Andover Coon Rapids 2011-2012 : Page 40

Coon rApids 2011 City Budget The City’s Budget The City Council has final authority for adopting the Annual Budget and establishing the property tax levy. The Budget is a reflection of the City’s plan, policies, procedures and objectives regarding the programs and services provided by the City. SPECIAL DISTRICTS 4% COON RAPIDS 28% ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOLS 38% The total City-wide expenditure budget for 2011 is $52,517,872 with $24,597,962 budgeted for the General Fund. The General Fund budget is apportioned to departments shown on the 2011 Expenditure Chart below. City services are provided by a staff of 227 regular employees augmented by many part-time and seasonal employees. Operating a city the size of Coon Rapids 2011 General Fund Expenditure is a big business that demands substantial ANOKA COUNTY resources to provide the services that 30% the citizens require. The Council has GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES 13.88% 2.26% a commitment to maintain the highest The Anoka County percentage includes COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT level of service with the property tax rate Regional Rail Authority and county-wide 6.79% radio lines. increase held to a minimum. MAINTENANCE SERVICES 25.62% Each real estate tax dollar collected is The real estate tax is one of the chief apportioned to several government units sources of revenue for the City. In as shown to the right. The City of Coon addition to the real estate tax, revenues CONTINGENCY Rapids receives 27% of each dollar you are generated by state aids, licenses, PUBLIC SAFETY 1.22% 50.23% pay in property taxes on a home with a permit and service fees, interest earnings, court fines, etc. taxable value of $145,000. COON RAPIDS CITY DEPARTMENTS City Attorney’s Office City Attorney’s Office .................................... 763-767-6495 The City Attorney’s Office is the City’s legal representative. Staff attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to the City Council, advisory boards and commissions, and members of the City staff. The City Attorney’s representation is limited to the City government and the office cannot provide legal advice to private citizens except for general information regarding City ordinances and other regulations. The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for drafting or reviewing all City ordinances, resolutions, agreements, contracts, and other documents. The office also represents the City in civil lawsuits, either as chief counsel or in association with other attorneys engaged by the City or the City’s insurer to represent the City in certain cases. The office is further responsible for prosecuting petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor offenses committed in the City. City Clerk City Clerk’s Department ................................ 763-767-6432 The City Clerk’s Department processes Code required licenses including liquor and tobacco establishments, peddlers and transient merchants, pawnshops, massage therapists, and dogs. The preparation and distribution of the city-wide newsletter and city/ward maps is another function of this department. The City Clerk is responsible for the proper storage and destruction of official records as dictated by the Records Retention Schedule. Administration of the election process for 22 local precincts is also handled by the City Clerk’s office. Cable TV Cable TV Office ............................................. 763-767-6525 Website ............................................... www.ctnstudios.com The City Center complex has cable television production facilities for cablecasting various community programs. Channel 14 has a schedule of various upcoming community events. Channel 15 carries the City’s community programming. Some of the programs found on this channel include a weekly news program, a weekly sports highlight program, athletic competitions from Coon Rapids schools, plus other community related programs. Channel 16 is the Government Channel with coverage of the City Council and Planning Commission meetings, City Council Comments, City Connections and other government related programs. Channel 19 offers a variety of community programming from other local access centers as well as other professionally produced programs. City Manager City Manager ................................................. 763-767-6493 The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City, appointed by the City Council for an indefinite period of time. The City Manager controls and directs the administration of the City’s affairs, keeps the Council fully advised on the financial condition of the City, oversees all departments and divisions, and recommends to the Council adoption of such measures deemed necessary for the welfare of the citizens and for efficient administration of all City affairs. Senior Services Senior Services ............................................... 763-767-6473 Coon Rapids Senior Services is located in the Civic Center at 11155 Robinson Drive. It is their mission to provide services, activities and information, and referral to older adults, their families and caregivers in a cost effective manner that will recognize the unique needs of older adults. Programs include senior dining, transportation, social, recreational, educational, 40 2011-2012 Official Andover/Coon Rapids Community Resource & Residents’ Guide ™

Coon Rapids City Budget

The City’s Budget The City Council has final authority for adopting the Annual Budget and establishing the property tax levy. The Budget is a reflection of the City’s plan, policies, procedures and objectives regarding the programs and services provided by the City. Operating a city the size of Coon Rapids is a big business that demands substantial resources to provide the services that the citizens require. The Council has a commitment to maintain the highest level of service with the property tax rate increase held to a minimum. Each real estate tax dollar collected is apportioned to several government units as shown to the right. The City of Coon Rapids receives 27% of each dollar you pay in property taxes on a home with a taxable value of $145,000. The Anoka County percentage includes Regional Rail Authority and county-wide radio lines. The real estate tax is one of the chief sources of revenue for the City. In addition to the real estate tax, revenues are generated by state aids, licenses, permit and service fees, interest earnings, court fines, etc. The total City-wide expenditure budget for 2011 is $52,517,872 with $24,597,962 budgeted for the General Fund. The General Fund budget is apportioned to departments shown on the 2011 Expenditure Chart below. City services are provided by a staff of 227 regular employees augmented by many part-time and seasonal employees.

Coon Rapids City Departments

City Attorney’s Office City Attorney’s Office ....................................763-767-6495 The City Attorney’s Office is the City’s legal representative. Staff attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to the City Council, advisory boards and commissions, and members of the City staff. The City Attorney’s representation is limited to the City government and the office cannot provide legal advice to private citizens except for general information regarding City ordinances and other regulations. The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for drafting or reviewing all City ordinances, resolutions, agreements, contracts, and other documents. The office also represents the City in civil lawsuits, either as chief counsel or in association with other attorneys engaged by the City or the City’s insurer to represent the City in certain cases. The office is further responsible for prosecuting petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor offenses committed in the City. City Clerk City Clerk’s Department ................................763-767-6432 The City Clerk’s Department processes Code required licenses including liquor and tobacco establishments, peddlers and transient merchants, pawnshops, massage therapists, and dogs. The preparation and distribution of the city-wide newsletter and city/ward maps is another function of this department. The City Clerk is responsible for the proper storage and destruction of official records as dictated by the Records Retention Schedule. Administration of the election process for 22 local precincts is also handled by the City Clerk’s office. Cable TV Cable TV Office .............................................763-767-6525 Website ...............................................www.ctnstudios.com The City Center complex has cable television production facilities for cablecasting various community programs. Channel 14 has a schedule of various upcoming community events. Channel 15 carries the City’s community programming. Some of the programs found on this channel include a weekly news program, a weekly sports highlight program, athletic competitions from Coon Rapids schools, plus other community related programs. Channel 16 is the Government Channel with coverage of the City Council and Planning Commission meetings, City Council Comments, City Connections and other government related programs. Channel 19 offers a variety of community programming from other local access centers as well as other professionally produced programs. City Manager City Manager .................................................763-767-6493 The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City, appointed by the City Council for an indefinite period of time. The City Manager controls and directs the administration of the City’s affairs, keeps the Council fully advised on the financial condition of the City, oversees all departments and divisions, and recommends to the Council adoption of such measures deemed necessary for the welfare of the citizens and for efficient administration of all City affairs. Senior Services Senior Services ...............................................763-767-6473 Coon Rapids Senior Services is located in the Civic Center at 11155 Robinson Drive. It is their mission to provide services, activities and information, and referral to older adults, their families and caregivers in a cost effective manner that will recognize the unique needs of older adults. Programs include senior dining, transportation, social, recreational, educational,Chores & More, Senior Companion, exercise and wellness, and many volunteer opportunities. Activities are listed later in this Guide. Advisory Commissions Citizen participation in community affairs is vital to the progress of the City. The City Council appoints citizens who serve voluntarily on the advisory boards and commissions. Commission meeting dates and times are published on page 39, in the city-wide newsletter, on Cable TV Channel 16, and on the website. Meetings are held at the City Center, 11155 Robinson Drive, unless otherwise noted. Attendance at a monthly meeting is required. Each January the Council makes appointments for three year terms to these commissions. If you are interested in being considered to serve on a commission, call 763-767-6493 for an application or download the form from the City’s website. Commissions include: • Arts – promotes and presents cultural activities • Board of Adjustment and Appeals – considers variances and appeals to the zoning code • Charter – advises Council on amendments to City’s Charter • Civil Service – presides over employment issues for Police and Fire Departments • Historical – monitors matters of historical significance • Parks and Recreation – maintains comprehensive plan for park development • Planning – reviews issues involving zoning, the Comprehensive Plan and land use • Safety – reviews public safety issues • Sustainability – promotes green living practices Community Development Planning and Zoning Division ........................763-767-6430 Building Inspections Division .........................763-767-6476 Neighborhood Reinvestment Division ............763-767-6470 The Community Development Department serves the development, construction, and housing assistance needs of the community. The Planning and Zoning Division offers assistance on uses allowed on properties; size and location of home improvements including room additions, garages, decks, storage buildings and fences; signs; and other items related to land use and development. The Building Inspections Division issues permits and inspects all new construction and remodeling projects. The Neighborhood Reinvestment Division addresses complaints concerning property use, outdoor storage, trash, illegally placed signs, junk vehicles, and similar concerns. In addition, it addresses maintenance complaints for commercial and residential structures, and manages the rental dwelling license program. Appropriate action is taken to eliminate situations where violations are identified. The City of Coon Rapids requires a rental license be obtained prior to renting a dwelling unit. An application, license fee and a maintenance inspection must be completed. Rental information and rental license application can be found on the City website or by calling the Coon Rapids Neighborhood Investment Division. Owner occupied residences are permitted to have two roomers. A license is not required to rent a room in an owner occupied residence. A roomer is a person that is leasing a bedroom from a landlord sharing the utilities, kitchen, and living space. Information on rental licensing and Landlord and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities (MN Attorney General Office) can be obtained by calling the Housing Inspector at 763-767-6575. The Housing Assistance vouchers and re-certification eligibility of low and moderate income residents currently receiving Section 8 rent assistance living or moving into the City of Coon Rapids is performed by the Metropolitan Council. For information on affordable housing, call the Metropolitan Council HRA Information Line at 651-602-1880. Information can be obtained by accessing the website www.metrocouncil. org or housinglink.org. The websites have information for property owners interested in renting to Section 8 program participants. Applications are not taken at the City of Coon Rapids. Rental Property Licensing Requirements In Place The City Council adopted an ordinance updating the City licensing of rental property. The goal of the policy is to ensure that rental property in Coon Rapids is well maintained and that problem tenants do not negatively impact other citizens. If you own rental property or plan to buy property to rent out, here is what you need to know: • All rental properties are licensed annually. The license fee is $100 and the rental license application is available at City Hall. • All rental property owners must complete a background check and attend Phase 1 educational training. • All rental property owners must complete background and credit checks on their prospective tenants. • All rental property owners must use a written lease with their tenants that includes a crime-free lease addendum. • All rental property is inspected. Properties with a history of complying with City Code and without a history of police calls to the property are inspected less frequently. The fee for the inspection depends on the number of units inspected. • The number of police calls to rental properties will be monitored by the Coon Rapids Police Department. When the number of certain types of police calls exceeds an established threshold, the Police Department will contact the owner and require a written plan for dealing with problems. • Properties that change from single family owned to rental property are monitored more closely during the first year and charged a conversion fee of $500 which includes the license and inspection fees. For more information on rental licensing contact Michelle Posch at 763-767-6575. Fire Department The Fire Department is dedicated to preserving life and property for the citizens of Coon Rapids. The department responds to all emergency calls in the City and is comprised of 31 career and 20 paid-on-call firefighters. The City has three fire stations: Fire Station No. 1 - 1460 Egret Boulevard Fire Station No. 2 - 1199 121st Avenue NW Fire Station No. 3 - 2831 113th Avenue NW The Fire Department is responsible for public safety in the areas of fire suppression, fire prevention (which includes inspections, investigations, and education), medical emergency response, hazardous material accidents or releases, and response to all natural or man-made emergencies. The department also provides safety education by means of Child Safety Camp, Senior Safety Camp, and Fire Prevention Week activities. Some of the programs sponsored by the Fire Department are: • Fire Prevention Poster Contest is offered to children in the fifth grade to create a poster depicting fire prevention safety utilizing the year’s fire prevention theme. One winner is selected from each of the elementary schools, with an overall winner whose poster is entered in state-wide competition. • Child Safety Camp is a two-day camp in early August where children learn about water safety, bike safety, electrical safety, burn prevention, healthy eating, first aid and drug awareness. Each participant receives lunch along with a bicycle helmet, T-shirt and matching baseball cap. At the conclusion of camp, students and their families attend a graduation ceremony. • Seniors Safety Camp is a one day camp in September covering issues that are pertinent to the aging population. Topics have included mail and check scams, tripping and falls prevention, road rage and traffic concerns, fire and life safety issues, and home hazards. • Juvenile Fire Setter Program is for children who have previously set fires or have an extreme interest in fire. It is free and is designed to give children the tools they need to avoid fire setting. • Station Tours - Tours of the Fire Station are available upon request for kids and groups of all ages. Please call 763-767-6429 for more information on any of the services or programs the Fire Department has to offer.

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