Coon Rapids Commissions
Coon Rapids Advisory Commissions Citizen participation in community affairs is vital to the progress of the City. The City Council appoints citizens who serve voluntarily on advisory boards and commissions in the City. Council has established many different advisory commissions and ad hoc committees which meet on a regular basis to address important issues to our community. A staff liaison is assigned to each commission to assist with agenda preparation, researching issues and coordination of programs or projects. Interested persons may volunteer by downloading a commission application from this website or by phoning the City Manager’s office at 763-767-6493 for an application. If you have a specific concern, contact the staff liaison at 763-755-2880.
Arts Commission
Promotes local cultural productions and talents, including band concerts and art shows, and identifies and heightens community awareness of cultural needs in the community. The Commission coordinates community resources and encourages participation in cultural activities. Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:45 p.m. The staff liaison to the Arts Commission is Kris Linquist.
2011 Holiday Lights Contest Winners:
Motion:
1. 11700 Norway St.
2. 11570 Foley Blvd. NW
Still:
1.11360 Crooked Lake Blvd
2. 11521 Olive St.
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
Conducts hearings to consider variances of the building or zoning ordinances and considers appeals from the decisions made by the Building Official or Zoning Administrator. Meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The staff liaison for this Commission is Cheryl Bennett.
Civil Service Commission
Has jurisdiction over the employment, promotion, discharge, and suspension of all Police and Fire personnel. The staff liaison for this Commission is Joyce Hottinger.
Charter Commission
Exists for the purpose of advising the City Council regarding the City Charter, the fundamental governing power of the City. The Commission consists of 15 members appointed by the Chief Judge of the Tenth Judicial District. Voters in the City of Coon Rapids approved adoption of Home Rule Charter in June of 1959 allowing the Village to become a City as a municipal corporation. The Charter is the written instrument which creates and defines powers, rights and privileges for the City. The Charter Commission recommends amendments and additions to the Charter, with final approval by the City Council. The Commission meets on call as needed to review the Charter. The staff liaison to the Charter Commission is Stoney Hiljus.
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission acts as an advisory board to the City Council in matters relating to the preservation of buildings and lands which possess historical significance and recommends to the Council means of recognizing and recording historical events. The Historical Commission meets the third Thursday of the month (January through October) at 7:30 p.m. The staff liaison to the Historical Commission is Ned Storla.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Prepares and maintains a comprehensive plan for the development of parks and recreation within the City, makes recommendations to the City Council, and insures cooperation in park and recreational developments between various levels of government. Meets quarterly at the Public Works building. This Commission does not meet in December. The staff liaisons for the Parks and Recreation Commission is Gregg Engle and Ryan Gunderson.
Planning Commission
Prepares and maintains the City’s Comprehensive Development Plan, conducts hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council on proposed changes affecting land uses within the City, and considers site plan reviews and special use permits. Meets the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The staff liaison for the Planning Commission is Marc Nevinski.
Safety Commission
Responsible for developing a Community Safety Action Plan to deal with public safety in an attempt to prevent accidents. Meets the second Thursday of the Month at 7:15 p.m. The staff liaisons for the Safety Commission are John Piper and Brad Wise.
Sustainability (Green) Commission
In response to the ever–increasing level of interest and importance in addressing the issue of sustainability in communities, the City Council recently adopted an ordinance that provides for an ongoing, standing Sustainability or “Green” Commission. The Commission will be comprised of three business representatives, three residents, and three at-large representatives serving three-year revolving terms. The Commission will provide specific focus on residential and business sustainability practices and other viable ways for Coon Rapids to become a more sustainable community. Business and neighborhood subcommittees will also be formed to study best practices for their areas.
Due to the emerging nature of this topic, it is expected the Commission’s role will evolve and grow in advancing the Council’s sustainability goals for the community. Meeting dates and times will be established, but will likely be on a regular, monthly basis at a day and time to be determined.