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We'll call the Washington County Board of Commissioners' Meeting to order for October 1,

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2024. Stephanie, roll call, please. Commissioner Miran.

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Here. Commissioner Karwaski.

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Here. Commissioner Creasel.

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Here. Commissioner Bigham.

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Here. Commissioner Claussen.

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Here. Roll call taken, all present.

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Please join the Board for the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Allegiance to the flag of the United States from America and to the very Pledge of

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That next item is item two is comments from the public.

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If there's anyone in the audience that would

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like to speak on an item, not on the agenda.

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With none, we'll move on to item three, consent items.

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I think it's A through H.

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Here, I'll move the consent from A to H.

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Second.

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Consent calendar moved all items A through H

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by Commissioner Klosson, second by Commissioner Bigham. Any questions? With none, roll call,

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Stephanie.

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Commissioner Miran.

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Aye.

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Commissioner Creasel.

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Aye.

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Commissioner Bigham.

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Aye.

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Commissioner Klosson.

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Aye.

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Commissioner Karwaski.

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Aye.

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Consent calendar passes 5-0.

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Thank you. Item 4 on the agenda is Information Technology. Phil Dreher, IT Manager. Welcome.

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Welcome.

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Mr. Chair and Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to present to you today.

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I'm Phil Dreyer.

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I'm the Information Technology Security Manager in the Information Technology Department.

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I'm here in support of the resolution to declare October 24th as Cybersecurity Awareness

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Month.

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I'd like to provide you a brief overview of what Cybersecurity Month is all about

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and highlight the ways that information technology protects the county for cybersecurity.

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In

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October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

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In 2024, the President of the United States and Congress declared the month of October

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to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month to raise awareness about the importance

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of cybersecurity to protect against malicious attacks.

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While it started as a government initiative, it is to raise awareness of cybersecurity.

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security, it has grown over the years in a collaborative effort between government and

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industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce

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online risk and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale.

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The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency describes how we can all increase

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our online safety through four simple actions, whether at home, work, or school, to build

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the safer digital world. First, recognize phishing. Understand the kinds of emails that

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we all get and to report them and delete them to save ourselves from being attacked by criminals

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from across the globe. Second, use strong passwords. We all recognize the idea that

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using your password as password is not secure. So in many cases for banks and other

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areas we should have stronger passwords with random characters, phrases, special symbols

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across our keyboards.

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Third, turn on MFA.

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Banks use multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication to secure our money and our

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contents in our banks.

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Many more organizations and shopping areas are now using these types of technologies

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to secure our accounts and prevent malicious attacks to subvert our accounts and use it for subversive activities.

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Last, update our software. Protecting ourselves from vulnerabilities is key to prevent different kinds of antivirus attacks that we all protect ourselves from.

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information technology cyber security. Among the many things that IT does is we

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deliver county-wide training on cyber security in areas such as passwords,

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social media, internet use, protecting ourselves in the cloud. Second, support

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phishing tools and respond to immediate issues. Our IT staff monitors the button

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that people use to report phishing attacks and follow up with investigations

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to ensure that they are indeed who people think they are.

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Third, provide system patching and vulnerability remediation.

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Our staff monitors our different assets and computing computers

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to make sure that the vulnerabilities are remediated

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and we keep updated on our patching of all of our operating systems.

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Last, IT reviews new application requests

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from various departments to discover any potential weaknesses

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and vulnerabilities and improve the safety of those applications before they are implemented

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at the county.

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In front of you today is the Proclamation for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and I am happy

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to answer any questions you may have.

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Thank you, Phil.

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Any questions, Phil?

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We certainly appreciate everything that the county employees do and the investments

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commitments we make, and even our citizens as responsible citizens in everyday life, whatever

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precautions they can do.

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There's no questions, maybe if you wouldn't mind reading the resolution?

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Certainly.

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Unfortunately, if I'm going to read that, it requires a little bit more of an assistance

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on my part.

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Resolution of support of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024.

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Whereas Washington County recognizes that it has a role in identifying and protecting

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its citizens from and responding to cyber threats that may have a significant impact

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to our individual and collective security and privacy.

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And whereas Washington County recognized that local governments are increasingly targeted

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by cyber criminals to gain illegal access to sensitive information in which Washington

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County employees protect and safeguard daily. And whereas businesses and governments are

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increasingly reliant on information systems and technologies to support financial services,

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elections, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and emergency response

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systems and whereas in Washington, in 2024, Washington County continues to building cyber

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security awareness programs for all employees by requiring the completion of security awareness

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training courses designed to address the most common risks.

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And whereas the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency has implemented awareness

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programs through a coalition of private companies, non-profit and government organizations

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as well as academic institutions working together

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to increase the understanding of cyber threats

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and empowering the American public to be safer

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and more secure online.

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And whereas the National Institute of Standards

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and Technology's cybersecurity framework has been developed

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as a free resource to help organizations

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improve their cybersecurity practices

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through a practical approach

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to addressing evolving threats and challenges.

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And whereas maintaining the security of cyberspace

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space is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play.

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And awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Washington County's

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information, infrastructure, and economy.

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And whereas the federal government of the United States of America, the U.S. Department

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of Homeland Security, the multi-state information sharing and analysis center, the National

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Association of State Chief Information Officers, and the National Cybersecurity Alliance

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all recognize October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month and all citizens

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are encouraged to visit these websites and the Cyber Security Awareness Month

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website to learn about cybersecurity to put that knowledge into practice in

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their homes, schools, workplaces and businesses. Now therefore be it resolved

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that Washington County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim the

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month of October 24 as Cyber Security Awareness Month and recognizes that

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maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility, which each of us has

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a critical role.

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Thank you, Phil.

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I'd look for a motion to support this.

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I'll move the motion to adopt the resolution to recognize October 2024 as Cybersecurity

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Awareness Month.

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Second.

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Thank you.

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Motion by Commissioner Kloss and second by Commissioner Crease, Commissioner Kloss.

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Any comments?

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Yeah, I just wanted to comment, Phil, thank you so much for bringing this forward.

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It's very important that we keep secure our information and the AI cyber attacks are just

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getting more and more complicated and targeted.

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And it is scary to see these stories that come out about somebody who has been targeted

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by a cyber attack.

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So thank you so much for bringing this forward.

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I appreciate the information.

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Thank you.

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Make sure Crystal.

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Thank you.

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So, yeah, I just want to say how pleased I have been recognizing the tsunami of cyber

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attacks that RIT department deals with on a probably a minute-by-minute basis, I mean,

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and they're sophisticated.

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And the good news is, RIT is more sophisticated, and I just have very proud of Adam and his

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whole team of professionals doing a great job.

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And I'm also pleased with our county board's support to provide any resources that are

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necessary to continue to protect us, but I couldn't be more happy than with the

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job of RIT department is doing. Thank you, Phil, for that.

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Well said, Commissioner. If there's no further comment, we have a motion in second. We'll

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go to roll call, Stephanie. Commissioner Miran.

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Aye. Commissioner Carrizo.

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Aye. Commissioner Bigham.

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Aye. Commissioner Claeson.

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Aye. Commissioner Karwaski.

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Aye. The solution passes 5-0.

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Thank you again, Phil. Thank you.

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Next on the agenda is Item 5, Public Health and the Environment, Caleb Johnson, Community

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Environment Health Program Manager, Senior Manager.

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Welcome.

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Good morning, Chair and Commissioners.

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Well, it was an exciting day here bringing the Solid Waste Management Plan to you, and

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shout out to IT.

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They are fantastic for us in public health.

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We love them, so it's very excited.

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Today we're bringing to you the final draft for your consideration for adoption of the

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Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan.

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We public health and the Board have had a good conversation throughout the year about this,

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but today I'll provide a little additional background so the public who we don't expect

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is necessarily tuned into every meeting gets some insight into how this is unfolded

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here.

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So we'll go through the management plan itself and the overview of that.

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that we'll talk a little bit about the board workshops

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that we've held throughout the summer.

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We'll talk about the management plan elements itself

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so the public can get a sense of the chapters

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that are in there and how we're achieving the goals

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to reduce solid waste and increase recycling

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and waste reduction.

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And we'll bring to you our official request

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and talk about those next steps.

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So as a reminder,

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the solid waste management plan

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is a statute-driven process.

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So state statute requires that the seven metro county area adopt individual

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Dual county management plans that are based on a state policy plan.

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So the Pollution Control Agency is responsible for kicking off the process by releasing a plan

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shown here, the 2022-2024 plan in blue.

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It's a six-year cycle that planning goes through.

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So every six years, we refresh the plan and we reset that 20-year horizon to look into

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the future and then guide our actions as the county around solid waste management.

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So, Statute 473.803 is what requires all of this.

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This is a fantastic opportunity for the county to continually reset its vision,

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being the county of landfill number one, Lake Jane landfill,

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and the public health issues that we know are related to that landfill,

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and the damage done to the environment.

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We today are bringing to you this draft plan before all other seven counties.

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So we're very excited about that. We would have done it on the same day as Ramsey County

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We don't have a board meeting next week. That was when they're going. So all things equal we we wanted to go first here

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So we're very excited and proud of what this creates for an opportunity

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in high-level numbers we have the

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Actual objectives where we hope to move the waste in the waste hierarchy meaning where it's going to go besides a landfill

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I'm very happy to say if we look at these numbers, these are statewide numbers and in

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Washington County virtually none of our municipal solid waste goes to the landfill at all.

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So this goal of 17.6% in 2025, we've met that goal already.

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We're near zero.

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Waste to energy, that's one of our critical tools to manage waste and we do that through

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the recycling and energy center co-shared with Ramsey County.

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County, and you can see this continues on into the future. The state sees that into 2042

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this will be a fifth of the trash still managed by waste to energy. So this is a critical

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tool that we know needs to continue in the future. And moving up the hierarchy, we're

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going to be collecting organics recycling throughout the county. We're already doing

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that at drop sites. I have some exciting news to share a little bit later in the presentation

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about that. We're already meeting this traditional recycling rates, and then new to this year's

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state-driven plan is this top-line waste reduction that actually shows the reduction

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of waste, so making less of it all together. And that's been a hard thing to quantify in

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public health. It's really a challenge for us sometimes to quantify what we've prevented.

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We know good work is happening, but you can't count it when it doesn't happen.

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So this is something we're going to get more sophisticated in documenting how we've reduced

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the waste stream as well, but going up to 15 percent of the waste stream reduced in 2042.

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We're coming off of our hottest, driest September on record in Minnesota, so the importance of

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minding our environmental footprint as a county is of the utmost importance. It's more relevant

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than ever, and this plan does that through connections to several other county-level plans.

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the comprehensive plan, the groundwater plan, our mitigation plans including emergency management

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and debris management, community health improvement plans, county strategic direction,

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and other key initiatives at the department level. We also connect with neighbors at Ramsey

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County and at the recycling and energy center that we share with Ramsey County. And this plan

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was adopted with deliberate focus to align it through recycling and energy so we can leverage

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our shared neighbor resources between Washington and Ramsey County together and then just a

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shout out that this really does align with the new county vision of a vibrant county embracing

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the diversity of its communities, advancing equitable access to resources and opportunities

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and prioritizing the sustainability of its natural environment.

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You all were here for these

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workshops but a reminder to the public that we did have a few touch points throughout the

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with the board, including all the way back to August 23

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when we introduced what was all gonna happen

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throughout 2024 in this planning process.

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Engagement was a critical component of this plan.

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It's reflected in the resolution we're bringing for you,

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bringing forward before you at the end of this presentation.

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And these were the groups that were critical partners

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to influence what made it into the plan

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and how we've prioritized our activities.

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just

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one really proud moment where we did reach out through the public

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schools here locally in the county and we saw that reflected back in a survey

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response where the youth voice that was reflected in that survey the age

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demographic shift was just amazing and it was just exciting to see the the

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county's future weighing in on the county's future decision-making through

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this plan.

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So the plan itself is outlined with a background and an introduction, the overarching policies,

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the governing partnerships, and several chapters covering many different sectors of waste and

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waste management.

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Some of the new chapters that you're going to see in this plan that are a reflection

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of state lessons learned throughout the last planning cycle and through engagement

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with our public include the product stewardship and extended producer

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responsibility chapter, bulky waste management, yard waste and wood waste,

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and construction and demolition waste and deconstruction. We also have a marquee

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call-out of food scrap pickup program and the work we're doing around

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organics management and the enhanced communication and outreach strategies

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that we're focusing on into the future because we know the public

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doesn't know enough about this plan and they need to.

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So this is the exciting news. Here

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we are bringing this to you for adoption today. This is also the day that 82% of our county

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residents become within reach of the new food scrap pickup program being offered by recycling

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and energy. So that's 27,670 new households able to sign up for this today. We do have

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trial kits for this moment down on the fourth floor at the public health

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offices for anybody who's located in the dark green areas on the map here or in

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the light green areas that want to sign up we have trial kits available today

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that people can come and pick up. Commissioner Muran I apologize of the

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light gray area here but you do have a new environmental center that's going

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to be opening a couple months here so district one is getting something out

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of this new plan as well.

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So the next steps are that we're bringing to

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a request to adopt this resolution that adopts the 2024-2042 Washington County Solid Waste

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Management Plan and give public health and environment the authorization to submit the

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final plan to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for their review and approval. And

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we have been collaborating with them as we've been drafting the plan.

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And then lastly, we're just so excited to implement this revised planning, get

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going on improving the health and the environment

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for our residents.

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And with that, I'll stand for questions.

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Thank you, Caleb.

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Questions of Caleb?

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Chair, I'll move the resolution to get it before us.

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I would move to adopt the resolution approving the 2024

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to 2042 Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan

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and authorize the Department of Public Health

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and Environment to submit the plan

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to the Commissioner of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

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for review and approval.

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second well should my commissioner Miran second by commissioner class and

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commissioner Miran Caleb no need to apologize for the gray area there you

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00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:20,980
know there's good rationale for the way the program has been rolling out

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obviously you know that managing the the food scrap pickup program and and the

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Delivery directly to our facility in Newport was kind of a key factor and

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Enrolling the program out and it's been expanded. There's significant areas in Ramsey County that aren't being served yet either

301
00:23:44,540 --> 00:23:50,920
Simply because they're not doing a direct haul and we need to incorporate the technology

302
00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:53,780
at the sites that the

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Solid waste is being hauled to so there's there's good rationale in that and the important thing is

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you know, it's being utilized, the program is meeting our expectations in the communities

305
00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:14,880
that it's been rolled out to and, you know, we certainly appreciate the support from the

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state in, you know, some of the helping with the funding of some of the technology that

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00:24:21,260 --> 00:24:26,300
was necessary to implement that program. I believe, you know, we're not only the

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first in submitting this solid waste management plan,

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but we're the first in many areas when it comes to

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solid waste management here in Washington and Ramsey County.

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And I think this board is very proud of the work

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that we've been doing for quite a number of years.

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I remember when I came on to the board in 2013,

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attending the meetings in 2012,

315
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this was probably one of the more controversial areas

316
00:24:55,900 --> 00:25:01,220
of discussion at that time and whether or not we were going to invest in this

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00:25:01,220 --> 00:25:08,100
facility and Commissioner Creasel was somewhat of a stalwart there but I

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think you know that that thought process evolved and we developed a really good

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agreement and a really good program because of some of the consternation on

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the part of, you know, commissioners in this area. But, you know, I look at the every six

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00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:37,520
years it seems almost a little overkill on the program and yet I see how much change has

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occurred in the last six years. And it truly is important that, you know, we stay abreast

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with the technology, the changes in the work that we're doing, and so I'm really pleased

324
00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:58,180
with the amount of effort you had a slide there with all of the meetings and that type

325
00:25:58,180 --> 00:26:04,540
of thing, the volunteers that we had, the people with various expertise in this area

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00:26:04,540 --> 00:26:10,960
that contributed immensely to helping pull our solid waste management plan together along

327
00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:13,160
with yourself and public health and environment.

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I think it truly was a team effort and just a good program.

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I would encourage our residents to make connections with our recycling and energy center.

330
00:26:29,460 --> 00:26:35,000
We're happy to host groups there and do tours so that people can actually see and understand

331
00:26:36,280 --> 00:26:42,040
their waste production and where their waste is going and how it's being managed.

332
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And I think, you know, people become familiar with that and they see that the zero-waste

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goal, and I know it's not zero-waste on your chart there, I think is more attainable.

334
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I think people will recognize the impact of their waste and the trash and the effort.

335
00:27:05,300 --> 00:27:10,660
But I think we're doing a good job in this plan, certainly, brings us forward.

336
00:27:13,320 --> 00:27:16,880
Thank you so much for the presentation and bringing this forward.

337
00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:23,320
I had made a comment that the entire plan is in the packet and I was scrolling and scrolling.

338
00:27:23,940 --> 00:27:26,540
I think the packet was like 340 pages.

339
00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:33,860
So thank you for putting it into the packet and letting people really see what this plan

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00:27:33,860 --> 00:27:34,440
is about.

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00:27:35,680 --> 00:27:43,180
you know, the legislature in 1971 required that we have some type of solid waste plan that the

342
00:27:43,180 --> 00:27:50,380
MPCA requires this of us. So this is something that we have to do. But we do it. We're doing it

343
00:27:50,380 --> 00:27:57,120
so well. And I agree with Commissioner Miran's comments about, you know, we're the first

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of many for the, you know, not only solid waste plan, but also conserving land and clean water

345
00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:13,440
protections. And we continue to do that and try and be, you know, good environmental stewards.

346
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And I think the county and you, as well as Dave Rummel and Stephanie's shooter and suitor

347
00:28:20,480 --> 00:28:24,480
and the additional staff, you guys are experts

348
00:28:24,480 --> 00:28:28,140
in what you're doing and it's people are becoming,

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00:28:28,500 --> 00:28:30,980
like we're becoming the ones that people look to

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to see what are we gonna be doing next.

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And I really appreciate you taking the time

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to consider comments from the commissioners,

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asking to make sure that our solid waste plan,

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matches or at least

355
00:28:48,940 --> 00:28:54,900
compatible to Ramsey County because we do work with them so much on the recycling

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and energy and I think that that is something that we also added to the

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00:29:00,140 --> 00:29:05,040
solid waste plan so that it's more of a picture and more of a it tells a story

358
00:29:05,040 --> 00:29:12,660
our plan does than it then it has in the past so I'm actually really pleased

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00:29:12,660 --> 00:29:18,400
and proud of the results in front of us today you know I also think that you know

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00:29:18,400 --> 00:29:23,560
the legislature in 2014 required all agencies and the counties to achieve

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00:29:23,560 --> 00:29:31,820
recycling rates of 75% and higher by 2030 and we're already there and as you

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00:29:31,820 --> 00:29:37,180
just mentioned none of our garbage in those areas that we talked about are

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00:29:37,180 --> 00:29:38,020
going to the landfill.

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And that's a big accomplishment that many around the state wish they could say as well.

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And when I went to Kowalski's at the grocery store and I put away my, and I was throwing

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00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:57,660
away my garbage and it said waste to landfill, I was confident that that was what was happening.

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and I

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And I'm happy that that is something that people can take away from this because there's

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a lot of work that goes into it. And you guys are doing an amazing job at reducing the waste

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stream and helping people, you know, reduce their carbon footprint. And I think that's

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what we're, this is intended to do. So kudos, double star, gold star, double checks. I really

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00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:24,660
applause. Thank you.

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00:30:25,820 --> 00:30:30,680
for sure big um yeah thank you it's a it's a great plan and I've always enjoyed

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00:30:30,680 --> 00:30:34,800
this process I think that the feedback that the commissioners provided I was

375
00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:39,680
very well accepted and the one thing that I like about this plan is it

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00:30:39,680 --> 00:30:46,320
demonstrates that Washington County is not stagnant when it comes to this area

377
00:30:46,320 --> 00:30:53,700
and I appreciate the additions that you did add I think one of the areas

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00:30:53,700 --> 00:30:56,880
is that really had a lot of change to it was PFAS

379
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because of what the federal government, the EPA,

380
00:30:59,260 --> 00:31:04,140
set the limits for human exposure for the first time

381
00:31:04,140 --> 00:31:06,480
and the timeline, I think is important.

382
00:31:06,700 --> 00:31:09,140
I think it's important because we have

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00:31:09,140 --> 00:31:12,320
our local municipalities who we work in concert with

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00:31:13,680 --> 00:31:18,520
and they're gonna struggle meeting these limits,

385
00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:21,780
whether it's Woodbury, whether it's Stillwater,

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00:31:23,700 --> 00:31:31,480
cottage grove, they all are going to struggle with how to mitigate those concerns with the

387
00:31:31,480 --> 00:31:35,700
water levels. And so I just think it was important for public transparency to have

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00:31:35,700 --> 00:31:41,880
the timelines in there and the levels in there in that. So I think it was a very good

389
00:31:41,880 --> 00:31:46,760
addition that you put in there. And again, I just want to highlight that

390
00:31:46,760 --> 00:31:55,640
But just the document shows that we are just constantly moving along and progressing in

391
00:31:55,640 --> 00:31:58,280
this area and our leaders in this.

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And I think that that's important to demonstrate.

393
00:32:00,680 --> 00:32:01,260
So thank you.

394
00:32:03,260 --> 00:32:09,760
Commissioner Bigum, I wanted to point out that the Newport facility, which you represent

395
00:32:09,760 --> 00:32:16,460
Newport, is such a critical, the recycling energy building there, so critical, the effort

396
00:32:16,460 --> 00:32:21,340
of the Solid Waste Management Plan and your leadership on the facilities and finance,

397
00:32:21,920 --> 00:32:28,520
cheering that is instrumental in your communication with the city of Newport and having a good partner

398
00:32:29,170 --> 00:32:34,120
with Newport and there's been a lot of things done to mitigate

399
00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:43,940
order order I was searching was there anything done with sound but maybe not

400
00:32:43,940 --> 00:32:51,480
but the order and a lot of investment there so thank you for your leadership there

401
00:32:51,480 --> 00:32:58,540
and Commissioner Maron you're chairing the energy and recycling energy board is

402
00:32:58,540 --> 00:33:02,840
critical also can we share a crease over do you like that anything yeah I'd

403
00:33:02,840 --> 00:33:05,460
I'd like to recognize Commissioner Begum

404
00:33:05,740 --> 00:33:09,380
for having that facility in her district.

405
00:33:09,660 --> 00:33:11,060
They do just a great job

406
00:33:11,060 --> 00:33:17,800
and respond to any concerns that Newport has in such

407
00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:19,920
and they've really improved that

408
00:33:20,940 --> 00:33:25,020
from older containment and things like that.

409
00:33:25,320 --> 00:33:26,360
So I appreciate that.

410
00:33:27,020 --> 00:33:31,060
Also appreciate the great relationship

411
00:33:31,060 --> 00:33:36,820
we have with Ramsey County. I know that goes back to when they had the solid

412
00:33:36,820 --> 00:33:43,140
waste management coordinating board back at Dick Stafford days and and the

413
00:33:43,140 --> 00:33:48,760
Green Guardian and things like that. It was a it was a great committee and that

414
00:33:48,760 --> 00:33:57,260
evolved into the R&E board and I'd just like to say Ramsey County provided

415
00:33:57,260 --> 00:34:04,500
a tremendous leadership with Commissioner Reinhardt, Victoria Reinhardt. She's going to be

416
00:34:04,500 --> 00:34:11,820
stepping down this year and I'm confident that Ramsey County, it's going to be hard to replace her

417
00:34:11,820 --> 00:34:18,200
because she's just been so great to work with. I know Commissioner Maron, you and

418
00:34:19,020 --> 00:34:26,340
Commissioner Reinhardt have a great relationship and that's very meaningful. I just want to

419
00:34:26,340 --> 00:34:33,420
Command Caleb in the public health environment. This is a great plan. I know there's a lot

420
00:34:33,420 --> 00:34:39,000
of effort goes into this and things like that. And I think you did a superb job looking

421
00:34:39,000 --> 00:34:45,680
forward to the yard waste, free waste in the central district. I know I appreciate

422
00:34:45,680 --> 00:34:53,550
the work you're doing. I do know the lower Valley communities appreciate what you're

423
00:34:53,550 --> 00:34:59,250
doing and keeping them informed and hopefully that will become a reality.

424
00:35:00,410 --> 00:35:05,110
But other than that, the other thing, the R&E facility is self-sustaining.

425
00:35:05,930 --> 00:35:12,510
There's no direct support from levy support or no use of CEC funding.

426
00:35:12,690 --> 00:35:14,290
Is that right, Commissioner Maron?

427
00:35:16,050 --> 00:35:16,330
Right.

428
00:35:16,790 --> 00:35:18,510
I just want to point that out to the public.

429
00:35:18,510 --> 00:35:23,830
So it's a great plan, supported, thanks Caleb.

430
00:35:25,270 --> 00:35:27,890
Any other comments from the board?

431
00:35:29,410 --> 00:35:34,330
Maybe in closing, Caleb, thank you for your leadership.

432
00:35:34,570 --> 00:35:35,890
And there's a lot of staff members.

433
00:35:36,150 --> 00:35:38,070
I know we've got some in the audience,

434
00:35:38,070 --> 00:35:39,850
so it takes a good team effort.

435
00:35:40,570 --> 00:35:45,350
I think I totally agree also with the commissioner's comments

436
00:35:45,350 --> 00:35:47,210
they made this morning on the board.

437
00:35:47,210 --> 00:35:54,070
very good comments and if it's okay with the board we'll not read the

438
00:35:54,070 --> 00:36:00,270
resolution on this one and we'll if there's no further comment we will move

439
00:36:00,270 --> 00:36:04,950
to a vote on adopting the resolution the motion was made by Commissioner Miran

440
00:36:04,950 --> 00:36:10,230
second by Commissioner Klosson. Stephanie roll call please. Commissioner Miran?

441
00:36:10,450 --> 00:36:15,070
Aye. Commissioner Creasel? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Commissioner Klosson?

442
00:36:15,070 --> 00:36:15,490
Hi.

443
00:36:15,690 --> 00:36:16,790
Commissioner Karwaski.

444
00:36:16,910 --> 00:36:17,010
Hi.

445
00:36:17,330 --> 00:36:19,030
Resolution passes 5-0.

446
00:36:19,870 --> 00:36:20,770
Thank you again, Kale.

447
00:36:21,030 --> 00:36:21,830
Thank you, commissioners.

448
00:36:23,010 --> 00:36:24,510
We'll move to public works.

449
00:36:25,130 --> 00:36:31,330
Joe Gustafson, traffic engineer, item A. Good morning and welcome.

450
00:36:33,670 --> 00:36:38,530
I must say, our state recognized national recognized traffic engineer.

451
00:36:39,730 --> 00:36:41,770
Good morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners.

452
00:36:41,770 --> 00:36:45,630
I'm here this morning to ask for a resolution of support

453
00:36:45,630 --> 00:36:48,390
to convert the intersection of County Road 12

454
00:36:48,390 --> 00:36:51,730
at Brick Street to always stop control.

455
00:36:52,470 --> 00:36:54,130
In my presentation this morning,

456
00:36:54,230 --> 00:36:56,510
we'll do a quick review of the intersection location

457
00:36:56,510 --> 00:36:58,990
and characteristics, talk about what we've heard

458
00:36:58,990 --> 00:37:00,230
from residents in the city,

459
00:37:00,790 --> 00:37:03,050
review our findings and the staff recommendation,

460
00:37:03,650 --> 00:37:06,030
discuss the proposed timeline if the Board were

461
00:37:06,030 --> 00:37:08,990
to approve these improvements or these changes

462
00:37:08,990 --> 00:37:14,410
and finally end with a request for a resolution to approve an all-way stop on

463
00:37:14,410 --> 00:37:20,830
County State 8 Highway 12 at Brick Street in the city of Stillwater. The

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00:37:20,830 --> 00:37:26,030
location highlighted on the map here again is on County State 8 Highway 12

465
00:37:26,030 --> 00:37:29,830
which is known at this location as Myrtle Street. If you go just a little

466
00:37:29,830 --> 00:37:34,930
bit to the west it becomes 75th Street as it heads over towards Modemidae. It

467
00:37:34,930 --> 00:37:38,350
is a four-legged intersection that currently operates as a two-way stop

468
00:37:38,350 --> 00:37:43,170
with stop control for the northbound and southbound approaches is within a 30

469
00:37:43,170 --> 00:37:47,450
mile per hour zone but it is very near to a 50 mile per hour zone just to the

470
00:37:47,450 --> 00:37:53,250
west and it's also located at a transition area from the urban the old

471
00:37:53,250 --> 00:37:58,490
grid portion of Stillwater to a less dense area as you head to the west. There

472
00:37:58,490 --> 00:38:02,710
are sidewalks on both sides of County 12 in this area and on the west side of

473
00:38:02,710 --> 00:38:06,250
Brick Street. There is also a residential street to the north which is

474
00:38:06,250 --> 00:38:09,270
Birchwood Drive, which has no sidewalks at this time.

475
00:38:12,180 --> 00:38:18,680
We were approached by residents that expressed concerns about the lack of controlled crossings

476
00:38:18,680 --> 00:38:23,700
in this area and their desire to reach trails that are in the area of Lake McCusick, which

477
00:38:23,700 --> 00:38:26,880
is just to the north of this area that does have a number of trails around it.

478
00:38:27,660 --> 00:38:31,160
They were concerned with traffic speeds that routinely exceed 30 miles per hour.

479
00:38:31,540 --> 00:38:35,680
We do have a radar sign out there that does help and advises people of their speed

480
00:38:35,680 --> 00:38:39,900
as they come into town. But even though it's effective, it's not 100 percent effective

481
00:38:39,900 --> 00:38:44,740
by any means. There are concerns about sight lines in both directions. This area is located

482
00:38:44,740 --> 00:38:49,520
within a curve. And the volumes are fairly high. So some are concerned about lack of

483
00:38:49,520 --> 00:38:53,940
gaps even if their sight lines and ability to judge those is good.

484
00:38:55,140 --> 00:39:01,140
We were originally approached essentially with a blank request that seemed to suggest

485
00:39:01,140 --> 00:39:04,960
that they were looking for some crosswalk signage or markings. So we did evaluate

486
00:39:04,960 --> 00:39:09,200
evaluate that as a possibility. They also mentioned the possibility of some button-activated

487
00:39:09,200 --> 00:39:15,360
flashing signs. We evaluated possible geometric changes such as a center island and finally

488
00:39:15,360 --> 00:39:19,880
changes to intersection control that could have included an always stop or a roundabout

489
00:39:19,880 --> 00:39:24,840
or a traffic signal. So we looked at all of these. We did some data collection by

490
00:39:24,840 --> 00:39:29,440
visiting the site to look at the site conditions. We reviewed the pedestrian network in this

491
00:39:29,440 --> 00:39:33,240
area where the different places that connect up to the north where these pedestrians

492
00:39:33,240 --> 00:39:34,460
and they're saying they would like to go.

493
00:39:35,500 --> 00:39:38,080
And also the corridor, what are the other features

494
00:39:38,080 --> 00:39:40,680
within this corridor that people might want to cross to

495
00:39:40,680 --> 00:39:44,300
and what types of volumes might we see at those locations?

496
00:39:44,500 --> 00:39:46,940
So for example, we have the JC ball fields,

497
00:39:47,020 --> 00:39:48,820
which is just two blocks to the west of here.

498
00:39:49,200 --> 00:39:50,260
We have Ramsey Grove Park,

499
00:39:50,340 --> 00:39:51,740
which is one block to the east of here.

500
00:39:51,880 --> 00:39:55,640
So there's crossing desires throughout this corridor.

501
00:39:56,400 --> 00:39:58,740
And we wanted to figure out how does this rate

502
00:39:58,740 --> 00:40:01,120
relative to other places within the corridor.

503
00:40:01,120 --> 00:40:05,560
door. We collected intersection counts and created a traffic model, which you see a screenshot

504
00:40:05,560 --> 00:40:11,280
of here. And our findings were that the intersection does not meet official warrants for always

505
00:40:11,280 --> 00:40:16,620
stops or a signal. So that's an important consideration for us. But we also determined

506
00:40:16,620 --> 00:40:21,620
that crosswalk signs or flashers would likely be unsatisfactory in performance. We know

507
00:40:21,620 --> 00:40:25,880
that crosswalk markings themselves are not a safety device. And blinking yellow lights

508
00:40:25,880 --> 00:40:30,740
do not actually reassign right of way. So we expected that even if we were to pursue

509
00:40:30,740 --> 00:40:35,880
those, these residents would be coming back asking for more. Our past experience says

510
00:40:35,880 --> 00:40:42,600
that these types of devices in the long run are not meeting expectations. And always stop

511
00:40:42,600 --> 00:40:48,220
at Brick Street could operate without excessive queues or delays. So even though it wasn't

512
00:40:48,220 --> 00:40:51,980
quite meeting those criteria, it seemed like it will operate well based on the model.

513
00:40:51,980 --> 00:40:56,940
And another benefit of that is there's an existing right turn lane for traffic

514
00:40:56,940 --> 00:41:02,840
that's coming from the west to turn south on Brick Street, which based on the model is not needed with an always stop.

515
00:41:03,040 --> 00:41:08,980
So that would offer us an opportunity to possibly narrow up that crossing narrower than what it is today.

516
00:41:11,740 --> 00:41:17,020
In February 22 of this year, county staff shared a preliminary recommendation with these residents

517
00:41:17,020 --> 00:41:21,360
and with some city staff that we were leaning towards always stop control.

518
00:41:21,360 --> 00:41:24,920
That was well received and on July 14th this year.

519
00:41:25,220 --> 00:41:28,220
The Stillwater City Council approved a resolution to install

520
00:41:28,220 --> 00:41:30,580
Always Stop Control at this intersection.

521
00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:33,980
So just a quick review of the timeline.

522
00:41:34,860 --> 00:41:38,420
A lot of the genesis of this was the addition of a sidewalk to Brick Street,

523
00:41:38,580 --> 00:41:40,740
which did not previously have sidewalks.

524
00:41:40,760 --> 00:41:43,140
So that's bringing more people to this intersection.

525
00:41:43,680 --> 00:41:46,320
So they approached us in 2023.

526
00:41:46,900 --> 00:41:49,060
And again, in those discussions earlier this year,

527
00:41:50,400 --> 00:41:54,120
expressing those concerns and looking for some changes to the intersection. We

528
00:41:54,120 --> 00:41:58,080
completed our analysis and provided that recommendation. One thing I want to make

529
00:41:58,080 --> 00:42:02,840
sure to mention that's not on here is early this year in April, we hired our

530
00:42:02,840 --> 00:42:05,760
new assistant traffic engineer, Zach Raven, who helped me put this

531
00:42:05,760 --> 00:42:09,540
presentation together and help keep the ball rolling on this despite our

532
00:42:09,540 --> 00:42:19,040
busy schedules. And the City Council approved a resolution supporting the

533
00:42:19,040 --> 00:42:24,820
to install this within this month, October 2024, along with a temporary closure of that

534
00:42:24,820 --> 00:42:30,040
existing right turn lane. We believe that this will help draw driver attention to the

535
00:42:30,040 --> 00:42:34,780
change in traffic control and also provide a proof of concept for how the intersection

536
00:42:34,780 --> 00:42:39,520
would operate if we were to explore permanently removing that right turn lane in the future.

537
00:42:39,700 --> 00:42:43,740
That's something that would require more road construction. That's not explicitly programmed

538
00:42:43,740 --> 00:42:50,560
right now, but this offers us an opportunity to see just how well that works. The model

539
00:42:50,560 --> 00:42:53,840
suggests it works well, but it's always good to try things in real life when you can.

540
00:42:55,020 --> 00:42:59,580
And so then before winter, though, before the snow plows are out there, we want to

541
00:42:59,580 --> 00:43:03,420
make sure to get those drums and barrels off the road. So that would be a relatively

542
00:43:03,420 --> 00:43:04,460
short experiment.

543
00:43:07,270 --> 00:43:10,950
Allway stops are not a cure-all. They do have downsides. They're

544
00:43:10,950 --> 00:43:14,470
a useful method to control the right-of-way assignment at intersections, and they can

545
00:43:14,470 --> 00:43:19,730
be effective in reducing certain crash types. We weren't seeing an actual crash problem

546
00:43:19,730 --> 00:43:25,070
at this intersection. It was more difficulty finding gaps to cross and for people making

547
00:43:25,070 --> 00:43:29,290
that left turn because this serves as kind of an unofficial connection between County

548
00:43:29,290 --> 00:43:34,090
Road 5 and County Road 12 for people that are coming northbound. Always stops can

549
00:43:34,090 --> 00:43:39,330
increase delays and traffic noise and they can potentially increase other crash types

550
00:43:39,330 --> 00:43:42,890
such as rear-end crashes. So these are not appropriate for every intersection but

551
00:43:42,890 --> 00:43:47,270
that's why we took a strategic look at this corridor to figure out which of these locations

552
00:43:47,270 --> 00:43:52,890
would make the most sense. And what we found here was this one had on average the best

553
00:43:52,890 --> 00:43:58,790
connectivity and also the highest volume. The amount of volume passing back and forth

554
00:43:58,790 --> 00:44:02,610
on the county road is actually quite comparable to the amount of traffic that is coming

555
00:44:02,610 --> 00:44:07,670
north on Brick Street. So it's not exactly 50-50, but it was surprisingly close.

556
00:44:09,150 --> 00:44:14,090
So, the requested Board action this morning is to adopt a resolution authorizing the installation

557
00:44:14,750 --> 00:44:19,430
of appropriate signs to establish an all-way stop condition at the intersection of County

558
00:44:19,430 --> 00:44:25,570
State Aid 12, known as Myrtle Street at this location, at its intersection with Brick Street,

559
00:44:25,770 --> 00:44:28,510
South, and Birchwood Drive in the city of Stillwater.

560
00:44:28,730 --> 00:44:30,150
And with that, I will stand for questions.

561
00:44:31,010 --> 00:44:31,770
Thank you, Joe.

562
00:44:32,090 --> 00:44:32,730
Mr. Kreisel.

563
00:44:32,950 --> 00:44:34,290
Thank you, Mr. Chair.

564
00:44:34,390 --> 00:44:36,030
I would move that resolution.

565
00:44:36,690 --> 00:44:37,050
Second.

566
00:44:38,390 --> 00:44:43,110
Okay, we have a motion by Commissioner Creasel, second by Commissioner Bigum, Commissioner

567
00:44:43,110 --> 00:44:43,650
Creasel.

568
00:44:44,070 --> 00:44:47,810
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Joe, for the good presentation.

569
00:44:48,810 --> 00:44:53,850
I agree if we didn't take action with it, certainly be here at the residence.

570
00:44:54,730 --> 00:44:57,350
This has a lot to do about pedestrian safety.

571
00:44:58,270 --> 00:44:58,710
They have that.

572
00:44:58,710 --> 00:44:59,730
I don't know.

573
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:09,080
If name escapes me right now or that apartment complex, but we met with them a few months ago

574
00:45:09,080 --> 00:45:15,180
and City of Stillwater staff was there and everybody is pretty much in agreement that

575
00:45:15,180 --> 00:45:23,340
this would be a great safety improvement. As you know, Brick Street gets quite busy.

576
00:45:23,340 --> 00:45:31,300
people coming off of five trying to access 12 to go to the west during rush

577
00:45:31,300 --> 00:45:37,900
hour and other times it's a it's kind of a main main connector Brook Street is so

578
00:45:37,900 --> 00:45:45,220
this is I think it's gonna be pretty good for pedestrian safety there's a lot

579
00:45:45,220 --> 00:45:51,060
of walkers they want to be across north and south so I strongly support this and

580
00:45:51,060 --> 00:45:54,380
I appreciate the work of our public works bringing this forward.

581
00:45:54,880 --> 00:45:55,780
Thank you, Commissioner.

582
00:45:56,240 --> 00:45:56,900
Thank you.

583
00:45:57,180 --> 00:45:57,780
Commissioner Begum.

584
00:45:58,320 --> 00:45:58,700
Thank you.

585
00:45:58,800 --> 00:46:01,360
Thank you, Joe, for your work on this.

586
00:46:01,620 --> 00:46:06,640
Folks have not seen Joe in action when he is evaluating one of these intersections.

587
00:46:06,880 --> 00:46:11,620
It's something to watch just so you know I've seen it personally, so thank you for

588
00:46:11,620 --> 00:46:12,040
doing this.

589
00:46:12,180 --> 00:46:15,300
I can understand why you're a national board winning engineer.

590
00:46:15,720 --> 00:46:19,680
So I just want to compliment Commissioner Creasel's leadership on this.

591
00:46:19,680 --> 00:46:22,060
he's like a dog on a bone with this,

592
00:46:22,160 --> 00:46:26,220
making sure that this got done for the residents there

593
00:46:26,220 --> 00:46:32,780
in this area for safety and just for pedestrian crossing

594
00:46:32,780 --> 00:46:36,000
and really just to make sure that the flow

595
00:46:36,000 --> 00:46:38,160
is going good there for traffic,

596
00:46:38,180 --> 00:46:39,340
because it is a busy area.

597
00:46:39,620 --> 00:46:40,660
And I know it was a big concern,

598
00:46:40,700 --> 00:46:43,480
so I appreciate your leadership there with the city as well.

599
00:46:44,500 --> 00:46:46,300
Thank you, Commissioner, anyone else?

600
00:46:48,620 --> 00:46:51,120
Joe, good overview, good background.

601
00:46:51,680 --> 00:46:56,460
I was wondering, and maybe Commissioner Creasville and Joe, would you know this, will this impede

602
00:46:56,460 --> 00:47:00,860
any traffic getting to Nelson's ice cream, is it like somewhere in the area?

603
00:47:01,480 --> 00:47:03,280
That's always a concern of mine.

604
00:47:04,760 --> 00:47:06,140
I don't think so, Joe.

605
00:47:06,400 --> 00:47:10,240
It will take a little longer if you're coming from the West, but fortunately they don't

606
00:47:10,240 --> 00:47:11,000
serve you the ice cream.

607
00:47:11,020 --> 00:47:11,220
Okay.

608
00:47:11,240 --> 00:47:12,580
It won't melt.

609
00:47:13,080 --> 00:47:14,680
You don't want to eat or drive.

610
00:47:14,680 --> 00:47:19,440
You don't want to be nice cream and driving. Good point. Good point. Well, we

611
00:47:20,100 --> 00:47:25,160
appreciate that commissure Creasel's leadership, you know, still water well, so um

612
00:47:27,060 --> 00:47:31,560
If there's no further comment, we this is a resolution we'll move to

613
00:47:34,300 --> 00:47:35,620
Stephanie roll call, please

614
00:47:35,620 --> 00:47:43,520
Mr. Miran. Hi to Mr. Creasel. Hi, Mr. Bigam. Hi, Mr. Clawson. Hi, Commissioner Karwaski. Hi

615
00:47:43,520 --> 00:47:46,720
Resolution passes five zero. Thank you, John.

616
00:47:49,000 --> 00:47:53,540
We'll move to item seven on the agenda of property records and taxpayer services

617
00:47:53,540 --> 00:47:58,620
Amy Stentenagel. Did I get that right? You did commissioner. Yes. Thank you

618
00:47:59,200 --> 00:48:05,560
Good morning, Mr. Chair commissioners. My name is Amy Stentenagel and I am the director of property records and taxpayer services

619
00:48:05,560 --> 00:48:07,700
Thank you for the opportunity to be here today

620
00:48:07,700 --> 00:48:14,500
I am here to honor the employees and the property records and taxpayer services department and ask that we declare October 7

621
00:48:14,500 --> 00:48:18,860
through 11th, 2024 as customer service week here in Washington County.

622
00:48:19,320 --> 00:48:24,900
Since 1992 in the U.S., the first full week in October was proclaimed National Customer

623
00:48:24,900 --> 00:48:28,880
Service Week by Congress to recognize the work of customer service professionals throughout

624
00:48:28,880 --> 00:48:33,540
the year and the importance of that work in a wide range of businesses including government.

625
00:48:34,160 --> 00:48:37,700
The employees in the property records and taxpayer services department serve county

626
00:48:37,700 --> 00:48:42,500
customers and residents on a daily basis, face-to-face at a number of locations throughout

627
00:48:42,500 --> 00:48:42,960
the county.

628
00:48:42,960 --> 00:48:47,420
We are here today to recognize the high-quality service they provide and to share our appreciation.

629
00:48:48,160 --> 00:48:52,460
And we have a resolution before you today requesting that you proclaim this week Customer

630
00:48:52,460 --> 00:48:56,180
Service Week in Washington County, and if it's okay with you, Mr. Chair, I'll go ahead

631
00:48:56,180 --> 00:48:57,120
and read the resolution.

632
00:48:57,580 --> 00:48:58,360
Yes, please.

633
00:48:59,100 --> 00:48:59,120
All right.

634
00:48:59,120 --> 00:49:03,080
Resolution honoring County staff and employees of the Department of Property Records and

635
00:49:03,080 --> 00:49:09,120
Taxpayer Services during Customer Service Week October 7th through 11th, 2024, whereas

636
00:49:09,120 --> 00:49:12,480
the purpose of the work of Washington County employees is to serve the resident

637
00:49:12,480 --> 00:49:17,360
of Washington County and whereas the mission of Washington County is that we strive to provide

638
00:49:17,360 --> 00:49:22,560
exceptional services that enhance quality of life and promote a safe, healthy and welcoming community

639
00:49:22,560 --> 00:49:28,060
for all and whereas the employees at Washington County live this mission every day providing a

640
00:49:28,060 --> 00:49:33,300
wide variety of quality external and internal services and whereas the people who make up the

641
00:49:33,300 --> 00:49:37,640
staff of the county's property records and taxpayer services department have extensive

642
00:49:37,640 --> 00:49:42,720
of technical knowledge and serve county residents on a daily basis at a number of locations

643
00:49:42,720 --> 00:49:43,560
throughout the county.

644
00:49:44,060 --> 00:49:49,180
And whereas prompt, friendly and accurate customer service is a requirement of that staff doing

645
00:49:49,180 --> 00:49:53,860
its job well and serving county residents with its utmost ability and whereas it is

646
00:49:53,860 --> 00:49:58,180
fitting to recognize the supreme customer service that staff provides while fulfilling

647
00:49:58,180 --> 00:50:01,180
its role of providing service to the residents of Washington County.

648
00:50:01,640 --> 00:50:05,220
Now therefore be it resolved that the Washington County Board of Commissioners wishes to

649
00:50:05,220 --> 00:50:09,980
extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all employees of Washington County for the

650
00:50:09,980 --> 00:50:14,120
quality services they provide and be it further resolved that the Washington County Board of

651
00:50:14,120 --> 00:50:18,580
Commissioners wishes to specifically acknowledge property records and taxpayer services staff

652
00:50:18,580 --> 00:50:23,500
for its matchless customer service to all residents of Washington County and be it

653
00:50:23,500 --> 00:50:27,880
further resolved that in the light of that appreciation the Washington County Board of

654
00:50:27,880 --> 00:50:33,120
Commissioners proclaims October 7th through 11th 2024 customer service week in Washington

655
00:50:33,120 --> 00:50:38,340
County to publicly state that appreciation. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll stand for any comments or

656
00:50:38,340 --> 00:50:46,320
questions. Thank you, Amy. I'd look for a motion. Board, I will, Chair, I will move to adopt the

657
00:50:46,320 --> 00:50:50,920
resolution honoring staff in the property records and taxpayer services department and declare an

658
00:50:50,920 --> 00:50:58,160
October 7th through the 11th 2024 customer service week in Washington County. Second.

659
00:50:58,160 --> 00:50:58,260
Okay.

660
00:50:58,780 --> 00:50:59,220
Okay.

661
00:50:59,360 --> 00:51:02,380
Motion by Commissioner Klassen, second by Commissioner Begum.

662
00:51:02,960 --> 00:51:03,860
Commissioner Klassen.

663
00:51:04,480 --> 00:51:06,320
Thank you so much for the presentation.

664
00:51:07,380 --> 00:51:11,360
Your department has Supreme customer service.

665
00:51:11,600 --> 00:51:11,900
You're right.

666
00:51:12,040 --> 00:51:12,700
It's Supreme.

667
00:51:13,480 --> 00:51:17,640
What other heartfelt thanks, I mean that is really what it is.

668
00:51:17,780 --> 00:51:21,960
It's quality services and they continue to exceed the expectations.

669
00:51:22,360 --> 00:51:26,800
They're doing amazing work and I'm so excited for them to have the new central service

670
00:51:26,800 --> 00:51:33,100
Center which everyone always enjoys a new location and also the amount of pride

671
00:51:33,100 --> 00:51:38,060
that I have in the election staff. I just saw two this morning and we talked

672
00:51:38,060 --> 00:51:41,860
about what you know all the things that they're they're doing and they got all

673
00:51:41,860 --> 00:51:48,980
of the primary election voter information updated before the 10,000

674
00:51:48,980 --> 00:51:54,780
applications that were completed. So kudos to your team. Every day I see them

675
00:51:54,780 --> 00:51:56,000
They have a smile on their face.

676
00:51:56,260 --> 00:52:01,320
If it's not in the, you know, getting my license renewed or, you know, talking to elections,

677
00:52:01,540 --> 00:52:05,100
they are excited to perform the services.

678
00:52:05,300 --> 00:52:10,720
And that's really what we do in county is we have to provide those quality services

679
00:52:10,720 --> 00:52:11,480
to our constituents.

680
00:52:11,880 --> 00:52:12,440
So thank you.

681
00:52:15,060 --> 00:52:16,100
Thank you.

682
00:52:16,200 --> 00:52:16,460
Thank you.

683
00:52:16,540 --> 00:52:23,500
This is a fantastic resolution and it is just wonderful that we're able to recognize

684
00:52:23,500 --> 00:52:28,500
and I'm going to pass this resolution because I have to say, and I think I've said this

685
00:52:28,500 --> 00:52:35,520
numerous times, but your staff is probably the front line, front phase, the number one

686
00:52:35,520 --> 00:52:40,020
interactors of residents that they will more than likely have interaction with any of our

687
00:52:40,020 --> 00:52:43,520
staff, maybe besides libraries, would be your staff.

688
00:52:44,020 --> 00:52:52,320
And so the incredible work and effort and service that they provide is just amazing.

689
00:52:52,320 --> 00:52:57,760
and as you said it is superb so and they are earning their keep with the

690
00:52:57,760 --> 00:53:03,240
elections and all the legislation that changes that I don't think the folks up

691
00:53:03,240 --> 00:53:07,620
in St. Paul think about your staff when they make the changes and how it impacts

692
00:53:07,620 --> 00:53:13,080
them. So just appreciate their dedication and their hard work and thank you for

693
00:53:13,080 --> 00:53:17,680
bringing this forward. Thank you Commissioner Mann. Just a very well

694
00:53:17,680 --> 00:53:25,960
written resolution. It almost has the taste of a former library director involved in writing

695
00:53:25,960 --> 00:53:34,160
resolution. But, you know, certainly customer service is key to our success in serving the

696
00:53:34,160 --> 00:53:39,880
public here in Washington County. And, you know, as a board member, I just so much appreciate

697
00:53:39,880 --> 00:53:46,540
the dedication there is. And it's not always an easy job. I know, you know, sometimes

698
00:53:46,540 --> 00:53:52,020
times, hours of service are an issue as well and we've made adjustments to that over time.

699
00:53:52,200 --> 00:53:58,520
I think, you know, we just got such good people serving the public here in Washington County

700
00:53:58,520 --> 00:54:01,400
and appreciate all of the work that they do.

701
00:54:02,800 --> 00:54:03,320
Thank you.

702
00:54:03,500 --> 00:54:03,960
Can we share?

703
00:54:04,260 --> 00:54:04,500
Grisel?

704
00:54:04,900 --> 00:54:05,640
Thank you.

705
00:54:05,980 --> 00:54:09,680
I agree with the comments that the commissioners have made.

706
00:54:09,680 --> 00:54:20,600
the employees here staff continue to impress. They're very committed. They're very serious

707
00:54:20,600 --> 00:54:27,940
in what they do, and they put in a lot of effort. They're the face of the county in

708
00:54:27,940 --> 00:54:34,820
many cases, and I believe they just do an outstanding job. Thank you for your leadership.

709
00:54:35,900 --> 00:54:37,980
Any other comments?

710
00:54:39,460 --> 00:54:41,560
Amy, good leadership.

711
00:54:41,760 --> 00:54:43,140
We appreciate your employees.

712
00:54:43,460 --> 00:54:50,720
I wanted to point out this specific resolution is recognizing the property records and taxpayer

713
00:54:50,720 --> 00:54:55,460
services department of your director position.

714
00:54:56,800 --> 00:54:59,520
I agree with the commissioner's comments.

715
00:55:00,780 --> 00:55:03,580
There has been a motion by Commissioner Clausson,

716
00:55:03,660 --> 00:55:07,300
second by Commissioner Bigum to adopt the resolution

717
00:55:07,300 --> 00:55:10,080
honoring staff in the property records

718
00:55:10,080 --> 00:55:11,940
and taxpayer services department

719
00:55:11,940 --> 00:55:16,500
and declaring October 7th through 11th, 2024,

720
00:55:16,940 --> 00:55:19,620
customer service week in Washington County.

721
00:55:20,000 --> 00:55:21,300
There's no further comments.

722
00:55:21,680 --> 00:55:23,960
We'll move to roll call, Stephanie, please.

723
00:55:24,060 --> 00:55:24,740
Commissioner Miran.

724
00:55:25,020 --> 00:55:25,220
Aye.

725
00:55:25,420 --> 00:55:26,280
Commissioner Creasel.

726
00:55:26,500 --> 00:55:26,660
Aye.

727
00:55:26,960 --> 00:55:27,620
Commissioner Bigum.

728
00:55:27,920 --> 00:55:28,140
Aye.

729
00:55:28,420 --> 00:55:29,400
Commissioner Klossin.

730
00:55:29,500 --> 00:55:29,640
Hi.

731
00:55:29,920 --> 00:55:30,980
Commissioner Kowalski.

732
00:55:31,160 --> 00:55:31,240
Hi.

733
00:55:31,540 --> 00:55:33,200
Resolution passes 5-0.

734
00:55:34,300 --> 00:55:35,060
Thank you, Amy.

735
00:55:36,160 --> 00:55:39,900
And now we'll move to Item 8 on the agenda, General Administration.

736
00:55:40,680 --> 00:55:41,320
Kevin Corbett.

737
00:55:41,940 --> 00:55:43,420
Good morning, Mr. Chair and commissioners.

738
00:55:43,620 --> 00:55:46,060
Item 8 will be presented by Emily Jorgensen.

739
00:55:47,060 --> 00:55:47,820
Welcome, Emily.

740
00:55:52,410 --> 00:55:53,450
Thank you, Mr. Chair.

741
00:55:53,790 --> 00:55:56,090
Emily Jorgensen, Planning Manager with Administration.

742
00:55:56,950 --> 00:56:01,410
I'm here today to talk to you about Imagine 2050, the Regional Development Guide, and

743
00:56:01,410 --> 00:56:03,790
any comment letter prepared by staff on behalf of the board.

744
00:56:04,190 --> 00:56:06,210
And we did have a workshop on this item last week

745
00:56:06,210 --> 00:56:09,030
so we're mostly updating you on the changes that we made.

746
00:56:11,480 --> 00:56:14,740
So go over very highly what is Imagine 2050.

747
00:56:15,120 --> 00:56:17,400
We'll give you a review of those policy plan area comments

748
00:56:18,060 --> 00:56:20,720
a little bit about the overall Imagine 2050 timeline

749
00:56:20,720 --> 00:56:22,680
and then we'll get into the approval of the letter.

750
00:56:24,240 --> 00:56:26,160
Well, I'll give a summary of those comments

751
00:56:26,740 --> 00:56:27,780
from our workshop last week.

752
00:56:28,080 --> 00:56:29,740
I do wanna note that while I'm up here today

753
00:56:29,740 --> 00:56:32,380
this was a very kind of a collaborative process

754
00:56:32,380 --> 00:56:34,600
as leveraging a lot of the technical expertise

755
00:56:35,020 --> 00:56:36,880
of the planners throughout the organization.

756
00:56:37,260 --> 00:56:40,460
So a lot of kudos to all of our departments who are involved.

757
00:56:41,500 --> 00:56:42,940
What is Imagine 2050?

758
00:56:43,340 --> 00:56:44,480
So this is a plan that's developed

759
00:56:44,480 --> 00:56:45,760
by the Metropolitan Council

760
00:56:46,160 --> 00:56:48,320
as they are our Metropolitan Planning Organization

761
00:56:48,320 --> 00:56:50,240
and the Local Planning Authority

762
00:56:50,240 --> 00:56:52,080
for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

763
00:56:52,720 --> 00:56:54,800
Under State Law, Met Council is responsible

764
00:56:54,800 --> 00:56:56,980
for producing what's usually a 30 year plan

765
00:56:56,980 --> 00:56:58,880
and also known as the Regional Development Guide

766
00:56:59,260 --> 00:57:00,320
for the Twin Cities area.

767
00:57:00,880 --> 00:57:01,920
If you've been around long enough,

768
00:57:01,920 --> 00:57:08,700
remember the last one was called Thrive 2040. That was adopted in May 2014. Imagine 2050

769
00:57:08,700 --> 00:57:12,320
again is our regional development guide. It is in draft form so that's why they're asking

770
00:57:12,320 --> 00:57:17,040
for comments. For us what this means is this is the beginning of the 2050 comprehensive

771
00:57:17,040 --> 00:57:23,060
plan process. So imagine 2050 contains policy plans on land use, transportation, regional

772
00:57:23,060 --> 00:57:24,400
parks, housing and water.

773
00:57:27,230 --> 00:57:30,370
So we'll get into the first policy plan area which is

774
00:57:30,370 --> 00:57:30,910
land use.

775
00:57:33,150 --> 00:57:37,390
So the land use policy plan guides land use planning for the entire region. As

776
00:57:37,390 --> 00:57:42,110
the board recalls, we have very limited land use control as Washington County. Our comment

777
00:57:42,110 --> 00:57:46,590
themes really support the interconnected nature of all the systems covered in Imagine

778
00:57:46,590 --> 00:57:52,290
2050, highlighting the need to protect habitat and water resources, and reflecting our role

779
00:57:52,290 --> 00:57:57,070
in land use and the Land and Water Legacy Program. We also provided some comments

780
00:57:57,070 --> 00:58:01,910
on staging development apologize for the typo in there of stagging we meant staging development

781
00:58:01,910 --> 00:58:06,290
to protect their remaining aggregate resources reflecting what we heard from the county board

782
00:58:06,290 --> 00:58:07,290
last week during workshop.

783
00:58:10,030 --> 00:58:14,050
Moving right along to our transportation policy plan. The transportation

784
00:58:14,050 --> 00:58:20,190
policy plan covers highway transit freight and bicycle pedestrian. Our comments are centered

785
00:58:20,190 --> 00:58:24,810
on the regional solicitation which is a federal grant process encouraging that council to ensure

786
00:58:24,810 --> 00:58:29,810
that process meets our regional goals, asking that geographic equity should be considered

787
00:58:29,810 --> 00:58:33,730
when making transportation investments, particularly when considering the vital role that suburban

788
00:58:33,730 --> 00:58:38,950
rural areas play in transportation. We ask that safety improvements and initiatives

789
00:58:38,950 --> 00:58:43,410
continue to be emphasized. And then added from last week, we added some comment centered

790
00:58:43,410 --> 00:58:47,750
on ensuring that the communities that participate in the transit taxing districts

791
00:58:47,750 --> 00:58:52,710
do see something for their participation. And then asking also for further collaboration

792
00:58:52,710 --> 00:58:57,430
on microtransit services and other transit service types

793
00:58:57,430 --> 00:58:59,930
beyond kind of that classic commuter model.

794
00:59:04,820 --> 00:59:07,280
Moving into our regional parks policy and trails plan,

795
00:59:08,500 --> 00:59:10,420
this covers a policy for regional parks

796
00:59:10,420 --> 00:59:11,320
for the entire region.

797
00:59:11,700 --> 00:59:13,640
It includes changes to current policies

798
00:59:13,640 --> 00:59:15,180
like long range plan requirements,

799
00:59:16,140 --> 00:59:19,040
funding caps, recreational uses, natural systems, and more.

800
00:59:19,620 --> 00:59:22,120
Our comment centered on asking for policies

801
00:59:22,120 --> 00:59:23,280
that acknowledge the variability

802
00:59:23,280 --> 00:59:25,000
in the park and trail system

803
00:59:25,000 --> 00:59:30,440
them. And then the variety of needs from implementation agencies, as we call Conor Schaefer last week

804
00:59:30,440 --> 00:59:34,780
noted that Cuomo Regional Park and Big Marine Regional Park are under the same system, but

805
00:59:34,780 --> 00:59:38,420
they have very different needs. So asking the Met Council to kind of create policy

806
00:59:38,420 --> 00:59:43,420
that reflects that variety. We provided comments that support streamlined processes

807
00:59:43,420 --> 00:59:47,900
and increased coordination on new initiatives. You reflected in the plan while also encouraging

808
00:59:47,900 --> 00:59:52,820
the Met Council to continue to provide only a high level guidance. We are seeking

809
00:59:52,820 --> 00:59:56,800
support for increased demands and funding challenges that regional parks are facing,

810
00:59:56,800 --> 00:59:59,500
including a more sustainable funding formula.

811
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:04,740
And we also add comment seeking regional support for coordination on tourism efforts, invasive

812
01:00:04,740 --> 01:00:09,940
species management, accessibility and mobility, and coordination on land protection, similar

813
01:00:09,940 --> 01:00:13,100
to the role that the county's land and water legacy program currently plays.

814
01:00:18,850 --> 01:00:22,730
Moving along to our water policy plan, this covers water resource planning for the entire

815
01:00:22,730 --> 01:00:27,670
metro, includes the council's role in managing the wastewater treatment system, surface water

816
01:00:27,670 --> 01:00:29,770
monitoring and planning, and water supply planning.

817
01:00:30,450 --> 01:00:35,130
Our county groundwater plan is currently being drafted and updated and works to coordinate

818
01:00:35,130 --> 01:00:37,090
with partners for protection.

819
01:00:37,610 --> 01:00:40,070
Council staff participated in the county's process.

820
01:00:40,410 --> 01:00:42,710
County staff participated in the council's process.

821
01:00:42,930 --> 01:00:44,590
A lot of strong collaboration there.

822
01:00:45,790 --> 01:00:50,370
In our comments here, kind of note the importance of water resources in Washington

823
01:00:50,370 --> 01:00:54,290
County, our groundwater plan efforts, and the impact that PFAS are having on both

824
01:00:55,070 --> 01:00:56,730
wastewater and drinking water management.

825
01:00:56,730 --> 01:01:01,810
We also ask for clarification around the agency's roles, as identified in Imagine 2050.

826
01:01:02,410 --> 01:01:05,390
Support for increased funding for well and septic replacement.

827
01:01:05,770 --> 01:01:09,710
Support for safe water use and encourage more coordination from the Met Council with local

828
01:01:09,710 --> 01:01:15,030
governments and the NPCA on decentralized wastewater treatment system planning, use

829
01:01:15,030 --> 01:01:18,610
and subsurface sewage treatment systems.

830
01:01:21,690 --> 01:01:24,190
And the last policy plan is our housing policy plan.

831
01:01:25,150 --> 01:01:30,970
This was truly under more of the purview of the Community Development Authority or agency.

832
01:01:31,610 --> 01:01:36,110
So we did have Melissa Tapphorn participate, and there was a letter submitted by the CDA

833
01:01:36,110 --> 01:01:36,930
to the Met Council already.

834
01:01:37,030 --> 01:01:41,490
You will see an updated letter in your packets that did reflect some of the comments that

835
01:01:41,490 --> 01:01:42,470
Melissa heard last week.

836
01:01:43,050 --> 01:01:46,190
Overall, the policy plan leverages a lot of the work that the Met Council did 10

837
01:01:46,190 --> 01:01:49,830
years ago, which was the first housing plan in 30 years as part of Thrive 2040.

838
01:01:50,590 --> 01:01:53,010
this time they're focusing really on proximity, choice,

839
01:01:53,430 --> 01:01:55,250
dignity, decency, connection, and well-being.

840
01:01:55,810 --> 01:01:58,150
All of that is split into those three policy areas

841
01:01:58,150 --> 01:01:59,510
of provide, plan, and partner.

842
01:02:00,270 --> 01:02:01,890
The county's comments for this section

843
01:02:01,890 --> 01:02:04,370
do just affirm that CDA letter of what we found there,

844
01:02:04,730 --> 01:02:06,890
where they encourage fair housing and geographic choice,

845
01:02:07,170 --> 01:02:09,430
options to own and rent, stability, equity,

846
01:02:09,650 --> 01:02:12,430
and future affordable housing needs by local jurisdiction.

847
01:02:15,380 --> 01:02:16,700
This is just a brief timeline

848
01:02:16,700 --> 01:02:18,760
of where the Met Council is at in their process.

849
01:02:19,040 --> 01:02:20,800
So while this process did start two years ago

850
01:02:20,800 --> 01:02:26,860
with the research and paper authoring and community engagement, and they are now in

851
01:02:26,860 --> 01:02:30,560
the kind of went through the drafting of the policy and actions are now asking for public

852
01:02:30,560 --> 01:02:30,920
comment.

853
01:02:31,260 --> 01:02:34,060
Comments are due next Monday, which is why we're here before you today.

854
01:02:34,740 --> 01:02:38,440
And then after that time, we would hear back from them on some of the comments, and then

855
01:02:38,440 --> 01:02:39,940
they'd move into that adoption implementation.

856
01:02:40,560 --> 01:02:44,320
That's when we would really kick off our process for our 2050 comprehensive plan.

857
01:02:46,490 --> 01:02:49,170
So the requested action I have for you today is approval of Washington County's

858
01:02:49,170 --> 01:02:53,350
comment letter to Metropolitan Council regarding the draft Imagine 2050 policy

859
01:02:53,350 --> 01:02:57,810
plan. Mr. Chair, I can now stand for questions. Thank you, Emily. Commissioner

860
01:02:57,810 --> 01:03:01,450
Bigham. Mr. Chair, I'll move approval of the Washington County's comment letter to

861
01:03:01,450 --> 01:03:07,570
the Met Council regarding the draft Imagine 2050 policy plan. Second. We have a

862
01:03:07,570 --> 01:03:12,450
motion and second. Commissioner Bigham. Thank you. Again, thank you for putting

863
01:03:12,450 --> 01:03:16,370
this together. I know it was a big effort. That's a big plan to go through

864
01:03:16,370 --> 01:03:19,330
and just appreciate staff's efforts in doing this.

865
01:03:19,870 --> 01:03:21,490
I'm not going to go through every section,

866
01:03:21,630 --> 01:03:26,270
but really appreciate the detail that has gone into this.

867
01:03:26,790 --> 01:03:30,490
I will say, again, really appreciate the PFAS highlights.

868
01:03:30,770 --> 01:03:33,450
I think whether it's letting the state know in our plans,

869
01:03:33,650 --> 01:03:35,270
whether the Met Council known the plans,

870
01:03:35,410 --> 01:03:38,610
the struggle that our communities have

871
01:03:38,610 --> 01:03:40,730
with the contamination and PFAS,

872
01:03:41,010 --> 01:03:44,390
and the difficulty it's going to be

873
01:03:44,390 --> 01:03:47,890
in the collaboration we need to have with them and amongst each other is important.

874
01:03:48,050 --> 01:03:49,990
So really appreciate highlighting that in this.

875
01:03:50,470 --> 01:03:56,110
And then I just want to say the transportation policy plan

876
01:03:56,110 --> 01:04:00,330
and the highlighting of geographic equity is very important.

877
01:04:00,630 --> 01:04:05,550
We're going into next year where there will be an update

878
01:04:05,550 --> 01:04:07,270
to the regional solicitation plan.

879
01:04:07,370 --> 01:04:10,750
And I just want to give a shout out to Commissioner Karwaski who serves

880
01:04:10,750 --> 01:04:15,890
on tabs and halls for quite a while and his leadership has been fantastic on that and

881
01:04:15,890 --> 01:04:24,110
really advocating for geographic equity in the regional solicitation and federal dollars

882
01:04:24,110 --> 01:04:27,790
and has really delivered for Washington County on federal dollars.

883
01:04:27,950 --> 01:04:33,190
So just appreciate his leadership on that role and that his comments and stuff were reflected

884
01:04:33,190 --> 01:04:33,970
in this as well.

885
01:04:34,170 --> 01:04:34,770
So appreciate that.

886
01:04:35,090 --> 01:04:35,910
Thank you, Commissioner.

887
01:04:36,110 --> 01:04:36,950
Commissioner Moran.

888
01:04:36,950 --> 01:04:43,690
Well, Metropolitan Council is an important partner with Washington County, and the comment

889
01:04:43,690 --> 01:04:49,030
letter, I think, takes into consideration certainly the good discussion we had in the

890
01:04:49,030 --> 01:04:55,650
workshop setting, and I appreciate Emily, the staff, working with us to address some

891
01:04:55,650 --> 01:05:01,950
of the other concerns that weren't necessarily addressed as well as what the board thought.

892
01:05:01,950 --> 01:05:07,750
But public doesn't always see the work behind the scenes and the effort in our workshops

893
01:05:07,750 --> 01:05:15,010
to provide good solid input into some of these planning documents.

894
01:05:16,630 --> 01:05:22,010
This is certainly an important document that's going to provide guidance for some time here

895
01:05:22,010 --> 01:05:26,090
and appreciate your work on that and the rest of the staff.

896
01:05:26,370 --> 01:05:26,830
So thank you.

897
01:05:28,050 --> 01:05:29,390
Commissioner Klossam.

898
01:05:29,610 --> 01:05:29,790
Yeah.

899
01:05:29,950 --> 01:05:30,390
Thank you.

900
01:05:30,390 --> 01:05:34,070
I appreciate and I agree with the comments made by the board.

901
01:05:35,490 --> 01:05:39,950
One thing that wasn't mentioned that I think is important is to talk about the housing stability

902
01:05:39,950 --> 01:05:48,530
and the comments that were taken into the board's comments that were taken into and put down on the letter.

903
01:05:48,690 --> 01:05:55,110
I really liked the fact that we are spotlighting that we are at a disadvantage in Washington County

904
01:05:55,110 --> 01:05:58,550
because of the allocation of housing choice vouchers.

905
01:05:58,550 --> 01:06:01,670
and I am glad that we put that information out there.

906
01:06:02,550 --> 01:06:06,970
The Met Council has an opportunity to help us more with funding,

907
01:06:07,310 --> 01:06:11,190
and I think it's a really important paragraph.

908
01:06:11,730 --> 01:06:18,970
It's also important that we talk about and encourage more project-based vouchers

909
01:06:18,970 --> 01:06:20,830
within our Washington County.

910
01:06:21,050 --> 01:06:27,710
I think that East Metro, and Washington County, we lag behind.

911
01:06:27,710 --> 01:06:33,150
And this is what we need in order to meet the demands of our constituents in the future.

912
01:06:33,390 --> 01:06:41,510
So I'm happy with the changes that were made and the feedback that was taken in and the

913
01:06:41,510 --> 01:06:43,410
changes that we see before us today.

914
01:06:43,630 --> 01:06:50,590
I really appreciate staff's effort into, again, letting the board have our comments

915
01:06:50,590 --> 01:06:53,010
and talk about it in the way that we do.

916
01:06:53,010 --> 01:06:59,970
and, like Commissioner Miran said, much of this is not in work sessions and in other conversations.

917
01:07:00,510 --> 01:07:06,810
And so we see ourselves as a really strong supporter and stakeholder to the Met Council

918
01:07:06,810 --> 01:07:11,710
and continue to have these kind of conversations with them in the future.

919
01:07:13,590 --> 01:07:14,450
Any other?

920
01:07:14,750 --> 01:07:15,330
Commissioner Crizzle?

921
01:07:15,630 --> 01:07:16,110
Thanks.

922
01:07:16,330 --> 01:07:17,730
Pretty much the same comments.

923
01:07:17,730 --> 01:07:24,970
And I appreciate the fact, as Commissioner Klassen mentioned, the feedback from the County

924
01:07:24,970 --> 01:07:30,010
Board was incorporated in the final draft and just want to give a shout out to Emily.

925
01:07:30,370 --> 01:07:33,490
Emily, I think you're doing a great job and appreciate your leadership.

926
01:07:35,900 --> 01:07:36,960
Any other comments?

927
01:07:38,200 --> 01:07:39,180
Yeah, I'll conclude.

928
01:07:39,460 --> 01:07:41,080
Emily, you appreciate your leadership.

929
01:07:41,340 --> 01:07:44,400
I know there's a lot of planners involved in this and staff.

930
01:07:45,480 --> 01:07:52,040
It was really a good document that you've worked on using what you think the will of

931
01:07:52,040 --> 01:07:55,440
the county board is, the knowledge of our staff.

932
01:07:56,120 --> 01:08:02,920
You know, I think as pointed out, I really think ours were kind of not changes, but

933
01:08:02,920 --> 01:08:08,960
additions that just made it a stronger comment later on the plan.

934
01:08:09,960 --> 01:08:15,420
I do think that Med Council's Commissioner Miron pointed out there's a good partner,

935
01:08:15,940 --> 01:08:22,540
an essential partner for the regional planning and this our input and the work

936
01:08:22,540 --> 01:08:28,680
that staff has done on our letter and the CDA's work only make the regional

937
01:08:28,680 --> 01:08:36,280
planning better and actually makes Med Council's partnership with Washington

938
01:08:36,280 --> 01:08:40,780
County even stronger as far as knowing the will of Washington County and how we can be a better

939
01:08:40,780 --> 01:08:48,260
county. So it's kind of a two-way information street. I definitely can agree with the other

940
01:08:48,260 --> 01:08:55,100
commissioner's comments and if there's no further comments we will move to a vote. We have a

941
01:08:55,640 --> 01:09:01,200
commissioner Bigham made the motion and commissioner Amaran seconded it and that was to approve

942
01:09:01,200 --> 01:09:06,300
the Washington County's comment letter to the Metropolitan Council regarding the draft

943
01:09:06,920 --> 01:09:14,480
Imagine 2050 policy plan. With that said, all in favor signify by aye.

944
01:09:14,800 --> 01:09:15,140
Aye.

945
01:09:16,500 --> 01:09:21,000
Opposed, same sign. Motion carries. Ayes have it. Thank you.

946
01:09:21,180 --> 01:09:21,440
Thank you.

947
01:09:21,660 --> 01:09:21,920
Thank you again.

948
01:09:25,060 --> 01:09:27,800
Anything else, Kevin?

949
01:09:28,240 --> 01:09:28,840
No, Mr. Chair.

950
01:09:28,840 --> 01:09:34,200
It will move to number nine, a commissioner reports,

951
01:09:34,360 --> 01:09:35,180
commissioner classes.

952
01:09:35,580 --> 01:09:36,080
Thank you.

953
01:09:40,470 --> 01:09:41,650
It's been a busy week.

954
01:09:42,090 --> 01:09:46,470
Tuesday was an open house for my district

955
01:09:46,470 --> 01:09:48,810
on Beley Road and Settlers Ridge.

956
01:09:49,570 --> 01:09:51,590
The open house was Lake Middle.

957
01:09:51,890 --> 01:09:54,050
It was a decent turnout.

958
01:09:54,390 --> 01:09:56,670
A lot of people in support of the project

959
01:09:57,130 --> 01:09:59,730
did get more complaints about noise

960
01:09:59,730 --> 01:10:05,110
and that's been an ongoing issue that I'm hearing more and more about is the

961
01:10:05,110 --> 01:10:11,550
noise from the high-speed roads. And so I'm just going to mention what I know

962
01:10:11,550 --> 01:10:15,190
people are saying to me so that they hear that I'm listening and I'm telling

963
01:10:15,190 --> 01:10:21,410
people that I'm hearing constituents. On Thursday we had the R&E board

964
01:10:21,410 --> 01:10:27,990
which Commissioner Miran and Bigham I'm sure will talk about. On 927 which

965
01:10:27,990 --> 01:10:35,150
Friday, we had the open Hover Door Dash event that Washington County was invited to as well.

966
01:10:35,690 --> 01:10:41,950
Washington County back in 2020 during the COVID pandemic began to do food deliveries.

967
01:10:43,010 --> 01:10:51,490
The food delivery emphasizes on nutritional and healthy food options. So these boxes are given

968
01:10:51,490 --> 01:10:55,150
into homes that are in need and unable to get

969
01:10:55,150 --> 01:10:56,250
to the food shelf.

970
01:10:57,070 --> 01:10:59,850
The food shelf in the beginning was a collaboration

971
01:10:59,850 --> 01:11:02,330
with the White Bear Lake Food Shelf and Valley Outreach.

972
01:11:03,550 --> 01:11:08,030
We continue to lead this program as from fundings

973
01:11:08,030 --> 01:11:10,590
from the American Rescue Plan,

974
01:11:10,850 --> 01:11:15,410
as well as the SHIP grant.

975
01:11:16,050 --> 01:11:18,750
So in just 2024,

976
01:11:18,750 --> 01:11:27,070
There's already 3,000 deliveries made into 13 zip codes in the local East Metro area.

977
01:11:27,590 --> 01:11:30,810
And we are supporting that and continue to do that.

978
01:11:31,110 --> 01:11:39,070
DoorDash is a supporter of the program and nationally does this as well and helps to

979
01:11:39,430 --> 01:11:45,410
this program is called Program Dash and they do this everywhere and help to get out these

980
01:11:45,410 --> 01:11:52,070
healthy food options to those in need of food. So very honored to be able to be

981
01:11:52,070 --> 01:11:57,910
there for Chair Kowalski and Tujong, Senator Tujong was there as well as

982
01:11:57,910 --> 01:12:05,210
Representative Leon Lilly East, the Executive Director of OpenCover as well

983
01:12:05,210 --> 01:12:10,650
as the OpenCover board and volunteers and staff. So it was a big event and I

984
01:12:10,650 --> 01:12:12,330
I was very excited to be there.

985
01:12:13,310 --> 01:12:17,110
This program is beloved, beloved in the community.

986
01:12:18,150 --> 01:12:21,930
And so just happy that the board made this decision in 2020

987
01:12:21,930 --> 01:12:24,210
and that we get to continue to honor and support it.

988
01:12:25,070 --> 01:12:29,170
And then on Saturday was the East Metro Suicide Prevention

989
01:12:29,170 --> 01:12:30,350
Coalition 5K.

990
01:12:31,090 --> 01:12:37,910
The East Metro has a variety of Woodbury mental health

991
01:12:37,910 --> 01:12:45,010
professionals that are involved in the 5K. Back in 2012, I believe, is when there were

992
01:12:45,010 --> 01:12:54,070
four students that had taken their lives. And so this suicide prevention 5K is basically

993
01:12:54,070 --> 01:13:02,690
about that experience. And as they continue to support nonprofits that collaborate with

994
01:13:02,690 --> 01:13:08,710
partners to just establish these integrated suicide prevention programs in the East Metro

995
01:13:08,710 --> 01:13:17,690
to give more awareness to mental health resources. So a very amazing, cool event. I saw lots

996
01:13:17,690 --> 01:13:24,550
of our community partners there, amazing amount of businesses that had sponsored this that

997
01:13:24,550 --> 01:13:29,910
are local. So very excited to be able to be a part of that. And then that Saturday

998
01:13:29,910 --> 01:13:34,210
Today there was also the community service department

999
01:13:34,210 --> 01:13:37,010
and the public health had a community wellness event

1000
01:13:37,010 --> 01:13:40,410
at Brookview School that focused on mental health

1001
01:13:40,410 --> 01:13:41,290
and wellness as well.

1002
01:13:41,670 --> 01:13:44,470
So kind of a theme throughout the weekend for me.

1003
01:13:44,770 --> 01:13:47,930
And then tonight, also there was various staff meetings

1004
01:13:47,930 --> 01:13:49,430
that I attended throughout the week.

1005
01:13:49,570 --> 01:13:51,850
And then tonight is the Open House Valley Creek Road

1006
01:13:51,850 --> 01:13:55,510
corridor study at the City Hall from 430 to 630.

1007
01:13:55,910 --> 01:13:58,170
And excited to hear more comments and questions

1008
01:13:58,170 --> 01:14:00,990
questions about these important projects. Thanks.

1009
01:14:01,930 --> 01:14:05,530
Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Miao. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

1010
01:14:06,790 --> 01:14:09,910
You and I attended a personnel committee meeting. Most of those

1011
01:14:09,910 --> 01:14:13,090
issues were on our consent today.

1012
01:14:15,050 --> 01:14:18,210
We continued work on some areas

1013
01:14:18,210 --> 01:14:21,870
there that were presented to the personnel committee. The

1014
01:14:21,870 --> 01:14:25,290
Metropolitan Mosquito Control Executive Committee met.

1015
01:14:25,290 --> 01:14:30,650
that we failed to have a quorum. So all of the items, there was some brief discussion,

1016
01:14:30,830 --> 01:14:38,070
but obviously no action by them, by that executive committee because of the lack of a quorum.

1017
01:14:38,210 --> 01:14:44,470
But all of those items will be moving forward to the executive or to the full committee.

1018
01:14:46,350 --> 01:14:52,530
And there'll also be the performance review of the Executive Director at the next meeting.

1019
01:14:52,530 --> 01:14:58,250
we were scheduled to do that in the executive committee, but we will do that in a closed

1020
01:14:58,250 --> 01:14:59,650
session with the full committee.

1021
01:15:00,020 --> 01:15:07,000
As was mentioned, the recycling and energy board met. I think the main issues there were

1022
01:15:07,000 --> 01:15:15,000
the bylaws and the joint powers agreement that will be coming forward hopefully for a vote

1023
01:15:15,000 --> 01:15:23,540
and approval in November. The bylaws address the leadership structure, the board composition,

1024
01:15:23,540 --> 01:15:28,920
the potential formulas for financial contribution.

1025
01:15:31,380 --> 01:15:35,240
Legal representation, I'll note John Ristead,

1026
01:15:35,380 --> 01:15:37,040
who is one of the attorneys,

1027
01:15:37,360 --> 01:15:39,660
represents Washington County for the recycling

1028
01:15:39,660 --> 01:15:42,440
and energy is also sitting up front

1029
01:15:42,440 --> 01:15:44,420
representing the county board today.

1030
01:15:44,700 --> 01:15:49,360
So John, we just so much appreciate your legal counsel

1031
01:15:49,360 --> 01:15:52,320
and the work that you do here

1032
01:15:52,320 --> 01:15:56,060
and for the recycling and energy board as well.

1033
01:15:56,420 --> 01:16:00,720
So all of those issues will be addressed in the bylaws

1034
01:16:00,720 --> 01:16:02,200
and the joint powers agreement.

1035
01:16:02,780 --> 01:16:06,340
And I know that will be coming before.

1036
01:16:06,980 --> 01:16:10,280
And those two documents really mirror one another.

1037
01:16:10,600 --> 01:16:14,020
And this board will be reviewing the joint powers agreement.

1038
01:16:14,720 --> 01:16:17,620
We did have an opportunity to recognize Jody Tharp

1039
01:16:17,620 --> 01:16:21,320
who's retiring from recycling and energy board.

1040
01:16:21,320 --> 01:16:29,600
just a fabulous contributor to the work that we've been doing there and great organizer

1041
01:16:29,600 --> 01:16:40,300
and just so good to work with, as pleased, and to recognize her and congratulate her on

1042
01:16:40,300 --> 01:16:42,420
her retirement.

1043
01:16:44,820 --> 01:16:53,580
We also talked about a new position, a strategic partnership manager's position for the recycling

1044
01:16:53,580 --> 01:16:54,680
and energy board.

1045
01:16:54,940 --> 01:17:03,980
I think our executive director hit the ground running and is looking at those structural

1046
01:17:03,980 --> 01:17:12,580
changes and the need for you know creating the positions that will

1047
01:17:12,580 --> 01:17:17,060
complement the work that we're doing and then we also approved a letter of

1048
01:17:17,060 --> 01:17:22,120
support for Commissioner Reinhardt to serve on the advisory board for the

1049
01:17:22,120 --> 01:17:29,000
packaging response work that is is going to be done and I would just

1050
01:17:29,000 --> 01:17:36,300
to appreciate her stepping up to the plate, even amidst her retirement as a Ramsey County

1051
01:17:36,300 --> 01:17:42,260
Commissioner. So it's nice that she's going to remain involved. And then the partnership

1052
01:17:42,260 --> 01:17:48,480
on Waste to Energy met, we talked about our legislative initiatives, our lobbying services.

1053
01:17:51,030 --> 01:17:57,100
There too we approved a letter of support for Commissioner Reinhart's appointment

1054
01:17:57,100 --> 01:18:04,080
And then we had discussion on our budget and the continued work that we're doing.

1055
01:18:05,020 --> 01:18:06,320
That's all I have, Mr. Chair.

1056
01:18:06,640 --> 01:18:08,680
Thank you, Commissioner Begum.

1057
01:18:09,160 --> 01:18:10,120
Thank you, Mr. Chair.

1058
01:18:10,240 --> 01:18:12,400
I'm going to start off with a little bit of sad news.

1059
01:18:12,760 --> 01:18:17,300
Louisa Malich, who served for over 20 years on our Water Conservation District,

1060
01:18:17,320 --> 01:18:18,700
passed away this last week.

1061
01:18:18,700 --> 01:18:29,740
in her and her husband, Jean, really are stalwarts of Cottage Grove and during Louise's tenure,

1062
01:18:30,000 --> 01:18:37,400
Jay Riggs sent me the article where Louise was honored and recognized, but in 2007 at

1063
01:18:37,400 --> 01:18:45,440
the Minnesota Association of State Water Conservation Districts, she was awarded in 2007 the Outstanding

1064
01:18:45,440 --> 01:18:52,260
Supervisor Award. And then Washington County Conservation District was honored as the 2009

1065
01:18:52,260 --> 01:18:57,620
Conservation District of the Year. And he credited her leadership throughout the years as those.

1066
01:18:58,300 --> 01:19:07,220
So just reflects her leadership and outstanding concern for soil and water resources. But

1067
01:19:07,220 --> 01:19:15,380
also her and she and Jean practiced what they preach on their farm. You know, it's

1068
01:19:15,380 --> 01:19:21,100
It's really grass waterways, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, how you like them, where

1069
01:19:21,100 --> 01:19:22,280
it's their farmer friend.

1070
01:19:23,980 --> 01:19:28,500
And really being, you know, practicing what she preaches.

1071
01:19:28,880 --> 01:19:30,160
And so she's going to be missing.

1072
01:19:30,300 --> 01:19:33,200
I'm hoping we can have a moment of silence to honor.

1073
01:19:33,880 --> 01:19:34,840
After 20 years.

1074
01:19:35,040 --> 01:19:35,200
Thanks.

1075
01:19:41,190 --> 01:19:42,030
Thank you, Mr. Chair.

1076
01:19:42,270 --> 01:19:42,750
Yeah, good.

1077
01:19:44,690 --> 01:19:46,810
Commissioner Miran, one of the weigh-in on the floor.

1078
01:19:46,810 --> 01:19:53,350
Yeah, if I could, you know, I've had a chance over the years to work with Louise on a number

1079
01:19:53,350 --> 01:19:54,210
of initiatives.

1080
01:19:54,690 --> 01:19:56,470
I considered her a good friend.

1081
01:19:58,150 --> 01:20:06,310
She was a leader in agriculture, in conservation, and in politics here in Minnesota, and I would

1082
01:20:06,310 --> 01:20:11,670
suggest that, you know, that leadership even extended into the national arena.

1083
01:20:12,570 --> 01:20:23,470
just a quality individual and she and, you know, Jean complimented one another so well

1084
01:20:24,110 --> 01:20:31,930
and she will be deeply missed, you know, in those arenas especially and certainly by her

1085
01:20:31,930 --> 01:20:32,970
family and her friends.

1086
01:20:33,290 --> 01:20:34,610
Absolutely, and thank you.

1087
01:20:35,410 --> 01:20:40,710
I also attended the Red Rock Corridor meeting yesterday, which was very exciting.

1088
01:20:42,510 --> 01:20:51,810
More transit came in and presented on their network now routes where they went over the,

1089
01:20:52,350 --> 01:20:53,450
essentially, two new routes.

1090
01:20:53,670 --> 01:20:55,570
One will be from Woodbury to Cottage Grove.

1091
01:20:55,670 --> 01:20:58,930
The other one will be from Woodbury, stopping Newport going west out to the airport,

1092
01:20:58,930 --> 01:21:06,010
which the commission during East Metro Strong, which Will Schroer really got a shout out

1093
01:21:06,010 --> 01:21:12,630
in all of his work for the redesign, appreciated that, gets a lot of credit for that and just

1094
01:21:12,630 --> 01:21:22,630
advocacy of the commission and this board for getting those new routes. And Sue Vento

1095
01:21:22,630 --> 01:21:29,350
from our Met Council rep was there and appreciated that. After the R&E meeting I attended, I don't

1096
01:21:29,350 --> 01:21:35,730
need to add on to what Commissioner Miran said. I did attend the PUC meeting with Commissioner

1097
01:21:36,370 --> 01:21:45,190
Sanjim from Olmsted County. And they did make a unanimous decision that if it can

1098
01:21:45,190 --> 01:21:52,190
be proven from the clean energy bill that passed last year, if it can be proven that

1099
01:21:52,190 --> 01:21:59,310
biomass and garbage can reduce greenhouse gases compared to the other disposals.

1100
01:21:59,650 --> 01:22:04,270
So in other words, just letting it be in the forest or else through landfills, which

1101
01:22:04,270 --> 01:22:11,390
we know there's data that shows that our process of how we process our trash has

1102
01:22:11,390 --> 01:22:16,050
has fewer greenhouse gases, that that will meet the standard.

1103
01:22:16,350 --> 01:22:27,210
So that was a big benefit to our way of doing and reducing and diverting trash from landfills.

1104
01:22:27,550 --> 01:22:33,710
So there'll be more to that, but that was an interesting meeting and it was packed.

1105
01:22:33,710 --> 01:22:41,890
Act, attended the Melsa meeting and also had a Keats Avenue, otherwise known as County

1106
01:22:41,890 --> 01:22:45,730
Road 19, and the 80th Street Open House in Cottage Grove.

1107
01:22:45,850 --> 01:22:48,910
I just really want to thank Erin Clarkowski, one of my favorites.

1108
01:22:49,350 --> 01:22:53,770
She's just fantastic, and Joe Gustafson and Kevin Peterson, that were there.

1109
01:22:55,470 --> 01:23:00,570
So this is really by the Tanks Farm, and the number one concern was the Tanks Corn

1110
01:23:00,570 --> 01:23:05,590
and the mayor was there too and we're committed to making sure that the tanks

1111
01:23:05,590 --> 01:23:11,910
corn stand continues. We're gonna make sure that that's accessible. And then

1112
01:23:12,770 --> 01:23:18,710
wanted to also say that we do lead in a lot of practices here in Washington

1113
01:23:18,710 --> 01:23:25,550
County and there are now going to be goats in a city park right by my house.

1114
01:23:25,550 --> 01:23:31,130
I'm very excited about that, Commissioner Creasel, eating buckthorn and invasive species.

1115
01:23:31,590 --> 01:23:36,550
The neighbors were very excited this morning when they saw the trailer go up the street.

1116
01:23:37,410 --> 01:23:42,910
And so it just shows that Washington County is a leader in a lot of these practices.

1117
01:23:43,350 --> 01:23:44,890
So just wanted to say that.

1118
01:23:45,290 --> 01:23:45,790
Awesome.

1119
01:23:46,490 --> 01:23:48,790
Invitation is the best form of flattery, isn't it?

1120
01:23:49,190 --> 01:23:49,430
Right.

1121
01:23:49,710 --> 01:23:50,070
Here we go.

1122
01:23:50,470 --> 01:23:51,190
That's it, Mr. Chair.

1123
01:23:51,190 --> 01:23:51,950
Thank you, Commissioner.

1124
01:23:52,110 --> 01:23:52,970
Commissioner Creasel.

1125
01:23:52,970 --> 01:23:59,150
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Last week, had the Board of Appeals approved annual permit for

1126
01:23:59,150 --> 01:24:10,750
Brian Rock. This morning, I spoke at the Sunrise Rotary in Stowwater along with

1127
01:24:12,370 --> 01:24:19,010
Public Works Director Wayne Sandberg and I got to say Wayne

1128
01:24:21,180 --> 01:24:25,120
did just a

1129
01:24:25,120 --> 01:24:29,380
They were just very impressed with the direction the county is going in.

1130
01:24:30,400 --> 01:24:32,180
So, what else?

1131
01:24:32,760 --> 01:24:39,200
Oh, just, boy, it was hard to watch the news and see the devastation of the hurricane.

1132
01:24:39,420 --> 01:24:40,220
What is it, Haleen?

1133
01:24:40,580 --> 01:24:43,300
That hit Asheville, North Carolina.

1134
01:24:43,940 --> 01:24:47,940
And I mean, many of us have probably been through that area of Asheville,

1135
01:24:48,120 --> 01:24:51,120
a beautiful area, and it just reveled.

1136
01:24:51,120 --> 01:24:58,840
and it shows how fortunate we are up in Minnesota that we just get some of the

1137
01:24:58,840 --> 01:25:03,060
rain and stuff like that from a hurricane, but boy there was a utter

1138
01:25:03,740 --> 01:25:10,500
devastation down there. Just to end on a positive note I'd like to remind my

1139
01:25:10,500 --> 01:25:15,020
friends from across the river that the amount of motorbikes are four and zero.

1140
01:25:18,760 --> 01:25:25,700
That's all I have, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Commissioner. Highlights for me the past week is Commissioner

1141
01:25:25,700 --> 01:25:30,120
Maron pointed out the personal meeting that both was served on and several of those items

1142
01:25:30,120 --> 01:25:36,760
were on the consent calendar. Today was also mentioned about the Ramsey Washington Recycling

1143
01:25:36,760 --> 01:25:45,440
board meeting that many of us are on. I did, it was interesting, the bylaw and the structure

1144
01:25:45,440 --> 01:25:53,000
changes were definitely a highlight. I had a constituent meeting, you know, in person,

1145
01:25:53,200 --> 01:26:01,240
sometimes we do that. I had a NACO, National Association of County Membership Standing Committee

1146
01:26:01,240 --> 01:26:03,160
I serve on a virtual meeting.

1147
01:26:04,980 --> 01:26:11,160
Commissioner Kloss and I attended prior to this board meeting, a staff meeting on the gold line.

1148
01:26:11,960 --> 01:26:19,380
And Commissioner Kloss and I appreciate you attending that open house for open cupboard described it well.

1149
01:26:19,940 --> 01:26:25,540
And then as Commissioner Kloss pointed out, tonight is the Valley Creek

1150
01:26:27,520 --> 01:26:37,240
visioning open house and some of that from interlocking to the east of Manning and I represent

1151
01:26:37,240 --> 01:26:44,740
interlocking in the 19th so I'll also be there but I encourage residents to show up and that's

1152
01:26:44,740 --> 01:26:47,900
all I have for the past highlights for the past week.

1153
01:26:49,560 --> 01:26:55,500
we'll move on to board correspondence which we have none that's item 10 on the

1154
01:26:55,500 --> 01:27:02,720
agenda and then now we're going to move into executive closed session and this

1155
01:27:02,720 --> 01:27:06,980
is the next meeting listed on the on the agenda is the executive closed

1156
01:27:06,980 --> 01:27:12,560
session to review an appraisal for the potential purchase of property for

1157
01:27:12,560 --> 01:27:15,560
for inclusion in Big Marine Park Reserve.

1158
01:27:16,160 --> 01:27:21,760
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05,

1159
01:27:22,140 --> 01:27:26,680
subdivision 3C, this meeting may be closed to the public.

1160
01:27:27,040 --> 01:27:29,780
At this time, I would entertain a motion

1161
01:27:31,060 --> 01:27:35,280
to go into closed session and discuss this agenda item.

1162
01:27:35,800 --> 01:27:36,220
So moved.

1163
01:27:36,780 --> 01:27:37,020
Second.

1164
01:27:37,800 --> 01:27:39,300
Motion by Commissioner Beggin,

1165
01:27:39,300 --> 01:27:45,840
second by Commissioner Merron to move into closed session all those in favor

1166
01:27:45,840 --> 01:27:52,720
signify by aye aye opposed same sign motion curious we're moving in closed

1167
01:27:52,720 --> 01:27:56,120
session and we'll be back to adjourn three minutes