Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office Provides Annual Report
Dr. Quinn Piper, who has been the chief medical examiner for the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office since 2009, provided the board with a summary of deaths her office investigated in 2022. Some highlights of the report included that the office investigated 1,185 deaths, there were 6 homicides in 2022 (zero in 2021), and drug overdose deaths were down by 10 over the previous year. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
April is National County Government Month
The board adopted a resolution proclaiming April National County Government Month. During the month, Anoka County will take the opportunity to elevate the important work of Anoka County employees and how they educate citizens about the vast range of responsibilities and delivery of services that touch nearly every aspect of residents’ lives. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
Senior Expo Back this Year
Commissioner Matt Look noted the free Anoka County Senior Expo is back this year and is scheduled 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15 at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey, 14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW. This event will include information booths, entertainment –– including acts performed by Todd “Elvis” Anderson –– a free pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, free mini massages, eyewear repair and cleaning, and more. The handicapped-accessible expo is open to seniors and their families, and there will be ample parking available. For more information on the 2023 senior expo, click HERE.
ARPA Funds to be Used for Broadband Expansion
The board approved the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for broadband expansion city match grants to the City of Columbus in the amount of $300,000. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Gift Acceptance Policy Approved
The board approved the gift acceptance policy, which notes that all gifts received by the county are required to be accepted by a resolution of the county board. The county receives numerous gifts per year from private individuals and organizations that are used for programs and services provided to county citizens. During a review of internal practices, it was noticed that sometimes not all gifts were accepted by resolution, thus the need for the policy. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Grant Accepted for Homelessness Assistance
The board accepted grant funding in the amount of $1.6 million from the Department of Human Services, which will be used for initiating, maintaining, or expanding programs providing emergency shelter and/or services to homeless persons. The funding cycle runs from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2025. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Contract Approved with Hope 4 Youth
The board approved a contract with Hope 4 Youth to provide street outreach, supportive services and direct assistance through Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program services. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Request for Proposal Approved for Recycling Communications Services
The board approved a request for proposal to determine the cost of hiring a communications firm to perform services for the Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions programs which include residential recycling and organics, multi-family recycling, Fix-it clinics, event recycling and organics, and household hazardous waste management. For more information on this item, click HERE.
April Proclaimed Public Health Month in Anoka County
In addition to being proclaimed National County Government Month, the board also proclaimed April as Public Health Month. During April, Anoka County will participate in efforts to ensure community residents of all cultures have opportunities for health. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Anti-Malware Solution Purchased
The board approved the purchase of an endpoint detection response malware solution for its workstations through CrowdStrike. The agreement is for two years. For more information on this item, click HERE.
New Aerial Imagery Service Purchase
The board approved a contract between the county and Nearmap US, Inc. for aerial imagery. This imagery will be used by various county departments, including Parks, Highways, GIS, Surveyors and Property Tax. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Video/Image Software Purchased for 911
The board approved the purchase of 100 lines from Prepared Live, to be used for the county’s 911 service. Prepared Live allows a dispatcher to send a link to a 911 caller so they can provide live streaming video or a picture to the dispatcher. This feature will allow responders to get a true picture of the incident; it can also be used for missing children or a missing vulnerable adult. For more information on this item, click HERE.
To watch the full meeting, click HERE.