The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...
East Bethel denies proposal for PUD, expansion at Cedarwood Estates
The East Bethel City Council unanimously voted to deny a concept plan that would have added 33 new homes at the Cedarwood Estates manufactured home park, while giving the applicant the opportunity to return with revisions addressing council concerns. Kendra Lindahl, a planner with Landform, presented the proposal, which would expand the park onto two adjacent parcels through a Planned Unit Development and establish standards for both the existing park and the proposed expansion. ...
Immigration enforcement activity reported across Anoka County
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly conducted enforcement activity in several Anoka County communities in recent days, prompting concern and widespread discussion on social media as of Jan. 9. Unverified reports circulating online have cited ICE presence at retail locations including Walmart in Andover, multiple locations in Columbia Heights, Menards and Home Depot in Fridley, and a trailer park in Fridley where agents were allegedly knocking on doors. Other reports described officers shopping at a Target in Fridley, activity near the Walmart off Ball Road in Circle Pines, and activity on a residential street in Blaine. ...
BDM/Firebird counter-sues East Bethel
Firebird Land LLC and BDM have responded to an eviction lawsuit filed by the city of East Bethel by denying the city’s allegations and filing a countersuit alleging they did not breach their contract and were overcharged for road retrofit and sewer connection fees. The countersuit was filed Dec. 17. In a response filed Dec. 19, Firebird and BDM answered the city’s eviction action, denying “each and every” allegation and demanding the city meet its strict burden of proof. The companies acknowledged they continue to occupy the Whispering Aspen community center but argued the city lacks legal or statutory authority under Minnesota law to pursue the eviction. ...
St Francis council approves steps for fire merger with Bethel
The St. Francis and Bethel fire departments will merge to form the Rum River Fire District after the St. Francis City Council approved a series of transition agreements at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council considered five items related to the creation of the new district, which will officially begin operations Jan. 1. The council unanimously approved the fiscal agent agreement and passed the remaining transition items on 4-1 votes, with Council Member Amy Faanes dissenting over concerns related to asset valuation, control and long-term liability. ...
Andover Council aligns code with state law on cannabis, hemp THC
The Andover City Council unanimously approved a code change related to hemp-derived THC and cannabis at its Dec. 16 meeting, replacing existing ordinances with a new chapter governing cannabis and lower-potency hemp business registration. City Administrator Sarah Cotton said the action repeals two existing chapters of Andover City Code governing cannabinoid products and adult-use cannabis business operations. The new Chapter Nine replaces both ordinances. Cotton said the existing ordinances had become outdated and inconsistent with Minnesota state law. The City Council discussed the proposed changes at a recent workshop, and the new chapter simplifies regulation by establishing a single registration framework aligned with state law. ...
Blaine City Council approves watershed agreement, monitoring wells contract
The Blaine City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Coon Creek Watershed District and a contract for construction of monitoring wells at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding for Project U2513. Engineering Director Dan Schluender said the watershed district recently completed work on Knoll Creek, also known as Anoka County Ditch 39, and identified elevated phosphorus and E. coli levels along portions of the ditch system, which serves Blaine, Coon Rapids and Anoka County. ...
Blaine City Council updates zoning code, approves multiple development actions
The Blaine City Council unanimously approved annual zoning code updates and several land-use and development actions at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council approved a package of annual zoning code revisions intended to keep regulations current, clear and effective, according to Community Development Director Sheila Sellman. Sellman said city staff tracks zoning issues throughout the year and compiles an annual update each fall. The revisions address conflicts with current standards and best practices, respond to feedback from the City Council and the public, clarify unclear language and address situations not previously covered by code. ...
East Bethel City Council approves 2026 budget, 3.8% levy increase
A 3.8% levy increase that city officials say will add about $4 per month to the tax bill on a $400,000 home was approved Dec. 8 as the East Bethel City Council adopted its 2026 budget. The council unanimously approved the budget and levy on a 4-0 vote. Council Member Suzanne Erkel was absent. By the same vote, the council also approved the Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority budgets and levies for 2026. ...