Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

A lot of the Ramsey County Board Commissioners Roll Call Peace Jevon thing here. McGuire here McMurtry here. Mueller here, Moran here long here take a stand it. And the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under GOD, indivisible, with and justice for all. And think In community owns is assistance t the vitality and it is assistant and vitality. 2 generations from around the world who contribute their

Hopes and dreams and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some will grow here against their will. Some were drawn to the that just in homes in hope of a better life. And some have lived on this. Last is time in memorial truth and it now easement are critical to building mutual respect connections across all areas of Herat. Indifference. We are standing on romance of the Dakota people. We went to now it's still way the ho-chunk any other nations of people who are also called this place home. Pay respect to the elders past and present. So please take a moment to consider the treaty's MAY. All right, tribal nations in title 9 native people to live and work traditional native plants. Consider that many legacies of Allen's displacement migration. And so it meant that brought us together here today. And please join us uncovering Saysthat roof at and public events. Thank you. And then to 10, a motion on the agenda. Rolfe APRIL 14th 2026. Seeing no discussion. We'll call Iran. All John. I just anything I McGuire. McMurtry I Mueller. I. then to take motion on the minutes of APRIL, 7th, 2026,

Some of things I Seeing. No discussion roll. Call. I Jevon think I require I McMurtry I Miller. I I we have a proclamation. Commish. Mission is shown. Yeah. Thank you, MISTER Chair.

And we all look great. MR. Cherry Commissioners, County manager backers, I'm proud today to present the Administrative Professionals Month proclamation. And as you all know, around the table and for our directors and leaders of the county, we cannot operate without our administrative support and we would not even be at the right place at the right time without all of their help moving us court in aiding our schedules coming through. Important information for us that we need to pay attention to. So I just want to share a few remarks about the important work that are administering professionals. Bring to the table every single day. They are the operational backbone of our county services. They ensure that there's continuity act accuracy and efficiency managing the day-to-day functions that keep Ramsey County running without disruption. They directly impact resident experience and access from navigating complex systems to handling sensitive situations. They are often the first point of contact ensuring that residents are treated with dignity, responsiveness and was care.

They're behind the scenes work enables leadership builds trust. And by a further commute, coordinated communication, managing critical details and supporting staff. They allow leaders to focus on policy while strengthening public trust through reliable Service delivery. So with that, I will read the proclamation. And let's give you all a round of applause afterwards. And I would love for you all to just share who you are how long you've at the county. And then also I will do a photo afterwards. So with that said hair whereas Ramsey County depends on administrative professionals who keep the county moving every day. They manage schedules track document guide residents through complex systems and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. And whereas these professionals handle critical information and coordinate with multiple teams in response to high stakes requests, there were concerns that county operations run smoothly and residents needs are met without delay. And whereas administrative professionals enable county leaders and staff to focus on policy and programs and day-to-day operations, resident interactions and important details are manage with care, accuracy and attention.

And whereas they support residents through complex systems and sensitive situations, all people, especially those facing urgent and challenging circumstances are treated date with respect, dignity and care. And whereas administrative professionals facilitate communication, coordination and continuity across departments, they link staff teams ad residents to maintain effective and responsive County services and wear a mask. Their work MAY not always be visible yet it directly affects residents lives keeps the county running in strength is trust and Ramsey County Services now, therefore be it proclaimed that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares APRIL 22nd 2026. As an administrative professional state and the week of APRIL 19th through the 25th as administrative Professionals Week honoring the essential frontline contributions of administrative professionals who make Ramsey counties mission possible every day. And with that said, I will

Hand the soft and Thank you so much. Good morning. Board chair Commissioners, County manager Becker. My name is Emily Hunter and I am an administrative assistant for Saint Paul Ramsey County Public Health's. I've been with Ramsey County for 2 years tomorrow. It is truly an honor to stand before you today and accept this recognition on behalf of all Ramsey County, administrative professionals. This role is often one that works quietly behind the scenes yet it touches every

Part of our organization. We are the planners, the organizers, the problem solvers and the steady hands keep everything moving forward. Often all at once. To be acknowledged in this way is incredibly meaningful because it reflects not just the work that we do, but the care dedication and pride. We bring to it each day. Your support reminds us that the details matter that collaboration matters and that every role contributes to the bigger picture. I am so proud to stand alongside and learn from as so many talented and hard-working administration ministry professionals The work you do often under pressure with grace and efficiency. Does not go unnoticed. If you are essential to the success of every teen, you, sir. This recognition is not just mine. It belongs to all of us who show up each day ready to support to adapt and to make a difference. Thank you again for this honor. I accept it with gratitude and our continued commitment to excellence. Thank you. MR. CHAIRMAN, MAY I have folks just introduce themselves to the board and then we'll take a photo.

Gifts. All right. Good morning. My name Amber Solar and the principle administrative assistant in the Office of Health and Wellness. And I have been the county for about 11 years now. Good morning, Jamie Levine. I'm an executive assistant for the Healthline, a service team. And I've been here just shy of 2016. Genie Angles. Mayor, I'm the supervisor of the admin staff for corrections. Felicia Barnes, a part of this amazing Adnan seeing I am fairly new been here since JANUARY. my name is Choi animal program, specialist and I've in 25 years. Hi, my name is Tammy Carter. And I do interpreting schedule and services for Human Services Department. And I've been here for 9 years. I am much it. And they're saying I've been here for 4 years and I work for children. Family Services. Good morning. My name is Tina Varona and apart from the enemy started this JANUARY. Monday was and I've been here for 4 years. And part of care licensing. Good morning, Jacqueline Lehmann. I'm an

Administrative assistant and correct it. I am SEPTEMBER Brown and I'm the intake worker for child protection. And I've been here 30 years hi, Mindy Shipman been back to Ramsey County since JANUARY and I administer to assistant in children and family Services. Morning and then at Hendricks an administrative assistant for child care licensing. And that with Rams County for 27 years.

My name is Joni. I admin Assistant family, children, services and adult foster care. Been here 10 years. Good morning. My name is Karen Duckworth. And I've been here for 24 years and at noon for Family and Children Services, Good morning. My name is Stephanie Will harbor. And then the administrative assistant at like a lasso residents. And I with Ramsey County for 9 Good morning. My name is Ken Bailey. I'm admin assistant for social services. And I think the county 36 years.

Good morning. They like the county over 6 Admin assistant for compliance and ethics. Arlene, however, could change it were supervisors for 13 of the staff. Right? Just family services. And can make a h r Liaison to the minutes show support committee and thank you.

To the center Administrative items that Commissioner Ann.

It's a chair like to move administrative item. Number 4 agreement with Xcel Energy for Transmission Tower, relocation. I like to move on this state of item on the 5 Ramsey County Economic Development strategy launching building stronger together like the full that I do. I like to move administrative item. Number 6 vacation of an improved county roads right of way. I like to move administrative item number 7 to 2026. Unified local youth plan for the Workforce. Innovation and Opportunity Act in the Minnesota Youth program. Like to move, I minister to item number 8 appointment to the workforce. Innovation Board of Ramsey County. I like to move administrative item. Number 9 agreements to Taher Trinity Service Group for Food Services. And last I would like to move administrative item. Number 13 capital improvement program content, contingents, fine, request for the Saint Paul Campus security project. Seeing none roll call Moran Eye. Think McGuire, I think my I Mueller, I and to Additionally Thank you. MISTER Chair elect to have direct all sun come up and shell of the more about this exciting

Announcement coming from the county around. Economic development and investment in the community what's to come so over to direct. Also. Good morning apologize for the voice. This is a longstanding think Perfect. Can't be. More excited about today and what we were planning to roll out and have been rolling out for a series of peas. And I just acknowledge thank you for your support of the item before you previously around the Excel Power Line regulation rlocations just additional step in moving these projects and this effort underneath this, this umbrella that is the building stronger together. So MR. Cherry Commissioners, Josh Olson, I'm the director for community economic development for the county. This morning's action is an exciting and full staff at advancing the county's economic growth. The work that needs to today has its origins back to 2018. And even earlier through the development of the county's first economic competitiveness and inclusion plan and through Ramsey counties demonstrated resilience.

Aaptation and it Bility excuse me, working on those words today and partnerships. More recently board workshops on MARCH 10th and MARCH 17 in many ways, lay the groundwork for today's action to analyze the Bulls. The county's fiscal health, as well as how the county can respond to property tax realities. Using county tools. So building stronger together, focuses on 2 areas supporting a named downtown and strengthening economic development by selling county on land that is well suited for redevelopment. That's 320 million Dollar. Project or or plan. Really kind of sets into these 2pieces, all kind of walk through individually here. I'll start by saying why don't how well the fiscal health analysis that we present it to you all on MARCH 10th demonstrated downtown Saint Paul is and remains the center for the county, but also that Ramsey County is central to downtown's transformation and success. This plan is multi pronged in supporting downtown's current needs and its future transformation.

Strategic Investments in building a dynamic downtown are estimated to be up to 250 million dollars. His county investments will focus on 4 key areas to stimulate both private and public investment with the goal of creating a more vibrant, active downtown. These initiatives. We'll include catalyzing que projects like park at Rivers Edge. And thank you for that piece earlier around unlocking the site infrastructure piece around Excel Energy. To that will expand businesses, housing and public spaces in this dynamic downtown. Also supporting downtown growth in residential through the use of county tools that have we've had and will continue to build upon. Enhancing public spaces. Through the use of county by elevating he quarters that better connects residents, workers and visitors. And lastly, activating business growth by elevating a bite skews by expanding the tax base and fostering key fatality through that through the benefit that will benefit all county residents citing a moment to. They're This builds upon important work partners like te city of Saint Paul, Downtown Alliance Chamber and more. Been working collaboratively with the county. T build a more

Dynamic downtown. The county is uniquely positioned. We presented that back to you both in the MARCH 10th and MARCH 17th. Board workshops that the county is uniquely position to drive meaningful growth across Ramsey County. Why the county owns hundreds of ares, a vacant underutilized land across the county, not just in downtown Saint Paul. Investments in selling county on land are estimated to be about 70 million dollars by leveraging existing enhance strategic partnerships will transform selling county on lands and properties that are ready for redevelopment, transforming them into revenue, generating projects that attract businesses, create jobs. Sustain new and enhanced wages for individuals across the county and generate property tax revenue. Do this by expediting writ real estate project readiness and jump starting a large for fully of and early utilize properties owned by the county. This includes and kind of central to this. He's raced comments. Through the construction of Race Creek Boulevard and other site infrastructure.

We'll also explore other projects and other properties across the county. Excuse me and invest in public infrastructure that fosters economic opportunities and contributes to sustaining and enhancing vitality. And lastly will to all of cultivating new and enhance partnerships that will strengthen the county tax base for all. Building stronger together. Strategy does not increase property to dip, will not increase the property tax levy. Funding comes from existing dedicated resources and employing strategic bonding, including existing dedicated resources, including our previously established project budgets, existing and future state funding awards. Transportation funding where eligible and through dedicated support from our existing housing redevelopment authority programming. Funding will also be additionally augmented through tools, including our strategic bonding through our strategic our capital improvement bond for Rivers, edge and through the housing and redevelopment Authority. County investment, lack argument agment existing and future support from others, including public and philanthropic partners and downtown and across the county as well as a Cold core goal leveraging additional private investment.

So lastly, I just want to leave you with what's next. And we kind of give a glimpse of at the board workshop on MARCH, 17th. We have and continue have a lot of work ahead of us. On that path. And we're charting in that right direction. As I said earlier, elements of this prop this strategy are already moving evidenced by the the Excel item that was before you just now. With this board's endorsement. We'll move forward. We'll have many workshops to the rest of this year. Highlighting specific elements of initiative, including many of the projects that all right, Dana fight within the the plan. With that said the board's endorsement is just a kick. Start. It's a stimulate to prompt interest. The individual details will come next. As I said, well, be bringing regular updates that will kick start in MAY with some many workshops on River's edge and Race Creek Commons as well as information on that on housing in downtown and across the county.

We'll work on. Our partnerships will continue to enhance them. Take on new energy purpose. And then later this fall, the last thing I just want to mention as noted in here, the board will consider unauthorized bonding authority for those elements of the project that we stated will go through the party process. Thank you, commissioners. Appreciate that. Thank you for doing nothing my voice. This might be my new voice. Moving forward. But thank you. Staff are Thank you. Jus Anderson. Thank you, MR. I really question just want to thank you. Jocelyn. And the county manager and Deputy County manager Collins for all their work and pulling this together. I think this just amazing day a mouse it really for m feels like a stirring in almost a renaissance for this community and for the county as a whole. I think when it comes downtown Saint Paul, it's so important that we also play a role as a county because for the county to succeed, think Paul have succeed.

And think this is truly a step in the right direction to unlock so many possibilities for the foreseeable future and to hopefully sustain that for for generations to come. And so it's exciting to see this come about the special just knowing all the different challenges that we have from the outside world and the pressures that it's putting on us. I know that the county manager said this before, but, you know, no one else can save us. We have to save And I think is a great example of us coming together as a community and that's into the sun. This community to ensure we're was setting up the county for long-term success. And so thank you for introducing ms and then to into getting this in front of I'm really excited about what's to come into. Learn more about how we can continue to to economic growth across Ramsey County and in doing take off some of the pressure that we know we can saying our property owners have for for years now.

So thanks again for this work. Yeah, thank you, MR. Chair and thank you, Director Wilson for this presentation. Compelling it together. Following our workshop that we just a few weeks ago. This is a really great and important time for Ramsey County because we And also I just want to think so much to our previous that the leadership on our board and our staff taking, for being such good stewards of public dollars and for us to be able to have a aaa bond rating for so many years for probably 20 plus years. 25 yes. And and that means that it opens up more tools in our tool box to be able to invest in catalyze the development that we really need. And downtown, is it exceptionally like it's critical to the success Ramsey County overall? And I really appreciate just the thought into about how we can invest and expand our tax base and of the targeted and focused at this point.

So I really just want appreciate all of my colleagues here for supporting this as well too. And for trusting, though, if the leadership that we have here at the cunty. So thank you all. Commissioners saying, yes, I just want to say to the one of the things that I find most exciting about this is as my says, has a stated in here. And I think as we all know that as Bill Saint Paul, those Ramsey County. the idea of why it's so critical for us to make these partnered investments with the players who have been at this for a long time and our bureau the same direction. And to really think about how we can have that economic renaissance here is really important. And I will say to the idea of this plan allows us to expand our tax base. It's not just a matter of shifting from residential to commercial or certain types of commercial to other types of commercial.

It is the idea of we can grow our local economy. In a wy that will not only increase our tax base but allow us to invest in the success of our business community in the workers that are here hopefully expanding on their own intergenerational wealth and the the the property values and their equity within their own homes. I mean, these kinds of activities that allow our communities to thrive are what we need to help those who need the county support to survive. And so all of this is connected and I'm very ecited and I will say in Ramsey County, where many of the cities that I represent, I've had a lot of interest since the workshop. They came ot exciting to see how as folks are preparing I their own corner. Ramsey County, how they, too, can be using these kind of mindset to be thoughtful in their development in their corners, how they can be increasing opportunity as well. So I think that this is a wonderful first started. Excited to see what's to come.

Commissioner move and why? Commission Thank you, Thank you, MISTER Chair. And just echo my colleagues appreciation to you direct Olson in your department and to all of Ramsey County for really putting this amazing transformative plan together. And it's true that are really this is really crucial for all of our residents and I just want to acknowledge us. We have been, but the importance of our partners that are we're going need to really do this transformative work. The city of Saint Paul, the state of Minnesota, our legislators, we need meet our city partners. We need our business partners, community partners, together, we can make this all happen. And so I just want to, you know, thank all of those that are coming forward to really help with this transformative work because we are all gonna benefit from this. And just thank you so much. MR. Thank you, MISTER Chair. Definitely want echo all that. I just heard from my colleagues on me.

We have. I mean, you have stated it well, and we are all in and I was just next. Move forward as he was talking. I was just thinking about partnerships that is going to take. To move forward ad we are open and willing to feel good. Strong partnerships. And I'm just her commission requires state not just locally, but the state you know, and also keeping our congressional delegation what we're doing here. Just also wanted just to echo that we do really on the back of previous county commissioners board. Worked so hard to keep a strong binding rating over the last 25 years that really allow us to go and strong healthy to do some bonding needs to be done. But I also want to just by saying to our residents, we see you. We hear you. We are in trying times and you know, it's a county board. Over. But of Comes to a levy.

Is a tax on to them. And so the work that we're doing here to be stronger together and to move forward is also a recognition giving them some relief. And so really, really excited about this. What do we go into over some years not going to be immediately, but there's work to do and we're committed to doing it and keeping them in my to thank you. Yeah, thank you, MISTER Chair. Thank you, Josh. For all your commissioners she said and you to you in Cary, thank you for being that very early shepherds of this work back in 2018, only some of you commissioners around table that that the growth of the Communion Economic Development Department where we became much more strategic to focus on building the team, building the tools building that relationships. This this past week, I had to privileged to go around a little bit with Commissioner Haygen previously, but also on my own talk to some of the business leaders around our communities.

Think we are so grateful that the county is going to step up at this moment and then so I want to reiterate what Commissioner Moran said, reducing the property tax burden on our residents is our number one priority. And we are going to execute these targeted actions to deliver measurable, really, for our community. We're going to use the full strength of every county to we can have to ensure that we can have a successful strategy here. And just to echo the commissioner's, it's going to take partnership from lots of folks and we have we got to a very positive article in The Star Tribune this morning. And I just want to, you know, reiterate that point that, you know, we're we're kicking the door open. We need a lot of other people to come with us. You know this, this downtown has gotten quite stagnant and it's needs infusion and the county has stepped up so and then to the rest of the organization for the people who work for Ramsey County.

We're going to need everybody here accelerate the strategy. I'm going to see some of the people around the room. I certainly see public works. Property management are operations team. We're going this is going to be a all 4,000 for in many ways, whether it's, you know, direct or indirect, the work that you do will impact our ability to do this. And this investment will directly impact our ability to keep our community affordable, viable for us to be able deliver Korea critical County services that we are mandated to do despite a very, difficult environment. And so I want to thank all of the commissioners for their leadership this morning in considering this item and for your partnership with our staff to execute against this. And this is going to be work for the commissioners to b pounding the pavement with us. So I'm glad we're all in together. And this is all in plan. And so we're all in and believing in the assets and the people and the future and the hope of of Ramsey County.

And that starts, you know, with the new immigration today. So thank you very much. Well, I want to thank the board Well, we all have a common vision. Urban suburban. And I think that sends a strong message and thank you all for your comments. You know, this is very much about as much as Fry street common the punk amendment says the enemy because it was the lead commission on both of Projects. This is about. How do we keep taxes low? We gotta make sure that folks can afford to live in city county. Mean, that is crucial. And the hope here is that. This plan

Is. Is so ambitious. Becomes a cabinet to help. The other activities around this time. The city from the downtown Council. With te help of that helps move the Legislature way in many of these other issues we face. So I just want to thank you all because this is a you are here at moment sort of crescendos the work of a lot of boards in the past. And so I want to thank you that did for the move? And ok with it are. I will move item number 5 frames county from development strategy launching building stronger together. Second. In an old friend discussion roll call. These are ai. John, I jevon thing I McGuire. I tink my Miller, thank you, man. Commission and I thank MARCH. I'm going to give the legislative update here. They are back from there, their Easter Passover there. Unfortunately, the partisan divisions continue to be unhelpful in moving things forward, but are hopeful that they can figure out their way

Around that. There's Fi 5 more weeks left of sessions. So a lot of work to be done. There. The committee's of started considering the governor's proposed supplemental budget bills and that as of the APRIL 17 finance bill deadlines on this Friday is the finance bill deadline. So we're just watching on the bus bills or as I call them ominous bills. But these big bills that are being handled differently in the House and the Senate, the Senate is moving forward with bills and the House there each committee is when they find agreement, they're passing their own bills. And so it will be interesting to see how they. Come together and each body with are different. But they're different bills that they're having. So we're watching a lot of moving parts in the process and we're especially watching, of course, the Health and Human Services Bill, which has provisions that deeply affect us. Of course, we are all very as we just heard our amazing economic development plans moving forward, capital investment in our in our transformational work around a riverfront with our park at Rivers Edge.

Ad we're working with our legislative very closely on that on that work as we really need that that investment. For the work that we want to do. The Capitol complex County homes program, we're working to get a hearing on that in the Senate taxes Committee. This is other proposal for a state appropriation for the county to help make up for the large amount of non taxable property at the state Capitol complex. And we've been hearing positive about it. But we're waiting to get a hearing and with it where just hopeful that it will and Vance were not sure if it will happen this or next. But keep working on that. So chair that is the. report. Just many thanks, Julie Wood for continue to lead the. A group on a on this important work. An art. My colleague commissioner and we we sit in meetings every week to talk about the legislative So thank you.

County Connections. Good Morning. Yeah, thanks, MISTER Chair. I have 3 updates for you today on the first is yesterday. Ed Deputy county manager is a night we're able to attend a press conference that John Choi and Chair Fletcher had which announced an active criminal investigation into federal agents for the possible kidnapping, burglary and false imprisonment tied to what the JANUARY detention of Saint Paul, U. S. Citizen officials said there is no evidence the agents had a warrant described the arrest as highly irregular and noted that this is one of multiple cases being under Ramsey County Attorney's Office asking for records from dhs and ice and set an APRIL 30th deadline after which prosecutors MAY pursue charges or even a grand jury setting up a potential. You legal. discussion between entities. So I want to thank both the county attorney and the sheriff for their ongoing leadership. It was a very good press conference with lots of good questions from from media and others today or this week is National Telecommunicators Week.

So I wanted to have a chance to thank them. They are first point of contact for community when it comes to emergencies. We thank them for their calm under pressure. The quick thinking their unwavering commitment to public safety every day they're providing the critical lifeline to our community, guiding collars to some of the very most difficult situations in their lives. And so we extend our gratitude for them this week, an innovative advancement of telecommunications is actually text to 9-1-1. It's available statewide. It has been since 2017, the service provides an alternative way to reach 9, 1, 1, a voice is not possible. And so we are also proud to share that we have a new text to 9-1-1, public awareness campaign that's been developed by Twin Cities, Public Broadcasting. The campaign includes images, deo's in multiple languages and features acessible content for deaf deaf blind and hard of hearing hearing communities including sign language. So key messages are text to 9-1-1.

Is available anyone. It can work with voice calls. Do not work due to coverage and it can be used when it is not safe to make a voice call. And then I want to thank especially Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office communications. The State Patrol fire and Metro Transit and other partners for making that campaign happen. And then I have the privilege of announcing that we are the 2 year annual winners, Northland So the Northland Prep is an annual happy charity tournament between Saint Paul Ramsey County employees raising funds for Saint Paul and Ramsey County Domestic abuse intervention. It was the 13th game of the series. It was a 6, 6, tie and Ramsey County. I came off with the win. We wn by a score of 42. So I really want to thank especially Shelly Klein, executive director us. But for her leadership and then also the players from Ramsey County from different departments.

We also had people from the sheriff's office in the county attorney's office and many volunteers. I know Kathleen Murphy from Commissioner Miller's office was a over volunteers. So thank you to her. And I do have the for And I will commissioner charge of in saying and I and Kelly Miller are quite have quite the shot. They were able to get happen to the neck from the blue line. congratulations to Thank I'll putting them in a deployed, so at week I had the opportunity meet with Arlene that who and partners from

Isaiah to learn more about their work and to explore opportunities for collaboration. Ys, I really appreciate appreciate their commitment to building a strong relationship of our office. One day is grounded in sharing information that you support in a common goal of serving our community more effectively. It was really good to to happen. I 10 The hit Home Ramsey Steering Committee meeting is I'm is chair of hit home to county continue of care. Of the governor's I had not attended a steering committee. So I felt like was his time to me. Expand expand my mind. I facing test connect with this year committee members and see the work that they was doing and hw come together for the greater around housing, stability. And they're - doing really good work to continue to align strategies to address homelessness and to expand housing, stability efforts. Yesterday was a busy day for me. I was I hd opportunity to speak at the Black Maternal Health Week event at the well.

The foundation. Looking at black maternal health continues to be a priority for me. Because, you know, it will be interesting to know that in 2026. They still high. If meant in 5th? How rates baby's in black mothers who are also dying in 2026. Up in giving birth. And so one of the things that we've learned with and I know that all staying the pain of black mothers go and notice because it's this it is con self that black women can't endure pain so they don't really need painkillers, you know. And so it was just really good to see a room full diverse. Leaders and community based organizations and advocates who are all came together. Around this comment issue in this was hosted by the African-American Babies Coalition at while the foundation. Good to Representative Mary Frances Clarity there also participating also had opportunity to see Representative Lewis Lee also attend it the but continue to lift up that issue and bringing awareness to hear 2026 year.

We still should not have that happening now. They want to share my own story as a as a mother for the first time was of saving. But my first chow when I was 8 months, I had a doctor who shared with me. I was stress and that they needed to do a c section. And I really felt that. I wasn't under type of stress with my body in in and my pregnancy. I remember calling my sister and asking my sister that I have a doctor here who wants to give me a c 8 months and we know how important it is to go for a What a baby. And so she said to me, a doctor. Want a second opinion. This is a scary moment to go back to say to adopt. And when you say it, you know, we need c 6 and t say that I want a second opinion, but I I went which is really important that know their bodies to right.

So I went back and said to the doctor, I want to have a second opinion and he said, fine, you can do a second opinion. So it's a great, okay. So when our next opinion appointment be? And he said to you cannot come back to me. And my mouth just dropped to the floor. Mean, you what? First first You telling me that my my shalit's under stress on you to have a c section, you do not want me to come back. And so I walked out the door and say, ok, I walk out the door and had it at 8 months try to find a physician that was seen me in most physician would not that late in term. So ended up going to a The county hospital back in Chicago, Cook County Hospital. They ran a vast amount tests. Test to see where I And the doctor came back. There to everything looks fine.

Looks fine. In distress. Baby doing well. And I say it will lie with the doctor. Tell me why would me that they needed to do a c section? And the doctor remark was maybe you want to take a trip to homeless. Because we all know they get more when a c section happens. There's many stories like that. My story is not the only story, but I was glad that I had I had a system that can call that I trusted my body and to be ok for the second, a pea in the moments. That is a really critical moment for him to So its good to be it was great to be there to to just share my story and also just connections with so many other. And I would just in I was also able to be a part of standard collaboration is movement, infrastructure, which is taking what was called taken, put together stronger together, which is a collaboration as movement infrastructure convening this gathering emphasized the importance of building strong partnership across organizations and communities.

It reinforced that meaningful change happen. When we invest in collaboration, not just an ideal, but a foundation, a sustainable moving movement building. Wat think you you. Thank you, chair. So I tend the executive committee meeting. It was pretty standard. I do want to know. One thing is that. The city of Maplewood and their ambulance services will be providing whole blood. We approved a grant for Currently, there make sure I say this correctly. I'm not giving this information. So currently there they currently Burnsville, Fire and Ambulance, Hennepin ems and Lakeview, ems, provide whole blood services. So when you're out in the field and then accident or something and you need whole blood, they cn administer it in the ambulance until you can get is the hospital. It's able to provide administer volunteer o-positive blood in the field. So oftentimes when you're in a crash guess that's that's something that's needed and can be lifesaving. And so with now, maple wood and fire and ems will be able to offer that to the East Metro.

So we'll have the east and the West Metro covered. And that is expected to start in 2026, I thought that was petty neat that I learned. I also able film with Chair Fletcher for the Nrthland Cup and highlight that for his live on patrol, which really cool and really fun. I am a back seat pretty it. And then on Tursday attended the are in the finance and facilities committee. I do have a couple updates from Matt. We were given the the year and 2025 year and Budget reports the program's budget had a surplus of 390,500. And 24.

And that was mostly due to timing and hiring of new staff, which they have now hired additional 7 or 9, I believe staff to help. So that's fine. And then the facilities budget had a surplus of 2.6 million dollars. And so the finance and facilities committee approved the following recommendations to bring to full our new board in JUNE, which is to use the 398, 524 1000 surplus to rebuild the program's fund blance, which was used to bridge the 2026 gap. So we have we and then her policy where and also we're going to allocate the 2.6 million surplus to the equipment, maintenance and repair budget. And that will help cover projected short fall in 2029, they had a lot of maintenance that had to happen at the are any unplanned maintenance. So I think that this really a great move in really smart because will be short a lot. So we also reviewed the upcoming budget timeline.

So there are no proposed changes to the 2027 budget at this time, which is really wonderful. a board workshop with Ramsey washing boards MAY be scheduled if we need it. But there is no changes to the budget that we approved was presented to us last year. And the goal is for the county boards to approve and adopt the 2027 budgets and set the tipping fee by the end of JULY. So more to come with that. And then again, attended the North and copper. Just pretty cool. I did host in district hours in Maplewood yesterday. A lot of lively discussions on county government property taxes, fraud, county roads, metro transit. And of course, the new brown signs. So thanks the residents for coming in and filling my time with those great discussions. And I have upcoming in district ours this Thursday in white Bear lake from 10 to 11, 30 and then North Saint Paul Library on Thursday as well from one to 2 30's.

I invite you to come and chat with me. And with that, I'm done Thank you. thank you, MR. Sheriff, just a few things I want to highlight last week I had a chance to meet with Erik Cole, who's the executive secretary off the cap for just to learn more about the capital area. White ally project, the work they're doing there, I think for me it was very eye-opening because I had no idea that their their own zoning districts so they don't have to go through the cty of Saint Paul's Planning Commission or through the council to approve different changes. They are their own authority. We also have a conversation because I I strongly feel that with this organization and the work that they're doing to 2 really revitalize this particular jurisdiction that we are some voices at the table specifically from the of the commission, Rams County Board of Commissioners specific with the commissioner who represents this area and from the Saint Paul City Council.

And so it's something that would have to go through legislative statute more change. But I was happy to hear that there was interest potentially bringing up put something strange is. So more to come on that. But we had a real of the conversation and it kind of I t a potential announcement. A very exciting community. I meant that could be happening Rice Street later this summer. So hopefully we'll have more to this year. There. I also met last week with Cully Rogers and Joe Nathan from Calais systems change. This organization does a lot of great work around breaking down barriers creating pathways. Sue opportunities for youth and families. So we just discussed some of the things they're working on in particular work they've been doing with high school students to help build homes across the state. Also just discussing potential, you know, partnerships with with the county. And so looking forward to continue to build a relationship with them.

I also met last week with Joe Price and had a chance to tour the interact center for visual and performing arts and ws honestly the highlight of my day. This organization was created to. To provide a space for a dose with disabilities to partake arts and culture. And I had a chance to meet with some of artists over there. I had a chance to tour the gallery and they also put on. A little a performance for me. It was it was truly awesome. Just to see out of transfer transformational work that this organization is doing and their community, you know, one of the real heartbreaking things that here is that, you know, they rely heavily on Medicaid, tough, on a lot of the work they're doing on top of the fact that they are focused mainly arts. And we know that of Singh's, substantial cuts from federal government. So we're really it just says and even more of a light of how important it is to have no partners in the federal government who highlights the implications problem that the reconciliation bill that is going to have people our community.

So. Great to meet them in and hoping that they can continue to do their work despite some of the challenges that we know they're facing. And then yesterday I had a chance myself and Councilmember Coleman had our latest Snelling university departments working group this meeting in particular was focused on the presentation for my aound United Village. So as we iac's, we're talking about our amazing investment today. I think this is another great opportunity. Core investment is coming to the Midway neighborhood tonight. Village, of that they are solely on field, but they are also in te getting the new business center completed by end of this year and restaurant, the Villian completed by JULY of this year. And so these this is going to be another great in our community that will continue to expand our tax And I think one important conversation we hd that meeting is we are excited about this development, but we also want to make sure that we're not displacing and pushing out people in our community and maintaining the history and culture of him in midway.

And so we happy to hear that that was taken there. Well, from my comment and that they're going to continue to take the steps to bring in community as they build what entire area will become. Law. And then I will end with just give them a quick plug for the Saturday. The Rice and marketer alliance will be having their spring cleanup. On this Saturday from 9 until 11, 30 meeting at the caribou I street. So if you have time, love to have you to join us out there and then happy belated birthday. Commissioner Maria, And that's Yes, all right. Well, I also, you know, I'm I'm really happy that we had a chance to think the administrative professionals that work with in Ramsey County. Just wanto just amplify that to all of her administrative professionals who work with in Ramsey County meeting, you know, our communities as well. I mean, many of us I will just say just reflecting on the last week or 2, I've been doing some of what we all do, the work of life and many of the first calls, whether it's to mental health, professional or medical doctor or the dentist or getting your car serviced.

He's somebody who is who is in that line of work and it can make or break your experience with that organization from the shop and the work that they do every day in day in and day out is what makes community feel like community. So I just want to extend Thank you. Throughout. I also want to say that I would say it's here's some of the things that was able to attend this last week of the rant became legal. The local governments had a. Had a program from crisis to stability, which highlighted some of the mutual aid and Rapid response works that happen in community as well as some of the municipal response. And then the work a solid ground, which is some housing stability for Manatee County. And it was it was this lovely to see the interconnectedness. And I wanted to bring forward. I did one of those dangerous questions to the group which was kind of that blank check question, which is how local government support the work that you're doing and what we're already doing and how can we do more?

And of course, you know, we always think of financing and that is a piece of it. But mostly what the collective conversation was around the role we have of convening. The role of bringing issues to light, to bring the right players to the table, to make sure that we have a place for community voices to be heard alongside decision-maker so that people can go forth and do the things that need to be done. And so I just I just want to remind that we have that power of working with our local partners, whether those are community members or content, expertise and providers or or city partners, our business partners and how important that is in times of crisis and how important s it is for us to maintain those relationships during the quiet times. So when they're issues that come up are ready to go. So just wanted to thank all the folks who are part of that.

They I was able to attend the Mounds View Schools Foundation luncheon and one of the things I really love this, they always have an alumni come back and speak to a speaker. It's usually and I got to this is so and so and they remember that one time back in the 5th grade when they were a knuckle head. And that teacher said you are bigger than this day and going and and and show us what you've got and how important that is. S that was really lovely. I was at the 7 crews coffee opening in Venice Heights with our local chamber of commerce. And I say that business is so successful that it's like disrupting traffic all over the east side. I'll just say I'm not really sure what's how that's going simmer down, but I don't know if I'm really I think all of us are very excited and also kind of like, oh, my.

So be careful what you wish But it's exciting to see Reinvigoration in that corner of the world. The Venice Heights, a Lions club had their waffle breakfast on on Sunday with a lot of work from the Green team. Another environmental groups there looking at some of the cleanups that are coming up. So I think every community has their spring cleanup coming up as we head into Earth Day and I encourage everybody to get out into the world to be part of that. It was fun to be at the Northland Cup. I will say that we won in spite of the fact that I was one of the honorary because I have I have to admit that my very for hockey game was last year's Northland So it was in spite of my my being in that role that that overcame 5 home the stick for us. And then I just want to say, you know, Commissioner Moran, the the that lived experience and story that you brought into this fce of decision-making around black, maternal health you know, I I had about 6 or 7 different meetings with community members and providers and advocates on all different issues this last week as we all do and none of them would have been the kind of thing that is committee up, you know, update or anything like that.

But we can't do this. We're without people willing to share those lived experiences and parent providers and content experts who then inform the decisions that we make here. So I just want to disappoint everybody. Who takes the time to write to us to call the West, who sits in goes to, you know, Commissioner office hours because we bring all of those stories and to every space. And so just thank you for modeling that and just encouraging community members to continue to bring your stories to us. It's like thank you. Thank Thank you, MISTER Chair. And I just want to thank all my colleagues for the sharing which I really appreciate. And I just going Echo Commissioner joven saying gratitude to our residents who do tell us their stories and really share their lived experience. And we all do have those meetings and I want to know care tomorrow and we all throughout her days in our week's end.

So I'm just great and thankful that you acknowledge that and that we continue to encourage our residents to share their lived. Experience with us. So thank you for that. A number of meetings have already been talked about that I have been to this past week, but I will say that I was on the I and I serve on the Energy Advisory Committee for Rescue comments. So those 2 committees I serve on the Energy Advisory Committee and my colleague Commission Devin saying serves on the other committee, which is a remember the name of that. But that's committee really move things forward and we handle the energy, a work of that. And we are excited that we got a lead. We we got certified for for our leed certification, which is the leadership in energy and environmental design. This is a 3rd party green building certification program that recognizes the best in class, sustainable building strategies and practices.

So we want this and we we worked for it. We applied for it and we got it. And we're very excited about that. And this is going to help with our co 2 emissions. It's going help with their energy uage. When you're leed certified area and we will be in encouraging. Of course, all of our developers, all of our businesses, and that we will be that will be. And coming to Race Creek Commons. This is a certification that they will want to participate in as well. So very exciting that we got that lead leed certification. We also talked about geothermal all planning work, grant that we were getting Xcel. We're in when a pilot program with Xcel Energy on the Thermal Energy Network, a pilot program. That's exciting. Talking about single-family, clean energy solutions. So we're really focusing on this being a sustainable, clean development and I'm really proud of that work. So it's a it's a great committee.

Everything we do in this committee goes on to the full the full board where commissioner Jevan saying, sir, jump and sing and I serve on. And but it's always great to hear that the great work we're doing on sustainability in that. And for the Ramsey local government. I was also able to be on the call for the housing, the addressing housing instability. And here are you hearing from our nonprofits that are doing work in that area? Commissioner Johnson did a great job of commenting on that. It was a great meeting. The Collective Action Workgroup which meets the day before the board before meeting and are where there is on chloride reduction, which is the in the salt that we put on our roads, you know, seats into our ground water and into our lakes and and it really does have a huge impact on our environment. So we're really working on chloride reduction and there's going to be some model chloride ordinances that we're going we're going to circulate among our cities.

And so that great that work group is doing a great job. Commissioner Miller already mentioned the Ramsey recycling facility and Finance Committee. So I want to say any more about that. I want to say that this next week is going to be the start of the Roseville, Roseville, small business week. So small businesses in Roseville everybody who wants to give their support. And then as we support the businesses, they're going to give a portion to the housing Stability Fund and And so it just has a great model for other communities. But even Roseville. And then though they'll support our housing stability. So many thanks to do good Bozo and other groups that are really helping put that together. So that's great. And ten thanks to our rci or chief Information Officer Jane Gundotra. He did a great presentation on artificial intelligence to our rotary yesterday and they were it went way over because people were really asking lots of questions about artificial intelligence.

You did a great job with that. And then a new Brighton. Women voters is having a as having our Senator Mary commissioned then Ramsey County Librarian Mary Moran talking about who decides what books allowing him Ivers. So thanks to our League of Women. Voters of continued to put out great issues. My colleague, Commissioner you mention the race, our punter annual spring cleanup, which I encourage everyone to go to the same day because it's honoring Earth. They unearth week as our open House celebration at our Environmental Center, Ramsey County Environmental Center is doing a great, a great day you know, marking one year of operations and they're going to have several open houses throughout every year, which I'm really grateful for. So they're going to share information about items accepted at the center, which is massive. They continue increase the number of items plastic bag, everything to get it out of our waste stream. You can so many things you can bring to the center microwave, small appliances.

Don't put them in your garbage, bring him to the Environmental center and then they're going to talk about what happens to them after you do drop them off. They're going to yu can have story time create upcycled craft. So there'll be a really great day. So go to rice are fund or clean up and then come to the Environmental center. So its right down the street from there. So I encourage you to do that. City of Little Canada is hosting a volunteer event during National Volunteer Week, which is also next week. So just thanks to all of our communities who are going to be having events like this. But, you know, to help clean up parks ad and and just really help clean up the community. So kudos to them for having a lot of events in that. And then Saint Anthony Village is hosting a water conservation and education. Fair in the city hall on Monday.

APRIL 20th, so lots great Earth Day and sustainability events going on and really kudos to the community for hosting this. So thank you, MR. Chen, thank Jen. Thank you, MR. Chair. I just want to speaking of construction East 7th there's a lot of work that's happening. And when it got started at, you know, folks know how they were going into oncoming traffic. That likely recorded. And then that was able to fix that up. And so with that said, the East side, businesses at that, you cite Area Business Association is, you know, having their campaign to help support the East, 7th businesses. They have Eastside Resistance, Arts and craft market on 18th at Indigenous roots and then also at they will convening there, too, for networking opportunity on the 23rd and then also hosting various at Earth Day cleanup. So yet best way to help support businesses during this is also during construction And then I also want to mention housing solicitation just opened up yesterday. This is to encourage developers to private developers and nonprofit developers to apply for and compete for our our hr refunds and some our other various sources of for housing

Infrastructure. And so the other item I want to highlight a meeting that I had Elizabeth Glidden who is leading that the campaign for a constitutional amendment to get dedicated sales tax for housing for affordable housing. So they they've quite a few hearings at the Capitol, but essentially they to be able to put on the ballot for residents across Minnesota vote on this initiative. Essentially, you know, goal and aim is just to put more dedicated streams or money into the development of full of affordable housing

Because we all a housing and also affordable housing is really big challenge across, you know, across the nation, essentially and we are need more housing to developed so that that's one that they're asking for us for a consideration. So I encourage you all if you're interested meet with them, too. Thank you. Thank you. The Since we one minute I get it takes us one l will cut that folks wanting to know has MAY be doing so many, many, many years later. She was when they before her due date. She was to the 20 AUGUST 25th. She's want all this to 24. Healthy to do a mother to marry live California. And yeah, that is. And we we have a full they have to. adjourn. The board meeting will be moving to the board, appealing to the press conference. And then this afternoon we have a board workshop, invest the housing continue who's going in Mary Jo McGuire? Oh,