Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Call to from here, Miller here are and take we stand for 3 genius to the United States, one And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And they found a different commission It was its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some are brought here against their will. Some are drawn t leave their distant homes in hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land since time immemorial truth, an acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage. Indifference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dkota people. We want to acknowledge, though, chip away at the Ho-chunk and the other nations of people 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 on traditional native plants. Consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truth at any and all public events. Thank you. I love that. A motion on the agenda of APRIL 7th 2026 second. Any discussion. Hearing? None roll call. Saying. a mercury taken all righ. To take motion on the minutes of MARCH, 17th 2026. So moved. Know, this call. Mueller, I Stephen saying met my tree. Were taken. We have a proclamation with to National County Government

Month thank you. commission this is not a talk show a game. So I think we have time for. We have a light agenda. Director should be able This from Department it. Close. All right. We got everybody coming on great.

Oh, this is great I just want to say. This is a great that helps our county move. I county serves up a few Thank you for being here. All right. So National County Government Month highlights the central role as county play in daily life by providing critical services connecting systems in supporting healthy, safe and vibrant communities. This proclamation recognizes the wide range of services. Ramsey County delivers from roads and public safety to elections, libraries and service centers that residents rely on every day. It expresses appreciation for dedicated county employees and encourages residents to learn more about county government and how it serves and strengthens the community. So give this to and a proclamation, whereas the National Association of Counties represents more than 3,069 County governments and 42 county equivalents serving more than 330 million Americans providing essential services that help create healthy, safe and vibrant communities. And whereas since 1991, Naco has encourage counties across the nation to celebrate National County Government Month each APRIL to raise awareness of the important roles counties, plane residents, daily lives and whereas they're in a close, we are counties initiatives across the county are high country are highlighting how county governments connect communities deliver critical services and improve residents quality of lfe.

And whereas county serve as essential bridge between federal, state and local governments, ensuring programs and resources reach residents effectively at the county level and help community level. And whereas Ramsey County employees provide vital services that residents rely on every day, including maintaining 293 miles of county roads. 67 bridges, more than 30,000 traffic signs 10,001 1000 drainage structures and over 360 traffic signals to support safe transportation across the county. And whereas Ramsey County's emergency Communications Center is the largest 9-1-1, center in Minnesota handling nearly 1 million emergency and non-emergency calls and texts annually to support public safety and emergency response. And whereas Ramsey County elections ensure access to fair and secure elections, administering elections across 148 polling places and early voting sites with the support of more than 1200 election judges. And whereas Ramsey County Library provides essential educational and community resources welcoming more than 1.4 million in-person visitors and over 10 million online visitors annual annually. Whereas Ramsey County Service Centers

Supported 65,360 residents in 2025. Connecting community members to essential services across all service locations and demonstrating the county's commitment to accessible community-based services. And whereas Ramsey County remains committed to its vision of a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive. Working together through the one Ramsey County approach to strengthen partnerships, deliver effective services and improve the quality of life for all residents. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners here buys declared APRIL 2026. As National County Government Month in Ramsey County and be it further proclaimed that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners encourages residents, schools, county officials and employees to learn more about county government and recognize essential services counties provide to communities every day and be it further proclaimed that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners extends its appreciation to the dedicated Ramsey County employees whose commitment and expertise in public service help strengthen the community and demonstrate that we are counties. And then we can do well to start the line of nmes. All right. In photo should we go down, them? Yeah, you guys should come on. We are. We

Are counties. So also a director McCAbe. You too. And what do you want I think might new to when you can come in

Front of modeling, this is him.

Really. State. meant And we want everybody introduce some Sophia Thompson, social services director.

Good morning, Jason. Again, chief Clara County Manager's Could Nelson on community and economic development learn the I am Communications associate for the communications and public Relations department here. The county, it's talk a little bit of journey. I start as a progressive in was Lemon had a limited role and then was able to secure a full-time role here at the county as a communications. This yet. And I just want to say thank you to all encouraging leadership and staff at the county because they gave him the courage to make this possible. Sir, thank you. Is Deputy county manager for the safety just to service How and Ramsey County Attorney's Office the director of the Trials Division. Good Morning, area to Community corrections. Re Lockman, Deputy Director Library. Good Morning, Christine. Thank our integrated Health and Justice Administrator Office of Safety and Justice. Good Morning, Rain Frank Deputy Director Saint Paul, Ramsey County Public Health. And just want to make one note that it's also public health week this week. Good morning. Mouthing Financial says the service, a service center. Martin Kerry stats manager, Front Financial Assistance Services.

Thank you. Little g medical director for years. People, Ramsey County, Public Health. Hi, Good morning, Jamie. Wilkinson, director of housing stability. I will security technology manager for property management. Good morning. And as Mark just call some the chief investigator. But my mother only thinks I'm the only chief, but there the chief investigator with medical examiner's office. Thank you so much. just a few ones Good morning. I'm checking that out to chief information officer for the Ramsey County. Dan Palmer, deputy director

Emergency communications. Good morning, Karen Francois Deputy County manager, Community Services and supports. Good Ali. Financial system said the said the Buckman dropped Good morning gust, former I'm a director of planning and development Rams County Parks. Good Morning. Commissioners days after an investor services director for the community Services and support Service team. Good morning. And a sheriff, Charlie with the Rams County Sheriff's Office to oversee our courts and security service, the vision with our civil division and not all of our community

Resource. Good morning. Throw guillet inspector county Sheriff's Office. You services. Community outreach. Thank you. Good morning. CHAIRMAN Brennan's County Sheriff's office. I oversee the Capitol by telly program. everyone, Elijah nurse, holiday planning manager for the office, the safety and Justice. Good morning. Josh your controller for Safety. Just service team. Good morning. Patients for Nissan chief. Human resources officer. Good morning. And for a

Time most people I'm the assistant division director and trials for that county attorney's office. Good morning, Peter Merrill and the purchasing contracting specialist for the Finance Department. Good morning. I'm Chris, a chance and I'm the assistant deputy director for Human Services legal at the county attorney's Good morning. I'm Larry in health and wellness, administrative Services director. Good morning. I'm Cathy Eilers, the director of the Human Services Legal Division at the Ramsey County

Attorney's Office. Good Mrning Commissioners. My name is Eric Williams and the director of administration for the county attorney's Office. Good Morning. My name is Sabrina Yates and I'm the director of youth Justice Wallace at Ramsey County Attorney's Office. Good Morning. My name is Rebecca hands over can finance on the Treasury team. Good morning. Commissioners, Brian, Isaac your friendly public works director. Good morning. Andrew Greenlee, deputy chief of staff.

Thank you all for your To lot Administrator I believe that's thank you chair. I'd like to move the following administrative items. Item number 4, charitable gaming license with White Bear Township for Bear Lake Hockey Association and Cooper's item. Number 5 0st Amendment to the single source agreement with Children's Health Care Corporation. And then to 6. And the discussion. Roll call. Jevon thing. The McMurtry I would take I. Legislative update. Thank you, MR. Chair and led the Legislature returns

From their Easter Passover break today and they have 6 weeks now until My 18th to complete their business, which is the statutory deadline that they need to meet of the have to go into special session. But MAY 18th is their deadline. The governor released his proposed budget last month on MARCH. 18th and we're still waiting for bill language for his budget proposals and several areas, including parts of the Department of Human Services, which is a big area that we're looking. We're looking forward to seeing language on that. Some of the major themes will include fraud prevention and the response to Operation Metro Surge, which would include emergency rental assistance and business loans to impacted small businesses. And then another major theme that we're looking forward to seeing proposals on is the transforming Human Services. The governor has proposed a major overhaul of the state's administration of Human Services, including streamlining program operations and funding for studies to evaluate the roles of counties in administering human services.

So we're really looking forward to that. We've been working with the governor's office. Iknow the Association of Minnesota counties, an and other counties we've all been working with them on on how we do human services in the state. And then modernizing technology systems used by counties to administer social services and human services programs. We've had a very it system and we're looking at modernizing that. So additionally, the chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee has a modernization bill that would establish a steering committee. I like the one in the governor's proposal to provide recommendation and human services. It systems and it has bipartisan support, which we're very grateful fr. And unfortunately is rare this session. But we're looking forward to having some work done on that. And then the snap and hr one there following a bill related filing a bill related to implementing changes to snap made by hr one. This bill would require the Department of Children, Youth and Families to cover a big portion of the class that hr passes down to states.

We're looking bipartisan support on that. We haven't got it yet. So but it is it's about the big ship that the federal government is putting down onto states and counties. And looking at ways to how we're going to cover that shift. In the federal update. The PRESIDENT's budget, the PRESIDENT Released his fiscal year 2027 budget request includes 8 42% increase in funding for the military and steep cuts in domestic spending so we're disappointed by the cuts in domestic spending. The administration intends to pursue its budget priorities to the party line reconciliation process as they did last year with hr one eliminating the need for 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. So not where not in support of that. And so we will have a better have it go through the budgeting process. There is the Save America Act, which a bill to eye to really require a lot more restrictions on voting and things. And so.

We're following that with great interest and where hoping that does not pass. Then the Department Human Services, partial shutdown has not been resolved that we've been following to see how reforms in the Dpartment Human Services pursues immigration enforcement operations. But negotiations have have not still ongoing in that area. So still working with our federal government as many ways we can in our federal delegation has been really helpful, most of which have been helpful. Our direct representatives have working with us on these issues. So we're grateful for that. Thank you, MR. Chair, thank County connection thank you, MISTER Chair. I just want to give our 2 updates tomorrow today. The first one is a couple of weekends ago on Saturday MARCH 28th over 100,000 people took part in the know King's MARCH to Saint Paul ending at the state Capitol for a rally with multiple speakers, politicians and for farmers, the event drew people from all over in lasted over 5 hours, having a big event in Ramsey County takes an enormous amount of time in planning to ensure that our community is safe.

The Ramsey County team work for many days ahead of time with the state with the city of Saint Paul and others, including our sheriff's office to coordinate the local support and response. Our team worked on everything from providing snowplows having deputies on site to being in the emergency operations center. Everything went very smoothly and everyone was safe at the event. Thanks to the coordination and planning of many who work in Ames, the county. I want to take a few Thank that group of employees, many of who have worked several weekends actually throughout the spring are ready with the weather and other incidents. So we're really definitely operating as I want names. The county for these significant events. First of all, tax who was because our coo who was serving as acting county manager. Well, I was on vacation and could get a a little bit of a break. And so I appreciate her. And then judge freed in Christie staffer from our emergency management, Hmeland security.

I feel brought from the county Sheriff's office, Brian Isaacson, which pope is are from public works JUNE Krueger from property management and Rose Lindsey from communications and really all their teams. You know, those are just the folks that were kind of leading the different parts. But we know that there were many people working underneath especially thank you to public works. They really have to do some extra work their time, helping to protect some of roads and create some barriers for the at the request of the city. So and then my next update. I'm going invite Dr Linda up actually to the ds to talk to us about what you have maybe seen I the news as the first reported moms case in Ramsey County and 5 years. So I today would be a good chance to get an update from my medical director on this incident. So thank you, doctor of our for being here.

It's taken. Commissioners, thanks for having us. Having me and my team remotely so and my understanding is you received a little bit of information. There was a case reported to us from Mgh in DECEMBER of an individual with mumps. Want to take this time briefly to explain what happens when there's a reportable dsease. So there are a number over 100. I can remember the number of reportable diseases in the state of Minnesota when a case is identified within healthcare or clinic are setting, they notify the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Health identifies where that individual lives and then that cases then turned over to local public health county sometime city. But more often than not county. That's when we get the report. And in this case we received that report in DECEMBER when the case was identified. At that point, our epidemiologists do their work, which is it for the case of mumps.

They must contact that patient within 24 hours in measles. It has to happen immediately. Regardless of when we receive that report for oher diseases. It depends on the disease, but examples. Other examples or pertussis varicella measles. All of us at that point, we do a check in with the patient. Find out how they're doing, what, how they're feeling. Also, we begin the process of doing a contact investigation, finding out when the person got sick, what their symptoms were when they were considered infectious. In the case of mumps, you're considered infectious beginning with about today. 5 days after you get the swelling in your in credits, also before that as well. And so then we try are individual or discuss what they were doing while they were infectious. That can include exposures in school public and their And then we go about identifying those contacts and notifying them sometimes. What they need to do to protect themselves. That can

Be anything from stick with months to receiving a vaccine. We know that vaccines against mumps are 97% effective with a single dose individuals who are not vaccinated are not protected people with a single dose. And as soon as we can get that those in them, they're considered protected. At that point. So anybody who has not had the sries needs to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Anyone who has had the series, but it's been more than usually we say about. More than even a year. We recommend a booster as well just to be protective in again. Idea is that if we vaccinate around the case we protect. More and more individuals. So then the other part important is that we counsel the patient on how to protect their family, how to protect the community and we hope support them with essential It MAY mean if we have to isolate and in the case of mumps, individuals do have to isolate for a period of time.

It MAY mean helping to figure out how to get them groceries, how to get them medicines if they can't get it from their own clinic. So and well, this is one case mumps. We are constantly being cautious because we are concerned about making sure that our vaccination rates stay at a high enough rate to protect as many people as possible. So some of the information that was also shared with you was about how we then utilize this time to increase awareness around vaccinations in vaccine. Preventable diseases. That's why one of the reasons why we were sort of happy that the press picked it up, that we were able to talk about our immunization services that we were able to talk about. How important it is that individuals get vaccinated, state vaccinated and how for many of our vaccine preventable diseases like you mentioned before measles, mumps, Ravelo various lf pertussis. Vaccine are the way to protect everyone. The have to vaccinate every year for the month. Sleet and snow. Luckily after 2 doses.

So the first doses between 12. And 14 months. The second dose is between 4 and 5. And then after that, you actually are considered and it's more than 9. It's 96 97% effective at that point. But again, if you have a close exposure, so in this case, anyone who is around individual. Even if they had had the 2 previous doses, we would recommend a booster. And once you have let's say you're vaccinated, then you get the moms. What is the duration of? chair? You mean like how you have to?

How the for example, the advice Elaine and file along, I knew what does he do? Ration of yeah. Incubation. So. The point of being exposed to even showing the symptoms is 16 to 18 days. And then actually individuals need to remain isolated for 25 days if they have not been vaccinated. Significant, it's significant. Most of our vaccine, preventable diseases. Isolation is significant. And often it means isolation of the case, but then also isolation of family and or other community members have been exposed. I have job in Thank you, MR. Chair. Thank you. Dr Gala I know that the federal cdc have been rducing their recommendations on immunizations. But I know the state of Minnesota has not been following and has has not been advocating for those, which is a GOD thing. We're just months. The mumps vaccine fallen to this. This is measles, mumps and rubella. That combination there remain recommendations for that. A 12 to 14 and the 46. yes, okay.

People should still should still be getting vaccinated. Many of us were vaccinated when we were young. We should be ok now. We don't need to get vaccinated. But parents should still be vaccinating their Yeah. The. I think one of the important pieces about this case as well as it not. Was a single case locally. It was not an outbreak. It was not. There was t expansion of the infection, which is exceptionally important. Mumps is infectious, but it is not as infectious as say, measles. So unfortunately, last year we had 2 cases of measles, but we had 25 contacts. So those are all individuals who are epidemiologists needed to stay on top of and talking to and monitoring. Could have gotten sick and spread the disease as well. This and we have an absolutely fantastic team of epidemiologists who do this for all of our reportable diseases on a daily basis. Thanks to you and your team now.

Yes, I guess my question is that given the disruption under Operation Metro Surge, I know that there are a lot of reports from many of our different communities and our local health community saying that there is a drop in in preventative care. And I would assume that this also disrupted or prevented families from bringing in their children to be, you know, stay up on their immunization track. I'm just wondering what we MAY be doing at Ramsey County to help families catch up and to make sure that they know where and how they can access immunizations. commissioner and CHAIRMAN Saying we continue to direct outreach texts social media to remind we also. It isn't. But it's a multi-pronged and so through our wic program, always discuss immunizations and r a. Positive way for families to ask and to get connected. We did pop-up vaccine for flu. But we build those connections between our community and all of public health. We utilize their family home visitors, a nurse,

Visiting nurses to also support individuals, especially with children under the age of 5. They were the ones who are also seeing those patients when they weren't going to clinics and things like that. And so making sure that they have the information and the support are working to try and also deliver a vaccine similar to what we did during covid. It's not an easy feat, truly meeting individuals where they are and when they're ready to obtain vaccines and immunizations is important. We continue to expand to the best of our ability, our immunization program within 5, 5, 5 as well. Offering vaccines significantly reduced rates to make sure that we're doing that.

2. Anderson, thank you. One quick follow-up on that. We also utilizing com. Just thinking of of how a lot of folks get their information as specially. Certain communities where they MAY not use the, you know, the committee, the conventional means you know, Gavin, this type of of information. So are we using some of different platforms? I'm thinking specifically of, you know, our with them on tv and the television show, are we going about leveraging those relationships to ensure we're getting that message out through to the platforms that a lot of folks MAY be utilizing. Absolutely. I should also mention that we also do come by we utilize mdh is information. We sort of piggyback on both when they send out information and then we support that. We also utilize our trusted messengers are experiences that they are getting information from individuals who they trust to begin with and then it's better received in many ways.

We also I wish I could list all of them, we absolutely are looking to to situations like that. We has been tv a handful times. We've done spots in the past. We We'll talk about the not just vaccinations, but we also talk about vaccine. Preventable diseases. 2 individuals also understand the why behind hate to admit, but I think sometimes we've done a lot saying get your shots, get your shot. We also need to help support that. Why and who it helps in who protects. And so we we also talk about those situations as well. Thank you. And thank you for your probably misses what where? And with this in Ramsey County outbreak where in Manatee County wasn't enough for or take commissioner animals? And I how the particles I apologize. it was a single case, not an outbreak. Outbreak is defined as great 3 or more cases link in time or place. In an outbreak.

Requires. A coordinated effort in terms of again, like described earlier, epidemiologist maybe reaching out to a single case. But if we have an otbreak that it's not straight line. It's a fun logarithmic. So in other words, the number of individuals who've been exposed and the number of individuals who can potentially pass a disease can rise very quickly. And so so it was in Minnesota. It was in rent account, Ramsey County. And our last case of this is what sort of made the last case was 5 years ago, which is good, but we are always concerned about more cases. No 2 other questions. Can you just describe the symptoms of the endzone months and just wondering if we have a partnership with with public schools to County. I say, i thinking, do we have a partnership with with public schools? deafening way to reach, you know, children and families through a school system. Absolutely. So chair take commissioner 10 to the first question months tends to begin a headache fever, fatigue, a loss of appetite or anorexia at last a couple of days.

And then about 48 hours, the historic, a swelling of the pride in glands, the mumps, as they call them occur. And that can last up to a week or are more. There can be other complications. The most common one that people report is an arcane us or inflammation of the That happens about 30 15 to 30% of the time. And you're in post human toll. Men. Doesn't happen as often pre people and those are the main symptoms. And then to your other question, we have an ongoing relationship with public schools, not just our public schools, but our charter schools as well. And our school school nurses. And rfps actually led by Division. So they also we've also helped in the past with outbreaks that MAY or MAY not touch schools. And so we maintain constant relationship with those regular meetings and conversations with them as well. Commissioner thank you so much for this information. The individual had moms but unvaccinated. Actually. I'm not. Okay. Allowed to the The first line of defense, however, I'm not allowed to talk about that. However, we

Know like to point out that we know it's nice. 7% effective. Okay. And share say it. One of the things that we constantly have to balance in public health is there many things privacy. Yeah, and protection. It's not an easy baskets, but we often risk. I mean, tried. They hunt to respect Individuals, privacy. Thank you so much. Appreciate Absolutely. Thank

You, You case. O void in committee reports. You make this brief because up to out to after this. Let's see. I joined acquired Commissioner last weekend. At the week before with our interview us for so many of the residents who applied for our. All of our port and not all our boards and commissions. And I just wanted to say and thank our commissioners here for my colleagues for being so thoughtful and te process and wanting to at that. This wasn't something that had always been the case before. And that commissioners said that this was something they wanted to be a part of and selecting and appointing folks through a process. So I just want thank our chief clerks office also for coordinating and me from your office commissioner Mcquire for scheduling those we head back to back meetings and meeting so many of our residents who were so interested in serving and had had a calling to to give their time.

So I really just want to thank ad appreciate all the applicants submitted their applications and who interviewed with us. Thank you. Thank you. As a gem going to just add on my gratitude as well, it was a great process. So it's a. As we've all been participating in these and it wasn't always done to have interviews, but it's a a lot of interviews and just but its really helpful to really get a sense of who's who's applying for our commissions and boards and thanks the public for putting their names forward. Thanks to all of us for doing it. Thanks to to clerk's office for setting that, you know, for helping with all of that. And of course, to Amy my scheduler who was working that. It's such a great process to really get a sense of the people that are applying and 2 really talk to them about what, what their what what kind of service they want provide to our county.

And it's it's gratifying. So thank you to everyone who pride and people will be hearing about who who is selected. And we just encourage if your not selected to continue to apply. And so with MR. Cherry also want to say thanks to all all of the department employees that came for County government month. Thank you, county manager for setting this up. It's really amazing to see the number of people that are in te departments that we have that are really king working on behalf of our public. It's great recognize that. I will say that you example that at during the No Kings rally, which I actually watched, I was unable to participate. But you know, to see the snow plows. And when I heard there was no again, but it's not snowing. The snowplows were providing barriers, which I thought was just perfect. You know, so everybody was doing so much work it what with whatever they could do and they were just providing yeah place to keep the cars from going that there.

And I am just so grateful and impressed with the work that as county manager said the work that all of our departments did in having hundreds thousands over 100,000. I think people come to our county on that on that Saturday. So grateful for that. The mouse abordar metropolitan public library's board met and we are. We got our annual report and heard from our finance committee. But it's great to hear from all the metro libraries and how we're working together to provide. Really much appreciated and widely used services to our to our libraries. Also, the Ramsey County League of local governments had their board meeting on the think my colleague Commissioner Jevan saying fr attending that as well and we got to hear about, you know, our move. Our the work we're doing moving forward in our strategic plan and and our initiatives that we have in 2026. And they include, you know, increasing member engagement and communication, a lot of programs and learning opportunities which we have a lot o and then doing our collective work switches year includes chloride reduction, which is our salt reduction on our on our roads, which gets into our ground water.

Also we have a I want thank our elections team who are out in our communities a lot as we've been saying they did a panel at the for Roseville Area League of Women Voters. David Tripp leaks came in was on a panel there on and are. Just to talk about the truth. Trust in the ballot box. Understanding the election security system in Ramsey County. So thanks to to David Triple for doing that. Also, we have a the Rams county local governments is addressing housing instability, a local responses it to evictions and rental assistance. So representatives organizations, including safe and stable Cities, College good Roseville and solid ground are going to share insights available to residents on and on resources available to residents and how community partnerships are working to stabilize housing and lessons learned from recent responses related a metro surge. This is there meeting that will be this Friday on Zoom set, Ramsey County League of local government.

So I encourage all of you to listen in and on that one. And I think someone mentioned this. This Sunday is the Northland Cup, which is the hockey game between the city of Saint Paul and the Ramsey County county and its a great fundraiser for the domestic abuse project and so encourage people to come in share on your team and participate and contribute to a good cause. That's this Sunday. And then my rules of road to reach a gun at her and community art. Ramsey County director of Information Services will be speaking at my rotary. So many, many thanks to all the the county heads ad staff that are that are really out in the community really talking about the work that we do. So thank you, MR. Chen, it's been a busy couple of weeks. I was happy to have the opportunity to speak on the Metro regional parks and trails system bonding request, which includes dollars for capital improvements at Hemric Nature Center, along with Long Lakes MAY lake and foggy Illegal regional park.

So fingers crossed that that continues to move forward. I also have the opportunity to attend the Twin Cities, North Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Forum with Dr David Schultz from handling University. And I have to say it was such a a a lively and informative conversation about the polarization of our politics and to hear it from the business community, the questions they asked and how it impacted them was really a lively and in-depth conversation led to many parking lot conversations after it. So I really appreciate that group. I had a visit local Isaiah members continuing to talk about all that is going on in the world and how it impacts our community and making sure that we continue to fight for for those most vulnerable in our community. And I appreciate their continued advocacy. The city of Venice Heights hosted a community gathering on the raptor response and mutual aid efforts within the community and it's just it's a reminder that while the the peak of the surge has passed, we still have border control and ice enforcement agents in in the Twin Cities than Chicago ever had during their search.

So this is not over and we continue to stand with our residents to meet them where they're at also to say that I was happy to attend the youth violence Prevention networking event. And this had several different organizations in from community as well as many departments within Ramsey County and their agenda. We focused on prevention and intervention support and engagement and family and community support. I really appreciate this educational cohort, this learning cohorts that was a solid 4 hours of really in policy and planning practice reflection. And I think that's really good work going on. I want to think White Bear Township supervisor partner and Shoreview City Council member Gardner on the search from some local elected to continue to engage with Ramsey County with issues that are important to their communities. And I think any time we can keep those communication lines going, it only serves our community. So appreciate them making time for that.

The jta Advisory Committee come it continues to I regularly preparing to make a recommendation to the Joint Development Authority on hybrid approach to development. So we anticipate that there will be presentation coming soon to the full jta to vote on what kind of a proposal Beale Street seeking for our developer. Developers. And so we're getting closer on that while we are getting very close on the spine road infrastructure, getting shovels in the dirt and ready for that to get going so exciting. Exciting times race pick Commons and I will say also that I was able to go. To a land o'lakes sponsored event at Second Harvest where they wre able to donate 40,000 pounds of mac and cheese into our food systems. At a time reliance on and our food shelves I higher than ever other. I will say we only sought some 40,000 ton this because it was in big trucks and then lastly, I just want to say that advocacy on and concerns around the impacts of hr one a are the big beautiful bill continue to reverberate throughout our providers specifically.

I want to talk about her mental health providers, behavior, health providers. I had a chance to meet with our local they'll communities clubhouse who is really on the verge of having to make some tough decisions on service delivery.

They are. But one of many providers within our eco systems that that are really on the brink of whether or nt they can continue to serve in the way that they serve. I was able to participate nami day at the Hill and talking about just tremendous impacts on everybody who's involved in this community. And I'll just say, I want to thank the men to help legislative network and encourage our representatives to continue looking at their legislative agenda, much of which aligns with what the county is, which is basically to say the tx dollars that we send to the federal government, our art here to help support our communities here. And when that's disruptive, we all feel the pain. And so I just want to thank everybody who participated in that. And then lastly to say that the work on the direct care and treatment Advisory Committee continues. I have taking this role very seriously meeting with colleagues across the state who have been involved in this work for and other types of roles capacities over the years to make sure that as they passed the baton to me in this moment of time that I make this my leg of the race is impactful is as I cam and also want to thank the saff throughout many departments and Ramsey County who are engaged in the in the lives of folks who are impacted by drug can treatment is part of our mental health and and justice system for bringing in their expertise and their continued work to make this the system's better.

So thank you for that. Thank thank you. MISTER Chair. A couple of things I want to first. I had a chance to volunteer at the Zion community comments in my district and am a midway neighborhood. They're a local open market organization. Does a lot of work to provide free food for folks in the community as well as a free meal on Thursdays. And so was just great to be in community to get a chance to speak with there executive Director Colin and to hear more about the work they've been doing all the last couple months, especially with Metro surge and the increase in need for so many folks in our community. But also how so many residents have stepped up to volunteer to really hlp take food to folks in the community who we're able to leave their homes during that time. So really appreciate the team of eye on for inviting me and for volunteering a couple weeks ago.

Also had a chance we had latest Chip tech meeting, the Property Tax Advisory Committee had a chance to hear from all 3 jurisdictions specifically on their legislative priorities for this legislative session and was it really good to have to get a better understanding of where they're putting a lot of there. Lot of their efforts for this year, but also in and lead. That into the the new framework that we're also trying to build trying to be more collaborative as these 3 jurisdictions and the term in ways that we all can more efficient and more streamlined as we work you know, really addressing a property taxes for folks in our communities. I had a chance to speak at the capital region Watershed District, recognition awards a couple of weeks ago. Really awesome opportunity to one se their facility, which I had not visited but also just to so many folks in the community who are associated with this organization and hear more about the work they're doing protect our water resources to really influential in our communities on how we can go about doing that.

And so we honor number of the folks who have been a part of that work at this event and then I had a chance to be the keynote speaker at the Micah Policy Breakfast, my cousin organization, that centers really around affordable housing in our community and they had chapters from across the region com to be a part of this policy breakfast as they kicked off their morning and then made their way to the Capitol for a lot of advocacy efforts. And so really appreciate the leaders that Michael, for not only the work that they're but for also inviting you to be a part of the event and to just speak more the importance of affordable housing and in our community and also highlight amazing work that I think we're doing here at the county to invest that house and and then the last highlight is I had a chance to attend the generation annual event.

Generation Max is organization that some of us around data really coming up with solutions the achievement gap for so many of our kids and our community. Both from Minneapolis and Saint Paul spoke as well as the superintendents from Minneapolis, Public Schools and Saint Paul public schools. And so it was great just being in that space with community determine ways that we can continue less than that. That gap for for so many folks in our communities. I'll end with this. I will just say 40,000 pounds of mac and cheese is very it's it's honestly like a family reunion for me she's very, very 40,000 pounds for that's it for Thank I just want to my appreciation to Commissioner John Boyer and her for doing that by board interviews. We lucked out this around. So not resume the new visa. Get it's Everybody gets a turn. So I attended the Ramsey County's 4th Green Construction Training Corps led by the Center for Energy and Environment.

Commissioner McMurtry was also there. This program is part of our learn under an initiative funded through Arpa. In partnership with the City of Saint Paul provides hands-on training and wraparound supports for residents, especially those from historically underrepresented communities who are looking to enter the energy efficient or even just trades industry.

So it consists of a 3 week program includes 45 hours and a train in partnership with Saint Paul College focused on in insulation and hvac where already seen participants move into those jobs are continuing those educations and going into those career passer training programs at Saint Paul College. So that was really need to be there. My kids also attended with me because, of course, they didn't school that day. I also attended the Association of Minnesota Counties Leadership Summit in and that was focused on transforming leadership. Their keynote speaker, who was for all the whole time we were there was Scotty Miller. He is fabulous. If we can get him for anything to do at the county and within that, that would be Over the 3 days, I was a lot of conversation really centered on how we lead change, especially when it comes to understanding our communities building that trust and community Cayden clearly, want to say one thing that really kind of still sticks with me and that we learned throughout the years is that if people don't feel heard, they it's really hard to move anything forward no matter how good the program or how good the policy is.

I think that was pretty neat. And we also talked about navigating resistance to change and how much that comes down to relationships and consistency. Not just the decision itself. I also want to add the Workforce. Innovation Board recognized 2 outstanding leaders for their impact on young people in Ramsey County, through the youth, the workforce championship boards for 2026. Oh, congratulations to Argos testified lead that I'm sorry. If I mispronounce that Ron with the city of Saint Paul's right track program, he received the Legacy Award for her service. Her longstanding leadership expanding access to internships and career opportunities for over 1000 youth each year and then Reynolds funder of the Des invested Youth Gaming Initiative received the Rising Star Award for creating innovative pathways that connect youth interest in gaming 2 real world skills. Mentorship, incorrect for Tony Diaz. So both awardees are making meaningful difference in supporting young people across Ramsey County, my in district hours for APRIL are going to be Monday.

APRIL 13th in Maplewood from 10 to 11, 30 and on Thursday, APRIL 16, 10 to 11, 30 in white Bear Lake in North Saint Paul from one to 2.30, you already touched on the Northside Cup. I just want to also say there will be raffles silent auction chuck-a-puck and other activities. If you want to come and try open the and the silent auction, please do I love a good silent time when it is I didn't get It's this Sunday at puck drop is at 12, 30 in its at the tree rink downtown and every citizen. But everybody is invited and we should show up Ramsey County strong so we can. Iran, Iran see county employees that play and beat the city of Saint Paul. I likened it just because I think is the different title. But it's a Saint Paul and Ramsey County Domestic Violence Prevention Project.

Is is who would benefit? So that really good cause? Yes, agree that competitive. I very much expression of Really good. They're really great with that. And then unit. Good morning, everyone. I did a few things. I am apart of couple work groups for. That missile African-American family preservation Chow and where disproportionality act. So I sit on the statewide work group and also the policy Accountability and Compliance action team. Within these 2 work groups. We continue to have conversations are critical to ensuring that the implementation stage line with the intent of the legislation around reducing disparities in strengthening outcomes for African-American families in Idaho placement and making family preservation a priority. Remains focused on accountability, measurable progress and sustained collaboration across agencies. And with that also had opportunity to testify at the Minnesota Capitol and support us and fao. 43. 35 often by Senator Bob champion the focus was some modifications to the minutes of African-American Family Preservation Act.

And the 3 strong recommendations it needs to. There is no bill is supported by amc in all 87 counties. So it's good to hopefully that we can get some dollars attest to the work that needs to happen in 2026. When the bill becomes law. Bill did not pass the House. They have a type of competitive. I join agreement that there are 7 members on the board on each within each body on the committees and has to be 7. Plus one. So they don't get the other parties agreement. Least one person it doesn't did not pass out of the house, but it did pass out of the Senate. And so hope and we know PRESIDENT Championed would lead when it comes to the final negotiations to getting work done because county is really counting on some support from the states because if we don't get it, because of all really want to advocate strongly for these and minutes modifications to the bill.

I continue to sit on the day at metropolitan Minutes. The Minnesota control mosquito board Distric and just want to highlight that. This meeting continues to provide important updates on preparedness as we get into spring and summer. Well, those things because mosquito-borne diseases prevention is a big focus in coordinated response strategies across the metro area. Mcd continues to play a key role in protecting public health through proactive monitoring community engagement. Efforts. I had the privilege and honor to be recognized for black women are divine Minnesota Award. This is a war and I've gotten some awards. But when war comes from the community, there's nothing more important to that. Then that. This recognition celebrates the leadership to impact the contributions of black women. Making a difference in their community across Minnesota. So again, I am so grateful to be a knowledge alongside so many other powerful women. We'll continue to lead with purpose, resilience and commitment to uplifting others.

And this, including just not elected but community when they from the community. Also joining team had discussion reviewing priorities within the region, have equity strategy with enforcing our commitment to advancing equitable outcomes across Ramsey County systems. And that same day, I would I welcome Damon Jenkins, who is the senior vice PRESIDENT Of first Independence Bank. I said he had likened the small grant opening up big ones to come later on is in the

Summer. But with a b to discuss, to strengthen the financial access and community investment opportunities. So Independence Bank is the first all bank. And so this is the second location to have one location in Minneapolis on on one Lake Street. And when first heard of the day was coming to Minnesota continue to say I need to open an account there. We don't want to go to Minneapolis to go so So it's really a joy to see locate it right here in Saint Paul in my district on University Avenue on university in Galle. An idea open the a bank account the caption

MARCH was also a I the mind. What if tar is celebrated? So I was able to do a few gatherings, FEBRUARY into MARCH. With the invitation for Representative Seneca Hussein in my very, good friends. Aside to say in Minneapolis, sometime model have geographic boundaries. So I found myself in many different went up. But scientists say it's just a wonderful, wonderful, close beneath As we reflected in our friendship over the last 15 years. It was really just to show up in celebrating community, reflections and connections during the holy month of Ramadan. I'm 2 more So also tend the opening recognition of Benjamin Mays School, which is also located in my district, all 5 Concordia Dale in Concordia where that school is going to be transitioning Afro Centric, learning model. And that direction of Superintendent Doctor Stacey Stanley. The goal is to help Bill identity community ad excellent. And it will be fully open into efforts centric learning model school in the fall of 2026. The school will offer unique, enriching and rigorous educational experience to demands of black history. Designed to empower all

Scholars to achieve their full potential by fostering academic, excellent hi suffix teen and a profound appreciation for the recent diversity. Humanity. So that was a big this many of the schools, government school, somebody school we haven't made from. And this go. And so this is one where we also feel that knowing your identity is really, really important and it will bring that for all the students that attending MAY schools. And just a shout out to the culture where innocent and they have like a cultural conclave. A cultural commonplace. I'm like. So what is the conclave? We MAY So I'm hosting information help us understand what that is. The cause the conclave is a time of gathering for retreat, reflection in deep connection. This is something that they do every year. It's a participant. We spend time looking into ourselves off. Then we show up with something and we're looking at have people, other people need to improve themselves.

But sometimes about the self. So is the time to do some deep reflections. On self. Getting to know each other in discussing the leadership need it for equitable and inclusive, Minnesota. So everything is a dialogue. It's a Seth stating well, that In gate where speakers say that they brought some new understanding. Our and sometime this is where we can just some time is improving so that we can work. Cops, all for the benefit of all. So it's a two-day event today gathering. Very, very insightful. Good food. You know, they always see do is to meals breakfast light. And Jess in the space. Being vulnerable share a cell calls. That's it for me. Thank you very much. Following today's board meeting will be.

Shop of ego and yu I sued the and that's going to be chaired by. Commissioner Jean. And then this afternoon, a human resources transformation. Commissioner Jeff Dunn saying which is that Workshop, we are adjourned.