May Proclaimed Mental Health Month in Anoka County
Denise Kirmis, manager of Anoka County Behavioral Health and Adult Services, attended the board meeting to speak about mental health in Anoka County, and the board adopted a resolution proclaiming May as Mental Health Month. Mental illness can happen to anyone, and 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, which equates to 43.8 million people a year in the United States. To watch the presentation, click HERE. To learn more about mental health resources, visit nami.org, macmh.org, mhanational.org, or samhsa.gov.
Amendment Made to Contract for Medical Examiner Transport Services
The board approved an amendment to a contract between the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and Lake Superior Transport Services, LLC for medical examiner transport services in the St. Louis County region. Two decedent transport services used to serve the area, but with one of those companies no longer providing services, Lake Superior Transport Services was selected as the provider for the region. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Coon Lake Park Long-Range Plan Adopted
Anoka County Parks staff recently finalized the long-range plan for Coon Lake Regional Park and are in the process of requesting resolutions of support from local cities. The board adopted a resolution supporting the plan at the meeting. Once the plan is completed, the Parks Department will forward the plan to the Met Council for review and approval, which is expected to take 2-3 months. Upon Met Council approval, the park then becomes eligible for Metro Regional Park dollars, which can be used for future maintenance and upgrades. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. For more information, click HERE.
Community Development Block Grant Program Annual Action Plan Approved
The board adopted a resolution approving the county’s 2023 annual action plan for the community development block grant and home investment partnership program. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development released funding allocations for 2023, with that money being allocated in July. Public service activities have up to 12 months and projects have up to 18 months to spend awarded funds. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Board remembers IT Director Susan Vreeland
The board took some time at the end of the meeting to remember Information Technology Director Susan Vreeland, who passed away April 21. In December of 2005, she began her public service career in Anoka County as an administrative services manager in the Information Technology Department. She was promoted to IT director in 2011. She led approximately 70 staff to provide quality service solutions and technology support for more than 2,000 employees. Vreeland made many contributions to the county during her tenure, and her leadership and personality will be missed. The board offered condolences to her family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.