[Music] Good evening and welcome to the Rapids City Council meeting for Monday, September 15, 20125. If you could please rise and join us for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please call the role. >> Council member Griscoiaak >> here. >> Council member Butler >> here.
>> Council member Novak >> here. >> Council member Gesler >> here. >> Council member Armstrong >> here. >> Council member Carlson >> here. Mayor Cook >> here. >> Thank you. Why don't we adopt this evening's agenda? >> Motion to adopt the agenda. >> Second. >> Motion by Carlson, second by Butler to adopt the agenda. Any corrections or
discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed. And the agenda is adopted. And our very first thing is to proclaim October
domestic violence awareness month. Um we're looking to let's see here we go. Whereas the community problem of domestic violence has become a critical public health and welfare concern in Anoka County. And whereas domestic
violence is a crime, the commission of which will not be tolerated in an NOA County and perpetrators of said crime are subject to prosecution and conviction in accordance with the law. And whereas over thousands of women,
men, and children have and will continue to access assistance from Alexandra House Incorporated, a domestic violence service provider. And whereas domestic violence will be eliminated through community partnerships of concerned
individuals and organizations working together to prevent abuse while at the same time affecting social and legal change. And whereas October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And
whereas during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Anokei County organizations will inform area residents about domestic violence, its prevalence, consequences, and what we as a concerned community can do to eliminate its
existence. Now therefore, I, Jerry Cook, mayor of the city of Rapids, on behalf of the city council and citizens of our city, officially proclaim October to be domestic violence awareness month in the city of Rapids, proclaimed
this 15th day of September, 2025. Item two is to approve the minutes from the de September 2nd meeting. Mr. Mayor, >> uh, Council Member Butler, >> I move we approve the minutes of the September 2nd, 2025 meeting. >> Second. Motion by Butler and a second by
Armstrong. Is there any discussion or corrections? >> Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. >> Abstain. >> And that motion carries. One abstension. Council member Novak. Item three. There are actually five items on our consent
agenda and this is the first one of those. This is to adopt resolution 25-95 approving a gambling premises permit for Rapids Cardinal Little League at Classic Bowl 11707 Round Lake Boulevard. The city received a lawful gambling
premises permit application from the Rapids Cardinal Little League for Classic Bowl. This gambling premises location had previously been handled by the Rapids Lions Club. The Rapids Cardinal Little League currently operates at two locations. Sammy's Pizza doing business as 54 Lounge and the
Well, with this additional premises, the gambling organization will still remain in compliance with city code 5-205, which limits the number of premises permits for one organization to no more than five. State charitable gambling law requires premises permits for gambling
activities be approved or denied by the city council. So, we're looking to adopt resolution 25-95, a resolution concurring with issuance of a gambling premises permit for the Rapids Cardinal Little League at Classic
Bowl 11707 Round Lake Boulevard. Wow, that was like Sally Cell she seashells. All right, next item on our consent agenda is to approve an agreement with the Star of the North Academy. Star of the North Academy 1313
Rapids Boulevard is located adjacent to Elflin Park and for some time the school has utilized city property for recreational activities. Uh, city staff um agree joint use of public facilities for the benefit of students is in the
best interest of both parties. And as such, city staff coordinated with school leaders to memorialize a city approved use and future maintenance of the park, including city-owned property and equipment within the park and to ensure current insurance coverage is provided
to the city annually. And I'll just mention that this is um can be cancelled by either party with 30 days notice. So um so we're looking to approve the agreement with Star of the North Academy for use and maintenance of Alflyn Park.
Next item on the consent agenda is to adopt resolution 25-94 setting a hearing date for miscellaneous assessment levies 2025-2. The city council must set a public hearing as required by state statutes. And at that hearing, the city council
may refer appellants to the board of adjustment and appeals. I believe the word we're looking for there was will reference to the board of adjustment and appeals. Um the board of adjustment and appeals will then give their recommendation. The board of adjustment and appeals is
expected to conduct this hearing on November 6th and make a recommendation to the city council at the November 18th council meeting. Staff will incorporate the process in the required mailing to the property owners. These assessments include services provided to taxpayers
which in most cases involve code enforcement violations. The terms of repayment are determined by the amount being assessed and the proposed assessments are categorized by the number of years to be assessed and the interest rate recommended. So, we're looking to adopt resolution 25-94,
miscellaneous assessments, declaring the cost to be assessed, ordering preparation of the proposed assessment role, and ordering the public hearing for October 7th, 2025 on the proposed assessment role. Um,
next item on our consent agenda is to receive the schedule of electronic payments. This we do at every council meeting. They've prepared staff has prepared the attached list of electronic payments and we are receiving the schedule of electronic payments from August 28th, 2025 through September
10th, 2025. And the next item is our last item on the consent agenda and this is adopting resolution 25-101 accepting the DWI grant from the state of Minnesota. Um we've been doing this
for several years. Uh recently we were we were notified that Rapids has been approved grant funding for the position from October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 to a maximum of $150,000 for salary benefits and DWI
conference registration fees. Um, the Queen's Police Department has developed a work plan and budget approved. And the award covers a full-time sworn officer's salary and fringe benefits. The squad car operating costs, uniforms, and weapons are not covered by the grant.
Uh, so we're looking to adopt resolution 25-101 accepting the DWI grant from the state of Minnesota. And that is our consent agenda. Your >> mayor, Council Member Novak, >> move to accept the consent agenda. >> Second. Motion by Novak and a second by
Geisler. Any discussion or questions? >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Grisco, >> consent agenda item 95, setting the hearing date for the miscellaneous assessment levy. Could you repeat the date of that assessment hearing? >> Did you me or somebody else?
>> Somebody maybe did you say was it >> was it November 6th? >> November 6th, Thursday. >> That's the board of adjustment. Well, >> the board of adjustment meets that Oh, the board of adjustment and appeals is expected to conduct this hearing on November 6th. >> Gotcha. >> October 7th is the key date. That's when you have your opportunity to object.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> So, October 7th is when they would have to have their appeal in writing to the council >> or to the staff. Correct. >> All right. Uh we've got a motion and a second. Is there any other discussion?
>> Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. and the consent agenda is adopted. That moves us up to item eight. Uh consider planning case 25-9. Consider adoption of ordinances 2329 and
2330 amending city code sections 11-601 and creating city code section 11-607. And this is really adding a new lowdensity residential district to our ordinances, something called LDR3.
Does council need any more information on this? We had our introduction the last meeting and certainly discussed it at workshops. >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Butler, >> I move that we adopt ordinances 2329 and 2330 amending city code section 11-601
and creating city code section 11-607 for the LDR3 lowdensity residential zoning district and authorized summary publication. >> Second motion by Butler and a second by Gesler. Is there discussion on this >> hearing? None. All in favor signify by
saying I. >> I opposed. And that motion carries. Item nine is to consider resolution 25-96 amending the uh 2025 budget for housing programs. Uh this we just discussed at a
workshop prior to the uh council meeting. Mr. Brown, you want to just hit the highlights real quick for that or >> Yes, I I certainly can. So basically the city's housing loan programs are operated through the local housing trust
fund. In the 2020 25 budget we have budgeted $1.5 million for new loans that would be originated. Uh the fund balance in that fund exceeds three uh $3 million right now. The programs have been well
subscribed this year. We're coming up on that 1.5 million. are asking for a budget amendment for an additional $400,000. So, a total of 1.9 million. We feel like that will get us through the rest of the year. We know that these programs are popular uh among
many homeowners and and well utilized in the city and and want to make sure that uh we don't need to hit the pause button at any point. and also want to make sure that this trust fund is sustainable in in the long term so that uh city residents will have access to these
resources in the future. >> It's well it's well used by our residents. That's for sure. Um any questions of Mr. Brown on this or somebody want to move it forward? >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Gesler, >> I move that we adopt resolution 25-96
amending the 2025 budget for housing programs. >> Second. Motion by Gesler and a second by who? Butler. I >> think it was it. >> Okay. Motion by Gesler, second by Butler. Um, is there further discussion on this? >> Your honor, >> Council Member Novak,
>> I just want to mention that we did have a lot of discussion about this, not only at the workshop beforehand, but other places. And these projects, yeah, they are incredible. And it's so nice to see that utilization working to improve all of these different
sorry all these different uh procedures. >> Homes maybe. >> Yeah, thank you. He was uh making motions and I was wondering if he was trying to get my attention. Um so no, I obviously support this and I really do think that it's uh a lot of people should look into it if they haven't
already. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion? >> Mr. Mayor Council, >> could I ask um uh Matt to just explain a little bit about the funding's coming in from the current, you know, the recent sales tax housing uh fund?
>> That's That's right. Uh a majority of the fund balance in the local housing trust fund comes from well, decades ago, the city actually got special bonding authority from the state to uh issue mortgages back in the 1980s when interest rates were very high. Those
original mortgages were repaid many years ago and were really the seed money for this fund. In recent years, we've also been able to supplement that fund with the metro metro area sales tax uh housing aid that the legislature created
a couple years back. The city has also applied for and received another smaller grant from the state to supplement uh that over the next year or so as well. >> Very good. And uh the reason I wanted to ask that is because the you know these are great programs and it's really not
costing the taxpayers of Rapids anything other than the sales tax contribution at the state level. So >> yeah and it's benefiting them if they're doing work on their homes for with lower interest loans. >> Absolutely. All right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion?
Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. And that motion carries. Item 10 is to consider resolutions 25-97 and 25-99 accepting a Department of Public Safety autotheft prevention grant and amending
the 2025 general fund budget. Captain Harmon, welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, council members. Happy to be here to talk about this uh real briefly tonight. Um, the police department has applied for and received a grant for the years of 2026 and 2027
from the M Minnesota Department of Public Safety Autotheft Prevention Program. The grant will assist the police department in purchasing equipment that has not previously been budgeted for. The total grant is for $20,000, 10,000 for each year 2026 and 2027. Uh
we will use the grant to lease two Flock Flex movable AL AL sorry ALP PR cameras. Um these will be used to investigate autotheft and assist in help helping to uh recover stolen vehicles. They can be
moved to different areas of the city based on need. Um and they will supplement our current uh system of permanent cameras leased by the city currently. So >> excellent. Thank you. Any questions of Captain Harmony? Mr. >> Mayor,
>> Council Member Carlson, >> make a motion to adopt resolution 25-97, accepting the grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. And to adopt resolution 25-9, amending the 2025 general fund budget
for the lease of two ALPR cameras. >> Second. >> Motion by Carlson and a second by Armstrong. Is there discussion on this? Mr. Mayor, Council Member Carlson, >> these uh these cameras are fantastic and they've been they've been very beneficial in our city and many other
cities and it's real nice to even though it sounds like, you know, they'll be kind of temporary for now. Uh nice that we can move them around for little targeted patrol when we have some hot spots. I know they've been really beneficial with recovering stolen cars.
So, I think it's just a fantastic thing. >> All right. Um any further discussion hearing? None. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. And that motion carries. Item 11 is to consider approval of professional
services agreement for parks and recreation master plan update. Mr. Gunderson. Mr. Mayor and councel. Thank you. Uh tonight asking you to approve the council um consultant for the parks master plan update. In the packet you
saw that uh our um proposal includes um four areas that would be the base uh base structure for the proposal and then two al alternatives with Boloulevard Plaza and Alim Park. Uh we sent out to
five different consultants. We had four put in interest in the program. At that time uh we selected three to come in for formal interviews and at that time we asked them for quotes on the scope that we gave them and they were all in the same ballpark. Uh and so then at that
time we brought them all in for interviews and uh it was uh our team's decision to go with the one and uh negotiate with ISG uh and we fine-tuned down to this proposal tonight. And ISG is not who we used the last
time, correct? >> No. So in 2001, we used Brower Associates who in turn uh joined with WSB in 2012. Uh the ISG is new to us. >> Oh, okay.
All right. Anybody have any questions of Mr. Gunderson on this? >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Geyser. >> Uh Mr. question what what brought ISG to the four for staff and specifically you know considering we we tend to take inertia with previous experience um so
go not to say it's good or bad but just curious why >> yeah as a team we felt that ISG met our scope the best and understood the project from day one and uh knew what we were looking for additionally uh this time we have a little more emphasis on
the programming side of recreation which in in the last master plans was more heavy on the parks themselves and we felt that ISG had expertise strong in that area. >> Yeah. >> Any what? >> If Oh, yeah. Go ahead.
>> Follow. >> Yeah. No, no, no. >> And then, Mr. C, could you um kind of explain the the difference between what's in the base and then what's in the alternate sections of the bid bid package? >> Yeah. So, the base would be the traditional uh park and wreck master plan items, which is maintenance and
replacement. Um along with that we'll be looking at a uh GIS management dashboard uh which will allow us to better track our inventory of our entire park system. So they will go out and GIS uh the amenities in all of our parks. Uh the
5-year recreation programming plan that'll be evaluation and um critiquing of our uh what we do for programming events look at the cost recovery models. Um in that I've included um Sand Creek uh economic impact of that park as a
regional uh destination for tournaments. And then looking at our organizational structure, it'll include trails which is traditional as well as the communication engagement part which would include stakeholder support meetings, uh popup
events, that public engagement part. The two add-ons are Al Flynn and uh Boulevard Plaza. Those two parks would be contingent on um decisions going forward as far as looking at the different funding sources and if we were
looking to move forward with those two parks and then get master plans for them. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions for Mr. Gunderson? >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Butler. >> Uh Mr. Gunderson, I know that we emailed a bit and I also emailed with Mr. Sew a little bit. You know, the the
description talks about how we probably would need to adjust the 2026 budget just by a hair if we're doing this. And I just want to make sure I get my numbers right. It'd be an adjustment probably of around 16 or $17,000 when all is said is done. >> Yeah, Mayor and Council Member Butler,
that is correct. If we did the full scope of the contract that's before you tonight, it would be um 11716,000. We had budgeted 20 $50,000 in 2025. Back in May and June, we were working on
staff budget. We had put another $50,000 into 2026, not quite yet knowing what was all going to be included in the scope of services. Ultimately, the total proposal is around 116. If you back those other two alternates out, it's a little less than 80,000. So, um, that's
something if we ultimately do all the tasks and it is 116 prior to council adopting the 2026 budget, we would want to adjust that line item for consulting services to match the total value of this contract. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Any other questions for Mr. Guterson? >> Mr. Council member Geisler. >> I move that uh council approve the professional services agreement in including exhibit A outlining the scope of work and fees with ISG for completion of the parks and recreation master plan
update. >> Second >> motion by Gesler and a second by Novak. Is there further discussion on this? >> Mr. Mayor Council member Gesler. >> Uh I I would just like to emphasize my support for looking at both alternates at the same time, especially with the
other items we're thinking about. Um, I I think having a whole comprehensive plan is better, especially with those two major parks having a how they work together, how things have changed between developments between, you know, uh, 2012 and now, um, and the usage at
Boulevard compared to El Flynn and all that. So, I I would I would encourage us to consider the extension all the way out and just get it done at once. So, yep, I agree. Okay, further discussion. We have a motion and a second. All in favor
signify by saying I I opposed. And that motion carries. Item 12 is to consider resolution 25-100 amending the city's adopted 2025 fee schedule for the ICE center rates. Miss Ring, you want to cover this one?
>> Sure. Thank you, Mayor and Council. This is the time of year we come to you to ask for the city's fee schedule to be amended for the ice center. Our season kicks off September, runs through March in earnest. So we have a busy facility right now. And so we do a market study
and we are asking for rates to change a little bit as you'll see in the chart um from our prime evening and weekend rates 248 to 255. And then we have a weekday rate of $150 and these are all per hour. our outdoor
ice, our spring summer non-prime, and our non-prime outdoor rank. So, if you look at those numbers, they're basically inflationary. And with our market rate study, there are three other facilities that are about the same rate as us, two lower, and six higher. So, we like to
try to be in a a middle ground there and and find the right uh spot for us. And we think this is the right place to be. And then we did some other adjustments to our room rates. The room rates at the ice center have been quite low per hour. There are um a lot of different
amenities. There have been some upgrades to um some technology with monitors and display features, new furniture. So, we did a comprehensive look at what were we charging at the ice center compared to some of our other facilities. So, the chart in front of you shows some slight
uh changes in some of those categories or some of the categories were just a touch more to get us more u market rate where we felt we needed to be. And with that, these are the main changes that would be part of the ICE center fee schedule as we move forward into the
next season here, 2025 through 2026. >> Yeah, these all seem really reasonable. I mean, they're like $5 or $3 or $8 and Yeah. Um, council, any questions for Miss Ms. Ring? >> Mr. Mayor,
>> Council Butler, >> I move we adopt resolution number 25-100 amending the city's 2025 fee schedule and establishing the 2025 to 2026 rates for the Rapids Ice Center. >> Second. >> Motion by Butler and a second by Geisler. Is there any further discussion
on this hearing? None. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. And the motion carries. Um, and then you can just carry on with item 13. Consider approval of the 2025 2026 ICE center user contracts.
And these are basically the same things. They just reflect the new rates that we just established. Correct. >> That's exactly right. The only difference is that we're going to come back to you at another meeting for a few more of our users. We're just finishing up some fine details. But yes, these are the contracts for the Anoka Henipin
School District and the Minnesota Wild Sled hockey. they have some storage with us that they pay a fee and then of course the um high school programs use our facility and they have fees related to their ice and locker rooms. So we want to get those through and uh see if
you'll pass those tonight and then we'll be back again for the rest of our user contracts. >> Sure. Um any questions on this? Your honor, >> council Novak, >> I recommend um I should say I move that city council approve the proposed 2025
to 2026 Rapids Ice Center annual user contracts with the In Noah Hannipan Independent School District number 11 and Minnesota Wild Sled program and authorize city officials to execute accordingly. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Novak and a second
by Butler. Is there discussion on this hearing? None. All in favor signify by saying I. I opposed and the motion carries and we are up to the open mic public comment portion of the meeting. >> Yeah, there you go.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. Um I think we can move beyond that and I don't have any reports on previous open mics and we are up to other business and I'll bet I can go back to Miss Ring with the uh upcoming pet fair or would that be a Miss Lensmeer thing?
>> I would love to talk about the pet fair. mayor if you would would like me to. Um it is coming up this Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30. We want to make everyone aware it is a new location. Um so we are at the Rapids Civic Center. We have a mix of
indoor and outdoor space. The purpose for that is uh weather challenges if they happen as well as there'll be some efficiencies with supplies and setup. So we're trying this. It's also the 10th anniversary of this event. So, that's pretty pretty exciting. I think there's
a lot of new things that our team has been working on this year. We have a dog pick a toy game, crazy hair artist for kids and dogs, pup cups, face painting, pet adoption opportunities. It is very dogheavy, but you can bring your cat,
um, other critters as long as they're approved here in the city. Um, we welcome all well- behaved animals to come to the event. >> Well behaved animals. >> Well behaved, leashed, and uh we've never had a problem. We have such a
great turnout of families and their pets, and it's really, really a good time. So, let's hope for good weather. I'm hearing scattered showers. Um Ryan's part of the team, too. We're hoping it's going to be absolutely perfect. So, come on out. It's it's free. It's a great opportunity to just have some free
family fun. Yeah, it's always well attended and it's always a great event. So, except for last year when the rain, >> it was an intense weather year last year. >> Yep. >> All right. Um, any other business?
When was the uh when was Oh, I think we No, we've got another council. Do we have another council meeting yet? No, no, this is it. Um, October 5th is Kendall's 10th anniversary. Um, and since that's in a city facility in a city-owned restaurant, it seems like we should mention that.
>> Yeah, we have >> their 10th anniversary will be celebrated on a Saturday, October 5th from noon to 5:00 p.m. with music and all kinds of things going on. >> Um, council member Butler, >> Mr. Mayor, I think Saturday is the 4th. It's my dad's birthday. So
>> So they changed it just for that. I'm kidding. >> So it's Saturday. It's Saturday, October 4th. Then that's probably what all the the wincing I was was noticing. Okay. Saturday, October 4th is Kendall's. We we can't recommend two days, you know. All right. Just
>> Saturday. >> Any other business to come before council >> Mr. Council member Geyser. >> All right. And we might as well remind folks of why we're here on Monday instead of Tuesday. There's an election that's go due tomorrow. So if you haven't voted in, it looks like Miss
Lensmeer might have a comment she would like to make. Member Gesler. Yes. The special election to fill House seat 34B is tomorrow. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. for those in precincts 54 and 55, the southern portion of the city. If you have questions, give us a call in the clerk's
office and we'll help you out. >> 54 and 55. Those are the those are the two precincts. >> Those are the two precincts. Correct. >> All right. Um I saw another hand. I thought Council Member Armstrong. I I I was just going to mention I don't I know it's not a city Rapids event, but
uh Scott Romley memorial pumpkin classic car show and and uh Fall Fest is this Friday, September 19th from 5 to 8. Um Scott was a long longtime resident of of Rapids. Uh he and his wife
Elizabeth have had this event going for a number of years and uh it's a great event for your kids. all kinds of rides and slides and bouncy houses and yada yada yada and the car show as well. So, just mentioning that it's hard to
believe, but there is not a council meeting between now and the Rapids Rotary Sampler coming up Thursday, October 2nd at Bunker Hills Event Center. That is usually the event of the fall, the event of the season to attend.
And is it how how do they how would they find that on Facebook or on the web? >> Sure. Mayor and councel. Uh you can visit the Rapids Rotary Club Facebook page. There's an event page for the sampler. You can also go to Eventbrite and search for the October Rapids Rotary Sampler. Tickets are
$40. You can buy them at the door, so you don't need to buy them ahead time, but if you want to, you can buy them on Eventbrite. Uh all proceeds go to uh the Rapids High School programs to include their um youth first programming um respect retreat and their biomedical
program. So it's a really fun event. A lot of games, music, um sampling of beverages and food and good time had by all >> lots of great food and yeah, it's a great great event. >> Okay, >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Carlson >> mentioned a couple weeks ago, but one
more shout out for the Rhythm of the Rapids at Anoka Ramsey Community College on Thursday. This Thursday, September 18th, from 5 until 8:30. Uh, this is a fundraiser for the In No Ramsey uh Foundation. They provide assistance to students at Noca Ramsey Community
College. It's a fantastic event. Let me look up that their musician Martin Zeller and the Hardways. >> Yep. So wonderful event. Beautiful location. Beautiful location. Very nice event. It's their second annual. >> Wonder if he'll do I I want to drive the
Zamboni. >> He doesn't like playing that one no more. All right. Any other business to come before council this evening? >> Motion to >> second. A motion by Butler and a second by Novak to adjurnn. All in favor signify by
saying I. I. I. We are adjourned. [Music]