Coon Rapids council actions, Jan. 21: easements, pavement plans, solar contracts, MnDOT agreement among measures approved

Coon Rapids — The Coon Rapids City Council took multiple formal actions during its Jan. 21 meeting, adopting routine consent items and approving project agreements and resolutions. Below are the principal recorded actions and motions from the meeting record.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt agenda: Motion to adopt the meeting agenda (mover: Councilmember Novak; second: Councilmember Geisler). Outcome: adopted by voice vote.

- Approve minutes (Jan. 6): Motion to approve minutes (mover: Councilmember Carlson; second: Councilmember Novak). Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Consent agenda: Motion to approve the consent agenda (mover: Councilmember Geisler; second: Councilmember Armstrong). Outcome: adopted by voice vote. Consent items included acceptance of sidewalk and temporary easement agreements (including an easement for the Foley monopole tied to a water tower decommissioning), final payment to Dorco Inc. for Fire Station 3 work ($23,450 recommended final payment), schedule of electronic payments (01/01/2025–01/15/2025), acceptance of a $700 donation for a park bench in memory of Nicholas Lee Van Geest (resolution 25-27), receipt of the 2025 pay equity implementation report, and certification of satisfaction of a 2014 mortgage for Coon Rapids Andover American Little League.

- Vacate drainage and utility easements, 360 Coon Rapids Blvd. (Resolution 25-24): Motion by Councilmember Carlson; second by Councilmember Armstrong. Outcome: adopted. City staff said the easement relocation is part of the IDC automated expansion project and recommended the vacation because the easement was no longer needed for the revised site layout.

- Accept plans and solicit bids, 2025 full-depth reclamation project (Resolution 25-28 / Project 25-2): Motion by Councilmember Novak; second by Councilmember Butler. Outcome: adopted. Staff explained the project bundles seven streets in a base bid and four in an alternate; full-depth reclamation was described as a cost-effective alternative to full reconstruction for certain pavement sections and not subject to special assessments under current city policy.

- Approve contracts with Cedar Creek Energy for solar installations at Fire Station 3 and West Water Treatment Plant: Motion by Councilmember Geisler; second by Councilmember Novak. Outcome: approved by voice vote. Summary of financials presented by staff: the West Water Treatment Plant project cost about $58,500 with an expected city share of $5,850 (10%) after state and federal/inflation-reduction-act credits; the Fire Station 3 project was larger (contract figure in packet ~ $123,123; estimated city share about $14,005.58 after credits). Staff said installation was scheduled for spring–summer 2025 and that the city received state grant funding and an IRA direct-pay benefit for these projects.

- Authorize MnDOT cooperative construction agreement, Trunk Highway 10 improvements (Contract 1057316; Resolution 25-25): Motion by Councilmember Novak; second by Councilmember Butler. Outcome: approved. Council discussion noted the project will add a third lane in each direction on Highway 10 between Round Lake Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard; the city’s contribution (roughly $300,000) covers utility work within the right-of-way (conduit, stormwater upgrades, and water-main replacement) and funding was included in the 2025 budget.

Procedure and voting notes: Most votes were taken by voice after a motion and second; detailed roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting transcript for all items. When a motion included a mover and seconder, those names are recorded above; otherwise outcomes are recorded as voice approvals in the transcript.

Clarifying details and costs referenced in discussion

- Fire Station 3 final payment: $23,450 to Dorco Inc. as final payment for Project 2165 (consent agenda item).

- Full-depth reclamation: Staff said the measure is expected to extend pavement life (comparable to mill-and-overlay) and buy time (approximately 10 years) before full reconstruction is required; the project was bid in base and alternate sections to preserve bidding flexibility.

- Solar projects: Staff cited state grants and an inflation-reduction-act direct-pay mechanism that reduced the city share to about 10% of project costs; staff noted warranties differ for panels (30-year option) and inverters (standard 10-year with optional extended coverage to consider).

- MnDOT Hwy. 10: The city’s anticipated contribution (~$300,000) is budgeted in 2025 and covers utility work only; main roadway construction is federally and state funded.

The council adjourned after hearing additional reports and brief comments under other business.