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[Captioner present]

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>> Good morning I'm going to call to order the county board

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meeting.

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For Dakota County on August 4th 2026.

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I'll invite you to stand if you're able to join us

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in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States

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of America and to the Republic for which it stands,

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one nation under God, indivisible,

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with liberty and justice for all.

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>> Thank you very much.

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I'm gonna make a note, we have new technology in this room.

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I'm still feeling, trying to get comfortable with it.

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The way our microphones sound.

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Whether we're pushing buttons or not.

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So I'll ask everybody's patience as we

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continue to get to know our technology

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upgrades in this room.

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We made the upgrades so that we could have better technology

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and access for the public.

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And the public is here today and we

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have a number of people who have signed up

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to speak for our audience time.

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We have a tradition that, in our rural state that people

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can sign up to speak or come forward

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to speak to address the board on an item

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that they wish to speak on that is not on the agenda

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or that is on the consent agenda.

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You have five minutes as a member of the public

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to address the board.

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And it is not a back and forth so I just want to make sure

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that everybody understands their procedure,

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this is your time and your time to present.

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So with that I have a list if I'm missing anybody, at the end

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I'll invite anybody who hasn't been heard to come forward.

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The first person on my list is Reed Scheller.

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Would you like to come forward?

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You have five minutes.

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Welcome.

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>> Thank you and good morning.

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Chair and board members.

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My name is read Schiller -- services at Western Service

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Center a little bit about me is I'm an individual on the autism

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spectrum.

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I served on the Governor's Council and Developmental

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Disabilities from 2017 through 2023.

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And the Minnesota Employment Learning Community from 2014

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through 2018.

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I have lived independently since 2017 and a non CD8 apartment.

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And I received support through the DD waiver

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with individualized home support and some transportation funding

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for Lyft.

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I really appreciate this excellent program.

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For my job I was hired by Dakota County on June 6th 2022

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and worked five days per week.

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Six hours per day.

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My duties include making packets, scanning

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confidential client information, delivering mail, and checking

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zip codes and miscellaneous tasks such as refilling

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copy machines.

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My duties save time for social workers and children's

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mental health, child protection, child care licensing,

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and other units as packets are ready for delivery and client

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information is digitized for easier access.

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It also saves time for senior program associates

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front end staff and front desk staff

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who remain at their stations as male is brought to them.

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I love my job and I am excelling at.

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I earned exceeds expectations in my last three annual performance

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reviews.

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And in May of this year I was recognized

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for advancing the vision and values of the Children

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and Family Services Division.

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As an employee with a disability who also continues

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to benefit from County social services,

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I asked the board to thoughtfully rule out

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cuts to the Social Services Department.

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People depend on us every day for

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reliable, timely and effective services.

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Thank you very much for your consideration.

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>> Thank you very much Reed.

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>> Commissioner Hobart.

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>> Could you ask somebody who knows how this technology works

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to work on getting our monitors up please?

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>> I think you've done that on behalf of Commissioner Holbrooke

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we're looking for some assistance with the monitors.

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Heidi.

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>> Madam chair the monitors will come up as soon

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as the presentation starts.

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Chair Halverson: Okay thank you.

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Commissioner Holbrooke?

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>> Generally we're able to view the speaker and stuff here to?

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Are we not doing, able to do that anymore?

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Chair Halverson: Heidi?

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Or Jenny?

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>> I got them working.

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Earlier they told me it was only during presentations

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but there they are, you ask and you receive.

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>> So now we have to look at ourselves.

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>> Way to go. (Laughs)

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>> They've upgraded the monitors to be high Def.

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It's a little unsettling to see yourself in high Def.

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Next up I'm going to invite Katrina Devore forward.

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>> Good morning Madam Chair and Commissioners thank you

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for the opportunity to speak today.

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My name is Katrina Devore, I work in public health department

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and I'm also the chair of the M and a parking

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unit here in Dakota County.

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I just want to take a few minutes to connect the budget

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discussion with the work that happens every day here

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across the county.

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As you know, county services are so much more

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than line items in a budget.

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They are people answering crisis calls,

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supporting families, maintaining roads, protecting public health,

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helping residents navigate difficult moments,

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and making sure that essential services continue

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without interruption.

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The work we do matters deeply to residents

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and it often happens in the moments

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when they need help the most.

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In my role in public health, I work in environmental health.

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I've been with the county for ten years.

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And part of the services we provide,

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we respond directly to resident inquiries

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when they have concerns about environmental health.

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We manage our radon program that distributes radon tests so

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that people can test their homes,

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unfortunately we do have some higher

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levels of radon in the county.

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We make sure that our beaches are

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safe for swimming and we work closely with partners

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across the county to ensure that with our high water quality

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in our communities, and responding

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every day to various environmental health concerns.

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So the work we do is certainly essential for our community,

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to stay safe and healthy.

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As the budget discussion continues

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we ask that staffing decisions be not viewed

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only through numbers on a spreadsheet,

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but through the impact those decisions

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have on residents and the county ability

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to provide reliable timely and effective services.

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Our staff are very skilled and dedicated

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public servants who care deeply about this community.

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When positions are lost, the impact is real.

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There are longer wait times for the public

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to reduce services, delayed responses, and fewer

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opportunities to meet the growing needs of residents.

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We know that these decisions are very difficult.

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But we also know that investing in county staff

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is an investment in people relying on county services

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every single day.

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Thank you for your time.

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Your leadership and your consideration.

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>> Thank you very much.

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Next up I'm going to invite Tory Thompson?

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Welcome.

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>> Good morning chairperson and commissioners my name is Tory

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Thompson.

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I work in the adoption guardianship unit

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within Children and Family Services.

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And I love my job.

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I absolutely love it.

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But it is the hardest and most stressful job I've ever had.

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And I have had a lot of stressful jobs

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that I'm going to share with you in a little bit.

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To help understand why I can say that.

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I grew up in white fair at 17 I thought

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my dad was far too strict so I joined the Army not a great

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thought I didn't think that one through but nonetheless I

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joined the Army.

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And I was tested and they said you can pick any job.

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Like give me something I can never do on the outside.

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Again not really thinking through.

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So I joined as Explosive Ordnance disposal.

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Bomb squad.

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Did that decided I don't like being hot

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and my vision was a little bit going.

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So I reclassed to become a flight medic.

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And I deployed several times being

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shot at while I tried to put a chest tube in a two year old

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that had been in an IED accident.

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Trying to save soldiers very very stressful job.

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Decided that this might not be my jam

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and I want to be a social worker.

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Somehow that connected in my brain.

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So I got out I went to school, and did my internship

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at Fort Hood and the Child Adolescent Psychiatry unit.

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Year and a half after I graduated

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I was dropping off paperwork to a client at the Soldier

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Readiness Center and there was a mass shooting

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in the room next door to me.

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Multiple people were killed and the fun part for me was I

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interned under Nidal Hasan the shooter

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so I was interrogated and also interrogated

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by all the alphabets at a TFCIAFBI

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and the Texas Rangers that was pretty cool.

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So again very stressful situation.

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Proceeded to work with children and families in Texas

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and then decided I want to go back home.

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I want to go back to Minnesota and so I

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started putting on Facebook where should I work?

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And everybody said Dakota County.

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And I'm like okay cool there's a child protection opening.

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Interviewed but while I was doing the interview

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there was a tornado so I literally

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doing the interview in my bathtub.

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Did not get the position.

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But Rick Morrissey at the time stayed connected with me

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it was like there's job openings here here

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and here that goes to show how dedicated he is to that county.

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He doesn't work here anymore but that

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was a really important thing.

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So I went and worked in a different county

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for child protection another very stressful job.

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When the adoption guardianship position opened

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I'm like I'm applying for it and I got it

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and it has been by far the most rewarding and most challenging.

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I am their legal guardian.

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They have no parents.

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They count on me and the rest of the Dakota County

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team for everything.

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And we spend thousands of our own money trying

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to get these kids birthday presents take them up

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because we know there isn't funding for that

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but we do it out of our heart.

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Because we care about these kids and we love our job.

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And what does this have to do with the budget?

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Well bumping.

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Bumping is going to be a nightmare

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and what that, what I mean by that

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is if you cut positions a lot of these positions that are being

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proposed to cut are senior employees they're

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going to take jobs from, they're going

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to bump down into another job and it might not

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be a job they're passionate about it might not

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be a job they care about.

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And that's going to have lifelong impact for the citizens

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that they serve or the clients, if their heart's not in it

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if somebody doesn't love the kids the way

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I do they're not going to be as effective and serve.

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The harder part is going to be that there's

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this going to take time to train people into positions that they

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were not hired for and they don't care about in all honesty.

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I love my job I would rather work in child and families

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than in choices and that's not a bashing of choices that's

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just not where my passion lies so I'm not

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going to be as effective and that's across the board.

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It's going to take time and money to train people

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and during that time people are going to come up

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there's going to be longer wait times for everybody people

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are not going to get the quality services

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that they not only need but they deserve.

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Currently many high profile and successful programs

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are proposed for cuts FTC, chat truancy, proposed cuts

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to the Crisis Response Unit.

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All of those positions are vital.

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And if we take those people and we take those positions

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that's going to be a lifelong impact

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for the county and the people that not only we serve

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but that elected everybody here.

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Bumping will move 109 our program coordinators

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into 107 positions 106 positions,

265
00:45:14,513 --> 00:45:16,430
things that they weren't really qualified for.

266
00:45:16,430 --> 00:45:19,310
And at a loss of assets to the county.

267
00:45:19,310 --> 00:45:23,750
I mean and the people that are not passionate about children

268
00:45:23,750 --> 00:45:25,590
can be put into a child protection

269
00:45:25,590 --> 00:45:27,222
and that can cost lives.

270
00:45:27,222 --> 00:45:30,268
I am passionate about teens give me all of the hard teens.

271
00:45:30,268 --> 00:45:33,536
Every single one of them they are my gem I believe in them.

272
00:45:33,536 --> 00:45:35,254
I would not be effective in another role

273
00:45:35,254 --> 00:45:38,955
and I know that's the same for a lot of people.

274
00:45:38,955 --> 00:45:42,523
Since Levy talks had started being a union rep

275
00:45:42,523 --> 00:45:44,298
my phone has been ringing off the hook.

276
00:45:44,298 --> 00:45:46,230
I took a phone call the other day at 230

277
00:45:46,230 --> 00:45:48,294
in the morning from a client or my member who's

278
00:45:48,294 --> 00:45:50,131
in a very abusive relationship.

279
00:45:50,131 --> 00:45:52,940
And is low in seniority and is afraid they're

280
00:45:52,940 --> 00:45:54,700
going to have to stay in the abusive relationship

281
00:45:54,700 --> 00:45:55,806
due to financial costs.

282
00:45:55,806 --> 00:45:57,665
I have other people calling and reaching out

283
00:45:57,665 --> 00:45:59,806
to me saying I don't know what to do with my child's college

284
00:45:59,806 --> 00:46:00,573
now.

285
00:46:00,573 --> 00:46:02,156
Because they're not high on seniority.

286
00:46:02,156 --> 00:46:05,603
So I want you to understand that there's more at stake

287
00:46:05,603 --> 00:46:08,416
than just jobs it's people's livelihoods it's people's,

288
00:46:08,416 --> 00:46:10,650
this is going to be lifelong for decades

289
00:46:10,650 --> 00:46:13,480
long impact for the people and so I strongly encourage you

290
00:46:13,480 --> 00:46:17,150
to consider keeping jobs keeping programs because the county is

291
00:46:17,150 --> 00:46:18,174
counting on you guys.

292
00:46:18,174 --> 00:46:19,750
Thank you for your consideration.

293
00:46:19,750 --> 00:46:24,910
>> Thank you for your comments and thank you for your service

294
00:46:24,910 --> 00:46:26,910
Miss Thompson.

295
00:46:27,150 --> 00:46:29,150
Julie Finnerty.

296
00:46:30,300 --> 00:46:35,670
Tell me if I said your name wrong you may correct me.

297
00:46:35,670 --> 00:46:37,670
>> Hello good morning.

298
00:46:38,806 --> 00:46:40,960
Good morning Madam Chair and Commissioners.

299
00:46:40,960 --> 00:46:43,150
My name is Julie Finnerty.

300
00:46:43,150 --> 00:46:49,926
And I work for Dakota County in the Family Child Care Licensing

301
00:46:49,926 --> 00:46:50,718
unit.

302
00:46:50,718 --> 00:46:57,918
We are looking at proposed cuts to our team of 33%, which would

303
00:46:58,490 --> 00:47:00,100
mean a position and a half.

304
00:47:00,100 --> 00:47:03,236
We are only staffed with six positions.

305
00:47:03,236 --> 00:47:04,926
As it is.

306
00:47:04,926 --> 00:47:10,326
I have been with Dakota County going on 20 years.

307
00:47:10,736 --> 00:47:14,143
Prior to doing this type of work,

308
00:47:14,143 --> 00:47:16,270
I worked in child protection.

309
00:47:16,270 --> 00:47:18,104
For 13 years.

310
00:47:18,104 --> 00:47:23,600
And as Tori was commenting on, it is some of the toughest work

311
00:47:23,600 --> 00:47:26,450
that we have, I have ever done.

312
00:47:26,450 --> 00:47:29,810
And yet I see such a tremendous impact

313
00:47:29,810 --> 00:47:35,530
it is for families and for children, our most vulnerable.

314
00:47:35,530 --> 00:47:39,230
So speaking a little bit more with family child care

315
00:47:39,230 --> 00:47:42,560
licensing, again the unit that I'm currently in,

316
00:47:42,560 --> 00:47:48,510
what would happen if we had any staffing cuts to our unit

317
00:47:48,510 --> 00:47:52,782
would be detrimental to our child care providers.

318
00:47:52,782 --> 00:47:58,758
I want to clarify that what we do is we license in home family

319
00:47:58,758 --> 00:48:00,974
child cares in Dakota County.

320
00:48:00,974 --> 00:48:05,774
We are also overseen by the Minnesota State

321
00:48:05,950 --> 00:48:10,130
and so the state put outs the rules and regulations

322
00:48:10,130 --> 00:48:11,550
and statutes.

323
00:48:11,550 --> 00:48:15,910
We come in and encourage and do a little bit

324
00:48:15,910 --> 00:48:19,530
of enforcing in ways, for child care providers

325
00:48:19,530 --> 00:48:23,130
to follow those rules and regulations.

326
00:48:23,670 --> 00:48:26,742
They are more though than just child care providers.

327
00:48:26,742 --> 00:48:30,360
They are also people that live in the community of Dakota

328
00:48:30,360 --> 00:48:31,310
County.

329
00:48:31,310 --> 00:48:34,610
And so they are small business owners.

330
00:48:34,610 --> 00:48:39,373
Small business owners brings money back into the community

331
00:48:39,373 --> 00:48:42,973
and so on and so forth.

332
00:48:43,830 --> 00:48:45,350
Excuse me.

333
00:48:45,350 --> 00:48:49,270
They as business owners do also generate revenue.

334
00:48:49,270 --> 00:48:51,150
Within the community.

335
00:48:51,150 --> 00:48:54,910
And any again of these proposed cuts

336
00:48:54,910 --> 00:48:59,710
would severely limit our, meaning family child care

337
00:48:59,776 --> 00:49:02,176
Licensing's, ability to promote, we

338
00:49:02,176 --> 00:49:05,350
do lots of child care recruitment.

339
00:49:05,350 --> 00:49:07,854
We offer a lot of provider training.

340
00:49:07,854 --> 00:49:11,840
And then we offer sessions for interpretation

341
00:49:11,840 --> 00:49:13,790
of statute changes.

342
00:49:13,790 --> 00:49:16,206
Which are also going to be coming

343
00:49:16,206 --> 00:49:20,190
in effect in July of next year.

344
00:49:20,190 --> 00:49:25,566
And also if we were cut, it would affect the timely response

345
00:49:25,566 --> 00:49:27,566
for our providers.

346
00:49:28,140 --> 00:49:30,402
We hold a high regard of responding

347
00:49:30,402 --> 00:49:34,490
within 24 to 48 hours for our child care providers

348
00:49:34,490 --> 00:49:36,490
in the community.

349
00:49:36,830 --> 00:49:38,510
They rely on us.

350
00:49:38,510 --> 00:49:40,902
And again with any staffing cuts,

351
00:49:40,902 --> 00:49:46,302
the wait time, the response time, will go down.

352
00:49:48,950 --> 00:49:53,310
Again I just want to say that if we do not

353
00:49:53,310 --> 00:49:57,500
have enough of our staffing, this could significantly

354
00:49:57,500 --> 00:50:01,250
impact our local community stability and availability

355
00:50:02,256 --> 00:50:04,203
of affordable care.

356
00:50:04,203 --> 00:50:08,403
And also to fulfill the duties that

357
00:50:08,630 --> 00:50:12,670
are required by the statutes, which again are come

358
00:50:12,670 --> 00:50:13,950
from the state of Minnesota.

359
00:50:13,950 --> 00:50:16,950
Thank you for your time.

360
00:50:18,150 --> 00:50:21,660
Chair Halverson: Thank you for your presentation.

361
00:50:21,660 --> 00:50:24,600
Next up Desiree Ren.

362
00:50:31,430 --> 00:50:33,430
Welcome.

363
00:50:33,510 --> 00:50:35,510
>> Good morning chair.

364
00:50:36,600 --> 00:50:37,980
Madam chair and commissioners.

365
00:50:37,980 --> 00:50:40,576
Thank you for allowing us this time to speak.

366
00:50:40,576 --> 00:50:42,493
My name is Desiree Ren.

367
00:50:42,493 --> 00:50:45,250
And I am a Torrance's social worker.

368
00:50:45,250 --> 00:50:48,570
I have a clinical independent license,

369
00:50:48,570 --> 00:50:52,750
I do not live in Dakota County I live in Scott County.

370
00:50:52,750 --> 00:50:54,334
But I took a job here in Dakota County

371
00:50:54,334 --> 00:50:58,190
because I was impressed with the level of leadership,

372
00:50:58,190 --> 00:51:02,174
the level of professionalism that many of our workers bring.

373
00:51:02,174 --> 00:51:06,960
I'm working in the truancy unit is not an easy job

374
00:51:06,960 --> 00:51:10,890
but I think many people think it is because they think we just go

375
00:51:10,890 --> 00:51:15,243
and address youth that have barriers not going to school.

376
00:51:15,243 --> 00:51:19,823
And since COVID and ice, that is truly not the fact.

377
00:51:19,823 --> 00:51:24,230
70% of our clients have mental health barriers.

378
00:51:24,680 --> 00:51:28,460
And especially since COVID it increased even more.

379
00:51:28,460 --> 00:51:31,460
About 30%, 20 to 30% of our clients

380
00:51:33,150 --> 00:51:37,600
don't go to school because food clothing and shelter

381
00:51:37,600 --> 00:51:39,822
and other barriers and then you lose that small portion

382
00:51:39,822 --> 00:51:42,550
that just don't like school and don't go to school.

383
00:51:42,550 --> 00:51:45,342
And that would be your truancy.

384
00:51:45,342 --> 00:51:50,270
And truancy unit we provide wraparound services unit using

385
00:51:50,270 --> 00:51:53,980
a holistic approach meaning we don't just address truancy,

386
00:51:53,980 --> 00:51:54,870
we address all the other barriers

387
00:51:54,870 --> 00:51:56,755
that the family is going through.

388
00:51:56,755 --> 00:51:59,755
Whether that's mental health undiagnosed,

389
00:52:01,110 --> 00:52:03,403
undiagnosed underdiagnosed come out

390
00:52:03,403 --> 00:52:06,500
we address those we help the families get connected

391
00:52:06,500 --> 00:52:08,822
to mental health providers we go into the schools,

392
00:52:08,822 --> 00:52:12,550
we go into the hospitals, we go into doctor's office

393
00:52:12,550 --> 00:52:14,302
if the clients need us for that.

394
00:52:14,302 --> 00:52:17,938
We also provide parenting where we can to some of the families.

395
00:52:17,938 --> 00:52:20,680
A lot of our families have to go into the city

396
00:52:20,680 --> 00:52:23,190
because resources are limited out here.

397
00:52:23,190 --> 00:52:26,160
And so I'm advocating for the families first of all.

398
00:52:26,160 --> 00:52:27,803
And then the employees.

399
00:52:27,803 --> 00:52:31,940
Because Dakota County is either the third or fourth largest

400
00:52:31,940 --> 00:52:32,958
county here in Dakota County.

401
00:52:32,958 --> 00:52:34,958
In the state.

402
00:52:35,310 --> 00:52:40,580
And with us being that large, we are continuing to grow.

403
00:52:40,580 --> 00:52:42,918
And as we continue to grow the barriers

404
00:52:42,918 --> 00:52:45,676
are going to continue to grow and so not

405
00:52:45,676 --> 00:52:49,830
assisting these young people, to go to school as a route

406
00:52:49,830 --> 00:52:51,230
because it's a law.

407
00:52:51,230 --> 00:52:54,646
To help them find their niche in life to help them prepare.

408
00:52:54,646 --> 00:52:58,750
If we have clients that are 15 or 16, we go out

409
00:52:58,750 --> 00:53:01,700
and we explain to them if school is not an option for them,

410
00:53:01,700 --> 00:53:05,286
we try to find them other ways to go to school whether it's

411
00:53:05,286 --> 00:53:08,890
taking classes at Dctc whether it's going to Job Corps

412
00:53:08,890 --> 00:53:11,630
enough to understand Job Corps is going to be closing

413
00:53:11,630 --> 00:53:13,550
within the next year or so.

414
00:53:13,550 --> 00:53:16,623
Some in the academy over north we

415
00:53:16,623 --> 00:53:19,269
try to provide the older kids with resources

416
00:53:19,269 --> 00:53:20,910
so that when they get to that place

417
00:53:20,910 --> 00:53:23,105
that they decide we're not going to go to school

418
00:53:23,105 --> 00:53:24,326
they have other options.

419
00:53:24,326 --> 00:53:27,403
And for the younger kids, we work with the families

420
00:53:27,403 --> 00:53:30,690
to really try to help them understand

421
00:53:30,690 --> 00:53:33,600
if they're having mental health barriers,

422
00:53:33,600 --> 00:53:35,950
so being a social worker in truancy

423
00:53:35,950 --> 00:53:38,176
we just don't go where addressing a school issue

424
00:53:38,176 --> 00:53:39,470
and then we stop.

425
00:53:39,470 --> 00:53:42,118
We provide all the services that's

426
00:53:42,118 --> 00:53:43,910
needed so that family doesn't have

427
00:53:43,910 --> 00:53:47,526
to go from truancy to children's mental health.

428
00:53:47,526 --> 00:53:48,774
Or to assessment.

429
00:53:48,774 --> 00:53:51,458
We address those barriers in there

430
00:53:51,458 --> 00:53:54,126
to make sure that we can provide all the services

431
00:53:54,126 --> 00:53:55,790
that that family needs.

432
00:53:55,790 --> 00:54:00,710
I had the option when I first started 23 plus years ago,

433
00:54:00,710 --> 00:54:04,270
to go to Hennepin County or to Ramsey

434
00:54:04,270 --> 00:54:06,770
because being a clinical licensed social worker,

435
00:54:06,770 --> 00:54:08,530
they pay more dollars.

436
00:54:08,530 --> 00:54:10,990
But I was committed to Dakota County

437
00:54:10,990 --> 00:54:13,850
because I truly have a passion for the work

438
00:54:13,850 --> 00:54:18,180
and for the leadership I've seen there to still be there today.

439
00:54:18,180 --> 00:54:22,960
And so I think it's imperative with not only the truancy unit

440
00:54:22,960 --> 00:54:25,854
but with all the cuts that you guys are getting ready to make,

441
00:54:25,854 --> 00:54:29,380
that you find a way to keep employees there to make

442
00:54:29,380 --> 00:54:30,946
a difference for the families.

443
00:54:30,946 --> 00:54:32,238
Because that's what we promote.

444
00:54:32,238 --> 00:54:33,683
That we're there for the families

445
00:54:33,683 --> 00:54:35,683
and if we're going to be there for the families,

446
00:54:35,683 --> 00:54:40,643
we have to have the leverage to have the employees to that

447
00:54:40,643 --> 00:54:43,643
can do the jobs effectively.

448
00:54:44,190 --> 00:54:48,990
Our caseload runs around 18, 19 cases throughout the year.

449
00:54:50,470 --> 00:54:55,870
In an ideal situation, we should only have 12 to 15.

450
00:54:56,435 --> 00:54:59,130
But our team at Dakota County Social Services

451
00:54:59,130 --> 00:55:01,160
at the Westminster Service Center

452
00:55:01,160 --> 00:55:03,561
are committed that many of those units

453
00:55:03,561 --> 00:55:07,670
take on like we do in truancy, those cases to do the work.

454
00:55:07,670 --> 00:55:10,850
And as it was stated earlier, if we

455
00:55:10,850 --> 00:55:14,710
can provide a little something out of our pocket to do that,

456
00:55:14,710 --> 00:55:19,483
we do that because we know that family is in need.

457
00:55:19,483 --> 00:55:23,483
We do follow policy and also for the record

458
00:55:23,483 --> 00:55:26,262
I wanted to state that I'm here on flextime

459
00:55:26,262 --> 00:55:27,550
because I'm that committed.

460
00:55:27,550 --> 00:55:31,700
All of us I think are here on personal time just

461
00:55:31,700 --> 00:55:35,796
to let you guys know, we love our jobs we are committed.

462
00:55:35,796 --> 00:55:38,226
We realize it's a hard job.

463
00:55:38,226 --> 00:55:40,942
You guys have because you have to make cuts somewhere.

464
00:55:40,942 --> 00:55:45,900
But I'm advocating to say don't make them if possible.

465
00:55:45,900 --> 00:55:46,750
With us the employees.

466
00:55:46,750 --> 00:55:49,270
Thank you for your time have a great day.

467
00:55:49,270 --> 00:55:52,238
Chair Halverson: Thank you so much.

468
00:55:52,238 --> 00:55:54,638
Next up, Andrew Kirsch.

469
00:55:55,890 --> 00:55:58,430
And if I mispronounced your name please let me know.

470
00:55:58,430 --> 00:56:00,430
>> Wonderful job.

471
00:56:02,102 --> 00:56:06,302
And those were difficult comments to follow.

472
00:56:06,500 --> 00:56:08,870
But honorable Dakota County Board

473
00:56:08,870 --> 00:56:13,860
of Commissioners, the issue I put before you today is this.

474
00:56:13,860 --> 00:56:16,800
How should Dakota County government employees

475
00:56:16,800 --> 00:56:18,750
treat citizens of this county who

476
00:56:18,750 --> 00:56:23,790
happen to express disagreement with a decision made by a county

477
00:56:23,790 --> 00:56:24,290
entity?

478
00:56:24,290 --> 00:56:27,598
As you will soon hear, this is not

479
00:56:27,598 --> 00:56:29,643
a purely hypothetical question.

480
00:56:29,643 --> 00:56:31,990
I'm sure that each of your individual answers

481
00:56:31,990 --> 00:56:35,530
to my question is that your constituents should always

482
00:56:35,530 --> 00:56:37,389
be treated with respect.

483
00:56:37,389 --> 00:56:41,700
Respect for them as persons, respect for their points

484
00:56:41,700 --> 00:56:42,546
of view.

485
00:56:42,546 --> 00:56:46,197
You might reasonably expect that in this case,

486
00:56:46,197 --> 00:56:48,902
even though there is to my knowledge no written policy

487
00:56:48,902 --> 00:56:52,336
nor training to guide employees in ethical interactions

488
00:56:52,336 --> 00:56:57,736
with citizens, that they would also have that standard.

489
00:56:58,520 --> 00:57:04,140
Sadly in the absence of such a written policy and training

490
00:57:04,140 --> 00:57:06,743
I was subjected to what were clearly unethical actions

491
00:57:06,743 --> 00:57:10,310
by a senior member of our Dakota County staff.

492
00:57:10,310 --> 00:57:14,270
Simply because I happen to write an email appealing a decision

493
00:57:14,270 --> 00:57:16,102
made by our library system.

494
00:57:16,102 --> 00:57:19,601
Before I go further, let me reassure you

495
00:57:19,601 --> 00:57:22,390
that I do not intend to name this senior member

496
00:57:22,390 --> 00:57:24,800
in this public statement.

497
00:57:24,800 --> 00:57:26,230
Although I have irrefutable evidence

498
00:57:26,230 --> 00:57:28,670
of these breaches of ethical conduct

499
00:57:28,670 --> 00:57:31,430
obtained by me through the Minnesota Government Data

500
00:57:31,430 --> 00:57:32,438
Practices Act.

501
00:57:32,438 --> 00:57:35,850
I will simply summarize the nature of the actions.

502
00:57:35,850 --> 00:57:41,500
On September 4th 2025, I sent an email to the Library Advisory

503
00:57:41,500 --> 00:57:43,980
Committee to express my disagreement with a decision

504
00:57:43,980 --> 00:57:47,190
that it had been made by the Dakota County Library Systems

505
00:57:47,190 --> 00:57:48,470
Review Committee.

506
00:57:48,470 --> 00:57:51,100
Because the county email addresses

507
00:57:51,100 --> 00:57:53,886
of the advisory Committee are not published,

508
00:57:53,886 --> 00:57:57,810
I was instructed to send them to an administrative person.

509
00:57:57,810 --> 00:58:02,416
That employee then forwarded it not only to that committee,

510
00:58:02,416 --> 00:58:07,310
but to a non library senior staff member for reasons that I

511
00:58:07,310 --> 00:58:09,430
cannot comprehend.

512
00:58:09,430 --> 00:58:13,518
On September 8th of 2025 a few days later,

513
00:58:13,518 --> 00:58:16,710
the senior staff member who was at the center of this matter

514
00:58:16,710 --> 00:58:20,590
sent an email to the first Assistant County Attorney

515
00:58:20,590 --> 00:58:24,434
of Dakota County in which were passed along to him the results

516
00:58:24,434 --> 00:58:27,683
of a search done on me which found some past public comments

517
00:58:27,683 --> 00:58:30,830
I had made to a state agency.

518
00:58:30,830 --> 00:58:33,910
In summary, I believe that the senior member

519
00:58:33,910 --> 00:58:36,490
performed two unethical actions which

520
00:58:36,490 --> 00:58:39,700
failed to respect my privacy.

521
00:58:39,700 --> 00:58:41,500
First conducting or receiving the results

522
00:58:41,500 --> 00:58:45,483
of an online investigation made on a constituent

523
00:58:45,483 --> 00:58:49,700
who simply disagreed with a decision of a government body.

524
00:58:49,700 --> 00:58:53,100
In other words, this was an unwarranted fishing expedition

525
00:58:53,100 --> 00:58:55,100
into my past.

526
00:58:55,125 --> 00:58:59,736
Secondly, passing along a link to those findings

527
00:58:59,736 --> 00:59:02,950
of that online investigation to another government employee

528
00:59:02,950 --> 00:59:05,550
and worse yet, circulating information

529
00:59:05,550 --> 00:59:08,726
which the member acknowledged in that email

530
00:59:08,726 --> 00:59:12,590
to the first assistant attorney to be unrelated

531
00:59:12,590 --> 00:59:15,246
quote on a different topic.

532
00:59:15,246 --> 00:59:19,430
I want to clarify that I am not aware of what

533
00:59:19,430 --> 00:59:22,340
that first assistant attorney did with that information

534
00:59:22,340 --> 00:59:25,216
because his reply was redacted.

535
00:59:25,216 --> 00:59:28,934
So my mention of his name or position

536
00:59:28,934 --> 00:59:31,750
should not be taken as an accusation

537
00:59:31,750 --> 00:59:33,750
of any impropriety on his part.

538
00:59:33,750 --> 00:59:36,590
I only mention it because no citizen

539
00:59:36,590 --> 00:59:39,816
wants to be presented in a questionable light

540
00:59:39,816 --> 00:59:43,605
to a member of the County Attorney's office.

541
00:59:43,605 --> 00:59:47,910
Lest he need to interact with that office later.

542
00:59:47,910 --> 00:59:51,536
The county Attorney's office had no evident need

543
00:59:51,536 --> 00:59:53,558
to know about my earlier comments

544
00:59:53,558 --> 00:59:57,270
to a state agency on an unrelated matter.

545
00:59:57,270 --> 01:00:00,840
Let us pause for a moment to consider what should

546
01:00:00,840 --> 01:00:03,166
have happened in this instance.

547
01:00:03,166 --> 01:00:06,926
My appeal should have been considered on its merits.

548
01:00:06,926 --> 01:00:12,710
Not who I was or what I might have said or done in the past.

549
01:00:12,710 --> 01:00:16,710
Unless it was directly related to the business at hand.

550
01:00:16,710 --> 01:00:19,838
I should not have to forfeit my privacy simply

551
01:00:19,838 --> 01:00:24,686
because I want to contribute to my county's decision making.

552
01:00:24,686 --> 01:00:29,170
Let me ask each of you, to consider

553
01:00:29,170 --> 01:00:31,966
how you would feel if someone in your family

554
01:00:31,966 --> 01:00:34,734
was treated in this fashion.

555
01:00:34,734 --> 01:00:39,650
I'm sure you'd feel their rights to be an active citizen had

556
01:00:39,650 --> 01:00:40,520
been infringed.

557
01:00:40,520 --> 01:00:46,810
So do I. Now I've been reassured by my county commissioner

558
01:00:46,810 --> 01:00:51,290
that a conversation has been had with that senior member, staff

559
01:00:51,290 --> 01:00:51,790
member.

560
01:00:51,790 --> 01:00:55,398
Although my two direct requests for an apology from that member

561
01:00:55,398 --> 01:00:57,700
have been ignored.

562
01:00:57,700 --> 01:01:02,176
The reason I am addressing the whole board today about it

563
01:01:02,176 --> 01:01:06,606
is that I want to strongly urge that you establish

564
01:01:06,606 --> 01:01:10,206
a written ethics policy to address

565
01:01:10,478 --> 01:01:14,870
the treatment of citizens who choose to express disagreement

566
01:01:14,870 --> 01:01:17,270
with a county decision.

567
01:01:17,798 --> 01:01:21,470
And make it part of required training.

568
01:01:21,470 --> 01:01:26,560
So as to reassure the rest of Dakota County citizens

569
01:01:26,560 --> 01:01:32,560
that such unethical actions will not be repeated against them.

570
01:01:33,540 --> 01:01:37,254
And without them needing to uncover --

571
01:01:37,790 --> 01:01:40,950
Chair Halverson: Reached your five minutes so if you could

572
01:01:40,950 --> 01:01:41,910
wrap up --

573
01:01:41,910 --> 01:01:45,457
>> This would be inappropriate and a powerful statement by this

574
01:01:45,457 --> 01:01:47,790
board that the principles of open government and ethical

575
01:01:47,790 --> 01:01:50,870
treatment of citizens are hallmarks of this fine county.

576
01:01:50,870 --> 01:01:51,630
Thank you.

577
01:01:51,630 --> 01:01:54,300
Chair Halverson: Thank you.

578
01:01:56,150 --> 01:01:59,550
Couple folks who signed up but didn't sign in.

579
01:01:59,550 --> 01:02:01,106
We'll see if you're here.

580
01:02:01,106 --> 01:02:03,470
Dan Martinez do you wish to address the board?

581
01:02:03,470 --> 01:02:05,870
Not here not seeing.

582
01:02:07,694 --> 01:02:09,694
Simon Sparrow?

583
01:02:14,870 --> 01:02:17,270
Welcome to the board.

584
01:02:18,470 --> 01:02:21,470
>> Thank you chair Halverson commissioners.

585
01:02:21,900 --> 01:02:25,840
My name is Simon Sparrow I've been providing benefits

586
01:02:25,840 --> 01:02:30,400
to Dakota County residents primarily medical assistance

587
01:02:30,110 --> 01:02:32,407
for the past six years.

588
01:02:32,407 --> 01:02:35,990
What I want to draw your attention towards is

589
01:02:35,990 --> 01:02:39,382
the potentially devastating consequences that Dakota County

590
01:02:39,382 --> 01:02:43,590
could face if we continue to not meet processing deadlines --

591
01:02:43,590 --> 01:02:45,590
timelines.

592
01:02:46,230 --> 01:02:49,550
By not providing employment and economic assistance

593
01:02:49,550 --> 01:02:51,336
with the staff necessary to do the work,

594
01:02:51,336 --> 01:02:54,670
Dakota County is at risk of severe legal and financial

595
01:02:54,670 --> 01:02:55,550
penalties.

596
01:02:55,550 --> 01:03:01,550
This is from section 1902 T of the Social Security Act.

597
01:03:02,630 --> 01:03:07,900
If CMS determines that a state is not in compliance with

598
01:03:07,900 --> 01:03:09,490
federal eligibility Redetermination requirements,

599
01:03:10,600 --> 01:03:14,910
CMS may impose civil money penalties of up to $100,000

600
01:03:14,910 --> 01:03:20,310
for each day a state is not in compliance.

601
01:03:20,790 --> 01:03:24,990
Additionally, civil rights and health advocacy groups

602
01:03:25,694 --> 01:03:28,526
can and do file class action lawsuits against counties

603
01:03:28,526 --> 01:03:30,810
that are not in compliance.

604
01:03:30,810 --> 01:03:34,190
Counties in this situation face millions

605
01:03:34,190 --> 01:03:36,390
of dollars in legal fees.

606
01:03:36,390 --> 01:03:38,390
And damages.

607
01:03:39,510 --> 01:03:43,990
I could talk about almost any team within ENEA,

608
01:03:43,990 --> 01:03:47,525
the team I'm going to focus on is the men's team.

609
01:03:47,525 --> 01:03:50,250
They're an incredible hard working

610
01:03:50,250 --> 01:03:52,650
but terribly understaffed team.

611
01:03:54,270 --> 01:03:56,840
They handle medical assistance cases

612
01:03:56,840 --> 01:03:59,126
in the administrative system and would

613
01:03:59,126 --> 01:04:02,910
be hardest hit by the addition of H R Blind's new work

614
01:04:02,910 --> 01:04:04,910
requirements.

615
01:04:05,430 --> 01:04:08,456
Before H.R. One has even taken effect

616
01:04:08,456 --> 01:04:12,230
this team is about 18 months behind in processing documents.

617
01:04:12,230 --> 01:04:17,300
CMS says that counties have to process documents

618
01:04:18,110 --> 01:04:21,174
the month following the month that they're received.

619
01:04:21,174 --> 01:04:23,276
So I'll say that again.

620
01:04:23,276 --> 01:04:25,990
CMS says we need to process documents received

621
01:04:25,990 --> 01:04:28,510
in July by the end of August.

622
01:04:28,510 --> 01:04:33,310
We have documents that are unprocessed from January 2025.

623
01:04:34,326 --> 01:04:39,126
Staff have been raising these concerns for years.

624
01:04:39,670 --> 01:04:42,610
ENEA management to their credit is

625
01:04:42,610 --> 01:04:45,100
asking for 70 additional staff.

626
01:04:46,110 --> 01:04:49,670
Our county manager Heidi Walsh's recommendation

627
01:04:49,670 --> 01:04:53,470
based on your unwillingness to raise taxes in Dakota County,

628
01:04:53,470 --> 01:04:59,350
to levels equal to similar counties, is to add a 11 FTEs.

629
01:04:59,350 --> 01:05:01,350
11 instead of 70.

630
01:05:03,750 --> 01:05:06,150
This is your responsible.

631
01:05:07,238 --> 01:05:09,940
We are going to be penalized for this.

632
01:05:09,940 --> 01:05:13,600
It is your responsibility to ensure

633
01:05:13,600 --> 01:05:16,990
the county has the staff necessary to do the work.

634
01:05:16,990 --> 01:05:23,190
If this becomes a national story about fraud waste and abuse,

635
01:05:23,190 --> 01:05:27,950
my face is not going to be on those 24 hour news channels.

636
01:05:27,950 --> 01:05:31,761
Even before H.R. One, we are right

637
01:05:31,761 --> 01:05:33,136
for financial and legal penalties

638
01:05:33,136 --> 01:05:36,110
in a time where the federal government is looking

639
01:05:36,110 --> 01:05:38,320
for ways to punish Minnesotans.

640
01:05:38,320 --> 01:05:42,520
You have the opportunity to change course.

641
01:05:43,700 --> 01:05:47,870
We can fund the county with 29.9% Levy, just $248.

642
01:05:49,523 --> 01:05:51,923
For the median home.

643
01:05:52,566 --> 01:05:55,807
And begin digging out of this hole.

644
01:05:55,807 --> 01:05:58,400
This is your opportunity to protect

645
01:05:58,400 --> 01:06:00,614
the county against legal and financial risks.

646
01:06:00,614 --> 01:06:04,390
Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.

647
01:06:04,390 --> 01:06:07,950
Chair Halverson: Thank you for your comments.

648
01:06:07,950 --> 01:06:10,450
Is there anybody else in the audience

649
01:06:10,450 --> 01:06:14,310
wishing to address the board at this time?

650
01:06:14,310 --> 01:06:18,270
Seeing no one come we will close the audience participation

651
01:06:18,270 --> 01:06:22,240
section and thank you again for being here today.

652
01:06:22,240 --> 01:06:26,822
Next on our agenda is to approve the agenda,

653
01:06:26,822 --> 01:06:32,822
are there changes or a motion to approve the agenda?

654
01:06:33,613 --> 01:06:36,430
>> Madam chair I will move approval without changes.

655
01:06:36,430 --> 01:06:38,830
>> I'll second Madam chair.

656
01:06:39,670 --> 01:06:43,330
Chair Halverson: We have a second we can take a voice

657
01:06:43,330 --> 01:06:46,350
vote on this all those in favor say aye aye any opposed no.

658
01:06:46,350 --> 01:06:49,238
Hearing none that motion prevails.

659
01:06:49,238 --> 01:06:54,800
Next up on our agenda, we move to a public hearing to consider

660
01:06:54,800 --> 01:06:58,766
giving post approval to issuances by City of Lilydale

661
01:06:58,766 --> 01:07:02,360
of revenue obligations for three 60s communities project.

662
01:07:02,360 --> 01:07:05,510
And we get to hear from Mr. McKnight.

663
01:07:05,510 --> 01:07:06,310
Welcome.

664
01:07:06,310 --> 01:07:11,110
>> Good morning Madam Chair commissioners I'm the deputy

665
01:07:11,590 --> 01:07:14,690
County manager I'm here to talk about the public hearing

666
01:07:14,690 --> 01:07:17,636
required for the 360 communities project that we talked about

667
01:07:17,636 --> 01:07:20,390
a little bit at your previous county board meeting.

668
01:07:20,390 --> 01:07:25,789
You're also aware of the full three 60s community is

669
01:07:25,789 --> 01:07:28,456
they're a nonprofit organization serving to kill the county that

670
01:07:28,456 --> 01:07:32,230
provides safety crisis support and stability to over 26,000

671
01:07:32,230 --> 01:07:33,730
individuals each year.

672
01:07:33,730 --> 01:07:36,520
And they are located in Burnsville.

673
01:07:36,520 --> 01:07:39,310
You're also aware that they're currently

674
01:07:39,310 --> 01:07:42,134
undertaking a new Louis House project,

675
01:07:42,134 --> 01:07:44,498
it's a planned new shelter in Eagan

676
01:07:44,498 --> 01:07:50,140
it's a 50 bed apartment style, excuse me a 50 style apartment

677
01:07:50,140 --> 01:07:52,310
style domestic violence shelter.

678
01:07:52,310 --> 01:07:55,310
Construction completion in summer 2027 project

679
01:07:58,160 --> 01:08:00,560
is estimated at $14 million.

680
01:08:01,110 --> 01:08:02,990
This project will be partially funded

681
01:08:02,990 --> 01:08:04,560
through tax exempt financing.

682
01:08:04,560 --> 01:08:08,160
IRS rules require that 501 C organizations

683
01:08:08,830 --> 01:08:12,140
like 360 communities using this type of funding

684
01:08:12,140 --> 01:08:15,603
must be approved by the host, which is the organization where

685
01:08:15,603 --> 01:08:17,456
the project exists.

686
01:08:17,456 --> 01:08:21,230
360 communities has asked Dakota County to serve in that role.

687
01:08:21,230 --> 01:08:24,982
The city of Lilydale will issue the actual bonds

688
01:08:24,982 --> 01:08:28,714
for this project in an amount not to exceed $8 million.

689
01:08:28,714 --> 01:08:31,545
As a county we will not incur any costs serving

690
01:08:31,545 --> 01:08:33,870
as a host for the project.

691
01:08:33,870 --> 01:08:35,350
The county is not responsible for paying back

692
01:08:35,350 --> 01:08:37,810
any of the principal or interest obligations.

693
01:08:37,810 --> 01:08:41,860
We had minimal staff time and your time

694
01:08:41,860 --> 01:08:43,934
for holding this public hearing is our investment

695
01:08:43,934 --> 01:08:44,942
into this project.

696
01:08:44,942 --> 01:08:46,843
You may recall that the county served

697
01:08:46,843 --> 01:08:49,840
in a similar role for a project for Saint Francis Healthcare

698
01:08:49,840 --> 01:08:51,840
in Farmington in 2024.

699
01:08:53,790 --> 01:08:57,163
We do have here today representatives

700
01:08:57,163 --> 01:09:00,740
from 360 communities of Jeff Morton's and their president

701
01:09:00,740 --> 01:09:03,247
and CEO is in attendance you can talk about the project

702
01:09:03,247 --> 01:09:04,622
and answer any questions that you

703
01:09:04,622 --> 01:09:07,550
might have if you do have them.

704
01:09:07,550 --> 01:09:10,675
But you're recommended action today is for the board

705
01:09:10,675 --> 01:09:13,370
to hold the public hearing and consider any comments received.

706
01:09:13,370 --> 01:09:15,328
Once the public hearing is complete,

707
01:09:15,328 --> 01:09:17,870
staff recommends that the County Board approve the resolution

708
01:09:17,870 --> 01:09:20,950
providing post approval on the issuance of tax

709
01:09:20,950 --> 01:09:24,160
exempt obligations by the city of Lilydale Minnesota.

710
01:09:24,160 --> 01:09:26,360
This resolution also includes the approval

711
01:09:26,360 --> 01:09:28,870
of a cooperation agreement with the city of Lilydale.

712
01:09:28,870 --> 01:09:33,300
And with that Madam Chair, I'll take any questions

713
01:09:33,300 --> 01:09:35,750
you might have or let you ask Mr. Mortensen questions if you

714
01:09:35,750 --> 01:09:37,590
have them with him as well.

715
01:09:37,590 --> 01:09:40,670
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much members of the board

716
01:09:40,670 --> 01:09:44,430
are there questions for Mr. McKnight or Mr. Mortensen?

717
01:09:44,430 --> 01:09:48,545
Hearing none and for the members of the public

718
01:09:48,545 --> 01:09:53,890
we have reviewed this proposal already in GDP meeting.

719
01:09:53,890 --> 01:09:56,583
So if things seem like they move fast,

720
01:09:56,583 --> 01:09:59,182
it's because we've usually heard and discussed

721
01:09:59,182 --> 01:10:01,770
these matters in the past.

722
01:10:01,770 --> 01:10:03,581
So with that I will open the public hearing

723
01:10:03,581 --> 01:10:07,781
if there are comments on the project.

724
01:10:09,350 --> 01:10:11,254
Are there any comments?

725
01:10:11,254 --> 01:10:14,254
Anyone wishing to be heard?

726
01:10:14,466 --> 01:10:17,466
Anyone wishing to be heard?

727
01:10:18,300 --> 01:10:22,910
Seeing no one come forward, I will close the public hearing.

728
01:10:22,910 --> 01:10:27,910
And I will turn it over to the board for action.

729
01:10:27,910 --> 01:10:31,630
>> Madam chair I will move the resolution.

730
01:10:31,630 --> 01:10:33,630
>> I'll second.

731
01:10:34,630 --> 01:10:38,818
Chair Halverson: We have a second any comments

732
01:10:38,818 --> 01:10:40,110
to the motion?

733
01:10:40,110 --> 01:10:44,310
Hearing none we will take the roll.

734
01:10:46,687 --> 01:10:48,687
[Members voting yes]

735
01:10:56,453 --> 01:10:57,630
Chair Halverson: Excellent.

736
01:10:57,630 --> 01:10:59,758
That motion prevails thank you Mr. McKnight thank

737
01:10:59,758 --> 01:11:01,758
you Mr. Mortensen.

738
01:11:03,300 --> 01:11:05,970
Next up we have a public hearing.

739
01:11:05,970 --> 01:11:11,216
To receive comments on and adopt amended park ordinance 107.

740
01:11:11,216 --> 01:11:16,310
We get to hear from our parks director Nikki Geisler welcome.

741
01:11:16,310 --> 01:11:19,436
>> Thank you Madam Chair and good morning commissioners

742
01:11:19,436 --> 01:11:21,660
I'm Nikki Geisler a parks director for Dakota County

743
01:11:21,660 --> 01:11:25,480
and I'm here to talk about the proposed amendments to Park

744
01:11:25,480 --> 01:11:30,638
Ordinance 107 which governs the rules and regulations and allows

745
01:11:30,638 --> 01:11:33,630
for enforcement of those rules and regulations within our park

746
01:11:33,630 --> 01:11:34,174
system.

747
01:11:34,174 --> 01:11:37,630
An overview quickly of the process,

748
01:11:37,630 --> 01:11:40,732
creating the amendments that was shared with all of you

749
01:11:40,732 --> 01:11:43,563
at the Fiscal Development Committee,

750
01:11:43,563 --> 01:11:46,670
the intent of the ordinance update

751
01:11:46,670 --> 01:11:48,470
was to correct and clarify language,

752
01:11:48,470 --> 01:11:51,563
to add detail to certain activities,

753
01:11:51,563 --> 01:11:54,190
make recommended changes to accommodate real life

754
01:11:54,190 --> 01:11:58,500
application that we were able to experience since it was last

755
01:11:58,500 --> 01:11:59,750
adopted a few years ago.

756
01:11:59,750 --> 01:12:02,670
Specifically around electric powered devices and motorized

757
01:12:02,670 --> 01:12:04,403
recreational vehicles.

758
01:12:04,403 --> 01:12:07,910
And review happened at the Physical Development Committee

759
01:12:07,910 --> 01:12:10,500
where you directed us to provide public notice

760
01:12:10,500 --> 01:12:12,900
and schedule this hearing.

761
01:12:13,640 --> 01:12:16,622
The proposed amendments were reviewed and supported

762
01:12:16,622 --> 01:12:19,740
by the County Attorney's Office and Dakota County Sheriff's

763
01:12:19,740 --> 01:12:22,374
Office staff did a thorough review of the amendments

764
01:12:22,374 --> 01:12:23,158
as well.

765
01:12:23,158 --> 01:12:25,830
Public hearing notice was posted in the Hasting Journal

766
01:12:25,830 --> 01:12:27,790
and on the county website.

767
01:12:27,790 --> 01:12:31,553
No public comments have been received to date.

768
01:12:31,553 --> 01:12:36,353
So with that, I'll post the public hearing,

769
01:12:37,300 --> 01:12:41,670
we are asking for an adoption to the amendments of Park Ordinance

770
01:12:41,670 --> 01:12:42,193
107.

771
01:12:42,193 --> 01:12:45,830
Madam chair I now stand for questions.

772
01:12:45,830 --> 01:12:48,583
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Nikki are there

773
01:12:48,583 --> 01:12:51,110
any questions for Nikki before you open the public hearing?

774
01:12:51,110 --> 01:12:53,814
Seeing none I will open our public hearing.

775
01:12:53,814 --> 01:12:56,430
And ask for your comments.

776
01:12:56,430 --> 01:12:59,300
Does anyone wish to be heard on this item?

777
01:12:59,300 --> 01:13:03,830
Are there any public comments to this item?

778
01:13:04,670 --> 01:13:08,230
Is there anyone wishing to be heard?

779
01:13:08,230 --> 01:13:13,300
Hearing no one, I will close public hearing.

780
01:13:13,540 --> 01:13:17,470
Thank you and we can turn it over to the board for action.

781
01:13:17,470 --> 01:13:19,910
What are the wishes of the board?

782
01:13:19,910 --> 01:13:21,983
We have a motion is there a second?

783
01:13:21,983 --> 01:13:23,163
And we've got a second.

784
01:13:23,163 --> 01:13:24,190
Thank you members.

785
01:13:24,190 --> 01:13:30,190
And with that we'll take a roll on that please.

786
01:13:30,301 --> 01:13:32,301
[Members voting yes]

787
01:13:38,167 --> 01:13:40,750
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much and that motion prevails.

788
01:13:40,750 --> 01:13:42,750
Thanks Nikki.

789
01:13:43,590 --> 01:13:46,110
All right next up on our agenda.

790
01:13:46,110 --> 01:13:49,406
We have the consent agenda to consider.

791
01:13:49,406 --> 01:13:51,350
Are there any changes or is there a motion

792
01:13:51,350 --> 01:13:52,990
to approve the consent agenda?

793
01:13:52,990 --> 01:13:55,390
>> Move approval madam chair.

794
01:13:56,110 --> 01:13:58,743
Chair Halverson: Is there a second?

795
01:13:58,743 --> 01:14:00,743
And a second.

796
01:14:01,123 --> 01:14:03,850
We will roll call this.

797
01:14:03,850 --> 01:14:05,850
Jenny.

798
01:14:06,116 --> 01:14:06,783
[Members voting]

799
01:14:06,783 --> 01:14:09,783
>> Yes with the exception of 7.1.

800
01:14:13,196 --> 01:14:15,196
[Members voting yes]

801
01:14:19,608 --> 01:14:22,800
>> Yes with exception of 7.1.

802
01:14:24,180 --> 01:14:25,930
Chair Halverson: And that motion prevails.

803
01:14:25,930 --> 01:14:27,382
Onto our regular agenda.

804
01:14:27,382 --> 01:14:30,110
We have a presentation for information

805
01:14:30,110 --> 01:14:34,390
only on the recognition of Minnesota Counties Award.

806
01:14:34,390 --> 01:14:36,790
Evidence based practice unit.

807
01:14:40,110 --> 01:14:42,510
Chris Cornell Jim Scoville.

808
01:14:42,630 --> 01:14:46,830
Who are we hearing from >> National Award.

809
01:14:48,230 --> 01:14:51,590
Chair Halverson: It's always hard to get people to come

810
01:14:51,590 --> 01:14:52,614
forward and take credit.

811
01:14:52,614 --> 01:14:55,140
Come on. (Laughs) welcome.

812
01:14:56,470 --> 01:15:00,610
>> All right good morning Madam Chair commissioners I'm Suwanna

813
01:15:00,610 --> 01:15:01,110
Kirkland.

814
01:15:01,110 --> 01:15:04,510
I'm the director of Dakota County Community Corrections.

815
01:15:04,510 --> 01:15:09,850
And I am here with our supervisor and two of our three

816
01:15:09,850 --> 01:15:16,450
evidence based practice unit staff, last year we won an award

817
01:15:16,870 --> 01:15:19,894
and it was for our evidence based practice unit.

818
01:15:19,894 --> 01:15:23,616
And I don't want to do all the talking because they

819
01:15:23,616 --> 01:15:27,950
do the work, they really have set the stage in Minnesota

820
01:15:27,950 --> 01:15:30,150
for evidence based practice unit.

821
01:15:30,150 --> 01:15:34,910
And Dakota County and so we continue to lead in this space.

822
01:15:34,910 --> 01:15:36,983
I'm very proud of the work that they do.

823
01:15:36,983 --> 01:15:40,222
And they continue to serve not just Dakota County

824
01:15:40,222 --> 01:15:40,886
but statewide.

825
01:15:40,886 --> 01:15:43,670
So I'm going to turn it over to Supervisor Chris

826
01:15:43,670 --> 01:15:46,700
Caddell and our staff.

827
01:15:46,390 --> 01:15:48,390
>> Welcome.

828
01:15:49,510 --> 01:15:52,240
>> Thank you Madam Chair and commissioners.

829
01:15:52,240 --> 01:15:54,960
My name is Chris Cornell as she mentioned supervisor

830
01:15:54,960 --> 01:15:56,902
and our corrections department and thank you

831
01:15:56,902 --> 01:16:00,656
for the time today for recognizing this with us Award.

832
01:16:00,656 --> 01:16:05,690
It really is a privilege three evidence based coordinators

833
01:16:05,690 --> 01:16:08,806
we have Shannon Lynn Nicole Barnes and Elizabeth Miller who

834
01:16:08,806 --> 01:16:11,500
is here but had to leave to go do exactly what we're

835
01:16:11,500 --> 01:16:13,500
talking about.

836
01:16:13,710 --> 01:16:18,600
Our evidence based practice unit has become a statewide leader

837
01:16:18,600 --> 01:16:21,300
in expanding our cognitive behavioral program which

838
01:16:21,300 --> 01:16:23,238
is by embedding evidence based practice

839
01:16:23,238 --> 01:16:24,530
into our daily operations.

840
01:16:24,530 --> 01:16:28,896
Their work has become measurable to produce measurable results

841
01:16:28,896 --> 01:16:31,585
while creating a sustainable model that other colleagues

842
01:16:31,585 --> 01:16:33,730
continue to learn from.

843
01:16:33,730 --> 01:16:36,270
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective

844
01:16:36,270 --> 01:16:38,740
correctional programs and interventions

845
01:16:38,740 --> 01:16:41,700
that we can do for reducing recidivism.

846
01:16:41,700 --> 01:16:44,390
Research shows us that when delivered correctly

847
01:16:44,390 --> 01:16:49,190
and with fidelity, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce

848
01:16:50,250 --> 01:16:52,250
reoffending by 20 to 30%.

849
01:16:52,390 --> 01:16:57,500
By helping the clients change their (Indistinct) thinking

850
01:16:57,500 --> 01:16:58,630
strengthen their problem solving skills

851
01:16:58,630 --> 01:16:59,730
and make better decisions.

852
01:16:59,730 --> 01:17:01,930
The county has intentionally built this program

853
01:17:01,930 --> 01:17:04,830
around these evidence based practices principles.

854
01:17:04,830 --> 01:17:07,210
Since 2019 referrals to our programing

855
01:17:07,210 --> 01:17:11,410
internally in our county have increased from 110

856
01:17:11,430 --> 01:17:13,830
to about 280 clients annually.

857
01:17:14,150 --> 01:17:16,443
During that same period our graduation rates

858
01:17:16,443 --> 01:17:18,870
have increased by more than 30%.

859
01:17:18,870 --> 01:17:21,870
Completion rates remain strong at 82%

860
01:17:22,570 --> 01:17:26,356
for juveniles 75% for adult men and 73% for adult women.

861
01:17:26,356 --> 01:17:30,243
A key reason for this success is department's investment

862
01:17:30,243 --> 01:17:31,843
in its staff.

863
01:17:31,843 --> 01:17:34,590
79 of our staff members are trained

864
01:17:34,590 --> 01:17:38,790
in delivering this curriculum to our clients.

865
01:17:39,350 --> 01:17:42,950
Every facilitator receives regular observation coaching

866
01:17:43,132 --> 01:17:45,590
annual post trainings that communities practice reinforcing

867
01:17:45,590 --> 01:17:49,830
the skills and that's due to the credit of these three staff.

868
01:17:49,830 --> 01:17:52,830
In addition supervisors integrate CBT

869
01:17:54,603 --> 01:17:57,300
principles ongoing staff coaching.

870
01:17:58,470 --> 01:18:02,700
So the commitment to accountability measurable

871
01:18:02,683 --> 01:18:04,350
results has strengthened client outcomes

872
01:18:04,350 --> 01:18:06,620
and strengthened public safety and it's

873
01:18:06,620 --> 01:18:08,486
created a model of evidence based corrections that

874
01:18:08,486 --> 01:18:09,830
is recognized across the state.

875
01:18:09,830 --> 01:18:14,350
So thank you again for your time and for this public recognition.

876
01:18:14,350 --> 01:18:16,750
Chair Halverson: Thank you.

877
01:18:18,516 --> 01:18:20,516
[Applause]

878
01:18:22,894 --> 01:18:26,803
>> And I don't know if we mentioned these wonderful staff

879
01:18:26,803 --> 01:18:30,670
that do this work for Dakota County and across the state,

880
01:18:30,670 --> 01:18:34,694
but we have Nicole Borris, Shannon Olin and Elizabeth

881
01:18:34,694 --> 01:18:38,683
Miller who has to leave out but these other ladies that do this

882
01:18:38,683 --> 01:18:40,250
work, they do it proudly.

883
01:18:40,250 --> 01:18:42,690
They are highly respected and regarded

884
01:18:42,690 --> 01:18:43,836
in the state of Minnesota.

885
01:18:43,836 --> 01:18:47,474
And we are super, I mean we're just ecstatic about the work

886
01:18:47,474 --> 01:18:48,910
that you do so thank you.

887
01:18:48,910 --> 01:18:52,743
>> Thank you very much we really appreciate it I hope everyone

888
01:18:52,743 --> 01:18:54,910
can stick around we're going to do photos after this

889
01:18:54,910 --> 01:18:55,870
if that's okay.

890
01:18:55,870 --> 01:18:56,590
Thank you.

891
01:18:56,590 --> 01:19:00,310
And Jenny do we do the presentation now or are we

892
01:19:00,310 --> 01:19:01,550
doing it at photos?

893
01:19:01,550 --> 01:19:03,550
>> It's your choice.

894
01:19:04,700 --> 01:19:07,213
Chair Halverson: We'll do the photos at the end then.

895
01:19:07,213 --> 01:19:10,358
Very good I want to hear from all the presenters thank you.

896
01:19:10,358 --> 01:19:11,123
All right.

897
01:19:11,123 --> 01:19:16,390
Next up we've got the national recognition of the Maker Awards

898
01:19:16,390 --> 01:19:19,440
the National Association of County and City Health

899
01:19:19,440 --> 01:19:20,170
Officials.

900
01:19:20,170 --> 01:19:23,170
That's not Mako that's Naco?

901
01:19:23,517 --> 01:19:24,146
Nach?

902
01:19:24,146 --> 01:19:25,374
Come on up.

903
01:19:25,374 --> 01:19:27,430
Tell us what it is.

904
01:19:27,430 --> 01:19:29,830
This is -- Nacho.

905
01:19:31,110 --> 01:19:33,510
Don't make me hungry.

906
01:19:33,798 --> 01:19:38,780
Welcome Mr. Gillen and we want to hear all about this award

907
01:19:38,780 --> 01:19:42,870
that my colleagues got to accept out in.

908
01:19:42,870 --> 01:19:43,616
Kentucky.

909
01:19:43,616 --> 01:19:45,616
Okay sorry.

910
01:19:45,670 --> 01:19:47,670
>> Too many awards.

911
01:19:47,974 --> 01:19:50,486
Good morning Chair Halverson commissioners

912
01:19:50,486 --> 01:19:56,203
my name is Matt Gershon I'm the commissioner for (Indistinct)

913
01:19:56,203 --> 01:19:59,203
animal communication planning agent model

914
01:20:00,270 --> 01:20:03,150
practice before this practice our public health communications

915
01:20:03,150 --> 01:20:05,100
work was largely reactive.

916
01:20:05,100 --> 01:20:08,580
When teams had an idea or an event coming up

917
01:20:08,580 --> 01:20:10,636
they submitted a request and we did it.

918
01:20:10,636 --> 01:20:14,350
Sometimes we got a lot of advance notice and sometimes we

919
01:20:14,350 --> 01:20:14,896
didn't.

920
01:20:14,896 --> 01:20:19,476
So in 2023 we said let's try to look into the future.

921
01:20:19,476 --> 01:20:21,870
We asked five of our public health programs

922
01:20:21,870 --> 01:20:24,480
to guess all their communication projects for the year.

923
01:20:24,480 --> 01:20:28,290
Fliers for clinics, social media posts for recognition months,

924
01:20:28,290 --> 01:20:30,470
updates to web pages.

925
01:20:30,470 --> 01:20:32,450
And it worked.

926
01:20:32,450 --> 01:20:34,854
Now instead of reacting project by project,

927
01:20:34,854 --> 01:20:37,614
each project now maps out to the best of their abilities

928
01:20:37,614 --> 01:20:38,910
the entire year in advance.

929
01:20:38,910 --> 01:20:42,520
We're now able to anticipate busy periods and plan

930
01:20:42,520 --> 01:20:45,203
times to strategically instead of constantly playing catch up.

931
01:20:45,203 --> 01:20:49,235
And even when we have pop up projects or board requests,

932
01:20:49,235 --> 01:20:51,100
we can respond better.

933
01:20:51,100 --> 01:20:55,620
All of this at zero additional cost just existing staff

934
01:20:55,620 --> 01:20:58,230
time and simple tools like Word and Excel.

935
01:20:58,230 --> 01:21:00,190
Proactive planning internally means

936
01:21:00,190 --> 01:21:02,376
clear more timely public health messaging

937
01:21:02,376 --> 01:21:04,286
reaching every resident in Dakota County.

938
01:21:04,286 --> 01:21:07,820
It's low cost and easy for any health department

939
01:21:07,820 --> 01:21:10,456
to replicate which is why Naco did a model practice.

940
01:21:10,456 --> 01:21:13,630
This is a win for our department our communications team,

941
01:21:13,630 --> 01:21:15,298
and for every resident who benefits

942
01:21:15,298 --> 01:21:16,923
from clear public health communication.

943
01:21:16,923 --> 01:21:18,350
Thank you.

944
01:21:18,350 --> 01:21:20,567
>> Thank you very much.

945
01:21:20,567 --> 01:21:22,400
And please stick around for the presentation

946
01:21:22,400 --> 01:21:24,910
of awards after and photos.

947
01:21:24,910 --> 01:21:29,710
>> Can we give them a round of applause?

948
01:21:29,820 --> 01:21:31,820
[Applause] Madam chair?

949
01:21:34,727 --> 01:21:37,790
May I just make a comment?

950
01:21:37,790 --> 01:21:42,462
You save lives and I think it was worthy of our recognition

951
01:21:42,462 --> 01:21:45,462
so thank you so much.

952
01:21:45,950 --> 01:21:47,824
Chair Halverson: And finally we get

953
01:21:47,824 --> 01:21:49,820
to hear about the Naco Awards.

954
01:21:49,820 --> 01:21:52,820
Recognition of the 2026 National Association

955
01:21:53,390 --> 01:21:57,590
of Counties Achievement Award best in category

956
01:21:57,590 --> 01:22:01,400
for health, a combination of a partnership between our Dakota

957
01:22:01,400 --> 01:22:03,750
County Libraries of Public Health.

958
01:22:03,750 --> 01:22:05,750
Welcome.

959
01:22:08,630 --> 01:22:10,816
>> Good morning Madam Chair Halverson.

960
01:22:10,816 --> 01:22:12,310
And commissioners.

961
01:22:12,310 --> 01:22:13,782
I am Jayna Postulka.

962
01:22:13,782 --> 01:22:17,300
Director of Public Health and I'm here with Jen Reichardt

963
01:22:17,300 --> 01:22:21,230
Simpson our public -- our library director.

964
01:22:21,990 --> 01:22:28,214
Oh you have to -- our innovative and passionate teams of public

965
01:22:28,214 --> 01:22:30,374
health and libraries sit behind us.

966
01:22:30,374 --> 01:22:34,510
We are so excited to be here to celebrate Dakota County's

967
01:22:34,510 --> 01:22:38,710
recognition with a 2026 National Association of Counties

968
01:22:38,776 --> 01:22:40,190
Achievement Award.

969
01:22:40,190 --> 01:22:42,790
And best in category for health.

970
01:22:42,790 --> 01:22:45,414
This award recognizes public health

971
01:22:45,414 --> 01:22:48,580
in the library's work to transform library locations

972
01:22:48,580 --> 01:22:50,980
into public health hubs.

973
01:22:51,390 --> 01:22:55,326
This achievement reflects the outstanding work and commitment

974
01:22:55,326 --> 01:22:58,630
of everyone who contributed to this success.

975
01:22:58,630 --> 01:23:03,254
Our partnership began with a simple but powerful goal

976
01:23:03,254 --> 01:23:07,300
to improve community health by meeting people where they are.

977
01:23:07,300 --> 01:23:08,783
We know that mental health is one

978
01:23:08,783 --> 01:23:11,530
of the top health concerns identified by Dakota County

979
01:23:11,530 --> 01:23:12,300
residents.

980
01:23:12,300 --> 01:23:16,230
In the face of the opioid epidemic,

981
01:23:16,510 --> 01:23:20,736
access to fentanyl test strips can save lives.

982
01:23:20,736 --> 01:23:23,110
Timely nutrition support breastfeeding resources

983
01:23:23,110 --> 01:23:25,286
and connections to other services

984
01:23:25,286 --> 01:23:30,230
can make a meaningful difference to new parents and families.

985
01:23:30,230 --> 01:23:34,420
Addressing these needs requires strong public health programs.

986
01:23:34,420 --> 01:23:37,420
It also requires delivering services

987
01:23:37,560 --> 01:23:40,850
in places where people gather.

988
01:23:40,850 --> 01:23:44,285
Places that are trusted, welcoming, and accessible.

989
01:23:49,190 --> 01:23:51,490
>> And that's the library.

990
01:23:51,490 --> 01:23:55,319
The library is among the most valued trusted services

991
01:23:55,319 --> 01:23:57,403
they come to borrow books they also

992
01:23:57,403 --> 01:23:59,736
come to learn get resources and be in community with one

993
01:23:59,736 --> 01:24:00,324
another.

994
01:24:00,324 --> 01:24:04,350
By combining public health expertise and programs

995
01:24:04,350 --> 01:24:09,150
with the library's welcoming staff, Stacy's, and connections

996
01:24:09,443 --> 01:24:13,500
to residents, we've expanded the county's reach reproduced

997
01:24:13,500 --> 01:24:14,500
barriers.

998
01:24:14,500 --> 01:24:15,570
We leverage resources.

999
01:24:15,570 --> 01:24:18,220
And we've made our shared work more effective.

1000
01:24:18,220 --> 01:24:22,430
That work included last year ten library locations distributing

1001
01:24:22,430 --> 01:24:24,430
over 1200 naloxone kits.

1002
01:24:26,660 --> 01:24:30,860
300 fentanyl test strip kits and over 2000 opioid

1003
01:24:31,500 --> 01:24:32,860
educational materials.

1004
01:24:32,860 --> 01:24:36,760
Library staff also distributed over a thousand education

1005
01:24:36,760 --> 01:24:40,300
materials on mental health for all ages

1006
01:24:40,300 --> 01:24:43,420
and we were the host site for 8050 year

1007
01:24:43,420 --> 01:24:47,710
BT support sessions at the Wescott Heritage Library's

1008
01:24:47,710 --> 01:24:51,150
increasing our at those sessions and in fact those sessions are

1009
01:24:51,150 --> 01:24:53,630
happening this morning as we speak.

1010
01:24:53,630 --> 01:24:56,350
This work continues in other ways too.

1011
01:24:56,350 --> 01:24:59,830
In August public health is having a school supply drive

1012
01:24:59,830 --> 01:25:01,886
and five library locations will be

1013
01:25:01,886 --> 01:25:04,810
pickup sites along with the northern and Western service

1014
01:25:04,810 --> 01:25:05,390
centers.

1015
01:25:05,390 --> 01:25:07,950
Public Health and libraries collaboration

1016
01:25:07,950 --> 01:25:11,854
transform library locations into community health hubs.

1017
01:25:11,854 --> 01:25:15,240
To improve health outcomes for Dakota County residents.

1018
01:25:15,240 --> 01:25:17,710
Thank thank you for recognizing the award

1019
01:25:17,710 --> 01:25:19,260
but truly thank you for recognizing

1020
01:25:19,260 --> 01:25:23,460
the amazing public health and library staff.

1021
01:25:25,200 --> 01:25:27,200
[Applause]

1022
01:25:32,552 --> 01:25:34,520
Chair Halverson: What a great story.

1023
01:25:34,520 --> 01:25:36,278
Well we will ask all of our award recipients

1024
01:25:36,278 --> 01:25:40,590
to come forward, we will present you with your award.

1025
01:25:40,590 --> 01:25:41,710
Officially.

1026
01:25:41,710 --> 01:25:43,534
And take a photograph.

1027
01:25:43,534 --> 01:25:46,300
So please everybody stick around for that.

1028
01:25:46,300 --> 01:25:50,203
And then we will resume our meeting.

1029
01:26:03,640 --> 01:26:05,640
[Background conversation]

1030
01:27:37,904 --> 01:27:39,904
[Applause]

1031
01:27:50,645 --> 01:27:52,645
[Background conversation]

1032
01:29:19,984 --> 01:29:21,984
[Applause]

1033
01:29:33,820 --> 01:29:35,820
[Background conversation]

1034
01:31:14,971 --> 01:31:16,971
[Applause]

1035
01:31:31,526 --> 01:31:33,526
[Background conversation]

1036
01:31:54,693 --> 01:31:55,686
Chair Halverson: Well.

1037
01:31:55,686 --> 01:31:58,700
What a wonderful thing.

1038
01:31:58,700 --> 01:31:59,630
To celebrate today.

1039
01:31:59,630 --> 01:32:01,950
Does anybody have any comments come

1040
01:32:01,950 --> 01:32:04,498
on we went through three regular items we didn't do any board

1041
01:32:04,498 --> 01:32:08,206
comments so I want to be sure if anyone has any comments, that we

1042
01:32:08,206 --> 01:32:11,510
have a chance to hear from the board.

1043
01:32:11,510 --> 01:32:13,510
Commissioner Harmon Roland.

1044
01:32:14,830 --> 01:32:16,840
Commissioner Hamann-Roland: I just

1045
01:32:16,840 --> 01:32:18,830
wanted to recognize how the partnership

1046
01:32:18,830 --> 01:32:20,910
between the public health and the library

1047
01:32:20,910 --> 01:32:25,582
made the full page 11 in the Naco news.

1048
01:32:25,582 --> 01:32:29,782
So that's national recognition beyond the award

1049
01:32:30,950 --> 01:32:35,200
and will continue and I believe because of its effective

1050
01:32:35,200 --> 01:32:38,660
and truly efficient use of our staff,

1051
01:32:38,660 --> 01:32:41,582
it's going to get replicated in the country.

1052
01:32:41,582 --> 01:32:44,582
So thanks for the leadership.

1053
01:32:47,990 --> 01:32:49,990
[Applause]

1054
01:32:50,440 --> 01:32:52,150
Chair Halverson: Commissioner Slavik.

1055
01:32:52,150 --> 01:32:54,904
Commissioner Slavik: Thank you very much

1056
01:32:54,904 --> 01:33:01,200
chair I think as of note the get hundreds of hundreds

1057
01:33:01,200 --> 01:33:02,994
of amazing projects across the country

1058
01:33:02,994 --> 01:33:06,710
and they've only recognized a handful of a special achievement

1059
01:33:06,710 --> 01:33:11,240
awards the last time, these are the best of the best usually

1060
01:33:11,240 --> 01:33:13,287
somewhere between 10 to 16 so it's

1061
01:33:13,287 --> 01:33:16,150
a pretty rare and extraordinary honor

1062
01:33:16,150 --> 01:33:18,603
to go and be able to get to this point here

1063
01:33:18,603 --> 01:33:22,252
we always have those Mako for kind of a best in class

1064
01:33:22,252 --> 01:33:24,870
but this is one of those steps above that.

1065
01:33:24,870 --> 01:33:27,496
Doesn't usually happen and the fact that with the last eight

1066
01:33:27,496 --> 01:33:29,803
years we've had to, it happened twice

1067
01:33:29,803 --> 01:33:31,980
in Dakota County is quite a testament to all

1068
01:33:31,980 --> 01:33:34,776
of the good work that happens in the innovative work each

1069
01:33:34,776 --> 01:33:35,576
and every day.

1070
01:33:35,576 --> 01:33:37,250
So just wanted to say this is above

1071
01:33:37,250 --> 01:33:39,782
and beyond what we do when we acknowledge our awards

1072
01:33:39,782 --> 01:33:42,110
this is one of the best of the best.

1073
01:33:42,110 --> 01:33:44,763
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Commissioner Slavik

1074
01:33:44,763 --> 01:33:46,470
and you got to be there to accept it?

1075
01:33:46,470 --> 01:33:47,675
With Commissioner Atkins?

1076
01:33:47,675 --> 01:33:50,824
I bet that was a proud moment.

1077
01:33:50,824 --> 01:33:51,773
Very good.

1078
01:33:51,773 --> 01:33:53,878
Thank you so much.

1079
01:33:53,878 --> 01:33:55,612
Any other comments?

1080
01:33:55,612 --> 01:33:59,340
I do just want to -- sorry I didn't miss you?

1081
01:33:59,340 --> 01:34:03,710
I do just want to say that since I've joined the Dakota County

1082
01:34:03,710 --> 01:34:07,910
Board, it's been almost six years now.

1083
01:34:08,430 --> 01:34:14,430
That being a county that gets recognition from our peers,

1084
01:34:14,470 --> 01:34:18,670
from other counties, from our peers nationally,

1085
01:34:18,942 --> 01:34:22,910
and that is seen as a county that leads.

1086
01:34:22,910 --> 01:34:23,930
And doesn't follow.

1087
01:34:23,930 --> 01:34:28,730
That innovates and doesn't rest on its laurels.

1088
01:34:28,950 --> 01:34:31,990
That is who Dakota County is.

1089
01:34:31,990 --> 01:34:35,643
And it's been a value that the board

1090
01:34:35,643 --> 01:34:40,481
has stated that we want to be a county that

1091
01:34:40,481 --> 01:34:46,102
goes above and beyond, for recognized as a stellar county.

1092
01:34:46,102 --> 01:34:50,302
And these kinds of awards I think

1093
01:34:50,303 --> 01:34:55,950
affirm that the vision and the work that is being done

1094
01:34:55,950 --> 01:34:57,736
is seen by others and is really making

1095
01:34:57,736 --> 01:35:01,763
a difference in the lives of the people of our community.

1096
01:35:01,763 --> 01:35:05,163
On a personal note, I'm going to say usually

1097
01:35:05,163 --> 01:35:10,630
the days of award presentations are nothing but fun and nothing

1098
01:35:10,630 --> 01:35:11,772
but joy for me.

1099
01:35:11,772 --> 01:35:14,696
Because I am so proud of the work

1100
01:35:14,696 --> 01:35:18,729
that our staff are doing in our communities and the difference

1101
01:35:18,729 --> 01:35:19,916
that you're making.

1102
01:35:19,916 --> 01:35:23,782
I will say, with the challenges that we

1103
01:35:23,782 --> 01:35:28,582
are facing and talks of cuts, and it

1104
01:35:28,776 --> 01:35:32,350
feels like there's a little pall over it this time.

1105
01:35:32,350 --> 01:35:37,350
Because this is a Dakota county I don't want to lose.

1106
01:35:37,350 --> 01:35:40,550
And so I just want to recognize the work that you're

1107
01:35:40,550 --> 01:35:43,442
doing, the innovation that you're doing,

1108
01:35:43,442 --> 01:35:47,640
and that I'm proud that other see it

1109
01:35:47,640 --> 01:35:49,324
but I want you to know as a board member

1110
01:35:49,324 --> 01:35:52,790
and I think I can speak on the board, we see it too.

1111
01:35:52,790 --> 01:35:54,229
So we really appreciate you.

1112
01:35:54,229 --> 01:35:56,523
Thank you very much.

1113
01:35:56,523 --> 01:36:01,496
And with that, we get to hear from our interagency reports.

1114
01:36:01,496 --> 01:36:04,496
The Association of Minnesota counties.

1115
01:36:04,550 --> 01:36:08,930
>> Thank you Madam Chair let me just pull this up and see what I

1116
01:36:08,930 --> 01:36:09,430
wrote.

1117
01:36:09,430 --> 01:36:11,430
For this.

1118
01:36:12,270 --> 01:36:14,189
Here we go.

1119
01:36:14,189 --> 01:36:18,230
Of course I'm getting text messages right now to.

1120
01:36:18,230 --> 01:36:23,790
Oh I just wanted to remind everyone that the AMC full

1121
01:36:23,790 --> 01:36:28,390
conference in Bemidji is at the Stafford Center between

1122
01:36:28,390 --> 01:36:33,560
September 16th and the 18th and the AMC board meeting will be

1123
01:36:33,560 --> 01:36:36,560
held on September the 17th.

1124
01:36:37,470 --> 01:36:40,670
So it's a short and sweet one tonight.

1125
01:36:40,670 --> 01:36:43,270
Chair Halverson: Thank you Commissioner Harmon

1126
01:36:43,270 --> 01:36:46,870
Roland the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board.

1127
01:36:49,580 --> 01:36:52,350
>> (Indistinct) I did want to point out though that it was

1128
01:36:52,350 --> 01:36:56,630
July 27th it was the first meeting of armor which were

1129
01:36:56,630 --> 01:36:58,654
Commissioner Holbrooke she doesn't like acronyms

1130
01:36:58,654 --> 01:37:03,454
so it's Sheriff Ally radio matrix emergency response

1131
01:37:03,710 --> 01:37:04,830
system.

1132
01:37:04,830 --> 01:37:08,470
Kind of a big deal it allows first responders to communicate

1133
01:37:08,470 --> 01:37:10,470
across the state.

1134
01:37:11,300 --> 01:37:13,430
Obviously a big deal.

1135
01:37:13,430 --> 01:37:17,838
The first meeting of the funding group the legislative task force

1136
01:37:17,838 --> 01:37:20,888
that was appointed got together was mostly organizational

1137
01:37:20,888 --> 01:37:26,190
on the 27th and it was, I wanted to point out that

1138
01:37:26,190 --> 01:37:28,690
the representative from here in Dakota County Representative

1139
01:37:28,690 --> 01:37:33,670
Rossman who's one of the chairs there is a Republican co-chair

1140
01:37:33,670 --> 01:37:37,518
they wanted to make sure it was bipartisan effort and their goal

1141
01:37:37,518 --> 01:37:40,766
is to have legislation ready to be proposed by the time

1142
01:37:40,766 --> 01:37:42,182
the session starts in January.

1143
01:37:42,182 --> 01:37:46,210
Funding of the armor system is obviously a huge deal.

1144
01:37:46,210 --> 01:37:49,296
Almost as big as the system itself as we

1145
01:37:49,296 --> 01:37:51,238
got to figure out how we pay for it that's

1146
01:37:51,238 --> 01:37:52,681
what their task is going to be.

1147
01:37:52,681 --> 01:37:55,300
Bill did I miss anything from the meeting?

1148
01:37:55,300 --> 01:37:59,830
>> If I may we approved budget and --

1149
01:38:00,190 --> 01:38:05,700
county's going up 6.57 but it's zero to the counties

1150
01:38:05,700 --> 01:38:10,310
because of reserves from the radio and Washington County 911.

1151
01:38:10,310 --> 01:38:15,710
On another note, are very assistant joint powers from 27

1152
01:38:16,950 --> 01:38:19,533
through 31 was approved so that'll

1153
01:38:19,533 --> 01:38:22,810
be going out to all our agencies for approval

1154
01:38:22,810 --> 01:38:25,864
by the end of the year.

1155
01:38:25,864 --> 01:38:27,790
And that is so.

1156
01:38:27,790 --> 01:38:31,150
Chair Halverson: Excellent thank you so much.

1157
01:38:31,150 --> 01:38:33,550
Minnesota Inter Association mica.

1158
01:38:33,720 --> 01:38:36,120
We meet next Wednesday.

1159
01:38:37,980 --> 01:38:41,580
And Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Commission.

1160
01:38:41,710 --> 01:38:42,830
Workman.

1161
01:38:42,830 --> 01:38:47,630
>> Our next full board meeting is August 26th.

1162
01:38:52,197 --> 01:38:53,610
Chair Halverson: Thank you.

1163
01:38:53,610 --> 01:38:55,323
Next up National Association of Counties

1164
01:38:55,323 --> 01:38:57,300
I think that got covered well.

1165
01:38:57,300 --> 01:39:02,130
>> We had telecom and Technology Committee that a lot was

1166
01:39:02,130 --> 01:39:04,742
probably the heaviest meeting we've ever had.

1167
01:39:04,742 --> 01:39:07,730
AI cybersecurity which obviously we've

1168
01:39:07,730 --> 01:39:08,990
had issues with our water treatment facilities

1169
01:39:08,990 --> 01:39:11,600
here in Minnesota of late.

1170
01:39:11,600 --> 01:39:12,996
And of course data centers.

1171
01:39:12,996 --> 01:39:16,670
So it was wall to wall packed with a lot of --

1172
01:39:16,670 --> 01:39:19,717
and I shared that, sent out most of those materials to everybody

1173
01:39:19,717 --> 01:39:20,710
on the board.

1174
01:39:20,710 --> 01:39:25,510
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Commissioner Slavic.

1175
01:39:26,405 --> 01:39:30,605
Commissioner Slavik: Finance Commissioner Committee a lot

1176
01:39:30,750 --> 01:39:33,750
for next (Indistinct) Election Day

1177
01:39:34,460 --> 01:39:36,440
we have general election in November so election security

1178
01:39:36,440 --> 01:39:38,494
protecting of our poll workers.

1179
01:39:38,494 --> 01:39:42,163
Some of the funding that goes into the systems

1180
01:39:42,163 --> 01:39:45,470
to make sure that our elections are free and safe.

1181
01:39:45,470 --> 01:39:49,990
So there was a lot of energy of the discussion based on that.

1182
01:39:49,990 --> 01:39:53,110
The other aspect that this board has had a discussion recently

1183
01:39:53,110 --> 01:39:55,730
related to some of the new federal guidelines

1184
01:39:55,730 --> 01:39:58,302
related to funds that come from the federal government

1185
01:39:58,302 --> 01:40:01,843
to the states and then to the counties.

1186
01:40:01,843 --> 01:40:05,110
And kind of some niche discretionary opinions

1187
01:40:05,110 --> 01:40:07,918
on how and what should get funded

1188
01:40:07,918 --> 01:40:10,998
and even though contracts have been approved and pulling them

1189
01:40:10,998 --> 01:40:13,342
out and just really right now there's

1190
01:40:13,342 --> 01:40:15,812
a rule making process going at the federal level that

1191
01:40:15,812 --> 01:40:18,430
can really give a lot of power to the executive branch

1192
01:40:18,430 --> 01:40:22,590
to go in and pull out monies because of whatever opinion they

1193
01:40:22,590 --> 01:40:23,850
choose to have.

1194
01:40:23,850 --> 01:40:26,740
And there's a lot of concern that that will actually

1195
01:40:26,740 --> 01:40:28,496
depending on which administration is at the time,

1196
01:40:28,496 --> 01:40:33,143
could go in and punish our reward States and counties

1197
01:40:33,143 --> 01:40:33,850
and so.

1198
01:40:33,850 --> 01:40:35,902
We had a great discussion on that

1199
01:40:35,902 --> 01:40:39,294
and actually have some national jet working with Congress

1200
01:40:39,294 --> 01:40:41,403
to try and go and kind of tighten up

1201
01:40:41,403 --> 01:40:43,401
those rules to make sure that no matter who

1202
01:40:43,401 --> 01:40:46,998
is in the white House, that you would be able to have

1203
01:40:46,998 --> 01:40:49,414
the same standards put on that part there

1204
01:40:49,414 --> 01:40:50,590
and not have a discretion.

1205
01:40:50,590 --> 01:40:53,278
And then the last thing just to note

1206
01:40:53,278 --> 01:40:56,950
that Minnesota's kind of taking the lead on one of the platform

1207
01:40:56,950 --> 01:40:59,990
amendments that myself and Commissioner Wickman

1208
01:40:59,990 --> 01:41:03,590
brought me out of Scout County have been working on.

1209
01:41:03,590 --> 01:41:07,438
Carried and championed did get unanimous approval again related

1210
01:41:07,438 --> 01:41:10,456
to our volunteer compensation for a volunteer drivers.

1211
01:41:10,456 --> 01:41:12,280
As you know that's one of the ways

1212
01:41:12,280 --> 01:41:16,880
that we save tax dollars is by using volunteers to drive,

1213
01:41:16,880 --> 01:41:19,350
veterans and disabled individuals to appointments

1214
01:41:19,350 --> 01:41:24,270
and that rate for mileage has not changed since 1996.

1215
01:41:24,270 --> 01:41:25,630
It's $0.14.

1216
01:41:25,630 --> 01:41:31,720
So even this year, that mileage rate has changed between January

1217
01:41:31,720 --> 01:41:35,638
and July has gone up again for the business side of things.

1218
01:41:35,638 --> 01:41:38,683
So if we want to go and continue to be good stewards

1219
01:41:38,683 --> 01:41:41,350
to tax dollars this is something we in Minnesota have championed

1220
01:41:41,350 --> 01:41:43,808
to say that that should be at least be able to have the tax

1221
01:41:43,808 --> 01:41:46,430
rate off comparable when we are going and really providing

1222
01:41:46,430 --> 01:41:51,230
the services for our communities and our Chair

1223
01:41:51,354 --> 01:41:52,229
Halverson: Thank you.

1224
01:41:52,229 --> 01:41:52,771
Great report.

1225
01:41:52,771 --> 01:41:54,163
Transportation Advisory Board?

1226
01:41:54,163 --> 01:41:55,550
Commissioner Hallberg.

1227
01:41:55,550 --> 01:41:59,870
>> Thank you Madam Chair the July meeting was canceled there

1228
01:41:59,870 --> 01:42:05,380
are things happening behind the scenes we're working on storing

1229
01:42:05,380 --> 01:42:07,550
all the applications for the regional solicitation

1230
01:42:07,550 --> 01:42:12,814
and it's my understanding that the letters submitted by Scott

1231
01:42:12,814 --> 01:42:17,140
and Dakota County a couple months ago,

1232
01:42:17,590 --> 01:42:20,798
there's movement on those issues as well.

1233
01:42:20,798 --> 01:42:24,398
So stay Chair Halverson: Thank you.

1234
01:42:25,593 --> 01:42:28,100
Vermillion River watershed joint powers board commissioner

1235
01:42:28,100 --> 01:42:28,950
Slavik?

1236
01:42:28,950 --> 01:42:31,520
Commissioner Slavik: Thank you Madam Chair

1237
01:42:31,520 --> 01:42:33,521
we did meet two things of note.

1238
01:42:33,521 --> 01:42:38,770
One of them we did receive the results of the 2025 Monitoring

1239
01:42:38,770 --> 01:42:41,960
Network report I think as somebody

1240
01:42:41,960 --> 01:42:43,760
who grew up swimming in the Vermillion River

1241
01:42:43,760 --> 01:42:45,270
and someone who lives on the Vermillion River

1242
01:42:45,270 --> 01:42:48,229
now I can tell you that though there are still

1243
01:42:48,229 --> 01:42:50,983
a lot of work to do, things are sure a lot better than they were

1244
01:42:50,983 --> 01:42:52,110
25 years ago.

1245
01:42:52,110 --> 01:42:54,600
So that is one positive of that that we are making

1246
01:42:54,600 --> 01:42:56,738
steps in the right direction.

1247
01:42:56,738 --> 01:42:59,260
And second thing is that the discussion going on

1248
01:42:59,260 --> 01:43:03,300
will be working towards our preliminary levee in September.

1249
01:43:03,300 --> 01:43:06,550
Chair Halverson: Workforce Development Board Commissioner

1250
01:43:06,550 --> 01:43:07,817
Herman Rowlands.

1251
01:43:07,817 --> 01:43:09,859
Commissioner Hamann-Roland: Thank you Madam Chair

1252
01:43:09,859 --> 01:43:11,392
it was Saint Paul will be hosting a coffee

1253
01:43:11,392 --> 01:43:14,500
break for members of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.

1254
01:43:14,500 --> 01:43:18,470
And the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday

1255
01:43:18,470 --> 01:43:22,415
September the 15th and that'll be from 8 to 9 a.m.

1256
01:43:22,415 --> 01:43:25,758
And it's going to be at the Northern Services Center.

1257
01:43:25,758 --> 01:43:28,158
In West Saint Paul.

1258
01:43:28,430 --> 01:43:30,469
And it'll be a great chance for you to network

1259
01:43:30,469 --> 01:43:32,126
and get to know employers.

1260
01:43:32,126 --> 01:43:34,126
In the area.

1261
01:43:34,390 --> 01:43:36,790
Chair Halverson: Thank you.

1262
01:43:36,790 --> 01:43:41,590
Are there any other comments, updates from commissioners?

1263
01:43:41,750 --> 01:43:47,700
Hearing none we can move on to the county manager's report for.

1264
01:43:47,700 --> 01:43:48,150
Heidi.

1265
01:43:48,150 --> 01:43:52,531
>> Thank you Madam Chair just two items today I wanted

1266
01:43:52,531 --> 01:43:57,931
to thank our fiscal development team for their organization

1267
01:43:58,150 --> 01:44:02,870
of what I thought was quite a successful tour of capital

1268
01:44:02,870 --> 01:44:06,782
investment projects for that the board took last week.

1269
01:44:06,782 --> 01:44:08,990
Really a good tour and I thought a lot of good detail

1270
01:44:08,990 --> 01:44:10,841
that we were able to see.

1271
01:44:10,841 --> 01:44:11,950
And think about.

1272
01:44:11,950 --> 01:44:14,174
Second, I want to remind the public

1273
01:44:14,174 --> 01:44:16,838
that they are as always invited to our board

1274
01:44:16,838 --> 01:44:20,900
meeting next week which will be a special meeting at the County

1275
01:44:20,900 --> 01:44:21,400
fair.

1276
01:44:21,400 --> 01:44:24,430
So we always enjoy being able to see people

1277
01:44:24,430 --> 01:44:28,750
when we're out at the fair and just a reminder to come on out.

1278
01:44:28,750 --> 01:44:31,150
Chair Halverson: Thank you.

1279
01:44:31,270 --> 01:44:32,923
Anything else?

1280
01:44:32,923 --> 01:44:34,923
Hyman Commissioner Hamann-Roland:

1281
01:44:37,882 --> 01:44:41,410
We did have a county manager -- we did have a great tour and one

1282
01:44:41,410 --> 01:44:45,692
of the things that I was charged with is to learn about how we

1283
01:44:45,692 --> 01:44:47,772
can get a different bus.

1284
01:44:47,772 --> 01:44:51,918
And I was at the Mvrta meeting and learned,

1285
01:44:51,918 --> 01:44:56,403
I asked them about this, and learned that our joint Powers

1286
01:44:56,403 --> 01:45:00,860
agreement includes two times where we can have a bus

1287
01:45:00,860 --> 01:45:04,264
and that is at no cost to.

1288
01:45:04,264 --> 01:45:08,720
So it is not something that we would be given as a gift,

1289
01:45:08,720 --> 01:45:10,634
it is part of our agreement.

1290
01:45:10,634 --> 01:45:11,990
So thank you.

1291
01:45:11,990 --> 01:45:13,430
And it's not a school bus.

1292
01:45:13,430 --> 01:45:17,503
What I want to tell you, I ask for is it's the accessible bus,

1293
01:45:17,503 --> 01:45:20,550
it's a brand new, it's wonderful and I

1294
01:45:20,550 --> 01:45:24,218
thought it would be a great way to show off what we can provide

1295
01:45:24,218 --> 01:45:27,542
to our residents in our area.

1296
01:45:27,542 --> 01:45:28,830
Thank you.

1297
01:45:28,830 --> 01:45:31,583
Chair Halverson: Thank you very much.

1298
01:45:31,583 --> 01:45:38,183
Commissioner -- manager Walsh I also perhaps wanted to make note

1299
01:45:38,816 --> 01:45:43,756
that this week is our first budget open House of the week.

1300
01:45:43,756 --> 01:45:46,603
(Laughs) there's a lot going on.

1301
01:45:46,603 --> 01:45:49,287
But I do want to be sure that the public knows

1302
01:45:49,287 --> 01:45:54,120
that it is at the CDA building in Eagan from 5 to 630

1303
01:45:54,120 --> 01:45:57,860
and all the experts will be there.

1304
01:45:57,860 --> 01:46:01,286
And us. (Laughs) we're not the experts.

1305
01:46:01,334 --> 01:46:02,900
We are learning a lot.

1306
01:46:02,900 --> 01:46:05,190
And really want to thank the staff that

1307
01:46:05,190 --> 01:46:07,300
have been working so hard to put this

1308
01:46:07,300 --> 01:46:09,510
together so that the public has an opportunity to engage

1309
01:46:09,510 --> 01:46:11,140
in our budget process.

1310
01:46:11,140 --> 01:46:13,884
And with that is there anything else (Indistinct)

1311
01:46:13,884 --> 01:46:17,910
hearing nothing I will call for a motion for adjournment.

1312
01:46:17,910 --> 01:46:19,910
>> Move to adjourn.

1313
01:46:21,790 --> 01:46:25,410
Chair Halverson: It's been moved and seconded enthusiastically.

1314
01:46:25,410 --> 01:46:28,764
All in favor say aye any opposed say no.

1315
01:46:28,764 --> 01:46:30,560
And with that we are adjourned.

1316
01:46:30,560 --> 01:46:32,560
Thank you.