Anoka County — Transcript
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Search for new legal counsel and handling of union contracts
Approval of Transportation and Parks Committee Contracts
Amendment to Park Ordinance regarding firearm use in natural preserves
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) extension for Columbia Heights redevelopment
Enterprise Data Assessment Contract
Appointments to Personnel Appeals Board and Coon Creek Watershed District Board
Votes (6)
Appointment of New Attorney and Discussion of Union Contracts
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Meissner [Early Meeting] · Seconded by Commissioner Gamash [Early Meeting]
The discussion focused on the necessity of securing new legal representation due to the retirement of the previous attorney responsible for a longstanding case. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the inclusive and thorough process used to gather input on sensitive union contracts, emphasizing the importance of handling such agreements with care.
Approval of Transportation and Parks Committee Contracts
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Reinert [Mid Meeting] · Seconded by Commissioner Heinrich [Mid Meeting]
The board considered and approved two contracts previously reviewed by the Transportation and Parks Committee. The first contract pertained to significant pavement restoration work within Linwood Lakes, while the second involved a licensing agreement for tree planting along a main thoroughfare in the same city, both aimed at local infrastructure and aesthetic improvements.
Amendment to Park Ordinance for Firearm Use in Natural Preserves
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Gamash [Mid Meeting] · Seconded by Commissioner Meissner [Mid Meeting]
Following a public hearing, the board discussed and approved an amendment to the Park Ordinance restricting the types of firearms permitted in Cedar Creek and Columbus Lake Natural Preserves. This decision was prompted by state legislative changes regarding deer hunting zones, leading Anoka County to implement localized restrictions in response to increased residential density and safety concerns, specifically prohibiting rifles and firearms of .22 caliber and above due to projectile range.
Resolution Approving TIF Extension for Columbia Heights Latice Project
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown Commissioner [Late Meeting] · Seconded by Unknown Commissioner [Late Meeting]
The board approved Resolution No. 2026-55, endorsing state legislation to extend tax increment financing periods for the Latice Project in Columbia Heights. The project, a redevelopment of a former commercial site, has faced significant delays from high interest rates and complex environmental issues, particularly flooding caused by Jackson Pond, a FEMA overflow basin. Collaboration with multiple agencies is underway to address these challenges and facilitate the project.
Approval of Enterprise Data Assessment Contract with Deloitte Consulting
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Gibson [Late Meeting] · Seconded by Commissioner Gamash [Late Meeting]
The board approved a contract with Deloitte Consulting for an enterprise data assessment, not exceeding $225,000. This initiative aims to advance the county's data strategic priorities. The item had been previously tabled to allow the County Attorney's office and Administration to finalize contract details, ensuring its readiness for approval.
Appointments to Personnel Appeals Board and Coon Creek Watershed District Board
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Gamash [Late Meeting] · Seconded by Commissioner Prastad [Late Meeting]
Two key appointments were approved by the board: Lisa Wagner to the Personnel Appeals Board and Nathaniel Schneider to the Coon Creek Watershed District Board. The Chair underscored Ms. Wagner's qualifications and welcomed Mr. Schneider to his new role, while also acknowledging the service of the outgoing member, Aaron Lin.
Notable Quotes (9)
I truly appreciate the comprehensive way that all the parties were brought to the table on this. We're talking 30 years, and that's a long time. Union contracts are sensitive, and I think they need to be handled with compassion and precision.
The first item is Contract No. SCON 26-00001218 for $448,581.61 to Parks Construction for pavement restoration work in the City of Linwood Lakes. And the second item is Contract No. SCON 26-00001216, a licensing agreement with the City of Linwood Lakes for planting some trees in the median along Main Street.
Hunters are restricted to shotgun, muzzleloader, and licensed handgun use in Cedar Creek and Columbus Lake Preserves. Rifles and firearms of .22 caliber and above are prohibited in the aforementioned preserves.
Initially, when this first came to us, I was not going to support it for safety reasons. Rifle hunting is much safer than shotgun hunting. But after reviewing our Parks Director's recommendations, I will be supporting this. His recommendations are sound.
This is one of those things where the state legislature, they decided not to deal with it at the state level and pushed it down to the counties to decide... It's just 'we're going to allow everyone to shoot, rifles unless you object.'
Specifically, this special legislation, which was approved by the state legislature, extends the five-year rule and the ten-year rule regarding revenue and expenditures within this TIF district.
Unfortunately, Jackson Pond on site is a FEMA overflow basin, usually to drain runoff in floodplains. So we're now working with the federal government, with both the developer and the watershed management organization, to solve this issue, solve our neighborhood's flooding issues, as well as putting a redevelopment project on site.
We're looking at approving a contract for an enterprise data assessment by Deloitte Consulting for a sum not to exceed $225,000, as recommended by the full Government Operations Committee... I think we're ready now.
I just would note that Lisa Wagner is very competent and well qualified to do that job. It's good to have someone that can fill that important position. And Nathaniel Schneider is a new appointment filling a vacancy to the Coon Creek Watershed District Board, and I would thank Aaron Lin, who was on that board previously, for her service.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Contract for pavement restoration work in the City of Linwood Lakes, valued at $448,581.61.
Licensing agreement with the City of Linwood Lakes for planting trees in the median along Main Street.
The existing Park Ordinance being amended by Ordinance No. 2026-2 (noted as 218-01 in the public notice).
Amendment to Park Ordinance No. 2018-1, restricting firearm types in Cedar Creek and Columbus Lake Natural Preserves.
Approving Minnesota Laws 2026, Chapter 128, Article 6, Section 6, related to the Net Tax Increment Financing District in Columbia Heights.
State legislation allowing for the extension of Tax Increment Financing periods for certain projects, specifically referenced by Resolution 2026-55.
A financial tool used by Columbia Heights for the Latice Project redevelopment, with extension periods being approved by Resolution 2026-55.