Central Communications Department Renamed ‘Emergency Communications’
The Anoka County Central Communications Department, which answers 9-1-1 calls for citizens of the county and provides dispatch services for all 11 law enforcement agencies and 16 fire departments in the county, has underwent a name change. The County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution that resulted in the new name: Anoka County Emergency Communications Department. Changing the name to the Emergency Communications Department clearly defines the role of the department for Anoka County citizens and county staff. Read the news release HERE.
Three Transportation Projects Approved
The board approved a contract with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the reconstruction of Osborne Road between Highway 47 and Highway 65 in the cities of Fridley and Spring Lake Park; the board also approved a contract with MnDOT and the city of Columbus for the reconstruction of Hornsby Street in the area of Highway 97 and I-35. A contract was awarded to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. for a multi-agency project to place bituminous surfacing on several parking areas at the National Sports Center in Blaine. For more information on these items, click HERE.
Funding Request Submitted to Help Dislocated Workers
The board approved a supplemental funding request from the county’s Job Training Center to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for $150,000. These funds would serve a minimum of 35 dislocated workers. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Deadline Extended to Pay Anoka County Property Taxes
In recognition of the unprecedented disruption the coronavirus pandemic has caused, the board adopted a resolution granting owners of residential and non-residential properties two more months to pay their property taxes without penalty. To read the news release, click HERE.
Support Given to Business 4 Business Program
The board adopted a resolution in support of the Business 4 Business program, which is a program to leverage private dollars and then give them back in the form of grants to small businesses in Anoka, Washington, Ramsey, Hennepin and Carver counties. Also part of this program is technical assistance for businesses and access to Anoka County’s Open to Business advisor. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. To read the resolution, click HERE.
Board Approves Resolution Encouraging Businesses, Churches to Reopen
By a 4-2 vote, the board approved a resolution that advises and encourages Anoka County businesses and churches that will follow requirements on social distancing to reopen. The resolution also notes businesses and churches should adhere to safety practices and follow state, local and CDC guidance amid the coronavirus. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.