Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

Here. Miller here Moran is excused wrong here take a I could we stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. United States of America stands. nation under God. and justice for all. An acknowledgement commission member. Yes, thank you, chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality 2 generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to make in the history that led to this moment. Some are brought here against their will. Some are

Drawn to leave their distant homes in hopes 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 Dakota people. We want to acknowledge the ojibwe the ho-chunk and the other nations of people who also call this place home. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the treaty's made by the tribal nations that entitle Non native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Consider the maggots many legacies of violence. Displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in a covering such at any and all public events. And then to 10, a motion on the agenda May 12, 2026. So moved second. Seeing no discussion roll call. Miller. I Iran accused John. 17. I requires excuse McMurtry. I undertake I and to 10, a motion and a minute's May 5th 2026. Some of second. Seeing no discussion wrong. Call Miller. I Iran accused John. I been seeing eye acquires excuse McMurtry. I and Ortega.

You know, have a proclamation, a proclamation on Mental Health Awareness May I have folks for joining for for public teams enjoying themselves here. Ilkay shot by really thought I did happen

Right. Cair Commissioners, County manager. I am so proud to present. The mental Health Awareness Month proclamation. And before I start, I just want thank so much to our staff for here, too. Remember this month, but also to mark a moment in time for all of us. mental health is so critical and equally. Important to our whole and complete selves where we can show up as are true and authentic selves. Each day. So I'm proud to stand here with public health and our community partners and proclaim May as mental Health Awareness Month. And Ramsey County Public Health Approaches to healing remain an important step toward community mental health. And I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to just name the impact. The operation that will surge has had on our communities compounded with the fact that we you know, poverty. We families who work so hard and are one paycheck away fom being homeless themselves as well you know, just generational trauma.

So I just wanted to name that. These are all things that a we we need to. Our is still grappling after the fact. But also that our community needs to heal. So what a moment in time it is to name that healing is an integral part of o our community and that it is public health. So with that said, I will read the proclamation and then handed off to director Amy Karen from Public Health. So whereas mental health is inseparable from overall health and is significantly impacted by environment, including home life, parenting, food and housing security community in school environment and economic stability. And whereas nearly half of mental health challenges begin during infancy and childhood associated with adverse childhood experiences in early exposure to trauma is strongly associated with increased risk of substance use disorders and co occurring. Mental health conditions across the lifespan and whereas exposure to traumatic events can have lasting psychological,

Physical and social impacts on individuals, families and communities requiring trauma response of supports that help individuals and communities heal. And whereas recent federal activities occurring in Ramsey County has resulted in widespread collective community-based comma and community disruption, violence and discrimination are directly related to mental health. And where early identification of mental health conditions, it's associated with significantly improved long-term health, educational and economic outcomes and require tailored services to reflect cultural linguistic and lived experiences of communities. And whereas mental health

Promotion and responsive community, mental health resources for residents in Ramsey County staff require sustainable mental health promotions. early intervention and recovery oriented systems of care. And whereas there are enduring challenges faced by justice involved clients with mental illness, were new or old divergence in the county is committed to initiative the overall health of residents. And we are individuals facing mental health challenges need equitable opportunities to lead fulfilling lives and fostering a culture of compassion inclusivity supports community connection. Now, therefore, be a proclaim the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares May

2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and Ramsey County and be it further proclaimed the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners reaffirms its commitment to improving te conditions influence in community mental well-being, including supporting culturally appropriate approach is to promote, protect and improve mental health. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner Chair County manager. I'm Amy Robach. sorry. Could carry. The simple Ramsey County public health director. So recent activities and Ramsey County and across our state this winter underscore that traumas be on the individual. Collective trauma is real. The

Conditions leading up to metro surge are not new. The strength of communities to organize and provide mutual care while under violence, an attack are not noon to immigrant refugee indigenous and African American communities. Grieving community with family and neighbors as part of reaffirming cultural belonging the most recent violence and acted upon or cmmunities has had and will continue to have mental impacts for years t come. And I will hand it off to my Thank you, Director Karen, good morning chair or Commissioners County manager. Thank you for inviting us today. I'm Pam Santoso and I oversee Public Health's community engagement and health promotion team programs that focus on race and health equity in collaboration with community prtners. Programs include mental health and wellbeing, trusted Messenger, healthy aging and cannabis and substance use. These programs. Focus on prevention. The core responsibility of public health. What occurred in Ramsey County over the winter referred to as Metro surge is a clear example of how mental health is inseparable from conditions operating in a community.

Conditions of safety and belonging are fundamental to mental health. What happens to a community happens to the mental health of that community and what happens to family happens to children. This spring partners have told us directly what happened in community needs to be healed in community. And the systems that harm us or not, who we turn to for healing. Public health partners with community organizations were cultural practices are a core approach to the mental health and healing. It's often said what we witness we absorb. Trauma takes root not only from the traumatic event itself. But how we responded to immediately after the event. Who came to help. Who believed in me, who kept me safe. Partner organizations are here today who were there to help before Metro sergeant during Metro surge, their trusted in their own communities to provide mental health services resource navigation, advocacy and cultural approaches to healing such as community grieve circles.

For example, our partner Paul is here today builds community power through community organizing and up standard trainings strategies that support community mental health. In the face of racism, violence and discrimination. We've the theme this year from now me. Stigma grows in silence and healing begins and community. So I'll turn it over to community partners cope all Afghan cultural society and NAMI, Minnesota at. Thank you for the proclamation. Today, commissioners. Thank you, and

Commissioner us. Good morning. We represent Ko NAMI, Minnesota, and the Afghan Cultural Society. My name is nesting executive director of the Afghan Cultural Society. I'm joined by the ACA, Padilla of culpa. And and funny front and those of Minnesota and a member of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Public Health and In the last year. Our communities have become to Operation Metro Surge as community led organizations. We are known by our communities as trusted support. By providing safe spaces. Basic needs navigation, education, mentorship, mental health services, cultural programming and collective healing. We build cultures of solidarity through community power and collective dignity. Has funded partners Ramsey County. We are grateful for your support and a proclamation today. We look forward to our continued work together. So our communities cannot only weather storms but thrive and find the kind of belonging that bonds us to each other and allows us to imagine futures worthy of generations to follow.

Thank you. Commissioners. Thank? And if we don't have any more speakers, I would love for folks to just come and introduce themselves who they are, their gender pronouns and department organization that they're with. And then after that, stay here, we'll take a photo together. I mean, Bryce Primo now he's a condition because I'm a suicide prevention coordinator and and center in Saint Paul. Good morning. or some kind of public house. M ship it cool to too funny, money she high with morning. My name is funny, but I my money. She. Every in Minnesota as well as embracing community ban an infinite Thank you. And though and economy his son when they take down a couple on these communities. And then I say, let know when next Hi and Beatrice more. I

From Human Services, social services. Phelan when she her and social service. Charles ault men. All. Morning Bowling green planning specialist public health. Good morning, everyone. My name is the jury and free to roll. I working community corrections and I'm also here part of the able to see it as a leader. Trying part the up. Clearly for the ERG.

Thank you. If able stands for advocating belonging, Liberation and equity for disabilities. Thank you. Good morning. Katia could do go adult mental health initiative coordinator. Good morning, Jessica. increases service. Good morning. Sandy Shelton demand help. Good morning. Tony Hill say clinic mandate that center. Good morning number. But he's still 9 from mental health resources, a community, mental health provider. Good morning. Can you walk or social services? Deputy director of mental health? Good morning. And Hewitt managers, social services.

Sophia Thompson, social services director. If I can just take a moment to say, I want to also thank our mental health staff that are under the direction of can you walk we have large number of staff who do really, really hard work and every time. There's a new ask and ask for pivot and ask what respond to community. We do our best to show up. So thank you to? Good morning, everyone. Pronouns he him. My name is cute. Sweet. On the head of behavior, health and Minnesota. Community care. morning at the that the kind of manage of to health and wellness service team. Good morning. Once about mental health outreach. for and make it in the R I would say vertically myself folks in te back by the and try to get the college.

That chair Well, as we're settling in, I I would be remiss if I didn't make additional comment to our celebration today. One of the one of our colleagues who is at that, I Fannie Frnandez, she is a a community partner. But I just

Wanted to say that she will be receiving the left while the Nord award honoree from the United for Minnesota. United in this is a recognition given to individuals reflect values, such as resilience, inclusivity. That occasion, Patrick passion, teamwork and respect. And I'm just so proud of my colleagues for being honored this week. Mission the same. We now have a proclamation. National Police Week.

You can will All Come one come all. This is of crew. All right. Well, we all in it is a all Well, I am so honored today to be able to speak to this proclamation. A national police week is a time to honor and remember the officers, deputies, troopers and others who have died in the line of

Duty. It recognizes their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. We pay special tribute to the members. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office who made the ultimate sacrifice and service to others. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide those who serve today. Throughout this week, events and memorials provide an opportunity to stand with the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen. These gatherings offer support, remembrance and a shared sense of gratitude for lives, dedicated to public service. National Police week also serves as an important reminder, the value of strong relationships between law enforcement and community through outreach, an open dialogue. We can continue to build trust as we reflect. We also reaffirm our collective commitment to public safety, respect and unity, working together to create safer, stronger communities for everyone. And I am so happy that we are not only joined by our our sheriff's department, but also some of our local police departments as well.

And as for the proclamation. Whereas in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed to May 15th this national peace officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls as national Police week and whereas established by a joint resolution of the United States Congress in 1962, National Police Week pay special recognition to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of their communities and its people. And whereas there are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the dedicated members of the the - Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and the everyday law enforcement officers are the first to be on the scene to help those in need. And whereas each year to honor the fallen forsman officers and their surviving families, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved in the walls of the national law enforcement officers memorial in Washington, D.

C., and whereas 363 names of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty are being added to the national law enforcement officers memorial. The spring, including 109 law enforcement officers who died in 2025. and then additional 255. 54 law enforcement officers who died in previous years. And whereas the service and sacrifice of all officers who died in the line of duty will be honored during the National Law Enforcement Officers. Memorial Fund, candlelight vigil on the evening of May 13th 2026. And whereas the candlelight vigil is part of National Police week which wll be observed this year from the 11th to through the 16th 2026. and whereas the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty will be honored by the national Law Enforcement Officers. Memorial Fund, the Minnesota law Enforcement Memorial Association on May 15th 2026. And whereas the service and sacrifice of Ramsey County suburb in law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty will be honored during the Ramsey County suburb in Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on May 14th 2026.

Now they're be it proclaimed the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Designates May 1th to the 16th 2026 as police week in Manatee County and publicly salutes the service of all law enforcement officers in our community and in the communities across the nation. Well, in a minute routes introduce our Metro Transit which is an amazing person. Chief, outset we love partnering with him for those in the mental health field. I want to thank you for yur work. One of the toughest jobs that there is. Bt so important with all of homelessness and all the issues in the community. But even amongst our law enforcement community. We have a lot of mental health needs because of the jobs that they face. So thank you very much for everything that you do. And to the board. I have never felt that we had a better relationship where feel, you know, I started about the same time, this is really the best relationship in that.

The appreciation for law enforcement coming from this board to the men and women here behind us never been greater. And it's been a tough year. Let's just face it last June and course. Alyssa Hartman's, murder and senator half and shooting. Our SWAT team was on the field for 48 hours straight, looking for the murder suspect. The surge in 6 months surge. These men and women have been called on to deliver more and more. And thankfully te last 4 years crime is dropping. That really is the ultimate. Standard of we're at. And that. The target is keep lowering the number. And in Ramsey County, the numbers is dropping. And I will say that transit is never been safer than it is. Now thanks to the commitment Cheetah Chief Dot Seth and I want to say Gloria, you've been a real leader on that same the same poll strong and the efforts there. So we have we appreciate our assistant county manager and of course, I really appreciate our county manager laying hens helpful in building this team.

So I just want to introduce you to a few people. And then the will come up individually. But David, to Islam, you know, is there Chief deputy? Is that an amazing job standards here, too, from April? It is a tenant. Your cap to know. standard from Maplewood Police Department. The summit will be the next chief up there in Maplewood. A chain newly here heads up our courts division. Many of these individuals work for him, but he's really responsible for your safety in this building as well as the safety of all the judges and the court room security. And he's done an amazing job. How many judges do we have? 30? securing 30 judges in this building, the Elysee and maple. It a huge job, you know, counties that are smartest man that we got at the sheriff's office. I'm serious about that. People think I'm just joking and Joe? They're all you know is.

An amazing person working to help children our community. And I just want I want to point him out because there's a lot of different ways to do. Police work. But preventing crime and helping children succeed. He's probably as valuable as anything we do. and the undersheriff. So there's another inspector here. They're McDonald who you've been out probably to the the new substation. On Race Street there. And it's just an amazing job. Building that and working with the community. I've never been more proud of the organization. And, you know, I've been here for I say their organization, the men and women that make up our organization never been more proud. And there's there's a ton of good cops. But there is also some really geat ones. And I didn't make this lineup, but I'm going to say it today. The difference between a good cup. And a great cup. Is one word, compassion. And we have developed deputies at the sheriff's office that have compassion and nobody reflects that more.

Then Darrow go so thank you for that work. So with that, I want to turn over Chief Dots. Sa few words. You've been a great partner and the chief. Thank you. Thanks, sheriff. A chair commissioners County manager get my name is Joe outset of the chief of police at Metro Transit. really want to echo the sheriff's comments to the proclamation before for the work with mental health. We really appreciate all their partnership. fact, we presentation yesterday and universities telling about our work on University Avenue last summer and then this work as well. But this pro proclamation to us in law enforcement, in Ramsey County, in the state of Minnesota. Big Deal for us and I get asked this question a lot from community members, elected officials of light. How can we support you in acts like this are really, really important to doing this proclamation, making U. S. officials very, very important to It shows the relationship that we have agree with the sheriff.

I feel very honor to stand before this board this morning takes a couple remarks, but we feel definitely as the sheriff said, support fom this board like never before. And I really appreciate that for Metro Transit and our work and our partnership in the region. matters and it matters in this county as well. So again, really just a humble thanks for this proclamation honored to be here. So what that turned lorry, your the glue brings us all the Well, I wasn't expecting to say anything. Chair Commissioners, County manager Becker, thank you for all your support. We can't do this work every day without your support acknowledgment in many different ways and policies and budget. You know, we are all coming together to ensure that we are preventative, that we are proactive, really working on tackling the root issues of violence in our community. And so it's just an honor to work, which he does said.

And the sheriff here every day and everybody behind us who do such good work for our community. And so it's just great to be here. Thank again Standard Drive all the way down there without saying a few words from a bullet. Good morning. Thank you for the recognition. It's important. Law enforcement's a difficult profession and I really appreciate the partnership with, but the sheriff's office and other county agencies that work with on a daily basis, social services, our work in youth justice its has been really great collaboration and we all come together for for public safety. So again, thank to people standing behind me for what they do every day. And thank you. All for your support very much appreciated. Thank you. Thank you. you do okay. And fact, the assistant chief with euro we're going to have a I assume you'd like have them all introduce themselves briefly, commissioners is that. your first exposed to the picture.

First with picture by the way. The I'm a big fan of the mayor. Yeah. Really. Like your. But she made some really good choices. First, Erica Schumacher, she stole the way from the county attorney's office. And, know, John Choi has been a great partner in this law enforcement battle. I want to say that we really appreciate his office is doing. But the mayor's driver for is a special hman and his wife is right here. So picture. the well? Just short of people just moving front. been my Yeah. And do come out of here. That became from We have should a

Don't know anybody wanted to say something here before we do. The picture a mindset all well, let me just better and let me just say thank you for your and thank you for keeping us You know, we come to work Never think about anything happening. But we million thank you. Just thank you. Appreciate appreciate the partnership. seem able in Not just want thank you to everyone. I know that chief and I will turn them up. Muhammad, really appreciate seeing you all here in your continued partnership. Just yesterday, they were part of our Snelling University working group my office has in coordination with Councilmember Coleman. And it was just great to see so many faces apartments i the room and how that collaboration is coming together for the safety of that corridor. So really, really appreciate all the efforts that that you all are taking and the partnership that we continue to build. thank you again to have one. I want briefly really quickly. That's mission it's just have act of that In years amazing job here a variety

Of functions here at the sheriff's office is also work with the union, but really, proud of the service that you given to the county and we'll all you like to thank you for your leadership. The mental health care open it. What you ys do is amazing. I working are still processing unit. We catch people at their worst of the worst for we're not making anybody happy and we work with their crisis team on a regular basis to the point where were on a first-name basis with one another cell phones, we couldn't do what we do safely and effectively without the mental health people. So I appreciate that. You to that proclamation. One of the things that I'm most proud of in this department my time with the honor guard home. So police week is really special to me. I would think like to take this opportunity to board. Everybody else in the room. There's a candlelight vigil this Friday at 07:00PM at the state Capitol grounds at the law enforcement memorial. It would be super to see as many people. There's possible to support the families of the officers that lost. They don't get enough respect. It's very important that we remember the sacrifice. Deputy in China. Sergeant Rachel Lines at all. Jeff, do your thing? Check We're here

At main courthouse Lieutenant Qader Mohammed with Metro Transit PD. I liked us and more than just pay. He yeah. a Jacobsen with Metro Transit Police Department and the police accountability Liaison. Good morning. Undersheriff Chai newly with courts and security services and youth services. Thank you. Sergeant. Fresh leasing in the courthouse. Also want to point out Poli is also sergeant for the course Division. Stand up, please. Morning. Although the lead

Inspector, you services, Ramsey County and to mental health. Thank you on starts with their kids. Start to the village we appreciate all the help you give us every day. Markle, Barton, Deputy Ramsey County traffic fatality projects. too, is our first deputy here at the Good morning, deputy COO. What we do in the county code is sent to use. doesn't end. Coming to Stephanie, Mchael Thomas assigned to the courthouse. Deputy Terrell more deputies, courthouse. Deputy tight often main courthouse. Thank Thank you. Can You know, and the

Administrative agenda. Commissioner thank you, chair. I would like to move the following administrative items item number 5 jurisdictional transfer is a portions of Otter Lake Road and wait for that. Item. Number 6 joint powers agreement with the city of Maplewood for Mental Health outreach team. Item in that okay. And item number 7 single source agreement with Regions Hospital for inpatient hospital services. And we get a second. Discussion. Miller, I Moran i excused. John, I

Haven't requires excuse McMurtry I I. Commissioner Miller yes. Thank So I just want to do a quick shout out to our public works team in the city of White Bear Lake you. Oh, yes, I would like to move item number 5 jurisdictional transfers of portions of white Water Lake Road in my Pettway. Big Okay. I want to do I have a couple questions regarding this. So I just want to thanks. Thank. First of I think our public works team and the city way for Lake for working together on this. I know this is one of those items that can really sound technical, but it's really about making sure that our roads are under the correct jurisdiction. UL that makes the most sense long-term. director Isaacson can ask a few questions.

Question number can you talk a little about why this chance for makes more operational sense for both the county and the city were just doing a swap. Mr. Chair. Commissioner, thank you the question. And I agree these often arcane and not particularly relevant to most folks, but they are important in terms of how each agency shows jurisdictional transfers are often they can be about priority. They can be a bold. Some folks thought governance. Some folks thought about level of attention. And in this case, the swap is part of a larger discussion we had had with the city with their legal for couple of years. some local control desires relative to Waverly Parkway versus orderly So this is a a jurisdictional transfer, allows the city to have a little bit more control over what happens on that what fairly Well, residents notice any changes. Only in so fr as when are now served by Ramsey County.

Standard in terms of public works service. But no, they shouldn't see much change in terms of will service. Okay. And then my last question does this. How does this fit into our counties? Al abilities plan? Does it fit into that? don't know that particularly changes much. We didn't change a lot in terms configuration of the We can provide much more in terms of the facilities. So it because largely consistent with how we look at it. Our facilities and the types of services we provide. And I believe there were some questions that were during the project involvement looks like road. That intersection, but we were able to come up with signage and some other things that address those concerns. Thank you. Any further discussion. Thank you, Brian. on scene local Miller, I guess ran thing I to make my tree and were taken off. I yes. I'd like to move the

Joint Powers Agreement with the city of Maplewood for the mental health outreach tam. Second and I really just pulled this today of all dys where we just had these 2 proclamations, this is actually kind of project that I want to see more open to lift up, which is recognizing both the mental health aspects and our public safety. And I just love to invite the folks who are responsible for this to give us a little bit of explanation as to what project is and where what what is in front of us today? Good morning. Commissioners chair We have a whole group of us up here to respond to any questions that you may have truly and representation of what ws already discussed this morning. It's truly been a group effort and it takes all of us to make this work happen. I don't know if there are specific questions you all would like to serve with or well, what can you just tell us what this project is?

You have an outreach team. What it looks like that kind of advice. Sure. Some certain about 10 years ago, the Maple Police Department created a mental health outreach team where we took specially trained police officers and community paramedic sparing them together to try to address the mental health. Concerns with our community in the high level of calls that were responding to. And we have failed independently. We did not have the expertise nor the resources to successfully connect our community members to services. That's when we began partnering with Ramsey County and have social workers and that in their team and the took off from there. I'm super proud of the program for the number of lives. impacted and the response that the community has had 2 within the tremendous impact we've had in improving our communities. Members lives. It's truly unique program perhaps one of the most successful ones at heard of. And directly because of our strong partnership and being able to pair experts community responders.

With or emergency responders, to meet the needs of the community, especially where they're at. I just I just want to say that I appreciate this iteration and that you that you're celebrating successes. I will say prior to being in this role. I worked in the community based mental health organization that partnered with local law enforcement to try to do these different kinds of things at the time there all over the country. Very, very different models are being attempted by different law enforcement social services, mental health agencies. And it's nice to see that you have been able to try evolve and then have something like this in front of us that serving our community. So I I appreciate this and I just wanted to give you all a chance to to share that with us today. Thank you very much. I'm sorry. Commissioner Miller, said the question, do you see this work? Also working with our agreement and their outreach team that we yes, I rise going continue a different aspect of this type of work.

The appropriate response initiative is going to be directly dealing with community members during their time of need. And that is social work program has found the greatest impact providing follow-up services because our emergency responders are so highly trained. They're good at dealing with the crisis immediately. But where we historically fell short is providing following services and connecting them to services and stayed in contact with them. And that's really where but a social worker makes the greatest impact is getting people into those programs making those long-term connections. You I like to equate it to you. Go to the emergency department.

Yeah. They might fix your problem, but they're not going to follow up with versus having your primary care. Doctor you're seeing regularly was constantly caring for you. Who's developing that care plan? And that is this the main difference and the reason for our success. Just want to say thank you as someone who represents Maplewood and lives in April. And I'm so proud to see this work in our partnership continuing. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you for Thank you. He we have on this month to comic sign roll. Call. Miller High. Iran is John and Jevon thing. I acquires McMurtry. Now let's move on to county connections. All right. Good morning, everyone. I have a few items here. So last week, our compliance and ethics office brought in the Minnesota Department of Ministrations Data Practices Office to lead an in-person training and data practices and open meeting law basic center, a meaning to county government center.

And so this event supports a couple of articles under operational excellence work on this year. I want is consistency. We had we have 68 Ramsey County data practice contacts now and they all attended training together in one room, ensuring our standards for data, integrity are applied consistently throughout the county. In we have been working a lot and trying to some cost collaboration with other jurisdictions. And so this regional partnership did lead cost savings as well by inviting Hennepin County Saint Paul Public Schools, Dakota County City of Saint Paul and the city of Minneapolis. The state waive their usual $125 per person on behalf all the participating organizations. Hennepin County staff are able to leverage the platform to promote their new statewide data Practices Workgroup and invited attendees to join. And we also have a seat at that table as well. So the session marked the first of a series of collaborative trainings that we'd like to do and help lead across the region are goal certainly is equipped or staffed with the skills they need to ensure the public has access.

To the data that they deserve. rigorously safeguarding the data that's been entrusted with us. And then I asked my sharing today has to do with the good leadership Taivon word a couple months back. I and I was mentioning that our sea turtle patients, Ferguson, one, but she was nominated. she did win last week. So I'm going correct my my my timing here. And I just wanted to say congratulations to She was honored with the good leadership. HR Thrive and Power Award last week. This was an inaugural award presented by an organization called Good Leadership and with the Twin Cities. Bsiness magazine. These awards recognize HR leaders who are advancing organizational excellence, innovation and workplace culture across Minnesota. I is it was a tremendous honor for patients because it is voted on by HR peers. And so I know that meant a lot to her. I want to thank patients for her leadership and excited for her work as we continue to support our employees and organization and then lasted.

Just want to invite folks on Saturday to the 4th annual youth job and resource Fair, which will be at Maplewood Mall. So that is going to be Saturday. May 16 from 10:00AM to in the Centre Court area near the carousel at Maplewood Mall. The event is designed for use on 15 to 18 to connect with summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs and other resources that helped them to stay engaged throughout the summer. So families and youth are encouraged to attend. And this is put on by many partners but led by Workforce Solutions. So thank you.

It's outside or and. Committee reports missed one. Is that Mr. Chair. How to share about I've highlighted this. I'm ready and both my newsletter and also social media. But just to share being recognized as a recipient of the 2026. National Head Start alumni, Transformational Impact. Award I think will proud of was being in the room. What so many of the award winners and of itself. So Israeli pout one of them also included CEO of rtd of public housing authority and

Then from the ground for a coalition. So these movers and shakers in our community. Us next. I was able to the age and Pei heritage celebration at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility. Thank you, Deputy county the Dr Abdi for inviting me to speak and also to meet with folks about just celebration around Asian American native, a Hawaiian aunt Pacific Islander heritage celebration and that was power and unity, strengthening communities together. So they that's provide some remarks there. And also joined

Commissioner Jeff and with that. So it was really, really just great. And also hear some of the speakers and the performance. And then next you know, I was proud to join county manager. Becker was at International Institute of Minnesota for New Americans. New Beginnings, the organization has long been working refugees who settling here in working towards citizenship. And that was one thing that was identified, as you know, being the most hopeful and stable tool to to provide 2 New Americans is helping them. They are. And then even beyond that the support making sure that they're able to join into our workforce ad receiving certifications and degrees your high page field. So that was just really impressive. Overall. To just see see work that's being highlighted from so many of the participants. And then next, I just also want to name 2 big events that's happening this weekend in in the community. There's a Pini festival at the failing at the Lynn Lake and that whole by the Saint Paul change China, Friendship Garden. that is in the morning from 11:00AM until later into late evening of 7 o'clock.

And then also the Minnesota U. S. on KRON Festival. This year. It is at they've had it at the Capitol before. But this year it is St. Louis Park and that they will also be having the Royal Thai Consulate general from Chicago. Joining too. So the invitation has sent out and shared with my office. And I love to share that with you all to us. Thank you. Thank Commission same. Yes, I'll just say that. I also had the chance to the EPI international institutes, a fundraising event. And I just want to think the fact that we had a table for the Ramsey County representatives there and how important it is to during this particular year. To make sure that we solidify those partnerships and to show our support for for the the richness of our community from. People who come from all over the world to and land here in Minnesota and to make sure that they have the support that they need.

And that. So thank you for everybody who was there. And then I started that morning at the cell at solid event. And so I was just happy to housing stability Director Jamie Wilkins is there as well and wonderful to see the connections throughout the county. from previous work current work that is embedded within our community court of community partners. And to be able to see the connections with with our county staff and folks who are who are in community every day doing this work if to solidify is that we're doing something right when that is just a very comfortable back and forth report. And then I was able do an introduction. I want to thank Dave Triplett who runs our Ramsey County elections. And Secretary Steve Simon. For presenting at the Ramsey County League of Local event last last week talking about how our county elections in our state elections are run safety, security access and in addressing some of the concerns, folks have during this particular time.

And one of the things both of the different presenters was really making sure to let folks know is that we live in Minnesota. Regardless of the political climate say plan for snow storms, they plan for power outages. They planned for all of the different things that might happen and try to game out every possible scenario. And so just just feel safe and secure that there are people who are doing a lot of due diligence. Way ahead to make sure that our elections are safe and secure. And aso to encourage folks who are interested to consider becoming an election. Judge becoming a poll watcher to consider that they're all sorts of different steps along the way where you can watch and observe testing of equipment, the verification or the certification of the county afterwards. So there are lots of ways for you for people to get involved in to see firsthand the transparency and the accuracy of these processes.

I also was happy to be able to join Mounds. Few school districts, interdisciplinary teams. They have a monthly meeting. One of the things that I I find really helpful when we think about the kinds of services that wrap-around are students and our families. A lot of times it happens in school districts and Mountain Dew has found a way to get everybody out of their silos intimately all different support staff, including outside organizations that are in the in the schools to be able to meet, to talking, to make sure they're wrapping around the different needs of their students. And so I was happy to be able to be there as as part of pre she a shunt breakfast and then the other thing I just want to say is that I cntinue to gather have a number of Nrth metro. grassroots community organizations. we meet quarterly. This includes groups like North, many faces Venice Heights, community action that were I to spill and a number of oher groups.

And in this time reflecting on a operation Metro surge, some of the work that continues in community and how to connect individuals who are working in community with organizations that do this work day in and day out. And I was really happy that the survivor Manson Family Collaborative to executive director was there and that some of that word is a natural extension of of those collaborative. So one of the things that we can do with the county is to convene. it's lovely to see that we're continue. I want to just reiterate what our I gathering up all the different commencements and and should use that will be happening this week. I will be attending the Ramsey County Law Enforcement memorial fr the sheriffs and suburban communities on Thursday at 10:00AM Community of Grace Church in White Bear Lake. So it is a chance for us to recognize the families and honor the families and the service of those officers.

And everybody continues to show up every day to keep us safe. thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chair. Last week had a chance to attend the government center grand opening media event. just great to see everyone there and to celebrate this space, how it's become through renovation more welcoming more acessible to our community members so that they can. Come to the space to receive services that they need. Also last week had a chance to attend the same all downtown alliance annual meeting aisles another Then to see all the partners have come together to really invest in downtown Saint Paul believes the announcement was over a billion dollars in investment through number of the the different partners come into downtown. And as we think about the future and how we want to continue to grow tax What you know and hopefully in doing so only get a lot of the pressure off of property taxes. Downtown. Saint Paul has important role to play.

And so I was excited to see energy in the folks really wanting to to So it's about something called success. Also had a chance to attend the International Institute of Minnesota's New Americans can begin to vent my colleagues. Just geat to see amazing work that they're doing as an or organization and hearing from a number of of the clients they've had and the impact that that group had o them as they've been able to navigate. What this the workforce and what have coming coming to this country. So great event. Yesterday I served as a business coach for the junior achievement. Students at Como High School. As a business coach. My responsibility was basically to provide assistance to student teams as they were researching the case. Challenge of the showers particular was around Delta Airlines and how to make the experience more comfortable an official or for their customers. So it was just awesome time to a chance to connect with students at Como High School in to hear a lot of the innovation coming from them to how they can go about making these changes and and the importance of junior achievement and this particular case challenge because a lot of the different things they're learning they will be able to use other aspects of their lives.

And so thank you to junior achievement folks for inviting me in. have me a part of the coaching team. And also yesterday had a chance to hve our latest meeting. My office in collaboration with Councilmember Coleman, the snow near University Park. work group, yesterday's focus was on the same strong initiative providing an update to different partners along that corridor. Huge. Thank you to Deputy County manager Ray is tough to count him of the. A rabbi from the racial health equity team. Of course, she thought Seth and Lieutenant Mohammed transit, everyone who touches this particular mission that was there and were able to provide. Examples. A great example of so many partners are working together. I think one of the big takeaways from from that meeting is ensuring that we are conveying that to the public. I think so many folks. I understand that there is a problem but have no idea of the work that's happening behind the scenes sort address those problems.

And so it was a great. Next steps for us as a group to determine how we can continue to convey to the general public of this work that's happening in the community. And then I will wrap up with a few upcoming events. Tomorrow is a Saint Paul's annual tourism celebration is happening at Pica. From 03:00PM to 4 from 03:00PM to 05:00PM. Just so you a sneak peek of all the different summer festivals that's going to be happening in the community this year on Friday. I will be speaking along with mayor her at the Arbor month. Tree planting and will park. This in collaboration with the city of Saint Paul Parks and Rec and Ramsey County to celebrate Arbor Month and then tis the season for a number of community events this weekend alone, there's a front avenue community That's from 11:00AM until 02:00PM. There is the Rice Martin for Alliance Community in Bloom at Lake Mike cairns County Park from 12:00PM to 02:00PM the Mighty Midway Festival at the Hancock Recreation Center from 01:00PM to 04:00PM.

And the Falcon Heights spring together. At the current U. S. feel part from 03:00PM to 05:00PM. So plenty to do as we get into spring and the summer months for community members and families to get out and just enjoy each other. So that's update last week are. And it's a great idea. I will just add that I do have a office hours this week on the 5.14, and white bear lake from 12, 30 to 2. And then on Monday May 18th that have enabled office hours from 12 to one 30 and choose. And then also that same day in North Saint Paul from 2 to 03:30PM, other than that. Yeah. And last week was a busy week and I want to thank the county manager and the staff. I mean, we had the the grand opening for Ramsey County. also the one in you participated in the lines. Spoke along with them talk about the mayor. I want shifts.

My gratitude. And the board's credit open up. A son and all of our events. She was at the grand opening mean for government center and we had DJ pilot. The latest retail sort of coming to the Union Depot. She was there for that and smoking. We had great crowd of community Crown. mean, the I forgot the enemies of the parking isn't a line on it. if this store and he says since d - he's been in the and the Union Depot. His business has tripled. So he's very happy. And the scene, the praises of county, how easy it is to work with us. So it's all the deals and again, thank you to them. And up 18 almost of even into county will flow from that. She was also the mayor is also at the County Correctional Facility for event. And it was so inspiring along Commissioner comments. But you could see the individuals and the room really feeling connected back community to have community leaders in that space and sharing their stories. it really is it makes makes a tremendous dfference to actually be present in community correctional facility part of our community. So, yes, is. There's no. It doesn't It's great that she's doing that also cause I close don't burn yourself That's easy to do. Believe me. Following the board meeting, we have a

Close meeting to the public regarding 3 M property tax litigation matches. And then 12 o'clock. I believe you guys have the county courts meeting with help cancel that's been lot Jason. cross that and it's canceled. And I want any we have wedding come in Commission is saying myself and to be then that's We are adjourned. it?