Law Day Planned April 26
Judge Bethany Fountain Lindberg was present at the meeting to talk about Anoka County Law Day, which is planned 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26. This event is free and open to the public.
She noted Law Day was designed to educate and assist people in navigating the court system and to help them resolve legal issues. The theme of this year’s Law Day is “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.”
There will be behind-the-scenes tours of the courthouse during Law Day; legal services clinics on issues such as probate, guardianships, conservatorships, general civil matters, expungements and criminal matters; opportunities to address outstanding warrants; and the chance to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles to have driver’s licenses reinstated.
There will also be three mock trials during this event, an opportunity for students to meet a K-9 officer, a forensics demonstration from Veena Singh of the Medical Examiner’s Office, a presentation on body cameras, and more. View the full Law Day schedule HERE.
Board Presents Two Public Health Awards
The Anoka County Board of Commissioners presented Jeannie Freytag, an RN and Community Faith Nurse who has been integral in the operation of the Family Table Meal program in Anoka County, with an Anoka County Public Health Award. Another Public Health Award was presented to the Just Move It Wellness Committee, a group of six people from Metro North Adult Basic Education in Blaine who devoted time and energy into advancing the culture of wellness for the employees of Metro North ABE. Read the full press release HERE.
Senior Expo Scheduled April 27
It was noted during the meeting that the Anoka County Senior Expo is planned 9 a.m. to noon April 27 at Lord of Life Church, 14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW, Ramsey. This event, which is free and open to the public, will include a pancake breakfast, information booths, blood pressure checks, mini massages and entertainment.
ACTION ITEMS
All action items were approved unanimously.
Resolution Calls for Transportation Funding
The board adopted a resolution encouraging the Minnesota Legislature to pass, and have the governor sign, a bill that brings adequate funding to Minnesota’s statewide transportation system. This resolution does not support any specific plan; it’s to remind the State Legislature that it’s their responsibility to fund the state highway system and to help build out the system throughout the state. To read the resolution, click HERE.
Letter of Opposition Sent to Legislature
The board sent a letter in opposition of House File No. 2314 and Senate File No. 2372 to the State Legislature. These bills call for certain spending and reporting requirements for the Rice Creek Watershed District. Essentially, the bills note that most of the revenue collected within a certain county has to be spent in that county. The Rice Creek Watershed comprises more than one county, and projects done in one county can affect the entire watershed.
Legislative Platform Amended
The board amended the 2019 Anoka County Legislative Platform in the “supporting others” category to oppose House File No. 1971 and Senate File No. 2155, which make broad changes to Minnesota’s forfeiture laws. It is believed the proposed changes in these laws could have a substantial negative impact for public safety in the state. For more on this action, click HERE.
Chomonix Golf Course Transparency Portal Active
It was noted during the Parks Committee report that the Chomonix Golf Course Transparency Portal is now active. This online resource provides information on the progress being made to revitalize the golf course. To access the portal, click HERE.
Process Established for the Replacement of the County Administrator Position
The board approved a process for the replacement of county administrator Jerry Soma, who will be retiring May 1. The county’s employee relations department will post the position announcement internally for 10 business days. It will be open to regular county employees, current Anoka County commissioners and other elected officials with countywide jurisdiction, and former Anoka County employees who have worked for the county within the last 5 years who left in good standing. To read the full resolution, click HERE. To view the video on this item, click HERE.
The full video of this meeting is available HERE.