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Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU)

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1. What do I do if there is a tree or branches in, or close to, the power lines?

Use the Report a Tree/Branches on or near the Power-Lines Form to let us know!  Otherwise, feel free to call 763-576-2903 between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm Monday through Friday.

We will add your request to the tree trimming list, check out the situation and prioritize it appropriately, then trim or remove dead trees if necessary.

Note: There are tree-trimming trucks on regular rotation that work their way around the city trimming and cutting as they go. Many of the requests will be completed on regular rotation if not higher priority, such as those with power loss or flickering. However, we still appreciate you letting us know so we can proactively remove branches before power is effected if possible, so thank you for letting us know!

2. Who do I call before I dig in Anoka?

State law requires you call the Gopher State One Call center at 651-454-0002 or 800-252-1166 or simply 811 before you begin digging. All utilities (electric, phone, cable TV, gas) will locate their facilities within 48 hours of your call to the center. This is a free service. They do require 48 hours notice.

Check out our "Call Before You Dig" section for more information.

3. How do I report a street light out in Anoka?

Complete our Report a Street Light Out Form -or- call Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU) at 763-576-2903 between the hours of 7:30 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Give us a street location and/or intersection and we will repair the light as soon as possible.

4. Can I pay my AMU bill online?

Yes, check out the details of our 24-hour pay service.

5. How do I make payment arrangements if needed?

Please call into AMU billing to speak to one of the billing representatives at 763-576-2750 option Number 3, or visit the representatives in person at Anoka City Hall to see if you qualify for an arrangement of some kind.

6. What happens if I can't pay my bill by my due date?

Good question, there may be valid occasions that prevent on-time payments. To avoid late charges that are applied next day after due dates, please call the AMU Billing Representatives at 763-576-2750 option Number 3, to request a payment arrangement to temporarily extend your due date for a reasonable amount of time, or to arrange for interim payments before your next due date. Note: These arrangements must be made over the phone, or in person at Anoka City Hall at this time, thank you.

Some customers find it hard to pay their utility bills in the winter. The State of Minnesota set up the Cold Weather Rule to protect residential, heat-affected customers, who are unable to pay their utility bills, from disconnection of service between October 15 and April 15. The Cold Weather Rule does not forbid winter shut off. You would need to first fill out the Inability to Pay Application (PDF) or promptly call AMU at 763-576-2750 to apply for Cold Weather Rule protection and set up a payment plan.

7. How do I read my AMU bill?

View an example bill (JPG) with descriptions! AMU billing reps would love to help you with this if you have questions. Please call 763-576-2750 and press option Number 3 to speak to a live person during 8 am to 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday!

8. How can I try to Save Energy and Lower my electric bill?

Check out "Ways to Save Energy" on our Energy Conservation Tips page! Make sure to scroll down to check out the DIY "Yardstick" home assessment at the bottom!

9. Where can I find Electrical Rebate information?

Find information on our Rebates page, you will then be directed to info and forms to print and send to AMU!  

10. How can I Go Green affordably in my home?

It’s easy with our Clean Energy Program or call 763-576-2750, ext. 3 to speak to someone.

11. What is Clean Energy and why would I want to choose this option?

Clean Energy is a low-cost way to support renewable energy and the environment! The Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) supplies electricity to eleven Minnesota municipal utilities, including Anoka. 17% of MMPA’s electricity supply comes from renewable sources such as wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydropower.

A new Clean Energy Program is available where residential customers can elect to have 50%, 75%, or 100% of their electricity from environmentally friendly, renewable sources.

12. How far away from the power lines should I plant my trees?

Find some tips to follow  on our Tree Planting Guidelines page, along with small tree and shrub suggestions.

13. What provider does the City of Anoka use for recycling?

The City of Anoka contracts with Republic Services to provide the recycling service. View a schedule and list of recyclable items (PDF) on Republic Services website.  See our Customer Service link for additional information.

14. Is there a place to check if something can be recycled or not?

Here is a link to Anoka County’s Recycling and Disposal Directory  (you will be leaving the city’s website using this link). This directory is available to help you learn where to recycle, compost or dispose of materials from your household.

15. What does AMU stand for?

AMU stands for Anoka Municipal Utility. AMU provides electric utilities to the City of Anoka and portions of Champlin, Dayton, Coon Rapids and Ramsey. AMU also provides billing services to Anoka customers for a variety of other utilities such as water, sewer, storm sewer and recycling.

16. What are AMU's business hours?

Anoka City Hall is where the Utility Billing Representatives are located. This is where customers visit to conduct business.  City Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

The Municipal Utility Shop is home-base for the Electric Department Linemen who work on the overhead and underground utility power lines and more.  The Utility Director, Operating Superintendent, Purchasing Agent, and support staff are also there weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm.

17. What might I need to know about adding Solar Power to my home?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Solar Installation.

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Assessor's Office

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1. What does the City Assessor do?

Estimate Values

State law specifically requires that assessors view each parcel of real estate to appraise its market value. Property values change continuously with changing economic conditions. In addition to market changes, numerous physical changes affect the value of the land and building. All factors are considered in estimating the value of property. This requires physical inspection of all property subject to assessment.

Classify Property

The Assessor also determines the classification or use of each parcel. For instance, the property may be residential homestead (owner-occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural, or commercial. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of market value. These percentages are set by the State Legislature.

2. What is "Market Value?"

Minnesota Statue 272.03 defines "market value" as the usual selling price...at the time of assessment. It is the price that could be obtained at a private sale or an auction sale, if the assessor determines that the price from an auction sale represents an arms-length transaction. The price obtained at a forced sale shall not be considered. In other words: Market value is the price that would prevail under competitive, open-market conditions.

3. How does the Assessor determine the market value?

State law requires that the value and classification of real estate be established as of January 2nd each year. The Assessor’s Office works throughout the year to estimate the market value of each property for the following January 2nd.

1. View Property: Approximately every fifth year, an appraiser from the City will view the property. In addition, all new construction, alterations or improvements will be viewed in the current year.
2. Gather Information: The Appraiser gathers information on all characteristics of the property that affect market value, such as size, age, quality, basement finish, and extra features, such as fireplaces, walkouts, extra baths, etc.
3. Compute Value: The property characteristics are entered into the City’s computer system. Information on actual sales is updated to reflect market trends, and the Assessor calculates a property’s value using a computer assisted mass appraisal system. The market value estimated by the Assessor should be at, or very close to, the amount the property would sell for if placed on the open market. The City of Anoka consistently meets these standards.
4. Notification: Valuation notices are sent with the property tax statements around the middle of March each year. The assessment on January 2 forms the basis for the following year’s tax. That is, the value and classification on January 2, 2021, is used to calculate the tax payable in 2022.

4. Who are these appraisers and what are their credentials?

Appraisers employed by the City of Anoka are professionals, who meet stringent training and experience requirements set by the State Board of Assessors. The State Board of Assessors governs and administers licensure of appraisers.

5. What if you have questions or think your property is valued or classified incorrectly?

Upon receiving your value notice, there are several ways to appeal. Follow these steps:

• Talk to Your Assessor
  • Call the number listed on the notice
  • Discuss your concerns
  • Review sales information
• Appeal to the Board of Appeal and Equalization
  • Meets in April or May
  • Appeal in person, by letter, or by fax
• Appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization
  • You must appeal to your local board first
  • Meets in June
  • Will need to make an appointment
  • Call the number listed on your valuation notice
• Appeal to the Minnesota Tax Court
  • Appeal on or before April 30 of the year following the assessment
  • Call the number listed on your valuation notice

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City Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I get to Anoka City Hall?

City Hall is located at:
2015 First Avenue N
Anoka MN, 55303

It’s near Main Street, on the east side of the Rum River.

2. Where is the Mayor’s Office?

Like most elected officials in cities the size of Anoka, the Mayor’s position is "part-time", therefore, he currently does not have an office at City Hall. However, the Mayor would be happy to return your call and arrange a time to meet with you.

If you would like to reach our Mayor, Phil Rice you may call him directly at 612-702-8442 or by calling the City Clerk at 763-576-2712.

3. How do I reach the City Manager?

The City Manager is the City’s full-time Chief Executive Officer. You may reach him at 763-576-2711.

4. Where and when does the City Council meet?

The City Council meets three times per month.

Regular Meetings

The first and third Monday of each month are their "Regular" meetings, beginning at 7 pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall. At these meetings, the Council conducts business and takes public comment(s).

Works Sessions

The Council also meets for a "Work Session" on the third Monday of each month, beginning at 5 pm in the Council Work Session Room of City Hall. Work Sessions are informal meetings of the Council, where they discuss and plan for upcoming business. There is no action taken at the worksessions.

Special / Emergency Meetings

Occasionally, the Council will hold "Special" or "Emergency" meeting(s). These meetings, when possible, will be posted in the official posting locations of the City, such as:

• Anoka County Union
• City Hall Bulletin Board
• City website
• QCTV-15

5. Can I attend the Council meetings?

Yes, citizen attendance is welcomed and encouraged by the Council.

6. How do I get placed on a Council agenda?

The public is welcome to speak at the "Regular" Council meetings, under Public Forum. Please keep in mind that the Council is not able to take "action" on anything discussed during the Public Forum, but may refer the item to an appropriate department for action or request that your topic be placed on a future agenda.

When speaking during the Open Forum, the public is requested to limit their speaking time to no more than three minutes. This will provide ample opportunity for others to also address the Council. It is encouraged that if you would like speak under the Open Forum, that you contact the City Clerk prior to the meeting.

If you plan to distribute any written items to the Council, you must provide enough copies for the Council, City Manager and the City Clerk.

7. Can I get a copy of the Council agenda or minutes?

Yes, you may obtain a copy on our website or by contacting the City Clerk at 763-576-2712. There is a charge to be placed on a mailing list for photocopies of minutes of all City Council meetings. Electronic copies are free.

8. Do I have to obtain a license to operate a business in Anoka?

The City does not have a general "business license"; however, there are certain types of businesses that will require a license.

To find out if your business is one of them, contact the City Clerk’s office at 763-576-2712.

9. Where do I go to vote in an election?

You may contact the Anoka County Elections Department at 763-576-5275 to find your precinct information and the City Clerk’s office at 763-576-2712 to find your precinct polling location.

Precinct and polling information is also available at the Secretary of State’s Office by calling 651-296-2803 or at the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

10. Are meeting rooms at City Hall available to the public?

Yes, meeting rooms are available. To schedule and find out if there is a cost for your use, contact Public Services at 763-576-2980.

11. Do I need a permit to build a deck, fence, swimming pool, shed, etc.??

Any of the following work requires a permit:

• Addition to a home
• Decks
• Fences
• Finishing a basement
• Garage
• Shed
• Swimming Pools

Please contact the Building Department for information at 763-576-2720.

12. Do I need to license my dog and/or cat?

Licensing for dogs and cats is no longer required in the city of Anoka.  If you have any questions, please call 763-576-2700.

13. Is the City of Anoka hiring?

All job openings are published in the Anoka County Union, posted on the city website under Anoka Jobs, on the monitor in the lobby at City Hall, and on the city’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Applications are not accepted unless there is a job opening.

14. Where do I get a marriage license application or birth/death certificate?

These are handled out of the Vitals Office at the Anoka County Government Center, located at:
325 East Main Street
Suite 120
Anoka MN 55303

For questions customers can call 763-324-1360.

15. Who should I direct concerns about the community to?

All of your questions, comments and concerns will be directed to the appropriate department by calling City Hall at 763-576-2700.

16. Where do I go take a driver's test, or renew my license?

Driver’s license, boat/vehicle tabs, etc, are handled through the Anoka County Motor Vehicles Department. To find a location nearest you, call Anoka County at 763-324-4000.

17. How do I find a copy of my marriage license?

The Minnesota Official Marriage System website is a statewide data base and customers can search and order online.

18. What is required to make door-to-door sales?

The City requires all individuals traveling door-to-door selling products or soliciting for commercial business purposes (for-profit solicitor), to be licensed/registered by City Hall.

City Badges

As part of the license application review process, in an effort to protect the public safety and welfare of our community, City staff conducts a criminal background investigation on each individual. Upon City approval, each individual is issued an official City Badge (JPEG) which will have the City seal embossed on it.  The badges are to be worn on the outside of clothing so that it is easily seen.  If a peddler or for-profit solicitor comes to your door and is not wearing a City issued badge, please call us at 763-576-2740.

Hours Permitted

This door-to-door activity is only allowed to occur between 9 am and 8 pm

Preventing Unwanted Sales

If you do not want this type of activity on your property you may hang a sign stating “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited” in letters at least a half-inch high at the entrance to your property. If you encounter any issues or have problems with a peddler/solicitor, please contact the Anoka Police Department at 763-576-2800, or in the case of an emergency, call 911.

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Police Department

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1. When are we open?

The Anoka Police Department is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

2. Where are we located?

The Anoka Police Department is located at 275 Harrison Street.

3. What is the telephone number for the jail?

Helpful phone numbers for the jail are:

• Anoka County Jail Phone: 763-323-5100
• Anoka County Warrants Phone: 763-422-7500

4. Where is the jail?

The Anoka County Jail is located on Jackson Street and 4th Avenue.

5. What is the telephone number for the Anoka Police Animal Containment Center?

The phone number for the Anoka Police Animal Containment Center is 763-576-2850. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.

6. What time is curfew for juveniles?

Curfew information is:

• Those under the age of 15 shall not be on a public street or in a public place between 10 pm and 5 am.
• Teens between 15 to 18 years of age shall not be on a public street or public place between midnight and 5 am unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

7. Why did I get a parking ticket for parking on an Anoka Street at night?

Parking limits include:

• There is no parking on the streets of Anoka between the hours of 2 am and 6 am (If you need to temporarily park on the streets, contact the Anoka Police Department at 763-576-2800.)
• This ordinance is posted at the entrance roads to the City of Anoka.

8. Where can I get other frequently requested telephone numbers for other agencies?

View a list of frequently requested telephone numbers for other agencies.

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Public Services - Storm Water

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1. What is a watershed?

A watershed is the surrounding land area that drains into a lake, stream, or river. It includes natural and artificial drainage systems, such as ditches and storm sewers. Even if your home is not next to a lake, stream, or river, you still live in a watershed. Every water body has a watershed that surrounds it. Each of us lives in a watershed and shares its water quality.

2. How do watersheds affect water quality?

If we pollute the watersheds surrounding a lake, stream, or river, we are directly affecting the water quality in that lake, stream, or river. Everything we do in a watershed, from caring for our lawns and gardens to picking up our leaves, affects the local water body. Caring for your watershed is caring for your local lake or stream.

3. What can I do to help my watershed?

You can help your watershed by understanding that you are part of the solution to water quality problems. Your actions affect the water and environment around us. Keeping your lawn healthy is beneficial to water quality. Try the following:

• Plant and maintain grass and natural vegetation to help water quality by soaking up rainfall, reducing runoff, and retaining sediment.
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizers
• Keep your leaves and lawn clippings out of the streets and gutters
• Pick up your pet’s wastes

It all adds up to better water quality. And that means water that is fun and safe to swim in, live by, and enjoy.

4. How is my watershed affecting water quality?

Many events that occur in a watershed affect water quality.

Storm Water Runoff

In a natural watershed, rain falls on grassy or vegetated areas. Grass allows the soil to soak up most of the rain that falls. In an urban watershed, rain falls on hard surfaces such as streets, driveways, and rooftops. The rainwater runs quickly over these hard surfaces and is not soaked up. This moving water is called storm water runoff. Storm water runoff is a result of rainfall and melting snow. As this water flows to storm sewers, it picks up pollutants.

Pollutants in storm water runoff include oil and antifreeze from streets and driveways, leaves and grass clippings from gutters and streets, animal wastes from lawns and gutters, and fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens. The loss of vegetated areas due to urbanization and development dramatically increases the volume of storm water runoff. Urbanization also increases the amount of pollutants available to be picked up by storm water.

Storm Sewers

Storm water runoff is carried directly to lakes and streams through storm sewers. Storm sewers are designed to prevent flooding, but also provide direct routes for pollutants to lakes and streams. By controlling the pollutants in storm water runoff, we can control the amount of pollution entering our lakes and streams.

Lawn Care

Phosphorus is one of the most troublesome pollutants in storm water runoff. Phosphorus comes from many sources, and it is the primary cause of water quality problems in our lakes and streams. Everything that is or was living contains phosphorus. It is in leaves. It is in lawn clippings. It is in animal wastes. It is an ingredient in most lawn fertilizers. It is even attached to soil.

When leaves, lawn clippings, animal wastes, fertilizers, and soil are picked up by storm water runoff and are carried directly to our local lakes and streams, they provide the lakes with excess phosphorus. This excess phosphorus causes increased algae growth. Algae are small green plants that live in lakes and streams. Increased algae growth is observed as green algae blooms or scums on lakes. Too much algae is harmful to a lake system. It blocks sunlight and prevents other plants from growing. When it dies and decays, it also takes much needed oxygen away from fish. Limiting phosphorus reduces algae blooms.

5. How can I reduce the amount of phosphorus entering a lake or stream?

Keep Your Leaves & Lawn Clippings out of the Streets and Gutters

Leaves and lawn clippings are a major source of phosphorus. When they are swept or washed into the nearest street or storm sewer, they end up in your local lake or stream. Keeping your leaves and lawn clippings out of the streets and gutters will have significant benefits for your local lake or stream.

Apply Only the Amount of Fertilizer Your Lawn Needs

A soil test will tell you how much-if any-fertilizer your lawn needs. Excess fertilizer may harm your lawn or pollute surface water. Fertilizer applied to your streets or sidewalks will get into the nearest lake or stream. Phosphorus from fertilizers can cause algae blooms. Use only low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilizers.

Control Soil Erosion Around Your House

When soil is left bare, rainwater will run quickly over it. The moving water picks up soil particles. These soil particles have phosphorus attached to them. Some soils are high in phosphorus and are another source of phosphorus in storm water runoff. The soil in storm water runoff will end up in your local lake or stream and contribute to algae growth.

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Solar Installation

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1. I would like to lower my electric bill. Will installing solar help?

While adding solar will definitely lower your electric bill, the initial cost may be cost prohibitive to many customers.  One has to ask themselves the following questions: 1) Have I considered the initial cost? 2) Have I considered the cost for the upkeep of the system? 3) Has the technology slowed to the point that the panels aren’t getting more efficient? 4)Are my numbers correct for my cost payback analysis, and what if my power provider changes their rate structure? 5)Have I done everything I already can to lower my electric bill (change bulbs to LED, service my appliances, etc.)?

2. I would like to leave less of a carbon footprint. Will adding solar help?

We applaud all customers who want to lower their carbon footprint and green power will certainly help. Make sure to check out the programs that are offered by your power provider. AMU offers all customers the ability to choose how much green power they want to purchase from us. By paying extra for the green power you can designate whether part or all of your power is through renewables and you won’t have the costs associated with upkeep of your system.

3. Other utilities offer rebates for solar. Does AMU?

Not at this time. All power providers must supply 25% of their power through renewable resources by the year 2025. AMU, along with a number of other Public Power providers in the area, already deliver more renewable power than the 25% required by the legislation. In our opinion it is more cost effective to have a collaborative purchase power agreement with other Public Power providers so that we are better able to maintain the integrity of the Nation’s electrical grid.

4. I would still like to add solar panels to my building. What questions should I ask when choosing my solar provider?

There are seven questions we recommend you ask: 

1. How long have you been installing solar projects under your current name? 
2. Do you have a professional registered engineer sign off on all submittals?  -OR- Has your design been approved by a registered professional engineer?
3. What kind of warranty do you offer? 
4. How many installations have you completed? 
5. If I consider a storage system, is there an alarm or venting system included to remove potentially harmful gases?
6. What is the cost per size of capacity? (similar sized units can vary greatly in price)
7. How long will these panels last, and how are they recycled after their useful life has ended?

5. What is the first step I take when I decide to add Solar Power to my home?

To officially start the process, view the "Steps to Start the Process" under "Purchasing Solar Panels" on the Solar Power Page of our website.

View the Distributed Generation Policy (PDF) about adding solar panels to your home or business.  There is a lot of information for several options. The Process Overview is a great place to start on page 4. Take a moment to go through and learn more about timelines, cost, insurance requirements, approval processes, codes and compliance, inspection and more.  

6. What are your rates and fees for solar?

Our Current Utility Billing Rates are posted in our Utility Billing Center on our website and found on our Utility Rate Sheet (PDF).  The distributed energy rate is the "Parallel Distribution" rate.  Current meters installed are bi-directional, therefore the monthly "Fixed Charge" is the minimum monthly payment. For an additional production meter, one can be provided by AMU for a $40.00 fee, but this is not required, and per request only. 

Application fees and other incurred expenses such as permits and inspections will depend on the Solar Option that is selected and the jurisdiction where installation would take place. See "Purchasing Solar Panels" on our Solar Power page of our website for details.   

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Wind Power

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1. Is construction of the turbine complete?

Yes. However, at times you will see the windmill not spinning because of required maintenance or too much or too little wind. The wind speed needs to reach 12 miles per hour for the generator to engage, produce power, and spin the blades.

2. How is the turbine monitored?

The turbine operating functions are monitored remotely at Avant Energy’s Minneapolis office. As issues arise, they are handled either by sending a signal to a controller to change an operating function or by dispatching a maintenance service provider to the turbine to correct the problem.

3. Will the turbine operate in cold weather?

Yes, heat elements and fluids were installed and designed to work down to 30 degrees below zero. If ice develops on the blades, Avant Energy may elect not to run the turbine.

4. Why does the turbine make noise and how long will the noise last?

Under normal operation, it should not make noise. However, if a spoiler does not retract, it can cause a loud noise. The noise will persist until Avant Energy is aware of the problem. Avant Energy is considering establishing a fault notice and/or alarm, should a spoiler not retract, which would be sent to the Minneapolis office. Learn more on the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) Website.