The City of Columbus
Situated along the I-35 corridor in Anoka County , Columbus combines the best of rural scenic living with the convenience and vibrancy of metropolitan living . The city has a population of 4,230 and was incorporated in 2006 .
Just north of the I-35 split , exit 129 provides easy access to Columbus ’ s growing business district , home to many successful retail and service businesses including two gas stations and convenience stores , fast-food and coffee options , recreational equipment dealers , a dog day-care business , health and fitness retail , and a harness racing complex complete with a hotel , restaurant , bar , live entertainment , and gambling .
Along Lake Drive , the city ’ s commercial-industrial district boasts a variety of construction , automobile , storage , and contracting businesses , with plenty of opportunity for growth and expansion . Adjacent to City Hall , the Columbus Lions Club offers pancake breakfasts one Sunday each month at the Columbus Senior Center for a portion of the year .
Columbus holds its annual Fall Fest community event in mid-September . The event includes a drive-in movie at Running Aces and a day full of activities , including a petting zoo , car show and beer garden .
Outdoor enthusiasts find an abundance of things to do and see near Columbus . Approximately 10,000 acres
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of the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area fall within the city limits , providing ample access to nature for residents and visitors alike . Carlos Avery provides great grounds for bird watching , snowshoeing , mountain biking and licensed hunting . Those looking to boat , fish , or swim can also find plenty to do in the northwest corner of the City , on Coon Lake . In addition , Columbus ’ two city parks offer space for a family picnic , day of sports , walking , running , or biking .
A five-member City Council ( including the Mayor ) governs the city . The council meets at 6 p . m . on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Columbus City Hall . The Mayor serves a two-year term , and council members serve staggered four-year terms . A list of council members currently in office and their term expiration dates are as follows :
Mayor Ron Hanegraaf , 2027 ; Janet Hegland , 2027 ; Robert Busch , 2029 ; Jennifer Lattin , 2029 ; and Scott Wendell , 2027 , who was appointed in January by Hanegraaf to fill the council seat he vacated for the mayorship . The city employs a staff of 12 , led by City Administrator Jack Davis .
Columbus ’ five-member Planning Commission meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 p . m . at the City Hall and virtually . The City Park Board holds quarterly meetings in the Public Works Building , and the Public
Works Advisory Board meets as needed . The Columbus Economic Development Authority facilitates growth in commercial districts , and meets quarterly at the City Hall .
The polling place for Columbus residents in local , state and national elections is the City Public Works Building at 16345 Kettle River Boulevard .
Columbus residents are serviced by the Anoka County Sheriff ’ s Office and , through a joint-powers agreement with Forest Lake , the Forest Lake fire department for public safety services .
SANITATION & RECYCLING
Haulers serving residents include Ace Solid Waste ( 763-427-3110 ), LePage & Sons ( 763-757-7100 ), which serves residents west of I-35 , and Waste Management ( 651-462-5298 ). All licensed trash haulers for the city of Columbus are required to provide curbside pickup of recyclable materials . Recycling pickups take place every other Wednesday .
Free small organics recycling ( composting ) bins are available at the Columbus City Hall . Participants in the organics recycling program can drop off their organics at the City Hall at no cost . In addition , Columbus hosts recycling and cleanup events each year . Residents can recycle appliances , bikes , mattresses , paper , and other miscellaneous items during these events . Visit the city ’ s website for more information .
Forest Lake Community Guide • February , 2025