Anoka County approves contracts, abatements, grants and appointments in March 24 meeting

The Anoka County board on March 24 approved a series of motions and resolutions covering contracts, grants, tax abatements and appointments.

Key votes included approval of a facilities contract with Rack Construction for a WellWork build-out at the 2150 Building, capped at $420,733, and a classification abatement exempting the Wildlife Science Center from $13,645.67 in property taxes payable in 2026 after the center failed to file required documents. Both items passed on roll-call votes.

The board approved a package of human services and public-health related contract actions on the consent agenda: a two-year contract amendment with OTI to manage county compost sites (contract terms described by staff: $78,000 per year with volume charges not to exceed $1,200,000 annually through Feb. 28, 2028); two Minnesota Department of Health grants funding WIC and a breastfeeding support program (effective Jan. 1, 2027–Dec. 31, 2031); HOME subgrantee amendments increasing awards to the Salvation Army ($17,028) and YMCA of the North ($61,721); and an updated provider agreement with United Behavioral Health (Medicaid payment appendix effective July 1).

In transportation business, commissioners approved multiple joint powers agreements with Fridley, Blaine, Andover and Ramsey for corridor improvements and pavement preservation. The board approved a $280,055.96 professional services contract with WSB for preliminary design and environmental documentation and a $1,919,322 contract with New Look Contracting to reconstruct Mississippi Street and East River Road in Fridley.

The Surveyor’s Office had two consent items—a quick claim deed creating two 40-foot access openings and a preliminary plat in Lynnwood Township—which the board approved. The transportation committee also authorized submitting a Minnesota DNR general permit application to streamline threatened and endangered species permitting for county projects and negotiating a biochar and iron-enhanced sand filter stormwater treatment project with the local watershed district.

The board approved an employment agreement appointing Mike McFadden as department director of Economic Assistance effective immediately. McFadden thanked commissioners and said he plans to emphasize stability and service within the department.

Other approved items included resolutions accepting two donations to the sheriff’s office (one from Axon and one from a private donor) and several committee and board appointments, including reappointing George Burrell to the Community Corrections Advisory Board and appointing Becky Fink and Paul Roniak to advisory bodies; Sarah Garvey’s reappointment to the workforce development board was noted as informational.

Most votes were taken by roll call and were approved; where tallies were recorded the board’s recorded responses were unanimous 'Aye.' The meeting adjourned after brief district reports.