Doctors Council SEIU announced April 13 that its members ratified a first union contract with Allina Health, a three-year agreement covering more than 600 doctors, physician assistants and nurses in primary and urgent care. According to the union, the contract takes effect immediately and includes greater provider autonomy, safety improvements, fair pay, and protections for parental, medical and family leave. The agreement received more than 90% support during ratification, the union said. ...

The Fridley City Council voted 4-0 on April 13 to award the Safe Routes to School Improvement Project to JL Theis, with Council Member Luke Cardona absent. Public Works Director Jim Kosluchar said bids for the project were opened April 6, with JL Theis of Jordan submitting the low bid at $1,072,728.84, or 16.5% below the engineer’s estimate of $1,284,088. The resolution also included a 5% contingency. The project includes construction of a shared-use trail, ADA improvements and other miscellaneous work at three locations: 61st Avenue from University Avenue East Service Road to West Moore Lake Drive, Seventh Street from 61st Avenue to Mississippi Street, and Commons Park/Fridley Middle School from Seventh Street to Jackson Street. ...

The Fridley City Council voted 4-0 to approve a major street rehabilitation project that will include water-line work in streets surrounding the Madsen Park neighborhood. Public Works Director Jim Kosluchar said the city called for bids Nov. 10 and opened them April 7, receiving six. The lowest came in 19.6% below the final engineer’s estimate. The project was identified in Fridley’s 2026 Streets Resurfacing Plan and Capital Investment Program, which includes a budget of just more than $3 million. Work will include asphalt pavement rehabilitation, spot concrete curb-and-gutter replacement, water main improvements and related work. ...

The tobacco and vape shop in Blaine at University Avenue was struck by a vehicle on April 14. Original Article

According to multiple social media reports, a car drove into Tobacco Vape Center in Blaine at the intersection of 105th Lane and University Avenue. There was extensive building damage to the right corner of the structure, including a boarded-up hole in the building and rubble consisting of a door, bricks and metal beams. The city of Blaine has deemed it unsafe for human occupancy under MN State building code section 1300.0180, according to a note posted on the front of the building, This will continue until a Minnesota licensed structural engineer gives approval to occupy the building. ...

At their April 7 meeting, the Andover City Council unanimously voted to establish the Natural Resources Commission. Kameron Kytonen, the city’s Natural Resources Technician, said that the move came about from previous workshops over the last handful of months, and had ultimately stemmed from a joint meeting with the Andover Nature Preserve Commission and the Council at a previous workshop. At that meeting, they had discussed the future of the Nature Preserve Commission, with talk of evolving into a more broadened Natural Resources commission. Kytonen said that the former group had fulfilled their job obligations in pursuing and acquiring land from a bond referendum in 2006 and managing the land over the years, alongside other initiatives. ...

The Andover City Council on April 7 unanimously approved several street-project bids, including some that came in above estimates in the feasibility report, while also agreeing not to pass those added costs on to residents. Public Works Director David Berkowitz told the council the agenda covered about $3.3 million in roadway work. While bids are typically approved through the consent agenda, he said some of these projects were pulled for discussion because several came in higher than expected. ...

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Minx Head Coach Jodi Rehlander speaks to both the Minx and Raptors at the conclusion of the game at Spring Lake Park High School on April 11. Original Article