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[SIDE CONVERSATION]

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Good morning.

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Welcome to the County Board Meeting for Dakota County

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on September 1, 2026.

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I'm going to call us to order.

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And--

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Your microphone.

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He has it on.

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It's on.

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Oh.

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It's on.

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Can't hear you.

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You can't hear me?

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No.

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Not well.

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They need to turn it up.

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Well, it's on, I can hear--

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OK.

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I'm calling us to order.

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We will note that a quorum is present,

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and the clerk will note who on the board is present.

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With that, I invite you to rise as you're able

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and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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[AUDIO OUT]

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--indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

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Next on our agenda is audience participation.

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If you are here to address the board,

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we have asked folks to sign up.

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And so I will take speakers in the order

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that they have been signed up.

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And we have basic guidelines.

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You may address the board on any item that's not on the agenda

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or that is on the consent agenda.

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And comments, we did get some written comments

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as well that were passed out to the board.

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And your verbal comments will be limited to five minutes.

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I'll keep time.

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And with that, we can go to the audience.

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The first person on the list is Karen Miller.

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One thing I will ask is that if you can keep your comments

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original.

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So if other people are addressing

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what you're addressing, whatever new information

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you can bring, the better, because we have

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quite a long list of folks.

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So Karen Miller, where are you?

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Here she is right in the front.

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Welcome to the board.

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Thank you so much.

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Good morning, Dakota County commissioners.

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My name is Karen Miller.

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Thank you so much for this opportunity

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to speak to you today about our election processes.

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Let me start by saying that there's nothing

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more beautiful as a well harmonized precinct election

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judge team of regular Americans working side by side to verify

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that every citizen's voice is heard

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and every citizen's vote is counted.

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This is America at its finest, and it should give us all hope.

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However, what happens when the ballot

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leaves the voters hands and is inserted

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into the black box of the tabulator, which

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has been programmed with inherent complexity

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to read and tally ballots and even to transmit results which

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are opaque technological processes which

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go far beyond any citizen's ability to see,

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to audit, or to verify?

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This was never the intent of our founding fathers,

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and it's an intolerable situation

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for a free and sovereign people.

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Transparency, verifiability and accountability

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are the public's main concern.

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In a recent Alpha News article-- interview,

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Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert

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expressed concern over his discovery

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that their election system has not been federally tested

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and certified as configured.

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This is because the modems do not

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conform with the minimum federal standards

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for voting systems established by the US Election Assistance

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Commission, or EAC.

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They also are not state certified

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by the Secretary of State.

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Just two years ago, I raised these very same concerns

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about the modem as a head election judge in Dakota County.

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Instead of being listened to, I was fired.

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Now, the concerns that I brought forward in 2024

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are just as valid and relevant now in 2026.

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Not only are modems not certified

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by the Secretary of State nor by the Federal EAC,

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but Minnesota statute 206.845 explicitly

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bans the use of modems in connection to the tabulator.

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Subdivision one reads, and I quote "prohibited connections.

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Ballot recording and tabulating systems must not be connected to

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or operated on, directly or indirectly,

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any electronic network, including a local area

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network, a wide area network, the internet, or the world

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wide web.

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Wireless communications may not be

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used in any way in a vote recording or vote tabulating

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system.

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Wireless device to device capability is not permitted.

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No connection by modem is permitted."

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Yet in Dakota County, we are using

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tabulators that have modems actually embedded within them.

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This contradiction between what state statute prohibits

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and what Dakota County practices is profoundly concerning.

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Because of this clear conflict, plus the clear vulnerabilities

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that modems introduce in our election systems,

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I urge Dakota County to review and modify our election

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equipment and processes to fully comply

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with all state statute regarding the use of modems.

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I also encourage you to publish a detailed modem usage

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report for the citizens of Dakota County.

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Public confidence is strengthened

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when election procedures and equipment

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can be examined through accurate, verifiable public

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records.

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This request is intended to determine

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what equipment was used, whether modem capabilities were present

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or activated, and what the available logs show.

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It is a fact finding effort, not a conclusion

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that improper activity occurred.

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If we do not take these steps to verify and secure our elections,

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not only may we lose the sovereignty of our nation,

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but also the voice of our people.

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So thank you very much for listening to my concerns

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and considering my request.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Next up we will invite Tom Lopach.

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Introduce yourself and proceed.

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Good morning.

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The question I have, that I'm presenting to the board

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is, was our equipment, voting equipment, properly tested?

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And I've been doing some research,

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and I've sent you an email probably a couple weeks ago

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regarding that.

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And I haven't really found much information from the Secretary

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of State, but what I have found, I'm presenting here,

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and I'm concerned because of the fact that I am running

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for Minnesota House of Representatives for 52B.

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I want to make sure that the equipment has been

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tested properly and certified.

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But I point out that the Dakota County newsletter dated 7, 10,

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2026, indicated that Dakota county's electronic voting

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system is certified at the Federal and State level.

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And well as the Minnesota Secretary of State's office

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identifies that the equipment is certified.

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Being certified in use for Minnesota, and because it

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was associated and certified by the US Election Assistance

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Commission, the EAC.

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But yet, in fact, it wasn't.

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You start looking closely at the certification that has been

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released by the Secretary of State,

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and they're not identifying our present system, the ESMS,

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EVS 6.5.1.1, they're actually talking about the previous

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generation, 6.5.0.0, which was certified.

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But in order to bring it up to the standard that we presently

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have, what we actually bought for Dakota County,

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the ES 6.5.1.1, it has to have some engineering changes add

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to it.

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In research, I found that there's

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approximately 16 different engineering changes, ECOs,

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that have been incorporated but not all in our equipment.

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Each state has the ability to pick and choose whatever

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ECO they want of these 16.

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There could be 1, could be 2, could be all of them.

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But yet, it has to be documented in the certification.

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Now, if you look at our certification

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from the Secretary of State, and there

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is no identification of what ECO numbers have been incorporated,

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looking at a couple of the ECOs, there are major changes.

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The Secretary of State, with the help of Pro V & V,

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identified all these ECOs to be minor changes, but in my mind,

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they're not.

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One of which is change in the site of the manufacturing

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of the equipment.

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I, at one time, worked for UNIVAC.

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I was in charge of the receiving inspection.

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I was the manager, quality manager and test manager

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of all microcircuits, all electronics,

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all microprocessors.

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And anytime a supplier made a change in their source,

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we had to recertify the product.

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Anytime they moved their assembly,

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we had to recertify the product, as well as recertifying

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the product it went into.

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That has not been done here in this case.

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So we don't know what has transpired.

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We don't know what's in our actual equipment.

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And along with that, the modem was not in the original ES&S EVS

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6.5.0.0.

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That has been added since.

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So in fact, the certification that the Secretary of State

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is relying on has been nullified because of that modem that

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was installed.

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And I just put a little diagram, block diagram, in there

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to identify the architecture of a simple computer.

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If you start adding items to the unit,

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it starts loading down the bus lines.

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You have a bus line for data, addressing, and control.

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Now, once you start getting too many devices on those buses,

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you start loading it down and you

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could compromise the functionality of the other units

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that are on that bus as well.

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So that has not been performed, that certification.

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So in conclusion, I'd like to mention that we're not real

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sure what is in our DS300s.

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The purchasing agreement did not identify ECOs.

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What it did identify was the functionality.

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And that functionality should have been all along.

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But any change to that hardware or software

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should be investigated.

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Thank you, Mr. Lopach, your time has expired.

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And it sounded like you were wrapping up, so.

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But we also bought in our DS300 the ability to have an audit.

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Your time is expired.

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So thank you.

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And that has not been validated or verified.

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Can we allow that other speakers to speak.

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OK.

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Thank you very much.

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All right.

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Thank you.

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Next up is Carol Mulvihill from Mendota Heights.

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Good morning, council members.

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My name is Carol Mulvihill and I'm a resident of Dakota County.

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I'm here as a concerned citizens about the vulnerabilities

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of our modems that were built into our newly

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purchased election machines.

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I want to share a little background so that you

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know where I'm coming from.

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I recently retired from public service.

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I used to work at a community center as a manager,

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and our concern was the community

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and serving our community.

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Before that, I worked at a bank and also a brokerage firm.

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Our focus was serving our customers

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and also making sure that we complied

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with local and national laws.

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With that in my background, I continued

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to want to serve my community, so I got involved

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in the election process.

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Since 2022, I served as an election judge.

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I worked on the absentee ballot board.

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I've attended public accuracy tests, post-election reviews,

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and the canvassing board meetings.

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When I have a question about the process,

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I would ask my city clerk, election manager,

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or even the Secretary of State to get answers.

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I appreciate the article in the Dakota County newsletter

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highlighting the measures that have been taken so that we

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have safe and secure elections.

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The concerns over the modem have been in the media

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recently, and recent hacks on our water treatment

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facilities in our state.

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So I asked the council, as you can see,

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it's a very detailed and complex situation with modems.

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And our ask is that we could come back at a later time

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to give a detailed presentation.

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So with that being said, I will leave my contact information,

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and I look forward to hearing back from the commissioners.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Next up-- sorry, technology is getting to me.

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00:14:50,270 --> 00:14:52,270
Tracy Killian.

268
00:14:55,770 --> 00:14:56,990
Hello, commissioners.

269
00:14:56,990 --> 00:14:58,230
Thank you for your time.

270
00:14:58,230 --> 00:15:00,990
My name is Tracy Killian, and I'm a resident of Dakota County.

271
00:15:00,990 --> 00:15:04,610
I'm here to request your attention to the new ES&S voting

272
00:15:04,610 --> 00:15:06,830
machines the County has purchased,

273
00:15:06,830 --> 00:15:09,690
and to ask the commissioners obtain and review

274
00:15:09,690 --> 00:15:12,430
two audit reports our group has requested

275
00:15:12,430 --> 00:15:13,970
through a data request.

276
00:15:13,970 --> 00:15:17,570
All new voting systems warrant public notice

277
00:15:17,570 --> 00:15:18,930
and careful review.

278
00:15:18,930 --> 00:15:21,130
And recent cybersecurity concerns

279
00:15:21,130 --> 00:15:23,970
involving water treatment facilities and reports

280
00:15:23,970 --> 00:15:28,300
about foreign manufactured components in election equipment

281
00:15:28,300 --> 00:15:30,430
make transparency especially important.

282
00:15:31,450 --> 00:15:34,900
This information should be available to voters

283
00:15:34,900 --> 00:15:38,450
and should not be withheld without a clear legal basis.

284
00:15:38,450 --> 00:15:42,530
The requested logs include successful and unsuccessful

285
00:15:42,530 --> 00:15:46,570
connection attempts while election data or results were

286
00:15:46,570 --> 00:15:50,770
transmitted, and relevant carrier provider vendor modem

287
00:15:50,850 --> 00:15:53,850
activation and technical support records.

288
00:15:54,410 --> 00:15:58,170
I thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

289
00:15:58,170 --> 00:16:00,170
Thank you.

290
00:16:02,490 --> 00:16:04,890
Next up, Lynn Rinkinen.

291
00:16:13,330 --> 00:16:14,390
Welcome.

292
00:16:14,390 --> 00:16:15,700
Good morning.

293
00:16:15,700 --> 00:16:18,210
My name is Lynn Rinkinen and I live in Eagan.

294
00:16:18,210 --> 00:16:22,250
I and a group of around 20 Dakota County residents

295
00:16:22,250 --> 00:16:24,610
addressed this board two weeks ago

296
00:16:24,610 --> 00:16:28,100
to ensure that you see we want our votes protected

297
00:16:28,100 --> 00:16:32,100
and that we will stand with if you face any outside pressure

298
00:16:32,100 --> 00:16:35,170
to restrict votes, not count votes,

299
00:16:35,170 --> 00:16:38,530
or not seat duly elected officials.

300
00:16:38,530 --> 00:16:41,610
We also asked all of you to sign our public pledge

301
00:16:41,610 --> 00:16:45,810
that we're calling The Freedom to Vote Protection Pledge, which

302
00:16:45,810 --> 00:16:48,810
states that you would commit to the following.

303
00:16:48,810 --> 00:16:53,610
Abide by the US Constitution and state election laws.

304
00:16:53,610 --> 00:16:57,930
Number 2, refuse to comply with any unlawful executive orders

305
00:16:57,930 --> 00:17:01,490
or data requests that seek to restrict voting.

306
00:17:01,490 --> 00:17:05,450
And faithfully play your role to certify and seat the rightfully

307
00:17:05,450 --> 00:17:09,609
elected winners this November, regardless of party.

308
00:17:09,609 --> 00:17:12,890
This is truly a low bar to commit

309
00:17:12,890 --> 00:17:14,890
to of just following applicable laws

310
00:17:14,890 --> 00:17:17,690
and then honoring the election results.

311
00:17:17,690 --> 00:17:20,650
As of today, with only two weeks or so before early

312
00:17:20,650 --> 00:17:23,770
voting starts in the general election, only

313
00:17:23,770 --> 00:17:29,500
commissioners Atkins and Hammond Rowland have signed this pledge.

314
00:17:29,500 --> 00:17:33,650
We are all disappointed and, frankly, angry at this response.

315
00:17:33,650 --> 00:17:36,170
It's a slap in the face to your constituents who

316
00:17:36,170 --> 00:17:39,250
are counting on you to ensure their vote is counted,

317
00:17:39,250 --> 00:17:42,530
and to all the election judges who volunteer their time

318
00:17:42,530 --> 00:17:45,410
and will face the threats and violence of people

319
00:17:45,410 --> 00:17:49,210
who believe our elections are rigged because of your silence.

320
00:17:49,210 --> 00:17:52,250
I'm at a loss to understand why the five remaining of you

321
00:17:52,250 --> 00:17:55,690
chose not to sign this pledge.

322
00:17:55,690 --> 00:17:57,290
Do you think that because Minnesota

323
00:17:57,290 --> 00:18:00,250
has strong voter protections compared to some other states

324
00:18:00,250 --> 00:18:02,170
that were covered?

325
00:18:02,170 --> 00:18:04,770
Do you think it's unnecessary because you've already

326
00:18:04,770 --> 00:18:07,290
been trained on what to do?

327
00:18:07,290 --> 00:18:10,810
Do you feel you'd be taking some kind of risk if you sign it

328
00:18:10,810 --> 00:18:13,330
or is it something else?

329
00:18:13,330 --> 00:18:16,290
Well, let me tell you, there is a rage out there

330
00:18:16,290 --> 00:18:18,250
in the electorate.

331
00:18:18,250 --> 00:18:21,130
Every day Minnesotans are taking risks and doing things

332
00:18:21,130 --> 00:18:23,530
outside their comfort zone.

333
00:18:23,755 --> 00:18:25,130
And when I was young, I would not

334
00:18:25,130 --> 00:18:28,730
have thought that I'd come to care about the rule of law

335
00:18:28,730 --> 00:18:31,610
the way I have as I've seen it violated

336
00:18:31,610 --> 00:18:34,210
and corrupted by this administration and the Supreme

337
00:18:34,210 --> 00:18:35,650
Court.

338
00:18:35,650 --> 00:18:38,770
I never thought I'd see my own federal government ignoring

339
00:18:38,770 --> 00:18:41,890
my constitutional rights, and have to come here

340
00:18:41,890 --> 00:18:46,130
to persuade my county commissioners to do it instead,

341
00:18:46,130 --> 00:18:47,970
but here we are.

342
00:18:47,970 --> 00:18:49,690
We need to do everything in our power

343
00:18:49,690 --> 00:18:52,330
to protect free and fair elections.

344
00:18:52,330 --> 00:18:56,610
And we need to know that you are with us by signing this pledge.

345
00:18:56,610 --> 00:18:58,770
We have your backs.

346
00:18:58,770 --> 00:19:00,650
Do you have ours?

347
00:19:00,650 --> 00:19:05,130
And just as an aside, I have full confidence

348
00:19:05,130 --> 00:19:08,610
in all of our voting equipment.

349
00:19:08,610 --> 00:19:10,490
Thank you.

350
00:19:10,490 --> 00:19:13,490
Next up, Asif Raman, Welcome.

351
00:19:20,892 --> 00:19:22,350
Good morning, County commissioners.

352
00:19:22,350 --> 00:19:24,817
My name is Asif Rahman.

353
00:19:24,817 --> 00:19:26,150
Sorry, I mispronounced you name.

354
00:19:26,150 --> 00:19:27,170
No, that's fine.

355
00:19:27,170 --> 00:19:29,230
I'm a resident of Eagan, Minnesota.

356
00:19:29,230 --> 00:19:31,970
It's nice to see some familiar faces today.

357
00:19:31,970 --> 00:19:34,730
I come here because I'm concerned about our election

358
00:19:34,730 --> 00:19:35,810
process.

359
00:19:35,810 --> 00:19:37,890
I'm concerned that there's an erosion

360
00:19:37,890 --> 00:19:40,330
in the confidence of our election process

361
00:19:40,330 --> 00:19:42,970
by undermining the process itself.

362
00:19:42,970 --> 00:19:45,170
I'm concerned about intimidation.

363
00:19:45,170 --> 00:19:49,100
I'm concerned that if I go to the voting center

364
00:19:49,100 --> 00:19:52,530
and I see ICE there, will I be picked up as a person of color?

365
00:19:52,530 --> 00:19:54,290
I'm concerned that people who look like me

366
00:19:54,290 --> 00:19:56,970
are going to be intimidated to vote.

367
00:19:56,970 --> 00:20:00,530
So I'm here to ask you, I recently received a mailing

368
00:20:00,530 --> 00:20:04,700
from the Dakota County information, I appreciate that,

369
00:20:04,700 --> 00:20:06,970
and it was interested to read that you have 105 mandates

370
00:20:06,970 --> 00:20:10,210
and some of them are funded or unfunded, unfortunately.

371
00:20:10,210 --> 00:20:12,570
And one of them was the mandate to conduct

372
00:20:12,570 --> 00:20:14,970
free and open election, fair elections.

373
00:20:14,970 --> 00:20:17,650
So I'm asking you to uphold your mandate.

374
00:20:17,650 --> 00:20:21,690
I'm asking you to uphold our values of freedom and justice.

375
00:20:21,690 --> 00:20:23,170
I'm asking you to sign the freedom

376
00:20:23,170 --> 00:20:24,950
to vote protection pledge.

377
00:20:24,950 --> 00:20:26,690
Thank you for your time.

378
00:20:26,690 --> 00:20:28,650
Thank you very much.

379
00:20:28,650 --> 00:20:31,650
Next up is Lee Nelson.

380
00:20:38,170 --> 00:20:40,290
Thank you and good morning.

381
00:20:40,290 --> 00:20:41,670
My name is Lee Nelson.

382
00:20:41,670 --> 00:20:44,100
I live in Apple Valley.

383
00:20:44,100 --> 00:20:46,670
I had the privilege of speaking two weeks ago.

384
00:20:46,670 --> 00:20:48,590
I never thought I'd find myself here.

385
00:20:48,590 --> 00:20:51,930
I'm just a regular guy from South Minneapolis who

386
00:20:51,930 --> 00:20:53,630
was fortunate to move to Lakeville,

387
00:20:53,630 --> 00:20:57,830
now fortunate to live in Apple Valley,

388
00:20:57,930 --> 00:21:02,370
and we asked you a couple weeks ago to sign our petition.

389
00:21:02,370 --> 00:21:06,410
Two of you have signed, Mary and Joe, and we're grateful,

390
00:21:06,410 --> 00:21:08,810
and we appreciate that.

391
00:21:09,900 --> 00:21:11,530
But also, it's only been two.

392
00:21:11,530 --> 00:21:16,570
And it is a low bar, and so we're

393
00:21:16,570 --> 00:21:18,530
hoping-- not to lecture you, but we're

394
00:21:18,530 --> 00:21:23,570
hoping you'll do the right thing and sign the petition.

395
00:21:23,570 --> 00:21:26,930
I'll have the privilege of being an election judge,

396
00:21:26,930 --> 00:21:29,930
and quite frankly, I'm scared.

397
00:21:31,290 --> 00:21:35,490
I'm scared for my fellow poll workers,

398
00:21:35,970 --> 00:21:37,810
and I'm scared for the voters that

399
00:21:37,810 --> 00:21:41,290
are going to vote in the general election.

400
00:21:41,290 --> 00:21:45,210
Michelle Blue has done an excellent job,

401
00:21:45,210 --> 00:21:50,610
and she assures us that the doors are locked.

402
00:21:50,930 --> 00:21:55,730
But I'm worried that "they" are going to find ways to bust

403
00:21:55,730 --> 00:21:57,730
the doors down.

404
00:21:59,770 --> 00:22:04,130
Please do all you can to ensure that we do

405
00:22:04,130 --> 00:22:07,650
have a free and fair election.

406
00:22:07,650 --> 00:22:10,850
Thank you very much for your time.

407
00:22:10,850 --> 00:22:12,850
Thank you.

408
00:22:15,330 --> 00:22:17,730
Next up, Kelly McGowan.

409
00:22:19,210 --> 00:22:20,950
And if I said that wrong, tell me.

410
00:22:20,950 --> 00:22:22,950
[CHUCKLES] OK, great.

411
00:22:28,770 --> 00:22:29,310
Welcome.

412
00:22:29,310 --> 00:22:29,870
Good morning.

413
00:22:29,870 --> 00:22:31,230
My name is Kelly McCowan.

414
00:22:31,230 --> 00:22:34,330
I live in Eagan, and I've been a citizen

415
00:22:34,330 --> 00:22:37,110
of Dakota County for 50 years.

416
00:22:37,110 --> 00:22:40,650
I couldn't believe it when I added that up.

417
00:22:40,650 --> 00:22:42,330
So, I was only two.

418
00:22:42,330 --> 00:22:44,330
[LAUGHTER]

419
00:22:45,250 --> 00:22:48,790
So anyway, I want to thank you for your service.

420
00:22:48,790 --> 00:22:53,730
I really know that you, from my experiences with all of you,

421
00:22:53,730 --> 00:22:55,970
that you are really dedicated and hard working

422
00:22:55,970 --> 00:22:58,930
and I really appreciate it.

423
00:22:58,930 --> 00:23:02,690
And I didn't think I would be here either,

424
00:23:02,690 --> 00:23:06,290
but I recently became a grandmother,

425
00:23:06,290 --> 00:23:14,900
and I cannot think of what might happen to our elections and have

426
00:23:16,100 --> 00:23:19,170
to tell my grandchildren that I didn't do everything that I

427
00:23:19,170 --> 00:23:21,570
could to protect them.

428
00:23:21,570 --> 00:23:26,210
And I hope that you will, too, by signing the pledge

429
00:23:26,210 --> 00:23:27,510
to protect our vote.

430
00:23:27,510 --> 00:23:29,210
Thank you.

431
00:23:29,210 --> 00:23:31,210
Thank you.

432
00:23:34,410 --> 00:23:37,410
And next up, Jen Dawson.

433
00:23:42,970 --> 00:23:43,548
Good morning.

434
00:23:43,548 --> 00:23:44,900
Good morning.

435
00:23:44,900 --> 00:23:46,777
My name is Jen Dawson and I live in Burnsville.

436
00:23:46,777 --> 00:23:48,610
First of all, I do want to thank each of you

437
00:23:48,610 --> 00:23:50,250
for your dedication and your service

438
00:23:50,250 --> 00:23:52,110
to Dakota County and our residents.

439
00:23:52,110 --> 00:23:54,610
It's truly and greatly appreciated.

440
00:23:54,610 --> 00:23:57,350
Like many of my fellow Dakota County residents,

441
00:23:57,350 --> 00:24:00,500
I'm here to express my concerns about the upcoming midterm

442
00:24:00,500 --> 00:24:01,370
elections.

443
00:24:01,370 --> 00:24:03,450
And I just want to encourage each of you

444
00:24:03,450 --> 00:24:05,890
to do your part to making sure that it

445
00:24:05,890 --> 00:24:09,210
is a free and fair election for our citizens.

446
00:24:09,210 --> 00:24:11,500
And I do want to just thank you in advance

447
00:24:11,500 --> 00:24:12,990
that that is going to happen.

448
00:24:12,990 --> 00:24:15,270
And truly, that is my only message today.

449
00:24:15,270 --> 00:24:17,290
So thank you for your service.

450
00:24:17,290 --> 00:24:19,290
Thank you.

451
00:24:23,700 --> 00:24:26,100
Next up, Duane Skar.

452
00:24:35,220 --> 00:24:36,620
Morning, commissioners.

453
00:24:36,620 --> 00:24:37,940
I'm Duane Skar.

454
00:24:37,940 --> 00:24:40,780
I live in Mendota Heights.

455
00:24:40,780 --> 00:24:45,100
Actually, I'm here because I actually went to the voting

456
00:24:45,100 --> 00:24:47,400
recently with my granddaughter.

457
00:24:47,400 --> 00:24:49,140
First voting time she has had.

458
00:24:49,140 --> 00:24:53,260
And basically with her two sisters also.

459
00:24:53,260 --> 00:24:59,160
So basically, they all observed her voting in this election.

460
00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:04,300
I just want to, again, say that I would like this vote

461
00:25:04,300 --> 00:25:08,260
to be expected and expected of us all

462
00:25:08,260 --> 00:25:11,940
to participate in this and not to sit

463
00:25:11,940 --> 00:25:13,580
on the sidelines for this.

464
00:25:13,580 --> 00:25:15,660
And I would like, if possible, for you

465
00:25:15,660 --> 00:25:19,460
to look at your own personal selves

466
00:25:19,460 --> 00:25:25,600
and sign the pledge to hold elections appropriately and fair

467
00:25:25,600 --> 00:25:26,400
for all of us.

468
00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:27,300
Thank you.

469
00:25:27,300 --> 00:25:29,300
Thank you.

470
00:25:33,420 --> 00:25:37,620
Next up, we'll hear from Brian Lowe.

471
00:25:38,900 --> 00:25:43,500
And if I got it wrong, Brian, let me know.

472
00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:45,220
Good morning.

473
00:25:45,220 --> 00:25:49,200
I was here two weeks ago urging you to sign the Freedom

474
00:25:49,200 --> 00:25:51,420
to Vote Protection Pledge.

475
00:25:51,500 --> 00:25:53,620
And I'll have to say that I was really

476
00:25:53,620 --> 00:25:57,800
impressed by your attentiveness and your politeness.

477
00:25:57,800 --> 00:26:01,280
And I'm really thrilled, I guess, gratified

478
00:26:01,820 --> 00:26:05,300
to know that our elected officials are

479
00:26:05,300 --> 00:26:07,700
receptive to our comments.

480
00:26:11,220 --> 00:26:13,200
I want to thank those of you who've already

481
00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:15,940
signed the pledge, and I want to urge the rest of you

482
00:26:15,940 --> 00:26:18,100
to sign it as well.

483
00:26:18,100 --> 00:26:21,420
I think that we're hearing this constant drumbeat

484
00:26:21,420 --> 00:26:26,600
in the news of stories about possible interference

485
00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:28,540
in the elections from the federal government.

486
00:26:28,540 --> 00:26:30,820
I don't understand why the US Postal

487
00:26:30,820 --> 00:26:32,620
system would get involved with elections

488
00:26:32,620 --> 00:26:35,200
at all, other than to deliver--

489
00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:38,200
excuse me, to deliver ballots.

490
00:26:38,140 --> 00:26:40,260
I think that probably the best way

491
00:26:40,260 --> 00:26:44,140
to make sure that the elections are conducted fairly and freely

492
00:26:44,140 --> 00:26:45,840
is not only to do the right thing,

493
00:26:45,840 --> 00:26:48,820
but to say that you're going to do the right thing beforehand

494
00:26:48,820 --> 00:26:52,680
so that it's very clear to everyone who's planning to vote,

495
00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:55,940
who wants to vote, who wants their vote to be counted,

496
00:26:55,940 --> 00:26:59,460
to know that elections are going to be

497
00:26:59,460 --> 00:27:01,860
conducted fairly and freely.

498
00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:04,580
That there will be no deviations from the law

499
00:27:04,580 --> 00:27:06,320
or from the Constitution.

500
00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:08,960
And so I urge you to sign the Pledge.

501
00:27:08,960 --> 00:27:09,700
Thank you.

502
00:27:09,700 --> 00:27:11,700
Thank you.

503
00:27:14,980 --> 00:27:16,980
And Dan Quillen.

504
00:27:24,300 --> 00:27:25,500
Good morning.

505
00:27:25,500 --> 00:27:27,240
My name is Dan Quillen.

506
00:27:27,240 --> 00:27:30,300
I live in West St. Paul.

507
00:27:30,300 --> 00:27:35,700
I'm 76 years old, and over the last six months,

508
00:27:35,780 --> 00:27:41,180
I've had an increasing concern about the upcoming election,

509
00:27:41,660 --> 00:27:45,700
and many of us that are here today share that.

510
00:27:45,700 --> 00:27:47,580
Why is that?

511
00:27:47,580 --> 00:27:51,180
It's because we've seen unprecedented political

512
00:27:53,460 --> 00:27:55,100
gerrymandering.

513
00:27:55,100 --> 00:27:59,820
We've seen proposed restrictions in mail in voting.

514
00:27:59,820 --> 00:28:02,820
We've seen a federal government obsessed

515
00:28:02,820 --> 00:28:05,200
with getting voting rolls.

516
00:28:05,200 --> 00:28:10,420
We've seen new proposed rules on proving your citizenship.

517
00:28:10,660 --> 00:28:16,460
So now, I feel compelled to be here this morning

518
00:28:16,460 --> 00:28:21,460
to share my concern, and also ask and remind

519
00:28:21,460 --> 00:28:24,340
you of the sacred responsibility that you

520
00:28:24,340 --> 00:28:27,340
have in ensuring our democracy.

521
00:28:27,660 --> 00:28:29,820
I am not alone.

522
00:28:29,820 --> 00:28:33,980
Maybe I could ask those of us who are here for the same reason

523
00:28:33,980 --> 00:28:36,980
to just briefly stand up.

524
00:28:41,140 --> 00:28:42,340
Thank you.

525
00:28:42,340 --> 00:28:44,340
Thank you.

526
00:28:50,995 --> 00:28:53,120
OK, I'm not going to be able to say this correctly,

527
00:28:53,120 --> 00:28:53,800
so let me know.

528
00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:55,800
Dr. Heidi Weatherly.

529
00:28:57,800 --> 00:28:57,900
Weatherall.

530
00:28:57,900 --> 00:28:58,660
Weatherall.

531
00:28:58,660 --> 00:29:00,440
I told you I was going to get it wrong.

532
00:29:00,440 --> 00:29:02,560
My apologies I couldn't read it.

533
00:29:02,560 --> 00:29:07,180
Good morning, and thank you for hearing what I have to say.

534
00:29:07,180 --> 00:29:10,100
My name is Heidi Weatherall.

535
00:29:10,100 --> 00:29:13,460
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

536
00:29:13,460 --> 00:29:14,840
So I'm a transplant.

537
00:29:14,840 --> 00:29:18,900
I've been in Eagan for over 30 years.

538
00:29:18,900 --> 00:29:23,100
I'm a retired biology professor, and I've

539
00:29:23,140 --> 00:29:26,600
had students from literally all over the world.

540
00:29:26,600 --> 00:29:30,200
From China, Mongolia, just all over,

541
00:29:30,240 --> 00:29:33,980
and I've been so inspired by them.

542
00:29:33,980 --> 00:29:37,580
And I've witnessed their incredible potential.

543
00:29:39,260 --> 00:29:42,420
I know that any changes in our political climate

544
00:29:42,420 --> 00:29:44,820
must come from the grassroots, and that's

545
00:29:44,820 --> 00:29:49,200
why I'm here to ask you to please protect our voting

546
00:29:49,200 --> 00:29:50,300
rights.

547
00:29:50,300 --> 00:29:55,500
And frankly, I'm appalled that this is even an issue.

548
00:29:55,500 --> 00:29:57,900
Thank you so much.

549
00:29:58,660 --> 00:30:00,660
Thank you.

550
00:30:02,380 --> 00:30:04,780
Next up, Dottie Quam.

551
00:30:06,140 --> 00:30:11,540
And tell me if I did that right, Dottie.

552
00:30:13,260 --> 00:30:19,860
Good morning, I'm Dottie Quam, and I use she/her pronouns.

553
00:30:20,180 --> 00:30:25,540
And I'm in District 5 with Liz Workman in Burnsville.

554
00:30:25,540 --> 00:30:29,580
I have a concern about the free and fair elections.

555
00:30:29,580 --> 00:30:31,580
I'm worried.

556
00:30:32,660 --> 00:30:37,460
I'm worried about worsening party polarization and corroding

557
00:30:39,980 --> 00:30:46,580
public trust in the legitimacy of the outcome of the elections.

558
00:30:46,940 --> 00:30:51,140
I'm also worried about Trump's proposed interventions

559
00:30:51,620 --> 00:30:54,200
in the voting process.

560
00:30:54,500 --> 00:30:58,460
I'm worried about the election, the overhaul bill, the Save

561
00:30:58,460 --> 00:31:00,460
America Act.

562
00:31:01,260 --> 00:31:05,380
I'm worried if federal involvement in the elections,

563
00:31:05,380 --> 00:31:10,180
like troops at the polls, come to pass.

564
00:31:10,980 --> 00:31:15,100
I'm worried about the Department of Justice

565
00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:18,100
from obtaining state voter rolls.

566
00:31:19,180 --> 00:31:23,660
I'm worried people will take for granted their voting,

567
00:31:23,660 --> 00:31:28,860
that they're going to take for granted their right to vote.

568
00:31:28,860 --> 00:31:30,380
Let me make this clear.

569
00:31:30,380 --> 00:31:31,640
I think we all know this.

570
00:31:31,640 --> 00:31:35,240
This is not a nonpartisan issue.

571
00:31:35,620 --> 00:31:40,180
If we fail here, there will be further corrosiveness

572
00:31:40,180 --> 00:31:45,260
of the two parties, the two-party system as we know it.

573
00:31:45,260 --> 00:31:46,540
Thank you.

574
00:31:46,540 --> 00:31:48,540
Thank you.

575
00:31:51,420 --> 00:31:53,820
Next up, Melissa Lowe.

576
00:31:59,460 --> 00:32:00,120
Good morning.

577
00:32:00,120 --> 00:32:03,580
My name is Melissa Lowe, and I live in Apple Valley.

578
00:32:03,580 --> 00:32:07,540
Thank you for listening to our concerns.

579
00:32:07,540 --> 00:32:09,520
I'm a retired university professor.

580
00:32:09,520 --> 00:32:11,780
I retired three years ago.

581
00:32:11,780 --> 00:32:13,820
And one of the great things about retirement

582
00:32:13,820 --> 00:32:16,220
is I can say yes to all the things I just

583
00:32:16,220 --> 00:32:20,940
didn't have time for or energy for while I was working.

584
00:32:20,940 --> 00:32:23,600
So I volunteer at my church, and I

585
00:32:23,600 --> 00:32:26,600
volunteered for food distribution delivery

586
00:32:26,580 --> 00:32:28,600
during operation Metro Surge.

587
00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:30,740
I spent a day a week in the school year

588
00:32:30,740 --> 00:32:33,500
volunteering at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis

589
00:32:33,500 --> 00:32:35,820
in a math recovery program.

590
00:32:35,820 --> 00:32:37,980
I volunteered at Apple Valley High School

591
00:32:37,980 --> 00:32:39,320
in their math department.

592
00:32:39,320 --> 00:32:41,200
I became an election judge.

593
00:32:41,200 --> 00:32:43,280
I've never been politically involved.

594
00:32:43,280 --> 00:32:47,480
I always equated politics with political gamesmanship.

595
00:32:48,420 --> 00:32:53,540
Politics is taking care of the people you are elected to serve.

596
00:32:53,540 --> 00:32:56,540
So I thank you for doing that.

597
00:32:56,540 --> 00:32:58,680
I caucused for the first time ever.

598
00:32:58,680 --> 00:33:02,860
I've spoken with my state representative and senator

599
00:33:02,860 --> 00:33:05,300
all in the last couple of years.

600
00:33:05,300 --> 00:33:11,300
And I urged candidates, when I participated as a delegate,

601
00:33:11,480 --> 00:33:13,880
I urged candidates to take care of people,

602
00:33:13,880 --> 00:33:17,620
take care of their constituents, and I have

603
00:33:17,620 --> 00:33:20,000
spoken at the board meetings.

604
00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:20,940
Thank you.

605
00:33:20,940 --> 00:33:22,940
I am also concerned about the voting

606
00:33:22,940 --> 00:33:28,380
rights and the security of our elections, especially this fall.

607
00:33:28,380 --> 00:33:30,360
Joe Atkins and Mary Hamann-Roland

608
00:33:30,360 --> 00:33:33,460
thank you for signing the pledge.

609
00:33:33,460 --> 00:33:36,600
And I'm here to urge those of you who have not yet

610
00:33:36,600 --> 00:33:40,580
signed to recommit in this public way to doing your work.

611
00:33:40,580 --> 00:33:42,300
Thank you.

612
00:33:42,300 --> 00:33:44,300
Thank you.

613
00:33:48,220 --> 00:33:50,220
Samia let's see.

614
00:33:50,340 --> 00:33:51,360
I can't read it.

615
00:33:51,360 --> 00:33:52,600
Hanafi?

616
00:33:52,600 --> 00:33:52,560
Oh not.

617
00:33:52,560 --> 00:33:54,420
I don't know what that last-- oh, tell me

618
00:33:54,420 --> 00:33:55,480
if I got it right or not.

619
00:33:55,480 --> 00:33:58,480
I can't quite read it.

620
00:33:59,100 --> 00:33:59,940
Should I do it?

621
00:33:59,940 --> 00:34:03,900
Hello, my name is Samia and I'm from Apple Valley.

622
00:34:03,900 --> 00:34:05,720
I care about our democracy.

623
00:34:05,720 --> 00:34:07,740
I care about all our neighbors.

624
00:34:07,740 --> 00:34:10,600
And I urge the board to sign the freedom

625
00:34:10,600 --> 00:34:11,620
to vote protection pledge.

626
00:34:11,620 --> 00:34:12,900
Thank you.

627
00:34:12,900 --> 00:34:14,900
Thank you.

628
00:34:17,739 --> 00:34:18,360
Let's see.

629
00:34:18,360 --> 00:34:20,360
Rukia Abdi.

630
00:34:27,340 --> 00:34:29,340
Welcome.

631
00:34:30,600 --> 00:34:30,800
Thank you.

632
00:34:30,800 --> 00:34:33,800
Good morning, Dakota County commissioners.

633
00:34:34,800 --> 00:34:35,340
And I am so--

634
00:34:35,340 --> 00:34:36,639
I'm grateful to be here.

635
00:34:36,639 --> 00:34:41,139
And I would like to thank you for allowing us

636
00:34:41,139 --> 00:34:41,880
this opportunity.

637
00:34:41,880 --> 00:34:45,600
My name is Rukia Abdi and I'm from Apple Valley.

638
00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:49,500
I'm an author, parent, educator, and a librarian.

639
00:34:49,500 --> 00:34:53,600
I do understand it's very important to remind people,

640
00:34:53,600 --> 00:34:57,700
that's what we do at the library, one thing

641
00:34:57,700 --> 00:35:01,760
that I would like and to say is thank you for your hard work.

642
00:35:01,760 --> 00:35:07,140
I know the work that's happening it's a very challenging.

643
00:35:07,140 --> 00:35:12,540
But mentioning, sometimes saying what you're doing, standing up

644
00:35:14,460 --> 00:35:16,160
is what matters.

645
00:35:16,160 --> 00:35:18,400
And especially in these days.

646
00:35:18,400 --> 00:35:21,620
We see a lot of people asking that we

647
00:35:21,620 --> 00:35:27,340
want you to sign the pledge because we want you to protect

648
00:35:27,340 --> 00:35:29,740
our voting and rights.

649
00:35:29,760 --> 00:35:32,860
To be honest with you, I did not expect

650
00:35:32,860 --> 00:35:35,840
living in the United States of America.

651
00:35:35,840 --> 00:35:39,780
I would be talking about let's protect our vote

652
00:35:39,780 --> 00:35:44,140
because I wanted to get that as a default, right.

653
00:35:44,140 --> 00:35:48,740
As I said, and as a parent educator and a librarian,

654
00:35:48,740 --> 00:35:52,540
we tell parents, for example, and my background

655
00:35:52,540 --> 00:35:53,900
is in child development.

656
00:35:53,900 --> 00:35:57,860
And before that, I would like to thank those who already signed

657
00:35:57,860 --> 00:36:00,960
it, but then here it's not only signing,

658
00:36:00,960 --> 00:36:02,880
but it's really standing up.

659
00:36:02,880 --> 00:36:07,480
And there is a period, let's call it a sensitive period,

660
00:36:07,480 --> 00:36:09,860
and I'm invested in early childhood and reading

661
00:36:09,860 --> 00:36:10,960
to our children.

662
00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:14,840
The reason I'm telling you is at certain times,

663
00:36:14,840 --> 00:36:18,260
if you do not read to your child,

664
00:36:18,260 --> 00:36:20,360
it's going to be too late to catch up.

665
00:36:20,360 --> 00:36:24,740
That's why we have so many children falling behind.

666
00:36:24,740 --> 00:36:27,720
So there is a language acquisition,

667
00:36:27,720 --> 00:36:32,340
for example, window that becomes open in certain time.

668
00:36:32,340 --> 00:36:35,280
And if you pass that, it's going to take a longer time again,

669
00:36:35,280 --> 00:36:37,460
but still it will be happening, right?

670
00:36:37,460 --> 00:36:42,340
So right now we are asking you to stand up and protect

671
00:36:42,340 --> 00:36:44,800
our rights as you're already doing.

672
00:36:44,800 --> 00:36:46,480
And I'm aware of behind the scenes,

673
00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:49,460
there is a lot happening, but the fear in the community

674
00:36:49,460 --> 00:36:53,160
is also more and they are watching you,

675
00:36:53,160 --> 00:36:55,780
they are expecting you, they are counting

676
00:36:55,780 --> 00:37:00,720
on you doing the right thing at the right time.

677
00:37:00,720 --> 00:37:03,940
It's called wisdom, we are looking forward

678
00:37:03,940 --> 00:37:06,800
to get this wisdom and see from you.

679
00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:07,980
Thank you so much.

680
00:37:07,980 --> 00:37:09,980
Thank you.

681
00:37:10,220 --> 00:37:12,220
Ahmed Ahmed.

682
00:37:19,860 --> 00:37:21,860
Welcome

683
00:37:22,600 --> 00:37:26,180
My name is Ahmed Ahmed, part of the Lakeville community.

684
00:37:26,180 --> 00:37:29,280
I'm here to tell you today-- ask you today to come

685
00:37:29,280 --> 00:37:31,840
please sign the pledge and protect the voting rights.

686
00:37:31,840 --> 00:37:32,440
Thank you.

687
00:37:32,440 --> 00:37:34,440
Thank you.

688
00:37:38,180 --> 00:37:40,180
Cheryl Mayors.

689
00:37:43,180 --> 00:37:44,900
Sorry if I got your name wrong.

690
00:37:44,900 --> 00:37:47,100
You can correct me.

691
00:37:47,100 --> 00:37:47,960
Cheryl Myers.

692
00:37:47,960 --> 00:37:49,400
Thank you very much.

693
00:37:49,400 --> 00:37:53,380
And I appreciate your time and your request

694
00:37:53,380 --> 00:37:55,960
that we have something new to say.

695
00:37:55,960 --> 00:38:00,140
I would like to acknowledge all the neighbors that

696
00:38:00,140 --> 00:38:04,340
have already express themselves and our concern

697
00:38:05,580 --> 00:38:11,580
that this process be respected and viewed as having integrity.

698
00:38:15,600 --> 00:38:19,880
We need all of us to stand up for that and support it.

699
00:38:19,880 --> 00:38:21,300
Thank you very much.

700
00:38:21,300 --> 00:38:23,300
Thank you.

701
00:38:26,860 --> 00:38:30,460
Ernesto-- let's see, is it Bernard?

702
00:38:33,580 --> 00:38:35,580
Ernesto.

703
00:38:37,980 --> 00:38:39,980
Not seeing.

704
00:38:41,380 --> 00:38:43,780
How about Hassan Muhammad?

705
00:38:52,220 --> 00:38:53,560
Good morning commissioners.

706
00:38:53,560 --> 00:38:56,200
My name is Hassan Muhammad.

707
00:38:56,200 --> 00:39:02,406
I live in Rosemont in the Apple Valley area about 13 years now.

708
00:39:02,406 --> 00:39:05,220
I'm the Imam of the Rosemont mosque.

709
00:39:05,220 --> 00:39:11,340
I came with a group that was asking for the freedom

710
00:39:11,340 --> 00:39:14,940
to vote and pledge protection pledge.

711
00:39:16,140 --> 00:39:23,940
So the community is kind of scared and they want to be free

712
00:39:24,980 --> 00:39:28,500
for voting when it comes to voting, because there

713
00:39:28,500 --> 00:39:34,500
is a lot of talk these days, a lot of citizenship questions,

714
00:39:34,500 --> 00:39:38,100
especially immigrants who became naturalized citizens.

715
00:39:38,780 --> 00:39:42,660
As we know, America is a welcoming country.

716
00:39:42,660 --> 00:39:46,940
If the person stays here and law abiding person

717
00:39:46,940 --> 00:39:53,500
and stays five years and more than that, they become citizens

718
00:39:53,500 --> 00:39:57,700
and they participate everything, including the voting.

719
00:39:57,820 --> 00:40:03,550
So we are asking commissioners to sign this pledge with a very

720
00:40:03,550 --> 00:40:05,550
simple three questions.

721
00:40:06,610 --> 00:40:10,390
Number one is abide by the US Constitution and state election

722
00:40:10,390 --> 00:40:11,630
laws.

723
00:40:11,630 --> 00:40:15,670
2, refuse to comply with any unlawful executive orders

724
00:40:15,670 --> 00:40:19,430
or data requests from the Department of Justice that

725
00:40:19,430 --> 00:40:21,830
seek to restrict voting.

726
00:40:22,550 --> 00:40:28,190
3, pledge to faithfully play a role to certify and/or cede

727
00:40:28,190 --> 00:40:31,390
the rightfully elected winners of the elections

728
00:40:31,390 --> 00:40:35,590
this November, regardless of their party elections.

729
00:40:36,830 --> 00:40:39,910
So this is a very simple ask.

730
00:40:39,910 --> 00:40:43,290
We want all of you to sign this pledge.

731
00:40:43,290 --> 00:40:44,710
Thank you very much.

732
00:40:44,710 --> 00:40:46,710
Thank you.

733
00:40:51,700 --> 00:40:53,700
Let's see.

734
00:40:54,190 --> 00:40:57,190
Ashlyn or Ashrun Domesky or--

735
00:40:59,910 --> 00:41:02,790
I got that so bad.

736
00:41:02,790 --> 00:41:07,650
I cannot wait to hear what I'm supposed to be saying.

737
00:41:07,650 --> 00:41:09,500
So welcome.

738
00:41:09,500 --> 00:41:11,500
Thank you.

739
00:41:11,470 --> 00:41:15,110
Good morning, Chairperson Halverson and commissioners, I

740
00:41:15,110 --> 00:41:18,870
appreciate being able to talk to you openly today.

741
00:41:18,870 --> 00:41:22,310
Thank you for listening, and thank you for the work

742
00:41:22,310 --> 00:41:24,470
that you do for the county.

743
00:41:24,470 --> 00:41:26,950
My name is Ash Irons Domsky.

744
00:41:26,950 --> 00:41:28,950
Ash Irons Domsky.

745
00:41:29,630 --> 00:41:30,430
Thank you.

746
00:41:30,430 --> 00:41:33,830
I work as a public health nurse at Dakota County--

747
00:41:33,830 --> 00:41:37,150
or in the Dakota County Public Health Department.

748
00:41:37,150 --> 00:41:41,830
I'm here today as a steward and member of the Minnesota Nurses

749
00:41:41,830 --> 00:41:43,830
Association.

750
00:41:44,190 --> 00:41:47,710
I would like to take a few minutes to talk about some

751
00:41:47,710 --> 00:41:50,110
of the work we do in public health

752
00:41:50,110 --> 00:41:53,750
and how it impacts Dakota County families.

753
00:41:53,750 --> 00:41:56,830
My hope is that it helps us better connect the budget

754
00:41:56,830 --> 00:42:01,300
discussion to the work happening every day.

755
00:42:01,750 --> 00:42:05,990
As public health nurses in the family home visiting program,

756
00:42:05,990 --> 00:42:10,170
we step into families homes to provide health assessments,

757
00:42:10,170 --> 00:42:12,170
education and support.

758
00:42:13,470 --> 00:42:15,990
We serve families during pregnancy and up

759
00:42:15,990 --> 00:42:18,990
to the child's second birthday.

760
00:42:19,350 --> 00:42:23,510
A typical home visit might include taking measurements

761
00:42:23,510 --> 00:42:28,310
like weighing a baby or monitoring blood pressure.

762
00:42:28,350 --> 00:42:31,350
We may then talk about nutrition and healthy choices

763
00:42:31,350 --> 00:42:33,350
with the family.

764
00:42:33,590 --> 00:42:36,990
We might even provide referrals to additional resources

765
00:42:36,990 --> 00:42:40,770
like primary and specialty care providers or food pantries,

766
00:42:40,770 --> 00:42:42,770
for example.

767
00:42:43,870 --> 00:42:47,470
Oftentimes, we assist families in navigating services

768
00:42:47,470 --> 00:42:51,700
like medical assistance or disability services,

769
00:42:51,830 --> 00:42:55,550
and in some cases, we may help a family avoid crises

770
00:42:55,550 --> 00:42:58,290
like homelessness, intimate partner violence,

771
00:42:58,290 --> 00:43:00,690
or other safety concerns.

772
00:43:02,110 --> 00:43:05,350
More broadly, during visits we strive

773
00:43:05,350 --> 00:43:09,670
to model what it means to be caring, reliable, and present so

774
00:43:09,670 --> 00:43:13,830
that parents may do the same for their children.

775
00:43:13,830 --> 00:43:17,790
We do all of this because it is effective.

776
00:43:17,790 --> 00:43:19,830
Family home visiting programs have

777
00:43:19,830 --> 00:43:22,830
proved to increase family self-sufficiency

778
00:43:22,910 --> 00:43:25,310
and decrease healthcare costs.

779
00:43:26,790 --> 00:43:30,110
Pregnant parents who participate in home visiting

780
00:43:30,110 --> 00:43:33,700
are more likely to access prenatal care

781
00:43:33,700 --> 00:43:36,150
and carry their babies to term, and they

782
00:43:36,150 --> 00:43:39,910
are less likely to have babies with low birth weight.

783
00:43:39,910 --> 00:43:41,630
There are higher rates and duration

784
00:43:41,630 --> 00:43:43,510
of breastfeeding among parents who

785
00:43:43,510 --> 00:43:45,910
participate in home visiting.

786
00:43:46,670 --> 00:43:52,700
Participants are less likely to need emergency medical care.

787
00:43:52,830 --> 00:43:55,750
Home visiting increases parent participation

788
00:43:55,750 --> 00:43:59,950
in implementing safety practices like safe sleep.

789
00:44:00,550 --> 00:44:04,670
It reduces child maltreatment and it improves

790
00:44:04,670 --> 00:44:07,700
school readiness for children.

791
00:44:08,390 --> 00:44:11,590
Family home visiting is a proven, accessible, and

792
00:44:11,590 --> 00:44:15,130
impactful way to support parents, protect children,

793
00:44:15,130 --> 00:44:17,130
and strengthen families.

794
00:44:18,710 --> 00:44:21,470
As budget discussions continue, we

795
00:44:21,470 --> 00:44:24,350
ask that decisions be viewed not only through numbers

796
00:44:24,350 --> 00:44:28,150
on a spreadsheet, but through the impact these decisions have

797
00:44:28,150 --> 00:44:30,510
on residents and on the county's ability

798
00:44:30,510 --> 00:44:32,910
to provide proper services.

799
00:44:33,710 --> 00:44:37,310
The people I work alongside are skilled,

800
00:44:37,310 --> 00:44:40,270
dedicated public servants who care deeply

801
00:44:40,270 --> 00:44:42,270
about this community.

802
00:44:42,670 --> 00:44:46,300
When positions are lost, the impact is real.

803
00:44:46,300 --> 00:44:50,230
Longer wait times reduce services, delayed responses,

804
00:44:50,230 --> 00:44:54,470
and fewer opportunities to meet the growing needs of residents.

805
00:44:54,470 --> 00:44:56,590
In family home visiting, we have a mantra

806
00:44:56,590 --> 00:44:58,750
that helps motivate our work.

807
00:44:58,750 --> 00:45:01,750
The developing child cannot wait.

808
00:45:02,550 --> 00:45:04,610
We know these decisions are difficult,

809
00:45:04,610 --> 00:45:08,710
but we also know that investing in county staff and services

810
00:45:08,710 --> 00:45:12,110
is an investment in children and our community.

811
00:45:12,110 --> 00:45:16,270
Thank you for your time, your leadership and consideration.

812
00:45:16,270 --> 00:45:18,270
Thank you.

813
00:45:22,190 --> 00:45:26,790
I really appreciate all of the comments and everything

814
00:45:26,790 --> 00:45:28,250
that we've been hearing today.

815
00:45:28,250 --> 00:45:33,500
I will ask that we refrain from reactions

816
00:45:35,670 --> 00:45:39,390
outside of who's at the podium just so that we maintain

817
00:45:39,390 --> 00:45:40,900
decorum.

818
00:45:40,900 --> 00:45:43,900
But I appreciate the participation.

819
00:45:46,150 --> 00:45:48,550
Katrina Devon, or DeVore.

820
00:45:49,950 --> 00:45:53,510
Please remind me what your last name is.

821
00:45:53,510 --> 00:45:55,690
Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

822
00:45:55,690 --> 00:45:57,910
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

823
00:45:57,910 --> 00:45:59,410
My name is Katrina DeVore.

824
00:45:59,410 --> 00:46:01,330
I work in the Public Health Department,

825
00:46:01,330 --> 00:46:03,790
and I'm the chair of the MN Bargaining Unit

826
00:46:03,790 --> 00:46:06,700
here in Dakota County.

827
00:46:06,700 --> 00:46:08,950
I am reading the following statement on behalf of one

828
00:46:08,950 --> 00:46:11,270
of my coworkers, Kristen Ness who is a public health

829
00:46:11,270 --> 00:46:13,470
nurse who planned to speak this morning

830
00:46:13,470 --> 00:46:15,990
but was unable to attend.

831
00:46:15,990 --> 00:46:18,590
The following are Kristen's words.

832
00:46:18,590 --> 00:46:20,950
I have been a public health nurse here in Dakota County

833
00:46:20,950 --> 00:46:25,710
for over 27 years, and a 30-year resident of Dakota County.

834
00:46:25,710 --> 00:46:29,110
So needless to say, I am invested in our county.

835
00:46:29,110 --> 00:46:31,690
As a member of the Minnesota Nurses Association.

836
00:46:31,690 --> 00:46:34,910
I ask that you strongly consider the importance and value

837
00:46:34,910 --> 00:46:39,700
that public health brings to the residents of Dakota County.

838
00:46:39,700 --> 00:46:41,750
We have many critical, essential programs in public health

839
00:46:41,750 --> 00:46:45,700
to keep our residents and communities safe and healthy.

840
00:46:45,700 --> 00:46:47,550
As a nurse who's worked here for a long time,

841
00:46:47,550 --> 00:46:49,230
I have had the unique opportunity

842
00:46:49,230 --> 00:46:51,300
to see firsthand how our programs have

843
00:46:51,300 --> 00:46:53,430
made a positive impact.

844
00:46:53,990 --> 00:46:57,350
Recently, I walked into work at the Western Service Center.

845
00:46:57,350 --> 00:46:59,670
When I heard someone say my name, I turned around

846
00:46:59,670 --> 00:47:01,710
and it was one of my very first clients

847
00:47:01,710 --> 00:47:04,510
that I worked with 27 years ago.

848
00:47:04,510 --> 00:47:08,250
I made nurse home visits during her high risk pregnancy,

849
00:47:08,250 --> 00:47:09,870
and then postpartum and parenting

850
00:47:09,870 --> 00:47:11,790
of both of her children.

851
00:47:11,790 --> 00:47:14,550
She shared that her now adult children are doing well

852
00:47:14,550 --> 00:47:17,910
and thanked me for helping her all those years ago.

853
00:47:17,910 --> 00:47:21,510
I couldn't believe she remembered me.

854
00:47:21,510 --> 00:47:24,710
Another family I worked with more recently

855
00:47:24,710 --> 00:47:26,570
has a child with asthma.

856
00:47:26,570 --> 00:47:28,790
Upon my first visit with them, they

857
00:47:28,790 --> 00:47:31,370
had questions about their daughter's medical insurance,

858
00:47:31,370 --> 00:47:33,470
asthma symptoms and told me she was

859
00:47:33,470 --> 00:47:35,670
unable to run without coughing and struggling

860
00:47:35,670 --> 00:47:37,430
with shortness of breath.

861
00:47:37,430 --> 00:47:40,410
The child had missed a lot of school due to breathing issues.

862
00:47:40,410 --> 00:47:42,710
She was not sleeping well at night and on the days

863
00:47:42,710 --> 00:47:45,910
she was in school, she was exhausted.

864
00:47:45,910 --> 00:47:49,100
We spent time discussing the child's insurance,

865
00:47:49,100 --> 00:47:50,770
helping set up a pediatrician appointment,

866
00:47:50,770 --> 00:47:52,670
and talked about environmental triggers that

867
00:47:52,670 --> 00:47:56,300
may have been causing some of her breathing problems.

868
00:47:56,300 --> 00:47:59,310
We discussed when to go to the clinic versus the emergency

869
00:47:59,310 --> 00:48:03,110
room, and how to follow an asthma action plan.

870
00:48:03,110 --> 00:48:05,650
I did a follow up home visit a few weeks later,

871
00:48:05,650 --> 00:48:09,150
and the child was so excited to show me her new inhalers.

872
00:48:09,150 --> 00:48:11,510
She also told me that she could run without coughing

873
00:48:11,510 --> 00:48:13,510
and loved recess.

874
00:48:13,590 --> 00:48:16,270
Her mom reported that her daughter was not missing school

875
00:48:16,270 --> 00:48:19,910
and that she was sleeping much better without coughing.

876
00:48:19,910 --> 00:48:21,590
These are just a couple of the thousands

877
00:48:21,590 --> 00:48:24,750
of stories we have from working with families.

878
00:48:24,750 --> 00:48:26,710
We make a difference.

879
00:48:26,710 --> 00:48:29,790
Currently, we are already short staffed.

880
00:48:29,790 --> 00:48:32,590
We carry higher caseloads and some programs

881
00:48:32,590 --> 00:48:35,510
are starting to implement a waitlist.

882
00:48:35,510 --> 00:48:37,270
We have lost nurses to other counties

883
00:48:37,270 --> 00:48:40,510
and turnover is expensive and stressful.

884
00:48:40,510 --> 00:48:44,110
We want to serve our residents efficiently and effectively.

885
00:48:44,110 --> 00:48:46,970
We know the upcoming levy decisions are difficult,

886
00:48:46,970 --> 00:48:49,250
but when we have a strong public health department,

887
00:48:49,250 --> 00:48:52,390
our community and workforce are stronger and healthier.

888
00:48:52,390 --> 00:48:55,630
Thank you for your time, leadership and consideration.

889
00:48:55,630 --> 00:48:57,630
Thank you.

890
00:48:58,150 --> 00:49:02,350
Next up, we've got Pastor Tim McKee.

891
00:49:03,990 --> 00:49:05,490
Maybe.

892
00:49:05,490 --> 00:49:07,300
Maybe.

893
00:49:07,300 --> 00:49:09,230
I thought it might be Maybe.

894
00:49:09,230 --> 00:49:12,610
Yeah. they're like, it can't be maybe, can it?

895
00:49:12,610 --> 00:49:13,530
Yeah, it is.

896
00:49:13,530 --> 00:49:14,300
Yeah.

897
00:49:14,300 --> 00:49:14,870
OK.

898
00:49:14,870 --> 00:49:15,470
Yes.

899
00:49:15,470 --> 00:49:16,230
Pastor Maybe.

900
00:49:16,230 --> 00:49:17,330
Thank you so much.

901
00:49:17,330 --> 00:49:20,230
And thank you to the whole board of commissioners

902
00:49:20,230 --> 00:49:22,970
here for the work that you do in serving this community.

903
00:49:22,970 --> 00:49:24,850
It's a community that I love very much.

904
00:49:24,850 --> 00:49:26,910
And so, thank you.

905
00:49:26,910 --> 00:49:30,430
I serve as the lead pastor at Amazing Grace Lutheran

906
00:49:30,430 --> 00:49:33,900
Church in Inver Grove Heights, right off of Robert Trail,

907
00:49:33,900 --> 00:49:36,300
and have been doing so for about five years now.

908
00:49:36,300 --> 00:49:38,550
As I see it, disenfranchisement of our neighbors

909
00:49:38,550 --> 00:49:42,390
is a moral failure for which we are all responsible.

910
00:49:42,390 --> 00:49:44,230
This is because self-determination

911
00:49:44,230 --> 00:49:47,990
is the bedrock of liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

912
00:49:47,990 --> 00:49:51,390
Two things that we seem to think are very important.

913
00:49:51,390 --> 00:49:53,490
The message is coming from the federal government,

914
00:49:53,490 --> 00:49:55,190
built largely on falsehoods regarding

915
00:49:55,190 --> 00:49:57,710
our neighbors and massive voting fraud,

916
00:49:57,710 --> 00:50:01,700
bear false witness against all of us.

917
00:50:01,700 --> 00:50:04,170
We, as citizens in your jurisdiction,

918
00:50:04,170 --> 00:50:06,350
need to know that any attempts to undermine

919
00:50:06,350 --> 00:50:09,230
the vote of our neighbors will be opposed.

920
00:50:09,230 --> 00:50:11,990
In my mind, this includes opposing any efforts

921
00:50:11,990 --> 00:50:15,490
to access voting records for political purposes,

922
00:50:15,490 --> 00:50:18,550
taking over voting counts, refusing to seat elected

923
00:50:18,550 --> 00:50:23,430
officials, and sending troops to intimidate and police voters.

924
00:50:23,430 --> 00:50:25,130
I urge you, along with many others,

925
00:50:25,130 --> 00:50:27,830
to sign the pledge that has been sent to you to protect

926
00:50:27,830 --> 00:50:29,530
our elections.

927
00:50:29,530 --> 00:50:33,110
Finally, I know what it means to be called to serve a community,

928
00:50:33,110 --> 00:50:36,130
and I hope that you take that calling very seriously.

929
00:50:36,130 --> 00:50:41,830
Your work is sacred, and holding these elections sacred as well

930
00:50:41,830 --> 00:50:43,830
is something we're all responsible for.

931
00:50:43,830 --> 00:50:45,150
Thank you.

932
00:50:45,150 --> 00:50:47,150
Thank you.

933
00:50:50,950 --> 00:50:52,950
Regina Gavin.

934
00:50:56,700 --> 00:50:56,710
Welcome

935
00:50:56,710 --> 00:50:57,910
Yeah, thank you.

936
00:50:57,910 --> 00:51:00,150
Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

937
00:51:00,150 --> 00:51:02,430
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

938
00:51:02,430 --> 00:51:05,430
My name is Regina, and I work in the Public Health Department

939
00:51:05,430 --> 00:51:06,750
at Dakota County.

940
00:51:06,750 --> 00:51:08,832
I'm also a proud Dakota County resident.

941
00:51:08,832 --> 00:51:10,790
It's an honor and a privilege to live and serve

942
00:51:10,790 --> 00:51:12,143
the community here.

943
00:51:12,143 --> 00:51:14,310
I wanted to take a few minutes to connect the budget

944
00:51:14,310 --> 00:51:16,230
discussion to the work happening every day

945
00:51:16,230 --> 00:51:18,190
across our organization.

946
00:51:18,190 --> 00:51:21,870
The work we do matters deeply to residents, and often in moments

947
00:51:21,870 --> 00:51:23,910
when they need the help the most.

948
00:51:23,910 --> 00:51:26,500
In my role, I'm an epidemiologist,

949
00:51:26,500 --> 00:51:29,350
I lead investigations for vaccine preventable diseases

950
00:51:29,350 --> 00:51:31,230
such as Whooping Cough and measles,

951
00:51:31,230 --> 00:51:35,150
and also tuberculosis contact investigation for Dakota County.

952
00:51:35,150 --> 00:51:37,750
I've been in my role for about five years.

953
00:51:37,750 --> 00:51:41,190
I'm the only infectious disease epidemiologist in the County

954
00:51:41,190 --> 00:51:45,590
and one of two epidemiologists in the entire County.

955
00:51:45,590 --> 00:51:50,230
It takes a lot of training and expertise to get to my level.

956
00:51:50,230 --> 00:51:52,830
During measles investigations, I interview cases

957
00:51:52,830 --> 00:51:56,130
and identify places the cases spend time while infectious,

958
00:51:56,130 --> 00:51:58,270
and also identify unvaccinated people

959
00:51:58,270 --> 00:52:00,510
who are exposed to the measles case during the cases

960
00:52:00,510 --> 00:52:02,350
infectious period.

961
00:52:02,350 --> 00:52:05,790
In order to keep our community healthy and safe,

962
00:52:05,790 --> 00:52:07,410
and to stop measles from spreading,

963
00:52:07,410 --> 00:52:09,830
my team and I also actively monitor and exclude

964
00:52:09,830 --> 00:52:11,870
from the public settings unvaccinated

965
00:52:11,870 --> 00:52:15,310
individuals who are exposed to measles cases.

966
00:52:15,310 --> 00:52:17,150
When we get notified about measles cases

967
00:52:17,150 --> 00:52:21,830
due to how quickly measles can spread, we respond immediately.

968
00:52:21,830 --> 00:52:24,350
I interview cases and work late into the evening, taking

969
00:52:24,350 --> 00:52:26,270
precious time away from my family in order

970
00:52:26,270 --> 00:52:27,690
to protect our community.

971
00:52:27,690 --> 00:52:30,710
I even spent the evening of my child's first birthday

972
00:52:30,710 --> 00:52:32,990
working late on a measles investigation

973
00:52:32,990 --> 00:52:34,830
because measles doesn't wait, it doesn't

974
00:52:34,830 --> 00:52:37,590
care if it's your birthday or your child's birthday.

975
00:52:37,590 --> 00:52:40,900
These interviews aren't just about ascertaining information,

976
00:52:40,900 --> 00:52:42,990
it's being with a community member

977
00:52:42,990 --> 00:52:44,610
during a really challenging time.

978
00:52:44,610 --> 00:52:46,430
Usually, I'm talking with a parent

979
00:52:46,430 --> 00:52:49,610
while their child is very, very sick and ill in the hospital.

980
00:52:49,610 --> 00:52:52,150
Typically, a lot of tears are shed.

981
00:52:52,150 --> 00:52:54,750
It's a lot emotionally, and we try

982
00:52:54,750 --> 00:52:56,990
to relate as parents as well.

983
00:52:56,990 --> 00:52:59,350
The work I do keeps diseases from spreading

984
00:52:59,350 --> 00:53:02,430
into the community and protects our most vulnerable residents,

985
00:53:02,430 --> 00:53:05,910
such as infants that are way too young to get vaccinated, older

986
00:53:05,910 --> 00:53:07,790
adults and also immunocompromised

987
00:53:07,790 --> 00:53:09,510
individuals such as those receiving

988
00:53:09,510 --> 00:53:11,190
chemotherapy treatment.

989
00:53:11,190 --> 00:53:14,930
With measles case counts at the highest levels in 35 years, yes,

990
00:53:14,930 --> 00:53:18,700
35 years, and vaccination rates dropping in Minnesota

991
00:53:18,700 --> 00:53:19,750
and across the nation, we are very

992
00:53:19,750 --> 00:53:22,310
susceptible to more infectious disease outbreaks, including

993
00:53:22,310 --> 00:53:24,310
more measles outbreaks.

994
00:53:24,830 --> 00:53:27,290
There's measles outbreaks going across the nation,

995
00:53:27,290 --> 00:53:30,300
including in our neighboring states.

996
00:53:30,300 --> 00:53:32,190
My teams and my workload is and will be

997
00:53:32,190 --> 00:53:33,570
increasing in the coming years.

998
00:53:33,570 --> 00:53:34,730
It's a lot to handle right now.

999
00:53:34,730 --> 00:53:36,230
I can't even imagine what it's going

1000
00:53:36,230 --> 00:53:38,700
to be like in the coming years.

1001
00:53:38,700 --> 00:53:39,890
To keep our community safe and healthy,

1002
00:53:39,890 --> 00:53:42,590
we need to increase our staffing to meet the rising

1003
00:53:42,590 --> 00:53:45,950
demands of our growing county, not cut staffing and public

1004
00:53:45,950 --> 00:53:48,310
services such as public health.

1005
00:53:48,310 --> 00:53:50,190
As budget discussions continue, we

1006
00:53:50,190 --> 00:53:53,190
ask that staffing decisions be viewed not only through numbers

1007
00:53:53,190 --> 00:53:55,587
on a spreadsheet, but also through the impact

1008
00:53:55,587 --> 00:53:57,670
those decisions have on residents and the county's

1009
00:53:57,670 --> 00:54:00,830
ability to provide reliable, timely, and effective services

1010
00:54:00,830 --> 00:54:03,150
such as responding to disease outbreaks.

1011
00:54:03,150 --> 00:54:06,100
Our staff are really skilled, compassionate,

1012
00:54:06,100 --> 00:54:09,190
really care deeply about our community

1013
00:54:09,190 --> 00:54:13,700
and just do the work because we really care.

1014
00:54:13,700 --> 00:54:15,470
I don't really know what more to say about that.

1015
00:54:15,470 --> 00:54:17,770
When positions are lost, the impact is very real.

1016
00:54:17,770 --> 00:54:19,510
We'll feel it at the County.

1017
00:54:19,510 --> 00:54:21,770
Longer wait times, reduced services,

1018
00:54:21,770 --> 00:54:24,350
delayed responses, and fewer opportunities

1019
00:54:24,350 --> 00:54:26,230
to meet the growing needs of residents.

1020
00:54:26,230 --> 00:54:28,750
We know you guys are making really difficult decisions right

1021
00:54:28,750 --> 00:54:31,590
now with the budget discussions, and we also

1022
00:54:31,590 --> 00:54:33,630
know that investing in County staff

1023
00:54:33,630 --> 00:54:36,430
is an investment in the people who rely on County services

1024
00:54:36,430 --> 00:54:40,630
every single day, including our most vulnerable.

1025
00:54:40,732 --> 00:54:42,190
Thank you for your time, leadership

1026
00:54:42,190 --> 00:54:44,190
and your consideration.

1027
00:54:44,270 --> 00:54:45,430
Thank you.

1028
00:54:45,430 --> 00:54:49,630
And next up, we've got Natalie Stone.

1029
00:54:50,630 --> 00:54:55,390
And you can tell me if I got that wrong, Natalie.

1030
00:54:55,390 --> 00:54:56,290
Nope, you're right.

1031
00:54:56,290 --> 00:54:56,890
Thank you.

1032
00:54:56,890 --> 00:54:57,430
[CHUCKLING]

1033
00:54:57,430 --> 00:55:00,470
Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

1034
00:55:00,470 --> 00:55:02,270
As I said, my name is Natalie.

1035
00:55:02,270 --> 00:55:05,590
I'm a public health nurse at the Dakota County Public Health

1036
00:55:05,590 --> 00:55:07,350
Office.

1037
00:55:07,350 --> 00:55:12,150
A lot of my fellow folks in red from the public health office

1038
00:55:12,150 --> 00:55:15,230
have mentioned a lot of the things I was going to say,

1039
00:55:15,230 --> 00:55:18,630
so I'll try to keep it short.

1040
00:55:18,630 --> 00:55:21,510
Once again, thank you for the opportunity to speak.

1041
00:55:21,510 --> 00:55:27,990
And I too wanted to connect the county budget with the work we

1042
00:55:27,990 --> 00:55:30,210
do at the Public Health Office.

1043
00:55:30,210 --> 00:55:34,640
And I specifically am the only public health nurse

1044
00:55:34,640 --> 00:55:38,560
in Dakota County that works with children with elevated blood

1045
00:55:38,560 --> 00:55:40,560
lead levels.

1046
00:55:40,600 --> 00:55:44,800
Identifying those children, connecting with the families,

1047
00:55:47,200 --> 00:55:52,880
doing education, trying to help them find the source of lead

1048
00:55:52,880 --> 00:55:58,880
is very important as sometimes children that have lead exposure

1049
00:56:01,320 --> 00:56:05,840
can end up with lifelong intellectual and physical

1050
00:56:05,840 --> 00:56:08,240
detriments because of it.

1051
00:56:08,640 --> 00:56:11,320
So it's really important work.

1052
00:56:11,320 --> 00:56:15,760
And I also do a lot of public events

1053
00:56:15,760 --> 00:56:21,160
to help connect people with resources in the community.

1054
00:56:23,160 --> 00:56:25,200
We get a lot of phone calls from people

1055
00:56:25,200 --> 00:56:28,720
that are desperate for help, and we do our best to help them.

1056
00:56:28,720 --> 00:56:32,960
Because it's not just me, all of us at the Public Health Office

1057
00:56:32,960 --> 00:56:36,780
do it because we're so passionate about it.

1058
00:56:36,780 --> 00:56:43,380
You all know how it feels to be passionate about helping

1059
00:56:43,760 --> 00:56:46,640
the citizens of Dakota County.

1060
00:56:46,640 --> 00:56:50,460
Which I also have lived here pretty much my whole life.

1061
00:56:50,460 --> 00:56:52,540
So not only do I work for Dakota County,

1062
00:56:52,540 --> 00:56:56,720
but I've lived here for 46 of my 47 years.

1063
00:56:56,720 --> 00:57:00,320
And it's already been mentioned, I

1064
00:57:01,960 --> 00:57:07,960
know it's a tough balance when trying to figure out the budget.

1065
00:57:07,960 --> 00:57:10,800
I just ask you to please consider all the work

1066
00:57:10,800 --> 00:57:13,800
that we do at the Public Health Office

1067
00:57:13,800 --> 00:57:16,720
when trying to make that decision.

1068
00:57:16,720 --> 00:57:19,840
Those of us that work at the Dakota County Public Health

1069
00:57:19,840 --> 00:57:23,160
Office are very skilled in what we

1070
00:57:23,160 --> 00:57:26,400
do, very passionate about what we do and would

1071
00:57:26,400 --> 00:57:28,760
like to continue doing it.

1072
00:57:28,760 --> 00:57:31,160
Thank you so much.

1073
00:57:31,360 --> 00:57:32,760
Thank you.

1074
00:57:32,760 --> 00:57:36,780
We have gone through the list of folks who have signed up.

1075
00:57:36,780 --> 00:57:39,680
However, if there are others who did not get to sign up

1076
00:57:39,680 --> 00:57:45,800
and still wish to speak, this is your time.

1077
00:57:47,800 --> 00:57:49,200
I think we've got--

1078
00:57:49,200 --> 00:57:50,140
OK, go ahead.

1079
00:57:50,140 --> 00:57:51,140
Were you coming forward?

1080
00:57:51,140 --> 00:57:52,160
OK.

1081
00:57:52,160 --> 00:57:53,480
Right.

1082
00:57:53,480 --> 00:57:54,342
Welcome.

1083
00:57:54,342 --> 00:57:55,300
Good morning, everyone.

1084
00:57:55,300 --> 00:57:57,382
Once again, you've got five minutes.

1085
00:57:57,382 --> 00:57:58,340
Good morning, everyone.

1086
00:57:58,340 --> 00:58:00,960
My name is Greg Buck and I'd like

1087
00:58:00,960 --> 00:58:06,240
to speak in support of the first speakers here.

1088
00:58:06,240 --> 00:58:09,120
One thing I'd like to point out, based

1089
00:58:09,120 --> 00:58:13,920
on Mr. Lopach's presentation, which was quite detailed.

1090
00:58:17,000 --> 00:58:21,720
I'd like to have everyone, I guess, think

1091
00:58:21,720 --> 00:58:25,760
back to when they first started voting.

1092
00:58:25,760 --> 00:58:32,360
And I think that you will find that voting systems have

1093
00:58:32,960 --> 00:58:35,360
become incredibly complex compared

1094
00:58:36,760 --> 00:58:40,360
to where we all started out.

1095
00:58:40,720 --> 00:58:44,920
And along with that, our election statutes

1096
00:58:45,480 --> 00:58:48,840
have also been deepened and broadened

1097
00:58:48,840 --> 00:58:51,120
and become also complex.

1098
00:58:51,120 --> 00:58:55,440
And I think that there is an existing problem

1099
00:58:55,440 --> 00:59:00,240
between the level of technical complexity and statutes

1100
00:59:02,560 --> 00:59:05,600
that I would like to have the board just

1101
00:59:05,600 --> 00:59:12,200
consider as it has to do with conforming the equipment that's

1102
00:59:14,760 --> 00:59:17,280
being used with the statutes.

1103
00:59:17,280 --> 00:59:18,600
Thank you very much.

1104
00:59:18,600 --> 00:59:21,000
Thank you very much.

1105
00:59:21,560 --> 00:59:22,160
Welcome.

1106
00:59:22,160 --> 00:59:26,360
I see someone else is coming forward.

1107
00:59:26,720 --> 00:59:28,638
I'm Catherine Good Bierzyn.

1108
00:59:28,638 --> 00:59:30,180
Though I don't live in Dakota County,

1109
00:59:30,180 --> 00:59:34,620
I do work for Dakota County and I do pay Lakeville levy schools.

1110
00:59:34,620 --> 00:59:36,620
So lucky me.

1111
00:59:36,620 --> 00:59:39,620
[CHUCKLES] Just quickly, I'm here

1112
00:59:40,800 --> 00:59:43,800
for AFSCME and Social Services.

1113
00:59:44,240 --> 00:59:48,440
And we also, at AFSCME, support ENEA.

1114
00:59:48,840 --> 00:59:50,860
So we consider the following.

1115
00:59:50,860 --> 00:59:54,640
When you're voting for levy and discussing your budget,

1116
00:59:54,640 --> 00:59:57,880
many of us are the sole members of carrying health insurance

1117
00:59:57,880 --> 00:59:59,880
for our families.

1118
01:00:00,400 --> 01:00:02,580
My husband works for a very, very small company.

1119
01:00:02,580 --> 01:00:06,760
They don't have health insurance, so it's me

1120
01:00:06,760 --> 01:00:09,200
or we don't have any.

1121
01:00:09,200 --> 01:00:13,400
Also, some of us have had babies recently

1122
01:00:13,400 --> 01:00:16,280
and we have incurred costs now.

1123
01:00:16,280 --> 01:00:20,480
And people need their jobs to survive

1124
01:00:20,680 --> 01:00:22,960
and don't have additional income to fall on

1125
01:00:22,960 --> 01:00:26,200
while they search for a new job in a market that

1126
01:00:26,200 --> 01:00:29,120
is as discouraging at best.

1127
01:00:29,120 --> 01:00:32,960
Cutting jobs leads to shifting the tasks to others

1128
01:00:32,960 --> 01:00:36,000
and increasing the rate of burnout.

1129
01:00:36,000 --> 01:00:38,360
Cutting costs leads to many services

1130
01:00:38,360 --> 01:00:42,280
the county provides, limiting hours and directly impacting

1131
01:00:42,280 --> 01:00:45,240
the residents of Dakota County.

1132
01:00:45,240 --> 01:00:50,640
And cutting costs leads to longer wait times, caseloads

1133
01:00:52,640 --> 01:00:58,360
getting bigger, and for more and more stress on a very stressed

1134
01:00:58,360 --> 01:01:00,360
system as is.

1135
01:01:00,680 --> 01:01:02,680
Thank you.

1136
01:01:03,632 --> 01:01:04,840
Looks like I've got one more.

1137
01:01:04,840 --> 01:01:05,900
Welcome.

1138
01:01:05,900 --> 01:01:08,720
Please introduce yourself for the record, please.

1139
01:01:08,720 --> 01:01:09,320
OK.

1140
01:01:09,320 --> 01:01:12,780
Mary Johnson [? Christianson, ?] and I was here two weeks ago,

1141
01:01:12,780 --> 01:01:16,400
and I had told everybody that I was at the Dakota County fair,

1142
01:01:16,400 --> 01:01:17,780
talked to Dakota County sheriffs,

1143
01:01:17,780 --> 01:01:20,640
and they had not had any conversations about the midterm

1144
01:01:20,640 --> 01:01:21,920
elections.

1145
01:01:21,920 --> 01:01:24,000
I have signed up to be an election judge.

1146
01:01:24,000 --> 01:01:26,000
I'm afraid also.

1147
01:01:26,400 --> 01:01:28,380
I'm afraid what might happen at the polls.

1148
01:01:28,380 --> 01:01:32,880
I'm afraid what'd happen when the votes come back

1149
01:01:32,880 --> 01:01:34,880
to Dakota County.

1150
01:01:34,920 --> 01:01:37,960
Have you talked to the Dakota County sheriffs

1151
01:01:37,960 --> 01:01:39,260
in the last two weeks?

1152
01:01:39,260 --> 01:01:43,800
Are you being a group about how to prepare

1153
01:01:43,800 --> 01:01:46,720
to make the election safe for all of us

1154
01:01:46,720 --> 01:01:48,380
so that people aren't afraid?

1155
01:01:48,380 --> 01:01:52,160
So there aren't people outside, ICE people

1156
01:01:52,160 --> 01:01:55,440
or whatever with guns that make people afraid,

1157
01:01:55,440 --> 01:01:58,280
who are people of color to even come to the polls?

1158
01:01:58,280 --> 01:02:01,240
I mean, I think it's important that we anticipate

1159
01:02:01,240 --> 01:02:02,860
all the things that might happen,

1160
01:02:02,860 --> 01:02:06,000
the things that we know about right now that might happen

1161
01:02:06,000 --> 01:02:07,480
and that we've had the discussions

1162
01:02:07,480 --> 01:02:11,660
so we can make the elections as fair and as safe as possible.

1163
01:02:11,660 --> 01:02:12,380
Thank you.

1164
01:02:12,380 --> 01:02:14,380
Thank you.

1165
01:02:17,280 --> 01:02:18,900
Welcome.

1166
01:02:18,900 --> 01:02:20,200
My name is Anne Schram.

1167
01:02:20,200 --> 01:02:22,120
I live in Inver Grove Heights.

1168
01:02:22,120 --> 01:02:26,160
I also believe that we should follow the Constitution,

1169
01:02:26,160 --> 01:02:29,140
and I believe that we should have fair elections.

1170
01:02:29,140 --> 01:02:33,120
And I also believe that legal citizens should be voting.

1171
01:02:33,120 --> 01:02:37,400
And I don't think there needs to be fear at the election

1172
01:02:37,400 --> 01:02:40,840
or during the election or outside the polls

1173
01:02:40,840 --> 01:02:43,240
if that's what's happening.

1174
01:02:43,400 --> 01:02:47,000
And I also believe that our elections will be fair and safe

1175
01:02:47,000 --> 01:02:50,600
if we address the modem issue.

1176
01:02:50,600 --> 01:02:55,160
We need to know that our votes are being counted properly

1177
01:02:55,160 --> 01:02:57,920
and that they're not being changed.

1178
01:02:57,920 --> 01:02:58,880
Thank you.

1179
01:02:58,880 --> 01:03:00,880
Thank you.

1180
01:03:06,480 --> 01:03:07,600
Excellent.

1181
01:03:07,600 --> 01:03:08,840
I just want to be sure.

1182
01:03:08,840 --> 01:03:11,100
Sometimes it takes me a minute to get out of my chair.

1183
01:03:11,100 --> 01:03:14,920
So I wanted to be sure that everybody had a chance.

1184
01:03:14,920 --> 01:03:17,760
Thank you to everybody who came forward.

1185
01:03:17,760 --> 01:03:21,920
This is an important time in terms

1186
01:03:21,920 --> 01:03:25,600
of making sure that people can have their voices heard.

1187
01:03:25,600 --> 01:03:27,660
I really appreciate the decorum.

1188
01:03:27,660 --> 01:03:30,280
I appreciate the thoughtfulness that everyone

1189
01:03:30,280 --> 01:03:32,680
brought to their statements.

1190
01:03:33,520 --> 01:03:37,240
And you are always available to reach out

1191
01:03:37,240 --> 01:03:38,780
to the Dakota County Board.

1192
01:03:38,780 --> 01:03:41,480
If you can't be here at 9:00 o'clock on a board meeting day,

1193
01:03:41,480 --> 01:03:46,720
you can email, you can write to your county commissioners,

1194
01:03:46,720 --> 01:03:50,800
and encourage you to do all of those things.

1195
01:03:50,800 --> 01:03:55,100
I will say, you notice that this isn't a back and forth,

1196
01:03:55,100 --> 01:03:58,920
and it's really your testimony and it's your time.

1197
01:03:58,920 --> 01:04:04,200
That said, we will, during the county manager's report,

1198
01:04:04,200 --> 01:04:07,220
hear from Ms. Blue regarding elections.

1199
01:04:07,220 --> 01:04:10,760
And so the county manager does make time available

1200
01:04:10,760 --> 01:04:12,320
for us to get reports.

1201
01:04:12,320 --> 01:04:15,420
And this is a timely item.

1202
01:04:15,420 --> 01:04:18,360
And we will hear from Ms. Blue after we finish

1203
01:04:18,360 --> 01:04:20,440
the rest of our regular agenda.

1204
01:04:20,440 --> 01:04:23,920
You also heard, and what really struck me

1205
01:04:23,920 --> 01:04:29,120
with all these comments is the weight and the breadth

1206
01:04:29,120 --> 01:04:30,950
that we deal with at the county.

1207
01:04:30,950 --> 01:04:32,700
And we don't just deal with it as a board,

1208
01:04:32,700 --> 01:04:35,980
we deal with it with staff and we deal with it with the public.

1209
01:04:35,980 --> 01:04:39,220
I've always said policy making is a team sport.

1210
01:04:39,220 --> 01:04:43,120
So that said, we appreciate you being here

1211
01:04:43,120 --> 01:04:44,900
and being part of that process.

1212
01:04:44,900 --> 01:04:51,800
So with that, we can move on to all the super exciting stuff

1213
01:04:51,800 --> 01:04:54,200
like approving our agenda.

1214
01:04:54,240 --> 01:04:55,420
So move, Madam Chair.

1215
01:04:55,420 --> 01:04:57,600
So we have a motion.

1216
01:04:57,600 --> 01:04:59,460
Is there a second?

1217
01:04:59,540 --> 01:05:00,400
Excellent.

1218
01:05:00,400 --> 01:05:00,930
Thank you very much.

1219
01:05:00,930 --> 01:05:02,180
We have a motion and a second.

1220
01:05:02,180 --> 01:05:04,400
Any discussion to the motion?

1221
01:05:04,400 --> 01:05:04,720
Hearing none.

1222
01:05:04,720 --> 01:05:06,460
All those in favor, please say aye.

1223
01:05:06,460 --> 01:05:06,960
Aye.

1224
01:05:06,960 --> 01:05:07,460
Aye.

1225
01:05:07,460 --> 01:05:07,960
Any opposed?

1226
01:05:07,960 --> 01:05:08,480
No?

1227
01:05:08,480 --> 01:05:09,900
That motion prevails.

1228
01:05:09,900 --> 01:05:13,300
Next up we have our consent agenda.

1229
01:05:13,300 --> 01:05:18,520
Are there changes or is there a motion to approve?

1230
01:05:18,520 --> 01:05:19,920
Second.

1231
01:05:19,920 --> 01:05:22,700
We have a motion to approve and we have a second.

1232
01:05:22,700 --> 01:05:24,800
Thank you very much.

1233
01:05:24,800 --> 01:05:25,780
We will roll call this item.

1234
01:05:25,780 --> 01:05:27,560
Jenny, would you please take the roll?

1235
01:05:27,560 --> 01:05:28,800
Commissioner Workman.

1236
01:05:28,800 --> 01:05:29,300
Yes.

1237
01:05:29,300 --> 01:05:30,133
Commissioner Atkins.

1238
01:05:30,133 --> 01:05:30,640
Yes.

1239
01:05:30,640 --> 01:05:31,520
Commissioner Holberg.

1240
01:05:31,520 --> 01:05:32,160
Yes.

1241
01:05:32,160 --> 01:05:33,240
Commissioner Halverson.

1242
01:05:33,240 --> 01:05:33,758
Yes.

1243
01:05:33,758 --> 01:05:34,300
Commissioner.

1244
01:05:34,300 --> 01:05:34,800
Droste.

1245
01:05:34,800 --> 01:05:35,380
Yes.

1246
01:05:35,380 --> 01:05:36,320
Commissioner Hamann-Roland.

1247
01:05:36,320 --> 01:05:36,780
Yes.

1248
01:05:36,780 --> 01:05:37,613
Commissioner Slavik.

1249
01:05:37,613 --> 01:05:38,240
Yes.

1250
01:05:38,240 --> 01:05:40,800
Thank you.

1251
01:05:40,800 --> 01:05:43,160
Next up, we move to our regular agenda.

1252
01:05:43,160 --> 01:05:46,360
We have a presentation on environmental resources

1253
01:05:46,360 --> 01:05:49,120
for the certificate of Dakota County portion

1254
01:05:49,120 --> 01:05:53,200
of the 2027 Vermilion River Watershed management tax

1255
01:05:53,200 --> 01:05:55,600
district Proposed Tax Levy.

1256
01:05:56,240 --> 01:05:58,240
Welcome.

1257
01:06:00,544 --> 01:06:02,660
Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

1258
01:06:02,660 --> 01:06:05,120
I'm Travis Thiel, administrator for the Vermilion River

1259
01:06:05,120 --> 01:06:07,240
Watershed Joint Powers organization,

1260
01:06:07,240 --> 01:06:09,240
also a supervisor in the Environmental Resources

1261
01:06:09,240 --> 01:06:11,160
Department.

1262
01:06:11,160 --> 01:06:16,280
Today, I will provide you with a high-level overview

1263
01:06:16,280 --> 01:06:20,480
of the Vermilion River Watersheds proposed 2027 budget.

1264
01:06:20,960 --> 01:06:23,880
A breakdown of the budget by program area

1265
01:06:23,880 --> 01:06:26,520
and a breakdown of the proposed levy.

1266
01:06:26,520 --> 01:06:28,600
I'll display the historical levies and tax rates

1267
01:06:28,600 --> 01:06:31,000
for the Vermilion River Watershed,

1268
01:06:31,000 --> 01:06:33,760
and I'll provide a comparison of levies and tax

1269
01:06:33,760 --> 01:06:36,720
rates of other local watershed organizations in comparison

1270
01:06:36,720 --> 01:06:39,800
to the Vermilion River watersheds.

1271
01:06:39,800 --> 01:06:42,680
Lastly, will be today's requested action.

1272
01:06:47,800 --> 01:06:51,800
The high-level overview of the preliminary '27 budget includes

1273
01:06:51,800 --> 01:06:53,480
revenue and expenses of $1,991,363,

1274
01:06:56,840 --> 01:07:00,480
and that will allow for us to implement the recently adopted

1275
01:07:00,480 --> 01:07:02,880
2026 to 2035 Watershed Management plan.

1276
01:07:04,800 --> 01:07:06,520
We have a restricted fund balance

1277
01:07:06,520 --> 01:07:09,920
that allows the Vermilion River Watershed to use wetland bank

1278
01:07:09,920 --> 01:07:11,800
credit sales, which is a whole other story

1279
01:07:11,800 --> 01:07:14,400
that I won't get into today.

1280
01:07:14,400 --> 01:07:17,340
And we've invested in that wetland bank,

1281
01:07:17,340 --> 01:07:19,880
but it allows us to use that towards

1282
01:07:19,880 --> 01:07:22,480
other wetland restoration opportunities in the Vermilion

1283
01:07:22,480 --> 01:07:24,200
River Watershed.

1284
01:07:24,200 --> 01:07:26,800
And lastly, we have an unassigned fund balance

1285
01:07:26,800 --> 01:07:31,600
of $873,293, which is at 44% of our overall expenses,

1286
01:07:34,600 --> 01:07:36,880
and within Dakota County finance's recommended fund

1287
01:07:36,880 --> 01:07:39,280
balance range of 35% to 50%.

1288
01:07:44,400 --> 01:07:46,880
This pie chart represents the various program areas

1289
01:07:46,880 --> 01:07:51,200
that make up the preliminary 2027 budget, with our SIP

1290
01:07:51,200 --> 01:07:55,200
and grants making up the largest piece of that pie at 35%,

1291
01:07:55,200 --> 01:08:01,200
and other program areas making up the remaining at about 65%.

1292
01:08:03,680 --> 01:08:06,800
Because the Vermilion River Watershed or Joint Powers

1293
01:08:06,800 --> 01:08:10,420
Organization is a Joint Powers of Dakota and Scott Counties,

1294
01:08:10,420 --> 01:08:13,600
the levy is also provided by both counties,

1295
01:08:13,600 --> 01:08:14,920
and it's based on the tax capacity

1296
01:08:14,920 --> 01:08:17,359
within those portions in each county.

1297
01:08:17,359 --> 01:08:20,000
The estimated net tax capacity for 2027

1298
01:08:20,000 --> 01:08:23,240
is made up of just over 96% in Dakota County,

1299
01:08:23,240 --> 01:08:26,200
and just under 4% in Scott County.

1300
01:08:26,200 --> 01:08:28,279
And as a result, if you apply those percentages

1301
01:08:28,279 --> 01:08:31,279
to the proposed levy of $1,132,136,

1302
01:08:33,840 --> 01:08:39,439
it results in a $1,090,798 levy that would come from Dakota

1303
01:08:39,439 --> 01:08:43,639
County, and a $41,338 levy from Scott County.

1304
01:08:48,720 --> 01:08:51,600
This graph provides the historical tax rates and levies

1305
01:08:51,600 --> 01:08:53,600
from 2009 to 2027.

1306
01:08:54,200 --> 01:08:57,200
Tax rate has been decreasing or flat for many years

1307
01:08:57,200 --> 01:09:00,399
as a result of increases in tax capacity,

1308
01:09:00,399 --> 01:09:02,490
and the levy was generally flat from 2020

1309
01:09:02,490 --> 01:09:06,120
to 2024, with the levy for the last couple of years

1310
01:09:06,120 --> 01:09:08,520
tracking similar to inflation.

1311
01:09:13,387 --> 01:09:15,720
Other watershed organizations are currently in the midst

1312
01:09:15,720 --> 01:09:19,200
of developing their preliminary 2027 budgets as well,

1313
01:09:19,200 --> 01:09:22,800
and aren't able to provide 2027 information

1314
01:09:22,800 --> 01:09:25,560
until their boards approve those preliminary budgets and levies.

1315
01:09:25,560 --> 01:09:29,680
So I've compared the Vermilion River Watershed's proposed 2027

1316
01:09:29,680 --> 01:09:33,880
Dakota County levy to other organization's 2026 levies.

1317
01:09:34,120 --> 01:09:36,760
I would highlight that the tax rate in the Vermilion River

1318
01:09:36,760 --> 01:09:39,760
Watershed is significantly lower than other watershed

1319
01:09:39,760 --> 01:09:43,319
organizations tax rates, and the levy is also

1320
01:09:43,319 --> 01:09:46,319
one of the lowest overall.

1321
01:09:48,319 --> 01:09:51,800
In closing, the requested action today is to certify the Dakota

1322
01:09:51,800 --> 01:09:55,400
County portion of the Vermilion River Watershed management tax

1323
01:09:55,400 --> 01:09:58,400
district proposed levy of $1,098,000--

1324
01:09:59,120 --> 01:10:02,120
sorry, $1,090,798 for taxes payable in 2027.

1325
01:10:05,840 --> 01:10:07,680
With that, I would stand for questions.

1326
01:10:07,680 --> 01:10:09,000
Thank you very much.

1327
01:10:09,000 --> 01:10:11,000
Members, discussion questions?

1328
01:10:13,600 --> 01:10:16,000
Hearing none or commissioner--

1329
01:10:16,240 --> 01:10:18,920
So usually, we get the chart-- oh, sorry.

1330
01:10:18,920 --> 01:10:24,320
Usually, we get the chart on the tax impact on the median home.

1331
01:10:24,320 --> 01:10:26,320
It should be in your packet [INAUDIBLE].

1332
01:10:26,320 --> 01:10:27,833
It's in the packet not on the--

1333
01:10:27,833 --> 01:10:28,750
Not in the PowerPoint?

1334
01:10:28,750 --> 01:10:29,250
Right.

1335
01:10:29,250 --> 01:10:31,340
OK, I missed it then.

1336
01:10:31,340 --> 01:10:32,160
Perfect.

1337
01:10:32,160 --> 01:10:34,760
So can you tell people what it is?

1338
01:10:34,760 --> 01:10:36,760
Sure.

1339
01:10:36,928 --> 01:10:38,220
I actually have it on my phone.

1340
01:10:38,220 --> 01:10:39,760
If I can pull it up.

1341
01:10:39,760 --> 01:10:41,480
I can probably get it to you.

1342
01:10:41,480 --> 01:10:42,800
Oh.

1343
01:10:42,800 --> 01:10:44,220
Did you get it?

1344
01:10:44,220 --> 01:10:44,980
I did the same problem.

1345
01:10:44,980 --> 01:10:45,730
Mine's going slow.

1346
01:10:45,730 --> 01:10:50,560
Tax impact on the median value home in Dakota County,

1347
01:10:50,560 --> 01:10:53,560
which for 2027 is $392,100, would be $10.39.

1348
01:10:57,300 --> 01:11:00,900
That would be an increase from the 2026 amount of $10.05,

1349
01:11:00,900 --> 01:11:02,760
or a $0.34 cent change.

1350
01:11:02,760 --> 01:11:03,880
All right, thank you.

1351
01:11:03,880 --> 01:11:05,120
Thank you.

1352
01:11:05,120 --> 01:11:07,520
Other questions or comments.

1353
01:11:08,620 --> 01:11:09,548
Commissioner Slavic.

1354
01:11:09,548 --> 01:11:11,900
Thank you, Madam Chair, and I'll talk

1355
01:11:11,900 --> 01:11:12,667
a little more in the Vermilion update

1356
01:11:12,667 --> 01:11:13,750
at the end of the meeting.

1357
01:11:13,750 --> 01:11:17,550
But for sake of this purposes, I can move the resolution.

1358
01:11:17,550 --> 01:11:18,990
And I will second it, Madam Chair.

1359
01:11:18,990 --> 01:11:20,350
We have a motion and a second.

1360
01:11:20,350 --> 01:11:23,290
Any discussion to the motion?

1361
01:11:23,290 --> 01:11:24,910
Hearing none, we will take the role.

1362
01:11:24,910 --> 01:11:25,410
Jenny.

1363
01:11:25,410 --> 01:11:25,950
Commissioner.

1364
01:11:25,950 --> 01:11:26,450
Atkins.

1365
01:11:26,450 --> 01:11:26,950
Yes.

1366
01:11:26,950 --> 01:11:28,950
Commissioner Holberg.

1367
01:11:30,170 --> 01:11:31,920
Yes.

1368
01:11:31,920 --> 01:11:32,500
Commissioner Halverson.

1369
01:11:32,500 --> 01:11:32,590
Yes.

1370
01:11:32,590 --> 01:11:33,300
Commissioner.

1371
01:11:33,300 --> 01:11:33,490
Droste.

1372
01:11:33,490 --> 01:11:33,990
Yes.

1373
01:11:33,990 --> 01:11:34,970
Commissioner Hamann-Roland.

1374
01:11:34,970 --> 01:11:35,537
Yes.

1375
01:11:35,537 --> 01:11:36,370
Commissioner Slavik.

1376
01:11:36,370 --> 01:11:36,830
Yes.

1377
01:11:36,830 --> 01:11:37,270
Commissioner.

1378
01:11:37,270 --> 01:11:37,770
Workman.

1379
01:11:37,770 --> 01:11:38,770
Yes.

1380
01:11:38,770 --> 01:11:39,610
Excellent.

1381
01:11:39,610 --> 01:11:40,210
We--

1382
01:11:40,210 --> 01:11:40,850
Thank you.

1383
01:11:40,850 --> 01:11:45,100
Thank you very much for your presentation.

1384
01:11:45,100 --> 01:11:48,970
Next up, we have our interagency reports,

1385
01:11:48,970 --> 01:11:52,100
and we can go to Commissioner Hamann-Roland

1386
01:11:52,100 --> 01:11:55,100
to start the Association of Minnesota Counties.

1387
01:11:55,100 --> 01:11:56,650
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1388
01:11:56,650 --> 01:12:00,130
The Association of Minnesota Counties met for our strategic

1389
01:12:00,130 --> 01:12:03,210
planning on August the 20th and 21st.

1390
01:12:03,210 --> 01:12:06,210
Commissioner Slavik and myself were

1391
01:12:06,730 --> 01:12:09,730
engaged in that strategic planning,

1392
01:12:10,730 --> 01:12:14,490
we agreed that we will meet with gubernatorial candidates

1393
01:12:14,490 --> 01:12:16,450
to share our issues.

1394
01:12:16,450 --> 01:12:19,930
The board felt that last year's focus on modernization

1395
01:12:19,930 --> 01:12:22,810
was impactful, and that we can't let up

1396
01:12:22,810 --> 01:12:26,210
on the throttle for the best results.

1397
01:12:26,210 --> 01:12:32,130
We have to protect our Minnesota Safety Net, the Supplemental

1398
01:12:32,130 --> 01:12:36,330
Nutrition Assistance program, and Long-term Services Support.

1399
01:12:36,330 --> 01:12:41,810
And as a result of a variety of different situations,

1400
01:12:41,810 --> 01:12:47,210
including the shifts in HR-1, the snap fed assistance

1401
01:12:47,250 --> 01:12:53,130
to the state, and in turn, costing the counties a projected

1402
01:12:53,130 --> 01:12:55,530
between $76.5 million to $177,800,000 in 2028.

1403
01:13:00,470 --> 01:13:01,850
That's substantial.

1404
01:13:01,850 --> 01:13:06,650
The Long-term Services Support was today at $60 million

1405
01:13:07,490 --> 01:13:10,500
and projected to rise to $75 million

1406
01:13:10,500 --> 01:13:11,730
before the end of the decade.

1407
01:13:11,730 --> 01:13:16,530
We need to ensure that the residents needs

1408
01:13:17,130 --> 01:13:20,610
are better served by transformational change,

1409
01:13:20,610 --> 01:13:23,770
and that's, counties have a seat at the table,

1410
01:13:23,770 --> 01:13:26,770
that we have formal participation.

1411
01:13:27,770 --> 01:13:30,170
Eliminate disproportionate cost shifts,

1412
01:13:30,970 --> 01:13:35,170
add inflationary adjustments, and state administrative share

1413
01:13:37,500 --> 01:13:39,500
paid to counties.

1414
01:13:39,330 --> 01:13:44,647
And so that was a quick piece of information on that.

1415
01:13:44,647 --> 01:13:46,730
And then, did you have anything you wanted to add?

1416
01:13:46,730 --> 01:13:47,490
Mr. Slovak.

1417
01:13:47,490 --> 01:13:48,530
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1418
01:13:48,530 --> 01:13:50,613
Just a couple things related to the strategic plan

1419
01:13:50,613 --> 01:13:53,250
that I think it fits in some of our conversations

1420
01:13:53,250 --> 01:13:56,570
over the last hour, as well as I think,

1421
01:13:56,570 --> 01:13:58,410
issues that we as county commissioners

1422
01:13:58,410 --> 01:14:00,750
struggle with very regularly.

1423
01:14:00,750 --> 01:14:02,830
And it started a conversation.

1424
01:14:02,830 --> 01:14:04,930
The Association of Minnesota Counties and County

1425
01:14:04,930 --> 01:14:06,930
commissioners are non-partisan.

1426
01:14:07,490 --> 01:14:10,370
We do not have a letter, when you go and vote on election day

1427
01:14:10,370 --> 01:14:12,890
or before, we do not have a letter by our name.

1428
01:14:12,890 --> 01:14:17,470
And the reality is that we are still partisan human beings.

1429
01:14:17,470 --> 01:14:20,290
We've either been elected in a partisan role before.

1430
01:14:20,290 --> 01:14:22,337
We have our own personal values and beliefs.

1431
01:14:22,337 --> 01:14:24,170
And the fact of the matter is, how does that

1432
01:14:24,170 --> 01:14:26,473
go in and correlate when we're all up here

1433
01:14:26,473 --> 01:14:28,890
and when we're up at the Capitol trying to go and advocate

1434
01:14:28,890 --> 01:14:31,330
on behalf of all counties and all of our residents

1435
01:14:31,330 --> 01:14:32,700
and businesses?

1436
01:14:32,700 --> 01:14:34,505
So we had a very good conversation.

1437
01:14:34,505 --> 01:14:36,630
I mean, to the point where some people were saying,

1438
01:14:36,630 --> 01:14:38,672
maybe we just need to say we're not a nonpartisan

1439
01:14:38,672 --> 01:14:39,630
organization anymore.

1440
01:14:39,630 --> 01:14:41,405
We are a bipartisan organization,

1441
01:14:41,405 --> 01:14:44,300
because the reality is, if we're going to get the best results,

1442
01:14:44,300 --> 01:14:47,650
we need to have the best ideas of each party.

1443
01:14:47,650 --> 01:14:50,490
And so there was a great dialogue and great discussion

1444
01:14:50,490 --> 01:14:52,190
that came out of that part in there,

1445
01:14:52,190 --> 01:14:53,690
but I think it's going to help shape

1446
01:14:53,690 --> 01:14:56,750
the organization in the years to come, as at the end of the day,

1447
01:14:56,750 --> 01:15:00,950
we did still affirm that we are a nonpartisan organization.

1448
01:15:00,950 --> 01:15:02,670
County commissioners are nonpartisan,

1449
01:15:02,670 --> 01:15:06,870
but there are issues in one party

1450
01:15:07,650 --> 01:15:10,730
or the other party that is frankly,

1451
01:15:10,730 --> 01:15:13,730
the best pathway for counties.

1452
01:15:13,790 --> 01:15:15,770
And we should be going to continue to advocate.

1453
01:15:15,770 --> 01:15:18,588
If the best idea in the room is a Republican idea,

1454
01:15:18,588 --> 01:15:20,130
we should be going and saying, that's

1455
01:15:20,130 --> 01:15:22,470
the idea we as counties are going to work for.

1456
01:15:22,470 --> 01:15:24,768
If the best idea is a DFL or a Democrat idea,

1457
01:15:24,768 --> 01:15:26,310
that's what we should be working for.

1458
01:15:26,310 --> 01:15:27,630
And because at the end of the day,

1459
01:15:27,630 --> 01:15:29,900
we're working on behalf of the residents

1460
01:15:29,900 --> 01:15:30,510
and businesses of the counties.

1461
01:15:30,510 --> 01:15:33,810
And so I think that that is a great conversation in the years

1462
01:15:33,810 --> 01:15:37,110
I've been on this organization, to be able to get to this point,

1463
01:15:37,110 --> 01:15:39,383
to a firm where we were going, but I think actually,

1464
01:15:39,383 --> 01:15:40,550
make it a little more clear.

1465
01:15:40,550 --> 01:15:43,278
So it's very positive for where I

1466
01:15:43,278 --> 01:15:45,570
think we'll be going in the future with the Association

1467
01:15:45,570 --> 01:15:47,370
of Minnesota Counties.

1468
01:15:47,370 --> 01:15:47,870
Thank you.

1469
01:15:47,870 --> 01:15:48,370
Thank you.

1470
01:15:48,370 --> 01:15:49,700
Interesting

1471
01:15:49,700 --> 01:15:49,570
Yeah.

1472
01:15:49,570 --> 01:15:51,890
Any other conversation about that?

1473
01:15:51,890 --> 01:15:52,450
No?

1474
01:15:52,450 --> 01:15:57,250
I just would add that I think that the success that we

1475
01:15:57,250 --> 01:16:00,850
had around modernization, our nonpartisan standards

1476
01:16:04,500 --> 01:16:06,650
and values really, I think, helped

1477
01:16:06,650 --> 01:16:09,590
make that successful as well.

1478
01:16:09,590 --> 01:16:14,390
And so we have, I think, some good--

1479
01:16:15,370 --> 01:16:17,250
what do I want to say?

1480
01:16:17,250 --> 01:16:19,890
A study, if you will.

1481
01:16:19,890 --> 01:16:20,932
[CHUCKLES]

1482
01:16:20,932 --> 01:16:22,390
Step in the right direction, right?

1483
01:16:22,390 --> 01:16:23,150
Exactly.

1484
01:16:23,150 --> 01:16:23,790
Exactly.

1485
01:16:23,790 --> 01:16:24,900
Keep your foot on the throttle.

1486
01:16:24,900 --> 01:16:25,700
Very interesting.

1487
01:16:25,700 --> 01:16:28,100
You guys did hard work at that.

1488
01:16:28,100 --> 01:16:31,490
And so the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board.

1489
01:16:31,490 --> 01:16:33,910
The next meeting is September 9.

1490
01:16:33,910 --> 01:16:37,810
Bill was there in an executive meeting as well last month.

1491
01:16:37,810 --> 01:16:39,650
Excellent.

1492
01:16:39,650 --> 01:16:40,330
Oh, Bill?

1493
01:16:40,330 --> 01:16:40,830
No.

1494
01:16:40,830 --> 01:16:41,570
OK.

1495
01:16:41,570 --> 01:16:42,430
September 9.

1496
01:16:42,430 --> 01:16:42,930
Yep.

1497
01:16:42,930 --> 01:16:43,790
September 9.

1498
01:16:43,790 --> 01:16:44,290
Excellent.

1499
01:16:44,290 --> 01:16:47,650
We have MICAH, the Minnesota Intercounty Association.

1500
01:16:47,650 --> 01:16:52,770
We have, our next board meeting is on the 9 as well.

1501
01:16:52,770 --> 01:16:53,810
There's a trend.

1502
01:16:53,810 --> 01:17:00,500
And we have all been kind of assigned some small policy

1503
01:17:00,500 --> 01:17:02,450
development groups that make--

1504
01:17:03,610 --> 01:17:06,170
board members are going to be working on.

1505
01:17:06,170 --> 01:17:08,190
I get to work on transportation.

1506
01:17:08,190 --> 01:17:09,850
I don't know how I got so lucky.

1507
01:17:09,850 --> 01:17:13,590
And Commissioner Droste got assigned to property tax reform.

1508
01:17:13,590 --> 01:17:17,500
So we'll be having some good conversations around policy

1509
01:17:17,500 --> 01:17:18,930
there.

1510
01:17:18,930 --> 01:17:20,330
Anything else?

1511
01:17:20,330 --> 01:17:21,890
OK.

1512
01:17:21,890 --> 01:17:24,290
Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission.

1513
01:17:25,610 --> 01:17:27,410
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1514
01:17:27,410 --> 01:17:31,650
We had a full board meeting the other day.

1515
01:17:31,650 --> 01:17:38,620
Lots happened, but I have to tell you about the bat boxes.

1516
01:17:38,620 --> 01:17:40,270
I guess it does have something to do with mosquitoes,

1517
01:17:40,270 --> 01:17:42,670
because bats eat mosquitoes.

1518
01:17:42,930 --> 01:17:49,530
So there was a two girl scouts troops-- or one troop,

1519
01:17:51,550 --> 01:17:58,900
two girls who wanted to provide homes for the little Brown bat

1520
01:17:58,900 --> 01:18:01,850
and that population of bat has decreased

1521
01:18:01,850 --> 01:18:04,850
like 90% over the last 15 years.

1522
01:18:05,890 --> 01:18:08,410
And some of it is because of a disease

1523
01:18:08,410 --> 01:18:13,900
called the white-nose fungus and loss of habitat.

1524
01:18:13,900 --> 01:18:15,370
So these girls decided they wanted

1525
01:18:15,370 --> 01:18:17,770
to help promote colonization.

1526
01:18:20,310 --> 01:18:24,890
So they built three bat boxes, and they went up

1527
01:18:24,890 --> 01:18:28,770
at the Mosquito Control District's Jordan office.

1528
01:18:28,770 --> 01:18:32,930
And too soon to report if there's

1529
01:18:32,930 --> 01:18:35,970
any colonization going on, but they did

1530
01:18:35,970 --> 01:18:39,890
say that they wanted to continue doing this.

1531
01:18:39,890 --> 01:18:42,690
And so I invited them to come to Dakota County.

1532
01:18:42,690 --> 01:18:45,300
[CHUCKLES] The next time.

1533
01:18:45,300 --> 01:18:47,610
Because it's in certain areas where they

1534
01:18:47,610 --> 01:18:49,630
can catch a bat population.

1535
01:18:49,630 --> 01:18:53,630
And apparently, Southern Dakota County is riped for that.

1536
01:18:53,630 --> 01:18:57,990
So I said, when you're ready, we'll help you.

1537
01:18:57,990 --> 01:18:58,630
Thank you.

1538
01:18:58,630 --> 01:19:00,570
So that was fun.

1539
01:19:00,570 --> 01:19:02,550
You get to do fun things once in a while.

1540
01:19:02,550 --> 01:19:04,550
[CHUCKLES]

1541
01:19:04,570 --> 01:19:06,130
So thank you.

1542
01:19:06,130 --> 01:19:07,630
Thank you very much.

1543
01:19:07,630 --> 01:19:09,650
And thanks for making that connection.

1544
01:19:09,650 --> 01:19:14,290
If I may add, I got to visit with the Mosquito Control

1545
01:19:14,290 --> 01:19:16,850
District staff at the Dakota County Fair

1546
01:19:16,850 --> 01:19:19,270
and see their larva swimming around in the water,

1547
01:19:19,270 --> 01:19:22,810
and they were there providing some really good information

1548
01:19:22,810 --> 01:19:27,330
about the work they do and risks that we have for vector borne

1549
01:19:27,330 --> 01:19:32,100
illness in our communities, and the way that the mosquito

1550
01:19:32,100 --> 01:19:35,610
control board works to eliminate those.

1551
01:19:36,650 --> 01:19:39,790
And they're at the State Fair right now.

1552
01:19:39,790 --> 01:19:40,670
So go find them.

1553
01:19:40,670 --> 01:19:42,670
I believe they're in the education building,

1554
01:19:42,670 --> 01:19:43,490
[INAUDIBLE]

1555
01:19:43,490 --> 01:19:47,900
Vectoria, our mascot, our mosquito mascot.

1556
01:19:49,900 --> 01:19:53,310
And next up, The National Association of Counties.

1557
01:19:53,310 --> 01:19:55,250
Anything?

1558
01:19:55,250 --> 01:19:55,930
Nope?

1559
01:19:55,930 --> 01:19:56,570
Not today.

1560
01:19:56,570 --> 01:19:58,750
All right, we'll take a pass.

1561
01:19:58,750 --> 01:20:00,230
Transportation advisory board.

1562
01:20:00,230 --> 01:20:01,230
Commissioner Holberg.

1563
01:20:01,230 --> 01:20:02,230
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1564
01:20:02,230 --> 01:20:06,210
So the applications for the regional solicitation

1565
01:20:06,210 --> 01:20:12,210
and active transportation grants were due the end of June.

1566
01:20:12,210 --> 01:20:15,810
There were a total of 172 applications.

1567
01:20:16,730 --> 01:20:18,730
82 for active transportation.

1568
01:20:20,210 --> 01:20:22,610
90 for the federal dollars.

1569
01:20:24,970 --> 01:20:30,370
And the amount requested for federal dollars is $541 million,

1570
01:20:30,750 --> 01:20:34,350
with a projected availability of $215 million.

1571
01:20:35,290 --> 01:20:39,330
And the requests for the active transportation

1572
01:20:39,330 --> 01:20:43,530
totaled over $140 million with $50 million being available.

1573
01:20:47,770 --> 01:20:51,410
So in both instances, two to three times the request

1574
01:20:51,410 --> 01:20:53,810
above what is available.

1575
01:20:55,900 --> 01:20:57,170
Council seemed to be pretty proud of the fact

1576
01:20:57,170 --> 01:21:00,170
that there were over 100 volunteers.

1577
01:21:00,270 --> 01:21:05,100
They use the term volunteers, but in many instances,

1578
01:21:05,100 --> 01:21:07,790
they're being paid by taxpayer dollars.

1579
01:21:07,790 --> 01:21:11,810
But over 100 individuals being used to score

1580
01:21:11,810 --> 01:21:14,210
these applications that were--

1581
01:21:14,570 --> 01:21:18,550
supposedly the goal was to make them easier.

1582
01:21:18,550 --> 01:21:22,450
And in my opinion, we've just failed miserably

1583
01:21:22,450 --> 01:21:24,850
in this whole process.

1584
01:21:26,130 --> 01:21:30,330
And so looking at least as presented

1585
01:21:30,490 --> 01:21:35,310
in last week's meeting, awards not occurring until January,

1586
01:21:35,310 --> 01:21:40,230
which could provide some challenge to our SIP process,

1587
01:21:40,230 --> 01:21:44,830
and we won't know when we have to do a final budget,

1588
01:21:44,830 --> 01:21:48,410
whether or not we will receive any of these dollars

1589
01:21:48,410 --> 01:21:52,370
for any of the projects that we applied for.

1590
01:21:52,370 --> 01:21:57,650
And since that time, there has been some response

1591
01:21:57,650 --> 01:22:00,690
to the letters that Scott and Dakota

1592
01:22:00,690 --> 01:22:04,290
County sent to Secretary Duffy regarding

1593
01:22:07,890 --> 01:22:10,890
the process and the scoring.

1594
01:22:11,770 --> 01:22:14,770
The Federal of Highway Association

1595
01:22:15,450 --> 01:22:20,810
has weighed in with concerns on the community considerations

1596
01:22:20,810 --> 01:22:22,710
portion of the application.

1597
01:22:22,710 --> 01:22:27,730
So I don't have any update on whether or not--

1598
01:22:27,730 --> 01:22:29,810
how my council is going to respond to that

1599
01:22:29,810 --> 01:22:33,290
and how that would change scoring criteria, et cetera.

1600
01:22:33,290 --> 01:22:38,610
But that's one stick in the spokes that occurred on Friday.

1601
01:22:38,610 --> 01:22:42,950
And then the other issue that-- when I raised this before,

1602
01:22:42,950 --> 01:22:46,610
but now it's kind of coming to a head, this whole greenhouse gas

1603
01:22:46,610 --> 01:22:51,210
mitigation issue, they have now put in writing

1604
01:22:51,210 --> 01:22:53,470
and we're not sure how it came to be.

1605
01:22:53,470 --> 01:22:56,500
If it's just a council thing or if it

1606
01:22:56,500 --> 01:22:59,500
was in consultation with MnDOT.

1607
01:22:59,590 --> 01:23:02,590
But they're proposing that projects

1608
01:23:02,610 --> 01:23:05,610
funded by federal transportation dollars,

1609
01:23:07,190 --> 01:23:11,170
that the credits accrue to the region

1610
01:23:11,170 --> 01:23:16,570
and proportionately to the investment in a project that

1611
01:23:16,570 --> 01:23:18,390
would net credit.

1612
01:23:18,390 --> 01:23:20,390
So think transit.

1613
01:23:20,690 --> 01:23:23,810
Things that get people out of their cars.

1614
01:23:23,810 --> 01:23:30,850
So there's going to be a meeting on Thursday with the County

1615
01:23:30,850 --> 01:23:34,950
commissioners that are on tab to try and start figuring this out.

1616
01:23:34,950 --> 01:23:38,770
But it's kind of an outgrowth, some of us worked

1617
01:23:38,770 --> 01:23:42,690
last year on the whole greenhouse gas mitigation

1618
01:23:42,690 --> 01:23:44,300
issue at AMC.

1619
01:23:44,300 --> 01:23:45,990
This is just not going away.

1620
01:23:45,990 --> 01:23:49,590
But it's, again, something that could

1621
01:23:50,170 --> 01:23:53,110
have some really dire impacts.

1622
01:23:53,110 --> 01:23:57,310
And right now in the regional solicitation

1623
01:23:57,890 --> 01:24:00,610
there was an interchange category,

1624
01:24:00,610 --> 01:24:03,650
and there was only one application in that category

1625
01:24:03,650 --> 01:24:07,990
with of a pot of money of $20 million.

1626
01:24:07,990 --> 01:24:12,130
And Washington County had the one project.

1627
01:24:12,130 --> 01:24:17,490
So at least initially, you could envision where all the credits

1628
01:24:17,490 --> 01:24:21,930
would accrue to that project in that region

1629
01:24:21,930 --> 01:24:24,870
rather than spreading credits across.

1630
01:24:24,870 --> 01:24:26,750
So stay tuned.

1631
01:24:26,750 --> 01:24:29,870
But it's going to get more and more interesting,

1632
01:24:29,870 --> 01:24:32,810
I think, here in the near term.

1633
01:24:32,810 --> 01:24:35,450
Happy to answer any questions.

1634
01:24:35,450 --> 01:24:37,250
Thank you.

1635
01:24:37,250 --> 01:24:39,832
Vermilion River Watershed Joint Powers Board.

1636
01:24:39,832 --> 01:24:40,790
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1637
01:24:40,790 --> 01:24:43,490
So the Vermilion River Watershed Joint Powers Board

1638
01:24:43,490 --> 01:24:45,890
did meet on August 27.

1639
01:24:45,967 --> 01:24:48,500
Obviously, the action that we took as a full board

1640
01:24:48,500 --> 01:24:52,250
was the recommended vote from the watershed.

1641
01:24:53,500 --> 01:24:55,450
Second thing that we did is, as you know,

1642
01:24:55,450 --> 01:24:58,330
much of what the watershed budget has been doing has been

1643
01:24:58,330 --> 01:25:01,510
best practice management as part of the 10-year Watershed plan.

1644
01:25:01,510 --> 01:25:04,890
And then as some of those projects have--

1645
01:25:04,890 --> 01:25:06,907
how do we make sure that we can extend

1646
01:25:06,907 --> 01:25:07,990
the life of some of those?

1647
01:25:07,990 --> 01:25:10,970
So part of the budget now is putting some money

1648
01:25:10,970 --> 01:25:13,370
in to go and do some operational maintenance

1649
01:25:13,370 --> 01:25:16,410
and planned and process expenditures related

1650
01:25:16,410 --> 01:25:19,100
to maintenance and repair so that we can have the best

1651
01:25:19,100 --> 01:25:20,422
bang for the buck on projects.

1652
01:25:20,422 --> 01:25:23,130
Some of them are public, some of them are private infrastructure.

1653
01:25:23,130 --> 01:25:25,390
So there was a small part that was put into the plan.

1654
01:25:25,390 --> 01:25:27,265
We did receive an update on some of that work

1655
01:25:27,265 --> 01:25:30,510
to be able to extend the life of those best management practices.

1656
01:25:30,510 --> 01:25:33,770
And then lastly, a pretty exciting thing for those who may

1657
01:25:33,770 --> 01:25:37,490
remember, a number of years ago, as part of the South branch

1658
01:25:37,490 --> 01:25:39,550
Greenway, we had started, I think,

1659
01:25:39,550 --> 01:25:42,370
our very first Dakota County conservation area,

1660
01:25:42,370 --> 01:25:46,570
and it was a section of the Vermilion River South branch,

1661
01:25:46,570 --> 01:25:49,170
which back in the '50s, basically,

1662
01:25:49,170 --> 01:25:52,763
the meandered Vermilion River became one straight waterway

1663
01:25:52,763 --> 01:25:54,430
so that you could farm more of the land.

1664
01:25:54,430 --> 01:25:56,490
And Trout Unlimited has been working

1665
01:25:56,490 --> 01:25:59,610
with some outside resources, almost $1 million project,

1666
01:25:59,610 --> 01:26:02,370
to go in and re-meander so that you

1667
01:26:02,370 --> 01:26:04,162
can have the habitat, since it will be able

1668
01:26:04,162 --> 01:26:05,620
to-- it will, actually, be a better

1669
01:26:05,620 --> 01:26:07,270
asset for the future Greenway.

1670
01:26:07,270 --> 01:26:10,690
But additionally, it's the habitat water quality.

1671
01:26:10,690 --> 01:26:12,930
So the very straight river will actually

1672
01:26:12,930 --> 01:26:17,275
be able to hold sediment and habitat and wildlife.

1673
01:26:17,275 --> 01:26:18,650
So we're working on that project.

1674
01:26:18,650 --> 01:26:21,410
That is part of the levy that we approved earlier

1675
01:26:21,410 --> 01:26:22,270
in this meeting.

1676
01:26:22,270 --> 01:26:22,930
[INAUDIBLE]

1677
01:26:22,930 --> 01:26:25,100
Thank you very much.

1678
01:26:25,100 --> 01:26:26,550
Workforce Development Board.

1679
01:26:26,550 --> 01:26:28,170
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1680
01:26:28,170 --> 01:26:33,110
As you all are aware, our fearless leader, Mark Jacobs,

1681
01:26:33,110 --> 01:26:38,510
who's the executive director of the Workforce, is retiring.

1682
01:26:39,410 --> 01:26:44,270
And we will be gathering at Las Tortillas on Monday,

1683
01:26:44,270 --> 01:26:46,670
September the 14 from 4:00 to 7:00.

1684
01:26:47,420 --> 01:26:53,980
So if you're able to do it, make sure you give Darla an email

1685
01:26:53,980 --> 01:26:58,780
and let her know that you'll be present.

1686
01:26:59,200 --> 01:26:59,520
Thank you.

1687
01:26:59,520 --> 01:27:00,420
And that's it.

1688
01:27:00,420 --> 01:27:01,580
Thanks so much.

1689
01:27:01,580 --> 01:27:02,500
It's a big,

1690
01:27:02,500 --> 01:27:04,860
It's an end of an era, as they say.

1691
01:27:04,860 --> 01:27:07,520
Are there other updates from board members?

1692
01:27:07,520 --> 01:27:08,520
Yes, Madam Chair.

1693
01:27:08,520 --> 01:27:09,820
Commissioner Hamann-Roland.

1694
01:27:09,820 --> 01:27:14,620
I would like to let everyone know that the Juvenile Services

1695
01:27:14,620 --> 01:27:19,420
Center has masterfully been engaged with the master

1696
01:27:21,100 --> 01:27:24,700
gardeners and created a beautiful garden.

1697
01:27:25,700 --> 01:27:28,200
So, Hannah, you know all about this.

1698
01:27:28,200 --> 01:27:33,600
500 pounds of fresh produce were harvested and then delivered

1699
01:27:35,260 --> 01:27:37,220
to food shelves.

1700
01:27:37,220 --> 01:27:42,200
And I just think it's a wonderful collaboration.

1701
01:27:43,620 --> 01:27:47,460
Very successful and has an impact on our people

1702
01:27:47,460 --> 01:27:49,860
who are food insecure.

1703
01:27:50,140 --> 01:27:55,220
And it's a great thing for the juvenile population

1704
01:27:55,220 --> 01:28:01,220
to know that through their care and effort and attention

1705
01:28:01,500 --> 01:28:08,100
to growth, that they can make a difference in the world.

1706
01:28:08,540 --> 01:28:10,880
So yeah, that's it.

1707
01:28:10,880 --> 01:28:11,380
Thank you.

1708
01:28:11,380 --> 01:28:11,960
Thank you.

1709
01:28:11,960 --> 01:28:13,860
Other updates?

1710
01:28:13,860 --> 01:28:19,180
I just have one reminder that our next budget open house is

1711
01:28:19,180 --> 01:28:22,780
going to be held on September 10,

1712
01:28:23,520 --> 01:28:29,380
which is coming up very fast, from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Apple

1713
01:28:29,380 --> 01:28:31,400
Valley Western Service Center.

1714
01:28:31,400 --> 01:28:34,360
So another chance to engage with the board.

1715
01:28:34,360 --> 01:28:35,160
That's all I have.

1716
01:28:35,160 --> 01:28:39,960
We can go to our County manager's report.

1717
01:28:40,180 --> 01:28:42,220
I'll turn it over to Heidi.

1718
01:28:42,220 --> 01:28:45,600
Madam Chair, commissioners, thank you.

1719
01:28:45,600 --> 01:28:47,920
The open house was on the top of my list also.

1720
01:28:47,920 --> 01:28:52,500
I would say from 5:00 to 6:30 at Western Services Center.

1721
01:28:52,500 --> 01:28:54,540
We have received a lot of comments

1722
01:28:54,540 --> 01:28:56,720
and we continue to receive a lot of comments.

1723
01:28:56,720 --> 01:28:58,740
I know commissioners have appreciated

1724
01:28:58,740 --> 01:29:01,880
hearing from as many constituents as possible,

1725
01:29:01,880 --> 01:29:03,820
and we really invite everyone to attend

1726
01:29:03,820 --> 01:29:06,860
that who has questions or comments about our budget

1727
01:29:06,860 --> 01:29:08,340
process.

1728
01:29:08,340 --> 01:29:13,440
The other item on my list is to invite our elections director,

1729
01:29:13,440 --> 01:29:17,400
Michelle Blue up, just to give you a quick update on elections.

1730
01:29:17,400 --> 01:29:18,820
The purpose of her speaking is not

1731
01:29:18,820 --> 01:29:22,420
to engage back and forth with the comments that

1732
01:29:22,420 --> 01:29:27,800
were received earlier, but is to give the board a quick update.

1733
01:29:27,800 --> 01:29:27,630
Thank you.

1734
01:29:27,630 --> 01:29:28,130
Very good.

1735
01:29:28,130 --> 01:29:28,630
Welcome.

1736
01:29:28,630 --> 01:29:29,820
Thank you, Heidi welcome.

1737
01:29:29,820 --> 01:29:31,380
Thank you.

1738
01:29:31,380 --> 01:29:34,580
Thank you and good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners.

1739
01:29:34,580 --> 01:29:37,420
My name is Michelle Blue, I'm Dakota County's elections

1740
01:29:37,420 --> 01:29:40,180
director, and I appreciate the opportunity to follow up

1741
01:29:40,180 --> 01:29:42,780
on some of the comments and concerns that

1742
01:29:42,780 --> 01:29:44,780
were discussed today.

1743
01:29:46,300 --> 01:29:50,140
The equipment that we purchased was certified and tested

1744
01:29:50,140 --> 01:29:51,840
by the Secretary of State's office.

1745
01:29:51,840 --> 01:29:54,840
Their certification is dated February 24, 2026.

1746
01:29:56,380 --> 01:30:02,300
This is a months long process that started last year.

1747
01:30:02,300 --> 01:30:04,580
It is extremely intensive and open

1748
01:30:04,580 --> 01:30:08,660
to the public for anyone who wants to observe that process.

1749
01:30:08,660 --> 01:30:14,600
The state certification is a document that I have.

1750
01:30:14,260 --> 01:30:15,240
It's a public document.

1751
01:30:15,240 --> 01:30:17,240
I've shared that with each of you in the past,

1752
01:30:17,240 --> 01:30:19,730
and I'm more than happy to share that again,

1753
01:30:19,730 --> 01:30:20,440
if that would be helpful.

1754
01:30:20,440 --> 01:30:24,740
That document specifically certifies the software that we

1755
01:30:24,740 --> 01:30:29,620
use, which is 6.5.1.1, as well as the hardware that we

1756
01:30:29,620 --> 01:30:31,620
currently use.

1757
01:30:32,220 --> 01:30:36,740
Our state law requires that an electronic voting system

1758
01:30:36,740 --> 01:30:39,160
be certified by the Secretary of State

1759
01:30:39,160 --> 01:30:43,360
and tested by an independent accredited testing

1760
01:30:44,580 --> 01:30:46,520
laboratory or a federal government,

1761
01:30:46,520 --> 01:30:50,540
like the Election Assistance Commission, the EAC.

1762
01:30:50,540 --> 01:30:55,120
Counties do not have a role in the certification process.

1763
01:30:55,120 --> 01:30:58,200
That all happens at the state level.

1764
01:30:58,200 --> 01:31:01,420
As far as modem usage, the EAC guidelines

1765
01:31:01,420 --> 01:31:06,220
do not require certification for any ancillary hardware.

1766
01:31:06,980 --> 01:31:09,860
That is, equipment that doesn't perform any ballot reading

1767
01:31:09,860 --> 01:31:12,860
or processing or counting, recording.

1768
01:31:13,460 --> 01:31:17,660
Modem function is always tested prior to each election

1769
01:31:17,660 --> 01:31:22,140
to make sure that it is operating appropriately,

1770
01:31:22,140 --> 01:31:24,340
and the use of a modem is specifically

1771
01:31:24,340 --> 01:31:27,340
authorized by Minnesota, specifically authorized

1772
01:31:29,420 --> 01:31:33,100
as a means to transmit unofficial vote totals,

1773
01:31:33,100 --> 01:31:36,600
and only after voting has ended.

1774
01:31:36,600 --> 01:31:39,260
This is a secure means of transmitting vote totals

1775
01:31:39,260 --> 01:31:42,860
from the precincts around Dakota County.

1776
01:31:43,100 --> 01:31:47,220
Simply that we can post those unofficial voting results

1777
01:31:47,220 --> 01:31:49,620
quickly for public review.

1778
01:31:49,940 --> 01:31:53,940
Our elections are certified from the paper ballots

1779
01:31:53,940 --> 01:31:55,740
and the documents that were prepared

1780
01:31:55,740 --> 01:31:59,940
by election judges in every single precinct.

1781
01:31:59,980 --> 01:32:02,500
They're prepared and signed by all of the judges that

1782
01:32:02,500 --> 01:32:04,200
worked in those precincts.

1783
01:32:04,200 --> 01:32:06,460
And the unofficial modem results are not

1784
01:32:06,460 --> 01:32:09,140
part of that certification process.

1785
01:32:09,140 --> 01:32:12,260
Again, our tabulation equipment is never

1786
01:32:12,260 --> 01:32:18,180
connected to the internet or any wireless network during voting.

1787
01:32:18,180 --> 01:32:22,420
Our process of paper ballots and public reviews

1788
01:32:22,420 --> 01:32:24,820
involves safeguards and transparency

1789
01:32:24,860 --> 01:32:26,460
at every single step.

1790
01:32:26,460 --> 01:32:28,620
So that's certification at the Secretary

1791
01:32:28,620 --> 01:32:31,700
of State's office and that the federal government,

1792
01:32:31,700 --> 01:32:33,900
our public accuracy testing, that

1793
01:32:33,900 --> 01:32:37,280
involves that pre-marked and pre-audited test deck.

1794
01:32:37,280 --> 01:32:39,900
We have unique totals for every single office

1795
01:32:39,900 --> 01:32:42,580
candidate in question, so we know exactly

1796
01:32:42,580 --> 01:32:47,260
before we scan those ballots what the vote totals should be,

1797
01:32:47,260 --> 01:32:49,940
and then we can prove that the tabulator is

1798
01:32:49,940 --> 01:32:51,120
operating correctly.

1799
01:32:51,120 --> 01:32:55,100
That is also a process that is open to the public.

1800
01:32:55,100 --> 01:32:57,460
We have a post-election review, which

1801
01:32:57,460 --> 01:33:02,860
is a hand-count of all voted ballots for the precincts that

1802
01:33:02,860 --> 01:33:06,260
were selected by lot at each county's Canvassing Board

1803
01:33:06,260 --> 01:33:07,540
meeting.

1804
01:33:07,540 --> 01:33:09,700
And then we conduct recounts and audits

1805
01:33:09,700 --> 01:33:11,780
as allowed and required by law.

1806
01:33:11,780 --> 01:33:14,360
Again, all of those are open to the public,

1807
01:33:14,360 --> 01:33:17,620
and we very much appreciate having members of the public

1808
01:33:17,620 --> 01:33:21,660
come see for themselves how secure that process is.

1809
01:33:21,660 --> 01:33:25,800
We continue to conduct elections that are fair, secure,

1810
01:33:25,800 --> 01:33:27,340
and accessible.

1811
01:33:27,340 --> 01:33:31,540
Our 144 polling places remain welcoming and safe

1812
01:33:32,220 --> 01:33:35,500
for our voters and for our election judges.

1813
01:33:35,500 --> 01:33:39,680
Our elections are successful because it's a team effort.

1814
01:33:39,680 --> 01:33:44,540
I am deeply grateful to Dakota county's 3,000 election judges

1815
01:33:44,540 --> 01:33:45,840
and volunteers.

1816
01:33:45,840 --> 01:33:49,820
Our city and township partners, as well as our state

1817
01:33:49,820 --> 01:33:52,580
and local law enforcement partners like the Dakota County

1818
01:33:52,580 --> 01:33:55,800
Sheriff and every city's police department,

1819
01:33:55,800 --> 01:33:58,180
which I have personally spoken with,

1820
01:33:58,180 --> 01:34:01,820
they have all prioritized election safety and security

1821
01:34:01,820 --> 01:34:03,700
this year.

1822
01:34:03,700 --> 01:34:06,580
And thank you for all of your continued leadership

1823
01:34:06,580 --> 01:34:08,580
and support.

1824
01:34:09,300 --> 01:34:10,780
Thank you, Michelle.

1825
01:34:10,780 --> 01:34:12,780
Questions at all?

1826
01:34:13,300 --> 01:34:14,460
Nope, not hearing any.

1827
01:34:14,460 --> 01:34:14,960
Very good.

1828
01:34:14,960 --> 01:34:16,300
Heidi?

1829
01:34:16,300 --> 01:34:17,240
And that's all.

1830
01:34:17,240 --> 01:34:18,360
OK, excellent.

1831
01:34:18,360 --> 01:34:21,700
With that, we can entertain a motion to adjourn.

1832
01:34:21,700 --> 01:34:22,660
Second, Madam Chair.

1833
01:34:22,660 --> 01:34:23,920
So moved and seconded.

1834
01:34:23,920 --> 01:34:25,460
All those in favor, please say aye.

1835
01:34:25,460 --> 01:34:25,780
Aye.

1836
01:34:25,780 --> 01:34:26,280
Aye.

1837
01:34:26,280 --> 01:34:26,780
Aye.

1838
01:34:26,780 --> 01:34:27,320
Any opposed?

1839
01:34:27,320 --> 01:34:28,780
No.

1840
01:34:28,780 --> 01:34:29,720
We are adjourned.

1841
01:34:29,720 --> 01:34:31,720
Thank you.