Board Hears Annual Report of Veteran Services Office
Anoka County Veteran Services Officer John Kriesel gave the board an update on the activities of his office. He noted Anoka County is home to more than 21,000 veterans. These brave men and women and their families can be eligible for a variety of benefits — including VA healthcare, disability compensation, and tuition reimbursement. The Anoka County Veteran Services office helps area veterans obtain the benefits to which they are entitled. In 2018, the Veteran Services Office had 4,238 visits, and nearly $157 million in VA expenditures was allocated to our veterans.
ACTION ITEMS
All the following items were approved unanimously.
Request Approved for Speed Zone Study
The board approved a request for a MnDOT speed zone study on Gopher Drive NE/229th Avenue NE, from 237th Avenue NE to East Bethel Boulevard NE, as requested by the city of East Bethel. It was noted during the meeting MnDOT is backlogged with these types of requests, so it might be several months before a speed study is completed. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Reconstruction of Hanson Boulevard Approved
The board approved a joint powers agreement with the city of Coon Rapids for the reconstruction of Hanson Boulevard between Northdale Boulevard and Main Street. This project will include addition of turn lanes, raised concrete medians, pedestrian facilities, signal replacement at 121st Avenue NW, and other safety improvements. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Doug Fischer Recognized for 25 Years of Service to Anoka County
The board took a few moments at the end of the Transportation Committee report to recognize Anoka County Engineer/Division Manager Doug Fischer for his 25 years of service to the county. Fischer retired from the county Oct. 10. To watch the video of this presentation, click HERE.
Playgrounds to be Installed at Two County Parks
The board awarded contracts to Minnesota Wisconsin Playground for the design and installation of two playgrounds — one at Rum River North County Park, which will cost $165,000, and another at Rum River Central Regional Park, which will cost $175,000. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is participating in a 50 percent cost share for the playground at Rum River North, and the playground at Rum River Central is funded 100 percent by state and Metropolitan Council bonds. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Bunker Hills Employee Saves Person’s Life
The board commended a Bunker Hills Regional Park ranger for her quick actions that resulted in the resuscitation via CPR of a campground visitor. To watch the video on this discussion, click HERE.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.