Frequently Asked Questions

What is your stance on the homelessness is Anoka and how would you resolve this?

My stance ties with the safety of all citizens. Our police department is accountable for handling this situation. As we attempt to enjoy our city streets, parks and trails, no one should fear for their safety. Children are influenced by adult behaviors and adults are influenced by the city standards. My solution is to: a.) work with the Anoka police department and the Anoka city manager to create best practices by them in the city. This hasn’t been much of a problem until the very recent year. b.) work with the county commissioner to determine what is available to the city from our county. c.) a social worker will not solve this situation but will enhance the police depts responsibility, however that person should work for and with the police department to establish best practices.

What would you suggest be done with 7th and Bunker Lake blvd. land owned by the city?

Great question, as the nearby homeowners should have a LOUD voice on this subject. As a member of the EDC in Anoka, this subject has been dicussed many times. The desire to put another liquor store/strip mall on the site is desired by the city as is the completion of the road from 7th ave. into “nothing.” The road is desired finished by a developer running from the current stoplight to the Anoka Library. The strip center built to the south toward 7th avenue.

A Lunds & Byerlys grocery store would be appropriate as would a Trader Joe’s as mentioned by one resident. Remember, the city cannot allow a merchant into the city that desires to sell liqour and this has pushed many options away. I believe upscale merchants catering to the residents living nearby and drawing potential shoppers to the location is a good use of the strip mall concept.

Another option I haven’t heard before was to place a 55 and older patio home community on that corner! I agree as we have a need for specialized housing for our aging residents. There would still be space for the strip mall and modified roadway. I like it and plan to share at our next EDC meeting.

Whatever buyer/decision is made the protection of the residents of Rum River Shores is of utmost importance to me.

What is the status of the proposed jail?

My understanding is that the jail parking structure is in litigation as is the closure of Van Buren street. We are in litigation 2x. Due to these, the proposed jail is on hold as well. The jail has been a spotlight in DTA, however my opinion, the proposal is much more than is needed. Now that Wells Fargo is closing across the street from the court house, the concept may change as well. Time will tell how and if the jail proposal moves forward.

Another question was asked about the rum river dam and proposed $55 million enhancements. I made a reel about this and will load that on another page on my website. The simple city request was to replace the boards that regulate the dams flow of water, as they were outdated, needing repair and a danger to city staff to adjust. This request was joined with the need for a lock system to allow boats to move up and down the rum river. Then came a proposal to add a river wave park and fish channel as well. All looked fabulous and the proposed budget was explained. $55million! Wow! When would anoka residents see a profit on this taxed expenditure? Could we gain grants to help pay for this from the county, DNR or state? Twist: $6.1 million is provided by the county through a deal arranged by Zach Stephenson and mayor Erik Skogquist. Their desires seemed appropriate to the cities need for the dam, but this money was allocated for a walkway over the dam to connect both trails on the east and west side of the rum river and only available if the plan for a $55 million park proceeds! Now that situation is in litigation between the county and the state. Did Anoka receive the funds? Supposedly yes, but I haven’t seen them show up in any financial documents provided by the city. Another mess created by the current city council and a resolution is in the court system.

Do I support the first amendment?

Of course I do, as well as the entire constitution of the United States of America! Celebrating our 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence made me very proud to be a free American, with the all the rights that are included with that title.

Why does government own property? I will refer only to the city of Anoka in my response. As a member of the economic development commission, I have first hand knowledge of the properties owned by the city of Anoka. It is readily available by doing a data request through the city website. The city has a comprehensive plan that attempts to outline proposals for the city. This includes building and land development. The city does not have much land (approx. 7 square miles) most is already developed or in the planning. While developers have offered/presented purchasing options, some were hindered by the unknown status of the county jail dta. Some will develop regardless of that outcome. Other properties are influenced by neighborhood outreach as required by the city. Some are just not desirable locations. The city originally purchased these properties to manage and develop for various community needs. That being stated, the need to enhance our taxable base is necessary in order to prevent our real estate taxes from continuing to increase. The answer is obvious to many, sell, sell, sell, thus allowing future development to assist in the overall taxes paid by Anoka residents. Selling property should be done judiciously as to enhance the city of Anoka. Timing matters as do site plans and long term goals. More to come on this topic!

What are your ideas to make the aquatic center profitable in Anoka? I struggle with this now, as the slide is closed, possibly for the season, due to maintenance requested by the health dept. (based on various facebook posts by the city) Loosing a main attraction hurts the profitability of the center. Ideas: meet with the city staff and managerial staff of the center to learn profitable options and implement them. Ideas have surfaced on aqua aerobics, party themes, planned events or featured swim instruction, and other pay for activities outside of the normal membership fee. The price had gone up this year to swim, but was reduced with the slide closure, however easily beats any “pool” option in the Anoka area. I read no guests allowed, so all must pay to enter the pool now. Another idea is the snack bar. This is very popular for those that attend and options should include both cold, frozen and hot popular food choices for kids! I do believe the snack bar could be a better money maker for the center.

1. LWV forum questions:

   1. The first two questions were answered by the moderator in the forum.

   2. The social district concerns about rule enforcement and support of the district.

      Phil Rice, the former mayor, and that council created the social district concept. Since that time the district has expanded its time to include the current open 365 day calendar year with the exception of certain events scheduled dta. The street has also been reconfigured to allow safer access and parking for those wishing to enjoy this feature in Anoka. I have enjoyed our social district on a rare occasion and find it inviting and safe. I do listen to our public about concerns for loitering and cleanliness of the area. Anoka has CSO’s in our police dept. that are charged with maintaining safety for all in this area. As the intent appears to be a safe, fun area for all, this aspect of law enforcement should be readily available and enforcing laws pertaining to such.

   3. Anoka Cannabis and other creative ideas?

      I have not entered this location nor do I purchase from the shop. If Anokans see a need for this, I am all for it! As to the profitability, we are still in the “honeymoon” stage as the grand opening was in December. So far, it appears to be a credible source for CBD products. However, users have expressed the combination of cost and quality as being questionable. Also, the concept of a gateway drug to further exasperate our illicit drug use problem. (watch city council meeting July 6th 2026) is of concern to me. These are considerations that must be kept mindful for the outlook of Anoka.

      Creative ideas have and do come from the EDC (economic development committee) of which I am the Vice Chair. We have discussed hot tubs boating on the rum, peddle pub riding dta, Greenhaven golf remodel, and housing options as well as the dta plans for a boutique hotel on 2nd avenue next to the parking structure. These ideas were all generated by the minds that create this committee. I welcome your ideas and your attendance at this public committee meeting.

   4. Free parking in DTA or paid?

      This has been a “hot” topic for years. The dta business owners want the parking available to them and their clients. There is a restriction in place currently for business dta employees to move their parking spot so as to not be ticketed on a regular day shift basis. I am not in favor of “charging” to park in anoka ie. meters, ramp etc, but do understand the need to correct this issue for all. Now that the Wells Fargo building is likely to be up for sale, is this an opportunity for more parking space or combination of parking and retail, restaurant, other? Time limits on parking seems to be an aspect of this dilemma and something that the current council has not entertained public discussion on. A work session has been asked for, for nearly 2 years and still not honored by the council. ABLA did do some research on property owner desires in DTA.

   5. Gun violence in the city of Anoka.

      I am not sure that this applies to anoka vs the county or state? Gun violance is another 2nd ammendment discussion on our freedom to own firearms. Whether you do or do not own a gun(s) everyone is aware a criminal certainly will! The people I know that own guns, use them for practical purposes and the first order of training is what and where to shoot your gun. In no gun training that I am aware of are you taught to shoot “people” or their belongings, home, or car!

   6. Homelessness: discussed above in question 1.

   7. The TOD district and rail station plans?

      Again, this was discussed by the EDC and the city was disturbed by the reality of closing the north star rail and replacing its service with city busing. The amtrack rail service is now expressing interest as was the borealis train service as discussed at the forum. One of our former EDC members was very active and acquainted with the train service to Anoka and kept the EDC updated on future plans as did our city advisor. The city does have a plan to build market rate apartments to the north of the rail road. All outcomes tbd.

   8. Organized garbage collection?

      This was discussed 2 years ago and voted on by the citizens of anoka. The reason votes were for or against was personal. My choice is against city organized hauling and that has not changed. The idea that gas pricing will affect the price/pollution is unwarranted as many are already using electric or natural gas as displayed on the sides of their trucks. Road damage is another area of discussion. The city has had interested parties, with knowledge about road work, explain why this is happening to the city and is not related to haulers. Even the haulers explained this to the city at a work session as it relates to the distribution of weight and tires on their trucks. Did you know, our school buses have more impact on our roads than do haulers? As is now seen, it fell on deaf ears. As to pricing, yes you can negotiate cheaper rates by contacting your hauler, just like you do with you internet, phone or cable service. Is anoka planning on taking these other options away from you as well? Do we need to organize a petition to prevent the Anoka “HOA” from expanding? Some do not need hauling service and this new concept/contract requires ALL to be charged regardless of need. No, again, I am not a fan of city managed garbage collection. What I would pay the city for this service will be made up somewhere by increased taxes, labor costs or other “needed” services. Not to mention the reality the haulers and anoka are in appeals court and if their services are replaced in the city, will escalate to loss of business and further litigation. As I have stated before, Anoka residents are in for a huge lawsuit thanks to the ignorance of the current council decision.

      Thanks for the welcome and tour of the American Coop next to Greenhaven Golf Course and congratulations on such a well operated facility! I loved touring and sharing information with you all. A point of clarification on my comment regarding HOA. I was sharing the same story I presented at a city council meeting. I know you operate under an HOA and understand why, etc, I live in a private home setting and that is why the HOA discussion came up as I am beginning to see Anoka acting like an HOA, by now desiring to add garbage hauling to the list of Anoka provided services. If you would like more information or clarification on this, please reach out to me directly as the garbage question is answered above in item 8.

   9. At a recent work-session, the council was presented the park boards compromise and vote to return to the 2025 (and before) bow hunting season. Facts were shared regarding the volume of deer in the areas, the number of bow hunters, and deer harvested. The reality of deer over-population and lack of the ability to hunt was presented as a compromise with a 7-1 park board approval vote. The work-session is for sharing information, not decision making and the topic will be further discussed at the August 17th city council regular meeting. Please attend if you have any input on this decision.

   10. Thanks to all that I met at your night to unite parties on Aug.4th. The neighborhoods are filled with wonderful people that share their home/street with their neighbors for an evening of learning more about each other, public safety officers, or just sharing a “hot dog” & beverage! I loved being out there with all of you and look forward to another similar event.

   11. Thanks to everyone that has asked for a sign. Please continue to let me know so I can have one brought to you. Again, any questions /concerns please email me so I can respond. Many have asked me questions or offered suggestions when delivering signs or door knocking and so far nothing new to share as answers are listed above. I will share, I met with current and former Anoka city council members and I wish to publicly thank them for sharing their ideas with me. Learning more about the “politics” of the city has helped my understanding of what makes Anoka “tick!” Like a clock, timing is everything and it is time to make some changes in city council!! Please vote for Joelle Alvord on Aug 11th primary as I will continue to focus on all the people of Anoka!

       Your ideas are welcomed! Please email:

       joellealvord@gmail.com

       My focus is Of, By and, For the People!!!

       “It’s All About Anoke!”