Town briefs

City close to choosing a new administrator The City Council is holding a special meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday to hear more about three candidates for the city administrator post from the search firm Personnel Decisions.

The firm did background and reference checks as well as other assessments on the candidates, Jim Norman, Melinda Coleman and Ron Moorse. Norman, formerly the city administrator of Ramsey, is the interim city administrator in Afton. Coleman, formerly the assistant city manager of Maplewood, works in the private sector. Moorse, until recently, was the city administrator in Orono.

Students recognized for anti-abuse efforts Choose Respect, a group of Coon Rapids Northdale Middle School students that has raised awareness about dating violence and developing healthy relationships, is one of five recipients of 2008 Anoka County public health awards for contributions to the community.

The group of about 30 has hosted a parents' night and participated in the Clothesline Project, an exhibit that displays a T-shirt in honor of each person killed in Minnesota as a result of domestic abuse.

Other award winners include the Ramsey Lions Club for sponsoring a variety of activities; Brenda Link, supervisor of the Wellness Van at Mercy Hospital; Marvin Benson, the now-deceased Lions district governor who suggested bringing a mobile clinic to Anoka County; and Lyla Pagels, for her assistance in health program.

Hospital upgraded Unity Hospital in Fridley has become one of only seven Minnesota hospitals to earn a Level III trauma designation.

This status, from the Minnesota Statewide Trauma System of the Minnesota Department of Health, recognizes the Allina hospital's ability to care for severely injured patients.

For more information and to learn about the income regulations for Habitat homebuyers, visit www.tchabitat.org or call 612-331-4090, ext. 635.

Annual city meeting will include Q&As This year's town hall meeting is set for 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Creek Community School, 21108 NE. Polk St.

The event begins with an open house from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7-8 p.m. Q&A session during which City Council members will take residents' questions. Another open house will follow from 8 to 9 p.m., with more opportunities for residents to ask questions of officials. As part of the open house sessions, there will be a PowerPoint presentation by the Met Council about the planned wastewater treatment facility in the city.

Businesses can get feet in government's door Small businesses interested in becoming suppliers to government agencies and contractors are invited to the 2008 SADBOC Government Procurement Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center.

Businesses can register in advance for one-on-one appointments with buyers from government agencies and contractors. For a list of the participating organizations, a workshop schedule, directions and registration, go to www.sba.gov/mn and click on Procurement Fair.

Pet vaccination clinic It's vaccination time again -- for your pet. The city's annual pet clinic is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the St. Francis Fire Station, 3740 Bridge St. Veterinarian Stanley Fagerness will be offering a variety of vaccinations for pets, and the city will also be giving out dog licenses for free.

Housing is top issue for annual meeting An overview of the Northwest Quadrant redevelopment project and a look at the city's housing stock will be featured at New Brighton's 31st annual town hall meeting, from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

City Manager Dean Lotter will present information on the Northwest Quadrant, followed by a question-and-answer period. Joe Hatch, the city's code enforcement officer, will discuss the housing stock and take questions about housing and neighborhood issues.

The event at the Family Service Center, 400 NW. 10th St., begins with a community fair at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. At noon, a light buffet will be served.