Cory Kampf,
Finance and Central Services Division Manager
April 14-20 Proclaimed National Telecommunicators Safety Week
The board adopted a resolution proclaiming April 14-20 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. This year, the county is drawing extra attention to its telecommunicators, as it’s the 50th anniversary of the Anoka County Emergency Communications Center. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Events Planned
All are welcome and invited to assist Anoka County Parks staff with the Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Challenge. The event aims to help improve the quality of the river by removing refuse from its banks. There are three local opportunities to volunteer:
Go to go to anokacountyparks.com/volunteering to sign up or call 763-324-3413. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.
Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 8-12
Board Chair Mike Gamache noted April 8-12 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. This week is a great opportunity to make and practice emergency plans and build or re-stock emergency preparedness kits. Two tornado drills are planned for April 11 –– one at 1:45 p.m. and another at 6:45 p.m. For more information on severe weather preparedness in Minnesota, click HERE.
Signal to be Reconstructed on University Ave.
The board approved a joint powers agreement with the cities of Blaine and Coon Rapids for signal reconstruction and pedestrian ramp improvements at the intersection of University Avenue NE and 86th Lane NE, in the cities of Blaine and Coon Rapids. The signal system is more than 30 years old and has reached the end of its service life. This project is scheduled for construction in 2024. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Roundabout Planned at Hodgson Rd./County Rd. J/Ash St.
The board awarded a contract to Park Construction Company for improvements at Hodgson Road and County Road J/Ash Street, in the cities of Lino Lakes and Shoreview. The construction will include a new roundabout and other improvements to enhance mobility and safety. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Roundabout Planned on Viking Blvd./Rum River Blvd.
The board awarded a contract to North Pine Aggregate Inc., for intersection improvements at Viking Boulevard NW and Rum River Boulevard NW, in the City of Oak Grove. The construction will include a new roundabout and other improvements to enhance mobility and safety. For more information on this item, click HERE.
Contract Awarded for Repair of Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park Bridge, Trail
The board awarded a contract to Sunram Construction Inc., for the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park bridge and trail project. This project will include replacement of the failed bridge, replacement of the upstream culvert system on Coon Creek, and reconstructing and realigning the trails connecting the two structures. If all goes well, the project should be substantially complete by the end of 2024. For more information on this item, click HERE.
‘Remember Them’ Memorial to be Constructed in Cedar Creek
A small group of local citizens recently presented the idea to the county to honor two local veterans who sacrificed their lives aiding others in the Vietnam War. They formed a committee and contacted Anoka County Parks about having a memorial constructed for these two men and other Vietnam veterans in the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Parks staff worked with them on the idea, and the citizens formed a committee to fundraise for the project. They hope to have an opening ceremony at the end of June. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. For more information, click HERE.
Vote on Blaine Tax Abatement Proposal Postponed
The board voted 5-1 to postpone a vote on a non-binding term sheet between Anoka County and the City of Blaine for an abatement request related to the National Sports Center turf field project. The county’s Finance Committee will review the request again at its next meeting, and the item will come back to the board at its next regular meeting April 23. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.
Tom Hunt Appointed Director of Elections, Property Records and Taxation
The board approved an employment agreement with Tom Hunt, appointing him the director of Elections, Property Records and Taxation. Hunt most recently served as the county’s elections manager. For more information on this item, click HERE.
To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.
