The Coon Rapids city council approves of an amendment to the city’s code to restructure the Thomas Rest Haven (TRH) Board of Trustees. The request for the changes came to the council back in September, asking to expand the board from three to five members, with two members allowed to live outside Coon Rapids. Currently, board members are elected to the position, but TRH administration has asked that new members be appointed instead to avoid the need to re-arrange election districts. After being appointed, new board members would serve a four-year term, however the current three trustees: Sandi Cook, Jill Hart and Jon Cretsinger will finish their elected terms until Dec. 2029, Dec. 2030, and Dec. 2031 respectively. The goal of the changes was to expand the opportunity for more individuals to serve on the board, increase community involvement, and continue promoting the success of the long-term care facility. City council approved the first reading for the ordinance amendment and waived the second and third readings, with the changes taking effect in January 2026. Other changes in the amendment include the city’s responsibility to appoint and fill a vacancy on the board, and to select a city observer who will attend trustee meetings, to strengthen better communication and support between the two entities.
