Press Release

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 44th avenues. This is a 13-acre site, and Columbia Heights has marked it for redevelopment. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. For more information on this item, click HERE.

Contract Approved with HR Company for Classification, Compensation Work

Anoka County is required by state statute to have an employee classification system in place. The system in place today was introduced 35 years ago. Helios HR will be working with Anoka County to build a new job framework. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE.

Armstrong/Sunfish Lake Improvements Planned

The board adopted a resolution authorizing acquisition of right-of-way for the reconditioning of Bunker Lake Boulevard from Armstrong Boulevard to Sunfish Lake Boulevard, in the City of Ramsey. Proposed improvements include constructing designated turn lanes, increasing the length of the merge lanes, restricting left turning movements at designated locations and driveways, and installing a traffic signal system along with other modifications at the Sunwood Avenue intersection. This project is scheduled for construction in late summer of 2021. For more information on this item, click HERE.

Contract Approved for Emergency Preparedness

The county board approved a grant renewal contract with the Minnesota Department of Health in the amount of $230,051 for public health and emergency preparedness. Since September of 2002, emergency preparedness funding has been made available to local public health departments. This year’s grant responsibilities are anticipated to again focus on COVID-19 response. For more information on this item, click HERE.

Reentry and Halfway Housing Funding Received 

The board entered into a contract with the Minnesota Department of Corrections for reentry and halfway housing funding to temporarily house up to six homeless offenders released from prison at the Anoka County Workhouse. This funding will be up to $45,000. Supportive housing helps reduce the risk of recidivism for individuals under correctional supervision. Participants will be provided room and board for approximately 60 days or until stable housing can be obtained. For more information on this item, click HERE.

COVID-19 Supplemental Grant Received  

The board accepted a COVID-19 supplemental grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in the amount of $70,620 to support staffing resources that allow Anoka County Emergency Management to support the county’s coordinated COVID-19 response. For more information on this item, click HERE.

Property Insurance Renewed 

Anoka County renewed its property insurance through the Chubb Group, for a premium of $478,354. Other carriers the county researched indicated higher premiums for property insurance, so there was no incentive to change carriers at this time. For more information on this item, click HERE.