Board Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Anoka County
To raise awareness about domestic violence, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Anoka County. Present at the meeting were Connie Moore, executive director of Alexandra House, and Linda Wiza, executive director of The Dwelling Place. Both talked about services their respective shelters provide to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Moore noted Alexandra House’s Hopefest is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lino Lakes YMCA. This event is to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, remember those lost, and honor the many survivors. More on the event can be found HERE. Wiza said The Dwelling Place also has an upcoming event: their annual gala 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. Registration for this event has closed, but there may be an opportunity for attend by emailing gala@thedwellingplacemn.org. For more information on this event, click HERE.
Director Provides Update on Library System
Anoka County Library Director Maggie Snow provided the board with a brief update about the library system. She noted the role of the library system is to promote personal growth in reading and learning, to expand access to ideas, information and stories, to strengthen communities and neighborhoods and to foster a culture of innovation. Watch her presentation HERE.
Board Encourages Citizens to Fill out Census
The board approved a resolution in support of a partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and the State of Minnesota for the 2020 Census. The U.S. Constitution mandates everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. Residents can start responding to the Census online, by mail or by phone, starting in April. All information provided is confidential. Data provided affects Minnesota and Anoka County in a variety of ways. It will accurately determine how many representatives Minnesota will have in Congress. It’s necessary for the accurate and fair redistricting of state legislative seats, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, city councils and voting districts. The Census is used at the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds. That money is spent on roads, human services and other vital programs. For more information on the 2020 Census, click HERE.
Lease Agreement Approved to Increase Space at License Center
The board approved a commercial lease agreement to add an additional 3,151 square feet to the Coon Rapids License Center. The increased space will improve efficiency. The Coon Rapids License Center has grown to be the largest volume office in the Anoka County License and Passport Centers system and has outgrown its original space. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Insurance Packages Approved
The board approved renewal contracts for employee health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability and voluntary short-term disability insurance and voluntary vision insurance. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
Preliminary Property Tax Levy Approved
The board approved the 2020 preliminary property tax levy. It is a proposed 4.97 percent increase. The levy can be decreased before the board votes to finalize it Dec. 6, but it cannot increase. To read the press release on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.
Opportunities to Learn about District 6 Candidates
Commissioner Mandy Meisner noted at the end of the meeting there are several upcoming opportunities to learn about the Anoka County Board of Commissioners District 6 special election candidates. The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidate forum 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at Centerville City Hall. The League of Women Voters is hosting a candidate forum at Lino Lakes City Hall at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8. The primary election for this race is Nov. 5. The General Election is Feb. 11.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.