Board Recognizes Work of Adult Protection/Senior Services
Denise Kirmis, manager of Anoka County Behavioral Health and Adult Services, and Leslie Lundequam, supervisor for Anoka County Adult Protection and Senior Services, were present at the board meeting to talk about services available for area seniors, and they also noted the Anoka County Senior Expo is planned 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27 at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey. The board commended Kirmis, Lundequam, and all the employees in their departments for the work they do to serve the senior population in Anoka County, which is projected to rise to almost 70,000 people over the age of 65 by 2030.
Resolution Adopted to Recognize Corrections Employees
The first full week in May is designated National Correctional Officers Week; to draw attention to the hard work of Anoka County detention deputies, corrections officers and other employees at the county’s jail and correctional facilities, the board adopted a resolution commending these employees.
Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart, and Dylan Warkentin, Anoka County director of Community Corrections, attended the meeting to recognize the county’s corrections employees.
Resolution Adopted to Recognize Peace Officers
The second full week in May is set aside for National Peace Officers week. Subsequently, the board adopted a resolution to commend area peace officers for their bravery, hard work and dedication to public safety. Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart also offered words of gratitude to all the peace officers in the county, and he noted the Law Enforcement Memorial service, which is to honor and remember officers who have died in the line of duty in Anoka County, is at noon Wednesday, May 15 in the Government Center atrium.
Law Day Planned April 26
Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, chair, Anoka County Board, reminded those in attendance and watching the meeting that Anoka County Law Day is planned 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Friday, April 26, at the Anoka County Government Center. This free event is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to learn about the court system and resolve legal issues.
ACTION ITEMS
All action items were approved unanimously.
Multiple Transportation Projects Approved
There were seven items under the Transportation Committee Chair Report, four of which were right-of-way acquisitions. One acquisition was for the reconstruction of 125th Avenue, between Aberdeen Street and Radisson Road, in the city of Blaine. Anoka County Engineer Doug Fischer explained that this is currently a 4-lane, undivided highway, and once the project is finished it will be a 4-lane divided roadway with left and right turn lanes at major intersections. To read more about the transportation projects, click HERE.
Technology Streamlines Processes at Jail
During the Information Technology Committee Report, Commissioner Mike Gamache, chair of the IT Committee, mentioned that the Anoka County Jail is now using RFID technology to save time and improve safety for detention deputies and other corrections staff. To view the video on this topic, click HERE.
Several Public Safety Items Approved
• The board accepted a donation from the Church of St. Timothy in Blaine in the amount of $380.50 to be used towards crime prevention.
• The board accepted an amendment to a contract with Nystrom and Associates for an additional 8 hours per week of psychiatric services at the Anoka County Jail. The term of this contract is Jan. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2020.
• The board approved the execution of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Project 2019 between the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Office of Justice Programs and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The term of this contract is Feb. 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2021. The objective of this initiative is to reduce the number of untested/unsubmitted sexual assault kits held by the Sheriff’s Office that were identified in a 2015 statewide survey.
To read more about these items, click HERE.
April 23 Proclaimed Jerry Soma Day in Anoka County
Anoka County Administrator Jerry Soma, who has been employed with Anoka County for nearly 53 years in several capacities, is set to retire in June. To recognize his dedication to public service, the board proclaimed April 23 Jerry Soma Day in Anoka County. Each member of the board took time to talk about their relationship with Soma, and then Soma thanked all the talented Anoka County employees and elected officials he’s worked with over the years. He noted he’s enjoyed coming to work every day since he started as a probation officer at the county in 1966. To view the video of the proclamation, click HERE.
To watch the full video of the board meeting, click HERE.