Good evening and welcome to the Rapids City Council meeting for Tuesday, March 17th, 2026. 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 Griscoak 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. Uh why don't we adopt this evening's agenda? So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Gesler, second by Butler. Any discussion or corrections? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. I. Opposed. And the agenda is adopted. And we it moves us right to item one, which is always exciting and always fills our room with >> you just feel really safe, you know,
from fire or whatever, you know, from um Chief Steiner. All right, we're all here. Good evening, uh, Mayor Cook and council members. It's great honor to be here tonight to introduce our four newest officers to the
community. These four officers were all hired in 2025 and have now successfully completed their demanding field training program. They spent several months not only learning the skills and knowledge required to be a police officer, but specifically being a police officer here in the city of Rapids. You've heard
me talk numerous times about doing things the Rapids way. And that isn't just talk for us. We expect that every interaction that we have with the community members is done with our mission in mind. And that's supporting a safe community and building trust through engagement, professionalism, and
compassion. We believe all four of these officers before you today will do just that, and I'm very proud to formally welcome them to our team and to introduce them to the community. Every one of these groups that comes through are unique in some type of way. And when I read their bios
in a little bit, you'll see that they come to us with a variety of education, uh, career, and life experience, which is now as common or perhaps more common than seeing that classic officer candidate we used to see, which was high school, college, and straight to being a
police officer. And the times have certainly changed with respect to hiring in law enforcement today. To our newest officers, your non-numbered training badges have been removed. And in a few minutes, your loved ones will pin on a uniquely numbered badge. Our department doesn't recycle these badge numbers.
That badge number will be yours forever. Your badge has never been worn by anybody else, and it never will unless you allow it somehow, but we ask that you always remember the values and commitments these badges represent, and that these badges are truly entrusted to you by the citizens
of Rapids. So, please wear them proudly and with honor. With that, in order of seniority, I'll introduce our newest in blue to the community. First, to my right here, immediate right, is Corey Bares. Cory grew up in Anokco County, primarily the Ham Lake Blaine
area, and went to Spring Lake Park High School, where he graduated in 2013. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Duth, majoring in criminal or criminology and sociology. in 2017. After college, he attended the Tulsa
Police Academy and served with the Tulsa Police Department in Oklahoma from 2017 to 2022. He left uh sounds like to Colorado to pursue a business venture for a little while and then returned to Minnesota and was hired with the Cana County Sheriff's Office where he worked
from 2023 to 2025. And interestingly enough, he worked for our very own Rapids uh parks department for a few summers. Corey was hired as a police officer at the Rapids Police Department on June 23rd, 2025. And tonight, Cory's wife Tegan will be pinning badge number
213 on him. To his right, we have Officer Will Potit. He grew up in Oaklair, Wisconsin, attended Catalyst Prep High School, and graduated in 2018. He attended the University or I'm sorry, Augsburg University where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.
He went into his field uh at a children's residential treatment center for a while, but always had an interest in law enforcement, inspired by an uncle, Kevin, who served as a United States Secret Service agent. But a short time later, he decided to make a career change and pursue law enforcement, and
he entered the program at Henipin Tech and graduated in 2025. We hired him on June 23rd, 2025 as a police officer. In a short time, husband Alex will be pinning on badge 214. To his right, Officer Scott Scog. Scott
went to Silverado High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and graduated in 2008, and he moved to Rapids. In 2012, Scott joined the United States Army, and served for eight years, four of which were active in active duty status and included a deployment to Africa as a
calvaryary scout. After uh his time there, he went to Anoke Techch, became a certified automotive technician and worked in the automotive mechanic field for four years. He then went to the University of Northwestern and earned a criminal justice degree in 2025. We
hired Scott as a CSO at Rapids Police Department on June 10th, 2024, and he was promoted to police officer on September 2nd, 2025. Short time, Scott's wife, Carissa, will be pinning on badge 215. And last but not least, Officer
Maxwellinga. Uh he grew up in Wyoming, Minnesota and attended Forest Lake High School, graduating in 2017. He went to Century College for automotive technology and also became a mechanic where he worked from 2018 to
2024 in the in that industry. He went to Henipin Tech and got an associates degree in criminal justice and graduated in 2025. We hired Max as a cso here in on March 4th of 2024 and promoted him to police officer also on September 2nd,
2025. In a short moment, Max's wife, Maddie, will be pinning on badge 216 to him. To our newest officers, I want to congratulate each of you and tell you that your police department family and I will do everything we can to help you have a long, safe, and successful career
at the Rapids Police Department. I will now call uh the officers forward to receive their badge. After they're pinned, I'll ask Mayor Cook to come down and administer the oath of uh police officers out. So, first we'll have uh
Tegan come forward and Corey step out. All right. I'm going to have you raise your right hand and I'm going to hold I'll hold it. Never let go of the microphone. I learned that a long time ago. >> All right. I, Corey, it is Bares, right?
>> Yes, sir. I, Cory Bares, do solemnly swear >> I, Corey Bes, do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and discharge faithfully
>> and discharge faithfully >> the duties of a police officer >> the duties of a police officer >> for the city of Rapids >> for the city of Rapids >> in the county of Anoka >> in the county of Anoka >> and the state of Minnesota >> and the state of Minnesota >> to To the best of my judgment and ability.
>> to the best of my judgment and ability. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Next, we'll have Alex step forward. I will step forward. William Potit >> Potit. >> Potit. Yes. >> Got it. >> All right. Same thing. Raise your right
hand. I, William Potit, do solemnly swear >> I, William Potit, do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and discharge faithfully
>> and discharge faithfully >> the duties of a police officer >> the duties of a police officer >> for the city of Rapids >> for the city of Rapids >> in the county of Anoka >> in the county of Anoka >> and the state of Minnesota >> in state of Minnesota >> to the best of my judgment and ability.
>> to the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Cararissa come forward and Scott. Did you say something again? >> Long. >> Oh, long. I thought you were saying
something after school. All right. Count to three. And there we go. I, Scottsko, do solemnly swear >> I, Scottsko, do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> of the Constitution of the M state of Minnesota >> and discharge faithfully >> and discharge faithfully >> the duties of a police officer >> the duties of a police officer >> for the city of Rapids
>> for the city of Rapids >> in the county of Anoka >> in the county of Anoka >> and state of Minnesota >> and state of Minnesota >> to the best of my judge judgement and ability. >> To the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. We can have Maddie come forward. Oh,
she's already forward. She disappeared. >> That is Maxwell Winka. >> Yep. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. >> All right. On. Raise your right hand, please. I, Maxwell Wallinga, do solemnly swear
>> I, Maxwell Wolinga, do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota >> and discharge faithfully >> and discharge faithfully
>> the duties of a police officer >> the duties of a police officer >> for the city of Rapids >> for the city of Rapids >> in the county of Anoka >> in the county of Anoka >> and state of Minnesota >> and state of Minnesota. >> To the best of my judgment and ability.
>> to the best of my judgment and ability. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations, sir. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. I see they brought out all the guns tonight. We got Gizmo here, too. Huh? >> Oh,
that will conclude our event. >> Um, thanks again, mayor and council members, families, and community members for supporting these officers. I know it means a lot to them. I will sort of spare you the running joke about staying for the entire council meeting, and we'll just adjourn to the lobby for some for some congratulations and photos.
THANK YOU AGAIN. UP PRETTY QUICK. Stick around. All right, getting on with our meeting. Uh, we're looking to approve the minutes from the March 3rd meeting. >> Motion to approve the minutes from the March 3rd, 2026 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. >> I. Opposed. And that motion carries. We have seven items on our consent agenda this evening. And the first one is to set a hearing
date for miscellaneous assessments 2026-1. And we're looking to set a public hearing for April 7th, 2026. This is for the miscellaneous assessments to be certified to Woka County for collection with the 2027
taxes. At that April 7th hearing, the city council may refer appellants to the board of adjustment and appeals. Um I believe that word is we will refer them to to the board of adjustment and appeals. Um they will then give uh the board of adjustment and appeals will
then give their recommendation for consideration by the city council. Uh the board of adjustment appeals is expected to conduct a hearing on May 7th and make recommendations to the city council for the May 19th meeting and the staff will incorporate the process in the required mailing to the property
owner. So really what we're looking for by April 7th is uh written a notice that they're going to be appealing. Correct. >> So we're looking uh to adopt resolution 26-35 miscellaneous assessment declaring the
cost to be assessed ordering preparation of the proposed assessment role and ordering the public hearing for April 7th, 2026 on the proposed assessment role. The next item on our consent agenda is to approve the final payment
to Northwest Asphalt Incorporated for project 24-1 street reconstru street reconstruction. Um the uh change orders were for removal and replacement of additional hydrants and valves, additional site grading,
additional subgrade excavation, additional gravel based material management and quantity adjustments from the original bid. So, we're looking to approve the change orders and final payment to Northwest Asphalt Incorporated in the amount of 54,28459
for project 24-1 street reconstruction. Uh, next item on our consent agenda is to approve the agreement with the city of Fidley for additional criminal prosecution services. In the fall of 2017, the city entered into a joint
powers agreement with the city of Fidley effective January 1st, 2018, where the city of Rapids provides criminal prosecution services for the city of Fidley through the city attorney's office. Under this agreement, the city attorney's office acts as the city
prosecutor for Fidley and provides representation for all petty misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal proceedings and cases except for code enforcement, rental license or rental license violations. Uh the city also handles DWI forfeiteures for Fidley and
the city entered into a second contract with Fidley to continue prosecution services for an additional 5 years or until December 31st, 2027. This relationship has provided benefits and efficiencies to both cities and
recently the city staff of Fidley have asked the city and the city attorney's office to provide criminal prosecution services for code enforcement or rental license violations. After reviewing the request, city staff believes that the
service can be provided with limited impact on the city attorney's office and the cities have agreed on an annual fee of $9,000. City staff believes that the yearly compensation is fair to the city and will not result in any cost to the city of Rapids or its residents, nor
result in decreased services to the city. The agreement is for one year and the cities will review the agreement to determine if a long-term agreement would be beneficial to both cities. Uh so with this we'll be looking to approve the joint powers agreement for code enforcement/
rentalal license criminal prosecution services between the city of Fidley and the city of Rapids and authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute the agreement. Uh, the next item on our consent agenda is to approve an easement agreement. I'm
sorry, to approve easement agreements with Excel Energy for project 18-14, trunk highway 610 interchange as part of the fully funded interchange interchange project. The staff has coordinated with several partner agencies to prepare
plans and specifications for the planned improvements. And to accommodate the project's preferred layout, staff negotiated several trail and utility easements with Excel Energy and related entities to allow construction of a pedestrian underpass and trail linking
to the Rapids Dam Regional Park and the necessary relocation of city utilities. Temporary easements will provide access and the ability to disturb the land for the physical installation of the improvements with the permanent easements providing full
access to the areas for public use and maintenance. So, we're looking to approve temporary and permanent easement agreements with United Power and Land Company and with Northern States Power's Excel Energy relating to project 18-14
and authorize the mayor and city manager to execute such agreements. The next item on our consent agenda is to approve a partial release of a development agreement outlaw GP Port Riverwalk. This pertains to a very small
parcel of land adjacent to Park River Estates down in the Port Riverwalk development. In 2020, the HR sold a large development site on the south side of Kun Rapsids Boulevard. And this is just impacting this one small lot. Um,
we're looking to release the development agreement that was approved and recorded against the property because the overall development project was completed a few years ago and the development agreement is no longer in effect. So, we're looking to approve the partial release of development agreement for outlot G
Port Riverwalk. Uh, we have two items left on the consent agenda. Um, uh, to adopt resolution 26-39 and resolution 26-40, approving two gambling premises permits
for the Rapids Lions Club. The city has reviewed the lawful gambling premises permit applications from the Rapids Lions Club for Esmeralda's Mexican Restaurant, 12759 Riverdale Boulevard, sweet suite 102 and Time and Place Restaurant, 3064 Rapids
Boulevard. The Rapids Lions Club currently operates at two additional locations, Kendall's Chop House and Pizza Flame. City code allows for an approved gambling organization to hold a maximum of five premises permits. 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 26-39 and resolution 26-40, resolutions concurring with the issuance of gambling premises permits for the
Rappers Lions Club at Esmeralda's Mexican Restaurant, 12759 Riverdale Boulevard, Suite 102, and Time and Place Restaurant, 3064 Rapids Boulevard. And the seventh and final item on our
consent agenda, which is actually item nine on this evening's agenda, is to receive the schedule of electronic payments. Minnesota state statute requires a lift list of transactions made by electronic funds transfer be provided to the city council at the next
regular meeting after the transaction. Um, so we've got the an attached list of electronic payments processed since the last council meeting. So, we're looking to receive the schedule of electronic payments from February 26th, 2026
through March 11th, 2026. And that represents our full consent agenda. >> Motion to adopt the agenda. >> Motion by Carlson to adopt the agenda. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion by Carlson. Second by Butler to
adopt the consent agenda. Uh, is there any questions or discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed. And the consent agenda is approved. Um
we're up to item 10 to consider agreements for the 2026 street maintenance activities projects 26-5 and 26-7. And Mr. Mr. Hammer, this just seems a lot less confusing this year when it's
just us. >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, council. Uh, this is our first run at it alone. Um, I I see we failed to include the engineers estimates in here, so I'll fill you in on that. All All projects came in less than what we anticipated. So, under the
Reclamite project, we estimated 95,000. Uh, actually, we estimated 99. It came in at 95. Uh, crack seal was an estimate of 134. Those came in at 130. and the fog seal was estimated at 74 and they came in at 51. So kind of using the unit
prices from the big consortium we used to have uh prices maintained to kind of where we thought they were we're a big enough player that um adding additional scope really doesn't serve a big purpose for us. So uh we did have pavement markings as well like last year we only
received one bid on that. Uh everyone's favorites are lines a lot. Uh however I wasn't comfortable with the pricing that was included. So we're going to look at some other options and come back to you and rebid that here in the near future. So um with this I would recommend we award contracts for reclamite to
corrective asphalt materials uh seal coating to Pearson Brothers and um crack sealing to Allied Blacktop. All of these contractors have worked in the city and for us in the past and uh have performed well. So I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
>> All right. Any questions of Mr. Hammer? >> Mr. Mayor, >> council member Butler. >> Uh, Mr. Hammer, can you give us an estimate of when we would get an estimate for uh pavement markings? Like just a a ballpark of when we get it later in the year. >> We will be putting those out this week and we're going to give them a three-week turnaround because it really
doesn't affect the next. So, we'll be back in whatever the second meeting is in April um with with some recommendations on that project. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. Council member Carlson, >> just a comment. Boy, that's a big difference in that crack ceiling bid. $112,000 difference. It's a big
difference. It is nice to see us still getting competitive bids being on our on our own like this. And it allows us a whole lot more flexibility from how we bid it and the timelines by which we have to execute these. It just we're just going to be able to move through it quicker,
less time on our end, less less internal cost for the city and and our staff. So, um, I'm really comfortable with what we have here and I'm kind of liking the new program. >> This had to save your office so many hours of work.
>> All right, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Council member Geyser. >> Uh, I'll make a motion to that we approve the following agreements for contract services and authorize staff to execute set agreements. Uh, one, Allied Blacktock Company in the amount of $130,000 for project 26-5B, crack
sealing. Uh, number two, Pearson Brothers Incorporated in the amount of $54,900 for project 26-5C fog ceiling. And third, Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC in the amount of $94,61760
for project 26-7 Recommite Maintenance. >> Second >> motion by Gesler and a second by Armstrong. Is there discussion on this or further discussion I should ask? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I.
>> I. Opposed. And that motion carries. >> Item 12. No. Item 11. That was 10. Oh, I marked the wrong one. All right. Item 11
is to consider resolution 26-36 reallocating the 2025 general fund budget and amending the 2025 and 26 budgets. Miss Anen, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor, City Council. Uh following the close of the fiscal year
2025, staff has looked at the actual activity and compared it to our amended budget um for the general fund. Um and do doing so we are recommending a budget amendment to reallocate do a final reallocation of appropriations
um so that each activity does not exceed budget amounts in compliance with our city code. Um a net adjustments equal to zero zero are being recommended at this time. Included in the resolution is that listing as well as um items that were identified that were either not
purchased or projects had not been completed in 25 2025 that we're recommending be carried forward to 2026. Most of those items are capital in nature. So either equipment or just products that are still ongoing. Um the totals for those would be 133,965
in the general fund and then 2,595,340 in all the other funds. Um attached to the agenda item is a unodudited statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance for the general fund. Um showing favorable results
compared to budget. Um and we'll the following item talks about transfers in excess of our 45%. I'm happy to answer any questions. All right. Anybody have any questions on this? >> Your honor, >> Council Member Novak, >> Miss Hansen, uh, at the last workshop,
we spoke about how monies are often carried over from one year to the next because of various um, ex excess money in one place or another. Is this what you're referring to? >> Uh, council member um, Novak. So the carry forwards would be items that we
had included in the 2020 2025 budget that didn't either didn't get purchased or we didn't use the full amount. Um so we're asking to carry forward the amount that is unused into 2026 so that those items can be purchased or continued. Um
what we're talking about at the work session related to um excess fund balance above our 45% minimum. So typically we'll look at activity versus our budget and then anything above above our 45% we will
typically do uh transfer into a capital project fund that doesn't have a dedicated revenue source to kind of fund those as we go. So that would be they're two different things but that would be discussed in the next item. >> Understood. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions? Miss
Hansen on this? >> Mr. Mayor Council member Krisco. >> Yeah, just uh if I could get a little bit clearer clear more clarification, this is a pretty big uh chunk carry forward uh over most years. So there's 310k
uh on behalf of the fire and police, 810K in fair market gain, but you mentioned other projects that are ongoing into 2026 that are uh being moved. Could you just note which projects or which reasons
um those larger amounts are for? >> Sure. Council member Grescoliac. So included in the resolution um that 2 million 2.5 million amount. Um so I do break it down by fund. Um so the larger
of of them would be in the revolving construction fund. Um there's about 1.2 million for the ped bridge which is still ongoing. um capital equipment fund. We've got 285,000 for a dump truck. Um there's a
squad in there for 70,000. A mower for 57,600. Um those are kind of the larger ones. They are they're I can certainly go through the list if you'd like, but they are broken down by fund in the resolution.
>> All right. I I didn't see the second page in my >> Okay, I'm missing that that one. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions on this, >> Mr. Mayor? Council >> Butler. >> Uh, I move that we adopt resolution
26-36, reallocating the 2025 general fund budget and amending the 2025 and 2026 budget. >> Second. >> Motion by Butler and a second by Geisler. Is there further discussion on this hearing? None. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Opposed. And that motion carries item 12. >> Kind of sounds familiar again. Consider resolution 26-37 authorizing the transfer of funds. And this really is a different item,
isn't it, Miss Hansen? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. City Council. Yes, this is a different item. So, um looking at our actuals uh above our 45. So, I'll say the list includes um transfers that were included in the 255 budget. Um and
then addition to that would be um the amount fund balance in excess of our 45% would be I think it was 1.78 million um from the general fund. So included in the list is a million that would go towards CAP equipment fund to help pay
for the fire aerial truck that was ordered and then the rest was split between facilities construction and park improvement. Um there is a detailed description for each transfer in the agenda memo. So if there's specific questions I'd be h happy to answer them.
>> All right. Any questions of Miss Hansen on this one? >> Mr. Mayor. >> Council member Giser. Uh, Miss Hans, just to clarify, when you're saying 45%, that's our reserve minimum requirement is what you're referring to. Is that right? >> Correct. Mr. uh, Council Member Gistler, we have a minimum fund balance policy of
45% of next year's uh, budgeted expenditures and transfers. So, that would be our savings per se to get us between tax disrments. >> Thank you, >> your honor. Council member Novak. >> I uh move we adopt resolution 26-37
authorizing the transfer of funds for 2025. >> Second. >> Motion by Novak and a second by Armstrong. Is there further discussion on this? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. And that motion carries.
Item 13 is to consider resolution 26-3 sub8 accepting plans and specifications for miscellaneous trail reconstruction and authorized solicitation of bids. Mr. Hammer. >> Yes, Mr. Mayor, Council, some of you may recall we delayed on this trail uh last
year as part of the Highway 10 project. That is primarily our our main focus uh this year. It's between Northdale Boulevard and Main Street along the north side. It's just runs parallel to the to the interstate there. And so, um, it's been long overdue. We've been
waiting for the Mandot project to wrap up to get this one in process. So, plans are nearing completion and we're seeking authorization to go out for bid. Happy to answer any questions about the project. >> All right. Any questions of Mr. Hammer on this?
>> Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, youard, >> are you going to make it? Can't wait till I Oh, I got my voice. Here it comes. Here it comes. >> Council member Carlson. >> I I was choking over here. Mr. Make a motion to adopt resolution number
26-3 sub 8 approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids for the 2026 miscellaneous trail reconstruction and improvement project. >> Second. >> There's a motion by Carlson, a second by Armstrong.
>> Sure. Anything else you wanted to say say about that? >> I I actually wasn't trying to make a motion here. I was I was kind of crying out for help. >> Well, you did well. >> That's all I have to say, Mr. >> All right. Um discussion on this.
We have a motion and a second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. And that motion carries. Item 14 is to consider resolution 26-38 supporting livable communities grant
application. Mr. Brown. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh I can provide a brief summary. This uh item involves a resolution of support for a Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Grant application. Uh you might remember back
in 2024 uh a site plan was approved and a plat for a 20 unit town home project off of Exxion Street and Northale Boulevard. Uh certainly these days in an environment of higher construction costs, higher interest rates, it can be
hard for these types of projects to get off the ground. So it has not materialized yet. We've been talking with the developer though since that time. They're looking to uh reposition the project, possibly bring in some different sources of funding to uh make
it uh more viable. So, they're looking to reposition it as a project that would still be a for sale town home product uh but would be affordable to households earning up to 80% of area median income. So that would involve a sale price right
now just over $300,000 per unit, which is about 25% less than what uh a market rate town home project might sell for. Uh so they're seeking uh $600,000 for the first eight unit phase for this
project. It would be about a $33.5 million uh constru total development cost. Uh so the deadline for that application is April 15th. They hope to find out in the summer uh whether or not they are
awarded and uh if if they are awarded that will help the project proceed. >> All right. Any questions of Mr. Brown on this? >> Your honor. >> Council member Novak. >> Mr. Brown. I just want to say congratulations. I mean the work that you guys do to find these types of
grants and the monies that you're able to turn up is just shocking to me. Uh, but with that, I would like to move to approve resolution 26-38 supporting a livable communities grant application for the Rapids, pardon me, Creek Commons Project.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Motion by Novak and a second by Butler. Is there further discussion on this? And and Mr. Brown, this is any funding that they get would be coming from the Met Council, not from directly from us.
>> That's That's right. The city needs to be the applicant for this. The money comes from if if uh they are awarded, the money comes from the mech council to the city and then the city grants it back to the developer. There is no uh cost to the city associated with this particular program.
>> Okay. Taxpayers just out of the left pocket instead of the right pocket, but sure, I get it. >> Money that's already been taken. >> Yeah. All right. Is there any other questions on this? Um, and we have a motion and we have a
second, right? >> All right. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? And that motion carries. >> Um, item 15 is to consider uh purchase agreement 9xx 93rd Avenue
Northwest. Mr. Hammer. >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. Council, this is the first uh single family property as part of the 610 East River Road interchange. Uh the environmental was uh document was approved finally fully executed the beginning of last week. Offer letters
went out the following day as you may recall from some work session that tight timeline tried to be fair to property owners. And so um this one turned around very quickly. They've got a replacement home. They have a closing scheduled within the next two to three weeks. And
uh I was able to luckily Joan held the the agenda for me to get this one on for you to consider tonight. So, this is uh consistent with your direction on this following uniform relocation. The offer was um provided and accepted almost
immediately. So, um this is one family who has found a new place to go and they're moving on and and hopeful that we can get this done to get them closed here uh within the next few weeks. So, I'm happy to answer any questions about the project or about this one in particular. >> Excellent. Any questions of Mr. Hammer
on this? >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Gresco. >> We did. We talked about this one and some others in work session. So, is this purchase agreement uh just the purchase price or does this include the relocation expenses that we discussed and the other things? >> Council member Gcoak, this is solely for
the purchase of the property. Um relocation is still to be determined based upon new mortgage location, closing cost. So, um this is just the purchase price for the property. Relocation will come um at a later date.
>> Okay. I remember talking about those things and this was a one of them. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions of Mr. Hammer on this, >> Mr. Council Member Butler? >> Uh, I move that we approve the purchase agreement for the property at 93XX 93rd
Avenue Northwest. Authorize the city manager and mayor to execute the agreement and authorize staff to execute any documents necessary to close on the property. >> Second. >> Motion by Butler and a second by Gesler. Any further discussion on this hearing? None. All in favor signify by
saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. And that motion carries. And we are up to the open mic portion of the meeting. If you are here to address council for open mic. Open mic provides an opportunity for the public to address the city council on subjects that are
not part of the regular meeting agenda. The public is invited to express any concerns they may have which are relevant to the affairs, policies or practices of the city of Rapids. Remarks will be limited to three minutes. Should you wish to participate
in open mic, please approach the podium and state your name and address before addressing the council. All remarks will be made from the podium and addressed to the council as a whole. Personal tax are prohibited. Open mic is not a time for
problem solving or reacting to the comments made, but for hearing the speaker forformational purposes only. Questions from council will be for clarification only and if necessary, a staff report will be prepared for the next regular council meeting with a copy
forward to the speaker. Uh, is anybody here to address council for open mic this evening? Coming up to the agenda or up to the >> podium. State your name and address and you have three minutes.
Hello council. My name is Samantha Strereer. Stay t. I live with my husband Tony Wyn Nuen at 13685 124th circle Northwest. So I am W for precinct 1. Um so I'm bringing today two
requests for the city council. Um first I would am asking the city council to acknowledge and push back against recent EPA proposal to limit regulation on
ethylene oxide. So in 2024, the Biden administration um put forth stricter regulations regarding um ETO, which is a chemical used by a local company, Stasis. The chemical is used to sterilize medical
equipment, but it is a known carcinogen. It's been a known carcinogen since 2016. The current Trump administration has proposed removing the stricter regulations. We have in our city today a company who
just settled a lawsuit in Illinois on the harmful effects of ethylene oxide. Um I called my brother who's a PhD chemist from Marquette University and I said I'm not a chemist. Tell me about this. And he said oh yeah that causes
cancer. It it mutates the proteins in the human body. In fact, one out of the the estimates are that one um in a city of 10,000 um individual citizens, one extra you'll see one extra case of cancer as a result
of the um ethylene oxide emissions. Um currently in the Twin Cities area, there are 842,000 res residents around various sites, one of them in Rapids that uses this chemical. To be frank, I'm new to the community. I've been here a year and a half. I don't
know the history on this issue, but I just find it so disappointing. This seems bare minimum that our government protect us from, I don't know, cancer causing known cancer causing. It's not even up for debate. The science is there. Um, so my ask is that the city of C, the city of Rapids, potentially
in partnership with other cities affected, push back against the loosening of regulations on the emissions of ethyl oxide. Um, Steris again is a company >> um in Rapids who currently uses this chemical and they have settled
lawsuits in Illinois in regards to harm. Uh, they settled for $50,000 in 2025. >> And you're saying ethyl oxide? >> Yes, it's spelled ethylene, excuse me. E t h y l e n e oxide. >> Okay, that was what I wrote down and then I went, "Oh, wait. It sound like a
different Okay. >> Um, there's some great resources online, too. Um, it's really not even it's this is not a political issue. This is just pure safety. >> Um, I have other issues, but I'm guessing I'm at three minutes, so I want to be respectful of my my neighbors. Um, so I will I will leave the floor.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Hi, my name is Vanessa Height. I've been here recently. I can provide my address to the clerk. Um, thanks for giving us the opportunity to speak tonight. Um, I had big feelings the last couple times I
was here. Um, I still have big feelings. Um, but I did just want to speak a little bit about data. Um, you know, I I I also understand that there's going to be a statement, some acknowledgement that's going to happen tonight. I seen on the website. So, I'm happy for the acknowledgement. Um,
so me and some other community members attempted to try to look at like the economic impact of federal actions here in Rapids. Um, I think a lot of people have spoke to the humane or inhumane actions that have harmed people. Um, but I also want to highlight the economic impact. Um, I know myself
of six businesses that have been impacted. Um, and I'm one person. Um so I think you know we need to look at um how to support them going forward. Um while the intensity of abductions has reduced like this is going to have long-lasting effects on people
individually, families and businesses. Um and I think that um trust has been significantly damaged. An acknowledgement of the pain and harm happening in our communities from leadership was um arriving very late. Um and there's a lack of trust. So, um, moving forward as far as how we support
our businesses in this community. Um, I want to encourage leadership action, reach out to those, um, businesses, um, because, um, inviting them to come to you with concerns is not going to happen. There is no trust there. And as residents and business owners in this area, they still deserve the support.
Um, so I'm going to ask that you find a way. What is your plan for reaching out and engaging these people? Um, that's the main thing I wanted to say. Um yeah, and then I spent six hours today helping a local business pack up because they're being evicted. Um so that's what
I spent my day doing. Um lots of families and businesses have been impacted. So yes, we do need to find a way to support them and if there are monies available in the future from other, you know, federal government, if there's harm done and we have money that comes here, we need to know what businesses and criteria for who's going
to utilize that money. Um so would like to ask us to start making a plan for that kind of stuff. >> Thank you. Mayor Ka, council members and city staff. My name is Betsy Keyfer, 12772 Swallow Street for 39 years.
Well, I've spoken at this open mic on February 3rd and March 3rd. about the ICE metro surge. ICE has caused widespread fear, trauma, anxiety for my family, my friends, my neighbors
in our community. my personal story and the ones I have shared with you about others because these members of the community are afraid to share them publicly for you with whatever reason and the many other testimonies shared
over the last three meetings has not moved this council to action. So sharing even one more horrific action taken by ICE against our community members will not change your inaction or maybe unless something affects or happens to you or
one of your family members personally would initiate a change. I'm grateful to the two council members who are supportive of responding to ICE Metro Surge by providing a statement to remove ICE and are empathetic and publicly
expressed concern and care for all our community members. To the other members, your silence speaks volumes and basically is telling us you don't care about all of our communities and we are basically dismissed. Oh, I read your
letter from Matt Stenwall regarding ICE. It is a start. It's vague and needs more specific action to take. And there's three statements that especially caught my attention. Our goal is to listen respectively. Well, I've observed some of you looking
at your phone, smirking, looking down at speakers, intentionally ignoring community members, and pounding the gavvel, causing pens to fly off the table. Encourage local businesses to reach out to ICE. Well, this is worrisome because people and businesses
are fearful to reach out and be exposed. And this is example by Victor Diaz and the three other people that were kidnapped from from the business that does not want to be exposed. Council committed to civic process and reaffirm
our oaths to uphold federal and state constitution. We are still a democracy with the rule of law in place. The constitutional rights are the fundamental liberties and protections for all individuals and supreme law of the land. The silence and inaction from
this council is sending our community this message. We don't care, but our community members do care about each other and our neighbors. And we are doing actions to help with food delivery, monitoring ICE, helping with school children, rented legal assistant,
and checking on our neighbors. >> And if I have a minute, I'm going to end with a timely 5 seconds Irish blessing. May your rights be protected and your resolve remain strong as you join the resistance and fight all that's wrong.
Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. I am Ron Kdling. Um live at 355th Avenue Northwest. I've been a resident of Kunar Rapids for 41 years. um been a business owner here for uh
between Fidley and here for that same length of time and I'd like to say that I appreciate the efforts of our of our police and of our city council to keep this a safe city. Um the times that I have been fearful in my office have been
for example during the George Floyd riots when the riers came up and attacked this the northtown mall. Similarly, when we had a drug incident across the street, um, and there was a shootout, the police took care of that very rapidly. I appreciate this city. I
appreciate the things that you're doing to keep us safe. I appreciate your supporting ICE and its efforts to keep us safe in that respect. And I will yield my time. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Is anybody else here to address council
this evening for open mic? Hello, city council members and fellow uh Rapids residents. My name is Blake Msquick. I reside at 2461 103rd Lane Northwest and I've been uh a u resident of Rapids for about
seven or eight years now. And uh what I would like to say is I would just like to say thank you. Uh uh there's a lot of tough jobs out there and those tough jobs require tough people and they have to make tough decisions and uh you all
sitting here uh have that uh have that burden of being in leadership positions and you you have to make tough calls and I just want to say thank you for what you do and I want to thank our our police department uh for being uh that
uh thin blue line between us and and the criminals that are here and people quite frankly that are here to do evil things because of uh the sanctuary city in Minneapolis. And so the the uh the way
that I like to to kind of um look at these things is you can't have it both ways. Uh if you say you're a sanctuary city and you're allowing anyone and everyone to come in, well, we know what that means. We know you're going to you're inviting in trouble. And so you
can't also complain at the same time for the for the our federal uh law enforcement that is here to clean up the trouble. Uh so you either have it one way or the other. Uh and so uh I believe that is an overall good for our ICE
agents that they're here to protect us and they do a very difficult job that quite frankly um 99% of us here uh do not even qualify for. You couldn't pass the even the physical standard. And so, um, I just want to say thanks again, uh,
and, um, uh, I believe that Kun Rapids is, uh, and will be an example of what we can do, uh, as far as in a conservative sense and to keep people safe and, uh, to keep, uh, the criminals and sex traffickers and the drug traffickers out of out of the city of K
Rapids. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else to help? All right. >> Hi. Um, Cassandra Johnson, 12150 Sycamore Street Northwest. Um, this is my first time here. I apologize if I
break any rules. I'm sorry. I'm going to do my best. Um, thank you for the first couple speakers. I wholeheartedly agree. I love my community. I love the people in my community. Um, I I'm going to try to
take my emotion out of this. Um, as far as statistics, I I the people that are here are generally speaking good people and I believe that generally speaking, the
police have done a wonderful job without the help of federal agents to remove people from the streets that should not be on the loose. Okay. Generally speaking, when you're looking at statistics,
native warn um people that were born here in this country are more likely to make crime than those that were born outside of this country. So, I I'm I'm sorry. I'm going to
the the city of Rapids. Um the police, I believe, are doing a great job on their own. We do not need help, what what they call help from outside people that are damaging the community. I was
with Vanessa and a handful of other people today. Um, people are hurting, people are scared. I went to my own church about a month ago and
I was quite upset. I lost my trust in local law enforcement because there were people wearing masks. You should not need to wear a mask as a law enforcement
officer if you are doing something that you can be proud of, right? The only reason to to wear a mask that I understand it it's very bad optics. Okay, I'm I'm just gonna say
that. All right, I understand it's cold, but um it has ruined my my trust. Um it's going to take a lot for law enforcement to to gain that back because some people have have damaged
that. Um and I and like I said, I'm I'm I I care about my community and the people around me. the bad people um in this state I believe are being taken off the streets. Um there are other people >> 10 seconds.
>> So um that's time. >> I was just saying it was there was 10 seconds left. So >> Okay. Okay. Um if we want to get uh criminals and rapists off the street, we know where to go. That's what I'm saying. Okay. >> Thank you. All right.
Anybody else to address open mic? First time here ask questions. >> Pardon? >> Um, first time here. Will any questions be answered by the end? >> No. >> No. Okay. I'll just I'll just make a comment then. All right. Uh, good evening, Mayor Cooks, city council members and staff. My name is Ian Lions,
last name spelled L Y Ns, and I will uh I live at 2725 119th Avenue Northwest. >> The previous US Surgeon General, Vivicc Murthy, has previously declared the issue of loneliness as a growing epidemic. This loneliness leads to things like anxiety, depression, and
even suicide in some individuals, especially in our youth. After doing some research of my own, it seems that an effective way to combat this epidemic is through the improvement of what's called social infrastructure. That is parks, community centers, local events, among other things. What I'm trying to
say here is loneliness isolates people while good social infrastructure seems to bring them to together. Of course, as I've taken an interest in this topic, I've been thinking about my own local community here in CR Rapids. Uh I have personally met several individuals that have suffered with this kind of isolation. And it is really painful. It
is truly painful to see important people in my life hurt from this type of isolation. And right now, isolation is especially prevalent with our residents uh being scared to even leave their homes due to their due to recent circumstances with ice. Uh, I understand that the city of K Rapids is currently
working on the parks and recreation master plan which is planned to develop over the next decade or so. And I'm sure the city council has other initiatives in the work. Um, as a younger resident of CR Rapids, I just want to make sure that you have these types of issues in mind. Uh, I want to make sure that we have the issue of mental health,
loneliness, isolation in mind as we're working on these projects. So that way we can effectively tackle um, uh, this issue and we can improve the mental health of our residents. That way we can lower the rate of uh loneliness, suicide, depression, and that way we can avoid mental health stigma in our
community. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else to address council for an open mic? >> Hello, my name is Hannah Diaz. Uh 12616 University Avenue. Um, I've been coming here for three
months now and the best we could get was just another non-statement and that is extremely disappointing. Um, I do thank Butler and Gesler for being as vocal as they have been during this time because the community needs it. Um, I want to go
back and quote the mayor's Facebook response to the New York Times article because this is an aspect that I haven't seen anybody address yet. Um, you stated, "If you've not seen the article, please don't bother." And then you ended
it with, "It's not a representative of good journalism." That, Mr. Mayor and Councilman, is a really major red flag to me. Um, nobody in a position of power who makes decisions over a collective group should ever be telling that collective group to
close their eyes, cover their ears, and blindly follow what they're telling them. That's not okay. Um, moving past that, I have a very broad question of when we're all going to get on the same page. And I mean that in
like we're all players in this very large game that's being run by the wealthy and by the rich. And um the biggest difference between you and I is that you're doing their bidding and we're the collateral damage.
And um I ask that you stop co-signing systemic racism and just generally a system that's not working for the people. Um children are not safe, women are not safe, people of color are not safe, and
immigrants are not safe. Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. So my other question is who exactly are you representing and protecting? Because like I just listed, not many
people are safe here. At this point, I just really want the community to hear me to keep reading, keep researching, keep forming your own opinions. Um, and when you're ready to stop having our tax money just go into the pockets of the rich that's going to bomb people in
other countries. And let's not forget the crisis in Cuba right now as well. Um maybe we can figure out a America first plan. Um and also just a side note, HOAs are a scam and tacking one on to that new development. I remember last time we
were talking about that um the new development is already not affordable. So tacking on an HOA would be criminal. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else here for open mic this evening? >> All right, we'll close open mic. We have one more spirit.
>> Where? >> I thought you were already. >> No, she has. >> Oh, no. Okay. All right. >> Sorry about that. >> Deb Urkart, 3928 123rd Avenue Northwest. Mayor and council members. A little
nervous. Give me some grace. I've lived in Rapids for 36 years and for the majority of that time I have watched the city council meetings whether live or on a video later. I've attended some of those meetings for various reasons. It is a general joke in my family. We
watch them all the time. I just wanted to let you know that there is support for how you have handled the open mic segment of the last four now five council meetings demanding you make a performative statement denouncing ICE. ICE is a federal entity and I realized if I want
to change the federal law enforcement, I would have to contact my federal representatives to author legislation for that change. City government is not able to help me in that endeavor. You've heard that other cities have made performative statements denouncing ICE.
Let us have some perspective. There are 856 cities in Minnesota. Approximately 189 to 229 in the metro area, depending on how you define that. Only 12 to 20 have issued some sort of statement. Statewide that percentage is
1 to 2%. Within the metro area, that is 5 to 10%. Council is doing exactly what you have been elected to do. That is to perform local municipal functions not to delve into issues of federal authority. When municipal governments step outside of
what they are designed to do, such as building and maintaining roads, delivering water, trail and park upkeep, providing fire and police, etc. it inev inevitably goes ary. I do remember a time where the open mic segment of the meeting was so contentious and disrespectful that it
was not part of the te televised portion of the meeting. I know this. I've watched the meetings. Please continue to do what you do best in leading city staff to perform what they and you are here for, which is to provide the basic services I've already
mentioned. On a side note, my dad taught me that when voting for any candidate for any office, be that federal, state, local, etc., that casting that vote based on one issue will always leave you disappointed. You will never agree with
every decision that is made. You will not I have not agreed with every decision this council has made over the last 36 years. But I am proud to call Rapids my home. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Anybody else left for open
mic this evening? All right. Close that portion of the meeting. We have one official item left on the agenda and that's the city council statement on the recent open mic comments regarding federal immigration
enforcement. Uh the city council supports the following statement responding to recent open mic comments regarding federal immigration enforcement activities. The city council has heard from community members regarding the recent federal immigration enforcement activity
and related impacts. Some people have attended city council meetings to share their views and others have written emails or spoken to council members directly on these issues. We recognize people have a range of thoughts and opinions about the situation and we have
heard various perspectives on how they or people in the community have been affected. Our goal as a city council is to listen respectfully, ensure that residents can express their views peacefully and maintain an environment where the civic process is supported.
Individual council members have the right to approach issues guided by their own beliefs and principles. But as a group, we remain committed to working collaboratively with community members, local organizations, and regional partners to navigate challenges in a
thoughtful and constructive way. During meetings, the council's approach has been to listen to the public as we always have. In response, we tried to answer questions that focused on the role that our city is responsible for related to public safety and to address
logistical questions that were asked about federal immigration actions outside of our control. We have not yet taken the opportunity to publicly affirm our collective support for our residents, businesses, and the community in general during this period. With
that, the council wanted to take this time to reiterate a few of our commitments to working with all members of our community. First, public safety has always been and remains one of our highest priorities. Our police department continues to serve our
community with professionalism and dedication. Officers remain committed to everyone in our comm community and will always respond when an individual calls 911. Uh secondly, we are committed to assisting our businesses whenever
possible to help them thrive in our community. We understand that recent federal immigration enforcement activity has had an impact on some of our local businesses and we encourage them to reach out to us to share their experience and to discuss how the city may be able to help. Thirdly, we are
committed to supporting the civic process, fulfilling our duties as local government elected officials, and reaffirm our oaths to uphold the federal and state constitutions. Our community has always been strongest when we approach challenges with civility,
patience, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. The city council remains focused on supporting our community, maintaining public safety, and ensuring that our city continues to be a place where people can live, work, and participate in civic
life with open opportunities and respect. Sincerely, the Rapids City Council. This item is forformational purposes. And that is our agenda. And we are to other business. >> Mr. Mayor,
>> Council Member Butler, I >> I just want to thank folks for coming out today. I know that there's a lot of folks who came to talk about a variety of issues and similar to other open mics. I'm happy to stay afterwards. The one thing I did want to note though is we do have both an H and an EDA meeting after this. So, that's going to take us
probably 10 to 15 minutes depending on the agenda. So, uh don't be surprised that we have to do a little other business first. Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council Member Armstrong, >> I just wanted to to share a couple of couple of stories real quick. Like few
months back, I had uh shared a story about getting the opportunity to work with some uh some of the uh young ladies at our high school for with the Rocky's pumpkin patch and what a great job they did. Um I was out uh this last Friday. I
got the opportunity to visit uh Paladine uh Career and Technical High School um over off of uh Foley Boulevard. Met with principal weight and he gave me the opportunity to tour tour the school and meet some of the staff there and
students. They got a great great program going over there. Um, I met a lot of I I met met a lot of uh uh students that kind of left me scratching my head because I honestly had no idea what what they were talking about with some of the uh some of the career paths they were
doing. So, um but but that being said, I wanted to to to uh give a shout out to them. They've got a they've got a great program going over there and and uh um just wanted to again congratulate them. Um, on a secondary note, um, I don't
know how many of you have, uh, Friday garbage pickup, but this last Friday, we had some winds whipping up in >> in, uh, ward five. And, uh, I was getting ready to go to work and noticed some some garbage cans had uh, fallen
over in the the neighborhood, thankfully, not too far from my house. So, I was going to do the neighborly thing and and go stand them back up. And and uh I I noticed as I turned to come back to my house, um one of the neighbor
kids in my area had been walking to the school bus and stopped to pick up a couple garbage cans and also pick up a bunch of trash, recycling, etc., etc., put him in the proper bins and head on
down to his bus stop where he darn missed his bus. So, I I thanked him, but I I just want to continue to uh give a shout out to the the uh middle school, high school students we've got in our city. I see
over and over and over again. We've got a good generation of kids coming up that up or down the pike, whichever one. So, >> excellent. Excellent. Um, Mr. Himmer, kudos to our plowing staff. I spent Sunday afternoon or evening driving
through just little orphan streets and culde-sacs looking and I was just amazed how things were plowed out so well. And then on Monday, I had to drive down to Ramsey County and you could see the line between Anoka County and Ramsey County
on County Road 10. All of a sudden, you went, "Oh, here's the county line." Um, so I'm impressed with Rapids and I'm impressed with an Ela County and all the snow removal they did. >> Thank you, >> Council Member Nov. No, just a correlary to that one. Um,
I'm on social media a bit and on one of the Rapid sites out there, there was an anonymous person who wasn't too happy that his street had not yet been plowed. And he posted this. A couple of people responded that it was still pretty early. And then he came back, I think it was maybe four minutes later
saying, "Oh, the plow just went by." >> So, well done. >> That was that was a big event. They did a good job getting us cleared out. I'm thankful we didn't get what they got like in Zimro though and stuff. >> That would have been a different uh different storm.
>> Oh, and I'm sorry. Let me say we're still going to talk about 91. I've heard about that out too. So, sure. >> All right. Other business come before councel. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Motion by Carlson, a second by Novak to
adjurnn. Don't forget, don't go anywhere. We have two other meetings. Um, all in favor signify by saying I. I. We're adjourned.