Columbus City Council Meeting February 11th, 2026

Monday, February 16, 2026

Pledge of Allegiance

Adoption of the city council agenda

Consent agenda

Public forum

Anoka County Sheriff's Office quarterly report (Q4 2025)

2026 deputy introduction

Deer hunting ordinance and rifle usage regulations

Sheriff's office personnel changes

Update on new facility dog Sedona

Discussion of crime statistics and theft trends

Areas of Interest (5)

Proposed rifle hunting regulations in Columbus regarding Carlos Avery area.
Ongoing litigation between Anoka County and City of Anoka over failing jail infrastructure.
Sheriff's office cooperation with federal ICE agents: Sheriff's stance on jail-based enforcement.
Rise in scam-related thefts and frauds at local businesses like Running Aces and Love's Truck Stop.
Sheriff's office personnel crisis due to multiple high-level retirements.

Votes (2)

Approve the February 11th, 2026 city council agenda

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Ron Hannigraph · Seconded by Rob

Approve the consent agenda

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Ron Hannigraph · Seconded by Scott

Notable Quotes (3)

Anything that interferes with immigration enforcement taking place at a jail in my mind is a mistake.
— Brad Weise

ImmigrationAddressing immigration enforcement strategy.

The building needs to be replaced and I wish I was telling you that a shovel's in the ground.
— Brad Weise

InfrastructureUpdating the council on the Anoka County jail situation.

I think we will have to take a look at what that looks like. You know, rifle travels a lot farther.
— Ron Hannigraph

Hunting RegulationsDiscussing potential ordinance changes for hunting.

People (7)

Ron HannigraphCouncil Member

Lead the meeting and moved to adopt agenda items.

Jessica SlavicLieutenant

Presented the quarterly sheriff's report and office updates.

1 quote

“We have had and are continuing to have some personnel changes with some retirements.”

Updating council on staffing changes.

Brad WeiseSheriff

Discussed immigration policy, jail infrastructure, and deer hunting.

2 quotes

“Our jail is failing... the building is just falling apart and it's a big ticket item.”

Describing the state of the county jail.

“I hope that immigration enforcement takes place at the jail and that the transfer... is as streamlined as possible.”

Clarifying sheriff's philosophy on immigration enforcement.

JennyCouncil Member

Inquired about specific crime reports at Running Aces casino.

KarenCouncil Member

Inquired about the medical training of sheriff deputies.

Shawn MerrittInvestigator

Detailed recent theft investigations and casino-related crimes.

Grant OlsenDeputy

Patrol deputy assigned to the Columbus contract for 2026.

Places Mentioned

City of ColumbusAnoka CountyRunning Aces CasinoAmerican Auto SalesCamper World, Freeway DriveDNT Auto RepairHighway 65147th Avenue, Ham Lake181st and Highway 65Village Green Trailer ParkCarlos AveryKettle River BoulevardLove's Truck Stop

Events & Meetings (1)

February 11, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

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