County Board Briefs –– 9-14-21

Longtime Employees Recognized

Employees who have worked at the county for 30 and 35 years were recognized by the board for their service. To watch the presentation, click HERE.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The board recognized Sep...

County Board Briefs –– 8-24/21

West Freeway Drive in Columbus to be Reconstructed

The board approved a professional services contract with SRF Consulting Group for the reconstruction and realignment of West Freeway Drive in the City of Columbus. This project is slated for the 2023 const...

County Board Briefs –– 8-10-21

Right Turn Lanes to be Added on Constance Boulevard

The board entered into a joint powers agreement with the City of Ham Lake for the addition of right-hand turn lanes on Constance Boulevard, at Tippecanoe Street, in the City of Ham Lake. For more informat...

County Board Briefs — 7-27-2021

July 27 Proclaimed County Staff Appreciation Day 

The board proclaimed July 27 County Staff Appreciation Day. This was a recognition of all county staff statewide, as Governor Walz chose July 27 to acknowledge the exemplary efforts of county staff...

County Board Briefs –– 7-13-21

July 20-25 is the Anoka County Fair 

After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the Anoka County Fair is back and scheduled to run Tuesday, July 20, through Sunday, July 25. The board invited Mike Ahlers, president of the Anoka County Fair Boar...

County Board Briefs 6-22-21

Several Resolutions Approved Regarding Ramsey Gateway Project 

The board approved several resolutions related to the acquisition of right-of-way for the Ramsey Gateway Project, all which concern intersections along U.S. Highways 10 and 169 in the ...

County Board Briefs 6-8-21

Contract Approved for Coon Rapids Blvd./Blackfoot St. Design

The board approved a professional services contract with SEH, Inc. for the preliminary and final design services for intersection improvements on Coon Rapids Boulevard at Blackfoot Street in the ...

County Board Briefs –– 5-25-21

Board Receives Update on Columbia Heights TIF Plan

The board received an update from Columbia Heights Community Development Director Aaron Chirpich about the proposed establishment of the Alatus tax increment financing district, located near Central and 44...

County Board Briefs –– 5-11-21

Compact roundabout approved in Fridley

The board approved entering into a professional services contract with WSB Engineering for improvements at the intersection of Old Central Avenue and Gardena Avenue N.E. in the City of Fridley. This work will include ...

County Board Briefs –– 4-27-21

Anoka County Employees Receive Awards of Excellence

The board recognized several county employees and groups of employees during the biannual awards of excellence presentation. The awards were submitted by fellow employees and encompassed several categorie...

County Board Briefs –– 4-13-21

New Economic Development Director Introduced

Samantha Markman, whose hiring was approved at the March 23 board meeting, introduced herself to the board. Markman last served as the economic development coordinator for the City of Faribault. To read the news...

County Board Briefs –– 3-23-21

Board Hears County Website Annual Report 

Barb Young, Anoka County digital communications coordinator, presented the board with the Anoka County website annual report. Young noted, due to COVID-19, activity on the website increased over the past y...

County Board Briefs –– 3-9-21

Board Details Annual Medical Examiner’s Report 

Scott Schulte, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners, briefly detailed the 2020 annual report, submitted by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Some points of note on the ...

County Board Briefs –– 2-23-21

Board Reclassifies Economic Development Position

Following the departure of Anoka County’s economic development specialist, the board reclassified the job as an economic development director position. The economic development specialist position ...

County Board Briefs –– 2-9-2021

Several Transportation Items Approved

The board voted to approve multiple transportation items. Those items include:

1. A contract amendment for design services for the reconstruction of Foley Boulevard, from East River Road to Coon Rapids Boulevard in Coon Ra...

County Board Briefs –– 1-26-21

Two Anoka County Departments win AMC Awards

Anoka County received two Association of Minnesota Counties Awards during AMC’s annual conference Dec. 7, which this year was held virtually due to COVID-19. The board recognized both departments during...

County Board Briefs –– 12-22-20

Board Approves Temporary Extension of Business Licenses 

During an emergency board meeting Dec. 22, the board approved a temporary extension of business renewal licenses for food, beverage and lodging establishments that have been affected by COVI...

County Board Briefs –– 12-15-20

Jam Hops Named Small Business of the Year

The board recognized local business Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory for winning the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, which was presented to the business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Big Week f...

County Board Briefs –– 11-24-20

Board Commends Employees for Work Amid COVID-19

The board took time at the beginning of the meeting to commend all Anoka County employees for their hard work to ensure citizens keep receiving county services during the COVID-19 pandemic. To watch the prese...

County Board Briefs –– 11-10-20

Improvements to be Made at 47/Bunker Lake Boulevard Intersection

The board approved entering into a joint powers agreement with the cities of Anoka and Ramsey for improvements at Highway 47 and Bunker Lake Boulevard intersection in the cities of Anoka and ...

County Board Briefs –– 10-27-2020

Longtime Employees Recognized

The board recognized more than two dozen employees for their years of service. Several employees were commended for 30 and 35 years of service, and the board also recognized one 40-year employee. The cumulative amount of servi...

County Board Briefs –– 10-13-2020

Board Presents Public Health and Environment Awards

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners recognized two individuals and two groups as part of this year’s Public Health & Environmental Awards. The individual awards went to Connie Moore, the...

County Board Briefs –– 9-22-20

Job Training Center Staff Receive Award

The board recognized the Anoka County Job Center staff for receiving a Promising Practices Award from the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards. This award was for the staff’s development of a Cohort Mo...

County Board Briefs –– 9-8-20

Emergency Management Coordinator Position Added

Anoka County currently has one emergency management coordinator. Due to the duties and responsibilities of this position increasing, the board approved adding another full-time-equivalent coordinator position...

County Board Briefs –– 8-25-20

County Partners with MnDOT to improve Highways 10/169

The board adopted resolutions authorizing Anoka County to enter into a local road improvement agreement with MnDOT for right-of-way acquisition and design services related to scheduled improvements on U...

County Board Briefs –– 8-11-20

• Due to technical difficulties, video for this meeting is not available. 

Centenarians Recognized 

Commissioner Scott Schulte, chair, Anoka County Board of Board of Commissioners, noted at the beginning of the meeting that four C...

County Board Briefs –– 7-28-20

Employees Recognized with Awards of Excellence

The board commended several Anoka County employees who had gone above and beyond in their job duties to support their coworkers and to ensure the public is being served in the most thorough manner possible dur...

County Board Briefs –– 7-14-20

County Board Briefs –– 7-14-20

Donation of $10,000 Accepted from Friends of Anoka County Library

The Friends of Anoka County Library, a group that raises funds and awareness of library services, programs and materials, donated $10,000 to...

County Board Briefs –– 6-23-20

Property Records and Taxation Division Manager Retires 

The board recognized longtime employee Jonell Sawyer for her 36 years of service to the county in the Property Records and Taxation department. Sawyer, who most recently served as the divisio...

County Board Briefs –– 6-9-20

Board Approves Resolution Recognizing, Respecting and Supporting Diversity

The board adopted a resolution that recognizes diversity in Anoka County and stands against discrimination. To read the resolution, click HERE. To watch the video on this i...

County Board Briefs –– 5-26-20

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 agen...

County Board Briefs –– 5-12-20

Board Recognizes Nurses 

The board recognized National Nurses Week in Anoka County by honoring the men and women who serve our society in this role. As part of this presentation, Anoka County Human Services Division Manager Cindy Cesare spoke abou...

County Board Briefs ­­–– 4-28-20

Board Recognizes Peace Officers 

The board recognized all Anoka County peace officers as part of National Peace Officers Week, which this year is May 10 to 16. Law enforcement in Anoka County is composed of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Off...

County Board Briefs –– 4-14-20

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...

County Board Briefs –– 3-31-20

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to conduct business in relation to the coronavirus outbreak. 

Anoka County Continues State of Emergency

The board voted to continue the local state of emergency declared March 16. The b...

County Board Briefs ––3-24-20

Board Briefs – 3-24-20

Note: Due to public health social distancing guidelines established to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, Anoka County Board of Commissioners Chairman Scott Schulte was the only commissioner in the boardroom for the mee...

County Board Briefs — 3-10-20

Emergency Management Director Receives State Award

Anoka County Emergency Management Director Terry Stoltzman recently received an Outstanding Community Partnership Award from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety — division of Homeland Secur...

County Board Briefs 2-25-20

Commissioner Jeff Reinert Sworn into Office

Prior to the board’s regular meeting, Commissioner Jeff Reinert, who now represents District 6, was sworn into office. Voters selected Reinert to fill the vacancy, created when Rhonda Sivarajah became c...

County Board Briefs — 2-11-20

Board Hears Annual County Website Report 

Barbara Young, Anoka County digital communications coordinator, presented the board with an annual report on the county’s public-facing website, which included several statistics about how the pu...

County Board Briefs – 1-28-20

Human Services Mentorship Program Wins AMC Award

Anoka County received a 2019 Association of Minnesota Counties Award for its Human Services Leadership Mentorship Program, which was developed to connect new leaders to more experienced staff for increased s...

County Board Briefs — 1-7-20

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Commissioner Scott Schulte Elected Chair of Anoka County Board

District 7 Anoka County Commissioner Scott Schulte was elected chair of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, with Commissioner Julie Braastad being elected vice chair....

County Board Briefs — 12-17-19

County IT Department Receives Two ‘Golden GOVIT’ Awards 

The Anoka County Information Technology Department recently received two “Golden GOVIT” awards for innovations that reduce waste, save time and make p...

County Board Briefs — 11-26-19

County Employees Receive Awards of Excellence 

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners presented several employees with awards of excellence. Nominations for these awards were submitted by fellow employees. Among the winners were: Susan R Anderson...

County Board Briefs –– 11-12-19

Economic Assistance Director Wins Award

The board recognized Brad Thiel, director of the Anoka County Economic Assistance Department, for the work he’s done at the Minnesota Legislature that resulted in securing more funding statewide for child s...

County Board Briefs — 10-22-19

Law Library Director Receives Statewide Award

The board commended John Murphy, Anoka County Law Library Director, for being recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as an “Unsung Legal Hero” for the work he’s done to enhance the library...

County Board Briefs — 10-8-19

Board Hears Annual Report of Veteran Services Office 

Anoka County Veteran Services Officer John Kriesel gave the board an update on the activities of his office. He noted Anoka County is home to more than 21,000 veterans. These brave men and wome...

County Board Briefs — 9-24-19

Board Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Anoka County 

To raise awareness about domestic violence, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Anoka County. Present at the meetin...

County Board Briefs — 9-10-19

Bunker Beach Staff, Other Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Actions

Several Bunker Beach Water Park Staff and other first responders were recognized at the meeting for their heroic actions the morning of Aug. 7 that resulted in saving the life of a 2-ye...

County Board Briefs — 8-27-19

Recognitions Presented for Involvement with Veterans Memorial Project

Under Chair’s Remarks, the board took time to recognize everyone who was involved in the planning, fundraising and construction of the veterans’ memorial at Coon Lake County Park. In att...

County Board Briefs — 8-13-19

ACTION ITEMS

• All action items were unanimous. 

Two Positions Added in Corrections

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners approved adding two positions to Human Services/Community Corrections. One is a probation officer, and the second is a social w...

County Board Briefs — 7-23-19

ACTION ITEMS

• All items except the reclassification of an employee were unanimous.

Grant Secured for Crime Victim Services

The board accepted grant funding from a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in the amount of $279,028 to be used to ex...

County Board Briefs — 7-9-19

Anoka County Fair Scheduled July 23-28

The Anoka County Fair will run July 23-28 at 3200 St. Francis Blvd., Anoka. The fair features 4-H exhibits, grandstand events including motocross racing, bull riding, tractors pulls, an ATV big air event and a demo de...

County Board Briefs — 6-25-19

ACTION ITEMS – All of the following items were approved unanimously

Resolution of Support Approved for Road Projects

The board approved a resolution of support for various road and bridge projects in Anoka County for the 2020 legislative session. ...

County Board Briefs — 6-11-19

Board Recognizes Longtime Employees 

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners recognized county employees at the meeting who have worked for the county for 30 and 35 years. In total, 29 employees were commended with certificates of appreciation. Th...

County Board Briefs — 5-28-19

County Administrator Contract Approved 

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners approved Rhonda Sivarajah’s employment agreement for the position of county administrator. The contract was approved by six commissioners, with Sivarajah abs...

County Board Briefs — 5-14-19

Medical Examiner Provides Report

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners invited Dr. Quinn Strobel, the chief medical examiner for the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, to the meeting to give a report about the work her office conducted for the ...

County Board Briefs — 4-23-19

Board Recognizes Work of Adult Protection/Senior Services

Denise Kirmis, manager of Anoka County Behavioral Health and Adult Services, and Leslie Lundequam, supervisor for Anoka County Adult Protection and Senior Services, were present at the board meeting...

County Board Briefs — 4-9-19

Law Day Planned April 26

Judge Bethany Fountain Lindberg was present at the meeting to talk about Anoka County Law Day, which is planned 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26. This event is free and open to the public.

She noted Law Day was designed to educate and assi...

County Board Briefs — 3-26-19

Anoka County Central Communications Division Recognized 

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners designated the week of April 14-20 National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the county. This designation was to recognize the important work ...

County Board Briefs — 2-26-19

Economic Development Initiatives Underway

Jacquel Hajder, Anoka County Economic Development Specialist; Lori Higgins, MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce president; and Bruce Sayler, principal of community and economic development at Connexus Energy; spoke to t...

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class

Powerful Tools for Caregivers will help you:

• Reduce stress
• Improve self-confidence
• Balance your life
• Better communicate your feelings
• Increase the ability to make tough decisions
• Learn to locate helpful resources

Classes are Saturdays from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and be...

Camp 3 Road Temporary Closure Scheduled for October 4, 2021

Anoka County, in partnership with the City of Columbus, will be temporarily closing the segment of Camp 3 Road from Kettle River Boulevard to Lake Drive.  The temporary closure will begin on October 4, and last through November 10, 2021. &nbs...

County Road 28 (Ambassador Boulevard NW) Bridge

The County Road 28 (Ambassador Boulevard NW) bridge is now open, to vehicles with a 32-ton weight limit or less.

Please see the detour map for detour route for vehicles over the 32-ton weight limit.There will be no permits given for oversize or overweight ...

Public Comment on Stormwater MS4 Permit

The Anoka County Highway Department is currently in the process of renewing our MS4 permit through the MPCA. As part of the MPCA review process, residents and other county stakeholders can submit comments on the county's application.

Public commen...

04-26-2019 Law Day

1-8-19 Commissioners/Sheriff Swearing In

Anoka County License Centers Will Be Closed October 11th for All Staff Training

The Anoka County License and Passport Centers will be closed Columbus Day - Monday, October 11th for All Staff Training. All offices will resume normal business hours Tuesday, October 12th.