Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Call toll in the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Roll Call, please 17. McGuire. McMurtry here. Mueller here, Moran here and our takeout. To the way to was a one nation was the commission is saying, yes. Every community owes its existence and vitality. 2

Generations from around the world to contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will. Some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land since time immemorial, Tucson acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all their years of heritage and difference. We're standing on the acestral lands of code of people. We want to acknowledge chip away, the ho-chunk and the other nations of people who also called this place home. Pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the treaty's made by the tribal nations that entitle non native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Consider the many legacies of violence displacement, displacement, migration and settlement bring us together here today. And please join us tonight covering such truth it any and all public events. Thank you. I like that. And a motion on the agenda. JANUARY 20th 2026. Second. Any discussion seeing no discussion roll call Jevon thing here. McGuire. I'm a I Mueller. I. Take I to that end the motion on the minutes JANUARY. 13th 2026 so moved

That I didn't sign is with the All. Well, Candy, that get a second I noticed in the minutes, the orders just to call us. It's a okay was and that's So admin items poll to be pushed to the bottom of the minutes. Ok? Perfect. Thank you. You clarify that? Repeat So the order inside the minutes, it's like 4, 5, 8, 6, 8. So the orders off. It's not number correctly. So I asked tat question. Thank you, Jason. Seeing no discussion roll call. 7 thing here. McGuire. I make my tree

5 I Moran John, I and I take a all right. We now have a presentation. A Ramsey County employee Achievement Award to Shannon's to wait. Commissioner McMurtry. If want to invite ups and in a family, friends and co-workers and want to come off as well. Come on out MR. Chair today we're going to be honoring Shannon Stewart and I'm going speak a little bit more about the work that been doing and also have. Noel Road and we'll speak even more. So to the efforts Shannon, over the years. But Chan us toward a naturalist at the time. Rick Nature Center has been approved by the Ramsey County Achievement Award selection committee for an employee Achievement award in the category of excellent job performance. Shannon works and been a part of the tamarac major center. And for those who MAY not be aware, Tamarack Nature Center is a 320 acre preserve in the White Bear Township where visitors can play.

You can learn and can explore year-round. It has programs for the many age groups that cover a wide variety of major topics, including major hikes, up close encounters with animals, day camps for aes 3 through 3rd 8th grade and group programs for schools, daycares and Scouts Make sure center is also home to the beautiful cross-country ski trails and the only designated snowshoe trail in the county park system. And so I hereby congratulate you. Shannon, for this well-deserved award. And I want to bring up. No well road and to talk a little bit more about the work that trend has done, but resolutions on recognition, Hi, I'm Noelle Road in and I'm the manager of the Nature center. I've had the pleasure for can we, Shannon? For 7 years and it's only been small portion of her 30 years that she's been at Tamarack feature center. And I have a home that I wanted to read.

Reminds me a lot of her, but also just her mission at Tamarack. So this poem is about working hard, caring, deeply and dn't see the small beautiful things along the way. The kind of work that doesn't always look like word at all, especially when it comes from love, curiosity, a deep connection to nature and kids. I've been working so hard. You just wouldn't believe. And I am tired. There's so little time and so much to achieve. And I'm tired. I've been mind you're holding the grass in its place, pressing the leaf with the side of my face tasting, the apples to see if they're sweet counting the toes on a Pete's feet. I've been memorizing the shape of that cloud warning the Robbins to not chirp so loud showing the butterflies off the tomatoes, keeping an eye out for floods and tornadoes. I've supervising the work of ants in thinking approving the cantaloupe plants. Timing the sun to see what time it sets calling the fish to swim into my next.

And I've taken 12,041 threats I am tired. So that's a shell Silverstein that to fix just. Curiosity of a kid in nature and kind of focusing on those small things. And that's what Shannon does every day at Tamarack. And I just want to highlight 2. She's always stepped outside what we've asked and done amazing things like she's gotten us. A brand new Sugar shack for maple syrup season on site. And this week we have in visiting, which is a special friend of Shannon's. It's going to be, as you know, of preschooler to talk about warm - winter clothing and seen worn outside in. It's just all those tings and just experiences that she shares with all of our new staff to come and connects them with tamarac that I'm just so proud of. So congratulations. So unexpected. So actually when I got the email I talked to Christie and I was like person, actually, this is as real as the spam. it like I am so.

I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every day and to be able to impact the community the way Tamara compacts community and to have somebody recognizes recognize all of that effort and everything that I put it that is really amazing. Said that. Thank you so I just want to take equipment and say I've been very fortunate to no Shannon for almost 30 years because of community in Minnesota and I-10 lucky to work and get interest and against with Shannon for the last 10 years. And I just have to say that her her boundless creativity.

Energy. And work ethic is next to none. There isn't anyone else that I've ever met worked with 30 years at any location that has get as much done and her. Hours in the day has anybody else who works twice as many hours on paper. So I'm just grateful to work alongside Shannon and appreciate everyone taking time to recognize her incredible at their efforts and expertise in her feet in our field as well as the passion and love and excitement that she shares for the outdoor world. Whether be composting and digging up potatoes or meeting a sheep or finding pope on the trail cooking down maple sap into a lovely elixir of life. So thank you. And thanks to Shannon.

That's just short just Well, people are settling. I just want to say thank you to everybody who's connected to tamarac along with our. a guest of honor today Tamarac is in is in no way for township. It's in our district and I have to say I was there on Sunday and use coal as it was. It was bustling. And and so what I want to say is it in, you know, we need more and more spaces where families can come together. People can gather in community and thank you for all you to you to provide that space. Administrative Agenda Commission is saying I'd like to move the following items, items number for Ramsey count. For Ramsey County, his vision mission and goals. Fisherman is going pull that. And item number 5 allocation of grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety towards the acquisition of youth dealing in treatment, home. So you for You want to go to yes.

It's a chair. Wanted 4 administrator item for which is Ramsey County Vision Mission and go because I think it's were sent to residents in the community. What they just kind of like want just read them off. S Argos the well-being to strengthen individuals, families and community health, safety and well-being. Prosperity is number 2 to cultivate economic prosperity and invest in neighborhoods with concentrated financial property. 3 opportunity 2 and has access to opportunities and mobility for all residents and businesses and for accountability to model fiscal accountability, transparency in strategic investment. So sit here and and and colleagues just wanted to be able to. I share well. Residents here Ramsey County of our commitment, our values and goals and who we are. And that the work that we do. We work really hard work and investments to achieve these And I don't know if anyone. Staff and one wants to talk about. How we do that. If I can imagine.

Yeah. Thank MISTER Chair Commissioner First, thank you for pulling the item. I do want to just tell the public and and our staff that the commissioners did have an update on This pass late summer and were able to have lunch and learn to talk to some of this. And at this moment in time with what's happening in our community, I can't say how important it is not only to be able to set ourselves on those, but also that they are on changing. Want to just stop the call out we have not changed our vision mission and goals from anything previous. And so that's that's a real a surety. I think both staff and residents us to our commitment to the work, especially at this time. So we do that work in a variety of ways, commissioner. And as you both through some of the strategic priority work, which will be hearing an overview those in early FEBRUARY at the board.

And and and just the the huge process that you all went through as part of our budget. Really, budget is the living document by we late and we put out those commitments to dollars into the work that we do that aligns with all of those vision mission and goal. So I do want to call out that as part of our request for board action each each item does have us highlighting those goals as we align policy and the financial decisions that this board makes with every item that you pass. So I'm happy to take any additional questions. But it's embedded in all the work that we do. And certainly most importantly, in the way we expend resources. I didn't read to go see my for free division and So our vision is to create a vibrant community where all our value and dry in the mission is a county of excellent working with you to enhance our quality of life.

And you're right. He's not change. Thank you for that mission. If you reminded so often. It's been a long time. We put these in place. Things point you've been consistent and keep working and making Do we get a motion in the second? So I can't MISS Chair for ministry to identify just the allocation o grant funds from the minutes followed them for vote. Roll. Call, 7 thing. McGuire. Miller. I eye John. All

Right. And we'll take a I. So I defy was the allocation of grant funds from the Minnesota Department. Public Safety tourist acquisition you fill in in treatment, homes. So county was able to lobby the legislature come up with 10 million dollars. Building create these you filling in treatment homes. And I was hoping that someone can speak to where we are in the process to talk a little bit about van along path something that has not reduced traditionally what we've done with for you. But we're getting there. We're getting a close every single day. Hope we have somebody from the county attorney's office corrections? Yeah, I can speak to CHAIRMAN Mike, before we jump into some of the staff. So. First of all, you know, this has been at this project's been a journey out. We certainly thank the legislature for there investment. And this has been some work that has never been done before. And so this is one of the reasons why it's taken us a little bt longer.

Then we would have liked to be able to implement the dollar. I do want to thank the county attorney he's in the room and also our sheriff's Department for advocating for these Originally when the county we see the 10 million dollar allocation, the board has received udates throughout the Specifically in 2025. There was a board workshop where we expressed very honestly and transparently about some of the challenges that we were working since that time, I wll say that we full to core team under the leadership the county manager Reyes and at the and really work through some of those issues in partnership with our county attorney's office. And so what we have before you today is that opportunity for us to move forward? I'm working with some community partners on acquiring the homes needed to do this work the work by no means is done. We also have to work on the licensing and also working with municipalities around the zoning for the use of these homes.

But all of these things have to kind of happened. It's a little bit of a chicken the egg first. And so we are trying to just be able to execute the project while many things are happening at the same time. And so the first step to being able to most of that is to be able to acquire the homes and to get the service contracts in place with those providers all the while, ensuring that we're working with the county attorney to ensure that we are minimizing the risk as much as possible to the organization should anything arise as a result of of of the effort because it hasn't ever been done before. The other part of the 10 million dollars, which I do think we have more to be able talk about is also the 5 million brought about the wrap-around services for young people and leave. Got in the execution of those dollars. And so if the board would like either an update on that, a further discussion of on the treatment homes, I would then ask staff to come up and share some of that.

Thank you. Thank you, MR. Chair and I also just wanted to confirm that with this action and with the grant. That acquisition of homes that we would have continued to have an ongoing interest on the property and that if anything were to happen with the organization and they cease operations, we would have the still interest on actual infrastructure of the building? Absolutely correct. Yes. So Kelly, do we have providers in? I know that was one challenge that was discussed at the workshop was finding providers to work with. And so do we have we identified providers that are willing to do this and are we able to share them now? Are those still in negotiation? We have to Go ahead. That the kind manta Abdi to come on up maybe share that information of the 2 providers we've been working with right now. Thank you. Morning, chair and commissioners. We do have to providers that have been that we've been working with and where very close to the service contracts.

We don't have to sign documents and the service contract. So at this time. I think it'll be good for us to not of the size that until we get the signatures on the service contract. But we do have to provide us that we've been working very closely. And I think we're the tail As this week, the routing for signatures with the county attorney's office. Can you speak the purpose of the homes? And while going through this type of process for you? Sheriff, take a commission or rat. The purpose is really to really make sure that we kids and ran to county make sure that we don't. We provide a holistic service and approach something that we haven't done before. And Ramsey County, one of the things that realized is we do have other services that are very similar to this here. And Ramsey County. But unfortunately, don't have the capacity. So oftentimes what happens is that we have to send the skates kids either out of the sate or out of the county, which can be problematic for the families because then there's a disruption with within the family and the kids.

And we just really want to make sure that we keep kids with their families close as possible. This is going to give us more capacity and making sure each could have the capacity of of pain. 6 kids. And we're looking to have 2 to 3 home. So that's 6 to 18. Tat could stay within Ramsey County that are currently either outside of the county or outside of the state. And we're spending a lot more money doing it that way. So from a financial perspective, I think this is going to be good for us from the perspective of keeping families together. It's going to be also good for us to do it this way. So we're where read thing that, you know, when we're going in the right place. But I think this is going to be great for the families and the kids together. want thank you, MISTER Chair. I just great that we were able to to get this one-time funding from from the state.

But can you speak to the longer-term financial a plan to ensure that this is sustainable. Joe, thank commissioner And that question was coming up to sustainability. We currently for Dame system right now that, you know, we of utilized for other other services that we have within the county. So once that these funds run out, we're going to go into game the dam is something that we have Already. And it's from its a range of dollars. That from $450 to 900 daily. And it depends on the service level that the client can be. So it averages out between it between 4.50, to 900, depending on the service to pull that we would provide so that 30 am. Daily rate will be the sustainability for for this program. And we have that right now within state.

Commission, I also want to just say, I've asked our team to put together a sustainability workgroup so concurrently, we're trying to a lot of things at the same time, but we certainly don't want to get caught flat footed in terms of not having a plan. And so that's always been that the knowledge Mont. Also, I've spoken with counties in the Metro and really what we're trying to build is a ecosystem of a variety of options for young people who give additional alternatives detention potentially. And so it's not necessarily that you know, a future model could actually be that we have other county kids that we have capacity that might use our home potentially and we might be able to use some of the models that they're building out. I mean, really. And when you think about the metro area, no one county can build enough options, especially when we're talking culturally specific or even gender specific to be able to support the varying needs.

So we want to make sure we don't get too insular in our purse approach, especially because they were seated by by state dollars to be able to think outside the box a little bit and be able to deliver on some better solutions for youth, you know, because they cross over jurisdictions as well. So sustainability work group and certainly thinking of multiple ways to to find a path t funding them in the future as well. And then, '04, for this. What happens after the 10 year Mark with building?

Part of the claws Commissioner Sheriff David commissioner, young. Part of the closet we have is that within the first 10 years the offender has to continue this work after the ten-year mark. Hoping that the work will continue. But the mortgage component, it's going to be fine, like free finest, like basically the home will be completely owned by the vendor. Right now. There's a claw within the first 10 years that the building does not something to belong to the vendor. It still belong like we have that relationship where we want to make sure within the first 10 years that they provide the service and hope that the service will continue. But after 10 years, the mortgages waive meeting that the home will be along to the bench. So if they decide, for instance, to not do this 50 years from now that do have that opportunity to kind of walk away. I I would only just be concerned withhat because I look at this as infrastructure right of like had ongoing work and a part of basically the African institution of the county as well.

Write like that. It's an extension of that. So I'm I'm concerned about what would happen after those 10 years. You or 15 years or so down the line. And they're like, you know, we're not making ends meet. We have to sell this and to to close our operations are to make our operations. Manageable or operational and other areas. Joseph, I'm sure, John, that's a question. I think part of just sustainable a work group and the people that are involved in the process will continue to monitor and come up with solutions to make sure that there isn't any We look at things from every perspective during that time that we're working with these vendors. Is the contract like whole like usually we see a draft of the contract that is unsigned that's presented to us. So I'm curious getting that agreement or what that draft looks like. So commissioner, in this I think the rba gives me the authority to enter into those agreements.

I think was trying not this is very similar how you acquire property. Went for cv like programs. We want to preserve the identity of a the location as we can work through the different process. Ease a little bit. So that's one reason why, you know, we're asking for a little broader authority for me to be able to execute that agreement without having to bring it back to the board. So because we step to work through some of the zoning and licensing processes. Well, I appreciate that for cd, like it's a 30 year. It's almost like a 30 year long-term affordability piece they're committing to. I think 10 years is just really I'll just say that we wrestled with the attorneys quite a bit on all the risk. Mitigating efforts of kind of the the term and also the who should own and how our role is to be the mortgage. Kind of ba backer of the mortgage and this was the recommendation of the attorneys as to the most time, prudent way for the county to move forward.

So if you'd like to have national conversation, we can you know, I I offered to the chair that we've had table it for another discussion if you want. But this is what we're bringing before you today. I have a question Similar. Any improvements on the property? Is responsibility to provide. Chair commissioners. Yes, the vendor is going to be doing any modification to the home to assure that if area of what what it what it is, a home treatment hitting with the counties partnership so that they will they will have a conversation with us in regards to the type of changes that are going to make to the home. That is only going to be done at the very beginning of the of the home, though it's not like and can still like on constant change that is going to take when when they're purchasing the home. Now, when very beginning stages. They have the ability to make changes to the home, to assure that it fits the criteria of what they're trying to accomplish once that's done, then noWe're Wnore he're hoping not to have any more changesduAnd during this process, we're in very close partnership with them.

We're having discussions in regards to inspections and regards to the type of change that's going to take place. We have staff that are currently doing similar work with in the field that understands what is needed. That is also being consulted. We're also consulting with the county attorney's office to make sure that from a legal standpoint we could pick these things could b done. So it's like a really holistic approach doing this together right now. So that's the programmatic. And I kind of expect that we would do that and make that said it the standards that we we like to see. My question is so so too. Who pays for renovations and modifications? Sheriff, thank commissioners. It's part of the contract. This part of the home prchasing. So, for example, at the home purchase is $300,000. That includes like any type of modifications that they would want to do. So they would have to look for a home that is about to 50 to take into account like the extra 50,000 have to for modification of the home.

So as part of process of purchasing the modification component. Commissioner take I will say that we've had staff were familiar with the licensing requirements of the homes actually walk with the vendor to go tour home so that we're not over modifying a home that actually isn't a good fit. If that makes like again, never done this before. In terms kind of the new way of thinking about how t ofer the service to young people families around the county, but aso trying to balance the cost mitigation and the risk by bringing in our expertise and working closely with a partner probably more than we normally would in a case like this where we actually kind of do some of the law like a vetting of the with the county staff, even though they're the ones that are going to buy the home we can. We can say, you know this, this is too much of a modification.

I believe there was a conversation around a possible home that was that and said, no, you know, we we can't. We're not gonna like we do a whole house if we could find something is just that better value of the modification. If that makes sense to get to what is required Yeah. So know for Financial investment but a county amount you know, you know. Sheriff that would be part of the contract. Okay. My question is kind of similar going along the same line. And I just want to make sure following or that it's it's very clear. Our vendors, our partners are applying for a grant from us from these dollars. And we're giving them the dollars to go and purchase a house make the renovations. Are we also providing the dollar provide programming as well?

So that's additional dollars on an additional contractors at all under the same one. And do we know with our vendors half already have the capacity already doing that work? So they're not hiring brand new. So I come from the non-profit world and I'm just running numbers in my head and thinking. And I also was in the nonprofit sector when this rfp came out and, you know, we were approached on doing it as well. So I guess I'm just more of that as well. Cho, thank commissioner, Miller. Yes, so. Regards to the contract, it's all like it's included. Fact and there's also the there's a second component, which is the service part so that that there's a purchase of the home. One component of the contract. And the second part to provide service delivery of the home. Once the grant runs out. That's the question commissioner Petrie had be going into the pardon system to make sure that sustainability continues throughout process of the programs.

And while providers also have some dollars in on this as well. Like if they're offering these programs are seeing the success. I can see how some foundations would want to continue to fund this or continue to contribute and see this work going car. Is that the plan on that? That's part of the sustainability that we're going to have like. Part of the work group have discussions because we have to show that this program going to be like it's working right before kind of what's the next step. So. Right now we're just trying to get off the ground and because this has never been done, we're actually mre invested as a county. We're doing a lot more. Garza kind of manager Becca said earlier that we have staff on on the ground. Doing of the Taurus with the vendors were looking at. The homes are looking at to ensure that from a licensing zoning perspective, everything matches because we want them to be successful so that we can kind of go to that next step of the next phase of the program and is reunification.

The goal. So if a child is removed, if a child that comes through, I however they come to this home to the justice system through, you know, I man, in here in the r and the forward pack, talks a lot about youth treatment home. So what does that consist of is that like addiction? Is that, you know, they're coming to us from the justice system. Are they coming to us from a mental health facility? I know we have also pay for some of our youth to be housed at hospitals because there's no space available. So are those are we planning use using these homes for some of that as well. The cut costs or is we just? That is a big question. Can a Sharon Tate a commission that I MAY have to phone a friend. That's oly get back and get back to That because I don't want to give you an answer. That is not completely accurate.

But I think what we're trying to do number want to answer the first part of that question was. Purpose of this is to make sure that families ultimately and and keeping them together is the most important part, right. Like when you send someone either outside of the county outside of the state that is where things kind of fall apart get distance right. So we're trying to close that gap. That's one of areas can do is where you can keep folks here and you're in your county so that the families have close person Mitty, too visitation and have that connection and not lose that connection because from a financial perspective, we create a rate. Won't be sent someone outside of the state of the county. So that's like really that's most important, critical part regards to the other parts like I really want kind of get back to to make sure that I can provide you more the phone.

And just lastly, I'll just say, know that there's one organization in this work seems very similar to like what the end I am working is a shunt has for their. I forget the name of should remember. That was a board member. But for their house that they have for at-risk youth that are not old enough to that teenage years. But I don't think units the unification is always possible in that situation. So they're there to do they age out. So on. Commissioner Miller, I just want to say, I think primarily the program is aimed youth to get a judicial order for placement services. As determined by juvenile court. So that's really the primary goal. And those could come a couple of systems. And then I just want to call out, as you guys are asking a little bit about the stuff. Sustainability out battle first and foremost, the providers of the services who are both doing acquiring the home and providing services came through a competitive rfp.

There community members and other people that were part of that review. And so I appreciate that there are both expects experience oftentimes of people are doing some of this work, but also sometimes people who might be new or because they have never exactly this type of work before. Right? And so they bring a different level of expertise. I will say that as part of the rfp, they were asked to share a little bit about the sustainability and how they would leverage and resources and again, I'll just call county attorney Choi here because he's in the room. But he was really an instrumental part of helping us get these dollars and he's personally committed to working with me too work with the vendors to ensure they get the support that they need a publicly, whether it's connecting with philanthropy are talking with others. There's going to be a whole nother parallel set of work that we I appreciate the desire to leverage.

Obviously the dollars were ready expanding, but we also need to find probably something a little more than that. And that's going to take some of the transformative leaders in our community to speak up that this was really important and needed and continues to be in. So I thank you you know, to county attorney try for his support on this project. We know that we wish it was happening faster than I is. And I think we're on the cusp of being able get moving pretty quickly now. But we need the boards, you know, approval to kind of enter into these agreements. mean, and cameras. See what I want to One. So I'm just trying to remember the history of this county attorney can probably with some of history why we get to this place with our youth. I'm creating these therapeutics homes instead of being and I was incarcerated, a way to field type system that these hall to put more of a comprehensive place we are developing not only just place for them to rest or to be indefinitely connected to community and family.

Also get the treatments that they need, whether it is the mental health treatment. You know, also to accommodate them skills that will allow them to re-enter into society contributing members of society. This is all a part of moving away from in punitive system to a system that validates in to see that we these are children. The 60's right and create another system that makes them whole. That wouldn't allow him to have 52 to learn what looks like. What what that is, the dollar's that came think that it came from the state came from the state for this purpose t acquire homes and to put the homes community with community providers. And so this is not Ramsey County dollars. This is money that we advocate of 4 at the Legislature for the purpose in the tent. What we doing here around the street with homes in communities. It is being provided by providers who have a history and now it's of working with youth in this type of way.

So I I just wanted bring clarity around that piece why we're doing this. In why the dollars are being utilized a way being utilized. Several. I just want follow up my Commissioner. Graham was saying. I think it's not only then betting in the community and having it be a home base setting, but because you brought it up, commissioner and go ahead and just lists some of the potential wraparound treatments because it is so unique to be delivered in a home setting. Individual therapy, anger management, family therapy, substance use disorder, counseling, medication management, Cognitive Behavioral therapy group therapy. I agree specific therapy, even things as I movement essential sensitization and reprocessing other trauma informed. Methods, family, engagement, education, annex, perfect curricular. As you mentioned, mentorship and life skill. So this is really designed to be culturally specific, very much holistic as to the things that a young person will need while they're going through sort of opportunity get there like a broad base and that there why it's called the youth treatment home at their future home.

So and healing honestly. So we've been kind of going back and forth on the words of the home, whether it's a huge treatment home. Are you feeling home? Thank you. No, I I appreciate Thank you. Commissioner Moore in for the for the question. I I think it's crucial for us on the stand. The history behind this to important that this is what I have 4th, the eu, who will be a part of these programs in these homes, which is why I want to go back to Commissioner John's question and shared concern around that. The team, your I wonder if there is an opportunity for us to to table this for today and taken t continue kind of doing our due diligence as a board to learn more about that in your mortgage. Because the last thing that I want happen is for us to be in a situation where after 10 years the vendor decides they don't want to do this.

And then we have young people who are out of luck and so I it does seem a little short to me. And since I know kind of manager, you mentioned that this MAY not have the urgency that we have to pass this today. If we can kind of get our ducks in a row, maybe have a in in additional conversation with with the staff on that piece and maybe any other pieces that MAY mep fr up from members since our last workshop last year. Certainly with table I just want to make sure that that. And to what purpose and the timeline to is that we get to the business at hand. Table. Item. Well, he since Justin. proposing that. We take a if we can get wthin the next by the next board meeting. And the reason why is I know that there are some additional questions that at least I have 10 year mortgage fees.

And if there's room for us to extend, that MAY beyond the just the 10 years. Jst unsure that after 10 years, we're not an essential in a potential situation the vendors decided to move away from the services and and youth are just going to out. I don't support or or you know, treatment, helling. I shot Chair. I would be supportive of that. I'd like to know if that's sufficient time you. Second a not? Not quite yet because I want to know more. I want to hear more about timeline about what, how much time staff would realistically need to do like I'm not. Hi, I'm not tied specifically to like the mortgage per se, but I'm more interested in the contract and ensuring that there is long-term sustainability of of a commitment to the operations right, that of their significant capital that that the state in this case is putting into these buildings. The buildings are being retrofitted.

And so I like to think of them as our institutions, right, we retain or utilize for long-term. So it doesn't have to be tied to just the mortgage, but it should we should in our contract is should actually talk about long-term commitment to the operations of it at these locations as well. So however, you make that possible or I would just like to see that. And this right here doesn't give me that assurance yet. So what next week be possible or how much time be needed? We will go And I can just do our best here. Going back to the attorneys it was their recommendation for us to do that. The 10 sort agreement with the vendor. So we can come back with some of the rational on how we landed on that. And then as you question if we made 2 weeks with that any of the Sooners this Charity, the commissioners, tricky part of this thing is that we have never done this before, right? So we're working with the vendors to.

Acquire homes and as they're going out to look at these homes. Putting offers to purchase home like we have to then move on our part to assure that we can that they can move forward with with the purchase. So that's the urgency that we have on our part that if we don't move quickly, then there'll given they have that urgency is the one week. Feasible for you than so commission met and trees questions in any other commissioner. Sheriff, thank commissioners. I think we would have to go go back to the legal team and find out exactly how we can with 10 years and have that conversation and bring something back within the week. I. So I was going just remind the board that it is true with affordable housing is generally is that higher 30 years that you mentioned Commissioner John. But when you approve the homeless shelter funds for interfaith action, that was 5 years.

And so that's why we landed. I you know, I I now that I'm collecting. We were trying to land at a reasonable amount for a vendor to want engage in a relationship on something like tis. Now w run the risk of potentially if we push for a longer term, maybe the vendor won't be as interested be there. So. You know, it's you and then commission is so I would agree with that. We do after 5 years. But other piece about the sea of now. You try to purchase home to homes. And this is allocating to do that. If the negotiation around with his team is 50 I don't know if that is a part of in a bid to produce homes. That's another whole negotiation pieces outside ththe purc purchase we have to release the Dallas order for that to happen. Because the fact is they've been waiting a long time. We're like 2 or 3 years into this whole process.

And we really need to. Really need be able get the homes order to even the get the services anything else. Right this moment, that desn't happen. Let's state the dollars are being released to do that. It has been a long, long journey. And, you know, I would hope that, you know, maybe once a purchase a home that we can get the venues to coming in to speak to us about what that looks like. Will have time and place that But he has really been journey trying to get to the place that we are right now to get these homes to get to set to really get the youth inside the homes. I know commission I saying them a quiet, but before begin my comment is then we. And I asked about future investment financial investment terms of physical property. Is one I am assuming. And we will be evaluating the programming part of to see if it's even viable.

That's an assumption we don't know yet. If the service is going to be a viable service. And so we do evaluations. So I'm assuming this and evaluation component to his service. Sheriff, thank the commissioners. That's correct. Do similar programs right now with Ramsey County. I know that. So we do have a valuation for this city. You know, you say you do similar program thing. You say this one is different. All I wanna know is that we're going to evaluated to make sure we deliver on what we say. He's got, you know, we're going to. Yeah. Well. Commission saying. Yeah, I just want to track the conversation here s that we're giving sat through direction and what we would and what board would want in this time period. Should the item the table? I guess the question I I'm hearing a couple different strands and I'm just hoping to kick clarity again around this so that when we bring this back to our group, we know what exactly deliberating.

And the question I have is is. Are there concerns that so there's a philosophical approach to having nimble community-based programs that are serving our community. And part of that is the idea of us making sure to contract with folks who can have that flexibility responsiveness and time other rather than these being programs are specifically owned and saffed and run internally within the county. And I guess the question that I'm I'm hearing a little bit with the terms of the mortgage, the terms of some of the other commitments is let's not lose the idea of wanting to have responsive and nimble and and accountable services that are meeting these needs. And some of that is built into having another entity that we bring in to do this. And so I just don't want that deliberation is important, but I don't want it to keep continue to have this process deuce do so much of that rock tumbling of the concept of this new idea that we push this so far in the field that we never get the services too.

Commissioner and point children are in need of this prior to being here. I was part of one of the organizations that worked in community based srvices with youths who are involved in this way, desperate need is for us to have safe places for use who are healing and in community. And I don't want this these conversations, although they're very important to delay a very real need to be implemented as soon as responsibly can. So just it's let's just make sure clarify what it is we're asking and why. It a mission might refi understood is asking for one-week delay. he has several questions. See nice. And so all he needs answers to. I heard answers. And then. Maybe we could do it in a week. And I want some definitive time frame. Because commission McMurtry had questions and maybe somebody and maybe commission young. To this point because they do have commission only lady I was saying that one week is fine.

And at that time we can continue to evaluate that. We will take a vote. Commissioner, my client. Thank. Thank you, MR. Kerry, thank you all for this really great conversation. My question was you know, card to question coming up. And I'm appreciating the conversation. And if we can wait a week and get a few more aswers, it. I support so many of the things that have been said about liver, really an urgency about getting it done. And we also want some of questions MAY be more definitively answered possible. So I we can wait a week and it doesn't hurt. Am okay with that. I do want to see keep moving forward as an all we all do. Then my question actually, if you want err, if you want to my question, but I will tell you what it is. You can either take a while before or after, but I was going to ask if our county attorney Choi right, just say a few words about from curious about the role between the county attorney and the county and who gets placed in these treatment homes.

And I know that there's just a lot of work and it will be decided jointly, I'm guessing. But just just to talk a little bit more about how kds ae going to chosen to be placed in these homes. So that's a different question than what you're talking about right now. Get it. The U. S. Of the questions need, the kind think it was I think I think that's a county attorney question that commission requires asking. MISTER Chair and members of the board ocean here today to talk about this. But I'm glad that it was here that just provides insight. Thank you for the kind conversations. You know, board has every right to, you know, be looking at the details and wanting to feel comfortable. But really appreciate number. And and Kelly Miller talking about just the broader vision about all of this. And the story really for this begins back in 2019 when this board, many of you want on this made a really important decision.

And I think time has proven that was the right decision to close. Boys told town. And there are many reasons for that. Because some of the the risk liability issues that were happening there. And quite frankly, there just weren't that many kids at Busch Home town. And so with courage, this board made that important decision. But whenever you make those types of decisions, there's people that MAY not why that decision was made at that time. We had an uptick in violence and there were people that were, I think, politicizing that decision. And we got kind of kilter. But the truth is, is that as we had that increase in crime, especially revolving, are you with? Oftentimes the delinquency system when somebody would come into the system, a young person. But we were faced with was that there just weren't any options. And the reason why they were options. And so if you surface this earlier today is that if you kill somebody or commit some really violent crime, we're going seek to certify you and you probably will get extended juvenile jurisdiction.

And that will in falls intensive work from the community corrections Department also will send the youth to red wing. Typically is where that young person would go. And there's awhole. But most of the situation said, cme in or use that committe something far less of that. But it's also very, very serious. And it might be multiple occasions. And the truth is that we just didn't have any options. In fact, the options that exist as was said before. They're not here locally there like in greater Minnesota or they're out of state very, very expensive. And many times. The vendors of the providers from out state. They don't want our kids. And they come up with reasons why they don't. And so we were stuck in this concept of like blaming each other about this uptick in violence and try to figure out what to do. And we came tgether and came around this vision of having something to serve.

Those kids that wasn't detention. Like, in fact, it was more human type of intervention, wrap-around services dealing with the trauma, the mental health issues. If there's addiction issues, all of that, was ultimately the vision and our law enforcement community. Everybody came together and said they wanted to support that. So to answer the question that Commissioner McGuire had to provide more options that are locally based that we are in control of where we are serving our families here in Ramsey County. And we want our kids because we love our kids. You might not like what they have done, but we love them and we want them to get the services that they need. Under the current system, if we do nothing, we're stuck in this paradigm of red wing or electronic home monitoring. And then everything in the middle were trying to fight for something, somebody to take kids. And so that was the vision around that.

So. You have to do your work on the due diligence ask the questions. But I know that there's tremendous amount of work that has been done. By county staff to get this to the where it's at. And at some point we've got to take action. We also list risk losing the funds because tis is legislation. An appropriation has been extended numerous times. We got to fulfill that vision. - And so the kids that are going to be served our kids that we all care about, their could typically going to be in the delinquent his system. But there could also be the child protection system. Of course, the goal is we recognize and, you know, a lot of times we sent me a red wing. They do really great. They're wonderfully great. And then they come back in their community and then things start falling apart. And I think what we need to do is come up with ways that we can with families and the youth.

So that home is not where things fall apart. So I hope that answers the question. But this is just very critical, important. And I want to thank the county manager and staff throughout the county who have been working diligently. And this also be a civil attorneys in my office. Stacy d'andrea, Jay who formed a team and they have spread to those here to think about all of this complicated thinks this is novel. It's never been done before. That's why it's so hard. And anything that we can do as elected officials to support it. And if we can get this passed and then moving forward, we'll get to that pretty a vision, right, so that we don't have taxpayers paying for it. And then. Myself, Sheriff Fletcher and members of this board. I think we need to make sure that we have the right pretty and rates to law before increase per diem. Tough that sonseeahray.

If there's things that are necessary to make these facilities better. These homes better. We could help the nonprofits with their capital campaign as well. So I stand ready to help try to fulfill that vision. Commissioner Ian was actually the chief author of the Appropriation. So thank you to as well. Thank you. Thank you. Joe. Thank Chair of take a commission. The only thing that I wanted to add in regards to the urgency part was the reason why we wanted to kind manage it better to have a 3rd edition. Is that the real estate is complicated. This is not normal times where someone goes out and actually purchase a home were involved in the process. So any time actually g see a whole and our county staff are actually going with them to do that horse to assure that the safety measures. So they're the home is something that we like. And it comes back to us.

Then we have to prove for them to make that purchase. So it's a relationship in a partnership. Something never been done. But also creates like hurdles where sometimes other realtors are not interested in this stuff relationship because it's too complicated and too many, too many parties are involved. So that's one of the urgency is and why we want to move this escort possible. S that when we find the right home that we don't lose the home that, know, because it's competitive. But throughout I it's it's for everyone looking for the same house, right? So that there's only one house to go around. So want to make sure that, you know, we are moving with urgency once a home is selected. Going with uc of now. Commission meant are gonna moved table? Yes, yes.

Houston, a second. No food Yeah. Just wanted mention one thing. I I'm not against what we're trying to do here. Concerned long term. Sustainable. A long term like. So I don't want to just say sustainability because it's not like about the operations right? It's about making sure that 10 20 years from now that we will still have treat Mont homes and that we don't have to go back to the state and ask for additional capital dollars treatment homes like I want. I want long-term commitment to youth treatment. Homes passed the 10 years. So that's why that's why I'm just saying that, like I want be able to the cdc that in however it gets negotiated with the vendor at that that's provided in the contract somewhere and that there are other ways in which this remains as a part of youth treatment home. So too, I want to say nt against it, but this has been a journey. Something that's been need it. It came out 2019. And, you know,

Government is slow. Just happens right? Have a real estate market where we ask him to produce 2 homes and I, you know, believe that the vendors in Ramsey County have been working really hard just to do that piece to that, to provide home that th begin to. In Do all the work need to do support the young people. Need these type of wrap around services that needs to be in a home setting and and I brought this up from conversation to act to inform commissioners. Have not. Seen and heard the history of what we do and why we're doing. This process. And to do something that he's not been done before. Know because we home grab service around. You that we would get a different result in better results. We we we know that there are pieces to this that transform the individual life in a whole family's life. And some point. All right, and I truly believe that, you know, to release the dollars so that they can purchase the homes.

Really a moment that, you know, could be a difference between one day or one week. It makes a difference to be able to do that. This real estate market, we heard our just talk about, you know, being able to search for homes, fi homes is in partnership Manatee County. I trust Ramsey County to do this. I trust our staff to be completely Ian, to make we have a process in place that's going to in benefit. Ramsey County. I trust my county manager who is working in partnership with to do that. And so. I just believe that. To approve the allocation of the Minnesota Department Public Safety Grant funds towards acquisition of that. You feeling treatment home in the mount that we have before us is what we need to be doing. We need to be moving forward to make this happen so that we can't it on a homes To create. To really need it.

Service here. Ramsey County. Who happened to be disproportionately impacted by African-American youth. You know, and I think idea here that this is not just for young boys were young girls, too. And so to me, this is a part of prevention. This is like having go upstream, how we do this work in and out communities ad families to enter into a more stabilize environment. It's not just about them, but it's about all of us. We want that we need this so. I do even though we can time, I think some of the questions you have you can take those Fly. Why understanding why we don't want to release a dollars to purchase unless the purchases to tie 10 years. Which you can use respond to that. Chair of around that is correct. So the purchase of the home. So Ramsey County as the bank, right, purchased at the home is within year. Class that we have.

And there's if we wanted to make the change. We can certainly have that discussion boat from the legal advice that we got from time to turn office. What we have seen in the past is that we have done something either similar or even lower the 5 Mark. So when we looked at the 10 year Mark with thought, ok, we're actually going above and beyond what we have done in the past to shore. This program kind of moves forward. But it is part of that off the purchase so that it's 10 year forgivable mortgage. Basically after 10 years, the the home will belong to the Fender. Now. I came into this project and my short tenure here at Ramsey County and about a lot of conversations with both vendors and seeing the work that's been done. My understanding is that taken quite some time to get here. My caution is that we continue having these conversations and the vendors are no longer interested in doing this, we're going to start all over.

That means a new rfp process. New vendors. And by the time we get execution, we're probably a vital and wy dirty kind of push this funding out a few times. I'm not sure if we have any more push that we could do. So that's just my caution. Is that? We don't want to get to a place where the vendors a frustrated because they've been working on this for quite some time. And they're like what this is just 's's just taken too much of our time and energy to to do this if it does the right thing to do that they're passionate about. I have tree. Kelly and my thank you. Thank you so much. MISTER Chair. Yes, this is this is going to be a conversation because this is something that we all want and we all want to happen really fast. So, Kaylee, is that is they're going to give a good indication to anybody that that's the case.

We actually really want this happen. Would theirs. And that immediately is late and try to remember you. Can we just lay it over for a little that table. It like a bully other situations. You're not sure if you're going get back on the table. So I just want someone should clarify this for me. Because I I really appreciate that. Commissioner need some answers. But I do worry about the mssage just like sent everybody that's working so this. Yeah, I believe when that cable and it would just make it next Okay. Tought the motion with table okay. No, no. I think thank you, MR. Chair and priests. Really appreciate the conversation here. At and say, like I am 100% these youth treatment homes. But knowing that this is something we have never done before. I want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence and that we're setting this up for success. And s I'm I'm not, you know, trying to, you know, delay this for us.

You a few more months is just additional questions that I think myself and and Commissioner John also have a frest of then officially, you know, vote on next week. So this is something that I you even through our our last workshop about this, aout to Friedman home, something that I am am in favor of. I just want to make sure that we're doing our as a board ask all the right questions so that we don't end up in a situation where we're back here 10 years ago discussing the closure and of one of these these homes. So that's that's motivation behind all of this. And just appreciate the additional contacts and conversation that we've had on this topic is really important. And I just want make sure that we're doing the right. 7th technical question. Do we know if sense? We'll like I explained it where the bank we. And then Bob. Do we have first right of refusal to the home.

So if they decide in 10 years that this isn't for them, then if they decide to sell. But I have to give us the option to purchase. First. So actually, thank you for bringing that up. That was what I was just that asking the attorneys that that might be something we could consider writing into the contract and if that would be something that would be agreeable, you could ended so that we don't have to bring it back. If we're able to get that. My only thing is that we're all working on a lot of things right nw and all the situations and this, you know, we can give the time, but it's some of the same attorneys that are helping us with our federal response. And I hear that you're very supportive of the work. And so I would ask that maybe you would consider that if we could get the first right of refusal in there.

I also would say in terms of sustainability and infrastructure, you make those decisions. When you pass the budget and 10 years from now, we don't actually know which commissioners will be sitting around this table and what they're going to be wanting to do, whether or not we have infrastructure doesn't do not.

They MAY choose whether this is an investment they want to make or not. I mean, I just I want to really cautious of not overthinking the final end goal here while we're just trying to move forward with these vendors who have been waiting a long time are this rfp is last in a ng time. Time. They'vThey've been trying identi homes. We'n been pushing them too. And so this kind of tug and pull of we push you, but then we slow it down. You can get very weary for all involved. And tcm Abdi is right. So I'm happy to bring itin a win a weeill will st y ifif weet get the firs t ofght of refusal with that, make you feel more confident about the work moving forward. It Thank you, MISTER Chair. I really appreciate And just you know, through this as well. I do want to mention that, you the reason why I am asking these questions is my concern about long-term infrastructure about whether it will remain like the county having some say in this.

That's really important to me because we are using public funds for u. And it also just going to the point we we actually don't know too much about the contract. And so we actually don't know how much vendors coming through with their own capital or what that total costs s. Right. So that's why I'm saying it like say that really do want to make sure that this is long-term debt. Whatever happens to this organization that these buildings are still going to remain in place for guns, treatment, homes. So thank you for And that is definitely something that I would. You know, definitely support it And just us having, you know, just being able have that first right of refusal. This just soaring into the space to piggyback off of the county manager. This is I guess part of my my earlier comments about flexible and responsive and things like that is. Is if we were t look back and see 20 years ago, what our counterparts thought we were going to need 10 years ago.

And then what we really actually ended up needing because of communities, a voice and that facts on the ground and what use needed at that time. They would be just as reading the tea leaves as we are now. And what I mean by that is we have to rely on the fact that this board and any of people that were working with and the communities that were responsive to her in an ongoing relationship of stewardship of our community. And that this board will continue to have those relationships ad that engagement with our partners in our community to look forward to continuing to plan what will be needed as we go forward. And so we're not going to have everything and put it in a lockbox and then have it be locked in for the next 10, 15, 20 years. We wouldn't want it that way because we don't know what the needs will be in with voices we have yet to hear and what things we have yet to learn and operation allies. So a little bit of this open-ended.

This is also allows us the flexibility continue to be responsive. Our goals is make sure that the capacity of the county, not the enterprise, the county, but the county has the resources to be able to provide those services to our community at large. And so just keeping a little looser, making sure due diligence in the way we're spending this money, but trusting that we all have a responsibility continue to invest in this ongoing conversation about what's best for our community. And if we continue to push for that, is we already have in our first agenda item, which was to our from our mission, vision and goals that I think we can trust our staff and the people who are doing the diligent dtail work. To make sure that actually operation allies in things. Thank you, To the county manager's point the first right of refusal. But that would be fine with me. I'm I'm fine with.

For moving Laying it over. If that something that we potentially To to the language. So just to be clear, restructuring the deal at this time, we obviously need to have communication with the other parties in the vendors. So we can't guarantee that that they're going to accept those terms. I don't believe that was anticipated as part. And original negotiations. So we certainly can take all of But I just want to set expectations that completely restructuring a 10 year deal after all of the effort that was put in structure it this way, maybe challenging for the county to overcome my team can certainly work towards that had be in communication. But in terms of agency, you all have heard that conversation in here. So I know we still have to vote and that believe aspect. But we will gather as much information as we can and we can communicate with county manager Becker in regards to the questions that we're presenting here.

But I did want to Set realistic expectations on completely restructuring. You make Eventually we're going to have been discussion, I think, was coming and getting us and over. I'm certainly in favor project, but I am not oppose delaying it over for a week. I don't think it's going to make substantial difference. These questions need to be answered and eventually. Commission is you're going to have to the side, general, what the county attorney just holes. You know, do we if we can get, for example, right refusal. Do you jeopardize the whole program Glenn Beck? And that's a decision you're going to have to make too well. But I would like going to give you mean, and I'm gonna call to question. Okay. First, I just like to we don't know what any organization is going to be doing 2 years. We don't know what that looks Any organization also like to raise that has this in 2025.

Engaged chair to someone in 5 years. Understand one family going to be in process. Because I what I think we're extreme or not. And get the ball process here. Where we didn't questing. That the organization to give them a 5 year lease where they can just take ownership of it. And here we are. 4 organization. Probably 2 different organizations. Right on a commitment that we've made the sheet that takes time government a slow. We noticed low right for manatees reasons because we come in with new ideas. New perspective, understanding. Which is why community finds is a really hard time to deal with government. We've heard urgency of now. We know looks to try to engage with community I have this be a government entity that's doing this work. So I would say w need to take that into consideration too. You know, and you can how we want to vote that, you know, we make a flip-flop back and forth on what going to have to go work with community depending on who they are.

That's police come from. And and knows where we're going to be in 5 years. The organization would be in. 10 from now on the premise that. People do this work because it's important to them. They do this work because committed to the outcomes saving kids lives. And not because they're trying to take ownership of something. It's about the work and the people in the community. His wedding to work. And MISTER Just one last piece about like why we can't compare to the last transaction. It's because we actually knew who the partners and they actually received additional funds from the state. We were just filling a gap. And so that's what saying that for this agreement here, we actually don't even know many of those details. And so that's why these questions are arising. That. Yield back time. I'm ready to vte. Thank Look, I think all on the same page. We'll want to deliver good service.

I think commission is doing due diligence. I just make that. And there's no right or wrong here. Roll call. Devon Thing. McMurtry. I. Miller now. Antarctica. I am going vote I because I think we can wait a week and I think it's fair to give the courtesy to

Colleague. Okay. Week County connections. Yeah. Thank you, MISTER Chair. So a few things this mrning. The first I want to just acknowledge that we've had Moody's and standard and poors bond rating agencies here. In town, we have won this last week and we're have another one tomorrow and they're here to visit our team and also to our community. This visit I critical. Part of our agencies agencies, formal evaluation of our county. It gives rating agencies, representatives the opportunity to directly engage with our teams. Ask the tough questions. And most importantly, to see firsthand the scale of economic development underway and planned across our community, both in the city oSaint Paul and in our suburban areas. So they've been on a on a bus and aren't of an inch. Then touring around planning and executing these visits require significant coordination. I want to thank our finance team for their exceptional work along with Tracy Westen, Josh Olson, County Assessor, Pat Chapman and all those contributing under the strong leadership of our ceo Alex I thank you, commissioner.

For taking timeeto meet with them as well. Maintaining a strong bond rating is essential for our organization and community. It allows us to borrow at lower interest rates. It saves taxpayers millions of dllars. It preserves our ability to invest in infrastructure. Public services and our long-term priorities. And it's also a clear signal, a financial stability, discipline governance and our readiness to respond to current and future challenges. So thank you to the team for all their good work with that. The other thing I wanted to just acknowledge for the board and organization is that the county and the second judicial district, we maintain a strong relationship in many ways. One of those us to a county courts committee chaired by Commissioner Moran. Also includes commissioners, McGuire, McMurtry they meet quarterly to address issues and responsibilities where the courts in the county intersect building on this work. We recently launched across agency work group to understand how changes in funding and Staffing Inc our priorities in one area impact the other and in the justice system as a whole.

So I just wanted to thank Judge Brewing and ecm Reyes for their leadership here and bringing us together. In some ways I feel like our one Ramsey County sort of model is going toward our partners to wanting so that the table and and think about things differently. The other thing I want to emphasize is Ramsey County is open for business as federal immigration enforcement under operation search continues in our community, the impacts of community safety public trust and on to our local economies and businesses in our daily lives. We residents to know that we understand that these are very real, an undeniable. But in this moment, we want to continue to reiterate. Ramsey County is open acessible and committing to serve all our residents. People should feel free to we just Monday through Friday, 8 to 4.30, at 6, 5, 1, 2, 6, 6, 8500. We should be able to help you with most things without you having to come in person.

This week. I will continue to work closely with our county leadership to ensure our service delivery continues to adapt as needed. So we remain fully uninterrupted in terms of access to our services and then lastly, I want to invite county attorney John Choi up on this morning. John has county attorney since 2011 serving as our chief prosecutor. I thank you for jumping in this morning, John. Just happened to be here for a critical conversation. John's the county sheriff have been working in collaboration with the county has part of our federal immigration response. And I want to thank John for being here and sharing some work. He's been leading around investigating federal officer-involved shootings. So thank yon, John, for being Yeah, thank MISTER Chair members of the Commissioners could board of commissioners and county manager. Thank you for the partnership. And this is a really critical time for all of us to be showing up for our community and also our employees.

You know, one of the things that I've been learning about just the trauma that has been caused just to our workforce. There's so much fear and stress, you know, for a lot, especially of people with young children, one of greatest worries is that somehow they'll paid employees will get caught up in what's happening. And then they will build to pick up their children at daycare. I mean, this is a common refrain that I hear and it's starting to impact that these. But happening here in the state of Minnesota, we are not immune to in Ramsey County. It's having enormous impacts on are cases in terms of our ability to keep witnesses and victims participating oftentimes victims and witnesses or expression. If you're to participate or come into court meet with us. And so we're adjusting or free outweighs one of the things we've also recognizes that the standard of collaboration and partnership and collaboration between local, state and federal agencies.

In terms of how we do our work, how we get to the truth, how we investigate what happened to how we ensure accountability, how poll the rule of law. Is no longer what it used to be. And so one of the things that was really critical and I think all of our law enforcement leaders across the county because we are on the same page of what needs to happen in the event of the use of deadly force, whether somebody is killed or injured, that we just have to have our response that we have obligation to do everything that we can. 2 protect the integrity of what local and state officials need to do to investigate instances use of deadly force. And so last week on Tuesday, a week ago, we of agreed on a set of guidelines into I made a request that everybody had seen before and asking police to do a number of things.

But one of the most important thing is immediately after a critical incident, which deadly force is utilized. That our lcal law enforcement that the expectation is that they treat that situation just like to do in any other situation involving the use of deadly force of one of their own officers t get there to independently take control of the crime scene. Gather evidence necessary immediately call the bca, asked them there for their assistance. I secured cooperation of the bca for all of our cities. In Ramsey So they will be there immediately to independently do their own investigation. So, you know that this will be kind of messy. But if we ever have a situation like this, we're not going allow for what happened in Minneapolis, the Hennepin County where basically they were thought they were working together. But in the end that they weren't. And now there's a lack access to some important evidence. Information. But the effort over there continue.

And I'm glad to hear that the county attorney and the attorney general and moving forward. To do the best they can it be it will be challenging, but they will move forward. But we wanted to be very proactive and be ready for any type of situation here in Ramsey County. So that was the work of the past week. There's still much more work to having critical conversations with all of our law enforcement chiefs at leaders. And one of the things that I think we really need to reckon with and have this conversation and I hope that will be able t maybe an out something in the coming days. But we have an obligation to protect Inter. Our resident. And right now for some residents, they're under assault. And there's a whole bunch of things that are happening and we have to ask question, what are we doing to investigate those types of situations? And so the conversations over the course of the last over the weekend into this starting last Friday have gone pretty well.

And so hopefully maybe by the end of that today or tomorrow I can get our law enforcement community. Together. And having a uniform. Fail. You. And a response about what we're going to do with regard to incidents that are occurring at the hands of federal law enforcement officers. And to figure out ways of how we need to be responding appropriately. That's big question that the public has right now. And so my job I to work with those chiefs and to do everything that we can to protect serve our residents to ensure safety and to make sre that the quality of justice strong and Ramsey County in those 2 go hand in safety and justice. You can't have one without the other. So will be well continue to work on those conversations and hopefully we'll be able I get some place that is meaningful for our public. And then on top of that will be continuing to try to support our employees and our victim center.

Witnesses through this really difficult time and all of this work really important. And appreciate the support of our county manager. Our deputy county manager, us and this board as we figure things out again, this is kind of looking novels, novel situation, something like this has not ever occurred in my lifetime. Where the people in our community are being victimized hurt in this way. Thank you. County. Mice and then comes sentencing. And the county attorney, John Choi, thank you so much for. You know, leveraging and doing everything in your power. Thinking ahead about protecting and serving the residents Manatee County here. Because it's not a matter. Welsh kills someone here. It's a matter of when jst with the amount of tension that is present in our community. In addition to number at immigration enforcement

Officers here that outnumbered the total with police forces in the metro here. This is just a matter when. So thank you so much for for thinking. And additionally for building such strong relationships across all of our different police departments to be able to convene and have that conversation. Thank you. MR. Chair Commissioner, just want also to as you're thinking me, I also want you think sheriff, as well because behind the scenes he has been a really true collaborator and partner and he just laser focused making sure that we get this right, that we're doing what we need to do here on this side of the river and then having broader bigger conversation about what we need to do to protect church. Our residents. She sent thank County Attorney I also just want to build off of my colleague just said community, especially with in my district. Where are our citizens have their public safety through 2 that the county attorney or to the county sheriff. But also we have a number of other public safety agencies. And had referenced being in communication and coordinating with all of them just as a general, not answering any specific policy positions at this time. But just in general, I've had a number of constituents who just want to know. Who do we ask the questions that we have?

Meaning meaning who who? do we ask these questions to as far as what will be the law enforcement response who who will be to to the question of this item matter of if, but when it's already happening, if not a specific death. But the idea of infractions on people's civil liberties and in what would normally be considered something that maybe, you know, you meant that reckless driving a very, very bare minimum. There have been things tat have been going on in our communities that are threatening public safety. People just want to know who is it that we should be looking to be answering these questions? And it sounds it's more of a collective Any any guidance at this point in time here? So for especially for the members of the public are listening? I think in terms of what policing looks like in terms of how police will deploy situations involving maybe there's reported activity in a in a certain city.

And there MAY There's protesters there and witnessing and recording the ice interactions. With maybe a particular subject and what so with regard to help police with the police to in terms of crowd control, all of those things, I think those are questions that for the public best directed at their own police chief. And then for our contract cities. That would be our sheriff. And the mayor or the city council, depending on what type of structure that system is. So like in terms of how policing are showing up to these situations, I think that's direct the conversation with the place now with regard to. Accountability and investigations. Like what are we going to do in regard to this? Video that was recorded and it's on the World Wide Web Web in this in story that we heard about this prson who was taken from their home or they subjected to questioning at a gas station just randomly.

And is Sarah crime that was committed. That's that's where my interest starts. Because as the county attorney as the chief prosecutor, I have an obligation to make sure tat we are upholding the rule of law that we get to the truth. And but I can't do the investigations because I'm not an investigative body. I just wait for the investigator to bring me those cases. Are those situations. So in that context, it takes a little finesse to work law enforcement. So overall, I the public in terms of that, the accountability question and I we upholding the rule of law. We protecting our citizens. Those are questions that should be directed. I think it all elected officials, including me. Week. I think we should have conversations and do but is ultimately the right thing to do be courageous in this moment. And so I've heard from many constituents I've heard had many conversations with people here at this table, have had conversations for the county manager.

And of course, our law enforcement agencies and their leaders. And so right now is a critical time. In having those conversations and getting to a place where we can agree what some of MAY be new protocols in this moment. Look like. And 2, I hope sometime this we can get everybody on the same page and we'll be announcing something to the public so that there's more clarity about what they can do to be a part of that terms of making police reports. Providing video evidence of a particular situation and that they will be met. With some sort of meaningful response that focused and getting to the truth that is focused on upholding or laws in this state. And and then with the value that nobody is above the law. I just want to say thank you. As as earlier conversation drive down, you can see where it mission So when they get to our levels can take not months, but years, you've been able to put this together in days. And I appreciate your taking action during this really critical time.

Thank you, Connie Turney, he should do want Thank Thank you. I am going jump in. Mission on thing is suspend the commission of days. We behind schedule and we have an well as meeting the going federal operations. I do want to make a statement, as you know, we had the 70's. That 100 folks out there this morning? I came early to talk with them and meet with You know, we're all on the same page will try work together they were very could and so forth. I just want to quickly make a statement here. I want thank sot, I say, or community that was there greet us this morning. lead is simple of community. Voices in the France, I say, is vital role in advancing equity and accountability. County, we recognize solidarity actions you are supporting in response. A reason federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota along say union and community partners this moment is deeply personal for many and we acknowledge the kid conviction and courage. You bring in standing with impacted families and neighborhoods. Employees are allowed and welcome to engage in any lawful Union

Activities. The county managing human resources providing guidance for employees who wish to attend union activities during work hours. We appreciate the professionalism, compassion and respect. You continue to show one another during this time. We also sincerely appreciate our employees that education and service to all residents maintaining county services, more critical than ever. And again, thank you, of 4 actually a great this cause this morning that we're very Caribbean sun and engaging. So thank We are now we have a

Closed session right after this. We are adjourned.