(LINO LAKES – March 29, 2021) – At a special city council meeting this week, Lino Lakes leaders authorized the use of the former YMCA building–which the city now owns–as a community COVID-19 vaccination site.
Mayor Rob Rafferty confirmed to North Metro TV that the city council authorized an agreement with the State of Minnesota to use the nearly-empty building–and its ample parking lot–for a community vaccination spot. Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz ordered all adults over 16 in Minnesota be eligible to receive the free vaccinations.
Rafferty said it would mean a three-month contract between the city and the state of Minnesota to provide the site for vaccinations. He said the contract would end by the end of June, and the site could be operational as soon as the end of next week.
“It’s a great opportunity to offer citizens all around the Metro area, on this end of town, the opportunity for vaccination,” said Rafferty.
The city took over the building after YMCA of the North decided not to re-open it following the initial COVID-19 shutdown last summer. The city is still reviewing its options for what to do next with the 15-year-old fitness center.
