[30:15] [Captioner present]
[33:02] >> Good morning I'm going to call to order the county board
[33:06] meeting.
[33:07] For Dakota County on August 4th 2026.
[33:10] I'll invite you to stand if you're able to join us
[33:13] in the Pledge of Allegiance.
[33:16] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
[33:18] of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
[33:18] one nation under God, indivisible,
[33:20] with liberty and justice for all.
[33:34] >> Thank you very much.
[33:36] I'm gonna make a note, we have new technology in this room.
[33:40] I'm still feeling, trying to get comfortable with it.
[33:43] The way our microphones sound.
[33:46] Whether we're pushing buttons or not.
[33:48] So I'll ask everybody's patience as we
[33:51] continue to get to know our technology
[33:54] upgrades in this room.
[33:56] We made the upgrades so that we could have better technology
[34:00] and access for the public.
[34:01] And the public is here today and we
[34:03] have a number of people who have signed up
[34:05] to speak for our audience time.
[34:08] We have a tradition that, in our rural state that people
[34:14] can sign up to speak or come forward
[34:17] to speak to address the board on an item
[34:19] that they wish to speak on that is not on the agenda
[34:21] or that is on the consent agenda.
[34:24] You have five minutes as a member of the public
[34:27] to address the board.
[34:28] And it is not a back and forth so I just want to make sure
[34:33] that everybody understands their procedure,
[34:35] this is your time and your time to present.
[34:38] So with that I have a list if I'm missing anybody, at the end
[34:42] I'll invite anybody who hasn't been heard to come forward.
[34:45] The first person on my list is Reed Scheller.
[34:48] Would you like to come forward?
[34:49] You have five minutes.
[34:51] Welcome.
[34:54] >> Thank you and good morning.
[34:57] Chair and board members.
[34:59] My name is read Schiller -- services at Western Service
[35:04] Center a little bit about me is I'm an individual on the autism
[35:07] spectrum.
[35:08] I served on the Governor's Council and Developmental
[35:10] Disabilities from 2017 through 2023.
[35:13] And the Minnesota Employment Learning Community from 2014
[35:17] through 2018.
[35:18] I have lived independently since 2017 and a non CD8 apartment.
[35:23] And I received support through the DD waiver
[35:26] with individualized home support and some transportation funding
[35:29] for Lyft.
[35:30] I really appreciate this excellent program.
[35:32] For my job I was hired by Dakota County on June 6th 2022
[35:37] and worked five days per week.
[35:39] Six hours per day.
[35:40] My duties include making packets, scanning
[35:44] confidential client information, delivering mail, and checking
[35:48] zip codes and miscellaneous tasks such as refilling
[35:50] copy machines.
[35:52] My duties save time for social workers and children's
[35:55] mental health, child protection, child care licensing,
[36:00] and other units as packets are ready for delivery and client
[36:03] information is digitized for easier access.
[36:06] It also saves time for senior program associates
[36:09] front end staff and front desk staff
[36:12] who remain at their stations as male is brought to them.
[36:15] I love my job and I am excelling at.
[36:19] I earned exceeds expectations in my last three annual performance
[36:22] reviews.
[36:23] And in May of this year I was recognized
[36:25] for advancing the vision and values of the Children
[36:27] and Family Services Division.
[36:29] As an employee with a disability who also continues
[36:32] to benefit from County social services,
[36:35] I asked the board to thoughtfully rule out
[36:37] cuts to the Social Services Department.
[36:38] People depend on us every day for
[36:41] reliable, timely and effective services.
[36:44] Thank you very much for your consideration.
[36:46] >> Thank you very much Reed.
[36:50] >> Commissioner Hobart.
[36:53] >> Could you ask somebody who knows how this technology works
[36:57] to work on getting our monitors up please?
[37:00] >> I think you've done that on behalf of Commissioner Holbrooke
[37:04] we're looking for some assistance with the monitors.
[37:06] Heidi.
[37:07] >> Madam chair the monitors will come up as soon
[37:10] as the presentation starts.
[37:12] Chair Halverson: Okay thank you.
[37:15] Commissioner Holbrooke?
[37:20] >> Generally we're able to view the speaker and stuff here to?
[37:23] Are we not doing, able to do that anymore?
[37:28] Chair Halverson: Heidi?
[37:30] Or Jenny?
[37:32] >> I got them working.
[37:34] Earlier they told me it was only during presentations
[37:36] but there they are, you ask and you receive.
[37:39] >> So now we have to look at ourselves.
[37:43] >> Way to go. (Laughs)
[37:47] >> They've upgraded the monitors to be high Def.
[37:50] It's a little unsettling to see yourself in high Def.
[37:55] Next up I'm going to invite Katrina Devore forward.
[38:05] >> Good morning Madam Chair and Commissioners thank you
[38:07] for the opportunity to speak today.
[38:08] My name is Katrina Devore, I work in public health department
[38:12] and I'm also the chair of the M and a parking
[38:15] unit here in Dakota County.
[38:17] I just want to take a few minutes to connect the budget
[38:21] discussion with the work that happens every day here
[38:24] across the county.
[38:26] As you know, county services are so much more
[38:29] than line items in a budget.
[38:31] They are people answering crisis calls,
[38:34] supporting families, maintaining roads, protecting public health,
[38:39] helping residents navigate difficult moments,
[38:41] and making sure that essential services continue
[38:46] without interruption.
[38:47] The work we do matters deeply to residents
[38:50] and it often happens in the moments
[38:52] when they need help the most.
[38:54] In my role in public health, I work in environmental health.
[38:59] I've been with the county for ten years.
[39:01] And part of the services we provide,
[39:05] we respond directly to resident inquiries
[39:09] when they have concerns about environmental health.
[39:11] We manage our radon program that distributes radon tests so
[39:17] that people can test their homes,
[39:21] unfortunately we do have some higher
[39:23] levels of radon in the county.
[39:25] We make sure that our beaches are
[39:27] safe for swimming and we work closely with partners
[39:31] across the county to ensure that with our high water quality
[39:36] in our communities, and responding
[39:40] every day to various environmental health concerns.
[39:45] So the work we do is certainly essential for our community,
[39:52] to stay safe and healthy.
[39:53] As the budget discussion continues
[39:55] we ask that staffing decisions be not viewed
[39:58] only through numbers on a spreadsheet,
[40:00] but through the impact those decisions
[40:02] have on residents and the county ability
[40:05] to provide reliable timely and effective services.
[40:09] Our staff are very skilled and dedicated
[40:12] public servants who care deeply about this community.
[40:15] When positions are lost, the impact is real.
[40:18] There are longer wait times for the public
[40:20] to reduce services, delayed responses, and fewer
[40:24] opportunities to meet the growing needs of residents.
[40:26] We know that these decisions are very difficult.
[40:30] But we also know that investing in county staff
[40:33] is an investment in people relying on county services
[40:36] every single day.
[40:37] Thank you for your time.
[40:39] Your leadership and your consideration.
[40:41] >> Thank you very much.
[40:44] Next up I'm going to invite Tory Thompson?
[40:53] Welcome.
[40:57] >> Good morning chairperson and commissioners my name is Tory
[41:01] Thompson.
[41:01] I work in the adoption guardianship unit
[41:04] within Children and Family Services.
[41:05] And I love my job.
[41:08] I absolutely love it.
[41:09] But it is the hardest and most stressful job I've ever had.
[41:12] And I have had a lot of stressful jobs
[41:14] that I'm going to share with you in a little bit.
[41:16] To help understand why I can say that.
[41:19] I grew up in white fair at 17 I thought
[41:22] my dad was far too strict so I joined the Army not a great
[41:25] thought I didn't think that one through but nonetheless I
[41:27] joined the Army.
[41:28] And I was tested and they said you can pick any job.
[41:32] Like give me something I can never do on the outside.
[41:35] Again not really thinking through.
[41:36] So I joined as Explosive Ordnance disposal.
[41:39] Bomb squad.
[41:40] Did that decided I don't like being hot
[41:43] and my vision was a little bit going.
[41:45] So I reclassed to become a flight medic.
[41:49] And I deployed several times being
[41:51] shot at while I tried to put a chest tube in a two year old
[41:55] that had been in an IED accident.
[41:57] Trying to save soldiers very very stressful job.
[42:00] Decided that this might not be my jam
[42:03] and I want to be a social worker.
[42:05] Somehow that connected in my brain.
[42:07] So I got out I went to school, and did my internship
[42:11] at Fort Hood and the Child Adolescent Psychiatry unit.
[42:15] Year and a half after I graduated
[42:17] I was dropping off paperwork to a client at the Soldier
[42:20] Readiness Center and there was a mass shooting
[42:22] in the room next door to me.
[42:24] Multiple people were killed and the fun part for me was I
[42:27] interned under Nidal Hasan the shooter
[42:29] so I was interrogated and also interrogated
[42:32] by all the alphabets at a TFCIAFBI
[42:35] and the Texas Rangers that was pretty cool.
[42:38] So again very stressful situation.
[42:41] Proceeded to work with children and families in Texas
[42:43] and then decided I want to go back home.
[42:45] I want to go back to Minnesota and so I
[42:47] started putting on Facebook where should I work?
[42:50] And everybody said Dakota County.
[42:52] And I'm like okay cool there's a child protection opening.
[42:55] Interviewed but while I was doing the interview
[42:57] there was a tornado so I literally
[42:59] doing the interview in my bathtub.
[43:01] Did not get the position.
[43:02] But Rick Morrissey at the time stayed connected with me
[43:05] it was like there's job openings here here
[43:07] and here that goes to show how dedicated he is to that county.
[43:10] He doesn't work here anymore but that
[43:12] was a really important thing.
[43:14] So I went and worked in a different county
[43:16] for child protection another very stressful job.
[43:18] When the adoption guardianship position opened
[43:22] I'm like I'm applying for it and I got it
[43:24] and it has been by far the most rewarding and most challenging.
[43:27] I am their legal guardian.
[43:29] They have no parents.
[43:30] They count on me and the rest of the Dakota County
[43:32] team for everything.
[43:33] And we spend thousands of our own money trying
[43:36] to get these kids birthday presents take them up
[43:38] because we know there isn't funding for that
[43:40] but we do it out of our heart.
[43:42] Because we care about these kids and we love our job.
[43:45] And what does this have to do with the budget?
[43:48] Well bumping.
[43:49] Bumping is going to be a nightmare
[43:51] and what that, what I mean by that
[43:53] is if you cut positions a lot of these positions that are being
[43:56] proposed to cut are senior employees they're
[43:58] going to take jobs from, they're going
[44:00] to bump down into another job and it might not
[44:02] be a job they're passionate about it might not
[44:04] be a job they care about.
[44:05] And that's going to have lifelong impact for the citizens
[44:08] that they serve or the clients, if their heart's not in it
[44:11] if somebody doesn't love the kids the way
[44:13] I do they're not going to be as effective and serve.
[44:16] The harder part is going to be that there's
[44:18] this going to take time to train people into positions that they
[44:21] were not hired for and they don't care about in all honesty.
[44:24] I love my job I would rather work in child and families
[44:27] than in choices and that's not a bashing of choices that's
[44:29] just not where my passion lies so I'm not
[44:31] going to be as effective and that's across the board.
[44:33] It's going to take time and money to train people
[44:36] and during that time people are going to come up
[44:39] there's going to be longer wait times for everybody people
[44:41] are not going to get the quality services
[44:43] that they not only need but they deserve.
[44:45] Currently many high profile and successful programs
[44:48] are proposed for cuts FTC, chat truancy, proposed cuts
[44:53] to the Crisis Response Unit.
[44:55] All of those positions are vital.
[44:58] And if we take those people and we take those positions
[45:00] that's going to be a lifelong impact
[45:02] for the county and the people that not only we serve
[45:05] but that elected everybody here.
[45:07] Bumping will move 109 our program coordinators
[45:11] into 107 positions 106 positions,
[45:14] things that they weren't really qualified for.
[45:16] And at a loss of assets to the county.
[45:19] I mean and the people that are not passionate about children
[45:23] can be put into a child protection
[45:25] and that can cost lives.
[45:27] I am passionate about teens give me all of the hard teens.
[45:30] Every single one of them they are my gem I believe in them.
[45:33] I would not be effective in another role
[45:35] and I know that's the same for a lot of people.
[45:38] Since Levy talks had started being a union rep
[45:42] my phone has been ringing off the hook.
[45:44] I took a phone call the other day at 230
[45:46] in the morning from a client or my member who's
[45:48] in a very abusive relationship.
[45:50] And is low in seniority and is afraid they're
[45:52] going to have to stay in the abusive relationship
[45:54] due to financial costs.
[45:55] I have other people calling and reaching out
[45:57] to me saying I don't know what to do with my child's college
[45:59] now.
[46:00] Because they're not high on seniority.
[46:02] So I want you to understand that there's more at stake
[46:05] than just jobs it's people's livelihoods it's people's,
[46:08] this is going to be lifelong for decades
[46:10] long impact for the people and so I strongly encourage you
[46:13] to consider keeping jobs keeping programs because the county is
[46:17] counting on you guys.
[46:18] Thank you for your consideration.
[46:19] >> Thank you for your comments and thank you for your service
[46:24] Miss Thompson.
[46:27] Julie Finnerty.
[46:30] Tell me if I said your name wrong you may correct me.
[46:35] >> Hello good morning.
[46:38] Good morning Madam Chair and Commissioners.
[46:40] My name is Julie Finnerty.
[46:43] And I work for Dakota County in the Family Child Care Licensing
[46:49] unit.
[46:50] We are looking at proposed cuts to our team of 33%, which would
[46:58] mean a position and a half.
[47:00] We are only staffed with six positions.
[47:03] As it is.
[47:04] I have been with Dakota County going on 20 years.
[47:10] Prior to doing this type of work,
[47:14] I worked in child protection.
[47:16] For 13 years.
[47:18] And as Tori was commenting on, it is some of the toughest work
[47:23] that we have, I have ever done.
[47:26] And yet I see such a tremendous impact
[47:29] it is for families and for children, our most vulnerable.
[47:35] So speaking a little bit more with family child care
[47:39] licensing, again the unit that I'm currently in,
[47:42] what would happen if we had any staffing cuts to our unit
[47:48] would be detrimental to our child care providers.
[47:52] I want to clarify that what we do is we license in home family
[47:58] child cares in Dakota County.
[48:00] We are also overseen by the Minnesota State
[48:05] and so the state put outs the rules and regulations
[48:10] and statutes.
[48:11] We come in and encourage and do a little bit
[48:15] of enforcing in ways, for child care providers
[48:19] to follow those rules and regulations.
[48:23] They are more though than just child care providers.
[48:26] They are also people that live in the community of Dakota
[48:30] County.
[48:31] And so they are small business owners.
[48:34] Small business owners brings money back into the community
[48:39] and so on and so forth.
[48:43] Excuse me.
[48:45] They as business owners do also generate revenue.
[48:49] Within the community.
[48:51] And any again of these proposed cuts
[48:54] would severely limit our, meaning family child care
[48:59] Licensing's, ability to promote, we
[49:02] do lots of child care recruitment.
[49:05] We offer a lot of provider training.
[49:07] And then we offer sessions for interpretation
[49:11] of statute changes.
[49:13] Which are also going to be coming
[49:16] in effect in July of next year.
[49:20] And also if we were cut, it would affect the timely response
[49:25] for our providers.
[49:28] We hold a high regard of responding
[49:30] within 24 to 48 hours for our child care providers
[49:34] in the community.
[49:36] They rely on us.
[49:38] And again with any staffing cuts,
[49:40] the wait time, the response time, will go down.
[49:48] Again I just want to say that if we do not
[49:53] have enough of our staffing, this could significantly
[49:57] impact our local community stability and availability
[50:02] of affordable care.
[50:04] And also to fulfill the duties that
[50:08] are required by the statutes, which again are come
[50:12] from the state of Minnesota.
[50:13] Thank you for your time.
[50:18] Chair Halverson: Thank you for your presentation.
[50:21] Next up Desiree Ren.
[50:31] Welcome.
[50:33] >> Good morning chair.
[50:36] Madam chair and commissioners.
[50:37] Thank you for allowing us this time to speak.
[50:40] My name is Desiree Ren.
[50:42] And I am a Torrance's social worker.
[50:45] I have a clinical independent license,
[50:48] I do not live in Dakota County I live in Scott County.
[50:52] But I took a job here in Dakota County
[50:54] because I was impressed with the level of leadership,
[50:58] the level of professionalism that many of our workers bring.
[51:02] I'm working in the truancy unit is not an easy job
[51:06] but I think many people think it is because they think we just go
[51:10] and address youth that have barriers not going to school.
[51:15] And since COVID and ice, that is truly not the fact.
[51:19] 70% of our clients have mental health barriers.
[51:24] And especially since COVID it increased even more.
[51:28] About 30%, 20 to 30% of our clients
[51:33] don't go to school because food clothing and shelter
[51:37] and other barriers and then you lose that small portion
[51:39] that just don't like school and don't go to school.
[51:42] And that would be your truancy.
[51:45] And truancy unit we provide wraparound services unit using
[51:50] a holistic approach meaning we don't just address truancy,
[51:53] we address all the other barriers
[51:54] that the family is going through.
[51:56] Whether that's mental health undiagnosed,
[52:01] undiagnosed underdiagnosed come out
[52:03] we address those we help the families get connected
[52:06] to mental health providers we go into the schools,
[52:08] we go into the hospitals, we go into doctor's office
[52:12] if the clients need us for that.
[52:14] We also provide parenting where we can to some of the families.
[52:17] A lot of our families have to go into the city
[52:20] because resources are limited out here.
[52:23] And so I'm advocating for the families first of all.
[52:26] And then the employees.
[52:27] Because Dakota County is either the third or fourth largest
[52:31] county here in Dakota County.
[52:32] In the state.
[52:35] And with us being that large, we are continuing to grow.
[52:40] And as we continue to grow the barriers
[52:42] are going to continue to grow and so not
[52:45] assisting these young people, to go to school as a route
[52:49] because it's a law.
[52:51] To help them find their niche in life to help them prepare.
[52:54] If we have clients that are 15 or 16, we go out
[52:58] and we explain to them if school is not an option for them,
[53:01] we try to find them other ways to go to school whether it's
[53:05] taking classes at Dctc whether it's going to Job Corps
[53:08] enough to understand Job Corps is going to be closing
[53:11] within the next year or so.
[53:13] Some in the academy over north we
[53:16] try to provide the older kids with resources
[53:19] so that when they get to that place
[53:20] that they decide we're not going to go to school
[53:23] they have other options.
[53:24] And for the younger kids, we work with the families
[53:27] to really try to help them understand
[53:30] if they're having mental health barriers,
[53:33] so being a social worker in truancy
[53:35] we just don't go where addressing a school issue
[53:38] and then we stop.
[53:39] We provide all the services that's
[53:42] needed so that family doesn't have
[53:43] to go from truancy to children's mental health.
[53:47] Or to assessment.
[53:48] We address those barriers in there
[53:51] to make sure that we can provide all the services
[53:54] that that family needs.
[53:55] I had the option when I first started 23 plus years ago,
[54:00] to go to Hennepin County or to Ramsey
[54:04] because being a clinical licensed social worker,
[54:06] they pay more dollars.
[54:08] But I was committed to Dakota County
[54:10] because I truly have a passion for the work
[54:13] and for the leadership I've seen there to still be there today.
[54:18] And so I think it's imperative with not only the truancy unit
[54:22] but with all the cuts that you guys are getting ready to make,
[54:25] that you find a way to keep employees there to make
[54:29] a difference for the families.
[54:30] Because that's what we promote.
[54:32] That we're there for the families
[54:33] and if we're going to be there for the families,
[54:35] we have to have the leverage to have the employees to that
[54:40] can do the jobs effectively.
[54:44] Our caseload runs around 18, 19 cases throughout the year.
[54:50] In an ideal situation, we should only have 12 to 15.
[54:56] But our team at Dakota County Social Services
[54:59] at the Westminster Service Center
[55:01] are committed that many of those units
[55:03] take on like we do in truancy, those cases to do the work.
[55:07] And as it was stated earlier, if we
[55:10] can provide a little something out of our pocket to do that,
[55:14] we do that because we know that family is in need.
[55:19] We do follow policy and also for the record
[55:23] I wanted to state that I'm here on flextime
[55:26] because I'm that committed.
[55:27] All of us I think are here on personal time just
[55:31] to let you guys know, we love our jobs we are committed.
[55:35] We realize it's a hard job.
[55:38] You guys have because you have to make cuts somewhere.
[55:40] But I'm advocating to say don't make them if possible.
[55:45] With us the employees.
[55:46] Thank you for your time have a great day.
[55:49] Chair Halverson: Thank you so much.
[55:52] Next up, Andrew Kirsch.
[55:55] And if I mispronounced your name please let me know.
[55:58] >> Wonderful job.
[56:02] And those were difficult comments to follow.
[56:06] But honorable Dakota County Board
[56:08] of Commissioners, the issue I put before you today is this.
[56:13] How should Dakota County government employees
[56:16] treat citizens of this county who
[56:18] happen to express disagreement with a decision made by a county
[56:23] entity?
[56:24] As you will soon hear, this is not
[56:27] a purely hypothetical question.
[56:29] I'm sure that each of your individual answers
[56:31] to my question is that your constituents should always
[56:35] be treated with respect.
[56:37] Respect for them as persons, respect for their points
[56:41] of view.
[56:42] You might reasonably expect that in this case,
[56:46] even though there is to my knowledge no written policy
[56:48] nor training to guide employees in ethical interactions
[56:52] with citizens, that they would also have that standard.
[56:58] Sadly in the absence of such a written policy and training
[57:04] I was subjected to what were clearly unethical actions
[57:06] by a senior member of our Dakota County staff.
[57:10] Simply because I happen to write an email appealing a decision
[57:14] made by our library system.
[57:16] Before I go further, let me reassure you
[57:19] that I do not intend to name this senior member
[57:22] in this public statement.
[57:24] Although I have irrefutable evidence
[57:26] of these breaches of ethical conduct
[57:28] obtained by me through the Minnesota Government Data
[57:31] Practices Act.
[57:32] I will simply summarize the nature of the actions.
[57:35] On September 4th 2025, I sent an email to the Library Advisory
[57:41] Committee to express my disagreement with a decision
[57:43] that it had been made by the Dakota County Library Systems
[57:47] Review Committee.
[57:48] Because the county email addresses
[57:51] of the advisory Committee are not published,
[57:53] I was instructed to send them to an administrative person.
[57:57] That employee then forwarded it not only to that committee,
[58:02] but to a non library senior staff member for reasons that I
[58:07] cannot comprehend.
[58:09] On September 8th of 2025 a few days later,
[58:13] the senior staff member who was at the center of this matter
[58:16] sent an email to the first Assistant County Attorney
[58:20] of Dakota County in which were passed along to him the results
[58:24] of a search done on me which found some past public comments
[58:27] I had made to a state agency.
[58:30] In summary, I believe that the senior member
[58:33] performed two unethical actions which
[58:36] failed to respect my privacy.
[58:39] First conducting or receiving the results
[58:41] of an online investigation made on a constituent
[58:45] who simply disagreed with a decision of a government body.
[58:49] In other words, this was an unwarranted fishing expedition
[58:53] into my past.
[58:55] Secondly, passing along a link to those findings
[58:59] of that online investigation to another government employee
[59:02] and worse yet, circulating information
[59:05] which the member acknowledged in that email
[59:08] to the first assistant attorney to be unrelated
[59:12] quote on a different topic.
[59:15] I want to clarify that I am not aware of what
[59:19] that first assistant attorney did with that information
[59:22] because his reply was redacted.
[59:25] So my mention of his name or position
[59:28] should not be taken as an accusation
[59:31] of any impropriety on his part.
[59:33] I only mention it because no citizen
[59:36] wants to be presented in a questionable light
[59:39] to a member of the County Attorney's office.
[59:43] Lest he need to interact with that office later.
[59:47] The county Attorney's office had no evident need
[59:51] to know about my earlier comments
[59:53] to a state agency on an unrelated matter.
[59:57] Let us pause for a moment to consider what should
[1:00:00] have happened in this instance.
[1:00:03] My appeal should have been considered on its merits.
[1:00:06] Not who I was or what I might have said or done in the past.
[1:00:12] Unless it was directly related to the business at hand.
[1:00:16] I should not have to forfeit my privacy simply
[1:00:19] because I want to contribute to my county's decision making.
[1:00:24] Let me ask each of you, to consider
[1:00:29] how you would feel if someone in your family
[1:00:31] was treated in this fashion.
[1:00:34] I'm sure you'd feel their rights to be an active citizen had
[1:00:39] been infringed.
[1:00:40] So do I. Now I've been reassured by my county commissioner
[1:00:46] that a conversation has been had with that senior member, staff
[1:00:51] member.
[1:00:51] Although my two direct requests for an apology from that member
[1:00:55] have been ignored.
[1:00:57] The reason I am addressing the whole board today about it
[1:01:02] is that I want to strongly urge that you establish
[1:01:06] a written ethics policy to address
[1:01:10] the treatment of citizens who choose to express disagreement
[1:01:14] with a county decision.
[1:01:17] And make it part of required training.
[1:01:21] So as to reassure the rest of Dakota County citizens
[1:01:26] that such unethical actions will not be repeated against them.
[1:01:33] And without them needing to uncover --
[1:01:37] Chair Halverson: Reached your five minutes so if you could
[1:01:40] wrap up --
[1:01:41] >> This would be inappropriate and a powerful statement by this
[1:01:45] board that the principles of open government and ethical
[1:01:47] treatment of citizens are hallmarks of this fine county.
[1:01:50] Thank you.
[1:01:51] Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:01:56] Couple folks who signed up but didn't sign in.
[1:01:59] We'll see if you're here.
[1:02:01] Dan Martinez do you wish to address the board?
[1:02:03] Not here not seeing.
[1:02:07] Simon Sparrow?
[1:02:14] Welcome to the board.
[1:02:18] >> Thank you chair Halverson commissioners.
[1:02:21] My name is Simon Sparrow I've been providing benefits
[1:02:25] to Dakota County residents primarily medical assistance
[1:02:30] for the past six years.
[1:02:32] What I want to draw your attention towards is
[1:02:35] the potentially devastating consequences that Dakota County
[1:02:39] could face if we continue to not meet processing deadlines --
[1:02:43] timelines.
[1:02:46] By not providing employment and economic assistance
[1:02:49] with the staff necessary to do the work,
[1:02:51] Dakota County is at risk of severe legal and financial
[1:02:54] penalties.
[1:02:55] This is from section 1902 T of the Social Security Act.
[1:03:02] If CMS determines that a state is not in compliance with
[1:03:07] federal eligibility Redetermination requirements,
[1:03:10] CMS may impose civil money penalties of up to $100,000
[1:03:14] for each day a state is not in compliance.
[1:03:20] Additionally, civil rights and health advocacy groups
[1:03:25] can and do file class action lawsuits against counties
[1:03:28] that are not in compliance.
[1:03:30] Counties in this situation face millions
[1:03:34] of dollars in legal fees.
[1:03:36] And damages.
[1:03:39] I could talk about almost any team within ENEA,
[1:03:43] the team I'm going to focus on is the men's team.
[1:03:47] They're an incredible hard working
[1:03:50] but terribly understaffed team.
[1:03:54] They handle medical assistance cases
[1:03:56] in the administrative system and would
[1:03:59] be hardest hit by the addition of H R Blind's new work
[1:04:02] requirements.
[1:04:05] Before H.R. One has even taken effect
[1:04:08] this team is about 18 months behind in processing documents.
[1:04:12] CMS says that counties have to process documents
[1:04:18] the month following the month that they're received.
[1:04:21] So I'll say that again.
[1:04:23] CMS says we need to process documents received
[1:04:25] in July by the end of August.
[1:04:28] We have documents that are unprocessed from January 2025.
[1:04:34] Staff have been raising these concerns for years.
[1:04:39] ENEA management to their credit is
[1:04:42] asking for 70 additional staff.
[1:04:46] Our county manager Heidi Walsh's recommendation
[1:04:49] based on your unwillingness to raise taxes in Dakota County,
[1:04:53] to levels equal to similar counties, is to add a 11 FTEs.
[1:04:59] 11 instead of 70.
[1:05:03] This is your responsible.
[1:05:07] We are going to be penalized for this.
[1:05:09] It is your responsibility to ensure
[1:05:13] the county has the staff necessary to do the work.
[1:05:16] If this becomes a national story about fraud waste and abuse,
[1:05:23] my face is not going to be on those 24 hour news channels.
[1:05:27] Even before H.R. One, we are right
[1:05:31] for financial and legal penalties
[1:05:33] in a time where the federal government is looking
[1:05:36] for ways to punish Minnesotans.
[1:05:38] You have the opportunity to change course.
[1:05:43] We can fund the county with 29.9% Levy, just $248.
[1:05:49] For the median home.
[1:05:52] And begin digging out of this hole.
[1:05:55] This is your opportunity to protect
[1:05:58] the county against legal and financial risks.
[1:06:00] Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.
[1:06:04] Chair Halverson: Thank you for your comments.
[1:06:07] Is there anybody else in the audience
[1:06:10] wishing to address the board at this time?
[1:06:14] Seeing no one come we will close the audience participation
[1:06:18] section and thank you again for being here today.
[1:06:22] Next on our agenda is to approve the agenda,
[1:06:26] are there changes or a motion to approve the agenda?
[1:06:33] >> Madam chair I will move approval without changes.
[1:06:36] >> I'll second Madam chair.
[1:06:39] Chair Halverson: We have a second we can take a voice
[1:06:43] vote on this all those in favor say aye aye any opposed no.
[1:06:46] Hearing none that motion prevails.
[1:06:49] Next up on our agenda, we move to a public hearing to consider
[1:06:54] giving post approval to issuances by City of Lilydale
[1:06:58] of revenue obligations for three 60s communities project.
[1:07:02] And we get to hear from Mr. McKnight.
[1:07:05] Welcome.
[1:07:06] >> Good morning Madam Chair commissioners I'm the deputy
[1:07:11] County manager I'm here to talk about the public hearing
[1:07:14] required for the 360 communities project that we talked about
[1:07:17] a little bit at your previous county board meeting.
[1:07:20] You're also aware of the full three 60s community is
[1:07:25] they're a nonprofit organization serving to kill the county that
[1:07:28] provides safety crisis support and stability to over 26,000
[1:07:32] individuals each year.
[1:07:33] And they are located in Burnsville.
[1:07:36] You're also aware that they're currently
[1:07:39] undertaking a new Louis House project,
[1:07:42] it's a planned new shelter in Eagan
[1:07:44] it's a 50 bed apartment style, excuse me a 50 style apartment
[1:07:50] style domestic violence shelter.
[1:07:52] Construction completion in summer 2027 project
[1:07:58] is estimated at $14 million.
[1:08:01] This project will be partially funded
[1:08:02] through tax exempt financing.
[1:08:04] IRS rules require that 501 C organizations
[1:08:08] like 360 communities using this type of funding
[1:08:12] must be approved by the host, which is the organization where
[1:08:15] the project exists.
[1:08:17] 360 communities has asked Dakota County to serve in that role.
[1:08:21] The city of Lilydale will issue the actual bonds
[1:08:24] for this project in an amount not to exceed $8 million.
[1:08:28] As a county we will not incur any costs serving
[1:08:31] as a host for the project.
[1:08:33] The county is not responsible for paying back
[1:08:35] any of the principal or interest obligations.
[1:08:37] We had minimal staff time and your time
[1:08:41] for holding this public hearing is our investment
[1:08:43] into this project.
[1:08:44] You may recall that the county served
[1:08:46] in a similar role for a project for Saint Francis Healthcare
[1:08:49] in Farmington in 2024.
[1:08:53] We do have here today representatives
[1:08:57] from 360 communities of Jeff Morton's and their president
[1:09:00] and CEO is in attendance you can talk about the project
[1:09:03] and answer any questions that you
[1:09:04] might have if you do have them.
[1:09:07] But you're recommended action today is for the board
[1:09:10] to hold the public hearing and consider any comments received.
[1:09:13] Once the public hearing is complete,
[1:09:15] staff recommends that the County Board approve the resolution
[1:09:17] providing post approval on the issuance of tax
[1:09:20] exempt obligations by the city of Lilydale Minnesota.
[1:09:24] This resolution also includes the approval
[1:09:26] of a cooperation agreement with the city of Lilydale.
[1:09:28] And with that Madam Chair, I'll take any questions
[1:09:33] you might have or let you ask Mr. Mortensen questions if you
[1:09:35] have them with him as well.
[1:09:37] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much members of the board
[1:09:40] are there questions for Mr. McKnight or Mr. Mortensen?
[1:09:44] Hearing none and for the members of the public
[1:09:48] we have reviewed this proposal already in GDP meeting.
[1:09:53] So if things seem like they move fast,
[1:09:56] it's because we've usually heard and discussed
[1:09:59] these matters in the past.
[1:10:01] So with that I will open the public hearing
[1:10:03] if there are comments on the project.
[1:10:09] Are there any comments?
[1:10:11] Anyone wishing to be heard?
[1:10:14] Anyone wishing to be heard?
[1:10:18] Seeing no one come forward, I will close the public hearing.
[1:10:22] And I will turn it over to the board for action.
[1:10:27] >> Madam chair I will move the resolution.
[1:10:31] >> I'll second.
[1:10:34] Chair Halverson: We have a second any comments
[1:10:38] to the motion?
[1:10:40] Hearing none we will take the roll.
[1:10:46] [Members voting yes]
[1:10:56] Chair Halverson: Excellent.
[1:10:57] That motion prevails thank you Mr. McKnight thank
[1:10:59] you Mr. Mortensen.
[1:11:03] Next up we have a public hearing.
[1:11:05] To receive comments on and adopt amended park ordinance 107.
[1:11:11] We get to hear from our parks director Nikki Geisler welcome.
[1:11:16] >> Thank you Madam Chair and good morning commissioners
[1:11:19] I'm Nikki Geisler a parks director for Dakota County
[1:11:21] and I'm here to talk about the proposed amendments to Park
[1:11:25] Ordinance 107 which governs the rules and regulations and allows
[1:11:30] for enforcement of those rules and regulations within our park
[1:11:33] system.
[1:11:34] An overview quickly of the process,
[1:11:37] creating the amendments that was shared with all of you
[1:11:40] at the Fiscal Development Committee,
[1:11:43] the intent of the ordinance update
[1:11:46] was to correct and clarify language,
[1:11:48] to add detail to certain activities,
[1:11:51] make recommended changes to accommodate real life
[1:11:54] application that we were able to experience since it was last
[1:11:58] adopted a few years ago.
[1:11:59] Specifically around electric powered devices and motorized
[1:12:02] recreational vehicles.
[1:12:04] And review happened at the Physical Development Committee
[1:12:07] where you directed us to provide public notice
[1:12:10] and schedule this hearing.
[1:12:13] The proposed amendments were reviewed and supported
[1:12:16] by the County Attorney's Office and Dakota County Sheriff's
[1:12:19] Office staff did a thorough review of the amendments
[1:12:22] as well.
[1:12:23] Public hearing notice was posted in the Hasting Journal
[1:12:25] and on the county website.
[1:12:27] No public comments have been received to date.
[1:12:31] So with that, I'll post the public hearing,
[1:12:37] we are asking for an adoption to the amendments of Park Ordinance
[1:12:41] 107.
[1:12:42] Madam chair I now stand for questions.
[1:12:45] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Nikki are there
[1:12:48] any questions for Nikki before you open the public hearing?
[1:12:51] Seeing none I will open our public hearing.
[1:12:53] And ask for your comments.
[1:12:56] Does anyone wish to be heard on this item?
[1:12:59] Are there any public comments to this item?
[1:13:04] Is there anyone wishing to be heard?
[1:13:08] Hearing no one, I will close public hearing.
[1:13:13] Thank you and we can turn it over to the board for action.
[1:13:17] What are the wishes of the board?
[1:13:19] We have a motion is there a second?
[1:13:21] And we've got a second.
[1:13:23] Thank you members.
[1:13:24] And with that we'll take a roll on that please.
[1:13:30] [Members voting yes]
[1:13:38] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much and that motion prevails.
[1:13:40] Thanks Nikki.
[1:13:43] All right next up on our agenda.
[1:13:46] We have the consent agenda to consider.
[1:13:49] Are there any changes or is there a motion
[1:13:51] to approve the consent agenda?
[1:13:52] >> Move approval madam chair.
[1:13:56] Chair Halverson: Is there a second?
[1:13:58] And a second.
[1:14:01] We will roll call this.
[1:14:03] Jenny.
[1:14:06] [Members voting]
[1:14:06] >> Yes with the exception of 7.1.
[1:14:13] [Members voting yes]
[1:14:19] >> Yes with exception of 7.1.
[1:14:24] Chair Halverson: And that motion prevails.
[1:14:25] Onto our regular agenda.
[1:14:27] We have a presentation for information
[1:14:30] only on the recognition of Minnesota Counties Award.
[1:14:34] Evidence based practice unit.
[1:14:40] Chris Cornell Jim Scoville.
[1:14:42] Who are we hearing from >> National Award.
[1:14:48] Chair Halverson: It's always hard to get people to come
[1:14:51] forward and take credit.
[1:14:52] Come on. (Laughs) welcome.
[1:14:56] >> All right good morning Madam Chair commissioners I'm Suwanna
[1:15:00] Kirkland.
[1:15:01] I'm the director of Dakota County Community Corrections.
[1:15:04] And I am here with our supervisor and two of our three
[1:15:09] evidence based practice unit staff, last year we won an award
[1:15:16] and it was for our evidence based practice unit.
[1:15:19] And I don't want to do all the talking because they
[1:15:23] do the work, they really have set the stage in Minnesota
[1:15:27] for evidence based practice unit.
[1:15:30] And Dakota County and so we continue to lead in this space.
[1:15:34] I'm very proud of the work that they do.
[1:15:36] And they continue to serve not just Dakota County
[1:15:40] but statewide.
[1:15:40] So I'm going to turn it over to Supervisor Chris
[1:15:43] Caddell and our staff.
[1:15:46] >> Welcome.
[1:15:49] >> Thank you Madam Chair and commissioners.
[1:15:52] My name is Chris Cornell as she mentioned supervisor
[1:15:54] and our corrections department and thank you
[1:15:56] for the time today for recognizing this with us Award.
[1:16:00] It really is a privilege three evidence based coordinators
[1:16:05] we have Shannon Lynn Nicole Barnes and Elizabeth Miller who
[1:16:08] is here but had to leave to go do exactly what we're
[1:16:11] talking about.
[1:16:13] Our evidence based practice unit has become a statewide leader
[1:16:18] in expanding our cognitive behavioral program which
[1:16:21] is by embedding evidence based practice
[1:16:23] into our daily operations.
[1:16:24] Their work has become measurable to produce measurable results
[1:16:28] while creating a sustainable model that other colleagues
[1:16:31] continue to learn from.
[1:16:33] Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective
[1:16:36] correctional programs and interventions
[1:16:38] that we can do for reducing recidivism.
[1:16:41] Research shows us that when delivered correctly
[1:16:44] and with fidelity, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce
[1:16:50] reoffending by 20 to 30%.
[1:16:52] By helping the clients change their (Indistinct) thinking
[1:16:57] strengthen their problem solving skills
[1:16:58] and make better decisions.
[1:16:59] The county has intentionally built this program
[1:17:01] around these evidence based practices principles.
[1:17:04] Since 2019 referrals to our programing
[1:17:07] internally in our county have increased from 110
[1:17:11] to about 280 clients annually.
[1:17:14] During that same period our graduation rates
[1:17:16] have increased by more than 30%.
[1:17:18] Completion rates remain strong at 82%
[1:17:22] for juveniles 75% for adult men and 73% for adult women.
[1:17:26] A key reason for this success is department's investment
[1:17:30] in its staff.
[1:17:31] 79 of our staff members are trained
[1:17:34] in delivering this curriculum to our clients.
[1:17:39] Every facilitator receives regular observation coaching
[1:17:43] annual post trainings that communities practice reinforcing
[1:17:45] the skills and that's due to the credit of these three staff.
[1:17:49] In addition supervisors integrate CBT
[1:17:54] principles ongoing staff coaching.
[1:17:58] So the commitment to accountability measurable
[1:18:02] results has strengthened client outcomes
[1:18:04] and strengthened public safety and it's
[1:18:06] created a model of evidence based corrections that
[1:18:08] is recognized across the state.
[1:18:09] So thank you again for your time and for this public recognition.
[1:18:14] Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:18:18] [Applause]
[1:18:22] >> And I don't know if we mentioned these wonderful staff
[1:18:26] that do this work for Dakota County and across the state,
[1:18:30] but we have Nicole Borris, Shannon Olin and Elizabeth
[1:18:34] Miller who has to leave out but these other ladies that do this
[1:18:38] work, they do it proudly.
[1:18:40] They are highly respected and regarded
[1:18:42] in the state of Minnesota.
[1:18:43] And we are super, I mean we're just ecstatic about the work
[1:18:47] that you do so thank you.
[1:18:48] >> Thank you very much we really appreciate it I hope everyone
[1:18:52] can stick around we're going to do photos after this
[1:18:54] if that's okay.
[1:18:55] Thank you.
[1:18:56] And Jenny do we do the presentation now or are we
[1:19:00] doing it at photos?
[1:19:01] >> It's your choice.
[1:19:04] Chair Halverson: We'll do the photos at the end then.
[1:19:07] Very good I want to hear from all the presenters thank you.
[1:19:10] All right.
[1:19:11] Next up we've got the national recognition of the Maker Awards
[1:19:16] the National Association of County and City Health
[1:19:19] Officials.
[1:19:20] That's not Mako that's Naco?
[1:19:23] Nach?
[1:19:24] Come on up.
[1:19:25] Tell us what it is.
[1:19:27] This is -- Nacho.
[1:19:31] Don't make me hungry.
[1:19:33] Welcome Mr. Gillen and we want to hear all about this award
[1:19:38] that my colleagues got to accept out in.
[1:19:42] Kentucky.
[1:19:43] Okay sorry.
[1:19:45] >> Too many awards.
[1:19:47] Good morning Chair Halverson commissioners
[1:19:50] my name is Matt Gershon I'm the commissioner for (Indistinct)
[1:19:56] animal communication planning agent model
[1:20:00] practice before this practice our public health communications
[1:20:03] work was largely reactive.
[1:20:05] When teams had an idea or an event coming up
[1:20:08] they submitted a request and we did it.
[1:20:10] Sometimes we got a lot of advance notice and sometimes we
[1:20:14] didn't.
[1:20:14] So in 2023 we said let's try to look into the future.
[1:20:19] We asked five of our public health programs
[1:20:21] to guess all their communication projects for the year.
[1:20:24] Fliers for clinics, social media posts for recognition months,
[1:20:28] updates to web pages.
[1:20:30] And it worked.
[1:20:32] Now instead of reacting project by project,
[1:20:34] each project now maps out to the best of their abilities
[1:20:37] the entire year in advance.
[1:20:38] We're now able to anticipate busy periods and plan
[1:20:42] times to strategically instead of constantly playing catch up.
[1:20:45] And even when we have pop up projects or board requests,
[1:20:49] we can respond better.
[1:20:51] All of this at zero additional cost just existing staff
[1:20:55] time and simple tools like Word and Excel.
[1:20:58] Proactive planning internally means
[1:21:00] clear more timely public health messaging
[1:21:02] reaching every resident in Dakota County.
[1:21:04] It's low cost and easy for any health department
[1:21:07] to replicate which is why Naco did a model practice.
[1:21:10] This is a win for our department our communications team,
[1:21:13] and for every resident who benefits
[1:21:15] from clear public health communication.
[1:21:16] Thank you.
[1:21:18] >> Thank you very much.
[1:21:20] And please stick around for the presentation
[1:21:22] of awards after and photos.
[1:21:24] >> Can we give them a round of applause?
[1:21:29] [Applause] Madam chair?
[1:21:34] May I just make a comment?
[1:21:37] You save lives and I think it was worthy of our recognition
[1:21:42] so thank you so much.
[1:21:45] Chair Halverson: And finally we get
[1:21:47] to hear about the Naco Awards.
[1:21:49] Recognition of the 2026 National Association
[1:21:53] of Counties Achievement Award best in category
[1:21:57] for health, a combination of a partnership between our Dakota
[1:22:01] County Libraries of Public Health.
[1:22:03] Welcome.
[1:22:08] >> Good morning Madam Chair Halverson.
[1:22:10] And commissioners.
[1:22:12] I am Jayna Postulka.
[1:22:13] Director of Public Health and I'm here with Jen Reichardt
[1:22:17] Simpson our public -- our library director.
[1:22:21] Oh you have to -- our innovative and passionate teams of public
[1:22:28] health and libraries sit behind us.
[1:22:30] We are so excited to be here to celebrate Dakota County's
[1:22:34] recognition with a 2026 National Association of Counties
[1:22:38] Achievement Award.
[1:22:40] And best in category for health.
[1:22:42] This award recognizes public health
[1:22:45] in the library's work to transform library locations
[1:22:48] into public health hubs.
[1:22:51] This achievement reflects the outstanding work and commitment
[1:22:55] of everyone who contributed to this success.
[1:22:58] Our partnership began with a simple but powerful goal
[1:23:03] to improve community health by meeting people where they are.
[1:23:07] We know that mental health is one
[1:23:08] of the top health concerns identified by Dakota County
[1:23:11] residents.
[1:23:12] In the face of the opioid epidemic,
[1:23:16] access to fentanyl test strips can save lives.
[1:23:20] Timely nutrition support breastfeeding resources
[1:23:23] and connections to other services
[1:23:25] can make a meaningful difference to new parents and families.
[1:23:30] Addressing these needs requires strong public health programs.
[1:23:34] It also requires delivering services
[1:23:37] in places where people gather.
[1:23:40] Places that are trusted, welcoming, and accessible.
[1:23:49] >> And that's the library.
[1:23:51] The library is among the most valued trusted services
[1:23:55] they come to borrow books they also
[1:23:57] come to learn get resources and be in community with one
[1:23:59] another.
[1:24:00] By combining public health expertise and programs
[1:24:04] with the library's welcoming staff, Stacy's, and connections
[1:24:09] to residents, we've expanded the county's reach reproduced
[1:24:13] barriers.
[1:24:14] We leverage resources.
[1:24:15] And we've made our shared work more effective.
[1:24:18] That work included last year ten library locations distributing
[1:24:22] over 1200 naloxone kits.
[1:24:26] 300 fentanyl test strip kits and over 2000 opioid
[1:24:31] educational materials.
[1:24:32] Library staff also distributed over a thousand education
[1:24:36] materials on mental health for all ages
[1:24:40] and we were the host site for 8050 year
[1:24:43] BT support sessions at the Wescott Heritage Library's
[1:24:47] increasing our at those sessions and in fact those sessions are
[1:24:51] happening this morning as we speak.
[1:24:53] This work continues in other ways too.
[1:24:56] In August public health is having a school supply drive
[1:24:59] and five library locations will be
[1:25:01] pickup sites along with the northern and Western service
[1:25:04] centers.
[1:25:05] Public Health and libraries collaboration
[1:25:07] transform library locations into community health hubs.
[1:25:11] To improve health outcomes for Dakota County residents.
[1:25:15] Thank thank you for recognizing the award
[1:25:17] but truly thank you for recognizing
[1:25:19] the amazing public health and library staff.
[1:25:25] [Applause]
[1:25:32] Chair Halverson: What a great story.
[1:25:34] Well we will ask all of our award recipients
[1:25:36] to come forward, we will present you with your award.
[1:25:40] Officially.
[1:25:41] And take a photograph.
[1:25:43] So please everybody stick around for that.
[1:25:46] And then we will resume our meeting.
[1:26:03] [Background conversation]
[1:27:37] [Applause]
[1:27:50] [Background conversation]
[1:29:19] [Applause]
[1:29:33] [Background conversation]
[1:31:14] [Applause]
[1:31:31] [Background conversation]
[1:31:54] Chair Halverson: Well.
[1:31:55] What a wonderful thing.
[1:31:58] To celebrate today.
[1:31:59] Does anybody have any comments come
[1:32:01] on we went through three regular items we didn't do any board
[1:32:04] comments so I want to be sure if anyone has any comments, that we
[1:32:08] have a chance to hear from the board.
[1:32:11] Commissioner Harmon Roland.
[1:32:14] Commissioner Hamann-Roland: I just
[1:32:16] wanted to recognize how the partnership
[1:32:18] between the public health and the library
[1:32:20] made the full page 11 in the Naco news.
[1:32:25] So that's national recognition beyond the award
[1:32:30] and will continue and I believe because of its effective
[1:32:35] and truly efficient use of our staff,
[1:32:38] it's going to get replicated in the country.
[1:32:41] So thanks for the leadership.
[1:32:47] [Applause]
[1:32:50] Chair Halverson: Commissioner Slavik.
[1:32:52] Commissioner Slavik: Thank you very much
[1:32:54] chair I think as of note the get hundreds of hundreds
[1:33:01] of amazing projects across the country
[1:33:02] and they've only recognized a handful of a special achievement
[1:33:06] awards the last time, these are the best of the best usually
[1:33:11] somewhere between 10 to 16 so it's
[1:33:13] a pretty rare and extraordinary honor
[1:33:16] to go and be able to get to this point here
[1:33:18] we always have those Mako for kind of a best in class
[1:33:22] but this is one of those steps above that.
[1:33:24] Doesn't usually happen and the fact that with the last eight
[1:33:27] years we've had to, it happened twice
[1:33:29] in Dakota County is quite a testament to all
[1:33:31] of the good work that happens in the innovative work each
[1:33:34] and every day.
[1:33:35] So just wanted to say this is above
[1:33:37] and beyond what we do when we acknowledge our awards
[1:33:39] this is one of the best of the best.
[1:33:42] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Commissioner Slavik
[1:33:44] and you got to be there to accept it?
[1:33:46] With Commissioner Atkins?
[1:33:47] I bet that was a proud moment.
[1:33:50] Very good.
[1:33:51] Thank you so much.
[1:33:53] Any other comments?
[1:33:55] I do just want to -- sorry I didn't miss you?
[1:33:59] I do just want to say that since I've joined the Dakota County
[1:34:03] Board, it's been almost six years now.
[1:34:08] That being a county that gets recognition from our peers,
[1:34:14] from other counties, from our peers nationally,
[1:34:18] and that is seen as a county that leads.
[1:34:22] And doesn't follow.
[1:34:23] That innovates and doesn't rest on its laurels.
[1:34:28] That is who Dakota County is.
[1:34:31] And it's been a value that the board
[1:34:35] has stated that we want to be a county that
[1:34:40] goes above and beyond, for recognized as a stellar county.
[1:34:46] And these kinds of awards I think
[1:34:50] affirm that the vision and the work that is being done
[1:34:55] is seen by others and is really making
[1:34:57] a difference in the lives of the people of our community.
[1:35:01] On a personal note, I'm going to say usually
[1:35:05] the days of award presentations are nothing but fun and nothing
[1:35:10] but joy for me.
[1:35:11] Because I am so proud of the work
[1:35:14] that our staff are doing in our communities and the difference
[1:35:18] that you're making.
[1:35:19] I will say, with the challenges that we
[1:35:23] are facing and talks of cuts, and it
[1:35:28] feels like there's a little pall over it this time.
[1:35:32] Because this is a Dakota county I don't want to lose.
[1:35:37] And so I just want to recognize the work that you're
[1:35:40] doing, the innovation that you're doing,
[1:35:43] and that I'm proud that other see it
[1:35:47] but I want you to know as a board member
[1:35:49] and I think I can speak on the board, we see it too.
[1:35:52] So we really appreciate you.
[1:35:54] Thank you very much.
[1:35:56] And with that, we get to hear from our interagency reports.
[1:36:01] The Association of Minnesota counties.
[1:36:04] >> Thank you Madam Chair let me just pull this up and see what I
[1:36:08] wrote.
[1:36:09] For this.
[1:36:12] Here we go.
[1:36:14] Of course I'm getting text messages right now to.
[1:36:18] Oh I just wanted to remind everyone that the AMC full
[1:36:23] conference in Bemidji is at the Stafford Center between
[1:36:28] September 16th and the 18th and the AMC board meeting will be
[1:36:33] held on September the 17th.
[1:36:37] So it's a short and sweet one tonight.
[1:36:40] Chair Halverson: Thank you Commissioner Harmon
[1:36:43] Roland the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board.
[1:36:49] >> (Indistinct) I did want to point out though that it was
[1:36:52] July 27th it was the first meeting of armor which were
[1:36:56] Commissioner Holbrooke she doesn't like acronyms
[1:36:58] so it's Sheriff Ally radio matrix emergency response
[1:37:03] system.
[1:37:04] Kind of a big deal it allows first responders to communicate
[1:37:08] across the state.
[1:37:11] Obviously a big deal.
[1:37:13] The first meeting of the funding group the legislative task force
[1:37:17] that was appointed got together was mostly organizational
[1:37:20] on the 27th and it was, I wanted to point out that
[1:37:26] the representative from here in Dakota County Representative
[1:37:28] Rossman who's one of the chairs there is a Republican co-chair
[1:37:33] they wanted to make sure it was bipartisan effort and their goal
[1:37:37] is to have legislation ready to be proposed by the time
[1:37:40] the session starts in January.
[1:37:42] Funding of the armor system is obviously a huge deal.
[1:37:46] Almost as big as the system itself as we
[1:37:49] got to figure out how we pay for it that's
[1:37:51] what their task is going to be.
[1:37:52] Bill did I miss anything from the meeting?
[1:37:55] >> If I may we approved budget and --
[1:38:00] county's going up 6.57 but it's zero to the counties
[1:38:05] because of reserves from the radio and Washington County 911.
[1:38:10] On another note, are very assistant joint powers from 27
[1:38:16] through 31 was approved so that'll
[1:38:19] be going out to all our agencies for approval
[1:38:22] by the end of the year.
[1:38:25] And that is so.
[1:38:27] Chair Halverson: Excellent thank you so much.
[1:38:31] Minnesota Inter Association mica.
[1:38:33] We meet next Wednesday.
[1:38:37] And Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Commission.
[1:38:41] Workman.
[1:38:42] >> Our next full board meeting is August 26th.
[1:38:52] Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:38:53] Next up National Association of Counties
[1:38:55] I think that got covered well.
[1:38:57] >> We had telecom and Technology Committee that a lot was
[1:39:02] probably the heaviest meeting we've ever had.
[1:39:04] AI cybersecurity which obviously we've
[1:39:07] had issues with our water treatment facilities
[1:39:08] here in Minnesota of late.
[1:39:11] And of course data centers.
[1:39:12] So it was wall to wall packed with a lot of --
[1:39:16] and I shared that, sent out most of those materials to everybody
[1:39:19] on the board.
[1:39:20] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much Commissioner Slavic.
[1:39:26] Commissioner Slavik: Finance Commissioner Committee a lot
[1:39:30] for next (Indistinct) Election Day
[1:39:34] we have general election in November so election security
[1:39:36] protecting of our poll workers.
[1:39:38] Some of the funding that goes into the systems
[1:39:42] to make sure that our elections are free and safe.
[1:39:45] So there was a lot of energy of the discussion based on that.
[1:39:49] The other aspect that this board has had a discussion recently
[1:39:53] related to some of the new federal guidelines
[1:39:55] related to funds that come from the federal government
[1:39:58] to the states and then to the counties.
[1:40:01] And kind of some niche discretionary opinions
[1:40:05] on how and what should get funded
[1:40:07] and even though contracts have been approved and pulling them
[1:40:10] out and just really right now there's
[1:40:13] a rule making process going at the federal level that
[1:40:15] can really give a lot of power to the executive branch
[1:40:18] to go in and pull out monies because of whatever opinion they
[1:40:22] choose to have.
[1:40:23] And there's a lot of concern that that will actually
[1:40:26] depending on which administration is at the time,
[1:40:28] could go in and punish our reward States and counties
[1:40:33] and so.
[1:40:33] We had a great discussion on that
[1:40:35] and actually have some national jet working with Congress
[1:40:39] to try and go and kind of tighten up
[1:40:41] those rules to make sure that no matter who
[1:40:43] is in the white House, that you would be able to have
[1:40:46] the same standards put on that part there
[1:40:49] and not have a discretion.
[1:40:50] And then the last thing just to note
[1:40:53] that Minnesota's kind of taking the lead on one of the platform
[1:40:56] amendments that myself and Commissioner Wickman
[1:40:59] brought me out of Scout County have been working on.
[1:41:03] Carried and championed did get unanimous approval again related
[1:41:07] to our volunteer compensation for a volunteer drivers.
[1:41:10] As you know that's one of the ways
[1:41:12] that we save tax dollars is by using volunteers to drive,
[1:41:16] veterans and disabled individuals to appointments
[1:41:19] and that rate for mileage has not changed since 1996.
[1:41:24] It's $0.14.
[1:41:25] So even this year, that mileage rate has changed between January
[1:41:31] and July has gone up again for the business side of things.
[1:41:35] So if we want to go and continue to be good stewards
[1:41:38] to tax dollars this is something we in Minnesota have championed
[1:41:41] to say that that should be at least be able to have the tax
[1:41:43] rate off comparable when we are going and really providing
[1:41:46] the services for our communities and our Chair
[1:41:51] Halverson: Thank you.
[1:41:52] Great report.
[1:41:52] Transportation Advisory Board?
[1:41:54] Commissioner Hallberg.
[1:41:55] >> Thank you Madam Chair the July meeting was canceled there
[1:41:59] are things happening behind the scenes we're working on storing
[1:42:05] all the applications for the regional solicitation
[1:42:07] and it's my understanding that the letters submitted by Scott
[1:42:12] and Dakota County a couple months ago,
[1:42:17] there's movement on those issues as well.
[1:42:20] So stay Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:42:25] Vermillion River watershed joint powers board commissioner
[1:42:28] Slavik?
[1:42:28] Commissioner Slavik: Thank you Madam Chair
[1:42:31] we did meet two things of note.
[1:42:33] One of them we did receive the results of the 2025 Monitoring
[1:42:38] Network report I think as somebody
[1:42:41] who grew up swimming in the Vermillion River
[1:42:43] and someone who lives on the Vermillion River
[1:42:45] now I can tell you that though there are still
[1:42:48] a lot of work to do, things are sure a lot better than they were
[1:42:50] 25 years ago.
[1:42:52] So that is one positive of that that we are making
[1:42:54] steps in the right direction.
[1:42:56] And second thing is that the discussion going on
[1:42:59] will be working towards our preliminary levee in September.
[1:43:03] Chair Halverson: Workforce Development Board Commissioner
[1:43:06] Herman Rowlands.
[1:43:07] Commissioner Hamann-Roland: Thank you Madam Chair
[1:43:09] it was Saint Paul will be hosting a coffee
[1:43:11] break for members of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
[1:43:14] And the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday
[1:43:18] September the 15th and that'll be from 8 to 9 a.m.
[1:43:22] And it's going to be at the Northern Services Center.
[1:43:25] In West Saint Paul.
[1:43:28] And it'll be a great chance for you to network
[1:43:30] and get to know employers.
[1:43:32] In the area.
[1:43:34] Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:43:36] Are there any other comments, updates from commissioners?
[1:43:41] Hearing none we can move on to the county manager's report for.
[1:43:47] Heidi.
[1:43:48] >> Thank you Madam Chair just two items today I wanted
[1:43:52] to thank our fiscal development team for their organization
[1:43:58] of what I thought was quite a successful tour of capital
[1:44:02] investment projects for that the board took last week.
[1:44:06] Really a good tour and I thought a lot of good detail
[1:44:08] that we were able to see.
[1:44:10] And think about.
[1:44:11] Second, I want to remind the public
[1:44:14] that they are as always invited to our board
[1:44:16] meeting next week which will be a special meeting at the County
[1:44:20] fair.
[1:44:21] So we always enjoy being able to see people
[1:44:24] when we're out at the fair and just a reminder to come on out.
[1:44:28] Chair Halverson: Thank you.
[1:44:31] Anything else?
[1:44:32] Hyman Commissioner Hamann-Roland:
[1:44:37] We did have a county manager -- we did have a great tour and one
[1:44:41] of the things that I was charged with is to learn about how we
[1:44:45] can get a different bus.
[1:44:47] And I was at the Mvrta meeting and learned,
[1:44:51] I asked them about this, and learned that our joint Powers
[1:44:56] agreement includes two times where we can have a bus
[1:45:00] and that is at no cost to.
[1:45:04] So it is not something that we would be given as a gift,
[1:45:08] it is part of our agreement.
[1:45:10] So thank you.
[1:45:11] And it's not a school bus.
[1:45:13] What I want to tell you, I ask for is it's the accessible bus,
[1:45:17] it's a brand new, it's wonderful and I
[1:45:20] thought it would be a great way to show off what we can provide
[1:45:24] to our residents in our area.
[1:45:27] Thank you.
[1:45:28] Chair Halverson: Thank you very much.
[1:45:31] Commissioner -- manager Walsh I also perhaps wanted to make note
[1:45:38] that this week is our first budget open House of the week.
[1:45:43] (Laughs) there's a lot going on.
[1:45:46] But I do want to be sure that the public knows
[1:45:49] that it is at the CDA building in Eagan from 5 to 630
[1:45:54] and all the experts will be there.
[1:45:57] And us. (Laughs) we're not the experts.
[1:46:01] We are learning a lot.
[1:46:02] And really want to thank the staff that
[1:46:05] have been working so hard to put this
[1:46:07] together so that the public has an opportunity to engage
[1:46:09] in our budget process.
[1:46:11] And with that is there anything else (Indistinct)
[1:46:13] hearing nothing I will call for a motion for adjournment.
[1:46:17] >> Move to adjourn.
[1:46:21] Chair Halverson: It's been moved and seconded enthusiastically.
[1:46:25] All in favor say aye any opposed say no.
[1:46:28] And with that we are adjourned.
[1:46:30] Thank you.