Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Whoever is be wonderful. Thank you, MR. Chair. It's my honor. We love doing employee achievement Awards. We have amazing plays and it's great to be able to recognize them. And so today we're going to recognize Julie was a library assistant at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview. She's was approved by the Ramsey County Achievement Award selection committee for Employee Chi Minh Award in the category of excellent job performance. Ramsey County operates 7 library locations throughout suburban Ramsey County, including in shoreview visitors can access hundreds of thousands of materials that Ramsey County Library locations, icluding computers with software with Word Excel, PowerPoint, Wi-Fi for personal devices. Printing firm on library computers. Copying scanning vaccine library. Luna adaptive assistive technology and wellness rooms. I hereby congratulate you, Julie, and present you with this well-deserved award. I will now have librarian Page Fuller, talk about the work that's being done by you. Thank you, Commissioner. Yes, good morning, everyone.

Get this present your first. Okay. There you Good morning, everyone. I'm Paige for I am the technical services manager for the Ramsey County. suburban Ramsey County Library system. Julie Supervisor. And I'm here to make a few comments or to explain a little bit why Julie has received this award. In the first place. Julie has worked in the library system since 1993. And came to join a technical services 15 years ago. She brings that that wealth of experience and knowledge to all aspects of her daily work. Julie's work ethic is second to none. Hers is a physically demanding job. She's the first person has a library system. She's one of the first people to touch materials when they're delivered to the library. She's the person who conducts the final quality check of our processing before things are made available to the public. Between those 2 touch points.

There is an enormous amount lifting and unpacking pushing in polling and generally wrangling all those library materials. Multiply that by hundreds bits of material every day for 15 years. And you can get a sense the practical. Amount of work that she has contributed to our urbanization. In addition to this, Judy is very generous with her time mentors are younger and newer employees were actually a newer staff over one-third of our department has been in seat for one year or less. And it's no exaggeration to say that we would not have been able to keep up with workload for the past year if it weren't for JUNE's guidance and institutional knowledge and her generosity sharing those with the rest of us. I could go about her work in our department, but I should mention that the conversation around giving Julie this award was begun through a nomination by in one of our public facing branches. And that's Julie routinely finds time to assist the public facing library staff wen they fell behind on their processing and shelving as often happens during the summer.

Wen we have a surge counts and and local public facing staffer pulling different directions at once. Julie is more than willing behind the scenes to step up. She does this cheerfully. It was I was being asked to pigeon. You might say the Julie has embodied the ethic of oe Ramsey County before it was cool. Getting inside his work is embodied the values of people integrity, community, equity and leadership throughout her career. Julie, thank you very much for your service to our department for the library writ large and to the residents of Ramsey County. We have a little bit of time set aside for Julie to make some give up the microphone to her. Now. Thank you, commissioners and thank you Page. Not great at public speaking. So I'm going to just read from my notes. I wanted to say that it's humbling to be recognized for this award. Because I believe I'm just doing my job.

My parents encouraged me to. Do my best and all things. And my face taught me the importance of service. And at the library we provide materials that educate and entertain and Ibelieve knowledge empowers others to succeed and thrive. And I'm glad to be part of that legacy. Just as I'm glad to work alongside these excellent and supportive so thank you. When you would like you do in 2000 work. So thank you. And congratulations you. I guess all started off. Hello, everyone. My name is Khan and the library director. For a and deputy director. Linda, the base senior library assistant. And Kelly Slick and one of

The catalog Eli Breeds and technical services. Thank you, DR. And as assistant also. Haynes, I'm also a cataloging like brain. staff to

Excluded. You should Thank It is straight 5 them. Unusual. Thank you, MR. Chair. I'd like to move item number for appointment to the Ramsey County Library Advisory Board. Item number 5 agreement the 2 men, us for the Rolesville and Maplewood Library is overly project. Number 6 allocation o the state, affordable housing aid for housing development

Projects by emerging in diverse developers. Number 7. Grant awards from the Metropolitan Council for Legacy Amendment Parks and Trails Fun Project Chair and thank the public number 7 yet. Number 8 least agreement with Tiger Investments, llc for 5.46. Rice Street Saint Paul, Minnesota, 5, 5, 1, 0, 3, And number 9, pulling single source of a with children's Health Care Corporation. And number 9, Especially the administrative agenda. Kevin,

I and why. McMurtry I left eye Iran. Take a I. I just wanted to pull just to hear I regularly hear from residents about parks improvements and why some projects move quicker than the other. So I thought this would be a good chance to hear from our director. And ak a few questions. Good morning this morning, MR. CHAIRMAN Rogers. Yeah. So I was just curious on how does Parks and rec decide which projects are included in the Legacy Fund funding requests? Versus projects that are funded elsewhere.

Sure of MR. Chair Commissioner Miller, the Legacy Fund multiple phones within legacy. The grant to the state of Minnesota. One of them is the parks and trails funded and those funds are used to the er. It be exclusively used within regional person, regional trails. So that fund is dedicated for things like maintenance programming. Redevelopment development in the regional park and trail system as opposed to the counties like Cip a program that is for county on assets like County parks arenas, golf courses. And then kind of a high level. Can you walk us through the process on how the projects are like identified and how they are approved on the project list.

Certainly MR. Sure of Commissioner Miller. The process. It's it's kind right of way. And so sometimes resident spring forward initiatives that they want us to consider and pursue. We do have it overall guiding system plan and then long-range plans for each of regional park facilities. Contained prioritization of implementation within them. So we did do reference sometimes there's a infrastructure failure that create safety needs that we need to address right away. Other times it's a kind condition of existing assets and infrastructure that warrants escalation priority

For us to Think you and I think you kind of touched on bike. The factors that influence timing Lavoie. Some projects moves faster than others and some projects are maybe slow or a planned out for years in advance. MR. Chair Commissioner Miller. I would The timing factor is kind of matter of complexity of the project. So certain projects require redevelopment project. We talked redevelopment to add the off-leash area parking lot of Battle Creek Regional Park, for example, which will require multiple agency coordination because rain water into the site's record the city of Saint Paul requires prmitting storm water, infrastructure. Spears coordination with watershed district. Something like that will significant amount time and planning and development as opposed to a project where you MAY replacing row for removing book for and to maintain habitat. But you can more easily get your process. Thank you. Appreciate that. Thank you. alone. Thank. Thank you, MR. Chair. This is great right at you.

Well, this Commissioner Miller because it's great to have director. Talk to us about parks because we all love our parks and maybe just for more clarification. Can you just let us our regional parks and educate is I think all of our parks as open to the entire county. You know that. I always think of them as being regional, but there are some that are designated regional. And you said Battle Creek, I think along Lake is a regional park. And so it's just a bigger park and it's really services. Could you just give us a little more of description? What distinguishes Regional Park from a county park because we're still responsible for regional park. But we get Metropolitan Council funds to help with that. All right. So how many regional parks we actually haven't ramps? MR. Chair of commissioner and the choir. Yeah, we have 6 years will parks that we operate throw. Ramsey County a new day couple o them.

Yeah, I'd say differentiation factor in the title of being regional. There is a regional draw. They are typically more significant of size properties versus a county park that is often serving more of a neighborhood community. smaller in size county parks while times 10, 20 acre parcels of land where his regional park, maybe. 3 to 500 acres of land servicing a large geographic area. We work with Trouble cold. So we need to submit our long-range plans to the Metropolitan Council MAY have to approve them because they are the overall agency that is helping to coordinate among Vo 7 County metro area and 10 implementing agencies of the Regional Park Control System. And then yes, when we receive before receive money from the state of Minnesota through state bonding. The bank also has made a commitment to match $2 to every 3 that has provided. So two-thirds match from the state of Minnesota. So if there's to be a bonding bill passed, that includes regional parks and trails funding and that councils match to that level.

Historically. quickly named Sixt regional politics. course, I about 1, 1, liter engine Park Hillary. Park Tony Schmidt Rizal Park. Of what else I we only have I was think about that. Is just know, I'm going look We'll be like a blank today. We've got the ball bald

Eagle Regional Park. That's the bad the sort of makes regional bald eagles. Starting because that's where temperatures centers located bald eagle, Water Lakes, Regional Park. And you discuss roll call I Jeff in saying that McGuire, I McMurtry I in eye Iran. Take a a this just to get some

Insight does having an agreement me what looked like, the type of services that will be provided and is season hitting county it is for Ramsey County residents just gets more information that. many of events. Well, friends commissioner, it's good to be back with you. My mate moved. Right when you're talking around and allowed Creek, I didn't hear question just bit. So the question is what does have an agreement me with that? Look like what type of

Services will be provided there. And because in Hennepin County, it's a poor PRESIDENT Ramsey County anyone can be referred to it and how is one refer to it you need to be for it today, health care clinic or is it walking and what it was I'm not sure it's for and 25 20 Avenue South. So its children's children's hospitals. I think that's their address. Their main address book a So it yeah. But the its its through the children's Hospitals Network, ok, corporate office, I guess The runway event intervention program. It's been around. I think since 2006 kind of focuses on 3 areas. Its first just able ot. So. Your first question was how identify. They go for that. The it started. Focused who were multiple time right away. Girls who've been identified through various sources referrals. That's been a challenge. Post-covid is. Connecting with that population. So the numbers have dipped slightly post covid and they're they're working to get them back up. But the primary target, started with multiple term

Runaways. Who are at risks. Have been sexually abused, sexually exploited or at risk either of those 2 So that's that it's since it's no longer exclusively girl. So it's it's includes boys. Now. Teenage 12 to 17 generally. The idea is sort of intense ish. Services with a public health nurse generally focused reducing 3 things. So it's been evaluated. The baseline is the Minnesota student survey. That's a value weighted against a 70 county metro area. And the first thing

Reconnecting with Kerry. Provider, support network. So parents, schools. The second is reducing trauma responses saying focus on ptsd and mental health and then the 3rd step of the kind of program which track Shirley through 12 months is reducing. Problematic behavior, harmful behavior. So substance abuse, suicidal ideation. Health. So on all those metrics. There's like 19 years data showing really even like for like suicidal ideation. At the end

Of intensive services. Data has shown the populations actually years 0%, which is like. Actually well below just. And then Minnesota student survey sexually active girls who have a way, for example. So it's something that Choi has been really focused on supporting over the years and answer your question and I support that, too. I just didn't know what that looks like. What did the program do they serve and how they've been served, how they would be referred. 2 time whether it is a walking program side if get some that ground Yeah, I think that my temperature answer question commission that it's hard to identify. That's the question. So it's it's however they can connect with these girls. They do is maybe as like law enforcement pick up a girl younger who MAY be. You Out on the streets one away and maybe if you go police officers, I think we for their I mean, how do they get to the health?

They've been abused. So at. All of the above, I'd say, like any way that they might touch the hospital setting is probably MAY be walking. Like you said that that wind won't get referrals to law enforcement schools still sometimes have contact with the Loved ones. It's it's to pay. Thank you. Thank All right. I should have said as well, you know. Serving as the interim interim director. It. Justice Division. You can see Mikaya struggling through that Kevin Fleming. Was the one the main point for this for years I MISS Him dearly already for discussion roll call Don. I Jevon why I McMurtry I Miller high for an eye and we'll take a county Good morning. MISTER Chair

Commissioners, I have for updates for you today on the first one. I'm going to start with is. Inviting Jamie Wilkins up to Jamie is now serving as new housing stability director. And she started very late last year before I could bring her here to you. I'd like to think that county manager's care, Francois and Kerry Colns for their partnership and leading the search and especially the transition for te housing stability Department from economic growth and community investment over to the community services and supports service team, which is new to the county. Jamie has more than 2 years to decades of experience of Anson housing, stability across Minnesota. For the past year, she has served as the associate vice PRESIDENT Of economic opportunity and you support services at social services of Minnesota. U. S. I'm sure shoes of quite aware of that program. We were just talking about as well because they're one of the referral partners.

But prior to analysis team, he served 7 years as a senior director of housing services as well. And guiding statewide housing initiative. So I've had the chance to work quite closely with Jamie on a few things are ready, have seen eagerly and skillfully jump into a very busy time in the organization for Housing, stability, both supporting the department around leadership. Transitions are supporting our residents. The continuum of care and our warming spaces during the winter. So welcome, Jamie. Really excited to have you. Yes, thank you. Kind of manager Becker for the introduction and also your confidence with Deputy Cllins and Francois and for all the warm welcome. That been very welcome here. It's been great. At chair commissioners. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and really happy to be here and work alongside everybody. Ben starting my early days. Just focus scene learning a lot as we begin to leave housing stability together. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and I look forward to working with all of you.

Thank you for having me today. Thank you. Thank home. Just want to this current two-year Ramsey County? Welcome. Congratulations on a new position. We just within meeting together. And this interesting when you don't have Azumi percent. But all this cameras sometimes disconnect. But I am excited to have join went to county housing teen in Leeds and look forward to work we do together. As well. Thank you, commissioner. In. Thank you and thanks, Amy. I'm the next update I have for you. The Center for Disease Control has recently revised the U. S. Childhood in the get immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines universally recommended for all children, ages from 17 to 11. So I wanted to give both the public and the board at updates are vast. Our public health director, Amy can the common share about Minnesota's approach to these changes and how it impacts Ramsey County in our community. Good morning chair. Take county commissioners can damage your Thank you from me.

Some time today. Just update you on the recent immunization schedule recommendations put forth in our state. So on JANUARY 7, the Minnesota Department of Health are in the age to health advisory. We have a network health alerts and health advisories that can go out across the state. Tis was sent to all medical providers across the state as well as local public health. And it outlines recommendations for immunization schedules for people of all ages. So as county manager Becker mentioned, there's been recent changes that have come all from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or cdc. - To immunization schedules and processes that have created quite frankly, confusion and uncertainty. So in response and dh is reinforcing clear, stable in evidence-based, guidance by aligning with trusted medical associations and not playing by what cdc has just about. So potential make it up. Impacts of the cdc immunization schedule changes are an increase in the burden? A vaccine?

Preventable outbreaks and community. Which in turn replaced additional strain on surveillance case investigation, contact tracing an outbreak response activities that are mandated under state statute. So has mentioned one of the substantial changes that cdc just recommended that all children get vaccinated. Only 4 of Levin of 18 diseases that previously recommended. So heading out something So we believe immunization schedules are judged by outcomes the meaningful measures of immunization schedule are to prevent illnesses, hospitalizations deaths and long-term disabilities. To avoid outbreaks and also reduce strain on families, schools, workplace and health systems. By having that consistent science-based recommendations there. If you're a vaccine is fear. Vaccines is not a public health. All that ball is preventing illness and so excluding these vaccines from

The universal recommendations will lead to predictable increases in disease. The science supporting routine immunization has not canged. So we're not making any changes to what we currently are doing or previously We're just going with that. We all. But we have doing for decades. of evidence apart, routine childhood and adult immunizations. What the medical association schedules are based on rigorous scientific review and reflect the same body of evidence that historically informed federal schedules. So I with Medical Association, immunization schedules protects patients and providers. Same for him to county. Public health will fall. The recommendations put forth by Mdh and follow immunization schedules published by the American Academy of Pediatrics for our Children and Adolescents. The American Academy of Family Physicians for adults and the American Cllege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnancy. As I said, the schedules are supported by the science and continue to focus on preventing dangerous diseases and they provide clarity, consistency and confidence for families and providers. I believe Minnesota's approach provides stable science-based guy. And that's regardless of shifting viral dynamics this is about protecting public health, not change in Minnesota's commitment to him station. It is couple of questions.

Which it was 7 that are nt being 11 at 18. So this 7 at that, which of those sevens and then people have to requested from doctors. Then. I'm trying to find who did with my child led to request So these share or so these recommendations put by the Department of Health are not requirements that more in the state of Minnesota, most of our medical providers, most of local public health are off. Follow whatever the Minnesota Department of Health, that's

All. And so there's vaccine schedules that providers would have access to, of course, offices and most providers all along with that know, every individual in every situation is different. So we still tell people, you know, check in with your medical provider. We don't you some people have underlying conditions where they can't take some the vaccines and things like tat. Yu was that my my question is. And I wrote in my case, it was almost an automatic beefalo event. That protocol. Now the cdc has changed that protocol. So my question is when you go to the doctor, Nav have to make sure and make the request. That receive, which would double ones were eliminated communities and pull the ones that live in a t. I do have that list. But I do have is the I do have it. So it for have the Titus, hepatitis b. Wrote a virus. Oh, gosh, not the medical minute cold disease covid-19 influenza undress.

Rsv is that so Okay. Those are the 7 that are diseases that I've now wrecked car recommended based on individual risk and discussions with the health care providers that again just and correct. So MISTER Chair county commissioners. So. They previously the Department of Health Party should I say warning what cdc came out with covid shots and the that's already previously. They've already we're doing this. We're going to go along with science here in Minnesota. And so our vaccine schedules are going to change here in Minnesota. We're saying we're going to keep them how they have and we're going to stick. Stick with Going back to your question. You and your health care provider they should have our schedule tat Department of Health has put. Know I would and you know, we are all own advocates and their children's advocate. So whether you specifically have to ask for certain shots, you shouldn't have to and should just be a regular business as usual as we have for decades here.

So hopefully that helped thank you, MR. Sure, and it's kind of to piggyback off that because even though if someone to go to their healthcare provider and they would have the full list of of the vaccines they should take. Still with the recommendation from the cdc, the which has a much larger communications effort. There's a lot of doubt that's going to be sold. Folks. Who go in for these for the shots. Is there an effort by Minnesota Department of Health coupled with, you know, the counties across the state to almost counter. the communications Mredith effort.

That we know that's been explore display by the cdc to kind of educate the public more. On the importance of these particular shots. Dispel any myths or or misinformation that's being put out there. Like what? What does for look like to try to? Better inform folks? So MISTER Chair cutting pensions. That is a great question. Yes to all that. So the Department of Health already started putting communications. We are working with our communications team to all of it. Some of our social media and working on some things get him clothes for an air from doctor about what a kind of back that up. I can say anecdotally of checked in with our staff, particularly staff better mainly giving immunizations. And we're already having people come I wondering, you know, what am I supposed to follow here? Because they're getting mixed communication out there in specially that's coming out of shadows on previously very tried and true rsource federal resources.

It's really hard to work against We will be putting on our messages. And like I said, elevating those messages that come out of the Department of Health. And it's really thankful that we are living in the state and we do have a really strong public health system that really does fall the science. And so I'm very thankful for that. I appreciate that. And I think this is also opportunity for us to leverage of the number organizations groups. Throughout our community, I know you was it earlier this year or last year that we convene a number nonprofits and other community leaders, groups that we know have the bill and trust with a lot of our community members who even though we're putting in social media MAY be still a little hesitant when it comes to so their government. And so how can we ensure that that we are leveraging those relationships as well to help get our message out to family?

So if that's something we already are doing great, if not. I think that's something that we should be adding to the list of tactics to make sure that we are getting the right information out. thank you, MR. Cherry County Commissioners all add to that. We took quite a big hit during covid far as regular vaccines. Childhood vaccines those rates went down during covid and soul amongst all that with this coming out of the federal government. We've we've quite quite barrier for them get over. So we're still trying to catch up on those childhood shots. And covid recovery times right now and one other thing I should mention, too, is that that you MAY have questions about is our school law requirements here. And I just want to mention that. S we do have school immunization law here in Minnesota State statute. One one. 21.15, it requires all students in kindergarten through 12 to show documentation of specific immunizations that vote.

That list of immunizations is coming from the Minnesota Department of there guidelines or they have they can file an exemption. And so I just wanted to let you know that that's that's private. Public charter all of our schools and daycares so daycares, nothing's going to change for the school or day care is because of that parking health is coming out with this and we're going to say strong and steady with minute stations. Thank you. Nation. One of the questions I have for what I have heard is are they treated any differently with Medicaid? Medicaid cover the is if it's not in the cdc guidelines. And MR. Chair County Commissioners. That's a good The Department of Health. Likewise with us are really keeping an eye on so far. Private insurance companies, there's no changes there. They're still covering We don't know what's going t happen in the future on how this all works. For keeping an eye on that.

And I should mention also that we do a limited supply, its stock of immunizations for children and also adults that are underinsured and uninsured. Those supplies had to end a little bit over this past year. We're not getting as much as we normally because the state isn't getting as much. So that's also connected to all of us to. Yeah, my my questions are similar Commissioner John's, which is the idea of just keeping track of. From my understanding in the pst many of our insurance companies, public or private followed the cdc as to what tey were required to or as policy would cover. And so I guess keeping tabs on should that change and what that might mean for for people who have great insurance. But now their insurance is no longer covering what had been very basic preventative care. The other question is along the lines of have we heard anything as far as retribution clinics or providers that are?

Going beyond what the cdc is recommending because there have been oher types of health care recommendations from. The federal government that have asked us then too change. What we know is solid medical practice on the ground. And so that's that's one of the questions I haven't. The last one is just the idea of supply chain because I know a lot of the people who are producing of vaccinations throughout the general supply not to be beyond Minnesota, follow those guidelines to know how much they should be producing. And so it just I think you're already starting to show the way that you and your department are preparing, but maybe elaborate on that just a little bit more as to how he and the seat should be thinking about preparing for what MAY be rolling forward in the next months. MISTER Chair Tony Commissions really, good questions. Like I said, nothing's changed so far, but I can't predict what's going happen in the future.

And something should happen, where? you know, our our private or even and they decide not to routine vaccine next vaccinations, particularly among our childhood vaccinations. And that is something we're going to have to really look at. Do we need more resources were already kind of tight right now with of that, that kind of what I call kind of free vaccine coming in from the state that's already been lost and before this had happened. Like I said, I haven't heard any room. Millions for sure will be keeping really close eye on that. And I would just ask that all of you if are hearing anything out there getting kind of formal communication to please pass it along to us, too. So we can. Try to get ahead of it. Well, I would jst say that that, you know, in the times of these these these types of incidences are somewhat cyclical anybody who's worked with the older adult population who remembers times before we had routine vaccinations, ask your grandparents, ask your neighbors what it was like to raise children for fear of not having safety against these childhood devastating illnesses educate in and make sure that we are advocating on top of some of these potential shortages that are coming.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention questions. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Director care, MR. Chair Commissioners on my last update is an update about federal impacts and I apologize in advance. It's going to be a little bit long, but I'm going to go slow and hopefully you can ask questions afterward, done. So late in 2025. Late last year, there was a temporary federal freeze on child Care Assistance program funding, which is called see cap and Minnesota. That freeze was ultimately blocked following a successful lawsuit led by Attorney General Allison. At this time, we have been directed to continue to continue and ministering see cap resources without interruption. Ramsey County currently ministers about 2400 see cap cases for our residents. This supports our families who rely on see cap to go to work to seek employment and to pursue education. A freeze on these payments to cildcare providers would have created a significant hardship for both families who could lose access to care and to providers who spend on timely reimbursements to sustain their operations.

So that is one update around the see cap program. In on Friday last week, the state of Minnesota Governor Waltz and Mayor Jacob Frey received a letter from the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture indicating an intent to free snap funds pending a completion of several federal requirements are to the state of Minnesota. At this time, we have not received any additional guidance from the Department of Children, Youth and Families. We did receive communication from them that they are working through their next steps. But we have not received any additional guidance on changing any of our operations. I want to make sure that residents know we are continuing to operate business as usual, providing snap benefits to our residents and families at this time. And should anything change? We will make sure that that information is widely communicated. And then lastly, I would like to provide an update on the recent federal immigration enforcement activities in our community.

These are extremely trying times are impacting both our organization, or staff and our community and ways that are too difficult to really to describe in words, some might be include all trauma fear, uncertainty, anxiety and Ramsey County recognizes that the fear and harm of many community that many. The fear harm that many community members are experiencing. And we are deeply concerned and the county remains committed to ensuring that all residents feel safe, assessing essential services and we are committed to supporting our staff who serve them first. I want to thank our staff for their continued service and support during this trying time. While you are Lamson County employees. Your also community members yourselves who are experiencing this in real time alongside our community and alongside those, we have to serve. As an organization. We are closely monitoring impacts to school disruptions. Workforce concerns, service access and we continue to develop steps to ensure continuity of services during this time of great uncertainty.

Here are some things that we have been doing. In early 2025. Many months ago, we actually reaffirmed in community communicated Clear County policies stating that immigration enforcement will not be permitted in private county spaces without a valid judicial warrant. This policy protects the integrity of county operations and provide staff with clear guidance on their roles and responsibilities. Shouldn't enforcement encounter occur and county spaces. The county also is providing a wide range of information and referral resources to staff enabling them to help connect residents to the services and supports. That MAY be most useful to them during this uncertain time. The county has been working in close coordination with the county Sheriff's office and the county attorneys office to ensure a unified collaborative approach to supporting our community. I want to personally thank Sheriff Bob Fletcher and County attorney choice who have been an ongoing communications with me and some of our team. Spoke to both of them actually over the weekend, a couple of times as well.

The county continues to meet regularly with our counterparts at different levels of our organization with our metro area agencies to share information, monitor legal developments and coordinate responses that starts with me. And the other county administrators in the metro area. It goes down to our directors. The other people who are working on different pograms talking to their counterparts as well. And certainly in within our sheriff and county attorney's office teams as well. This collaboration helps ensure consistency across jurisdictions. It allows us to respond. Respond effectively just with very fast changing circumstances as an organization, we remain focused on ensuring continued delivery services while prioritizing staff wellbeing and clear communication. So some of this is not necessarily nw either. Earlier this year, we supported departments on county guidance about policies for the county. And we provided trainings both virtual and in-person for different teams that need them. But most recently we training to deliver to staff who conduct home visits who engage residents in community settings are working public-facing County spaces.

So and many cents out says the sense is this is like a field Staff training. This includes new guidance are navigating encounters with immigration officials in the field as well as best practice safety sfety measures. 2 sessions have already happened. We've had over 200 staff trained. We have another a large one slated for early this week. I want to especially thank our Jada Lewis, who's here with us and members of our compliance and ethics team and the deputy chief of staff, Andrew Greeley for standing that up very quickly last week and some of our staff through that training immediately. So thank you very much to all of you. In terms of monitoring our impacts to residents and service delivery. I'm only going to be providing a small sampling o some of the things that we're managing through because we're a complex, large organization that a lot of work. But I think the things I've pulled out are good examples for both the public and for this board to realize the impact it's having.

What's is in our community is having on our organization. At this time. We have not reduced or suspended any services. Want make sure that our residents here that we have had no changes to services that the county is providing to our residents. However, over the past week in some federal immigration enforcement has affected our departments ability to deliver in person services, on-site services and impacted residents coming in to get services. We have observed heightened stress and tension among residents coming to see us, whether it's at service centers or other locations. Residents appear to be more anxious, turned visits from what we're hearing from staff. The situations have require more staff intervention and increase attention to ensure respective inclusive environment for all including residents and our employees. We are seeing increased fear and distress among residents call centers and have received an increase in calls of upset community members, including some who had some, you know, quite inappropriate interactions with our staff when they call.

Immigration PRESIDENT Has been more prevalent near in and around our public health clinics. As a result, we have ensured virtual appointments are readily made available if possible. This has led many families to avoid leaving their homes for basic needs. Some have canceled or rescheduled appointments within public health programs such as wic Family home visiting family Health, early childhood family, education and we are relying more on virtual services, housing and food. Security concerns are increasing in our community, based on my previous update with folks being more hesitant to apply for snap benefits. We continue to monitor those impacts just as much as we can. The Saint Paul va regional benefits offices actually located in the Whipple building. And that has been temporarily closed. Nba staff are currently unable to physically operate within that facility. As a result, some va operations have been disrupted to ensure continued support for veterans. The staff are available at the Minneapolis va Medical Center and the Saint Paul va office.

And it's Cold Lake located partners in the Whipple building are encouraging them encouraging veterans to cntact their county service offices for assistance as they need. Another. Some more samplings are in community. Corrections in response to the current conditions. They continue. They have implemented what kind of I slow down of non-essential face-to-face community interactions and continue to reinforce safety protocols for our staff who oftentimes are out in the field. From social services are we do have some flexibility to offer telehealth for a lot of our programs for mental health divisions. But crisis is a program that we are not through telehealth and I had a chance to talk to the team this morning. And really, that's because those services in crisis, our best provided in person. And so, you know, while we're doing our best to make some We also know that the integrity of some of the programs to what people need rely on those in-person connection.

So there's harm being done. Parks and recreation has experienced some impacts in terms of community programming, several culturally specific events. As you can imagine, we have a lot of them at all. Ginger Arena have been canceled or have seen some reduced attendance just as a another county impact that I'm not going to focus a ton on here, but that, you know, will result in some associated revenue reductions. So there are impacts to the county in a variety of ways be on, you know, just a programming that sometimes it a budget. Terry impact a well. And then our community partners, they've been impacted. Many of them ae work in partnership with us as nonprofit organizations to deliver services for our residents and they have significant impacts with immigration enforcement and their facilities as well. And so I don't want to dismiss that. Well, we have impacts. They're all of this is connective tissue in our community as to how families and residents kind of flow through organizations as they live their lives.

Certainly schools. Many of you have - heard both impacts et of Minneapolis, Public Schools going offering online learning Saint Paul public schools. Also now is offering some online version, virtual options. And those things impact our staff because their parents and they have to manage that. And so we continue to work with our managers and supervisors about how to mitigate some of those staff impacts and pressures on our families. I heard on the news this morning and I know Roseville as public schools has had some impacts as well from the immigration on their school property and issued no more field trips to the end of the month. And so these are just a smattering of some sample impacts. And then yesterday it was published Star Tribune in and a lot of the businesses were in Saint Paul there are some businesses that are reporting reduced. Obviously foot traffic, but some have actually closed temporarily and some have closed until further notice.

So so I think hopefully this is giving you a sense of just a amount dominoes that this kind what's happening from the federal level is causing our deep into our community. We are working with our partners at Landmark Center and Union Depot because we own most facilities. But we have other people doing some of the operations. They also need to have protocols for their staff on how to manage and immigration enforcement. And they and I ll say landmark had had a community partner for their Urban Exposition Cancel their over the weekend because they did not feel safe to hold that event in that space. Switching to employee well-being and supports. I'll be honest Afghans. It is high. I feel I feel it personally is and I feel it when I talk to our staff walking around connecting with them and hearing from our deputy county managers and directors. It's impacting our workplace, our ability to concentrate ability to focus our ability to engage.

I will encourage all leaders in this organization. Take a look at your calendars. If you are not building in some space between meetings for your teams. This is a good, good, good week to do so ensure that we're creating some opportunities for people to get a little chance to process and have a some of reduction of some of the stressors on our lives right now. We recognize emotional toll of the circumstances on our employees. And we are trying to I every way we can promote well-being, psychological safety and stability. Resources are being made available to all employees through our human resources, diversity, inclusion, and organizational development team. I want to thank our patients, Ferguson and her team for standing up some new opportunities that will be available as well as we have many recorded learnings that people can take on a self pace as well. We have our employee assistance program. It's a confidential assistance of resources.

It's available through our vendor. All one health, all in all, employees have access to that is confidential. It's available. 24 7, I would highly suggest people who need to look into that. I guess I'll close by saying we're closely monitoring the conditions and the impacts on all of the things I have shared. And then some it very stressful time in the organization and yet our staff are so committed to doing the work and you'll see that in, you know, every day in the email, sometimes it feels like you switch from emergency management mode too, doing very routine emails about something and and both have to be true. At the same time. And that can be very hard. It can quite a thing to kind of manage in your mind and your body. Does your age you doing that? So I do want to just say that. Information is fast, changing. Social media cannot always be trusted.

There are a lot of inaccuracies and rumors and that can spur additional fear. But I do acknowledge that many of our staff are, you know, very know. Neighbors have personal family experiences of real things that are happening in all of those things can be true at the same time. So we are doing our best to manage at this critical time and available. Take any questions from the boy. It Thank you for that report. We're doing here at Ramsey County. You open up by stating that. For clarity that ice is not committed. Any county. Property. Can you rephrase I can rephrase that. And Jay to hear, too can help. But so we are as county property can to help. Maybe I think I would appreciate that. I want to get it right. So think going through that guidance of what we've been told to imply. So the question, as I understand it is what are the limitations on immigration enforcement accessing hours county spaces?

And so because we can that prevent them to enter into our public spaces. What language referring to as it relates to the judicial warrant. Is that the immigration enforcement officers would need to present a ballot judicial warrant and our private spaces, private spaces would be areas that are accessible to the public. It could be even if it's open space. Maybe there's the back area were only employees go employee break rooms, things of that nature, your offices, those are not open to the public. So well. We do have some limitations under the law that they are able to enter public spaces. They should be conducting themselves under our current policies that we wouldn't have any citizen that enters our spaces and here to that kind that. But in terms of limiting them to our public spaces, we don't have that ability at this time. Under the current law. thank you for that. Clearly, I think that's really important, right?

Because we don't want to give people false hope that they come down to a service center or other open spaces that ice would be prevented doing is they have been doing so. I just wanted to reiterate that get some clarity on that for the public. That's a critical point. That's when my feels that ball it's a feel-good thing to Post up signs. But if they're not in forcible in Falls, hope to the community, they thinking this safe and and I Jade, I have a question for you. Been reported that even with a lot of these long Then as time the judge in this still the best in people. So there's a key distinction. Understand is. ice has their own administrative warrants which don't have the legal review of a judicial warrant. And they also don't have the same effect in terms of their authority. So they MAY have an administrative warrant to be presenting that that doesn't necessarily that would not give them access to private spaces without a judicial warrant under the 4th Amendment.

However, the only other exception would be if there's exigent circumstances and they can enter without a war regardless. So there MAY be, in fact, a presenting administrative or they MAY be using tactics to indicate that it has more legal authority than it really does. That's why our protocols and procedures when they do come into our space. It's a call this number right away, which is cell phone that I carry with me at all times and for legal counsel to assist in interpreting a judicial warrant. Judicial warrants also have their own limitations in terms of if they don't, if they're deficient in and time in the scope of what permitting them to do. That's what we will be evaluating if there was a ice age and that presented a judicial warrant who are renting county staff. So you mentioning this in them but to call? Yes, it's on our internal guy. Other staff and it's part of the ongoing training that we've been and putting forth to make sure that saff are educated and know what to do in the event.

We have. Enforcement PRESIDENT And one of our spaces. Kelly, just quickly following up on the difference with administrative and assigned to our staff, know what the difference is and what they look like and have they showing examples or even just? Here's an administrative. Here's a judicial when in doubt, call. we encourage our staff to not make those interpretations because there can be some really specific nuance. You know, we have educated then in demonstrating the presentation that that I have presented to tell us where we have. Identified within the county where there MAY be a more likelihood that ice could show up. Those are target audience. Is that have we seen an image that reflects what a judicial warrant looks like. There's been a strain war ad I don't and pointed out that distinction so that they're least educated enough to see the differences no. And the that they should be contacting legal counsel they do have some baseline condition.

You just thank you, MR. Chair and thank you and thank you for the information on the these differences between judicial administrative because I know our residents are getting face with some of these issues as well. And I'm so glad that we're training our employees to know these Someone actually just sent me the difference between a judicial administrative warrant. And I think this is correct. But, you know, the warrants. The administrative winter site signed by ice officials, not judges and do not grant legal authority to enter a private residence without the occupants permission. So sometimes occupants left them thinking they have to let them in. Right. So they don't have to let them. And if it's an administrative warrant. How residents know the difference like if they save one has to be signed by a judge, but how do they know whether it's a judge or an ice official? That's my question for our residents to and residents are getting trained as well.

I know that there's a lot of training going on in residents are getting more savvy about knowing this difference. But is it anything that you can help us with now? I think for everybody that has concerns related to how to interact with ice. a know your rights information that's out there within a variety Organizations that focus on immigration and others that folks like the aclu that focus on individuals and on the rise, there's credible information out there. I believe the city of Saint Paul also has some. Public-facing information that's available to help residents. Understand what rights are and to try to educate themselves so that they would be equipped to know the difference between the 2 types of warrant. So they just have to get that that information. There's there's nothing we can just say to them right now. How you tell the difference between a judge and a nice official on a on an actual warrant.

As legal counsel. I wouldn't be providing advice to yeah, general population. So my my limitations would be focus. But it's something that we can certainly discuss in terms of what type of message and we MAY want to consider public facing. Information. So I have I'll get to you. Then against. I have a question. Jay deny temperature stride as united to give. He's on rise. But I personally have extended family where. They have been arrested in their citizens with working when was not. So the ball for rest. How? What this is and isn't doing that. That kind situation. What we've been my telling our for them to model calmness and professionalism as best they can in those circumstances. We've been advising people on how to avoid the likeliness that they would be charged, criminal penalties for obstructing. So I we encourage people not to flee in those situations, not to resist in those situations. Unfortunately, from what I viewed.

Through media and the way that ice agents are conducting themselves is not respectful of our fundamental constitutional rights. So it's difficult to give any comfort in what to do in these unpredictable situations because the enforcement agents are not acting in a predictable manner. I also encourage people to have memorized 2 numbers of people that they trust that they can contact in the event. They are detained by ice. I think I as a lawyer would recommend that one of those numbers be an attorney, whether immigration attorney or criminal attorney, depending on what the circumstances are that you've been accused It's a personal decision. Whether or not you want to carry around your documentation, whether it's a passport or birth certificate. It just. There are things that people can do that they're going to have to assess whether or not that's the right approach for him personally. But it is a very difficult time to navigate because things are just unpredictable and not acting in a manner that's a normal.

Thank Anderson. Comments record. You mentioned uptick folks calling on dispatch I want to get a better understanding of what has been conveyed to folks who are calling 9-1-1 dispatch, especially if they are either wondering if someone to come and help because isis taking a family member. What exactly what information we share with folks who are immediately calling 9-1-1 when they are experiencing some of Joy sons. Thank you. Commissioner McWhorter for the is race here, too. So I'm please join me in so the way I understand it, there's uptick in ice Cosby ecc cause because there's just general tension in the community and that MAY or MAY not even actually be related to enforcement things. People are, you know, there's just a lot of things happening in the community. First and foremost, I don't want to make the cars ation that all the increase of calls is related to directly to ice enforcement that makes sense.

But, you know, we are getting some additional calls. The procedure at our 9-1-1 center is that those calls are routed to the correct local law enforcement As you know, we provide 9-1-1, services for all cities in the county. And there's different way that all of those cities provide local law enforcement. So in the example of say a contract city, they would they would actually be connected to a commander who is with Iran the county sheriff's office. So they are not going out physically to answer those calls. Will say that if there is an actual physical danger and they need for a police officer that is different than responding to a law, enforce federal immigration enforcement incident. Does that make sense? The difference between that? What can get Can you elaborate up? Like that looks like. If someone with a family member in that family member is taken, let's say from a car at a gas station and they call And that sent to the local law enforcement.

Is that an example of one local law enforcement will come or or not? chair commissioners, thank you for that question. It really depends on the law enforcement organization that is being dispatched. They have their own protocols and and how they respond. Ice. The last thing we want is to put our local law enforcement. In a situation where it would appear that they are at teen. On behalf of iso working along with ice. And so it really depends our law enforcement partners trying to manage these situations as they did so and they are making calls to the color making sure that they're safe. And but there not trying to provide any legal. Guidance for them, right? They are making sure that they're safe. And r our telecommunicators are doing the same thing. They are just making sure that they are safe asking those regular questions. But really walking a fine line about giving any any sort of legal guidance in those situations.

So appreciate that. So going back to the to the example that I gave of someone news. With a friend or family member that's been taken. They call 9-1-1. There's not much of anything that. Our law enforcement can do under that Things. Yeah, I mean, I think if the local law enforcement jurisdiction does have information on where they are being to teen where potential location where people are being detained, that they can provide that information. But very little information is being given provided to our local law enforcement jurisdictions. I mean, we are seeing I see, you know, moving into situations and leaving and then law enforcement are called on to respond to something afterwards like a car crash or a car just being left in median. Yeah, right. Very little information is being shared. Coming from ice to our telecommunicators or your local law enforcement jurisdictions. Yeah, I I just have a couple questions and not sure if this would go to to either one of our experts at the table right now.

One of them is I want to make sure that we are clarifying what it is within our role as Ramsey County to be responsive and provide a stabilizing force within our community. As far as what we can do to continue to make sure that services to most vulnerable populations that are happening within Ramsey County continue to happen and then to be able to clarify what we can and cannot do not only as a way of saying this is why we're not doing x, y and z, but also to make sure that we're leading into the things that we can do. So one of the questions that I has just to clarify, there's been a couple of times where we've stated a as a point of fact, that there's we cannot limit ice coming into public spaces of which ran to county has many public spaces. Nws clarify when we say we can't do that, that that's internal policy, that what what what is what legal?

Rules put us into that position. And the reason why I say that is because I think there have been calls from community to say we just get to decide that and we don't. And I want to be able to make sure to clarify us, too. Where in law that's being defined. I would like to take that type of. To preserve attorney client privilege, that type of level coppers conversation out of the public realm of this so that we can preserve the attorney client privilege. But certainly we can read the county attorney's office can provide legal advice as it relates to that specifically. And then the other the other piece of that will just say is I've had a number of calls to following up on Commissioner McMurtry conversation has to. When people are feeling of vulnerable during inner right at interactions with with federal agents. That there are times that perhaps we would be of service through 9-1-1.

And I think of things, if there are children being left alone after a nice interaction, if there, I think I work. I've had a lot of interaction with our human service providers where they have staff that are involved with vulnerable adults MAY not be able to communicate you know, it in any are to articulate their legal status or other kind of things are perhaps be able to comply with law enforcement without the guy of the people who are there you know, to make sure that they are safe while they're in community and and I guess the question I would have if if that if you are somebody who is part of services, whether it's our services or or somebody that we contract with. And there's been some ice interaction say the group home or in a in community where workers with disabilities perform there on site, work duties and something happens. You know, are those times where we that that the 9-1-1 would make sure that the security of those vulnerable people is looked after her walk mean are those times were 9-1-1, call would be something we can provide assistance to community members.

I can try keep that MR. Chair and pushes thinks so. Absolutely. You gave me that example yesterday with a constituent that asked if I have a bus, I have a driver who would have forsman incident. I am carrying a a set vulnerable adults. What would I do? I reached out to the sheriff's office and they said absolutely would you should contact your local law enforcement to care for those vulnerable adults in that situation. Right. And so I think the high manager did really good job to say it is a fine line from way. I understand the way. And again, every law enforcement he's doing it. The has their ability to sort inter. Brit, how they're doing it. But I do know with confidence, at least from our sheriff's office that, you know, they recognize that federal agencies have jurisdiction to conduct a law enforcement operations in our community. And that something that is acknowledged. And however, they also will be involved when there is an immediate emerging threat on a public safety incident that make Those shoes are you have to hold those both too.

One other thing that I just want to break with like to explore is just the idea that. A lot of the work that we in Ramsey County that our staff does in it for Ramsey County is in community. As you described in your report, it's public health. Family supports its nutrition supports that housing supports its interactions that are happening in all sorts of spaces within community. I am appreciative of some of the trainings that's been provided and just wondering if you can, you know, give a little bit more example of ways that there's a lot of behind the back of the House ways over the last year that we have supporting the enterprise and the services to make sure that there's continuity. And I just really want to say that the tip of the iceberg, yu know, constituent relations, we get calls and emails from folks who who are asking about the things that they're seeing in the news that they're seeing in their social media as they should.

These cute and dire and very serious implications. That's the tip of the iceberg. As far as people who are made vulnerable by the chaos making that's been happening, we still have staffing shortages and other things that are even be more disruptive within our care systems. But all of this exciting community, you know, when kids can't go to school and childcare centers are closed when other things are disrupted, we don't have all of the helpers that are helping all of our community members showing up in the ways that they are. So just and just thinking about those kind of investments to make sure we're still fulfilling our mission during these troubling times. Yeah, thank you, I think what I have to bring us back to MS. This is 2026 and not 2019. Those of us who've been here before the pandemic. Had we not gone through the pandemic and some of this shift that we've been able to make as a result of that response and some of that ways we change how we do our work since then, this would maybe be a little bit of different last few weeks for the organization by I was actually on the phone with time injuries.

Last night. We're talking about some contingency planning. And I said to her, you know, our first stage of contingency planning almost you did a little bit because of the fact that we have so much flexibility in the way we do our work post pandemic. If that makes sense in 2019, many of our residents weren't used to receiving virtual services. Most of our staff did not have laptops. We didn't have cell phones. We didn't have the ability think about things that were not in person in a way. We didn't have the right policies, the right protections, the right equipment. And so because we've pivoted a lot of the way we do some services on all this isn't to say that we don't have a lot of front facing service is that we have to deal with. But certainly I think many department areas from I received report from every department yesterday about how all things how things are going in their department related to some of this and many of them use some of the tools that have, you know, so we have because of the pandemic.

They have been able to figure problems all come up with solutions as the holiday that we pivoted a few more of days, things to virtual. We found other ways to reach out to our residents right. So I do think we're using those muscles. And I think that's the first thing I want to say in answering your question. It's not a starting from ground 0 in terms of ensuring continuity of services in many, many ways with that Ido think tat we are focused primarily on our staff to be able to respond so that they can continue to deliver the services that we have and then in reality we have we're battling multiple things at the same time while we are. Trying to figure out all the things that I just updated you on those couple of other updates around see, cap and snap. I said those very briefly, but those are actually really big things along with many others that we're spending a lot of time on to.

So I will just have to say we are doing a lot of things underneath to operationally ensure that we are able to deliver services. That means in the short term, which is some of what we're I updated. The extensive update with more about short term. We have some very serious things happening in and around our community. We need to make sure that people get what they need. And yet at the same time, the very big looming, larger threats around ensuring that the county has resources in the state has resources to serve our commute. Most vulnerable populations is very much still a forefront of an issue that we have to manage every day. So our teams are toggling between the immediate short-term. Let's get back to the long term. What happens if all or snap funding is going to be eliminated? And so you can imagine that kind paying pine back and forth of our our teams and the work that they have to do.

So I we are relying on the ingenuity of some of our directors to just really understand some areas, you know, probably don't haven't felt as much impact. But there are obviously like mentioned, you know, I will just call up Monica Long. She wrote a very excellent report. I of al the things that they thought about employee supports the way they are sharing communications, how they've well, her staff probably, you know, MAY or MAY not take the field training that data has, but they probably already have a lot of field training because they typically are in the field more than others. You know. So I mean, I think it's every department has to kind of manage a little bit differently. And we are trying to figure out. How to manage the situation staying within our realm of control and maintaining a sense of calm for our community. So they're not as fearful as they MAY feel, too at times and our staff.

So there's a lot of things at the same time. So I hope I was able to at least someone answered question. MR. Chair. I had question earlier. Even if I the county still here, she stepped out. Maybe we can get if you can I just had a question more so calls are coming in. And we know that, you know, so many of our organizations Happ provided training about knowing your rights and how to interact, especially when they are when ice is at someone's door. I also just want to recount about like a very traumatic video that we saw it happen little Canada. We're this TikTok where it a DoorDash or came into her house like pleading for her life. Like folks should watch that. It is happening and it is not fake. It's happening. And so many other families are being terrorized in this way that we just don't even know about. Because this was able to gain visibility because this person was a content creator and had a lot of followers.

And so my question was that, you know what folks are making calls to our ecc. Are they at and if isis at their and afraid. They call into our ecc, our dispatchers, the ones who are giving advice or support or are they being dispatched to the local law enforcement authorities? Yeah. Chair commissioners, thank you for that qestion. I did watch that video is very It was hard to watch. I recently met with our ecc staff and it really is up to each jurisdiction of how they want us to handle those types of calls. So most of the jurisdictions have decided that they want a commander or sergeant level response where they will call the individual. Like I said before, the tele communicator will ask those basic questions. Are you safe? You And but they will refer to the jurisdiction of local jurisdiction on making a call to them. We also discussed an option of having are appropriate response and that its social workers providing some resources.

But again, very much not putting are telecommunicators in a position where they are giving any legal guidance, right? It's a fine line and so that we are talking about, sir, what kind of resources that they can offer during that time. But again, it is we serve and we partner with many of our jurisdictions to use our 9-1-1 center. And really working with them and deciding what types of ways they want us to respond to those. No calls. I think what I struggle with right now, too, is just also about illegal activity of ice and not and that not being protected by our local law enforcement and advice that they are giving that they cannot do anything. There are clearly protocols in place that they that ice does not have legal authority - to enter private residences. If they do not have a judicial warrant, can we just not say that? Can our local law enforcement just not say that?

Yeah. I mean, chair commissioners. That's a that's a great question. And I'm not sure where they're legal boundaries are. On what what they can and cannot say right to a resident. I know in specific call, the commander MAY have said something about, you know, harboring a fugitive, if you can't, if don't open the door right? And whether that's true or not, I you know, I I'm not I don't know, right, but that you know, something that we continue to engage our local law enforcement partners on how to respond to these types of situations like this is really new territory. For us, our law enforcement partners want to respond to help support residents who are calling for help. And they are being put in a very difficult situation on how they engage in these types of situations. Right in the safest thing for me. And that's for them uless it's in a minute, imminent harm or danger to someone.

That they make a phone call and so but these ongoing conversations that I'm having with the Emergency Communications Center and the director and staff. On how we can control and what we can you. While also working with our law enforcement partners to really understand what are our parameters and informed educated in. And maybe come up with common ground of how are law enforcement all respond? The same way. Thank Yeah, and I would highly encourage that because that type of advice like that advice are ready to to say that you have to comply. And I would really challenge us to really think about the type of advice that our law enforcement is giving to community members. You Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner appreciate you bringing tat up. It was terrorizing for the community. The situation that you brought up and it's it is unprecedented and tagic and awful that we have one level of government terrorizing our residents and another level that would calling on to help protect us.

And so I think we're is struggling to make sure we can give the right advice and everybody wants. Whoever can to do whatever we can about it. We had a four-hour hearing, a public hearing in Mosul last night. We heard so many stories. I mean, it's it's it's it's heart rendering and share the stories of the residents that are feeling. So scared. So traumatized by. But these federal employees that are coming into our communities and trying to do everything we They've asked us to residents of county to do things that are asking the city council to do. Things are asking to share. Asking anybody that can do anything to help them. And I think we're all try and figure out what it is we we can do in if there's things preventing us from doing it. How do Can we can we do something about that? And so I think we're all trying to to do the best we can.

I just want to say that we're hearing you where the stories horrible and we want to do what we can help. And so I think we just need to be always thinking about this. What what what advice can we get? Maybe we can't give legal advice, but we can't say make a phone call. We can say look at the judicial, you get that warrant. See, you know. Pay more pay attention to it as a judicial is administrator. And one of those trainings, you learn what you can and we're going to do everything we can at the county to provide the services that we need to provide to our rsidents and do what we can to. You know, we really want our residents to feel safe, but I think we're all struggling with what those with those things can be. So I appreciate that. And I think we'll just keep going and going conversation about what about what can happen, w can do with the situation.

Yeah, thank you. Chair commissioners for your concerns on this. I would definitely keep you updated as we continue to have these conversations with our local law enforcement. And our emergency communications staff. Thank you. I have one question James. Thank you. Janet Olin, that part of the incident of a citizen being addressed the u. So one of things was too, can pass

That is a personal choice that someone could have. Yes, I'm carrying their passport as a way to prove that they are U. S. Citizens. Right? So my question is, he realign the Cleveland's to the past? Would? I'm not sure. I mean, I know that it does have some of citizenship, but I I don't know that answer the top of my head. I have to do some what you find have. Could you let me know yet? Because past was a kind of expensive movie like the might be easier for folks to have right. Because this bank community, legal citizens going to be picked up. You know, so at his if you want make sure that a piece information. Thank One more level is while we are all feeling the limitations what we currently know it and ever changing situation in our position in this in this role to set policy to direct resources to give advice.

Understand the frustration that every anybody out there is asking for us to. And so I just want to ask, you know, one of the part of the ramifications and we discussed this earlier of of all of this surge in the chaos making is the disruptions in food security in shortages of caregivers, in distruptions and education and child care is stresses on our businesses stress, honor, honor, physical and mental health. And those are things that we as a county support our community and every day. And so I guess the question I have is just to remind folks that if as the ramification of all of this world going on a new community, you or your neighbors or your place of business are experiencing these things. Just a reminder, I'm going to ask, ask a county manager backer, you know, people who don't normally access our services fr the list issues that I just had that MAY be experiencing them for the first time.

What is the best way for folks to be able to just explore what options we have to help them with those basic things that I just talked about, like where it was their first college entry. If they're feeling overwhelmed and they know that we, Matt, perhaps aren't the ones who appoints stop this chaos that can maybe help to mitigate how it's personally impacting their lives. Yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you, commissioner, for a question. Certainly we just did have a massive update and refresh of our website. So I would say, you know, you could start and we can. You can call our you don't have to come into a service center in order to reach a navigator and someone at a service center. So you can call our main Ramsey County phone number. It's 2, 6, 6, 5, 1, 2, 6, 6, 3,000. And we can connect you from that to those many county services that you might be. thank you.

Good discussion. Thank you, Evan Bayh, thank you to only have 2. It's a point in committee put aain it did a things week participated in the midst African-American family preservation. And child welfare. Disproportionality acts statewide work group meeting. Where we are focusing on online implementation steps. Unclear. Outcome measures. My emphasis to continue work on reducing disproportionality African-American families going to system. Tampa Texan system. And strengthen the supports for African-American families. Also joined the the

Funded the MISS African-American family Preservation Chow where pushed allergy act policy accountability and compliance meeting to review policies and practice alignments reporting expectations. And next step. Corrections to keep implementation on track. I attended elected official lunch. We end this week. A networking event. At a local restaurant downtown to stricter relationship in coordination share priorities with County Attorney office in Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and really take some time to do do In a personal things that this needed to be a strong, healthy relationships with Ramsey County. I attended the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. What he called a dcy have into advisory committee meeting to stay engaged on county state and tribal partnerships, funding and service alignment and performance expectations that improve outcomes for children, youth and families. Also participated in chair the Metropolitan Control District meeting cd. Was organizational meeting to get donation meeting in place covering annual governor's items in operational priorities that support public health to mosquitoes in Victor Control. And I joined the pretrial

Justice Council executive 15 planning meeting to shape our 2026 priorities for fair data and form free trial practices that support safety. They reduce unnecessary detention. And then on Friday, I tended open house and ribbon cutting at how we can frau for that temporary Rondo community that very location. Anyone goals Rhonda Labrie dislocated on university he just has now been relocated today. How we can Brown sent there where it was really good to show up to see that they have really created a space that is welcome. That is warm. That can really support community needs computers tere at eye, that the staff is there and ready if you need to facts of life, best effects things like yeah. So if you need to facts something this is up and ready to go. This is really good to access for folks in the community to be able to go sit down and read a book. His stories in just had interactions that is needed, right, especially right now out in the community.

I would even by just stating as sent abundant amount of time talking about icy in Minnesota. Who in my mind, the sate Israeli have been very aggressive use, enforce Nino type of police out of encounters with individuals. That. Quite frankly, you know, I federal government is trumping all local government municipalities and practices normal practices that we would like to see. That is a part of dignity and respect. It's not a part of what is doing this moment. And I think that comes down to directly from the government come from the PRESIDENT. And so I. I do believe that we carried a value of connecting with as connecting with your community. Stay in contact with your loved ones. You know, is the Ramsey County. We want to continue to Hawaii. The resources that we have here. And I know it MAY be difficult because fear is at its highest right now in coming in to get get the support that you need but know that we have learned some covid and that we do still do.

I can count that engagement. You can do this virtually he can make a phone call. I don't let fear stop me from doing what we do here in Ramsey County year. Here for the for the community, for residence, for the elderly, for you. We are here. We are open for business and we want to do that. The best and safest way possible for you. And we do this work to do a quest to 9-1-1. And you've heard people that say the emergency Communications center, that's your 9-1-1. You need to call 9-1-1. Call And we have great partnership of our county attorneys and I office to work on the behalf of how we do our practices here locally in the community. And so we want you to know that the practices that come from our law enforcement, at least the effect in abundance of time, building relationships with local government offices here. They are to support be on call for the community.

But, you know, at this moment. Isis trumping it having encounter ensure up. Is different from local police. I I show up my block. Foreign 2 days ago. One and Victoria. They encounter someone in a car. In that encounter meant. That individual had a heart attack. And from that encounter he had to call in. Lance to come and take the individual away. At the same time, tasty of held on to the other individuals who in that that hit nothing to do with the in division that they were there to encounter. And so, you know,

And of course, community showed up and I was say that here in America any democracy that we want to help comes from the people. It's I just want to thank the people for continue to show up. Continue to step to do your part. You need to be safe. I would say safety is always number one. But in order to change and democracy safe for the betterment of the people. It is always about the people who show up to have their voices heard and demonstrate I protests. And so this continue to do that do that peacefully. Just continue to be safe. But by allowing voice and you'll staying to be hurt. It is important and it's in my mind is only thing they have ever change this country. To be a more humane country. And so let's continue to do that. Ramsey County is open for you. We had to put it services that we need to provide. You and your family. And that is a number one priority. I have no outside board or committee I didn't know. I was met with team last week. I was in mediation all day. And then I also this weekend its we have a great team.

And a little brings I was I did attend the Minnesota Frost Game on Sunday. It was their first ever indigenous people say so. It's really fun to be there and then upcoming. I will have in district hours tomorrow and white Bear lake from 3 to 04:30am, Thursday and Maplewood at 11, 30 in the North. Saint Paul from one to 2.30. But I will thank you. So I will highlight a couple of we had my office in collaboration with Councilmember Coleman from Ward 4 in Saint Paul had monthly meeting with different partners around Snelling and university. So this is just a month get together. We discuss, you updates on what all these different partners are working on, especially as it comes to revitalizing specific corridor opportunity for us to really share about. What we're doing specifically at at the county. And so i want to thank Kenya welcoming us and Director Thompson for welcoming us to the mental health facility.

I was a great chance for those partners who MAY not have. Into that space to learn more about the services that we offer in wys that we can continue to partner with them regards the services that we offer at that the facility and of course, with that meeting and I think with all the meetings that we've been having lately, there was cloud of of everything else that's happening in our community, especially and our size and I know we've already had a very extensive conversation and we have more to come. But just want to share that, you know, this is the time that was Metro, it's not normal and I think that there are a lot of forces outside of of here that are trying their best to make those normal. And it's it's really disheartening. And the fear eening to see what our community been through for these last few weeks. And we'll continue to for the foreseeable future.

It's it's while to me that in 2026, I'm, you know, spending the weekend with with community making whistle that, you know, family members are truly questioning whether or not they should have their passport of their birth certificate with them. Citizens in this country thinking that they need to go to that extent of this is, you apartheid South Africa like this is be on that I think many of us could have imagined to happen. I think the one glimmer of hope that I continue to get is to see. How our community has continued to step up. The you know, chat that I've been on over the course of this weekend. Of people who are being vigilant, people who are really trying to share resources and make sure that we're all equipped with the information whenever we potentially in countering ice has been really a great to see. It's really unfortunate that come to this. But I I think as a county, we should, you know, remain committed to a number of things committed to our immigrant community that that we stand with them, that we stand with the rule of law that we committed to the Constitution.

All these things that are core to to who we are. I think they are currently under attack the way that ice has been wreaking havoc on or communities, it's disgusting will have lasting effects after they live here. Leave here. It is going to continue to have an impact on the people they have have have come across the trauma that they're leaving. The mental emotional toll of that they're leaving on. Folks will be here well after they leave. And that's more work that we have to start thinking about as well of how we're going to be supporting our community members after we get past this and we will get past this. But there's there's just a lot of work, I think ahead of us in the present moment. But also as we're thinking for the future. So I just want to thank all of all all of you and all the community members for continue that that you all are doing to step up for one another for to to be there for one another.

I truly believe that we will get past this and just just want to thank you all for fall that you continue to do Thank you. While all of this is going on, you know, we continue to do the work that we do in all the different bards and advisory committees and staff to support going social services that we do. and to county manager backers, a comment earlier about that discord of doing the road things that we're here to do. And then the emergent, very traumatic things are going o and they are tied together. They are tied together because their family still need all of these services every day. While all of this other work is going on. So I had the opportunity to touch base folks at solid ground. There is some ongoing work to expand services and to bed heights and our district 10 in this. It's wonderful to be able to continue to support the work in stabilizing housing for families on the Northeast.

Metro, I have continued to haven't put myself in spaces with other elected officials at the local state and federal level to continue to convey how these impacts are happening in Ramsey County to learn what's happening in their areas and where there's overlap to advocate for community at large. I will say there have been several times when I've had fun with When I am just thrilled to see on social media to calls and emails community hitting the streets, voicing their opinions. Making sure that their voices are heard standing in solidarity. All of these things hearing public comment watching a live streams of different town halls and all of this because all of those stories then go with us into the spaces when we get to be in places that you not everybody is. And so just trust that that is part of the work that we continue to do for the community quietly. But continually I had a chance to there's a couple events that are coming on that are still very important for the ongoing health of our community tonight, the Venice Heights as their energy action - plan event at the Venice Heights.

Common at 5 comments at 5 o'clock. And then the Northeast Metro on Climate Action Group and wife, therefore area for democracy has an event discussing the implications of data centers. That's going to be at Saint John's, the wilderness tonight and Wednesday, I believe my colleague Commissioner Miller and I will both be at the White Bear area Chamber of Commerce pre legislative events talking about concerns that are impacting our business community I will say I'm I'm very honored to announce tomorrow begins my roll on the Minnesota direct care and treatment Committee. I have the honor of representing all in France.

You can all o Minnesota counties a the county commissioner elected to to represent on that. And that committee and the direct. And treatment committee is unique system. It actually it basically is part of the state's mental health continuum of care and it serves serves spokes of complex. Conditions behavior, health developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and much, much more. It's just part of ongoing work to support most vulnerable friends, families and workers. I encourage folks. To think about Martin Luther King junior birthday. It the the events events coming up next week. In our area, the White Bear Lake High School with black student union has their breakfast and then also they'll be community service day with a shirt. You entered and hills libraries as well. Hills lions as well. These are ways to continue to be active in community. I'm sure that there are many, many more look encourage folks to do that. And and I just have to say to follow up on our discussion earlier this ice activity in our community right now.

It's not normal. It's not It's not making us safer. It's chaos. Making and it's a diversion of our resources and it's a diversion of of all of the good work that everybody wants to get up and do every day. We have spent our time talking to business owners who just want to right by their employees and to provide for their community and their customers who are stymied as to what to do in the face of the issues that are happening. It's walking alongside or service providers who are wondering how do I prepare my staff and how do I serve my residents and families and the people who are depending on us for life-saving activities. So I just want to thank everybody who is making their first race is hurt and all of the ways I will say that I raise my family in the city of Roseville and Istayed up late watching the testimony at the city yesterday.

I've sat in those chambers and I've been one of those people had to brave and go up to the ds and speak tooth to power, whether it was for affordable housing or our safe policing or other things. And I just want to say thank you for doing that. And I appreciate All of the things that you expressed just things that we individually are are facing as well. We're also making sure that our family members are safe. We are also educating people in our lives who MAY be to make sure that they have an action plan, an emergency plan. We too, filling out kits and doing the things privately that that community members to to make sure that their neighborhoods are safe. We stand with you and we thank you so much. When we are doing the things that only we can do, it is so heartening to know that you all are doing the things that you uniquely can do.

I do want to say that, you know, 5 years ago, our community, this experience packs and the polarization in all of the decisiveness in isolation and the uncertainty around covid after the murder of George Floyd and then JANUARY 6 Inter insurrection. And I know physically so magically emotionally traumatic. We we are all right back into that place. So 2 things on that to close off. One is. The people who in our lives who are vulnerable medically are vulnerable because of the support that they need to of all because of their mental health or substance. Use issues are even more vulnerable than they than they were before the margins in their lives are narrowing. Their supports are getting stressed. So one thing that you can do regardless this to check in on your people, make sure that your employees know their own resources that they can tap in to make sure that they're getting the help that they need.

Make sure you're getting the help that you need. We lost quiet quietly and silently a lot of people as collateral damage to the chaos that was happening 5 yars ago. It's already happening now. So that is something each and every one of us can do to take care of your own garden and the people around you. And as I asked county manager back or to to highlight, there are ways that the county can help you do that, too, the work we do every day. And that the work that is even more important. Now, the other thing our mind you is that we are right back into that place 5 years ago. Community is resilient strong. We know heart of how to do hard things because we've done it before and we will continue to come together and support each other and the county will continue to show up to do our part in that. So thank you for doing what you do because it allows us to do what we can Thank Joe.

Thank you. Thank you, MR. Chair, thank you. Commissioner Jeff and saying and all of my colleagues for all of yur work in these really tough times. I just want to start by saying how proud I am to be part of this community. That doesn't just stand by and watch as as these forces come from our federal government that make us feel less safe that are terrorizing our community and our community is not taking it. 3rd standing up there speaking out, they're doing nonviolently. They're doing it in a way that. That doesn't put others at risk. But they're making statements. Our schools are. Our students are. Taking to the streets and really making statements. I can't believe I know that a number of school districts have allowed their students to rally outside of their other laws. And the students have done it such an amazing way that they have done it nonviolently and have made their statements and just so proud of all of them are communities.

We've we know that every council city councils are hearing from their residence. We on many of us listen to the 4 hours hearing aside at the Roseville City many people there said how proud they were to be part of this community that sticks up for their neighbors. And that doesn't stand by while these wow, federal officials are terrorizing our community. And so I just want to say how proud I am of the work that our community is doing to really combat this. These forces that are that happening in our communities. So I just stand by. W all stand with you on this and are doing everything we can for this in this effort. So just thank you to the to the community and people that are are standing up. A few things are being canceled in our communities because they're fearful for their residents coming out, schools are canceling their activities because they don't want their students to feel at risk.

And I'm really a proper and so sorry for that. And looking forward to when that they'll be able to reschedule those events. But their as we've all said, there's still work that we're needing to do to keep our. Our county functioning in to do the work that we can do, work that we can do in providing services to our residents. So and with that, I attended you known. Many meetings this week we the Ramsey County League of local governments met. We continue to. I mean, we're going to be having a legislative delegation meeting on FEBRUARY. 12th to talk about the things that we and that we are going to be working with our legislators on. So tat's that's from Whitehall that encourage all of you to put that on your. On your calendar. The man's account of local governments to it are environmental center in Roseville. And Friday. And that was an impressive 2, as always.

Daniel gave 2 tours in 2 days. 2 people. I know that people are very impressed with our environmental Center. The partnership on Waste and Energy, which is from and a pen and Washington. And if a county, Washington County Ramsey County me to talk about our legislative agenda for the coming year and we also credit or the Environmental Center in Roseville on that. And just to say that we are all continuing. To do the work that we can do with with our residents. And we were going to do whatever we can to help you feel more safe and in our community. And I just want to again say thanks to everyone who's speaking out on this on these important issues. Thank you. MISTER Chair. MR. Chair. I will try to keep it brief. However, I think this moment just also calls you know, a time for us to speak out as elected leaders for the thousands and thousands of residents that when you represent.

Last week I attended the same pass City Council hosted community, public hearing out in community about the actions that had happened in November the local law enforcement Saint Paul police responded and what we heard from residents were you just You know? Blatant disregard for people, people with disability and also for the media. Those are clear signs and indicators oppressive regime that we are in when media can't even be protected documenting what is happening. That's why I do not say this lightly that we are under attack. And I we need to beef has clear about what is right and what is wrong today.

And so I one want to acknowledge appreciate our staff who are trying provide and give those direct services to residents already day in and day out. And I also want to say we cannot give up our power. We have. So we have constitutional rights that we have as Americans. We have power privilege and whether that be socio economically, art immigration status. Our abilities, these are all privileges in which that everyone has a role and that can use to combat fashions on

In this moment. In addition to what has been addressed to, we are seeing an escalation of ice enforcements without uniforms. They are trust like regular polls attacking citizens without even identity. Even you can't even see their faces. They don't wear a badge. They aren't even providing proper documents to show that they have even the authority to arrest or detain anybody. And we know this because of the data that is coming in, that the number of people that they are detaining our citizens. Without and the people that they are detaining, whether they have citizenship or not have no criminal records. This is not about public safety. This is about an intentional act of scaring our communities. And I just want to put into rcord and for public memory because our media and our al of our institutions are being under attack, that this is clear and intentional overwhelmed of the system of what a person can mentally absorb and retain right when they're in a fight and flight mode.

I want to remind people JANUARY 6 is insurrection the anniversary of that. And that later this month they will be releasing and they have also released public testimony that ties PRESIDENT Trump directly to the insurrection. And that is what they're trying to distract us with. Also the Epstein files which has been ordered to be released but heavily. But back to the 60 Minutes ii caught which shows that menace that United States has been contacting see caught, which is place where they have been sending folks who are detained and to these horrible, horrible, horrible conditions where 60 Minutes did an investigative segment examining, see cut and going into at those facilities. It was supposed to be cleared. But the Trump administration blocked the media from airing yet and said it was all swear in the country that people are also able to see worldwide. And also Greenland. Where the PRESIDENT Is making a claim. So taking over at and of course, the Venezuela where he died.

And so I want to remind public for the public memory that all o this is distraction. Hurting our communities at the cost of Minnesotans right here right now. And furthermore, we will be that this ongoing terror will continue to suppress our midterm elections. So I just want to make it very clear and to drop a public memory that these are distractions of what's happening right now. I want to remind people that there are more of us. Although the federal government center upwards of 3,000 ice enforcement agents more than Ramsey County, more than Saint Paul. More than Minneapolis. Local law enforcement combined. So tell me that this is not an attack our local governments here in targeted. So I would just want to remind that in our Twin cities here. And in Minnesota, I believe that Minnesotans. Strong. We are resilient. We will continue to fight back and it is giving me hope and being in community right now.

People feel very alone. Isolated. And that is very intentional. I want to emphasize that this moment demands community power. Across our neighborhoods. People are learning very painfully that our government alone cannot keep us safe. So neighbors are speaking up. They are document teen. They are providing safety networks to one another. And I just the immigrant Defense Network training just very recently. what being a constitutional Ian's. And essentially this is what well define our history in moment right now. And this is distinction between all the other atrocities of our history from from. The

Holocaust. From slavery from enslavement the camps. Our indigenous peoples. The Japanese internment camps like everything that has happened, atrocious. Leanne our history. We are able to document it today. And that is what it will help. And was what will help us fight back against this because people are seeing that this is not right. So we have so much power. I know that it feels helpless, I can feel it. People are waking up and people are fighting back. And that is the only way that we have been able to to do so for generations. So I just want to encourage people to not lose hope. And to keep on fghting and to reach out to family friends, neighbors that in times like these, that is the only way that we can fight back. And finally. I also just want to leave a quote that ad always brings me to center what this moment in time means because it is what that is needed in this moment. This is from Fred Frederick Douglass. Power concedes nothing without a demand and never did and it never will find out what any

People look quietly submit to. And you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them. That is so fitting for this moment in time. The justices we are keep speaking out about it because they will continue to terrorize us if we remain complicit, if we remain quiet think that compliance will see us. Thank you. Thank you. Commission. Just want to say shape the the passion and the solidarity of board and very important issue. But I am a firm believer that. This is going to be resolved by communities. So while we take care of community and do all one jobs and communities going citizen. It going to be the county the to be community. And we got to keep that in mind as we do protests and lo these 7 things you need to do it smartly, need to make sure that. We don't. At fuel to the fire, speak. You know, things just showed me the Trump administration just a take away the protective status of the Somali community and starting to a lot time on 17 right? So we need to make sure

That that that indeed all communities that we make sure that they behave in a way. And that we do we do protest and that we do. Move forward. But and to do in a way First, keeps them safe? Because at the end of the day. This is going to be just above Minnesota. It's going to be across the country we need to make sure that. We take care of also and communities. Thank you so much. Full of use. We are now moving to already mean