Update Provided on Haven for Heroes
Bart Ward, co-director of Haven for Heroes, provided the board with an update on the work of the nonprofit. Haven for Heroes was founded in 2018 and is a nonprofit, substance and alcohol-free board and lodging facility that provides recovery and transitional housing to service members and veterans. The restored cottages at Haven for Heroes have housed dozens of veterans—men, women, and families—offering stable shelter, peer support, trauma-informed care, and a steppingstone back into society.
Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Recognized for Receiving Award
The board and Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise recognized Lieutenant James Schilling for receiving the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association’s Supervisor of the Year award. This award recognizes Lt. Schilling’s exceptional leadership during the joint investigation into the disappearance of Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., a 16-year-old resident of Columbia Heights who went missing last May. The search for Collins Jr., represented the largest search in Anoka County law enforcement history and ended with Lt. Schilling leading law enforcement to the Waste Management Landfill in the City of Elk River in search of evidence and human remains. As part of this case, Lt. Schilling managed the nearly 500 different search personnel across more than 40 agencies that helped at the site where Collins Jr.’s remains were ultimately found. Lt. Schilling coordinated the assembly, operation, maintenance, and final disassembly of the command post and campsite. Without all the assistance on this case and Lt. Schilling’s effective leadership, Collins Jr.’s family may still be waiting for answers to this day.
Contract with Workday Human Resources Management System Renewed
The board approved renewing a contract with Workday, which provides Human resources management systems for Anoka County employees. The new contract lasts until March 22, 2033.
Traffic Control Signal System to be Replaced in Blaine, Shoreview
The board awarded a contract to JL Theis for the replacement of the traffic control signal system at the intersection of 85th Avenue and County Road J and Lexington Avenue in the cities of Blaine and Shoreview.
40th Avenue to be Reconstructed in Columbia Heights
The board approved a contract with TKDA for construction administration services related to the reconstruction of 40th Avenue, from Main Street to University Avenue, in Columbia Heights. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer.
Mississippi Street to be reconstructed in Fridley
The board approved a contract with TKDA for construction administration services related to the reconstruction of Mississippi Street, from East River Road to Highway 47 in Fridley. Utility relocation for this project will begin in early spring 2026.
Van Buren Street Acquired for Anoka County Jail Project
The board adopted a resolution authorizing the county to acquire a segment of Van Buren Street for the Anoka County Jail Project. The county owns the land on both sides of Van Buren Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, and the jail project requires a larger footprint than the current facility, making it necessary to incorporate Van Buren Street to meet Department of Corrections standards, support increased capacity,ensure safe inmate movement and maintain efficient operations.
Board Approves Operating Procedures and Guidelines for its Members
The board approved a set of operating guidelines and procedures that addresses several areas, including board meetings, a rotating chair and vice chair procedure, role of the County Board Chair, Public Participation at meetings, and more.
Informational Report Given on Parks Items
Commissioner Jeff Reinert provided an informational report to the board on several Parks items. He noted the recognition of Julie Teske, senior administrative assistant, Anoka County Parks –– Teske is retiring after 28 years with the county. Reinert also said Bunker Beach water park is 38 percent ahead of the pace it was last year in selling seasonal passes –– 690 passes have been sold; the Bunker Hills Regional Park boardwalk reconstruction is scheduled to be finished in June; and recruiting is underway for seasonal Parks positions. Bunker Beach needs about 180 staff members, 40-50 are needed at Chomonix Golf Course, and 80 to 100 are needed for general Parks positions.
The full County Board meeting is available for viewing.