County Employees Receive Awards of Excellence
The Anoka County Board of Commissioners presented several employees with awards of excellence. Nominations for these awards were submitted by fellow employees. Among the winners were: Susan R Anderson, right-of-way specialist with the Highway Department; Chelsea Bednar, social worker in Human Services/Adult Protection; Cody Rosetti, naturalist at Wargo Nature Center; Patti Hetrick, budget director; Christa Strenge, public assistance supervisor in Economic Assistance; Courtney Halbert, public health nurse/case manager in Disability and Aging Services; DAS/LTSS leadership, DAS/LTSS coordinators, DAS case manager/assessor workgroup; Bunker Beach lifeguards Andrew Boelter, Coryn Jacobson, Alison Knause , Josephine Meinert and Lauryn Robberstad. To watch the awards presentation, click HERE.
Truth in Taxation Meeting Dec. 5
Board Chair Scott Schulte noted the public meeting to discuss the proposed property tax levy and budget for 2020, also known as the Truth in Taxation, will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 in the county boardroom. The public is invited to come and share their comments with the county board at that time. Residents are also encouraged to go to the county website, where they can explore the county budget in detail: anokacounty.us/budget
Funds Transferred to Foley Boulevard Project
The board supported the transferring of federal funds from an intersection improvement project and a bridge widening project to the Foley Boulevard railroad grade separation project in the City of Coon Rapids. This action was conducted so the Foley Boulevard project can be completed faster, in anticipation of increased traffic volume in the area when major construction is conducted on Highway 10 in 2022-2023. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Micro Surfacing Project Approved
The board approved a contract with Asphalt Surface Technologies for the micro surfacing of Main Street, Round Lake Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard in the cities of Coon Rapids and Andover. The micro surfacing process is a means to prolong the life of the pavement. The cost of this project, which is anticipated to add 5 to 10 years to the road life, is about $1.12 million, as opposed to a mill and overlay, which would cost approximately $14 million. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Gift Accepted for Anoka County Veteran Services Office
The board accepted a gift of $500 from the Anoka Disabled American Veterans Chapter 39 to the county’s Veteran Services office.
Board Approves 2020 Legislative Platform
The board approved the county’s 2020 legislative platform. The items the county plans to actively lobby include:
• Defining income and determining eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Reinstating the asset test for public assistance programs.
• Lead agency rule changes for adult foster care licensing.
• Move from a voluntary Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) employment training program to a mandatory program.
• A congestion mitigation project in Coon Rapids, between Hansen Boulevard and Round Lake Boulevard.
• A hybrid freeway conversion project in Ramsey.
• A Highway 65 freeway conversion project.
• A leased vehicle sales tax.
• No changes to fiscal disparities without comprehensive tax reform.
Several other legislative items the board chose to support with others. To watch the discussion on this item, click HERE.
Donations Accepted for Honor Guard
The county accepted two $100 donations from the Edward B Cutter Post No. 102, a $100 donation from the Fridley American Legion Post 303, a $200 donation from the Sgt. John Rice VFW Post 6316 and a $100 donation from the St. Francis American Legion for the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard to attend an upcoming National Law Enforcement Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to Anoka County fallen officers.
To watch the full meeting, click HERE.