inch long
so they can break down easily. This will not cause
thatch! The University of Minnesota has studied
turf practices for optimal turf health and this is their
recommendation to professionals.
So, don’t pile grass clippings this summer or your
leaves this fall.
Also, don’t put them into the water directly or even into
the street! Doing so makes them an Illicit Discharge and it
is against City Ordinance 8-111.
Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed
District: 763-755-0975 or email [email protected].
Page 7
Where to Place
Little Libraries
“Little Libraries”
have become a
popular way for
people to share
books, but be sure
yours is placed
in the right area
on your property.
City Code requires
nothing
to
be
placed in the right-of-way, which is generally 14 to 17 feet
behind the curb. If you want to install a “Little Library” on
your property, call Scott in Community Development at
763-767-6452 to find out where it should be placed.
Protecting Coon
Creek – WRAP it up
You’ve probably heard in the news that many Minnesota
lakes and streams are “impaired,” that is, they are not
meeting standards per the Clean Water Act. Locally,
impaired streams include Coon and Sand Creeks. Why?
Too much sediment and phosphorus, typically right after
rainstorms.
In 2013, the MPCA funded a WRAPs - Watershed
Restoration And Protection strategy led by the Coon
Creek Watershed District (CCWD). Now, a new long-range
plan (TMDL) has been developed. It identifies projects
and activities to improve water quality for each impaired
stretch of creek. The CCWD is working closely with the
City to improve water quality. You may have seen new
projects such as rain gardens or bank stabilizations.
However, your help is needed to improve water quality!
We all need to keep lawn clippings and dirt from polluting
our waters.
Tips needed for a healthy Coon Creek:
• Sweep grass off hard surfaces and let the clippings
stay on your lawn or take them to a local compost
site. Clippings can wash off with the rain into our
waterways and add excess phosphorus to our waters.
That can create algae blooms and reduce oxygen in
the water.
• Keep sand and dirt out of the street. It can run off
into our creeks and wetlands, filling them in and
smothering aquatic life.
• Clean up after your pets. Pet waste is a significant
contributor of E. coli bacteria!
• Allow an un-mowed area near creeks, wetlands, and
ponds. Keeping some natural vegetation along a
waterbody serves as a natural filter of pollutants. It
can also help stabilize the bank, thereby preventing
soil erosion.
The newly-approved WRAPs and TMDL report is on the
CCWD website, www.cooncreekwd.org/reports
For more information contact the Coon Creek
Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or email us at info@
cooncreekwd.org
Page 8 Code Standards for
Clean Yards
Yard cleanup is well underway so please remember
that City Code Chapter 8-206(3) states yard waste
may not to be stored on your property except as
allowed for composting. This means that brush piles
and bags containing leaves, grass clippings or other
yard waste are prohibited from being stored in your
yard. Yard waste should not be placed in trash bags;
instead it must be placed in approved compostable
bags or containers provided by a licensed hauler.
Brush should be tied in bundles and neatly stacked
to be taken by your hauler or taken to the compost
site. The Anoka County Compost Site, located at
13285 Hanson Blvd NW in Coon Rapids, is open
from April to November and is a good resource for
yard waste disposal. You may also want to consider
adding yard waste collection with your licensed
waste hauler. If leaf bags or brush remain stored on
your property, you could receive a citation which
includes a financial penalty.
Grass Must Be
Mowed
In order to help keep
our city looking its best,
City Code requires that
all grass and weeds
be no taller than 8” in
height. Please don’t
forget to mow along
both sides of your
fence and along the
boulevards. Even if you believe the City or County mows
these areas or has in the past, it is important to know that
ultimately this is your property and your responsibility
to mow. If your grass is taller than 8”, you will receive a
citation and a fine if you don’t mow your lawn within seven
days of the citation.
If you would like to report a property that has not been
mowed, please call 763-951-7200 or e-mail the complaint
to [email protected].
New Plumbing Code
to Protect Drinking
Water
On January 23, 2016, Minnesota adopted a new
plumbing code that requires record keeping and annual
testing of backflow assemblies connected to potable
water (water used for cooking, bathing and drinking).
Backflow means the reversal of water flow from its normal
or intended direction of flow. This applies to lawn irrigation
systems and the installation of boilers. The new plumbing
code is designed to protect our drinking water.
Testing of backflow devices annually is important
to ensure proper function. If backflow occurs, it could
contaminate the public water supply. For example, water
in a lawn irrigation system may become contaminated
with weed killers and fertilizers. This water could then
potentially backflow into drinking water, endangering the
health of a household or neighborhood. There are four
commonly used water backflow assemblies: reduced
pressure principle assembly (RPZ), double check valve
assembly (DCVA), pressure vacuum breaker (PVB),
and atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). If you have a
lawn irrigation system, backflow testing must now be
performed annually by a licensed plumber who is ASSE
certified (American Society of Safety Engineers). Testing
results must be submitted to the Building Inspections
Department at the City of Coon Rapids. If a homeowner
who is ASSE Certified does their own backflow testing,
that information must also be submitted to the City on
an annual basis. Be sure your lawn irrigation company is
submitting this information to the City.
Contact the Building Inspections Department at 763767-6476 if you have questions about this new plumbing
code. Other information can be found on The Minnesota
Department of Labor and Industry web site http://www.
dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/fs_backflow.pdf
What is an
Inoperable Vehicle?
Any vehicle including trailers, recreational vehicles,
boats, etc., which is dismantled, wrecked, on blocks or
similar devices; does not display current registration or
plates; or has deflated tires are considered inoperable
vehicles. All motor vehicles and trailers parked outside on
private property must appear operable and must display
current registration and licensed plates. Improper storage
of inoperable motor vehicles and trailers can be unsightly
for a neighborhood and is in violation of City Code
Chapter 11-601.5. A violation of City Code could result in
an administrative citation and removal of the improperly
stored vehicle from the property.
If you have questions please contact the Neighborhood
Reinvestment Division at 763-767-6470.
n
S
u
e
n
h
t
Did you know
the installation of any pool
with more than 24” of water
requires a City permit? Before
you dive into purchasing that pool to
beat the heat, check the City website,
www.coonrapidsmn.gov, to make
sure you’re following City code.
Fun i
City News
Housing News
Improving Life on the Lake
The Bartletts always dreamed of living on the lake.
When they found a home for sale on Crooked Lake in
Coon Rapids, the land was just what they were looking
for, but not the house. They weren’t afraid of remodeling
and the Home for Generations II program helped.
“We Googled Coon Rapids house remodel and Home
for Generations came up as an option for home remodeling
programs. The program/opportunity was appealing and it
helped us get comfortable with the project we wanted to
tackle,” Zack Bartlett says.
The Bartletts tore down an old detached garage and
re-built an attached three stall garage with a future bonus
room above. They also removed walls, eliminating a
dining room to open up the living space. An extensive
kitchen remodel included custom cabinetry, countertops
and hardwood floors.
The Bartletts opened their home to the public as part of
the recent Coon Rapids Home Remodeling Tour that took
place May 15. Hundreds of people toured the remodeled
space to get ideas for their own home improvement
projects.
“We’re happy to give back. It’s such a unique program
that we were happy to be part of the home tour showcase,”
says Bartlett.
The Home for Generations II program provides grant
money for large remodeling projects such as removing
or relocating walls, complete kitchen and bathroom
remodels, basement finishes or remodels, adding an
addition or other major enhancements.
The program at a glance:
Maximum Grant: $5,000
Minimum Project Amount: $35,000
Rebate: 50% of building permit fees
Financing: 4.5% fixed up to $50,000
Architectural Consultation: $25 co-pay
Income Limit: None
Minimum Age of House: 20 years
Availability: First come, first served
Help for First Time
Homebuyers
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s 2016 Start
Up Program is now available for first time homebuyers.
This year’s allocation to Anoka County, including Coon
Rapids, is $5,965,146. The program will run through
November or until funds run out, whichever occurs first.
This mortgage loan program offers affordable interest
rates and down payment and closing cost assistance
to qualified buyers. Buyers must qualify financially using
an MHFA-approved lender, meet income qualifications
(cannot exceed $99,500 for 3+ person households) and
may be required to attend a homebuyer education class.
For more information on MHFA’s Start Up Program and its
other homebuyer programs, visit www.mnhousing.gov.
The Bartlett’s newly remodeled kitchen is much larger thanks to removing a wall to the dining room. The new layout features granite
countertops, new appliances, light fixtures and hardwood floors.
Homeowners who increase their home’s curb appeal
will be awarded a larger grant than those who make
only interior or exterior 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]. Financing for
this home improvement program is available through the
Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation. Loans up
to $50,000 are available at a fixed interest rate of 4.5%.
Home Improvement Resources
Remodeling Advisor Visits offer free professional advice to help homeowners plan improvements to their homes –
from simple renovations to a dream remodel. Call the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) at 612-335-5856 or visit
www.mnlendingcenter.org.
Home Improvement Loans are available to help finance most remodeling projects – from additions and interior
remodels; to replacing or maintaining siding, roofing or windows; or assisting with emergency repairs. Low interest loans
are available for exterior improvements on two-family structures when work is completed on both units at the same time.
Call The Lending Center at CEE at 612-335-5884 for more information or visit www.mnlendingcenter.org.
The Zero Interest Home Rehabilitation Deferred Loan is available to low and moderate-income households,
providing funding for improvements needed to meet minimum housing standards. Contact the HousingResource™
Center at 651-486-7401 or visit www.gmhchousing.org.
Down Payment Assistance is available through the Coon Rapids Mortgage Assistance Foundation for buyers using
FHA 203(k) renovation financing to purchase a single family home. Contact Cheryl Bennett at the City of Coon Rapids at
763-767-6422, by email at [email protected] or visit www.coonrapidsmn.gov/downpaymentassistance.
htm.
Page 9
City News
Event Schedule
(Continued from front page)
Saturday, July 2
7 – 8:30 a.m. . . . . . . . R
egistration begins for
Firecracker 5K run/walk
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. . . . . . Concession stand serving breakfast*
9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Firecracker 5K run/walk begins
Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carnival midway, bingo and pull tabs open
4 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Parade begins
7:30 – 11:30 p.m. . . . “White Iron” Band performs
Midnight . . . . . . . . . . Event closes
Sunday, July 3
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. . . . . .
Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noon to dusk . . . . . . .
5 – 11 p.m. . . . . . . . .
Concession stand serving breakfast*
Carnival midway, bingo and pull tabs open
“Crafts at the CRIC” Craft show
“Car Show to Remember” - Hot Rods &
Classics (Gate fee of $5 per car which
benefits ACBC Food Shelf)
7:30 – 11 p.m. . . . . . . “Night Shift” Band performs
Monday, July 4
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. . . . . Concession stand serving breakfast*
Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carnival midway, bingo and pull tabs open
Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bean Bag Tournament walk-up
registration begins
1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Bean Bag Tournament play begins**
7:30 – 11 p.m. . . . . . . “Night Louie” Band performs
10 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Fireworks (display voted one of the best in
the Twin Cities!)
*Concession stand, operated by the North Star Lions Club, remains
open throughout the day and evening serving pulled pork
sandwiches, hamburgers, walking tacos, hot dogs and more.
**For questions about the Bean Bag Tournament, contact Ryan
Gunderson, Recreation Coordinator, at 763-767-6513 or email
[email protected].
Page 10
Firecracker 5K
NEW this year: the Firecracker 5K at 9
a.m. on Saturday, July 2. The Coon Rapids
firefighters are promoting wellness and fitness
for all ages! Whether you want to walk or run
the 5K, you’re encouraged to participate! The
event is open to all fitness levels and walkers
and runners will have one hour to finish the race.
Anyone
exceeding
the one hour mark is
encouraged to finish,
but the remainder
of their 5K will be
unsupported
and
ineligible to receive a
finishers’ medal if the
finish line has been
cleared.
The event, rain or
shine, will start at the Coon Rapids Ice Center,
11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard. Race parking
will be at Anoka-Ramsey Community College
(11200 Mississippi Boulevard), which is a short
walk from the Coon Rapids Ice Center. The
route will be a combination of Coon Rapids
residential roads and trails starting on 109th,
running through Dahlia and Riverview Parks, by
Mississippi Elementary School and ending back
at the Coon Rapids Ice Center.
Early Bird registration: $25 (until June 18)
Late or same day registration: $30 (after
June 18. Shirts and medals are not guaranteed
for any late registrations).
Fee includes a race T-shirt, race medal, beer
or pop drink ticket upon completion of the race
and 4 free games of Bingo at the Firefighter tent
with race bib. After race snack and beverage will
be provided at the finish line. Additional prizes
for the top three men and women.
• Race proceeds benefit the Coon Rapids
Community
Strength
Foundation
which
supports community events. All proceeds from
the race go back into the community to help
build a happier, healthier and more enjoyable
community to live in.
• Note: In case of severe weather, the race
will be called as early as possible on race day.
No refunds will be issued due to severe weather
cancellation.
To sign up, visit www.coonrapidscommunitystrengthfoundation.com
Bean Bag Tournament
Sponsored by the Coon Rapids Athletic
Association, you’re invited to participate in a
Bean Bag Tournament July 4. The event begins
with first come, first served walk-up registration
at noon Monday, July 4. Play begins at 1 p.m.
• Cost: $20 per team
• Regular bean bag rules apply
• Teams may consist of 2-4 players
• Must be at least 18 years old to participate
• Double elimination format
• Prizes awarded to the top 2 teams based on
the number of teams entered (24 team limit)
Questions or more information:
Ryan Gunderson, Recreation Coordinator at 763-767-6513 or [email protected].
For more information about the July 4 community celebration, visit:
www.coonrapidscommunitystrengthfoundation.com.
Business & Development News
Potential
Development Near
Northstar Rail Station
Financial Resources
for Businesses
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.
Plans are in the works to create a new development
project next to the Northstar Commuter Rail station
(behind Target) on land owned by the Anoka County
Regional Rail Authority. This plan will include a
176-unit market rate apartment building, a 63-unit
mixed-income apartment building and a small retail
component. The apartments are expected to include
many amenities, including a dog run, playground
equipment, underground parking and walking paths.
Minneapolis-based Sherman Associates will be
leading the $51 million project, which could break
ground by early 2017 if funding is received.
Coon Rapids Economic Development Coordinator,
Matt Brown, says “Most of the project will be funded
by a combination of private equity, a bank loan,
federal tax credits, a Metropolitan Council grant, and
tax increment financing. It’s really exciting to see
interest in new construction here in Coon Rapids.”
Coon Rapids
Business Council
Are you a business owner in Coon Rapids?
Come to the next Coon Rapids Business Council meeting.
Tuesday, August 23
Free Business
Consultations
Are you a business owner in need of advice or are you
looking to start a new business in Anoka County? The
Open to Business program offers FREE consultations 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 - 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:
• Open a business
• Discuss financing options
• Develop marketing strategies
•U
nderstand the logistics of leasing or purchasing
property
• And other business-related needs
More information about this program can be found at
www.opentobusinessmn.org.
7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Bunker Hills Golf Club
Clubhouse East Ballroom
12800 Bunker Prairie Road
Learn about business topics and initiatives in Coon Rapids.
Sponsored by
Potential Port
Riverwalk Housing
Development
City staff continue to work with The Beard
Group and Centra Homes to work out details
and terms for a development project on the
City-owned land located on the south side of
Coon Rapids Boulevard, generally between
Egret Boulevard and Avocet Street. The potential
project will likely include market rate apartments,
for-sale detached townhouses and additional
land reserved for retail. The apartments would
be amenity-rich and more contemporary and
different from other apartment offerings in the
city. The Coon Rapids City Council will consider
an agreement with the developers soon.
Construction
Moving Along on
River North Senior
Housing
The exterior framing and roofing of the new, 167unit senior apartment building is nearly completed
at the intersection of 109th Lane and Crooked Lake
Boulevard.
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
along the Coon Rapids Boulevard corridor.
River North is the second senior housing project
to be constructed along Coon Rapids Boulevard in
recent years. Autumn Glen Senior Living opened last
year about a mile to the west. For more information
about River North Apartments, call 763-762-4762 or
visit www.rivernorth-apts.com.
Other Business News
• Gordman’s (shopping & specialty retail) will be opening a new store July 14 at 3340 124th Ave. NW, #2
(in the old Rainbow Foods location in the Riverdale Crossing Shopping Center).
• Coon Rapids Pawn Shop (shopping & specialty retail) has opened at 1923 Coon Rapids Boulevard.
• Cricket Wireless (computers & telecommunications) has a new location at 12940 Riverdale Drive #300.
Page 11
Business Spotlight
Quick Facts:
Coon Rapids Service
Stays in the Family
In 1980, Chuck Szaflarski and Steve Warndahl
combined their knowledge and expertise in
auto repair and opened Coon Rapids Service
after renovating a boarded up gas station
located at 2600 Coon Rapids Boulevard NW.
Chuck’s son, Steven (Spike) grew up in the
garage. “It was my daycare and vacation spot,”
Steven says.
Warndahl retired and Chuck and Steven
became business partners in 2009, when
Steven purchased a portion of the company.
Chuck later retired in 2014 and Steven took
over as owner expanding upon what his father
had established over the last 34 years, focusing
on customer service and reliable repairs.
“We’re small enough where when you walk in
we know your name. We’re really about giving
fantastic service that some of the bigger stores
can’t necessarily compete with. We are there
truly to service people’s vehicles and meet their
needs,” Szaflarski says.
Moving forward, Szaflarski hopes to
continue to build the business by focusing on
the company’s mission; ensuring that clients’
vehicles are safe and dependable.
Outside the company, Szaflarski wants to
give back to the community he grew up in.
“I would love to see a non-profit that I’m able
to set up with the profits from our business.
Something bigger then ourselves, a way to
provide services to those who need vehicle
repairs.”
“An Automatic Fit”
One of the largest residential garage
door companies in the Upper Midwest
is right in our backyard. Industrial Door
Company was founded in 1974 by Gerry
Sizer in his Elk River garage. By 1977,
IDC had moved to Coon Rapids, where
its headquarters remains today. In 2011,
IDC acquired Champlin-based Automatic
Garage Door and changed its name to
IDC-Automatic Garage Door.
Sizer retired in 2000, and his children,
Jeremy Sizer and Jodi Boldenow took over
as owners. Since then, IDC-Automatic
Garage Door has been manufacturing
garage door springs in Minnesota, Ohio
and Arizona, and shipping them all over
the world. However, they choose to keep
the garage door installation portion of
their company local.
“We continue to want to grow. We are
always looking at other opportunities.
I see the manufacturing portion of the
business continuing to expand, but we
want to stay customer-intimate on our
installations and keep our pulse on it so
we obtain controlled growth,” says Jenny
Page 12
• Family Name: Szaflarski
• Employees: 2
• Years in Business: 36
McGrath, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Owners Sizer and Boldenow emphasize
employee satisfaction, each year sharing
five percent of IDC-Automatic Garage
Door’s profits with its employees, and
they pass along the same message to
their customers.
“We have been empowered by the
company owners to make the right
decision for the customers and make it
right. It’s that ma and pa feel that’s made
us successful. Doing the right thing and
rolling up your sleeves is what’s made us
who we are today,” McGrath says.
IDC-Automatic Garage Door was
recently awarded with the Twin Cities
Business Magazine’s Top Family Business
in 2015, and Top 150 Workplaces by the
Star Tribune.
Sizer and Boldenow have a fiveyear plan to hit $100 million in revenue
through acquisitions and expanding
their company’s geographic reach, but
say Coon Rapids will always be IDCAutomatic’s home base.
FUN Facts:
• Steven was nicknamed “Spike” when an elderly woman
saw his mohawk as a teenager and referred to him as
“Spike.”
• Chuck still works as a custodian at Coon Rapids Service
when he isn’t farming at home.
IDC-Automatic Garage Door
Quick Facts:
• Family name: Sizer
• Inception: 1974
What the company does:
Commercial and residential garage door installation, service
and accessories, garage door spring manufacturing.
Manufactures wood garage doors locally.
• Employees: 180
Police News
K-9 Retires
Billy, the German Shepard who was part
of the Coon Rapids Police Department’s
canine team, has been taken out of
service. The dog developed a fear of loud
noises (including lights and sirens) making
him unable to work at his full capacity
while on patrol. Billy, and his handler, Bill
Hammes, started working as a canine
team in June of 2014. Billy’s initial training
included desensitization to sharp sounds
and he was not fearful of loud noises while
working during the first year on the police
force. However, something changed
during the last several months, and further
training did not help the dog overcome his
fear of loud noises.
Officer Bill Hammes and German
“It’s similar to when you have a dog who Shepard Billy pictured in 2014.
doesn’t want to go to the vet,” says Police Billy had to be retired early from
Chief Brad Wise. “Billy developed a fear the police force due to a fear of
loud noises. Officer Hammes is
of loud noises somewhere along the way. now working as a patrol officer and
We don’t know what caused it exactly. We is no longer a K-9 handler, but the
tried very hard to re-train him to overcome two remain together as Billy is now
that fear, but nothing was working. Much Hammes’s family pet.
like when a dog has a fear of the vet, sometimes they overcome it and
sometimes they don’t. Billy wasn’t able to overcome his fear of loud noises,
so we had to make the difficult decision to remove him from duty, which
happened in March.”
Billy was returned to McDonough K9, the company that acquired and
trained the dog. Billy and Officer Bill Hammes have developed a strong bond
as dog and handler since 2014, so McDonough K-9 gave Billy to Officer
Hammes, who is now a family pet.
McDonough K-9 has provided a new dog and training to the police
department at no charge. Taz, a Belgian Malinois, and handler Officer Brian
Sternquist are currently in training and will graduate in June. Sternquist is a 14year member of the Coon Rapids Police Department. Sternquist and Taz join
Officer Interna Kim and Ike (also in training) as members of the department’s
canine team. Both handlers and dogs will begin working in June.
A community campaign, organized by the Coon Rapids Crime Prevention
Association in 2014, helped raise money for the purchase of a dog. Several
individual donors, businesses and service organizations raised money, and
a large donation of $10,000 was received by Curt Zbikowski, who was
able to name the dog after his father, a local businessman who had a deep
appreciation for those working in law
enforcement. “Mr. Zbikowski was very
understanding of our situation and fully
supports the difficult decisions we’ve
made,” according to Chief Wise.
“We are grateful to the Coon Rapids
Crime Prevention Association, Mr.
Zbikowski and the community for donating
money to pay for this tremendous tool for
the department. Even though we are no
longer able to use the original dog, Billy,
on the police force, we look forward to
our new dog, Taz, joining the department.
McDonough K9 has been a tremendous
partner through all of this and we
appreciate being able to receive another
Taz, a Belgian Malinois, is currently
dog as an even exchange, to continue to
in training and will work with officer
have two canine teams” says Wise.
Brian Sternquist as the police
department’s newest canine team.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Police Citizens
This Summer
Each year the Coon Rapids Police Department
Academy
responds to dozens of calls about pets left in hot cars.
Sign up Now!
Have you ever wanted to go behindthe-scenes of the Coon Rapids Police
Department? Now is your chance!
Sign up for the 2016 Police Citizens
Academy. Participants will learn about
a variety of topics, view demonstrations
and take part in hands-on activities.
This class is FREE!
Wednesday evenings
September 7 - November 9
6-9:30 p.m.
Coon Rapids Police Department
Deadline to register: August 8
Sign up online! To register: visit
the City’s website at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov,
then
visit
Parks
&
Recreation, then Class
Sign ups.
This is extremely dangerous as the inside temperature
of a car can be more than 30 degrees hotter than the
outside temperature in a very short period of time!
It’s better to leave your animal at home during the
summer. Don’t take your furry friend to the store. Even
just a few minutes in a hot car can cause distress.
If you see a distressed animal in a locked car, call
911. It is against the law to leave a
dog or cat unattended in a standing
or parked car in a manner that
endangers the animal’s health or
safety.
Also remember to keep your dog
on a leash when you’re out walking
and don’t forget to pick up after
your pet!
Police K-9’s say…keep your
pets out of hot cars this
summer.
Night To Unite
WHO: Coon Rapids Residents
WHAT: Night to Unite 2016
WHEN: Tuesday, August 2, 2016
WHERE: Your Neighborhood
WHY: Night to Unite is the annual event
that brings neighbors together to get to know
each other, talk about their neighborhoods
and connect with members of the Coon
Rapids Police and Fire Departments.
2016 THEME: Building COMMUNITY One
NIGHT TO UNITE at a Time
2016 COLOR: TEAL
Registration is open now! Register
in person at the Coon Rapids Police
Department located at 11155 Robinson
Drive NW, by calling 763-767-6481, or online
at www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
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:
August 10, September 14, October 12
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.
Page 13
Fire News
Smoking Safety
The improper disposal of smoking material has
contributed to a growing number of structure fires,
resulting in property loss. Recently a Coon Rapids
apartment was seriously damaged due to a cigarette
catching the deck on fire.
Most smoking material structure fires occur at home,
and smoking materials are the leading cause of fire
deaths, which can be prevented.
Smoking Safety
• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes.
• If you smoke, smoke outside.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking
materials up high in locked cabinets out of the reach
of children.
Put It Out
• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray to put out cigarettes. Keep
the ashtray away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch,
potted plants, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or
other things that could ignite easily.
• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make
sure they are completely out. Use sand or water to
completely put out the flame.
• If you smoke on your deck, make sure you use a
metal bucket with sand or water in it. The bucket
needs to be emptied out once a week. Discarded
cigarettes have been known to start fires a day after
they were “out.” A good soaking with water before
you place them in the trash can help prevent a fire in
the garbage can.
Smoking and Medical Oxygen
• Never allow anyone to smoke where medical oxygen
is used. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite
more easily and fire to burn at a faster rate than
normal.
Be Alert
• To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you must be alert.
You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have been taking
medicine or drugs that make you drowsy or have
consumed alcohol.
• Never smoke in bed.
Facts
• The risk of dying in a home structure fire caused by
smoking materials rises with age.
• In one out of four smoking-material related fatalities,
the victim is not a smoker, but shared a space with
the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.
Page 14
Get to Know Fire Marshal Todd Williams
Fire Marshal Todd Williams grew up around the fire service. His father was a firefighter who shared the profession
with several uncles and cousins. The Williams family was recently recognized by the East Bethel Fire Department for
150 years of service in the community.
“My dad was an East Bethel firefighter, so all my life I’ve been associated with the fire department.”
Williams began his career with the East Bethel Fire Department in May of 1988. He came to Coon Rapids in 1994 as
a paid on-call firefighter, was hired full-time in 2001, and then was promoted to shift inspector before assuming the Fire
Marshal position in 2008.
What is the best part of the job?
“When you make a difference in someone’s life, whether that’s stopping and helping someone along the side of the
road, or helping a child who fell off their bike. Making a difference in people’s lives, knowing you changed an outcome
and you helped out a family, that’s really rewarding.”
What is a message you want to share with the community?
“I’m passionate about fire prevention education. It’s so important for
everyone to have working smoke detectors. They’re tools that save lives.”
What are some memorable career stories?
“Every year for the past 20 years, the firefighters dance in the elementary
schools for Fire Prevention Week. Many people probably don’t think I’m a
dancer, but it gets the kids involved and they have fun. We dance 27 times
at nine schools each year. Oh, and I’ve also delivered six babies.”
What is something people may not know about you?
“When I was four years old, I accidentally set my house on fire. I was
chasing my cat and he went into my closet. I used my Mom’s lighter to see
inside the closet and set my clothes on fire. We were out of the house for
six months.”
Tell us about your family.
“I’ve been married to my wife, Heidi, for 21 years. We have a son Cole
(12) who is very active in football, basketball and baseball.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like to go snowmobiling, four-wheeling, go to friends’ cabins and fish.”
Fireworks Safety
Be safe this Independence Day if you plan to use fireworks to celebrate.
• Examples of fireworks that are permitted include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like
snakes and party poppers.
• Explosive and aerial fireworks are prohibited for public sale, possession and use
in the State of Minnesota. Prohibited fireworks include, but are not limited to,
firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.
• Use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Only light one firework device at a time, then move away from the device
quickly. Keep clear of any device that has been ignited, but has yet to go
off.
• If a firework device has been ignited but fails to go off, stay clear of the
device for an extended period of time to prevent injury due to delayed
activation. Soak the device in water before handling it.
For more safety tips and to review a complete list of legal and illegal fireworks
visit www.fire.state.mn.us.
Fire Station
Open House Events
Saturday, October 15
10 a.m. – noon
At all 3 fire stations in Coon Rapids
Station 1 – 1460 Egret Blvd.
Station 2 – 1199 121st Ave. NW
Station 3 – 2831 113th Ave. NW
Come learn about fire prevention. See a kitchen fire
demonstration, take a station tour, learn about seat
belt safety and more fun activities!
Seniors’ Corner
Senior Skate
for Ages 55+
Get out and have some fun at the Coon Rapids Ice
Center Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
Fresh coffee will be provided. Cost is $5.00 (payable at
the door). No skating on July 20, August 3, 10. Schedule
subject to change for special events. Call 763-951-7222
for more information.
Coloring Fun
Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Live 2B Healthy
Fitness Class
Mondays, Wednesdays
& Fridays: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
FIRST SESSION 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. Most Blue
Cross Blue Shield, Health Partners and other medical
plans accepted. First session is free. Bring your insurance
card to determine if you will get a discount in the future.
Held at the Coon Rapids Senior Center.
Walking Club
Exercise, meet new friends and enjoy nature, all at
one time! Beginning Friday, June 3, the group will meet
at the Coon Rapids Senior Center at 9 a.m. and walk
approximately 1.5-3 miles (depending on the trail and
the participants). We may hike on the trails behind Coon
Rapids City Hall or take the Senior Center Bus to another
park.
Consider joining another group in the area. Feel free to
call Volunteer Leader Beverly at 763-571-7502 for more
details.
Mondays—Blaine Trailblazers
Tuesdays—Fridley Happy Hikers
Wednesdays—Columbia Heights Hikers
Thursdays—Spring Lake Park Strollers
Fridays—Coon Rapids Roamers
Adult coloring is the latest trend, providing relaxation,
healthy benefits and FUN! No need to sign up. Just
come to the Coon Rapids Senior Center. Materials will be
provided to get you started. No fee.
Outreach Service
at the Coon Rapids
Outreach Service
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 a.m. and noon, or contact
Patty at 763-783-4741.
Assistance with
Property Tax & Rent
Refunds
Thursday, July 21 • Noon—4 p.m.
Coon Rapids Senior Center
Please bring a photo I.D. and your Federal Tax
Form 1040 or records showing total household
income.
If you are a homeowner, please bring a copy of
your Real Estate Tax Statement.
If you are a renter, please bring your Certificate
of Rent Paid (CRP).
No appointments.
First come, first served.
Cards & Games
No registration needed.
Just come in and join in the fun!
Coon Rapids Senior Center
11155 Robinson Drive
BINGO: Mondays & Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.
BRIDGE: Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m.
Call 763-755-0008 or 763-421-9518
for reservation.
BUNCO: Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m.
CHESS: Mondays at 12:45 p.m.
CRIBBAGE: Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
‘500’: Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m.
HAND & FOOT CARDS: Fridays at 12:15 p.m.
PINOCHLE: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.
Collection Site
Did you know that the Coon Rapids Senior
Center collects the following items?
• Hotel samples of soap, shampoo, lotions,
toothbrushes and toothpaste go to International
Health Service of MN who sends the items to
Honduras.
• Used eye glasses go to the Lions Club and are
refurbished and distributed around the world.
• Box Tops for Education, Kemp’s milk lids,
Campbell’s Soup Labels and printer cartridges go
to Hamilton Elementary for school supplies.
• Hygiene products, batteries, and gift cards go
to Stepping Stone Emergency Housing (shelter for
homeless adults).
Page 15
Parks & Recreation
Practice at
Bunker Hills
Come to Bunker Hills and try our
newly renovated practice area...
the perfect place to test your
swing or your putting and chipping
techniques!
Bunker Hills Golf Club
12800 Bunker Prairie Drive
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
763-755-4141
www.bunkerhillsgolf.com
Kids Golf for FREE
Bunker Hills invites you to bring your children to play
golf on the Executive Course…for FREE. Our special
program allows children to golf for FREE with a paid adult,
every day of the week after 4 pm. First come, first served.
Golf is the perfect sport for all ages, so why not bring your
entire family to Bunker Hills for a great evening of fun!
golfTEC: 612-424-9251
Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse:
763-755-1234
Improve your game! Try
private lessons at golfTEC!
Call 612-424-9251 or visit
www.bunkerhillsgolf.com
Tickets On Sale NOW!
November 25 thru January 1
A holiday musical comedy and 3-course dinner for the
whole family with tickets starting at $47! Group pricing
available. Buy online or by calling 763-951-7244.
www.bunkerhillseventcenter.com
Sign up for all classes online at:
www.coonrapidsicecenter.com
Skating Stars Camp
Coon Rapids Ice Center
11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.
763-951-7222
www.coonrapidsicecenter.com
Public Skating
Have fun skating on the indoor rink!
Summer Public Skating times:
Wednesdays & Fridays
11 a.m. to 1 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
Improve your skating skills with a 4-day ice skating camp!
Includes on-ice time, dryland training, t-shirt and healthy
snack options each day.
Perfect for beginners thru free skate 4 level skaters.
July 18 - 21
8 a.m. - Noon • Fee: $149.00
Power Skating Sundays
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 1 hour in
length.
Planning a Birthday
Party?
Have the indoor ice all to yourself!
Reserve your private birthday party at the
Coon Rapids Ice Center!
2-3 p.m. • Fee: $60 for 5 sessions
3 hour Birthday Party
packages include:
Summer Skating
Lessons
Ice time (1 hour) • Skate rental
Private party room • Balloons
Plates & Utensils • Hot dogs
Pop & Chips
June 19 • July 10, 24 • August 7, 21
Fun classes for figure skaters and hockey players,
including adults. Classes take place on Monday evenings
starting June 13 through August 22 (no class July 4).
30 minute classes with 30 minutes of practice time. Several
evening class times available. Fee: $127 for 10 weeks.
Bring your own cake, ice cream
and decorations. Call 763-951-7222 or
email [email protected] to
make your reservation.
Parks & Recreation
Fall Athletic
Association
Registration
Fall registration begins soon. Check individual
association websites for more information.
Coon Rapids Athletic Association
• Football for 2nd to 8th grade
• Basketball for 2nd to 12th grade (boys and girls)
• Wrestling for 1st to 6th grade
www.craakids.com
Coon Rapids Soccer Association
Recreational and competitive soccer for all ages
(4 years and older) www.crsoccer.org
Coon Rapids Hockey Association
Hockey for Coon Rapids youth age 4 to 18
www.coonrapidshockey.com
Coon Rapids Cardinal Basketball Club
Traveling basketball for boys and girls
www.coonrapidshoops.org
Teen Open Basketball
Work on your basketball skills with friends during daily
open gym at the Health & Wellness Center on the campus
of Anoka-Ramsey Community College. This program is
for youth ages 12-18.
June 13 - July 28
(Monday-Thursday, closed on July 4)
10 a.m. - noon
Fee: $1 per day*
*One-time guardian waiver form required
Questions: Call 763-433-1289
Park Facility
Reservations
Are you interested in reserving a picnic shelter
for a summer party or using an athletic field? Call
Recreation Coordinator Ryan Gunderson at 763-7676513 or email [email protected].
Senior Tai Chi
Classes
Class 1
Come learn and practice Tai Chi! We will use the eight
Brocades to begin practice, then move to the flowing
movements of the first set of the New China Synthetic 88
form. Other movements will be practiced as time permits.
Session 1 . . Every Monday June 6 - July 18
(no class July 4)
Session 2 . . Every Monday July 25 - August 29
Time . . . . 9 a.m.
Class 2
Come learn and practice the flowing movements of Tai
Chi. We will use the Tai Chi for Health form developed by
Dr. Paul Lam of Australia as our basic form, learning the
warm-ups, form sequence and moves that he put together
for his patients and anyone else who would like to begin
learning Tai Chi. Supported by the Arthritis Foundation.
Session 1 . . Every Monday June 6 - July 18
(no class July 4)
Session 2 . . Every Monday July 25 - August 29
Time . . . . . . 10:15 a.m.
Location for all sessions: Coon Rapids Ice Center
Fee: $45
Paddleboard Yoga
SUP (stand-up paddleboard) yoga is a unique workout
where your mat is a paddleboard and your studio is the
water. Challenge yourself and have fun! Paddleboard
101 or previous SUP experience is recommended. All
equipment is provided.
June 20, July 18, August 29 • 6:30 p.m.
Classes meet at the Crooked Lake Park
public boat launch.
Fee: $25.00 per class
Sign up online at www.coonrapidsmn.gov.
Yoga in the Park
June 20, 27, July 18,
August 8, 22, 29
5 p.m.
Crooked Lake Park
13180 Crooked Lake Blvd.
Single Class Fee: $8.00
Series of Classes: $36.00
Active Kids
Association of Sport’s
AKA All Sports Camp
Choose full summer program or specific weeks
Week 1 (June13) . . . . . . . . Olympic Games &
Opening Ceremonies Week
Week 2 (June 20). . . . . . . . Diamond Sports Week
Week 3 (June 27). . . . . . . . Hockey Week
Week 4 (July 5) . . . . . . . . . Swimming Week
*shortened 4 day Week
Week 5 (July 11) . . . . . . . . Ice Sports Week
Week 6 (July 18) . . . . . . . . Lacrosse & Soccer Week
Week 7 (July 25) . . . . . . . . Archery Outdoors Week
Week 8 (August 1). . . . . . . Bikes & Blades Week
Week 9 (August 8). . . . . . . Basketball & Football Week
Week 10 (August 15). . . . . Golf Week
Week 11 (August 22). . . . . Closing Ceremonies Week
Week 12 (August 29). . . . . Extra ASC Week
AKASport Camps are a great alternative to daycare
(7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and are the most
active, social and physically engaging
program around!
Fee: $225-235 per week or $2,200
for the entire summer.
Location: C
oon Rapids Ice Center
(11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard)
For more information and easy online registration:
www.AKASPORT.org or call 651-447-2454.
“The Element”
Teen Center
(grades 6-12)
2701 Northdale Blvd. (at Riverwind Park)
Summer Hours (June 14 – August 26)
Tuesday/Thursday: 6-8 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 us for these special events:
July 1 . . . . . . .
July 15 . . . . . .
August 2 . . . .
August 5 . . . .
August 26 . . .
Independence Day Picnic
Grand Slam Field Trip
Night to Unite (5-8 p.m.)
Andover Lanes Field Trip
End of Summer Party
Join our Facebook page for the latest
updates and special announcements!
Page 17
Community Connection
Sams Earns Public Health Award
Anoka County Commute Solutions is a Transportation
Management Organization (TMO) that strives to reduce
congestion and improve air quality by encouraging you
to telework, walk, bike, carpool, vanpool, ride the bus
and/or take the train to your destination. We offer free
services to help you find alternative ways to commute!
Call 763-862-4260 for help!
The Anoka County Board of Commissioners recently recognized the extraordinary efforts of dedicated individuals
and groups who devote their time, energy, and talent to improving public health with the presentation of the 2016
Public Health Awards. Award recipients were recognized for their leadership, community health improvement,
collaboration, and advocacy.
Leah Sams (a teacher at Coon Rapids High
School) was presented with an award for
establishing a highly successful Biomedical
Sciences program in area schools. The
program gives students hands-on learning
experience with Mercy Hospital and
Medtronic, and provides them opportunities
to hear unique speakers and take field trips
related to careers in the health field. She also
aligned the program with college and career
pathways, enabling high school students to
earn college credits.
Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look presented a Public Health Award
to Leah Sams, center. At right is Coon Rapids High School Principal
Annette Ziegler, who nominated Sams for the award.
“A Walk in the
Garden”
Educational Series
The University of Minnesota Extension - Anoka County
Master Gardener Volunteer Program is sponsoring “A
Walk in the Garden” educational series of gardening
classes at the Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker
Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN.
Six classes are scheduled throughout the summer on
select Wednesday evenings in the Veteran’s Peace and
Master Gardener Demonstration Garden south of the
Activities Center from 7-8 p.m.
June 15 . . . . . Gardening with Native Plants
June 29 . . . . . Continuous Color in the Garden
July 13 . . . . . . Annuals that Attract Pollinators
July 27 . . . . . . Saving Seeds, Harvest & Preparation
August 10 . . . Growing Dahlias and Winter Care
August 31 . . . Winter Garden/Yard Care for Native
Pollinators
Classes will be taught by Extension Master Gardener
Volunteers and will include many useful gardening tips
along with University of Minnesota research-based
information.
Pre-registration is required due to space limitations.
Classes are free, but a suggested donation of five dollars
per session is welcome, which helps to cover marketing
and promotional expenses. Please call 763-755-1280 to
reserve your space. A copy of the brochure is available at
www.anokamastergardeners.org and lists complete
class descriptions.
Page 18
Journey of Healing
Therapeutic Group*
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Support and
Healing Group
for Survivors of
Domestic and
Sexual Violence
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30
Alexandra House, Blaine, MN
This weekly educational group is for adult women
who have experienced domestic or sexual violence
who wish to overcome their trauma and move
towards a place of healing and growth.
*Pre-screening for this group is required. Call the
Therapy & Support Services Program at 763-6561366 to schedule a pre-screening appointment.
Alexandra House, Blaine, MN
This weekly support group is for adult women
who have experienced domestic or sexual assault/
abuse and are ready to explore their personal healing
process and find hope. Call 763- 656-1366 to register.
For more workshops and support groups, visit
www.alexandrahouse.org or call 763-656-1366.
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Register for Preschool
It’s easy to get caught up in the summer fun, but it’s not too early (or too late) to register for preschool.
School Readiness Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness Preschool are accepting registrations for the
2016-2017 school year. 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; free tuition and/or transportation for eligible families. Call 763-506–1500 for more information
or to register.
Recycling Review
Multi-Unit Recycling Update
By Tanya Feldkamp – MN GreenCorps Member
One of my major projects for Multi-Unit Recycling has been working to improve
signage on recycling and garbage containers. Because haulers want unified
branding on their dumpsters, oftentimes garbage and recycling containers can end
up looking very similar. Sometimes the only signage differentiating the containers is
a small label full of text.
Original Recycling Signage
Original Garbage Signage
This can be problematic because it can be difficult to distinguish the difference
between the containers. The Cities of Fridley and Coon Rapids have joined forces to
address this problem by designing and installing large magnetic signs for dumpsters.
Pictures, instead of text, were emphasized in the design. The signs also conform to
the color scheme of other recycling and trash signage used around the Metro area,
in hopes that they could have widespread use.
Improved Recycling Signage
Improved Garbage Signage
At the beginning of the year, I installed the magnetic signs at three apartment
complexes in Coon Rapids: Crest Oak Apartments, Drake Apartments and Parkview
Estates. I have been tracking the amount of garbage and recycling before and after
installation. On average, recycling has increased about 8% since the signs were
installed. At two of the buildings, this has amounted to a 100 pound increase in
recycling per week. Over the course of four months, this change in signage has
resulted in an extra three tons of recycled material being collected!
Additional educational opportunities are underway to help these buildings recycle
even more and I continue to work on making the magnetic signs available to other
multi-unit buildings. If you would like to improve recycling at your multi-unit building,
please email me at [email protected].
Organics Recycling - The Basics
Organics Recycling is composting on a large scale. Plant and animal based discards, also
known as organic waste, are collected and sent to a commercial composting facility where
they are recycled into a usable product: compost!
Organic waste makes up one third of our trash. By composting food waste and
non-recyclable paper instead, a lot less material will be incinerated or buried in landfills. The
State of Minnesota has a goal of recycling or composting 75% of all waste by 2030, which
means that in addition to increasing traditional recycling, organics recycling programs will
become widespread across the state.
Acceptable Materials
The Recycling Center page on www.coonrapidsmn.gov has a comprehensive list of
acceptable/unacceptable items for organics recycling, but here is a list of the major categories:
Food Waste - All types of food and scraps are acceptable in Organics Recycling. Unlike
backyard composting, meat, dairy, and bones can be included.
Non-Recyclable Paper Products - This is mostly “food-soiled paper”- 100% paper
plates, greasy pizza boxes, napkins, coffee filters and paper towels. Paper egg cartons, wax
paper, toothpicks and tissues are also acceptable.
BPI-Certified Compostable Plastics - Food waste should be collected in compostable
plastic bags, which have been certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to
fully biodegrade at a commercial composting facility. The
Coon Rapids Recycling Center sells Blue Bag compostable
plastic bags, but if bought elsewhere, look for the BPI logo
on the packaging. There are also certified compostable
cups, utensils, and other food service items.
Organics Recycling Options
Walter’s Blue Bag Organics
Walter’s Recycling & Refuse residential customers in Coon Rapids have the option to
participate in the Blue Bag curbside organics recycling program. Collect your organic waste
in the provided compostable Blue Bags and place them in your garbage cart for curbside
pick-up. The Blue Bags will be sorted out from the trash bags later. There is an extra fee for
this service, but it includes a vented kitchen counter compost container and a year supply of
compostable Blue Bags.
Organics Recycling Drop-Off at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center
The Recycling Center has an Organics Recycling dumpster available for residents of
the city. Once you have collected your organic waste in BPI-certified plastic bags or paper
bags, you can bring it to the Recycling Center during open hours.
Dropping off the organic waste is free, but you do need to buy the
BPI-certified bags.
Free Organics Recycling Kits at the Recycling Center!
Currently, the Recycling Center is offering free Organics
Recycling Starter kits, which include a vented kitchen counter
compost bucket and a month supply of 3-gallon compostable bags
(5). Stop by the Recycling Center to pick up a starter kit and to get
more information about Organics Recycling.
*100 starter kits are available, limit one per household
Coon Rapids Recycling Center
1831 – 111th Avenue, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-767-6485
Seasonal Hours
April-September: Tuesday and Thursday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October-March: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Page 19
Events
Summer Concerts
The Coon Rapids Arts Commission and the
Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation
are proud to present the Thursday Nites LIVE!
Concert Series this summer at the Coon Rapids
Dam. Come out and enjoy an evening of FREE
entertainment featuring the following performers:
Saturday, September 17
Page 1
Summer in the City Meetings
Page 5
June 9 . . . . . T.C. Cats
Family fun for everyone! The Coon Rapids
Community Strength Foundation and the City of
Coon Rapids invite you to “Movie in the Park.”
4th of July
Community
Celebration
June 16 . . . . The Naked Cowboys
June 23 . . . . Centennial Community Band
Pet Fair
July 7 . . . . . . Holy Rocka Rollaz
Page 5
July 14 . . . . . Hitchville
7:30 p.m.
July 21 . . . . . Sam Kuusisto
Movie: Minions
Location:
July 28 . . . . . New Riverside Ramblers
Farmers
Market
August 4 . . . Gravel Roads
Page 5
August 11 . . Buddy and the Boys
Riverview Park
2420 105th Avenue
Family activities begin two hours prior to the
movie. Activities include bouncers, balloon art
and face painting. Fees apply. Concessions are
also available for purchase. Bring a blanket and
enjoy this FREE movie.
The concerts take place at 7 p.m. at the
performance pavilion, rain or shine. Bring a lawn
chair or a blanket. Anoka County Parks waives
the $5.00 parking fee for the evening. Food is
available for purchase. The Coon Rapids Dam is
located at 9750 Egret Blvd.
Night
to Unite
Page 13
Service Directory
Police and Fire: 911
City Center:
763-755-2880
Assessing:
763-767-6446
Property Maintenance:
763-767-6470
Coon Rapids Ice Center:
763-951-7222
Building Inspections:
763-767-6476
Engineering Department:
763-767-6465
Bunker Hills Golf Club:
763-755-4141
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
Public Works:
763-767-6462
Senior Services:
763-767-6473
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 26,019)
General questions:
[email protected]
Newsletter comments & information:
Stephanie Ring
Communications & Mktg Coordinator
763-767-6582
[email protected]
Page 20

Parade Information Parade and Event Parking

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