Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Like to call to order the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Roll Call, please. Been saying. McGuire will be a little bit McMurtry Mueller here, Moran here, John will be a little bit late in Ortega. We stand for the Pledge of I pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America. to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for Commission saying every community owes its existence and vitality. 2

Generations from around the world who 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 in crossed all barriers of heritage and difference. We're standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We want to acknowledge chip away, the ho-chunk and the other nations of people who also called this place home. We py 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 o violence displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths it any and all public events. Thank you. Defending a motion and you tend FEBRUARY 17th 2026. So moved. Any discussion. Roll. Call. Kevin thing here. I McGuire I there. McMurtry. Mueller. Ran. That behind and Ortega meant a to We now have

A proclamation. Well, the time is side. to attend a motion and a minute. So from a very tough 2026, some wind. Any discussion roll call. Kevin, thank I McGuire. I make my tree. I Miller. Time or I showing us learning a little bit behind and or take off? We now have the front commission goes mena.

Great good morning getting we're just getting also of this beautiful rainbow of good, morning, everyone. Today we gather to not only recognize Black history month, but also honor a century of black history. Commemorations. 100 years of lifting the innovation, creativity, resilience and historic contributions of black communities. Since the observances. First exurban says in 1926, these commemorations have ensure black history is recognize purse preserved and celebrate it highlighting both pivotal moments and every day leadership that continues to shape our nation. Acknowledge the trail Blazers who opened doors, the artists and

Innovators who reimagined possibility and the communities who strength and perseverance have carried us today. And I want to pause for a second because I want to hand it over to Iran to highlight one of those We lost this morning. Good morning, everyone. Good morning colleagues I would like to take a moment to recognize the passing Reverend Jesse Jackson, a leader who life and legacy have shaped the moral as civil direction of our nation. Reverend Jackson stood at the intersection of fate justice in public life from his work alongside Doctor Martin, that the key 2 founding of the Rainbow Push Coalition. He dedicated his life to expand that opportunity, challenging injustice and given voice to Too often or unheard. He also ran for PRESIDENT Of United States of America twice. 184, in 1988. He believed deeply in the power of collective action in idea that our nation is strongest when everyone is included. His advocacy help open doors and in education employment in politics, for generations of people across this country.

Reverend Jackson also understood it. That progress is not about policy. What about people? About dignity, visibility and believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to see it. His work reminded us that justice requires persistence, courage in a willingness to stand up. Even when it's difficult. As public servants, we care for part of that responsibility. We have call not only to govern, but to sure that it says and reflect fairness, equity, opportunity for all members of our community. Today we honor Reverend Jesse Jackson. Not only for what he accomplished before the past few help mate days, his legacy challenged us to continue the work to listen to lead with compassion and to act with purpose. My thoughts and hope our thoughts with his family. His loved ones. If all who are inspired by his life. And I did a quick distance accident who said it that especially in this moment in time that we find ourselves in that America, we'll get better and better keep hope Keep hope So and that. Thank you, Commissioner Mann of that legacy leadership, creativity and community. It's beautifully reflected. Also today with our community guests Wes Music Academy.

Walter West creates a music, learning community rooted in the African-American cultural experience welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to explore perform and grow through music. Founded in 1988, in Saint Paul Sturrock Lawndale neighborhood by Reverend Paul Walker and Grant West West began with a simple yet powerful vision to provide piano lessons and a safe haven for neighborhood children. Since then, economy has touched the lives of thousands with lessons and experiences that continue to resonate across all walks of life. Now located on Marshall Avenue. It's expanded offerings, demonstrate music's ability to transform individuals and cultivate a thriving connected community. Walker, Wesson bodies. What we celebrations month, black excellence community, Senate leadership and the lasting impact of investing in community and culture to build a more equitable future. And with that, I'll hand it over back over to commissioner to read our proclamation. Thank you, Commissioner. What a beautiful sight here. And thank you all for being here today.

When and where as FEBRUARY is nationally recognized Black History Month. And they deserve first championed by historian Carter g Woodson on a black history culture. And in doing contributions and to reaffirm that understanding history is essential to build a more just future. And whereas this year marks 100 years of greatness, recognize a century of black leadership, resilient, creativity and achievement that has advance civil rights strength in labor movement, expanded opportunity, its shape, the social and cultural and civic life of communities across the nation. And whereas black residents leaders employees have contribute to the strength vitality of Ramsey County as public servants. Educators entrepreneuers health professionals, artists, 8 leaders, veterans advocate.

Where s. Well, Walter with Music Academy located in historic Rondo neighborhood has 4 decades, provide a high-quality music education, would it in their black American? These a tradition cultivated artistic, excellent leadership and community watches are in a vessel, a cultural legacy Central today, history of Black America in the Ramsey County and whereas the Ramsey County Board of for a clear it ongoing commitment t preserving teaching and honoring black history and to ensure is that ensuring that the experiences, the contributions and the truth of

Black communities are not a race, minimize or forget. And what is honoring black history require a sustained commitment beyond a single month through learning. Partnership, action that expand opportunity, strength understanding. Improved outcome for all residents therefore. The looks great that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners here by recognize recognize FEBRUARY. It's Black History Month and celebrates 100 years of greatness and be it parkway that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, we have 5, a commitment to uplifting black

Voices and leadership. Surge in black history. And continuing work that strengthens communities, in a veces equity the county. It be Finally for a plane they're remembering and honoring black history is essential today. Sheriff, you too. Ramsey County is building. Thank you all. Like to take this time to introduce Reverend while In

This to us. It has Good morning. Thank you. Commissioner Moran and to all of you block of West board staff and executive director. This working with We're just so proud to receive This wonderful award. We will put it up right in the Academy Way. Everybody can see it. Thank you so much again for thinking of all wash last Thank you very much. It's great to have your

Work recognized. Don't expect to be forgotten any time a&m we have a lasting legacy. We have. We have. Community well. This is this is. Community wealth and it is everybody's responsibility. In this in this city to protect that? Well, and 2 prosper for all te people rocking. Well, water. Walker West. Has always served everybody regardless of. Who they are. So thank you

Very much. we have live in legacies. They're And that is always but also would like to recognize. And then that to work. A deputy county manager Pierre First won the whole car work and dedication of making this day happen. So she's not here. But he said I love to her. Thank We take a photo. We can you. Can make

Yes, and it to the means. Thank Thank something change.

Somebody think are. Thank Yeah. I when I heard the news, this one about Jesse Jackson. Came to my mind te first time I met him and also kind of dating myself realize how old I am. But back in 1984, maybe 88 which will presidential race, who is running for? Hispanics. Many Chicago too, organize the Midwest Voter Registration, which was a model based on the Southwest registration by Mexican Americans, him politically organizing getting

Out the vote. And he was running for PRESIDENT. And I'm coming out of the elevator. Walking us to have my name on the list because he knew he said MISTER Ortega and I turn around and use Reverend Jesse Jackson and he had a he was running for PRESIDENT. And we sent them. We talked for about 10, 15 minutes. You know, agenda was pretty much well known. So I was I was innocent. And but I wasn't I was just a mesmerize. He was very charismatic. I mean, people it doesn't come across and tv. And I was just a. Just a small rise. So just came to me as I read news have forgotten all about that event. But he actually leader in the social agenda we have now, Yeah, ok, so much my little. resident tells live person. Okay. Commissioners saying the administrative agenda. Sure. I would like the filing following administrative items number for state aid variance requests for Little Canada. Road improvements. Number 5, transfer local, affordable housing aid funds from community and economic development to housing stability. Like to pull that

Item. Please. Number number 6 grant acceptance and agreement to comply with the terms of the agreement with the United States Department of Husing and Urban Development in the city of Saint Paul for the Emergency Solutions. Grant. All right. A full member, 6. Number 7 amendment to the single source agreement with form motive, Technologies, Inc for foster care sudent Transportation Management Services. Any discussion. Hearing, none been saying I McGuire. McMurtry. I Miller.

And Ortega. Number 5 is my Jong-un. And number 6 status. I'd like to move item number 5, transfer local, affordable housing aid funds from community and economic development to housing, stability. Thank you discussion. Yes, thank you, MR. Chair at this is that received briefing from arrest to I just think it's also a very pivotal moment in time of where we ae facing with a lot of housing, instability due to federal enforcement actions and also just in general are housing infrastructure. So I just wanted get staff to come up here to just provide about how we're moving. Some of our law funds and housing stability. In addition to I also want to preface that, you it's really important for us uplift a really incredible work that we are doing here at the county. We get questions and also has local elected. As we talk with our state elected the la funds were that the state created. I addition to a lot of advocacy from both housing advocates as well as the counties to be able to secure the law finds. So she's really important for us talk about the good work that we're

Doing. And the and Good morning, Tara, taken commissioners. County manager. Good Morning. Chair Commissioners County manager. I'm Lori Cold deputy director of housing stability, along with their new director, Jamie Wilkins. La lcal, affordable housing also known as La came about in 2024. From not mistaken. And these are 2025 funds that we are trying to move over to our project. The funds. We're already committed last MARCH through a workshop.

And the funding we received in partnership with economic development. We received community economic development received 15 million of which they committed 11.5 or so through at formal solicitation to various projects. We received 5 million from saeidi and 1 million of that was dedicated to interfaith action for their project home. Hotel that opened up last year. And that was the primary focus that we director itent on getting committed. Last MARCH and that flurry of activity. We didn't formally move over

That other 4 Million. But that 4 million has been allocated to. Different projects, including our housing court. Our shelter, entry and diversion program, also known to shed. Interfaith again and then housing support specific functions fr supportive housing as it relates to the state statute and then the emerald in which also provides a bridge emergency shelter for families. So that money has been committed. However, there is 2026 funds that we will be in contention in partnership with Saeidi going add to a workshop in APRIL about and we

Will. Have a plan on how we will be utilizing those funds for 2026. Thank you, just for for clarification. Are these funds in addition to what was additionally pass in your budget for 2026? 27 are these funds already represented in the budget or they're additional funds. They are already in our budget. They just didn't get formally moved over to the. Appropriate project that was affiliated with that budget. So that's why we're back here. We. The funds were accepted,

But the language is so vague that we thought best to come back informally move the funds. So for clarity, these are 2025 funds and gives yu 4 years to expend the funds throughout. So these were dedicated in 2025 and received and then we'll have that duration to spend these funds down. That's it. One other follow-up just knowing, you know, the current instability and that that we know that so many folks in our community are experiencing polls. The occupation when it comes to thinking specifically of things like prevention and rental assistance, are there percentages that are going towards, you know, different aspects of the prevention, like how much going towards rental assistance? Just understanding. We MAY see an increase in folks who are going meet those specific services. commissioner, thank you for that great question. I have a really big pulse and the prevention prevention was not heavily dedicated in the 2025 funds, although there is some leveraging movement to their eviction court is one of those pieces.

But 2, your point, it's too far to me down the stream. We want to get people before they get to evictions. We want look at some prevention so that 2026 workshop in APRIL. We are going to dedicate more to the polls to prevent prevention because right now we have fhp ap funds and it's just not enough to meet residents of Ramsey County. This I just want to follow up on that to you. At the end of our last board meeting last Tuesday, we we're cha talking about emergency housing assistance and it very quickly realize just how confusing and bureaucratic getting assistance from the county can be. And I guess the question I have along with these funds and ongoing work that happens for folks who are in either preventing them from I'm having a losing their husing, whether that's housing court to make sure that we're, you know, all of the different ways. The county is part of that.

But then all the ways that we partner with our partners and community who MAY have greater flexibility. I guess one of the things that I would really ask is that we be thinking about, especially during this time of need how we are communicating to residents, what we can and cannot do what how to access those those services and the timeline for those services. So that and this is in community this last week, people in community who are part of mutual asistance and in neighborhood work and things like that. They understand that because these are government dollars because there's accountability measures that we have to take into place because we are doing are good fiscal stewardship to make sure tax dollars are going just exactly where they're supposed to go. But sometimes that takes a little bit of time and so that if we can clearly articulate where we are, what link in the chain, the different services we have.

So somebody knows for the next 2 months. I'm going to have to continue to rely on my informal supports because it's going to take time for paperwork to process at the county because of that, just so that we can be very clear as to where and how we fit into helping systems would be really helpful for community. Thank you, commissioner. And that is wonderful. We have a staff member or an 80's who really works with the prevention group, which is made up of all of the organizations around Ramsey County, who do just that eating very regularly, keeping our pulse on that. I think along with your play to the timeline, the other pieces eligibility criteria, we really get a lot. The dollars have restrictions, income guidelines and things that make you eligible for those funds to try to make sure that those messages are clear so that people aren't just applying when they might not be eligible importing them to the right research to meet that need.

Thank you, MR. Chair director of me also share a little bit more about just a prevention work group at how team works together with our community partners to work upstream as well. thank you, commissioner. What I can say about the prevention work group is that space is really so for example, of somebody who could come in and maybe they have $5,000 that they owe, maybe they can only be eligible for emergency assistance to the county for 1000, maybe neighborhood house can give the other 1000. Maybe they feel more comfortable applying at neighborhood house because that is in their community. That is their local organization. They can bring that to the prevention group and people that we see on the list keeping coming up, maybe they're not resolve. We can talk about that and make sure that we're pulling funds together to pay for that. We're also looking to find out kuz out of funds who has funds that month that we could maybe get more referrals to who has different eligibility criteria where there's more flexible MISS.

So that's kind of what that prevention work. And it's the city sits there. All of the organizations who rceive fhp ap funds from the state they said on those groups and is open to the community as well until that is where we also share resources. That communication piece look at lists share how many calls are coming in. How many denials we have for that month. Those kind of things happened organically in that space. If I MAY add. I think this is really great. It means that Ramsey County is coming to the table with added resources with ecosystem that is very fragile. But we are also working with our community partners. And so to me, in my mind, represents of like no wrong door for community right. That they are able to whichever community provider that is out there. But then we have a working table that we're at the at at this. We have a seat at and we can say all we can fill it with some of these funds here.

So I'm just really glad that that's happening. And that's in our community. And that the county is at the table with these dollars. Thank you. Yes, thank you. It just kind of want to go back to Baja dollars because this is new right to 2025. It started 2024, do we have a forecast of what the 2026 funds will be or do we already know what they will be and just to clarify because the 2025 funds that we get into payments. So is that how that will be going forward in the 20 $6 will be also be calm it to us into payments in 2 different board actions. Yeah, thanks, Commissioner Miller. I will defer to Dr Wilkins by believe it comes in 2 tranches every year. So. Yes, commissioners Comes into JUNE and DECEMBER as payments and what we anticipate to your other question. And just because we don't know their said, we should anticipate same or similar to what we got in 2025.

With maybe a slight increase. But those numbers are unknown to me, at least as of right Okay. Thank you. I just want to say is we need just a quick listen. Use it. But the moving of funds full weight is that the DECEMBER a location that we're moving forward? It's it has been 2025. Came in JUNE and I saw whatever was not expended. Yes, correct.

Should even out over the years because it was the spot up. And and you didn't have a program total, correct. Good question thank you. And to say thank you for coming in explaining I know that this action comes from board direction that we gave us MARCH. So I'm looking forward to the conversation that we have in APRIL further get for direction on how to use the next alocation. Yes, u. S. Thank you, commissioner. Good morning here. Thank So that's This is your first time before the board. You knew. could you talk a little bit You thank you to do stuff. I think issue or can you anything to that just introduced hey, yes, hi commissioners. I did do introduction. I'm Jamey Wilkins. I'm probably 90 days in thinks about 3 months in. Learning a lot and housing instability. A wonderful team here I prior came from Lutheran social services I have 20 yars of housing experience and mostly in Ramsey County.

And then the last 9 years spent in statewide when I was that within social services as a senior director of housing support there. Thank you for that. I think the context is matter and you are going high to get to where you are. So I appreciate the introduction and to work and leadership that you have been doing far. As the new director, I was just one, if you can explain to last, you know, prevention is really a big part of. What I believe And, you know, we have in my mind a crisis around homelessness. And I'm always think about how do we stop bleeding had to we step? You know, so many folks from being homeless had to just work around the House and stabilization interact with hitting home Ramsey County. You continue care if any and the work that we're doing. And on the governor's board with our community partners. Thank you, commissioner, So what I can tell you is the heading from Ramsey is heavily fderally funded.

And as of late, the federal government had dollars so to speak, does not prioritize prevention in their light right now, pay or is it priority permanent supportive housing and looking at the coordinated entry. So prevention is sort of an afterthought and it's not prioritize. So this work works in conjunction because we're filling that gap where the federal government doesn't step We need to use our state and county dollars to really look at the prevention piece. And we all know that there is a lot of money that does not cover what we need for eviction prevention. And you can see it either upstream or downstream. You can see it Keeping families out of eviction Affordable housing another one of those creating more ways of that. So that rent is affordable to people don't find themself prevention. We're also working really heavily with homework, start with home. So looking at the making sure that families at schools and neighborhood community partners.

So this work is sort of a really good. Funding stream to have because the federal government does not give us a lot of money in terms of prevention funds. And we do have emergency assistance and those kind of things. But that can only go so far and it can only reach a certain population. So this is really nice to have this additional funding. I think we will see more support and the prevention space in keeping people housed versus going to eviction court are finding themselves in our shelter system. But thank you for that. For that clarity around distinctions between the different programs that we have here. And really excited to see move this money over to housing, stability, say you can really support that area prevention that those dollars in regards her to county continued care. Can that use? It comes from the federal government. So appreciate that. Understanding. Just just one last observation, which is I think more than ever, we're realizing the walls closing in, so so to speak.

And some of the funding coming from our federal partners and the regulations and administration and then eligibility. That's coming in. One of the things that they do want us to think about is I am very much appreciative. of our efforts in the idea of how we can be technical assistance, facilitating convening, how do we become hub of information? When we are not necessarily the first and best place for getting in distributing funds directly in the community. The table. You talked about the referral partners that you talked about. And I think that I appreciate that. We continue to flex that muscle a little bit and to think about if their community dollars, that can be more directly responsive and nimble in the community. How do we still show up within Kosik system, justice to stand that effort whether it's technical assistance or relationships are all of the things that we're talking about here today. So even, you know, not a gloom and doom, it just MAY be a change in how we show up help us.

We can serve community and the spaces if if things are changing. Thank you for that. Yeah, I definitely like to add a little bit more on to what Commissioner Kevin saying is also saying, you know, in this moment time we're hearing reports you know, wrking class people, with jobs getting detained illegally and being detained for. Like 2 to 3 months or even more. And that's a loss of income to the family's like household. That poses great risk to our current system here that we have. Bulls, the rise in income inequality and just affordability piece. Just puts our whole entire eco system really at risk. So I just wanted to nme that, you know, federal immigration impacts here has created. That's going to create a long-term effect in our community. Here we are economic mobility. Our goal of economic mobility is going to be a lot harder and that progress that we're trying to track. Is it just going to remain really flat if not decreases over time.

So I just wanted a name that about the hard, you know, space that we are I. But then also knowing that, you know, and deep community work that we are and is that, you know, we're going be doing this together no matter what. Commissioners, those are really good points to point out. And I would just add in collaboration, why collaboration is so important if we do have eligibility restrictions of being a technical assistance are sitting at the table are dollars can maybe fill a gap with our eligibility restrictions, which then opens up our community partners to be able to do more work in space is that maybe programs, people can be eligible for us to the working class and some of those that maybe don't meet our income guidelines by us filling that gap will then allow our community partners to be able to use more of their dollars and a flexible fashion. And so that partnership to your point is very critical.

I guess I'll just close with saying that, you know, when we look at homelessness in an house and you know, to shelters all of those pieces in the struggle that people are going to especially in this moment in time in space with the lack of we can't say funding dollars that MAY or MAY not be coming our way. And, you know, flexible dollars is really necessary. If you look at use disorder as we look at mental health as we look at serving the whole person, the whole family and whole communities. This really timely moment to have these dollars available in 4 million dollars is it's a good way to really support them. The whole person. Thank you very Appreciate your work. Thank you. Just go on. Both I At the Why I Mueller? I Iran. And take break. Item

Number coalition. I move item number 6 grant acceptance, an agreement to comply with the terms of the agreement with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the city of Saint Paul for the Emergency Solutions. Grant. Discussion. Thank you, MISTER Chair. I just wanted invite House back up again to talk more this particular grant and couple of questions that kind of stems from our previous conversation in regards rental assistance. How this is is going to break down when it comes specifically to rental assistance. Love to get some feedback there. And the other piece, I want to get better understanding is in regards to complying to federal requirements and some of the terms and conditions just want to get confirmation that requirements and terms and conditions presented by the federal This grant still do align with our values as county or or if if there are any changes that we should be aware of.

Thank Chair Commissioners, County manager, the Emergency Solutions Grant is through that department. U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also known as head. It's annual grant that we've had. We share it with the city. Same Polish should say through Joint Powers Agreement actually goes to the city of Saint Paul who then shares it with us we have had in our possession, if you will, for. I think this is a 4th year. It's in formula frmulated amount every year that we receive from the federal government and then we disperse it to several sippy. Through competitive solicitation. Funds for different areas. That is rapid rehousing emergency Shelter, Street outreach and homeless prevention. And providers in the community apply to rfp that we usually do. We do an annual full solicitation and alternate years. We do a letter of interest for those who have been funded in the previous year. We have valuation team who determines that.

What's Qaida to those who apply? What else can tell you? No, that's all very helpful. The only other thing I had a question was We know that, you over the last year, honor this federal administration, there have been new terms and conditions with a member of grandson and funding that honestly dn't align with our mission, our vision, our goals, our values as a county. And so I just want make sure that with this grant, we feel still feel good about, you those different terms. Those requirements and that there aren't challenges with with accepting this grant. Commissioner, and that is a wonderful question. And there's 2 different types of hood dollars. We are in constant communication with our county attorneys in reference coc, which is under heading home. Ramsey Esg is actually separate and has different at this time. We feel confident that it still aligns with our mission and our values. But we are keeping our pulse on that as well.

But it is very different than other injunctions that you're hearing about from Hood that are on pause right now. This is a separate pot of money that we feel more confident. It. And we'll say to chair commissioners, Cook County manager we worked with the county attorney's office to ensure some additional protective language was inserted into our joint powers agreement. So that has been amended. Make sure that we worked with our partners of the city of Saint Paul and that language is specific to that recent federal activities. So that is new in this New Amendment that you see 4 with you. Thank you, MR. Chair, thank you so much for this information. I understand this is a joint powers agreement means a bomb county money flows to Saint Paul. Does that it's mainly Saint Paul and Ramsey Ramsey County projects or does money going to the suburban cities to a different way or is this money also get used for any of the suburban cities and Rmsey County?

Don't know. I don't think we've had any suburban cities of late apply to the funding. Primarily folks in. the city's am pop. And the city Saint Although we share this with the city Saint Paul, they pretty much give us that money to disperse as we see fit. And we do that with some precip Ian's in the community. So commissioner, I will also add that this is a statewide funding. So the state also does rfps for esg funds, which does reach a lot of those say they have own esg grants as well. So then that looks at some of the suburban counties and some other rural areas. So we're just a small portion of that. City of Saint Paul. And so MARCH air, so thank you for that. So them to those cities have to supply themselves can they do they apply? Do we is as Ramsey County apply with those cities, the suburban cities, then for those statewide grant, did one of the cities don't have a housing?

You know, I mean, some of my cities are pretty small as some of our cities. Pretty small. Commissioners. It's my understanding that the esg Ramsey County. Hennepin County and there's 3rd county that are. With esg funding. The rest are funded. Different locations within So that like the several counties will be like the northern Section and several counties will be the south Western sections. So were the only were one of 3 counties that get our own the su money and the rest are partnership with other counties. And non profit I MISS Jaime and Larry, I do think the grants while the fund MAY be organizations that are based in Saint Paul, they serve. Ramsey County residents should they need services that make sense? I you know, organizations like face-to-face or Catholic charities are, you know, Lutheran social services. They're not only serving Saint Paul residents. These are they make the Saint Paul based organizations, if that makes so that that, yes, okay.

Thank that that helps a lot. Yeah. I just question. Why of 3 counties are sort of it? Well, the exception they get the out of money. If I understood you correct. And then the city's could apply. Did I get that Nt really cities. It's nonprofits. All. Profits that like this and situation and then they'll serve residents. And the question is, do we have nonprofits in the summers then apply for this money? Probably less so. Yeah, not going put put the 2 county manager backers point the the list of nonprofits that were that are that we're discussing srve all. And understand that. I understand that. My question is areas, If we have 10 nonprofits, that's great. But if he had 15, that's even better And enjoy thing occasional. I appreciate that. I do understand that the nonprofits to serve county wide and that's that's one thing. So this free minutes with the city of Saint Paul.

But that's just to give out grants to nonprofits that serve everyone. So that thank you. Thank you for that, Kelli. Okay, I appreciate this. I am a little familiar with the state esg more than our county sg. So our nonprofits that we fund could potentially be funded through both the state themselves and through the county. And do we take that in consideration when people are applying through their rfp that they're already receiving a state allocation for us for state funding. Chair commissioners. I would say yes, I don't know if we've had that happen where we organization is funded by both entities. And I just want to remind everyone that this is very small part kind of money. It's under 600,000 homes. It has to be a spurs out right now. We have 7 providers that share this pot of money. Plus, there's an admin that we take again and we share that with statewide. It's my as provider, which is I So it's very, very tiny.

And we just try and do the very best we can with that. We try and make you know, a competitive solicitation. It's evaluated and ranked and scored with with the team internal team in Ramsey County. That includes community members. Funds those different priorities. Thank you. I really appreciate that. I appreciate you mentioning the competitiveness and the rfp process and also how it's ranked and scored an you know, follow up as with it as well, that there are reporting that they have to report to us and outcomes and goals that they have to make because I think that's really important to say to let people know that it's not just dollars we're just giving away. We follow those dollars and we follow u and

A chair commissioners Hyde is very, very strict and that, you know how in dollars that they provide and so there's reporting there's auditing monitoring all all those things have to happen annually. So we adhere to all of those for small pot of money. That's right. I just want to say that because think you mean. So clarity, we dis dis joint agreement between Saint Paul. And Ramsey County. And so for $94,000. And so I get why the focus would be stations are located in Saint Paul who do serve statewide because it is I think Paul is going want to find same hall in that make sense to me. Make sense? And just it's not specific. Just to say Paul, as county manager mentioned, Any organization with in Ramsey County. It just so happens that most of our applicants are usually in the city. All the way. I'll wrap this up here. I do believe you can apply for both.

But like many grants where there's a state and local component. There's a very distant reporting mechanism. So there's no double dipping. And I think what I really appreciate about the coc that in that case is it's the coordinating entity. So very similar to an eyesore. But the work force poor people had to ask for your sort of endorsement as they applied for those funds so that you could understand where are all the moving parts in the ecosystem. So I think that's one of the benefits of that. The coc being us City Endeavor as well. So thank for all your work today. County manager, if I can just add to that and that Payton example of that could be if getting outreach funding. Our rapid rehousing funding, for example, that maybe you might get state because you're in partnership with somebody that does outreach. So maybe you need to come to the county or the city for the rapid rehousing dollars.

But those questions are very much in the ranking and Aston the accusations. So there is no double dipping and that you're not getting funded by both the state and the county, for example, for same or similar MR. Thank you. Just because our county manager mentioned coc and I know it's in our documents, but it's for the continuum of care business that's managed its managed b a son. But yeah, we're the administrative and to tea for the Ramsey County and Saint See what is called the continuum of care and heading home. Ramsey. Lots of lots of names. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure we Everybody viewing us would know what you'll see. Think you. Thank you Thank you. Roll call McGuire McMurtry Miller High Iran. Undertake a all right. Legislative update.

If the legislative update on behalf of our legislative team, which includes Commissioner Moran. And we are small mighty group now and we meet regularly and to want to thank Julie Wood for helping with this report. So as we have all been hearing that 2026 legislative session starts today at noon, there will be special House and Senate floor Sessions honoring former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Who were assassinated as we know on JUNE 14th last year as well as Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Who are wounded that same night that will be spaces to observe of the sessions in the capital and online. So people are wanting to view that they're able to do that. Just, of course, I know that the son of Hartman and her husband will be speaking as well. Today, there will be no committee hearings, however, tomorrow and Thursday, there will be hearings on several important issues for us for Ramsey County. On Wednesday, the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee will hear a bill that will provide one-time emergency rental assistance funding to counties. We, you know, our cities and our residents have been asking for this assistance. And so am see association. Minnesota counties is advocating on behalf of counties to get an administrative allowance and other important adjustments to the bill that would help us.

And minister the rental we're grateful for that work that's being done on Thursday. The Senate, the Senate, Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee will hear bills addressing housing, instability resulting from the operation Metro surge. As we know, we have many of our residents that are in housing, instability now. Also on Thursday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on the impacts of hr one, which as I referred to the Big Bad Bill in Minnesota and amc's going to 10 to 15 minute overview. So we have a significant amount of time in the committee. 2 overview that impacts of that. Of that bill that's really harmful to U. S.. Commissioner McMurtry is going help testifying that. So thank you, commissioner, for that. But while it's not a budget year, the legislature will have to address the many serious issues. I think I've mentioned in this group before people have said it's the the session of the 3 f's firearms fraud and the federal government, which is all about our metro surge and about her cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and snap and so on.

They'll be discussing the impacts of hr one and the changes to snap and Medicaid. As I've said, the issue of Capitol security and gun safety. And then a I said, the ongoing investigations into fraud such just at the state level, we've just been talking about all of the security measures and all the met measures in place to really make sure that people that need these funds and need these grants are the ones and they're using them that we have a lot safeguards on that. It's also a bonding year just to remind people were in the second year of our 2 year biennium and our top priorities, as we know, includes binding bills for the park at Rivers, Edge and Aldrich Arena. And we're also starting conversations on our Capitol complex County homes program, which is a a great program that will allow for state compensation to Ramsey County for being the the host were being the location of the Capitol There's classical involved involved with that.

And we're going to be asking the state for for help with for reimbursement front for that or help with that. We are also meeting with members of our legislative delegation our state legislators for Ramsey County on FEBRUARY 27th to discuss this proposal on the Capitol County host program. This would also involve an annual appropriations similar to a payment in lieu of taxes that other counties get. We also quick federal update since most of many of us are going to be going to Washington, D. C., this next this week to visit with our federal delegation were meeting with Representative Betty McCollum, senators Klobuchar and Smith. We've asked for meetings with times for men, Craig and Amber. And we will see how the schedule goes to meet with all of them. The on the federal level last week, congressional Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on limits to help federal agents conduct immigration enforcement. So the department it of Hmeland Security or dhs went into a partial set shutdown.

Unfortunately, it will not affect ice operations which covered already by a previous bill. So they already have enough funding. But I know that our representatives in Washington that support the our values, fighting hard and really concerned about any more money going into dhs. So Congress is in recess this week. So there's little expectation of a continuing resolution to continue dhs funding. So we are grateful for that. Also last week the House passed the Save Act as a ve allows requires voters to provide document documentary proof of U. S. Citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The House passed it, but it doesn't seem to be a path in the Senate. So we're grateful for that that there is no path in the Senate. Ramsey County, as I said, we're heading to National Association of counties next week. We're going to be meeting with our federal delegation t share our concerns about. Ice operations, metro surge and the challenges of implementing the changes to snap and Medicaid as imposed by a big bad Bill.

So thank you with that. MADAM Chair, I just want to thank everybody for all their work on the legislative front thank you. If there's anyone else that wants to talk about it and you're going on. I always welcome my colleagues who are very active in all of these and many of these issues. We're grateful that we have such an active county board that really cares about these policy issues and is involved. I'll just jump on to say I was able to hop on a call with the majority in the middle middle, a local elected cohort to talk about election safety and election security. With office members from the office of Secretary of State last night. And they'll just say to my colleagues, there's another meeting on Thursday. So if people interested in being part of that discussion, getting that education, I can share that link wth you. But the biggest thing that when in talking about the save act, it would be regardless of the policy implications of which would be horrible in my opinion.

The counties of the burden on counties and states to be able to implement such a change. Whitney, tremendous amount of on wrapping it with goes all the wy down into the dmv and how we backlog in getting such documents created the the the actual like implementation is is not feasible within this election cycle. It within any stretch of the imagination just because of the timeline and the level of degrees of of government read pivoting along across all sorts of things to happen. So one of the assurances was that given te a legal challenges to such actions that and and how that there has been success in slowing down. Just things that are known, not pragmatic, even just on that, you know, it's setting aside policy and desires. Idea that that there is some comfort level in the fact that there's almost no plausible reality where these changes could be implemented in any kind of timely fashion for the current election cycle.

So I just want to share that that that is something that while all of this is chaos making and I think complete inefficient use of any of our time as that there is that the throwing the sand in the gears, so to speak in the slow churn of bureaucracy sometimes does have its upside. Any further discussion religious to chair. I was going to do it in my report. But this is really more legislative report and its with the Ramsey County League of local government who had their legislative meeting with many of our legislators came. I there were 12 to 15 12 to 15 legislators. There. It was great that some o us were there commission Commissioner Joven seeing and we. Had a great appearance by Commissioner McMurtry n and senator bait and son was a highlight hearing from Mark and our legislators we heard from about their issues. And i was just really grateful that we had so many people that were there.

Who are interested in working with us and interested in working on. issues that we all care about. So we met 2 talk about our legislative priorities. So I wanted to thank the legislators for coming to that. And colleagues and also I want to I don't I'm realizing that maybe by the time we have our next meeting here, I won't have a chance to have. Amy. Was like for her work? As I think she'll have moved on to the state level. Taking a job with the state. And so we're going to MISS Her and our government relations team. So thank you, Amy, for all of your work on our government relations team and work for Ramsey County. So thank you. Okay. Coming connections. Yeah. Thank you, MISTER Chair. I just have a few things this morning. The first one is just want to continue to remind staff that. Taking care of your mental health is really important that particular at this time.

So thank you to our human resources department for forging an ongoing partnership with our ap provider. All in one is now available through a health app. And so there's a article imams, the net where you can find out how you can just right from your phone, the able to book a virtual counseling sessions message securely with counselors participate in mental health assessments. And there's 24 7 access to rip resources and tools also starting today, one of the new things that we're doing as you heard last week about a strategic piorities, operational something that we're really putting a lot of emphasis in this year and next year as part of our organization. So starting today, there's going to be a new column in Ramsey News. Our first edition is about to come complete compliance and ethics office partnering with our Co output Center come up with topics throughout the year, particularly to so that folks can just see some of that inside baseball things that really keep that county humming that sometimes don't I get in front of folks as much but really help us be able to well high-functioning organization right now as we speak, our county attorney John Choi is having a press conference.

He wanted to sent his regrets that he couldn't time it. So that more of you could be there. He had to time. It was some other partners, but they are releasing a new report in partnership with the University Minnesota Medical School. That did a project that was led by his office, re-imagining justice for youth in launched in 2021. To improve youth outcomes by shifting from the traditional adversarial court model to more of collaborative restorative community-based approach. The initiative focuses on reducing recidivism lawyering referral rates just dressing rcial disparities in the youth lgal system. So based on data from 2010 to 2024, researchers from the u of dusk of medical school compared results before and after implementation. And the evaluation shows meaningful Youth are less likely to return to the system. They're more egaged community-based accountability and repairing harm. Families are reporting stronger relationships. So the county continues to continue to partner with County Attorney Choice Office to not only re evaluate further, strengthen start of practices.

I know that Derby County manager Aguirre is over there at the press conference. And so is our public health director. Amy can this morning. And then I'm going to a little quick update Metro surges into parts mostly aligned with Legislative update this week. Yesterday House dfl lawmakers advanced a package of bills aimed at regulating how federal immigration agents operate in the state. And so they include things of making sure there's marked vehicles, restricting agents where they can operate, including near Childcare Center school grounds, hospitals, other proposals and hance accountability, such ensuring state investigators to be involved in any Minnesota shooting things that you all put into our resolution as well. So we're going to keep tracking those and as Commissioner McGuire mentioned, the second part, there will be an opportunity for the commissioners to meet with members of the federal delegation. I have drafted a letter to prefer you to provide them per year are request of me.

And that FEBRUARY 3rd resolution about impacts to Ramsey County. So I'll be sharing that with you all today. Before we bring it to dc and we'll be sharing that while the operations MAY be changing and its impacts, the harm continue to remain in our community today. Ramsey County continues to absorb significant challenges as we work to stabilize families and rebuild trust. We need federal partnership to strengthen community supports and that a recovery and expand mental health services and certainly to advance bi-partisan immigration reform, that addresses underlying policy gaps. And so I lok forward to sharing with before we bring that Washington this week. So thank you. Thank Let's move on to outside board and committee reports community want to begin. You see here. This week I was able to attend the Saint Paul Church in collaborative board meeting, which is a cavalry Ramsey County and the city of Saint School board along community-based organization. Who are all working together to improve outcomes for children and families across the city.

Of folks, a lot of ground ready, talent development school, reading this issue and family connected to resources. They need to thrive. And it's just way to align. And services to to get a support to family in long time. How so participated on a precession legislative team meeting that we have with acquired in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. We look forward to that meeting man to county delegation at this, just to see some of our priorities here as a great partnership relief and to Jim acquire a great way to also met with the new direct this said Rick Baker, who is the new director of the city Saint Paul offices, neighborhood safety. We was on a meeting to gather around balance reduction. He was new to that group in was just interested in his leadership in the work he's going to do. I see that works. It was and just basically to get to know him through 1, 1, So that's really good.

Meeting. See here. I've been invited to the Capitol today, too. Participating recognition of the life and legacy of Melissa and Mark Hortman. S I'll be leaving here to start at 12 o'clock today. I think session from in around 11, 30 and they go right into that. So. I feel really honored to be able to participate. But you know your heart stay so heavy for. Has happened to. Listen. All for her husband, Speaker, Portman

And her husband. Also to some time to act. I do want to once a lot. So I took some time to also meet Jamie. Well, country Garden hitting home than to county and her leadership as director. As the chair Hdden Ramsey County continuum of care. And to me, it's just really important to to have some time outside of meetings to get to know people here. And no division in to find ways to align with that. You know, we want to be in alignment on behalf of residents of Minnesota. And so she has a powerful story, too. So if you have some time to learn story, some powerful story that she that she has and went in there. All right. You be quick. So last week I attended the class of the Lake area, senior services with Commissioner Jevan saying it was nice to join other professionals from a variety of backgrounds, housing memory care in-home services, transportation caretaker supports the luncheon, learn really focus from us.

They were asking her questions on many choices and addressing the timeline concerns of senior residents. So it was pretty good to be in that space. And then I was at the amc Travel County Relations, Joint leadership meeting. Want to say it's always good to be in the presence of our tribal leaders and our partners. So our agenda was full. It aso included a presentation from Clay County to They ae seeking dollars to convert their non secure juvenile facility into an 18 bed psychiatric residential treatment facility which I thought was pretty amc and the tribes legislative priorities we discuss. And then we set a timeframe for the county tribal relations taining for this summer trying to pick a location at that. So more to come on that what you're pretty excited to plan. And then I briefly attended, though washing, I'm say briefly, because it really was briefly so Washington County convene the Century Avenue Coalition meeting in our stamp Thursday. Thank you to my staff and director Isaacson for being there. This is only the second time this group has met since it formed in 2022.

To begin the Century Avenue, north Reconstruction project. So this is the area of current Minnesota State Highway. One, 20 starting at highway are at Interstate 6.94, along Century Avenue going north to county road e into Wildwood Road. The state is turning some segments of this highway to the county's as these projects developed. So one of the main goals is really taffic calming to improve public safety. And so residents will experience it as more of a slower county road instead of a state highway kind of dangerous right now, the preliminary design and environmental documentation was presented along with the Metro Transit, giving an update on the new Bronze line and the inclusion of Metro Micro proposals as part of the project. So the goal is to start construction in 2030, which sounds so far away. But in transportation projects, I guess it's only. Next and then just a fun little note. I did attend the Roseville Boys in-house basketball tournament, partly because my son is also on the team they took on championship.

Congratulations to Yeah. So it's that that was pretty cool to see. But with that, I will. And evening. What are son is that constituents in what and you use either team picture of them are giants and then the shortest on the team. thank you. MISTER Just want to highlight a couple of last week last Wednesday, I had a few meetings. One, I was able to attend the sp board meeting. Suffice it on that board representing Ramsey County. It was a good conversation. I think especially coming off of meeting from last week. One of the things that I wanted to really convey to back group in particular that consists of a number of of corporate and philanthropic partners was my disappointment. And their silence or someone there. A lackluster commitments in the midst of what's been happening with the federal occupation. And so I appreciate being while to get that space and get that time to to share my thoughts and my dsappointment and continuing to urge them to do more.

That as we enter this next phase of them federal agents leaving our community. Now we are dealing with the remnants of of of what's to come and immense impact that that's going to happen, our community. And I think that it was it was really good conversation was good to hear from some of the folks in in that room. And I think this something I will continue to hold them around because of It's so important that as we see a coalition of in cities come together, whether it's the work that we're doing on the on government side of things or just the immense amount of work that our community is doing every day to to show up that. Our corporate partners and philanthropic partners are also at the table. So more to come on that. I also had a chance to meet with the Saint Paul Public Schools, Superintendent, Dr, Dr Stanley. Just a chat on flee of a lot of the implications on our students that this occupation has had the thousands of students who have left school and are doing virtual learning.

And and just the the the impact of this going to have on them for years to comment. So we talked about the mental health, piece of this. And one thing that I wanted to share with Doctor Stanley was a ways that even though we don't directly impact the work they're doing at the school at inside the school's, it's still important for the county to show up as a partner, especially knowing that a lot of the things that our students are doing with outside the walls of the school, touch, the work that we do here at the county. And so we discuss potential opportunities, especially knowing that they're providing mental health resources for the students to look at potentially how we can help out with the at at the same public schools. And so whether it's, you know, figure out ways that maybe we can our mental health outreach vehicle at any other school events make sure we have tabling a with the different resources that we offer at the county.

So that parents know of of those different services, just ways that we can continue to to, you know, partner with with the school district. So looking forward to continuing partnership. Over the next few years. And then the last meeting for that Wednesday, I had a chance to meet with the Rice Larkin for Alliance executive Director, Kim o'Brien, as well as 2 small business owners along right street. The owner of the Perfect coffee and owner of managed to make an kitchen to discuss the business challenges that they have experienced due to Operation Metro surge how we can potentially move forward. And so it was great just to hear from them. And and to be able to understand some of the resources that they have been leveraging and how we can share that more broadly to folks in the community. I know that this is something that's really impacted. Businesses specialist seeing that we have a number of immigrant on businesses along Rice Street, this occupation has really hit their businesses really, hard.

And so I would want encourage folks continue to go and support your local businesses. And cause. We really want to make sure that they stay open. And 2, it was. Really encouraging t hear them talk through their commitment t to staying in their community, to doing whatever they can to give back to their community. That's something I think it's just indicative of a lot of the small businesses that even in the midst of these tough times of conflict, think about how they can continue to help out within within their community. Really great meeting looking forward to continuing that conversation on how we can support. Our small businesses throughout throughout the county. And then the last thing highlight this past Saturday and in the midst of everything that's been happening, something that really did my heart. Some good was the little hands. Big hearts. Kids MARCH. That happened my neighborhood in Como Park this myself and 800 other Como Park.

Residents came together kids with their signs showing that, you know, we stand with our immigrant communities. We want to make sure that we are a place that we remain a place that's welcoming and that's that we're getting rid of, you know, the the forces that really tried to define as a community. And so it was just great to be in the midst of all those kids to to hear their stories. They had a chance to kind of speak to what they've been. Been experiencing and to hear them talk through, you know, not being able to see friends have coming to school or friends, parents experienced being detained like all these different things are really impacting our children and will have lasting impact on them. And so it was it was really encouraging to see this space where we can let our kids know that you are not alone and that we have their backs and that we're going to get through as a community.

And then the final thing is, as acquire mention, is that this Thursday, I'll be speaking along with amc during the the Health and Human Services Committee just discussing the impacts that hr one will be having on the county's, especially as it relates to Medicaid and snap funding. So. That's Thank you.

This it's been a busy time and I know we're going to be gone for a couple of try to condense this as much as possible. And if I don't say something that was really important to community apologize, I will just say I have the honor of doing a welcome to our new employee orientation last week. It was in person and I think it's a very important to continue to realize that we as a as a county as the enterprise as the team, that we continue to uphold and center all of our work on our on our mission and our vision, our goals and our values and to make sure that all of our team members, regardless of where they where they are working. Understand that that is what guides or work and it was it was great to see new faces and their tlents being added to Ramsey County and part of that is I will just say I was also at the concert senior services and part of our work is being accountable to the feedback that we get from community.

And there was a question I was able to get an update from r r Older and disability services. Connections around the turnaround from and choices. Assessments and that are 68 for those who are 65 plus, according to Milan, the latest reports it is within a month which is getting closer and closer to like the where we want things to be. But the experience of some of the providers and they're still have the impression that we were ahead a months long waiting list. So I'm not sure where where that disconnect is, but I encourage us as the county to continue to close the cap between reality and perception. First of all, to make sure that that it is a reality. And then that we're communicating to people the services and how we're able to present them. I also want to as far is that sense of accountability in our commitment to organizational excellence. I was able to attend along with county saying its leadership and the office of the state auditor that we met for a final 2024 year in financials, an audit findings last week.

Ramsey County received an unmodified opinion for our financial statements and almost all of our federal programs. This mean we had a clean audit and received best can can provide confirming that we follow all the rules and had sufficient controls in place. And 2024, we had 4 written findings from the auditors. And I will just say for an enterprise that this large that's like. This is less than any recent year and demonstrates the hard work needed around the county to address prior your audit issues and ensure we do our financial work at the highest standard. And I just want to say I'm going sit here. There are also some verbal notes just to say, hey, these are worth finding, but we're just going to let you know, because you guys always want improvement. And there is something that was that it's insignificant enough. To our coo, Alex could point. She's like that. This is a point of pride.

We're going to get this right and was just diving into the details for something that didn't even rise to a written finding, which I just want you to know how hard our team is working to make sure we have an impeccable audit and financial standing. All of this will be put just published later this month at the county website and more details will be shared and the 2020 for 5 year in the audit was kicked off. So we hope to have all of that time. So that's that's that information I already mentioned on the time that I was in. With the majority in the middle and working conversations all of our advocacy groups and community who are concerned about the safety and security of our elections, making sure that their local in fair and accessible. I appreciate that educates us and all of those voices go with us. I want to give a couple heads up on events that will be coming in the in the future, which is on the parade.

26 the nami annual research dinner will be going on and FEBRUARY 22nd the fence, the library breakfast admitted and he'll still be going on. So those are 2 groups that I'm very passionate about. And if you want to support them and learn more about them, I encourage folks to attend. I would be remiss if I didn't also say that the work continues around our reactions to Operation Metro Surge and I encouraged by the words there will be a drawdown of customs and Border Patrol and immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. We are looking to have them draw down 2, 2 previous lever. What levels to the hundreds of of individuals and to have that that drawdown and protocols go back to these are civil are civil issues, not criminal issues and to be done in the professional in orderly manner that that need to be held. And also, you know, there are still many things that we must hold people accountable to.

We are still waiting for full, transparent and independent investigations for the killing of Renee Good. And Alex, pretty and the shooting of Philly, Cecilia Celis, the duct death of Nicaraguan detainee, Victor Manuel Diaz and other harms to individuals who have been detained and all the other crimes and constituent constitutional and friend Frenchman's by federal agents in our community. We're still waiting for immediate due process for all individuals who've been detained, the release of children unlawfully detained and reunification of families I will say I have increasing concerns over the talent being lost from the U. S. Attorney's Office and the focus away from fraud and other crimes, including drug related crimes that are true challenges to the safety and security of our community. And divergence of focus to occupation is appalling. And so as we go into Naco will continue to ask for comprehensive. We go to dc to encourage our congressional delegation to pursue comprehensive federal immigration policy reforms that protect our borders while providing clear consistent pathways for and against refugees and asylum seekers.

I will just say this, having been with some of our business communities regardless of your political stripes, folks are very concerned. This is an aging community with a ton of health care and care giving sectors that are hurting for work shortages as well as our agricultural community and wondering what's going to happen with or the r r folks who come here to work specifically to help with our food supply. So these are really important issues. They still very much weigh on us. And I continue to encourage community members to share their experiences, especially the the immediate sense of fear. Hopefully trust down and you find a safe place to fix or your voice in to tell your story that are years are open and we want to have everything that's happened here acknowledged undocumented and we will continue to advocate for whatever we can do recover. Thank you. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, just gonna follow.

Continue on with the showed up to community for their work during for all of their contributions and teir support during Metro surge and I was in a meeting last week with the Roseville Area Community Foundation which I serve on and because Schools Foundation, we were meeting with people who have course are feeling such tremendous impact. But I our families needing food and housing and education because they're afraid to come to the school of. So we set angel We set up a fund so that they could get the resources they need really quickly. I know the county is doing everything we can to help. But for these non-profit organizations to step up and for the community to really be so generous in there. And they're giving so that families can really get these resources as quickly as possible. So shout out to the foundations of that I know are happening all over our communities and the work that's being done in our schools for fmilies.

So thank you for that. So we had a joint county courts commit committee meeting. Thank you, commissioner and for your leadership. There. That is where few unit of us get together with the judges and we get to talk about issues that we are, Karen, that we all are concerned about. It's just such a great meeting with staff and talking about how we can make those relationships better. Also, the Ramsey County League of local governments. I mentioned we had our legislative meeting. We All-Star Collective Action. Workgroup continues to meet. And we have a great group of people that meet with our watersheds. We're concerned about are what are you know, our water being safe and clean. And it's about the chloride. That's tat is being put on our streets. And so where Looking for ways to manage manage that it's not lost on me that our our focus is on reducing ice in our communities with our chloride and reducing ice in more than ways than one.

Just a You know, before I go to that, we had a futures meeting which is as a group of people of counties from the association, Minnesota counties from around the state. We talk about issues that are upcoming and that are things that we should be thinking about. And we had a a great presentation from the Department of Corrections on jail inspections and enforcement. And then we heard from the sheriffs on ideas and Joan Forsman perspective. So stay tuned because I think these conversations will be coming to the larger amc membership is how all of us counties are dealing with are our state in the jail rules. So know we've had conversations around rent at Manatee County around that. is futures upcoming. We Saint Anthony Village continues to have their listening sessions on immigration enforcement concerns. So tey'll be doing one tonight from Four-thirty to five-thirty at the Saint. Anthony Village. A city hall members are invited to come and share their concerns tomorrow morning.

Roseville area schools is having their local government meeting. This is where they invite all the levels of government that have anything, connection with their school district and it City County state and we will be meeting at the middle school in Roseville tomorrow morning from 7.30, to 9 toward the middle school in here. Their impact, the impact of the current immigration enforcement on the school district. So thanks to Area schools for having that meeting city of Little Canada's having their volunteer appreciation event tomorrow night. Many thanks to all of member, all of the people that volunteer in Little Canada and then the suburban Ramsey family climate is having their joint powers Board meeting tomorrow. Yes, which Commissioner Jeb sing set time and then my comments are going to be around But as we all know, we're in Olympic week. I forget how little I can get done when Trent watching the Olympics. But we have a number of people and I'm not going to get them all.

But that that are have actually routes in Ramsey County. I know we were always celebrating the amazing work of Sunni Lee, who was a Ramsey County resident we have I know there's a number Minnesotans on the women's hockey team. There's minute. Woman who plays for the frost and she grew up in Roseville in your family. Still lives in Roseville and its least declined. And she's the daughter Robin, Linda second, who live in Roseville and their friends mine and I've been watching Lee and journey through through the hockey programs in the hockey teams in Minnesota. So she plays for the Frost and is now going to be playing for gold medal and the Olympics on Thursday night, I think is when she'll be playing. So congratulations to Lee and the entire universe. The U. S. Hockey, women's hockey team. Also, you've been hearing a lot about Jessie Diggins, who's with continuing to win medals. And for those of you that MAY not remember Jessie Diggins and her family really helpful.

Supporters in getting our battle. Our snowmaking and our park it at Battle Creek that Ramsey County manages for our cross-country skiers. And we have cntinue to have snow and continue to have events at that because of the snow making him resources we got from the legislature and it's for our all of our school teams in the East Metro area. It's a geat facility meant it could o's and shout out to our parks and Mark and his whole team that really keep that park. I know hundreds of people use it and they would not be able to be skiing these days if it wasn't for the snow making that we have there. So I just want to give a shout out to Battle Creek Recreation area and the snow making that Ramsey County owns and and Jessie Diggins for her great work in helping us promote that at the Legislature and for her work her heard that continued contributions and continued successes at the Olympics.

So thank you. Thank you, MR. Chair. I'll try to keep this brief. I just wanted to share that at the Children's Collaborative. We also received a report from Saint Paul on how the operations going with online school. Some schools have just seen a tremendous amount of students opting for families opting for online learning and have also name that, you putting together an online virtual option has been very difficult. And it's like the bear minimum of like the experience that our children could be receiving in schools. In addition to that, they have had to tap into their funds to be able to deliver food to families, sold. We know their budgets are going to be stretched the district's at the same Pasco School district's budget is affected as well. Furthermore, I wanted to add that Wednesday, I as a part of local, a local progress member. We delivered a letter to Governor Waltz ask for eviction moratorium.

This has already passed resolution by the city of Minneapolis and the city of Saint Paul unanimously. Well, at least Saint Paul was unanimous in asking for the governor to do this because that's the power only he can have for the eviction moratorium and that helps ensure that families are able stay safely in their homes and all sold not stress about the impacts of households are feeling from loss of income. As well as asking that he o pull together resources to families and businesses during in MARCH 20 in phases. And I also wanted to just comment about the announcement about the end trolled the metro on Friday when that was announced in the morning. Exactly. Right after that. Even in the afternoon like there were still reports of like enforcement officials like out in community, one instance where I phoned and Minnesota here was we are they

Ages were dressed in plain clothes and pretended to have a car problem and go ask for a neighbor's help and then they detained him as he came outside to help someone with the car issue. Enforcement agent pad this if we should not take what administration at all. We should maintain our community connections with what we ae doing yet continue to fight back with every ounce power of

Community and like hold on to our humanity. I would say to support our neighbors. The piece about this all is that, you know, it's very much tied with what they were trying to receive funding at the federal level to get to get more funding as well as our voter rolls like they're trying to get that and trying to pass the save act all in all together. So I would say like those are all interested and trick like connected. And this moment time where they are using brute force essentially to to get people to comply what their agenda is. So I want to be what at the release response and community has been done. Amplify them. I will. I'm lifting up you needles, Minnesota, who has also been a big partner with several folks across the state here about the demands that we should be calling for I we should be making sure we should be bringing home everyone who was illegally taken.

2 other states including children, imprisoned in horrible conditions in places like Texas in just a report about 2 months old being detained there, drop charges against peaceful constitutional observers and prosecute. I send federal agents for illegal practices during operation and stop the full funding for an ice agency that has proven and violated and has been unaccountable. They have so many again reiterating that they are in contempt of the courts and have island and so much more than any agency has endured. Tired span support for the small businesses and workers who are facing hardship, evictions and closures because of the tax on our states and then, of course, no new increased cooperation between local law enforcement and ice. Also known as the 2.87 g agreements and reaffirming that for Ramsey County. We do not have these agreements because they are unlawful and then finally to add that they have a process to contact and work with our local law enforcement judicial warrants through us posting publicly about who we have in our detention centers.

They are just choosing not to follow paths. So I just wanted to stay reaffirm what for our residents that we stand with them. The board action that we took still stands in place that there are no coordination or collaboration. There is already a clear process and that's the to dish a warrant. So with MISTER Chair, I will yield back my time. But just wanted to uplift this work the search is still very much going on. Thank We thank you for saying was going know my comments by saying I'm a doubting Thomas. I don't believe search is on number one. You're going to have to show me was during the governor and so I I got chills say hopefully it's political posturing and that's something that they believe a because if you're on the ground in the community, you know, it's not over and thank you for bringing that yeah, listen, I want to tank you for your comments with the corporate sector because, you know, it's easy to everybody sort of relax and get off the hook.

We got to let them know because then that on the ground either and don't know, they keep repeating is fake news. And in many ways. So I just want to thank you both of you. So got stand strong who we are as close to ground as it gets. I mean, I I've discussions in the community and I tell them I don't believe it on the downing Thomas and it's going to take a lot to persuade me. So thank you. Moving forward. We have. I chairing the housing. Redevelopment Authority and then we have behind schedule in terms of the audit committee. In that shared commission is saying. And invest. Not all of us is just a couple of And then at 2 o'clock, we have a close meaning on the sale of one cce Scola building. Just quick we're overtime. I just got a note. We have staff watching us. And so actually it turns out at clean sister works for us in Ramsey County.

She's in the division, a fiscal services to Jill Steckling works fr which are meant to county statistics. Olympian. To So I just wanted to people know that we have people acting in self-defense last but not leas. This is the start of the Chinese New Year, it's a point that I want to mention year. The fire, the fire and fire melts ice on U. S..

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