Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Like to call to one of the Ramsey County Board Commissioners Roll Call, please. Kevin thing here. Choir here McMurtry here. Mueller here, Moran here, here take a I will stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And led a United States America and one nation under GOD, individual and justice for all. Let them Them acknowledgment commission. And

Why think you MR. Chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality. 2 generations from around te world 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 descent homes in hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Toussaint acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We want to acknowledge the ojibwe the Ho-chunk and the other nations of people who also call this place home. We 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 in traditional late native Lance. Consider the many legacies of violence displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today.

And please join us in uncovering such troops at any and all public events. Thank you, Commissioner. Before continue with business, like to make a statement. Ramsey County mourns the loss of salt in first class Nicole a month White Bear Lake who was killed in action while serving our country in Kuwait. We extend deepest condolences family friends, fellow service members and all who knew and loved him. This sacrifice and hurt us. Never be forgotten. Sergeant First most served nation for more than 20 years in the military and was a devoted wife and mother of 2 children. She answered the call to serve with courage and dedication. Representing the very best. Excuse me. The very best of community. We are profoundly grateful for her service and for the sacrifices made by her family and loved ones in support of that soon. Ramsey County will on the

First place. Sergeants. By name to the list of the names of service members from the county. Who have given their lives in military service, which just displayed in Memorial Hall. At the Ramsey County Courthouse. The memorial stance as a lasting tribute to service members. From our community who gave their lives to defend our nation. Residents who wish learn more about the Memorial Hall can explore the story available in the Ramsey County. Open data portal visit Memorial at the Ramsey County Courthouse. Thoughts are with the firsts with Sergeant First as family and friends this difficult time. We also hold in our hearts. All of those who are currently serving nomination. Ramsey County is grateful for teir courage, sacrifice and commitment to protecting our freedom, 7th moment of silence. So so Jen, name of but also for all the others lost and lives the involved in. A I'm in a state items.

Thank you, MISTER Chair. Oh, wait. No, we have to of the agenda. Of watch 10th 2026. Seeing no discussion roll call McGuire. I McMurtry I Mueller, I, John, I tink and take look that and a motion on the for very 17th 2026. Seconds. Seeing no discussion roll. Call McGuire. I country. High Iran. Jeff and saying undertake ai Commissioner McGuire Administrative Agenda. Thank you, MR. Chair. I would like to move administrative item. Number 3, the purchase of

Services agreement wth recycling and energy for employee benefits services. Item number 4 fiscal agent agreement with Ramsey, Washington, Recycling and energy item. Number 5 grant agreement with the housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul for familiar Fit Families pilot program like to pull that. And that's that's. That completes thefts. The discussion. Local. Acquired. I McMurtry. Mueller, I Moran. Right, John, I jump in saying undertake a

Item. 5. I was just wondering if we had I move item number 5 and love to have staff just to give a little overview of the program. I'll second that can a cute. Call the housing stability team. I'm just so folks know you did approve this just a couple weeks ago. We hd to make a technical fix that tere the epa has to be with the housing and redevelopment authority and not the city of Saint Paul because the front of the source of So that Dr Wilkins wants a on the That's something you've just recently approved. I wasn't sure that they get yes. Kind of confused by that. Sherry's County manager Becker. Laurie Peers, second interim deputy director instability along with our new director, Amy Wilkins. And as Commissioner County manager Becker mention, this item actually came to the board in DECEMBER of 2025. It is a pilot program between joint venture with the city. Saint Paul. We are also receiving some funding from the Saint Paul Foundation. And this will focus Families that cycle in and out of homelessness. I very similar to the familiar faces project and this will be for a year

Focusing up to 60 individuals. Primarily a approximately 20 every 4 months. So we figured about 60 for the the year pilot. I primarily children are in and out of homelessness and we will most likely go to a competitive solicitation for finding provider to help us get this pilot out. Well, this week since you're here regards to how the mobile families or recycling in and out of homelessness. With many challenges, how did that work to focus on him for 4 months? Because know takes longer for months, even fine housing. A family, you know, is it about? Is it about placing or is about numbers? You commissioner. And that's a great question. The eligibility criteria families that have been homeless fr 4 plus years and meet the definition o chronic homeless this. So they are already on the priority list and already looking. So it made to your point be longer than 4 months of continued wrap-around services.

But we're going to concentrate on those families. First and then make sure that they get placement case management services and look at to why they were on the list for such a long period of time get them housing ready. So when their name comes up for availability, we can move them quickly into housing. We're going invite to a provider that give that long-term. provided they can do long term services and support is needed. Don't just drop them is to continue us. Well, thank you for that clarification. I was jogging my memory, appreciative of the efforts interested in seeing what we'll learn after you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Seeing no further discussion. Local McGuire, use me 17. I and Ortega. All

Right. Face. Thank you, MISTER Chair. I'm going to provide a the board and informational update about our response Operation. Metro surge this morning. I wanted to ensure that you are understanding the steps that we're taking to support our community as we work through that transition period here. Just as a reminder, the federal government launched Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota in DECEMBER of 2025. Deploying an estimated 3,000 immigration enforcement agents from ice and the Customs and Borders Protection Agency. That number eceeded the combined total number of law enforcement officers. And, you know, within some of our communities in the metro area on FEBRUARY 3rd, you all unanimously passed a resolution condemning the aggressive tactics used during the surge and mourn loss of life and the physical injuries and community trauma that resulted the board then further directed me as part of that resolution to establish and to further work through our county coordinated response. And so as part of that, we continued our work through what's been called the surge response core team to ensure we had coordinating decision-making.

We we're leveraging appropriate resources and implementing the board's directive. So while the federal administration announced that in Mid fair February, that the surge would be ending and thousands of agents would be withdrawn. It remains unclear how many federal agents still remain in Minnesota. What is clear, however, is that the impacts of the surge. I continue to be felt in Ramsey County long after the operations and now transition Ramsey County is the most diverse urban county in Minnesota. Higher share of our residents are foreign born almost double the percentage compared to statewide and many of our households speak the languages other than almost a quarter of our population. The county also has the law, a larger region, black Hispanic population, as well American Indian compared to the rest of the surge. And we know that the surge has targeted Somalis, Latino Asians, American Indians and other non weight. I just proportionately meaning that these communities have experienced the greatest impacts.

And so we are as a county are making efforts to address and reduce these harms as much as possible. So one of the most significant impacts that's ongoing as our communities, mental health, we sent assessments have described the surge as a protection crisis of sorts because its effects go beyond the physical safety and deeply affect them. Emotional well-being of our residents. Many immigrant and Reza refugee families have experience heightened anxiety and fear due to raids, detention and family separation children in particular are withdrawing from school and social activities, increasing risk of depression and anxiety. So to help address these Ramsey County will be providing $75,000 and one-time funding to the Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative these funds will strengthen access to mental health, supports a basic need services during this time by helping to increase referrals and reduce waiting lists. The funding will support a proactive outreach process collaboration and assistance to connecting families with services.

In addition, we are addressing the economic impacts of the surge as well at yur request. Many residents and small businesses have experienced extreme work disruptions and loss of revenue during this period. So to provide relief, the county is announcing today that we are implementing a 2 month temporary extension on the 1st half of 2026 property tax payments eligible property owners will be able to pay their property taxes up to 2 months past the typical deadline without any late penalties. This temporary extension will apply to 9 s code Homestead properties. Certain small businesses with annual property tax obligations, a $50,000 or less and residential non homestead properties with one to 3 units in an annual property tax obligation of 20,000 or less details can be found on our property tax website and will be throughout the community. Under Mnnesota law counties are authorized to abate penalties for late Property taxes, the board has previously delegated this authority to our county treasure because of that existing authority, no additional action today is needed from the board in order to make that happen.

To administer the program. The county will actually will create a property tax extension application form. It will be available online and in a paper format. Those have to be submitted by JULY 15th of this yar and approved applicants MAY make their payments up to 2 months after the date that without penalty with if payment is not made by the extended deadline, statutory penalties will apply retroactively as required by the law. So in addition to those 2 specific, not responses. The county's taken several steps to address immediate and ongoing impacts of the surge that you are well aware of. But I wanted to just highlight the Today. We're spending some time with this update. The first is we posted signage county parks and facilities to deter unauthorized use of our county properties making staging storage and operations by outside agencies not allowed without a permit. We also designated nonpublic areas within our county buildings and clarified that federal agents MAY not access certain areas without a valid judicial warrant.

And this is something worked on throughout the the surge in Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, your call came and talk to you all about a month He worked closely with our law enforcement agencies, devout to develop guidance for residents who witness or experience potential front crimes due to federal agents, their advice how to contact their local law enforcement and how to file a report. John. Join me recently on an episode not John Ramsey County, which is our radio and television outreach that we do with the community. We also established protocols for county employees and how they should interact with immigration at county We had some staff protocol for quite awhile, probably well over a year previously about how to engage with law enforcement activities in partnership with the county attorney's office. More recently had delivered field training essentially for those working out community. And we had a total of 425 employees and the organization who took part in those sessions.

Excuse me. So recognizing the surge also play stress in our I gave you frequent updates on both mental health and wellness resources being shared through human resources and our employee assistance program. We happy that throughout this process we're able to launch a new mobile app. Who are you a piece of in place could have more access to those services county departments have adapted to delivering virtual kind of strengthen that muscle during the pandemic and continued to lean into to that. We created a brand new public website to help residents connect to resources, including food assistance, eviction prevention programs and mental health. We're each resident's to social media. We distributed multilingual postcards to county programs, food Chelsea Poli Saint Paul libraries and parks and Saint Paul public schools. And and many of were in dc a couple weeks ago and we did provide an update to our federal delegation about impacts of the surge as well.

And and finally, you know, we've kept county employees updated through Ramsey net, which is our Internet to let them know about what's happening and what services and supports that they can be receiving. So in closing, while metro surge MAY be winding down, the county's work continues. Our work remains to support our community's recovery, protecting access to our services and ensuring our residents and employees have the resources that they need to move forward. I want to thank you for your support. I believe this report closes out. Many all of if not all the things that you asked me to do in eye the FEBRUARY 3rd resolution. So I'm happy to take any questions. But again, the the most significant thing probably for community is that property tax extension and we will sharing more information about that to our community. Also want to thank the other taxing jurisdictions that we work with and our county treasurer, Tracie West, for working with them.

Obviously, when we make property tax decisions, there's impacts on our cities, our school districts and other taxing jurisdictions and so in coordination with them, we were able to make this pivot. Thank you. And I'm happy take any questions. Thank you. I I have one.

You make sure that's a form that's created for the property tax extension. Its simplest for Because the audience of people in field, the most small businesses we don't need to. You complicated forms to fill Absolutely. Thank you. Allison, thank you, MISTER Chair. I just want really think the county manager, again for taking on this work. It's it's real important that we real big in that the next steps of how rebuild as a community address a lot of the lasting impacts that we know for occupations going to have. So really thank you again for doing My one question is around so with the the criteria or the different categories that would qualify for the 2 month extension. Do we have data on kind of the percentage of properties to fall under these different categories. You know, County treasurer can come up West and answer some of your questions. Are you asking like what percentage of properties are not?

U n s small businesses non escrow. Chair commissioners, thank you for the questions. I don't have the exact number of properties that are escrow, but we did do this back in 2020. And we had about it. 30 it 2 million in tax extension qualified. For this tax extension and then we 18% of those who qualified actually took advantage of the program. But I will make sure to follow up and get the not the exact numbers for you. That great. And I think it'll be helpful of, you know, once we gt This JULY 15 deadline to kind of an update on how many folks lost took advantage of this extension. I know that I'll be doing my part you know, push this out in the community and make sure folks are aware. But thanks for the follow-up on this. I have a for you the audience and anybody else. Give us the definitions of as shown on this football.

Chair commissioners, good questions. So escrow is when you have your property tax payments automatically set up with your mortgage company. So then non ask role would be if you pay online or in person, So you say this about 18%. In essence, people might have paid off mortgage, but now paying property taxes and they're correct. And county wide, about 50% of residents escrow their payments catch a city in a 50 50 to send we can

Say is not correct? Thank you. Commissioner. Yes, all. Not for us well. We good. Thank you I was just going to I the county manager managers ability to infuse some funds, the Ramsey County Children's Mental Health, Collaborative and for those who are not familiar. The Ramsey County Children's Mental Health, Collaborative has quite an extensive online resource bank, not only for tools that people access at any time, but they also have extensive relationship with local providers culturally rooted providers and have a and keep updated lists on on waiting times who has openings. And this was really built out during covid and the families that are held within that collaboratives service space are some of our most complex families facing multiple challenges. And so I encourage anybody who is looking for additional resources to support their family, that the website really is the first start and these kind of dollars. The appreciate that working with establish relationships and knowing that they're already doing this extent of the outreach, they're already working with providers that are trusted community partners.

And so I think it was a wonderful way for us to to meet the moment in the moment rather than something that would have impact months from now. So I really do appreciate that. One of the questions that I had on some of the other other programs were just a question of I know that we've done a really good push and making sure that all of our services are available to people wherever they're at and virtually. And I'm just wondering you have a sense of requests to some of our programs, the did they drop during this time where they shifted to phone or online requests to do. Anticipate that there will be a number of people calling as they feel more comfortable and reemerge out of sheltering in place or to to keep pace. I'm just curious if we were able to meet people with these new ways of reminding them of all of the ways that they can reach us.

Yeah. Thank you, commissioner, for your We've been getting operational reports throughout from the departments throughout the surge. We're in the process right now yesterday actually review that an after action report that we are now going. We need to do one more piece, which is to get some feedback from some of the departments o exactly what you're asking. So I within I was thinking about a month, I'll be able to actually send you an official after action report that will cover a lot of that. I think where when I say that we really flex star already existing muscle, a lot of the things that pivoting virtual what was not new. We're ready doing all those things, right. So perhaps some decline in our in person, for example, if there was even an enr service center, we already had a robust call center and navigation, you know, online and by phone. So and in many ways, it was a little bit business as usual.

Even despite the challenge because we had many of the tools in place so that's really year. And then my my last question was I think that this property tax extension will impact businesses landlords and residential homeowners. But I know there also is some concern about rental assistance and other kind of thanks. And I'm just curious, I knew that I know that we have been promoting our emergency assistance dollars. We had brief update while back. And I'm just wondering, are we at what we also a report on if there's been an up uptick in requests for that? And if there's any increase in our eviction courts and, you know, cases just I want to on top of of that issue as well as family, sir, making their way through this time. Yeah, thank you for that. Sure. We can make sure that is included in the after action report. I think a lot of I mean, maybe about a lot.

But several cities and Ramsey County are providing eviction assistance. Even a couple in the suburbs as well. In addition to the city of Saint Paul of infuse additional resources into that space, I think some of that is time leg. I mean, we're just hitting like MARCH one, whether or not you know what happens APRIL one. So in many ways, I think we'll know more in the next 60 days when it comes to eviction. So we can be tracking that in terms of the business assistance, you know, for property tx. I do think that could be very helpful for some small businesses because, you know, the kind of entering into the summer season. Hopefully they can get ramped back up and maybe just having that cash - flow for an extra couple months. Can you know, keep you afloat in a way in and keep things going as maybe business picks up. So yeah, thank you for the questions.

All right. Let's move on to the presentation and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Snap. MR. Chair if I can give a little intro into please come on up on Ali deputy I don't know who's coming up, but I had asked financial assistance services. To bring this to the board has just a primer on how we do snap certifications. I know there's been a lot of conversations about I about the eligibility process and about how we recertify as it comes to sort federal junctures and things like that we've received. So I wanted a chance for you to hear about half of the work that we're doing. In addition, this is sort of a slight preview to the fact that we've had all hands on effort around bringing down the error rate for snap as we tried to be on the defensive offensive mode when it comes to h one. So you're going to be seeing that very soon.

I thought this would be a good, a short presentation tougher so thanks the high manager, France. Well. Thank chair commissioners and county manager factor ad thank you, especially county manager Becker for giving the brief overview of what we're going do today because it's what I was going to do. But I appreciate you doing it. I would just add oe thing. We are coming back to the board on APRIL 28th to a board workshop where we will do a deeper dive into the current stage of all hands on deck, which is what call access and accuracy. So now I'm just going to turn it over to director all lead to take us through this after recertification process. We're also joined by Deputy director Jason hit teen who will participate in the presentation as well. Thank you. Thank to kind of major fronts. Well, with money chaired mission is kind of monitor. It's my pleasure to Schools.

It's my pleasure to be here today to give you an update about the sniper certification program. It's not has been talked about quite a bit. We sent Florida, but resets. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It's not. Is the Federal Food Assistance Program also funded by the United States Department Culture. The usda. Each is state of list it's not program. To further Lewis with some flexibility in-home policies and oppression is okay to do it. In Minnesota. State law and a mistake to determine how did you get it to cut a reporting requirements and of the state to besiege suspect. It. Count is accepted. Commission's. Determine eligibility. Should though, receptive occasion in accordance with the state. And for that offer. Delicious. This man is come to stuff. A disposable phone company, The full food suffocation process from start to finish. Why some statements are supported by

State system. U. S.. Most receptive commission work is completed. Man wanted by county staff. Let's walk through this. Not accept if a case of life cycle. Hope like the county level. That's not recertification process. It's similar to that. The commission process. During the certification pivot household is full and change chunk the party all 6 months reporting requirements which explain it in group notes. Benefits approved for a set period of time. On every new will notice smell about 45 days before

Benefit those Household to support changes such income household members and housing close to So image of unity can be used. Mostly. We want include a short interview, usually completed by Residents MAY be a to provide documents such proof of income. All expenses. To verify. Continued eligibility. Once all required information is received, staff reviewed the case and determine eligibility based on state and federal rudeness. If only knew what this completed

On time and household remains eligible benefits continue. If you for mission is late old missing benefits MAY change posts and a new publication. Maybe you quiet. Because not just for that. Could lead to it. Staff must comply. Policy must apply policy consistently and a comment Legibility decision is through indication. Deviating states state policy even with good intent. Can increase the county's total rate and the result. And for that all financial penalties. With that

Overview of that, it's up to commission process. I would difficult to But to Jason had Dean 12 through comes. The count is caseload program. Statistics. Excuse me. We should seeing. Yeah, I just I just wanted to kind of ask a little more question on what would constitute an era. You mentioned a couple o things in and I think maybe just to put that into real terms as to what might cause an error rate either because of administratively on our side documentation. Or something as far as payment over payment under fema. Happens the question. Commissioner Jovanah. See, that's a very, very good question. So it's not payment 8 each year. Once you know that, you know, the qc is conducted that findings that tell us about what the most do. It is the most 8 in So competition. You can get the cost. I showed cost. Once of the financial workers receive this information, us the center this information into the system.

If they don't use the correct information that result overpayment and abatement and that's what the payment or is about. And when and how often just naturally in the course of doing your own administration of this, do you catch those errors and then adjust the payments? I mean, how much of that is just part of lots of information going back and forth and how much of it is. I guess I guess the question I have having worked in having worked with with some folks on some of some of I know we talk about fraud. We talk about people abusing the system. We talk about all that. But some of the serrated just the nick, the nature of of a lot of information is being passed between households in the county and and and there's also a lot of different typing you know, into screens and things like that. And so how much of this is just, you know, the basic work of all of this paper going back and forth and how much of it do you feel is like a true mistake or are true concern? Very good question, Most of medal that is due to administrative service is about total purse is the case.

The meet a nuke, a big shake that someone received and that information MAY be deflected into the cause. On Some people MAY come back to condition of program volition and that that rouson procedures that we will follow that and we have a quality control and aquatic went to a cut to his those areas. Was the template. Thank you, MR. It's my understanding that And Ramsey County, Minnesota, we have pretty low rate, generally with all of these cases, cause. I know nationally, i think that if you have a really high error rate, you actually don't have to you actually get to delay the penalties if you have a little lower, but you have you know, you have penalties. But I think we have a pretty little. It's it's vry counter what it should be that at the national level. We I sense is that we have I mean, everybody does the best they can. And we we have rates.

But we generally in the scheme of things in the country have on the lower you know. Good question. His state of Minnesota of the last official payment at a rate that w've received is about that hold that, you determine you know, him and from fitness for the runs, tuition services, te payment reit is the 10 minute. Any at a rate that's above 6 percentage. It's above 6 percentage than the penalties would kick from 5% 10% to 15% state of Minnesota. Now is about a 10% Sunday. Thank Thank you. Commissioners for these questions. Like I said, this is like little bit a primer on the certification process. We're going to dig into the air raid on APRIL 20 says, I believe, 2020. But, you know, currently the Minnesota rate what Ali said. It's about 11%, which would at just actually have incurring a pretty high penalty. It's 15% with hr one. That's why we're working. So diligently to sort bring down our own error rate even though you know, it's the collective state error rate that will drive with the penalty will be, but we can assume that, you know, they might be looking at where everybody's that as they figure out how to sort mitigate whatever is coming.

So look forward to all those questions. Our team's been working really hard, I think, rather than going into the weeds on the air. It today. I want to make they can explain that overall, the snap program. And we want to talk about all the strategies that they've been working on to bring down that error rate in just a few weeks with you. Also. Good morning chair. Good morning. Commissioners. Thank you, Director for Ramsey County. That translates to about 34,000 active staff cases that supports over 60,000 residents in a typical month percent number fluctuates a little bit. Most cases are recertified every 12 months while household with a regular income or it required to report every 6 months. A a result about half of all Ramsey County snap cases approximately 17,000 have moved through the recertification in just the last 6 months. On average staff process about 2800. Re certifications each month with the rquired 30 day window to complete the process.

Interviews are usually completed by phone, which is how most residents choose to participate in the process. Taken together. This reflects a steady high volume workload that directly impacts timeliness, accuracy and resident She wish to And this MAY be a question that we just tack on for the the broader presentation. But with the with hr one pushing to have everybody be recertified every 6 months. When I look at this, I mean, what would what we talking about this workload and then wanting to make sure that making sure to have a quality. And this I mean, how much would it help with that guy? As for staffing and costs to be able to all of a sudden the certifying everybody every 6 months. I can have so thanks, commissioner. We're doing some early estimates right now. And I know we've been working with Ali's. Team in fiscal to work on some of this, but it could be up to Ali.

Correct me if I'm wrong, maybe 75 additional staff potentially. can I just assume that are there any dollars to help us with these additional administrative requests? Not from the knot at the federal level. Thank you. Yes. And I would just add that calculations are also taking into consideration the Medicaid. Medicaid changes. For sure. Excuse me, d 2800. The certifications per How do I measure that? What what is that? Good bad. That's really an average based on how many cases we have and cases recertify every 12 months. So it's an average there's some months we MAY have 3,000 another month. Survey of 2500. Okay. So 2800 ease. How long of a trend is that happened over 3 months ferry and I see what you I'm trying to get a sense of the trending. Yeah. Thank you. Chair. We each month we have a certain number of cases that recertify that come up for recertification of their annual 12 month recertification.

The process, though, like residents get notified. 45 days in advance of that. And so they get the paperwork and everything. So it is it's sort of cyclical nature that our staff go through every month. The notifications go out. Information comes back. Staff put that into the system and they sure to repeat that each month. But with different residents because most residents are only recertify every 12 months. So let me ask you this question. So in much of Twenty-twenty 5, because I assume that the recertification for that month was around. 2800 correct? All right. This chart shows how active cases are distributed across financial assistance Services. While snap represents about one quarter of our total case load. The key takeaway here is that these programs require submit similar administrative and recertification work. Each program has its own eligibility rules. But the court responsibilities such as re certifications, renewals verifications interviews an eligibility processing are largely the same.

This means staff are managing a high volume of complex recurring work across multiple programs. At the same time. Not just sent. Looking ahead. Federal policy changes such as hr one introduced more frequent re certifications aross programs which directly increase the mount of administrative work that's required by our staff. That additional work is absorbed by the same staff using the same process Within the same time lines without changes to how this work is supported, increase recertification frequency will place added pressure on staff capacity and increase risk 2 timeliness accuracy across all programs. That concludes the overview of snap recertification process with this work and what this work look like at the county level in terms of case volume and operational effect. We appreciate the opportunity to provide contacts and welcome any questions. The board MAY have. Thank you. Commission saying so the county is in charge of the certification. That and the eligibility process. But the dollars come from the federal government.

Role that we are playing as far as making sure that our residents are receiving the services that they're eligible for. How much money does that actually bring into the county? I mean, because those dollars are then part of snap benefits that go to our grocery stores. They're dollars that go to our medical clinics in our hospitals. I mean, how much money are we helping facilitate being drawn into our community, which was, you know, tax dollars that were collected and sent to to dc and other coming back to us. So I'm just curious how much help with with our our facilitating this, how much money is this then bring back into our community? Commissioner jump in see does a bit of good 2026. Snow program has is what's called. It's not benefit cst. Of actual amount that the cbn to It went to 25 2024. Ramsey County alone. The portion that we should was 126 new.

That includes let's not for that. And speaking of portion. That's going stand up to the county that's coming from. ok, so it any any kind of disruption in our ability to make sure that these certifications go through would have impacts beyond the people who are being who are receiving these services. If someone you know for us to know the crux, one yes. You to add to question, comes to mind, my thinking is that also so you it impacts the economy now? Porous neighborhoods. So that's You know, we're just looking internally at this point. Thank you so much. Any other questions? All right. I'll reserve any for our frier discussion. Thank so much. Thank you. Commissioners.

Excuse me. Let's update. Had a busy few weeks here. Many of us were attended several conferences are national conference our interstate. Why conference? I want to thank Julie Wood for all of her work in helping us and and the government relations team for getting a all of the information for all of us as we get our meetings. So we many of us were in Washington, D. C., We met wth McCollum. Senator Cope with Congresswoman Betty McCollum. Senator Richard senators Mitt and Congresswoman Angie Craig. And we focused our work on the impacts of the metro surge on our community as well impacts on Ramsey County. I pray shuns and service delivery. Talked about as we just the snap and Medicaid, this serious fiscal - and administrative challenges that the county will face with the changes to snap and Medicaid. An hr one. We heard a little bit about that. Now. And then the current concerns that we have about the the Save America Act, which would require people to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote.

And when they show up to vote and we're going to learn some more about these this issue at workshop this mrning, which is on our elections. So we can talk more about that. Bill, which would be problematic just give an example. You People have to provide proof of citizenship, which is sometimes a person to pick at your birth certificate. If you're a married woman and you've changed your name, your birth certificate will have a different name on it. Then you're then you than official name. And so going to be problematic for many people to have to show that proof of citizenship. So will be talking about that at the workshop this morning. Also, we had our amc are association, Minnesota counties, state. There few our legislative conference and many of us met with our local elected officials, our state representatives and our senators. And I want to thank most, you know, all of us in this attended those meetings.

We have a very dedicated legislative. I delegation that really want to help us with their issues. And we are helping them help us with the information that we that we provide to us. I just want to say last week we had a delegation meeting on on on Zoom where we had about 15 of our delegation members. Listen to our mainly one of our top issues at the Legislature, which is our Capitol complex county host program, which would provide an annual state appropriation to the county as host of the state Capitol complex. And so we had a great meeting with our lead legislators and and on that issue. And we also talked about our bonding or number one binding request with which is our park. It represents, which will connect people to the river here in Ramsey County and so we also talked about extension of the mortgage registry and detachment funds are Environmental Response Fund, which really helps us.

We develop our our land so many thanks to all of our legislators who are helping us with this legislation and killing these bills for us. Continuing at the state legislature in session now and we're continuing talk about all of these issues and at a at at the Legislature. We also talked about the matter the need for modernization of our technology system that the state requires us to use to administer human services programs. This one of the number one issues that that we have at and amc, but also in our county as well. So are our top legislative issues are very some are is similar to what the rest of the state has, which is modernization of ours. Technology systems, which is this the impacts of the snap and Medicaid isues and also the African-American Family Preservation Act. With we Or having a metro parks meeting. It was scheduled for tomorrow, next week, but we're really focusing on.

Getting funding for our for Metro Parks. And I have just want to thank everyone again, for all the work that they're doing. I know there's many of us are being called to testify. At the at the Legislature for on all the different issues. I do want to give one federal update. mainly where we're meeting with our legislature and the state updates. But we continue to work with our federal delegation on, as I said, the save act, which is of the elections act and then the the immigration enforcement and the, you the impacts that the metro surge had on us. We're continuing to work with delegation on the impacts of that. And then a bipartisan package to promote affordable housing the 21st Century Road to Housing Act is also in play at the at and in our nations capital. And so we're going to be working on that. So those are some of the issues that we've got going on for our legislative tam.

Lots of work going on. Thanks to everyone who continues to to do the work that we need to do. Thank you, Commissioner. One. Questions. County connections. Yeah. Thank you, MISTER Since we don't have a couple of meetings at the end of the month, I wanted to make sure that given a notice about our open book meeting for 2026 and I'll be sending some additional information for commissioner. So you can share that in your newsletters and things to your constituents as well. But Ramsey County property owners are starting receive their annual evaluation notices which shows their estimated market value in classification used to turn to determine their property taxes payable in 2026. These usually arrive around late MARCH property values determined through the assessment process, help determine the property taxes that residents will pay the next years. So the following year, the county assessor estimates each properties, current market value as part of the annual tax calculation process.

So we urge residents to review their valuation notices carefully and to contact the assessor's office if they have questions about either the property value or their classification residents who believe their property value is incorrect. Attendant what's called an open book meeting on APRIL 7th where they speak directly with county assessors and discuss their property valuations. These meetings give property owners the chance to ask questions and to review their assessments before the taxes are finalized. If residents want to appeal the 2026 value for taxes payable in 2027, they should call are sensing office at 6, 5, 1, 266-2131, and talk to an appraiser that meeting on the 7th is optional. It's not a requirement to peel your value. You can just make the phone call. So I just wanted to make sure that folks knew because that's a part of our budget process. That's a little bit different in the by the time you sort of start paying attention, your property tax isn't atually when you can do this process.

So you have to be a little foresight in terms of trying understand your property tax value. And also if you want to, you ask for reconsideration. I wanted to also announce good news rch patients Ferguson. She's been selected to receive a empower hr award finalist celebrated through the Minnesota hr 5 is part of the Minnesota Twin Cities. Business Journal. This program is a movement dedicated to elevating the human resource profession. Those champion innovation and celebating resilient leaders. I know you'll be seeing patients a little bit more in the nxt couple months. We have a couple hr workshops coming your way. Congratulations to her. And then lasted. Just wanted to give a a quick note about something new we're doing just until APRIL 30th. So you have take advantage of it. But our environmental center is doing a pilot around mattress and box spring recycling. And so you can find a lot of information on our website.

Ideally you would make an appointment. This is only available for Ramsey County residents to be able to take advantage of that. They are working closely with second chance, recycling to recycle, the mattresses and box springs either for reuse or recycle. And it's a great opportunity. Check out Environmental Service Center during the springtime as well as we move into these months and thanks to the team over there doing this. So thank you. Of said Voting committee, he puts big in Phoenix. If you have the Okay. So good morning. Been a while since we've been here. I'm going to go back a little bit to life. If you were To talk about the opportunity that I had to speak with students in the so-so inequalities in health course at the University of Minnesota. Public have. How David to share my personal journey in public service and discuss have policies aphek have equity are implemented at both local and state level as well as the role of community in residence to influence decision making. Along with 2 road, county government that we play to address disparities and improving community well-being. So something I do every year with. In partnership with us, Minnesota, public, half. Also back on FEBRUARY 18 I met with

To you, Wolf, was over healthy aging initiatives just to really discuss opportunities to strengthen services support to seniors and ran to county. What those collaboration is look to lie in. What The partners in the partnership that you have? That focus on aging residents, they were going with opportunity, for me to role she played on behalf of our elders. We heard commission required talk in dc. Which was part of the National Association of County Conference where we it myself and of the county leaders from

Across to a the country gathered to share best practices and skus federal policies. Impacting counties including. What what the federal policies look like. Erectus to Ramsey County. I was a big delegation from Minnesota show that. I just so appreciative of our congressional delegations and their leadership and advocacy and support that they do in d c also coming back to Minnesota. To have the same type of conversation. Each one of really, I think it's a really great partnership that

We have ok. Also this week was 82 last week with 2 and a tent, a cough, couple if Karr. Dan News. And that was hosted by one that was hosted by Representative Salman Khan from scene and Representative Baker. But that was a partnership between Democrats and Republicans. That desn't always happen. So it's really good to see Democrats and Republicans in the space breaking bread together. But this this the event on the second at the Minnesota National Guard. Was really good to see the National Guard recognition one of the members there. And as you all know, if it's a recognition of the Ramadan. And no points of community connections. And so I'm I mean, that was the night well attended by many people. You know, my colleagues, representative, it's good to represent commissioner to showed It's good have to to be there in a space together with you. And also David, to attend another. If tie that was hosted by the with the Midwest Community Care, Midwest Community Care is a local nonprofit that is located in my district University Avenue they they came in to some renovation with a local business right there in the

Community on the avenue. And the space is really, really beautiful space that they took a lot of time to invest in, was able to get some state federal and city dollars to do those renovations. It's well be a space where the Somali community can get support around mental health. Out to support services which well needed here in Sint Paul. You know, we do have a large population Somalis in Saint Paul and in Minneapolis. But what I learned over over time, the device Somali residents that live in Saint Paul and surrounding Saint Paul area often go to Minneapolis where support services were. More readily available for them. So now they have a beautiful community space here in Saint Paul for meetings and events. But they also are really focusing those support services in Eden. You know, county manager really like increase in time that we support the Somali community here and saying policy what that looks like in partnership with Ramsey County have no idea what that could look like.

For more importantly, we learn from them what within. These are for their community. Also attended the amc Conference locally you to meet a state that it's important that we also so up at that the state legislature at the Capitol to support, I not support, but many share our Ramsey County delegation, the legislative and how we can work together get that pass on behalf or not, only Ramsey County residents but their residence. That's it for me. All I will try to be quick. So I also attended I sat on the environment, energy use committees. I have 5 of the 6 proposed resolutions were passed. The one that was not pass was unfortunately for Minnesota. Work on that for

Next time. I when I came back, I went to the are any meeting Israel Standard meeting? We did recognized a thank you from the mpca because he is retiring. So that was great. And Victoria was there in different cupcakes which always have And I get great update from the footsteps program. The 2025 numbers about 12% of eligible house households are partisan participating. And that's both in Ramsey and Washington County. And the total was 208.7 tons collected from tose households. Currently, the program is only operating in Maplewood and North Saint Paul. The was got program Sept did share with us that we are in stage 2 phase 4 of the rollout plan which will include the rest of Washington County and the northern suburbs of Ramsey County. So district one, the rest of district 7 and staff has of communications communicating that to residents and hopefully start collecting and sorting by JULY. So we are really excited to have that role out and then it will be Roseville Narita to say anything to him Also, I knew you were going to ask that.

And so I had to the picture and I tought I had a ball that let me grab the bottom really quick. The dates are planned for Porter Debbie Stage. 3 phases 5 to 7, which early OCTOBER next year. So to me, it's got it's coming it's coming to same the sell some of that. I also attended the Metro Conservation District send my condolences to and white Eagle. She was the for the Ramsey County staff that sat on that board and she passed away. Unfortunately, a couple weeks ago, I didn't connect with the family that don't are parks and Recs. Staff also sent some flowers and have a plan to plant a tree later on. So thank you to our staff for that and it's a loss that have. And it was really Saturday meeting with some, you know, gps. They election of officers. I will have to update you next time I looked up her says I'm not one of and then finally my staff attended the Mrch 3rd County Fair Media.

For those that are unaware the county fair is scheduled to cme back this year, the ag Society Board and the County. Parks and Rec department have agreed upon terms and contract. So more to come on that. I also participated in amc at the Helms. Great to meet with some of our legislators and chat with them about our priorities. And today, Kathleen is attending the state of Maplewood is giving their address. So unfortunately, this is a reschedule saw. I not there, but I will end. Also, I will try to be quick as well. Going back a little bit FEBRUARY, had a chance to meet with the executive director of Route Wellness Routes, Wellness Center, and in my district, there do a lot of around mental health services and over the last couple of months in the midst of occupation happened, really active different mutual aid, providing mutual aid funds to cover things like rent, utilities and groceries and all really essential needs for folks in our community who have been directly impacted by Operation Metro Search.

So a great time meeting with that group. I had a chance to testify couple of times before the Legislature, I testified. Before the Senate Human Services Committee to discuss impacts of hr one and that I would have on Ramsey County specifically and also had a chance to testify before the Senate taxes Committee on the Environmental Response Fund, which we are asking for an extension of the mortgage registry and d tax to ensure that we can continue to fund the environmental resource Line. Responsible also have to and make coal. Sure more. We've got a lot of the same things everybody else. Also, I was invited to briefly speak at the one 100th anniversary of Black History Month at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility. Want give a special thank you to director long for inviting me to be a part of that. It was great to just see the community that they built there. And to be a part of that moment with with residents there.

Also had a chance to attend that was hosted by Representative Hussein ripping the fake or at Minnesota National Guard. I? Attended mc Conference and have a chance to speak on behalf of the counties provide welcome remarks to attendees at the conference center really share aout our as a county. What we have experienced. Over these last few months, not only here but across the state of Minnesota and it and the impacts U. S. Directly had ongoing counties regards to Operation Metro Surge. So was really happy to be able to share and to speak our truth as an organization happy that it was well received by some. I had a chance to also speak at are only gathering the rest, right, Smarter Alliance. The have their unity gathering. And I had a chance to present to awards community champion awards to 2 amazing, small business owners and community leaders. Juan Lopez, who owns the perfect coffee on Rice Street and Coy Graham, who owns managed making kitchen Rice Street over the last few months in particular, they have been incredible.

Just partners so many areas when it comes to supporting their community, especially in the midst of of the occupation. So it was a real honor to lift them up and to highlight the amazing work that they're doing. And then I will wrap up with a couple more things the Hammond Midway neighborhood last Friday, the snowing University Alliance, which is just starting to to establish itself as an organization had a walking tour of snow university with a number of partners to really imagine what we want to see along the corridor and think was really great to hear from a number of - us from not only government, but from our district councils from Hamlin University from a number of different nonprofits along the corridor to really understand what's possible there. And we will continue those conversations as the Snow University Alliance continue to itself. And one side note next Monday, we will some improvement on that in the section with the demolition of the cbs.

That's at the Cornell snowing University, which we are all excited to be happening. Later earlier this week, I also had a chance to have my monthly meeting with in collaboration with of Ward 4 Councilmember Malik home. And we meet with a number of partners to discuss the different opportunities that's happening along Snow and university and to get updates this particular week we received update from comport the supportive housing that's one snowing as they near the end of their Rican of their construction. They added 24 new uits to the building. So they'll be moving residents in there as they also renovate the existing building. So hopefully by OCTOBER, they will be complete with all knot with new building with renovations. And then finally, last night we had welcome back legislative reception, host of 5 mayor her. And the Saint Paul at agape delegations. So got a chance to be there with a number of colleagues hear directly from the mayor and from the delegation as really get into this legislative session.

So it was really great to connect with them. And I think it's also a great example. And top are too new for us as a forward to continue to build our of with the city with this administration, maybe even hosting somewhat similar to what we did with the county attorney and the county sheriff with the mayor and with the city council just so that know that we're all on the same team. So and then coming up this week Thursday, I'll be hosting m next quarterly district. 3 small business collaborative. this time it will be at the community hub on Wright Street and we'll get a presentation from the sheriff's office. And that's it from a bank. You. Additional savings? Well, I can speak through some of these. I was also able to attend our Naco a conference my primary. Focus on these as health health policy. And so it was lovely to be ale to colleagues across the state to reinforce on the platform can for confirmation to public health based on science.

Strange that that is part of our platform and has to b vocally part of our platform. But it is. Can suddenly needing to be reiterated when it comes to our immigration. Suggestions the cdc National Institute of Health and all of these things are a little bit enough people. So nice to see that county colleagues from across our country still want us to. Lean on science. also say I was able to sit in on immigration policy panel discussion and represent what was happening here in Minnesota. I think it was refreshing to be able to let our colleagues know what's happening here and and so that they can start to prepare. Should this happen in their corner of the world? I was also able to attend the same college slated for said reception last night with a beautiful evening to walk in downtown Saint Paul and to see some of our colleagues. I want to lift some of the events they've been able to or be able to participate.

Last month I was able to attend the want thank staff here at the Ramsey County staff apart who created partnered with Hamlin University host their Black History Month celebration. And it was really great afternoon. I was able to attend the Friends of the Library breakfast with Commissioner Miller. We also had representatives at our table couple of local school districts as well as Snator can issue is an advocate for a library system. So it's a wonderful time to also get together and to lift up that work. And the iftar dinner was just fantastic. And then also was able to be in Mounds view this last weekend on for the MARCH in the Spring Yard and Garden Expo. I want to also say that, you know, we talk Risks are kind of the county work that we've been doing to response to in as we are still coming out of Operation Metro Surge. And it was really lovely to be able to attend the planting seeds for suburban man community in with a partnership between the suburban Ramsey Family, Collaborative good Roseville with my colleagues.

Commissioner require and county manager Becker as well as a number of other representatives from out the county system who were there because they're involved in those local activities. Not because we specifically had invited them, but because they themselves are already engaged with efforts on the ground. And so with this meeting was local organizers who who are still continuing to figure out how mobilize activated residents around mutual aid and attaching them to ongoing efforts for community assistance. And so there's another alike program coming up in Venice Heights in the next couple of Bring more information on that. In is far as operational excellence. I want to say it was able to tend to different events. Are 2 different sit-downs on that was really new and research that were attended by staff. And I know that this these kind of events really do inform quality work and the kinds initiatives here in Ramsey County, one was the nami annual research center where we heard really up-to-date information about women who are nowhere, women who are mothers who are trying to recover some substance use disorders and some of the patterns that we're seeing as far as what actually is helpful for them as well as the continuum of care for justice impacted curls.

There's a quantitative and qualitative report that really looked at girls who are in our foster care system and following them through. So I just want to lift up the work that, you know, it's not wash rinse. Repeat here, Ramsey County that that the everyday work is being lifted by data driven and Reese recent research tested what are the best practices to serve our community? And I do ask for the intelligence that MARCH is Women's History Month. And in light of some of the threats to our democracy, I thought I would lift up Carrie Chapman Catt. He was a pioneering American suffragist and leader who played a central role in securing women's rights to vote in the United States. Kerry Clinton, Clinton Lane Chapman Catt was born on JANUARY 9th 18. 59 in Ripon, Wisconsin and grew up in Charles City, Iowa. She attended Iowa State agricultural called College. Now Iowa State University graduating in 18.

80 is the only woman in her class early in her career. She became one of the first women appointed a superintendent of schools and Macy Mason City, Iowa. Cats dedication to women's rights began in earnest after her first husband Leo Chapman died and 18 86. She became active in the Iowa women's Suffrage Association eventually serving as state organizer in 18 90, she married George Cap. You supported Chris efforts were can allow for dedicated time to campaign for women's rights. Allies cat rose to national prominence as PRESIDENT Of the National American Woman Suffrage Association succeeding Susan b Anthony in 1900. She developed the winning plan, a strategy to come campaign for suffrage at both state and federal levels, which was instrumental in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, Gretchen American women, the right to vote Cat championed the merger of 2 existing organizations, the longstanding National American Woman Suffrage Association with the National Council of Women Voters to create the League of Women Voters in 1920.

And her presidential address at the Nas. What convention Katz said, let us raise up a league of women voters, the name in form of organization to be determined by the voters themselves, Ali, that should be non-partisan and nonsectarian in character and she'll be consecrated. 2, 3 chief aims to use its most influence to secure the final in franchise Mont of the women of every sate in our republic and to reach out across the seas and 8 of the women struggling for her own in every land to remove the remaining legal discrimination against women in the coat and constitutions of of the several states in order that the wmen MAY find the stumbling blocks removed to make our democracy. So say for the nation and so say for the world to that every citizen MAY feel secure and great men will acknowledge the worthiness of the American Republic to lead over 100 years later, the League Women voters remains non-partisan.

Grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy with active leads leaks in all 50 states and more than 800 leagues across the country League of Women Voters engages in advocacy, education, litigation and organizing to protect every woman's free to every American's freedom to vote. Their mission is empowering voters and defending democracy. Carrie Chapman Catt went on to serve as PRESIDENT Of the International Women's Suffrage Alliance promoting women's rights globally and continued her advocacy for women, international Peace and Teller death in MARCH of 1947, she is remembered as a masterful organizer or 8 or instruct strategic strategist leadership helped transform the political landscape for women in the United States and worldwide. And I will leave with this quote, which is a call for social justice and community action that I think is still current in these times to the wrongs that needs resistance to the right. That needs assistance to the future in the distance in the distance, give yourselves.

Well, Jane, thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN who applied that. Thank you, Commissioner Jevan seeing a great history. We are blessed with an amazing Lee vibrantly of women voters in I think in the country. And of course, in our in our state and in our county, I'm personally a member of both the Rossville Area League of Women Voters and the New Brighton League and they continue to have these amazing programs for available to everyone open to the public 2 and men, many of them at our library system in our libraries and in most villain in Shoreview and Maplewood. And I just I'm so grateful to the work that they're doing in helping people register to vote. And it really getting the word out about what it means to be a part of our democracy. I want to say that I I thank our county attorney John Choi, who spoke at new Brighton League Women Voters last week and did an amazing presentation on the tings that are going on in the county attorney's office.

He does an amazing job of, you know, talking about the things that that his office and the county are doing. To really prevent violent crimes and to lower the crime rate that's going on here. And he is just gets to Mazen programs going on. So many things Start County attorney for presentation and I'm bringing him to many and bring him to rotary are optimist club Roseville to talk about those same things. So thank you for doing tat. And also, I want to just thank commissioner jury for his update on Rice and on cellular. And it's snowing in university because it's a path that I think many of us use to get to our places. And I'm grateful that there is work going on there. And just 2 give a shout out to the largest moon in Minnesota, which is right there on that corner, which is gorgeous. A stainless steel loon that it's larger than the other largest that in northern Minnesota.

So now we host Ramsey County holes, the largest moon statue more in Minnesota. Yeah. So it's it's it's exciting to have that. So, yes, it's been a couple weeks. So I'm going quickly talk about the amazing things that are going on. Many of them supported, of course, by our Ramsey County departments and things the roads are. Schools had their local government meeting where a number of us were there. One represent the Roseville Schools, Commissioner Gem in Singin Commissioner Miller. We're at the middle school to learn about the impact of Metro surge on the school district. And it was sobering. I mean, we had teachers there that were saying how amazing the volunteers have been providing food providing security out, you know, just with the bus stops just helping our kids get to school and back and our families giving them some sense of security when they want to bring their kids to school. So just thanks so much to all of our school districts.

We specifically heard about Roseville area schools at the meeting that we had and just appreciate all the work that they're doing. So the little candidate had their volunteer appreciation night. I I love it when people appreciate all the good work of our of employees little can of parks and recreation got an award for all the great work they're doing what? Laura Linney and as the city Administrative City, assistant administrator get the employee Core Value Award and Lisa Krieger, customer service technicians at it, an employee award. And just thanks to all of our employees that do such great work in their communities. Really appreciate that. I think Commissioner Jevan sing mentioned the suburban Ramsey family collaborative. Want to thank you for your leadership there at the at that meeting where we bring there's lots of, you know, organization, many organizations in the area that come together to talk about how we can wrk together the issues that we share.

And of course, I've already mentioned our National Association of Counties and Ours Are Association State Association of Counties just want to mention one more thing about our National Association. We had congressional breakfast at at the Library of Congress where all almost all of our congressional delegation was there. So was really great to hear from our 2 senators many of our legistar congressional delegation on the issues that we can work on together. So then we were able to hear from many people. Many thanks to that to to amc for putting that together. And then back here in Minnesota at amc, we mentioned our our conference that was happening and Commissioner McMurtry giving them welcome. And also, I want to just say that Senator John Hoffman spoke and he did an amazing, amazing job of really helping us come together. I'm sure we're all family. I know we're all so grateful that he survived the shooting that almost a year ago.

Coming up to a year he just does a great job of talking about how we all need to work together. Aside from our partisan differences. And I think it was just an amazing speech to give to that love of people from commissioners from around the state. So thank you. Thank. Thank you, senator, half and for that for that great work. Thanks to yes, the suburban man to planting seeds was a great event. Thank you to our county manager for doing a great presentation. There out the In the most schools also writes that Country Alliance had their annual community gathering. And that was really an amazing Commissioner. Richard and I were giving out awards at that amazing event. I am gonna just think good Roseville, Kathy, remote and Sherry Sanders and Jeanica room bomb off for getting an award for their service to community and then Noelle back and who is actually to say sustainability coordinator for the city of Roseville got the volunteer of the Year award for all of her work with the right type reliance and just want to encourage all of you that if you want a great community event, they just put on the most amazing events that cleanup summer.

Summer event, a winter vent. Their events amazing with amazing food. I might add and so and many thanks to Kim o'Brien who really heads that up and her team that put that together. So that was a great event. David Triplett from our elections was going to our workshop next. He spoke at our Rossville Rotary didn't amazing job. Lots of It was. He's so good and just Presenting all the great work that our elections team does. He run Ramsey County, but he spoke to a Roseville Rotary. We had the extension meeting yesterday, Commissioner wintry night where there and I want to thank Dan Schmidt for giving another tour of the Environmental Center Weast. I learn something new every day and also I pick up some new things at the at the reuse center. So, you know, there's a reuse center there that has of items available for the public to come in. We use and I'm always finding something that I need there.

So it was thank you to dance meant for his great tour for our extension committee of of of great work they're doing there. Also, we heard from the expanded food and nutrition education program snap. And I heard about from for age and also our gard and educators program. So our expansion educators. In full swing what's coming up this summer. So that was extension. And let's see now we have coming up, the Ramsey County, local governments this Friday is doing a tour of the Manatee County 9-1-1. Dispatch centers. Will any of you that are, course, for all members of that, any of you that are wanting to come to that? I know that can that county manager Becker is going to be there to talk about our 9-1-1 dispatch center t members of league of local governments, which is all of our cities, school districts and commissioners in the end and legislators in the area. Also Monday, as coming Monday act of living Ramsey communities will do our quarterly meeting.

We just meet 4 times a year. You're all ivited to that as well. Those are on zoom and in-person and we'll be continuing to learn about biking and walking efforts that are going on in this in the community that's going to be at Department of Transportation in Roseville. But we're going to hear about regional solicitation presentation, which I know commissioner Jean, you know, here's about some of this from a at her tattered Transportation Advisory Board meeting. But we're also going to talk about yeah, different things that are going on around the county on that. So with that MISTER Chair, I am going to my colleagues. Thank you, MR. It's great to be one of the last 0nd colleagues have covered. Many of te I say I also toward Lutz Wellness Center and would just put a plug in as that. You know, they're a place that's very accessible and also add basically no cost for folks to be able to access a lot of their services. Speaking of all the reverberating effects that

Room. The Mets will surge our business relief. Resources is available online on the county's website. A Ramsey County means staff have been able to pull together some of the resources that have been available out there for businesses. I attend meetings with our Ramsey County delegation, as well as our lobby with amc and had really good conversations was Iran to county delegation around the capital holds complex as well as the impacts of snap the Food Support subcommittee group that I've been a part has been really going into the weeds with many of the administrators of snap going through, you know, what are things that we can do to minimize the payment error rates and looking at different The states on how they have been doing it and also are compiling a list of what some of the 80 some counties doing minimize it. Overall, though, preparation for this legislative session. Amc. We put together, you know, our position I making sure that county administrative responsibilities kept at 50% as it currently is.

And then also assigning benefit costs to the state. So ensuring that state pick up on some of those benefit costs years because, you know, these are benefit set were never intended to be a like beer by local property taxpayers. They have always been federal programs. So that is the position. You know, hearing that from our legislators to who are asking about snap. S it's a good thing that like they're bringing up those conversations as well and are prepared for it. However, I would also add that hearing from amc report back that, you know, some of our year state legislators, not in the metro here, but think that it's just based that the payment error rates, maybe space, often different counties when really it's based off of the entire state. Everyone gets penalize. And addition to that, they never do like statistical like poll like it's not versus the typically significant. It's always like just random ones.

And sometimes the sample size that they pull its not even reflective of the entire state. It really it's something that all all of our state lawmakers need to understand. So it's really important that we pulled we we close that message and make it tighter. Quick question. Do we know wich counties they Paul and then which counties that have It's just it's always just random, disclose. So if it's not, and it's yeah, never the reflective of the number of case loads that each county Yeah. And then let's see I I want to put in a plug to and also our previous porch here and Commissioner Victoria Rinehart for sitting on the pix item task force. They passed that report just recently to the state legislature for some recommendations those mediation options pics dump is the Diggin hall back Which means it's removing all least and transporting it off site for proper disposal with no backfilling of the excavated area.

An option to with a dig in line excavate and rebuild a new modern engineer landfill with a liner on the property to contain the voice. So thank you very much to Commissioner Reinhart for continue to serve on the task force, even though I think she retired last year. That is going be before you go, I forgot I brought these handouts. I have to show you what extension giving out. These artist was at the State Extension minute meeting that I when I was at amc. But every county has a farm of of all the things that extension is doing in their counties. So this is fact that have in my office that reference. But I did bring all of Minnesota Ramsey County extension cart. And these are in this is information that we can use of what extension does in our community. And it was just it's really fun to see what's going on in other in other communities.

And apologize. I meant to do a show in town when when I did my thing and we also have apart from from the gardening extension program that we brought so. Thank you for that, MISTER Chair. I want to hand the so I at region hospital board of directors meeting. We that discussion a Medicaid in the impacts is going to have on hospital. They're still assessing as we are. Alongside that of cause is. Medical center. We had a lot of discussion about fad. They're supportive of the current legislation going to state as we are regarding the head of the un Mdical Center of both regions in an urban of 2. Hospitals that that really provides most of the services to all communities. And any impact in Hennepin County Medical Center would have. Impact on region's House mail because would be an alternative. And as it is now was still assessing what is going to be the impact you know, the covid situation the federal government's the brought up was the discussion with the medical waste that has got to love recycling center.

I can tell you is that they very much top of mind regarding that issue. Ad dressing that. So I I thank them for that and told him it was a priority for us. The other I that the recycling and Energy board meeting. They he's retiring. He is already mpca rpresentative. The we say Clean Energy Board. I just wanted to give a shout out. He's been there. I don't even know how long he's been with We'll tell you always. He seems like he's bill. So sense you know, whatever really a good ally at the Mpca for football. Ramsey wants county. Moving forward here for today. We have right after Maybe take a five-minute break. We have a workshop regarding elections. Mary Jo Meg Low. Share that. And then this afternoon, we have a workshop regarding fiscal health analysis is fine. Means. And I believe is a garrison will be chairing with that, we will where chef is downstairs downstairs. We

Will be there.