Coon Rapids approves 75-Job Manufacturing Expansion, Senior Housing Project, and Infrastructure Upgrades in April 7 city council meeting

COON RAPIDS, MN

The Coon Rapids City Council moved through a wide-ranging agenda on April 7, 2026, approving housing and infrastructure projects, advancing a manufacturing expansion expected to add jobs, and recognizing community organizations contributing to civic life and environmental efforts.

Mayor Jerry Cook called the meeting to order shortly after 7 p.m., with council members present and the agenda adopted without changes.

The evening opened with a presentation from the Community Strength Foundation, a nonprofit that organizes and supports citywide events. Vice Chair Tiffany Fick outlined the group’s 2025 activities, including the 61st annual Snowflake Days celebration, which featured 11 events across the community. The foundation also reported strong turnout for Rocky’s Pumpkin Patch, where about 3,000 people attended and nearly 1,400 pumpkins were distributed. Its Winter Concert Series is set to conclude April 9 with a performance by Church of Cash.

The foundation reported total revenue of $121,691 for 2025, largely supported by lawful gambling proceeds and hotel tax allocations. During the meeting, the city presented a contribution of $101,264 to support the foundation’s programming.

The council then turned to environmental recognition, with Mayor Cook proclaiming April 2026 as Earth Month in Coon Rapids. The proclamation highlighted the work of the city’s Sustainability Commission, which has operated since 2009, and acknowledged local efforts to reduce waste and promote reuse. Among those recognized were the Buy Nothing Coon Rapids Facebook Group, Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, and resident Betsy Keyfer.

A series of routine items followed under the consent agenda, which the council approved in a single vote. Among them was a $20,000 service agreement with Alexandra House to continue advocacy and shelter services for individuals experiencing domestic violence. The council also approved a 29-unit single-family housing development proposed by Balfony Farms at 12301 Shannondoa Boulevard.

Additional approvals included construction of a water main loop connection near Adams Elementary School to strengthen system reliability and final payment for a recently completed water tower project. The council also authorized a joint powers agreement allowing for federal background checks for firefighter applicants, aligning local hiring practices with federal standards.

The council’s new business agenda centered on a public hearing for an expansion project by RMS Company. The proposal includes a 20,000-square-foot addition to its facility, supported by approximately $1.4 million in state and local funding. City officials said the expansion is expected to create 75 jobs, reinforcing the city’s manufacturing base and employment opportunities.

In a separate action, the council approved a $112,000 contract to repair a retaining wall at Al Flynn Park near the Burlington Northern railroad corridor. The repair addresses structural failure in the existing wall and is intended to stabilize the surrounding area for continued public use.

The council also approved plans for a new assisted living and memory care facility, identified as Sweet Senior Living, to be built at the intersection of 96th Avenue and Norway Street. The 32-unit development received approval with modified parking requirements, a step city officials said was necessary to accommodate the project’s design while expanding housing options for older residents.

One of the more consequential decisions of the evening came with the approval of the voluntary dissolution of the city’s fire relief association. The move reflects Coon Rapids’ transition to a fully staffed, full-time fire department model, replacing a structure that had historically included volunteer service components supported by a relief association.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents raised issues related to sustainability, native plantings, and local leadership. Council members also shared community updates, including recognition of the passing of David Macaulay, the husband of former Mayor Judy Johnson, and promoted upcoming initiatives such as an “Electrify Everything” workshop focused on energy use and residential electrification.

The meeting concluded with council remarks and adjournment, following a session that combined routine approvals with longer-term decisions affecting housing, infrastructure, and public safety in Coon Rapids.

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