Craig Jochum

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, such as the approval of rental license applications and the payment of claims totaling $150,127.08 plus any additional bills presented during the meeting. Special business covered the discussion of the Council Meeting Schedule. In new business, the Council considered adopting Resolution 2026-08 requesting a general election post-election review. Department reports provided updates on the Finance Director hiring process, the legislative session's bonding request, and recommendations from the Charter Commission. The Police Department presented its 2025 annual report, highlighting staff achievements, including the introduction of a new canine unit named Viktor, and reviewing statistics on calls for service, training hours, and impaired driving enforcement. The Public Works Department reviewed its 2025 annual report, detailing road maintenance successes, grant utilization for park improvements (including the Rum River Woods Park playground replacement), water/wastewater treatment plant performance, and plans for a Mower Replacement acquisition. Council member reports covered updates from the Charter Commission, Parks Commission, and the progress on the Warming House facility design.

The work session focused on providing an overview of the implementation of a Real Time Crime Center, also known as the Anoka Regional Crime Technology and Information Center. Key components discussed included Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras using Flock Safety platforms, strategically placed live view cameras, and Drone First Responder (DFR) technology, all part of a safe county initiative. The presentation detailed how ALPRs capture rear license plates and compare them against the BCA's hot files list for alerts regarding stolen vehicles, disqualified drivers, or warrants, while emphasizing safeguards against facial recognition and unauthorized data searches. The DFR technology segment highlighted its benefit in quickly providing eyes on scene (typically within 90 seconds) for law enforcement needs, locating missing persons (especially those vulnerable), and providing real-time information during officer assistance calls.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key agenda items included the approval of the evening's agenda and consent agenda. The City Administrator reported on the Finance Director recruitment process, noting that five out of fourteen applications were being interviewed, and provided updates on the legislative session concerning a bonding request for an underground utility project. The Police Department presented its 2025 Annual Report, which detailed staff recognition, the volunteer Police Reserve Unit's contributions, the welcoming of a new reserve officer, and recognition of an officer for a life-saving action. The report also covered training hours, TZD statistics showing a decrease in traffic fatalities, call for service data with response times averaging 4 minutes and 51 seconds for high-priority calls, and efforts by the records and investigations units, including handling 151 cases. The UAV program's deployment and the successful transition to Axon cameras were highlighted, alongside community engagement efforts like the dog clinic and prescription drug takeback program. The new K9 program, featuring a German Shepherd named Victor, was introduced. Council members discussed the police report, praising community involvement and noting a blend of local and traveler-related impaired driving incidents, while also inquiring about the status of a School Resource Officer position and potential new security measures in light of recent societal events. Finally, the Public Works department provided its annual report, noting staff changes including the replacement of a long-serving equipment operator, and recognized another staff member for assistance with building maintenance.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. The agenda approval and consent agenda were passed. A public presentation was given regarding post-election review materials, focusing on machine tabulator accuracy, previous cities that conducted reviews, and correspondence from the Secretary of State regarding vote counting protocols. The council formally approved Resolution 2026-04, expressing opposition to the display of the current Minnesota state flag in favor of the 1957 version, despite concerns about potential future replacement costs for the specialized flag. A tentative agreement between the city and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 for the public works contract for 2026 and 2027 was approved. Furthermore, the council addressed the Anoka County Post Election Review, deciding to send a letter of shared concerns to the county for response, with a follow-up expected in 30 days. The City Administrator provided updates on the upcoming Highway 47 project, which will require a public hearing, planning for work sessions with various departments, and upcoming housekeeping items for the city charter.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several items. The Council discussed and voted on several agenda items, including Ordinance 351 regarding amendments to the city code fee schedule, and Ordinance 349 concerning the rezoning of 23671 St. Francis Boulevard Northwest from I1 to B2 General Business. A significant portion of the meeting involved gathering public input on the annual MS4 (Municipal Storm Sewer System) permit requirements, specifically addressing the associated costs, reporting mandates, and operational efforts required by the state. The City Administrator provided updates on monitoring changes to federal THC laws impacting the bottle shop and presenting on utility project expenses related to Highway 47. Council members also reported on attending the capital investment committee bond bus tour and noted the upcoming recycling event.