Coon Rapids City Council Recap

🏛️ City Council Recap

Coon Rapids City Council Recap —

Four new officers sworn in, road maintenance contracts awarded, 610 interchange property purchase approved, affordable housing grant supported — and open mic fills for a fifth straight meeting on federal immigration enforcement.

📚 Past Meeting Recaps

Catch up on recent City Council meetings:

New recaps published within 48 hours of each meeting. Sign up to get them by email.

Meeting Overview

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 7:00 PM
Location: Coon Rapids City Hall, Council Chambers
Attendance: Full council present — Koch, Greskowiak, Butler, Novak, Geisler, Armstrong, Carlson
Note: Meeting opened with police officer oath ceremony

Top Items

  • 4 Officers Sworn In: Bares, Potit, Skog, Wallinga — all hired 2024–25, completing field training
  • Road Maintenance Contracts: Three contracts totaling ~$280K awarded for crack seal, fog seal, Reclamite
  • Budget Cleanup: 2025 general fund reallocation and excess fund balance transfer approved
  • Trail Reconstruction: Plans approved, bids authorized for Hwy 10 parallel trail (Northdale Blvd to Main St)
  • Affordable Housing: Resolution supporting Met Council Livable Communities grant for Creek Commons townhomes
  • 610 Interchange: First property purchase approved — 93XX 93rd Ave NW, family has replacement home
  • Open Mic (5th meeting): ICE/Operation Metro Surge, ethylene oxide/Steris, community loneliness
  • Council ICE Statement: First formal collective statement issued after five meetings of public comment
Most significant item:
The council issued its first formal collective statement on federal immigration enforcement — after five consecutive meetings of sustained public comment and significant national media attention on Mayor Koch’s New York Times remarks. The statement affirmed support for residents and businesses but stopped short of calling for ICE withdrawal.

Watch the meeting

Viewing tips: Police ceremony: 0:13–14:57. Business items: 15:52–42:45. Open mic: 42:46–1:07:35. Council ICE statement: 1:07:42–1:11:03.

Detailed Meeting Recap

👮Ceremony: Four Officers Sworn In

Police Chief Steiner introduced four officers who completed field training and were formally sworn in by Mayor Koch, with family members pinning their badges. The chief noted a shift in the typical officer profile — these four bring diverse careers before law enforcement.

  • Cory Bares (Badge 213) — Grew up in Anoka County; BA from UMN Duluth (criminology/sociology); former Tulsa PD 2017–22; Carver County Sheriff 2023–25. Hired June 23, 2025.
  • William Potit (Badge 214) — Augsburg University (psychology); worked at children’s residential treatment center; Hennepin Tech criminal justice 2025. Hired June 23, 2025.
  • Scott Skog (Badge 215) — Las Vegas native, moved to Coon Rapids 2012; US Army 8 years (cavalry scout, deployment to Africa); automotive technician 4 years; University of Northwestern criminal justice 2025. Hired as CSO June 10, 2024; promoted September 2, 2025.
  • Maxwell Wallinga (Badge 216) — Wyoming MN native; Forest Lake HS; automotive mechanic 2018–24; Hennepin Tech criminal justice 2025. Hired as CSO March 4, 2024; promoted September 2, 2025.
Note:
Two of the four officers (Skog and Wallinga) were promoted from Community Service Officer to police officer on the same date — September 2, 2025. The chief’s comments about “badge numbers never recycled” and officers being “entrusted by citizens” carry extra resonance during the current community trust conversation around law enforcement.

📋Consent Agenda — Seven Items Approved

All items approved unanimously on a motion by Carlson, seconded by Butler.

  • March 3 minutes approved
  • Miscellaneous Assessments 2026-1 (Resolution 26-35) — Public hearing set for April 7, 2026 to certify assessments to Anoka County for collection with 2027 taxes. Appeals go to Board of Adjustment & Appeals (hearing May 7), then to council May 19.
  • Final payment to Northwest Asphalt — $54,284.59 for project 24-1 street reconstruction. Change orders covered additional hydrant/valve replacements, site grading, subgrade excavation, gravel base.
  • Fridley prosecution services amendment — New $9,000/year addition to existing JPA; city attorney’s office will now also handle Fridley code enforcement/rental license criminal prosecution. No cost to Coon Rapids residents.
  • Excel Energy easements — 610 interchange (Project 18-14) — Temporary and permanent easements approved with United Power and Land Company / Northern States Power for pedestrian underpass and trail to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and utility relocations.
  • Port Riverwalk development agreement release — Partial release for Outlot G; overall development complete, agreement no longer in effect.
  • Gambling premises permits (Res. 26-39 & 26-40) — Rapids Lions Club approved for two new locations: Esmeralda’s Mexican Restaurant (12759 Riverdale Blvd) and Time and Place Restaurant (3064 Rapids Blvd). Lions now at four of five allowed locations.
  • Electronic payments schedule — Feb. 26 – Mar. 11, 2026 received per MN statute.
Accountability note on assessments hearing:
April 7 is the public hearing date for the 2026-1 miscellaneous assessments — these are costs being certified to Anoka County to appear on 2027 property tax bills. If your property received a city improvement (utility repair, curb work, etc.) you may have an assessment coming. Written notice of intent to appeal is required by April 7. Residents should check their mail and the city website for their specific assessment amount.

🛣️Item 10: 2026 Street Maintenance Contracts Awarded

✅ Approved (motion by Geisler, seconded by Armstrong) — Three contracts for Projects 26-5 and 26-7:

  • Crack sealing — Allied Blacktop Company: $130,000 (estimated $134K — came in under)
  • Fog sealing — Pearson Brothers Inc.: $54,900 (estimated $74K — came in significantly under)
  • Reclamite maintenance — Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC: $94,617.60 (estimated $99K — came in under)

Total awarded: ~$279,517 — all bids came in below engineer’s estimates.

This is the city’s first year managing these contracts independently after leaving a regional consortium. City Engineer Himmer noted the flexibility and cost savings of going solo. Pavement markings (lane striping) were not awarded — only one bid received and Himmer wasn’t comfortable with pricing; will rebid and return at the second April council meeting.

Accountability lens:
All three bids came in under estimate — a positive outcome. Councilmember Carlson flagged a notable $112K difference on crack sealing vs. estimate, which Himmer attributed to competitive bidding and the city’s new independent structure. The missing pavement markings piece is worth watching — that affects lane safety across the city and shouldn’t linger past the April 21 meeting.

💰Items 11–12: 2025 Budget Cleanup

Resolution 26-36 — 2025 General Fund Reallocation

✅ Approved (motion by Butler, seconded by Geisler) — Year-end cleanup reallocating 2025 general fund appropriations so no activity exceeds budget, per city code. Net adjustments equal zero. Key carry-forwards into 2026 include:

  • Pedestrian bridge (revolving construction fund): ~$1.2M — project ongoing
  • Dump truck (capital equipment): $285,000
  • Squad car: $70,000
  • Mower: $57,600
  • Total carry-forwards: $133,965 general fund + $2,595,340 all other funds

Resolution 26-37 — Transfer of Excess Fund Balance

✅ Approved (motion by Novak, seconded by Armstrong) — Fund balance above the city’s 45% minimum reserve transferred out. Key transfer: $1M to capital equipment fund toward the fire aerial ladder truck that was ordered. Remainder split between facilities construction and park improvement.

Context:
The fire aerial truck was a major discussion item in late 2025 — the council debated bond financing vs. reserves. Directing $1M from excess fund balance toward that purchase reduces bond borrowing need and saves interest costs. This is fiscally responsible stewardship.

🚶Item 13: Trail Reconstruction — Bids Authorized (Resolution 26-38)

✅ Approved (motion by Carlson, seconded by Armstrong) — Plans approved and advertisement for bids authorized for the 2026 Miscellaneous Trail Reconstruction project. Primary focus: the trail along the north side of Hwy 10/I-610 between Northdale Boulevard and Main Street — long overdue after being delayed during the MnDOT Hwy 10 project. Trail connects to the broader active transportation network. Bids expected back; contract award likely at a spring meeting.

🏘️Item 14: Creek Commons Affordable Housing — Grant Support (Resolution 26-38)

✅ Approved (motion by Novak, seconded by Butler) — Resolution supporting a Metropolitan Council Livable Communities grant application for Creek Commons, a 20-unit for-sale townhome project near Exxon Street and Northdale Boulevard. Originally approved as a market-rate development in 2024 but has not moved forward due to high construction costs and interest rates.

Developer is repositioning as affordable for households earning up to 80% of area median income — sale price approximately $300,000/unit, about 25% below market rate. Seeking $600,000 from Met Council for the first 8-unit phase; total development cost ~$3.5M. Grant application deadline: April 15. Award decision expected summer 2026.

Accountability note:
No city dollars at risk — grant funds flow from Met Council through the city to the developer. Councilmember Novak praised staff for finding these funding sources. One open mic speaker (Hannah Diaz) raised a fair point: the development also carries an HOA, which effectively adds to the cost burden for buyers — worth tracking to ensure the “affordable” designation remains meaningful in practice.

🏠Item 15: 610 Interchange — First Property Purchase Approved

✅ Approved (motion by Butler, seconded by Geisler) — Purchase agreement approved for a single-family home at 93XX 93rd Avenue Northwest — the first residential acquisition as part of the Highway 610 East River Road interchange project.

The environmental document for the project was fully executed the week prior. Offer letters went out the following day. This family responded immediately, has a replacement home, and closing is expected within 2–3 weeks. Relocation expenses (separate from purchase price) will be addressed later per Uniform Relocation Act requirements.

Context:
The 610 interchange project has been years in the making. Easements with Excel Energy were also approved in tonight’s consent agenda. This is a major infrastructure project that will eventually affect multiple residential properties — residents in the project corridor should expect offer letters if they haven’t already received one. The city is required to follow the federal Uniform Relocation Act, which provides protections and compensation for displaced residents.

🎤Open Mic — Fifth Consecutive Meeting of Public Comment

Seven speakers addressed the council. Topics: ICE/Operation Metro Surge (majority), ethylene oxide/Steris, and community loneliness/social infrastructure. No council responses given during open mic (per rules). Council statement followed immediately after.

Speaker Summary

Samantha Strereer 13685 124th Circle NW New topic: ETO

Raised two issues. First: requested the council push back against the Trump administration’s proposal to loosen EPA regulations on ethylene oxide (ETO) emissions — specifically flagging Steris Inc. at 380 90th Ave NW, Coon Rapids as a local facility using the carcinogen. Noted Steris settled an Illinois lawsuit for $48M in 2025 related to cancer claims. Called ETO a “known carcinogen since 2016” and said this is “not a political issue — just pure safety.” Had a second issue but yielded time at three minutes.

Vanessa Hyatt Address provided to clerk ICE — economic impact

Returned from prior meetings. Focused on economic impact of ICE enforcement — personally knows six affected businesses. Noted she spent the day helping a local business pack up due to eviction. Called on leadership to proactively reach out to impacted businesses rather than waiting for them to come forward. Flagged significant trust gap. Asked council to develop a plan for distributing any future federal harm relief funds.

Betsy Keyfer 12772 Swallow Street (39-year resident) ICE — council inaction

Returned from Feb. 3 and Mar. 3 meetings. Thanked Butler and Geisler by name as the two council members who have been most vocal. Criticized the mayor for his Facebook response to the NYT article, in which he told followers “don’t bother” reading it. Observed council members looking at phones and smirking during prior testimony. Quoted from the city manager’s March 3 letter and found it “vague.” Ended with an Irish blessing urging resistance.

Ron Kidling 355th Ave NW (41-year resident) ICE — supportive

Business owner in Coon Rapids and Fridley. Expressed appreciation for the police department and council. Cited the George Floyd riots and Northtown Mall as his own experiences of fear. Said he “appreciates your supporting ICE and its efforts to keep us safe.”

Blake Miskwick 2461 103rd Lane NW (7–8 year resident) ICE — supportive

Thanked the council and police for “tough decisions.” Called Coon Rapids an example of “conservative” leadership. Argued that Minneapolis’s sanctuary city status invited crime to the metro, and that ICE agents are there to “clean up the trouble.” Said Coon Rapids “will be an example of what we can do to keep criminals, sex traffickers, and drug traffickers out.”

Cassandra Johnson 12150 Sycamore Street NW ICE — first time speaker

First-time speaker. Stated native-born Americans statistically commit more crime than immigrants. Helped Vanessa and others assist a displaced business during the day. Said she lost trust in law enforcement when she saw officers wearing masks — “you should not need to wear a mask as a law enforcement officer if you are doing something you can be proud of.” Asserted local police are “doing a great job on their own” without federal help.

Ian Lions 2725 119th Ave NW Social infrastructure / loneliness

Referenced former US Surgeon General’s loneliness epidemic declaration. Connected the issue directly to current ICE situation — noted residents are afraid to leave their homes, compounding isolation. Asked council to incorporate mental health, loneliness, and social infrastructure into the Parks and Recreation Master Plan currently in development. “Loneliness isolates people while good social infrastructure brings them together.”

Hannah Diaz 12616 University Avenue ICE — fourth meeting appearance

Returning speaker. Thanked Butler and Geisler specifically. Directly quoted Mayor Koch’s Facebook post about the New York Times article — in which Koch wrote “If you’ve not seen the article, please don’t bother” and called it “not representative of good journalism.” Called this a “major red flag” — “nobody in a position of power should be telling the collective group to close their eyes, cover their ears, and blindly follow.” Also noted the Creek Commons affordable housing development carries an HOA which adds cost burden.

Deb Urkart 3928 123rd Ave NW (36-year resident) ICE — supportive of council’s handling

Long-time council meeting watcher. Defended council’s approach — noted only 12–20 of ~856 Minnesota cities have issued ICE statements (1–2% statewide; 5–10% in metro). Said ICE is a federal entity and that contacting federal representatives is the appropriate avenue for changing federal law. Recalled a period when open mic was so contentious it was removed from the televised portion of meetings. Encouraged council to continue focusing on core municipal services. Her dad’s rule: “never vote on one issue.”

📜Council ICE Statement — First Formal Collective Response

Following open mic, Mayor Koch read a formal statement on behalf of the full city council — the first collective written statement after five meetings of sustained public comment. The statement was listed as a formal agenda item.

Key elements of the statement (paraphrased):
  • Council has heard from community members via open mic, emails, and direct conversation — acknowledges a range of views
  • Goal as a council: listen respectfully, ensure peaceful expression, maintain civic process
  • Individual members may be guided by their own beliefs — but the group commits to collaborative engagement
  • Public safety remains highest priority — Coon Rapids Police serve all community members and will respond to all 911 calls
  • Businesses acknowledged — “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”
  • Oaths reaffirmed — Committed to upholding federal and state constitutions
  • Closes: “The 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.”

The statement was listed as informational purposes only — no vote taken.

ABAH PAC Accountability Lens — The Statement:
After five meetings of community pressure, the council issued something in writing — that’s progress. The business outreach language is the most actionable line in the statement and the most important to follow up on. However: the statement does not acknowledge the mayor’s NYT remarks or his Facebook response; it does not address the 15–20 verified ICE incidents staff confirmed at the March 3 meeting; and it contains no specific action commitments beyond “reach out to us.” Whether this statement changes anything in practice will depend entirely on what the city does next. Residents should hold them to the business outreach language specifically — it’s the only concrete ask in the document.

💬Other Business

  • Councilmember Butler — Thanked speakers; reminded attendees that Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and Economic Development Authority (EDA) meetings would follow immediately.
  • Councilmember Armstrong — Shoutout to Paladine Career and Technical High School (off Foley Blvd); toured the facility, met principal and students, praised the program. Also called out a middle school student who missed his bus because he stopped to clean up wind-blown garbage cans in the neighborhood. Praised DPW snow removal — noted the visible difference at the Anoka/Ramsey County line on County Road 10.
  • Councilmember Novak — Corroborated the snow plow praise with a social media anecdote: anonymous resident complained about unplowed street, then came back 4 minutes later saying “plow just went by.”

What to Watch Next

1. Business Outreach — Will the Council Follow Through?

  • The council statement explicitly invited impacted businesses to reach out. Watch whether staff follows up proactively vs. passively waiting
  • Your action: If you own or patronize businesses affected by ICE enforcement, document the impact and bring it to the April 7 meeting

2. Pavement Markings Contract — April 21

  • City went back out to bid after only one submission. Expect contract award at the second April council meeting

3. Miscellaneous Assessments Hearing — April 7

  • Public hearing on 2026-1 assessments to be certified to Anoka County for 2027 taxes
  • Your action: Check your mail for assessment notice. Written intent to appeal must be submitted before April 7

4. 610 Interchange — More Property Purchases Coming

  • First acquisition complete. More residential properties in the corridor will receive offer letters as the project progresses
  • Your action: If you live in the 610 project area and haven’t received a letter, contact the Engineering Department

5. Ethylene Oxide / Steris — Worth Monitoring

  • Steris at 380 90th Ave NW uses ETO to sterilize medical devices. The Trump administration suspended EPA’s 2024 stricter ETO rules for up to two years in July 2025. Steris settled $48.15M in Illinois ETO cancer claims (2025)
  • This is not a political issue — it is a straightforward public health monitoring question
  • Your action: Residents within a mile of the facility may want to review the EPA’s ETO facility data at epa.gov and monitor whether the council responds to the open mic request

6. Creek Commons Grant — Award Expected Summer 2026

  • Application deadline April 15. Met Council award expected by summer. Watch for whether this development actually breaks ground

7. Trail Reconstruction — Bids Coming Back

  • Hwy 10 parallel trail (Northdale Blvd to Main St) going out to bid. Contract award likely at a spring meeting

ABAH PAC Accountability Lens

✅ What Worked:

  • All road contracts came in under estimate — Going independent from the regional consortium paid off. Competitive bidding produced real savings on all three projects
  • 610 property acquisition moved fast — Family found replacement housing quickly, city moved the item onto agenda same week. Process working as it should
  • Council issued a formal written statement — After five meetings, something is now on the record. Slow, but it happened
  • Fiscal housekeeping done right — Budget reallocation and fund transfers show a city with healthy reserves and orderly year-end processes
  • Diverse officers sworn in — The class of four brings military, social work, and multi-career backgrounds. The chief’s emphasis on “doing things the Rapids way” with “engagement, professionalism, and compassion” is worth holding him to

⚠️ Accountability Gaps:

The ICE Statement Lacks Action Items

The statement is a start — but it is carefully worded to avoid any policy commitment. It does not address the mayor’s NYT quotes. It does not name the 15–20 verified incidents. “We encourage businesses to reach out” is not a plan — it’s an invitation. Residents should push for a follow-up report at the April 7 or April 21 meeting documenting what outreach actually occurred.

Pavement Markings Gap

The city went solo on road contracts this year. Crack seal, fog seal, and Reclamite all came in under budget — but lane striping had to be rebid. One bid is a red flag for a market that should be competitive. Worth watching whether the April rebid produces better results or whether the city’s independent approach has a coverage gap here.

Ethylene Oxide — No Council Response

A resident brought a legitimate, documented local environmental health concern to open mic — a Coon Rapids business that uses a known carcinogen, with a $48M Illinois cancer settlement, at a time when federal protections are being rolled back. Open mic rules prohibit council response, but nothing stops the council from directing staff to review the issue. If no follow-up happens, that’s a choice.

HOA on “Affordable” Housing

Creek Commons is being positioned as affordable at $300K/unit for households at 80% AMI. Adding an HOA fee on top of that reduces affordability in practice. The council approved the grant resolution without discussing this. The city should ask the developer what the projected HOA fee will be before the grant application goes in on April 15.

💡 What Residents Should Demand:

  1. Follow-up report on ICE business outreach — How many businesses were contacted? What assistance is being offered? Present at April 21 meeting
  2. ETO review by city staff — Request a report on Steris’s current ETO permit status, emission levels, and whether the city has communicated with residents in proximity
  3. HOA disclosure for Creek Commons — Require the developer to disclose projected HOA fees before the city submits the Livable Communities grant application
  4. Mayor’s written NYT statement — The Facebook post is public record. The council should acknowledge what was said and clarify whether it reflects official city position

🗳️ 2026 Election Watch — Coon Rapids

The November 3, 2026 general election will include Coon Rapids City Council seats for Ward 3, Ward 5, and Mayor. Terms begin January 1, 2027.

Candidate filing opens May 19, 2026 and closes June 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the City Clerk’s Office. Fee: $10. The decisions made at every council meeting between now and November are part of the record voters will evaluate.

Official Documents

Short minutes are posted by the city within 48 hours of the meeting. Full minutes approved at the next regular meeting.

Get Plain-English Recaps Delivered

We review every City Council and School Board meeting so you don’t have to watch 90-minute videos.

Prepared and paid for by Accountability Begins at Home PAC, Minnesota.
Contributions are not tax-deductible. accountabilityathomepac.org

Frequently Asked Questions — March 17, 2026 Coon Rapids City Council

What happened at the Coon Rapids City Council meeting on March 17, 2026?

Four new police officers were sworn in (Bares, Potit, Skog, Wallinga). The council approved $279,517 in road maintenance contracts, the first 610 interchange property purchase, Creek Commons affordable housing grant support, and 2025 budget cleanup — and issued its first formal collective statement on ICE/Operation Metro Surge after five consecutive open mic sessions.

Did the Coon Rapids City Council issue a statement on ICE and Operation Metro Surge?

Yes — the first formal collective statement was issued March 17, 2026. It affirmed police will respond to all 911 calls, acknowledged business impacts, and invited affected businesses to reach out. It did not call for ICE withdrawal and was presented as informational only with no vote taken.

What road maintenance contracts did Coon Rapids approve on March 17, 2026?

Three contracts totaling ~$279,517: crack sealing $130,000 (Allied Blacktop), fog sealing $54,900 (Pearson Brothers), Reclamite maintenance $94,617.60 (Corrective Asphalt Materials). All came in under estimate. Pavement markings were not awarded — rebid expected at the April 21 meeting.

What is the Creek Commons affordable housing project in Coon Rapids?

A proposed 20-unit for-sale townhome development near Exxon Street and Northdale Boulevard. Repositioned as affordable for households at 80% area median income, targeting ~$300,000/unit. The council supported a $600,000 Met Council Livable Communities grant application on March 17. Grant deadline: April 15, 2026.

When are the 2026 Coon Rapids City Council elections?

November 3, 2026. Seats: Ward 3, Ward 5, and Mayor. Candidate filing opens May 19 and closes June 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the City Clerk’s Office. Filing fee: $10.

Is there an ethylene oxide concern near Coon Rapids?

Steris Inc. at 380 90th Ave NW, Coon Rapids uses ethylene oxide (ETO) — a known carcinogen — to sterilize medical devices. The Trump administration suspended stricter EPA ETO rules for up to two years in 2025. Steris settled $48.15M in Illinois cancer claims in 2025. A resident raised the issue at the March 17 open mic and asked the council to push back against the loosening of federal emission regulations.

Sources