Emergency Management Director Provides Update
Anoka County Emergency Management Director Terry Stoltzman provided an update about the coronavirus situation in Anoka County and also noted this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Stoltzman noted emergency and other services are being provided to residents, but first responders are still working to procure more personal protective equipment to ensure their safety and the safety of those they are helping. Stoltzman said there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in Anoka County recently, but the county is doing a good job in slowing the spread, and Minnesota is among the best states in the nation in terms of the number of positive cases and deaths from the virus. To watch Stoltzman’s presentation, click HERE.
Board Details Medical Examiner’s Report
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Dr. Quinn Strobel, the chief medical examiner for the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, was not able to attend the board meeting to give her annual update, but she did provide the update to the board. One main point from the report was that Anoka County had five homicides in 2019. Suicides were at 34, which was down from 2018, which saw 45. To read the report, click HERE.
Multiple Transportation Projects Approved
The board approved several transportation projects, which included a right-of-way plat for the reconstruction of Fawn Lake Drive between Typo Creek drive and Rutgers Street in Linwood Township; authorization to submit an application for federal funding to be used on six county projects; and an advertisement for bid to place bituminous surfacing on several parking areas at the National Sports Center in Blaine. For more information on these items, click HERE.
Grant Agreement Approved for Islands of Peace Trail Improvement
The board approved a grant agreement not to exceed $140,000 with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization for natural-resource-related work as part of the Islands of Peace Trail Improvement Project in Fridley. This project will reconstruct the island trail system, reduce impervious surfaces on the island, reconstruct degraded culvert systems and conduct habitat and natural resource restoration work. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Bunker Beach Water Park Closes for the Season
Due to public safety concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak, the board voted to close Bunker Beach Waterpark in Coon Rapids for the 2020 season. All customers who have purchased season-long waterpark passes will be contacted by Anoka County Parks and fully reimbursed. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
Temporary Signage Allowed for Businesses
The board authorized placement of temporary signage within the county right-of-way, for the purpose of announcing re-openings and alternative service delivery options during the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period. Businesses will be allowed to have temporary signage for two months after the governor lifts the stay-at-home order. Businesses must adhere to the Anoka County Highway Department guidelines on signs, which include a size of 3 feet high by 2 feet wide, and signage cannot block sightlines for motorists. The Highway Department has the authority to remove any signs that do not meet the size and placement requirements. To read the news release on this item, which includes all specifications for placing temporary signage, click HERE.
Glass Panels to be Installed at License Centers
To help mitigate the chance of Anoka County License Center employees contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, the board approved a resolution that allows for the installation of permanent glass paneling at every counter at all license center locations. Final design costs will be completed and brought back to the board April 20. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.