Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

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Call to order. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Roll Call. Please jump here. Why McMurtry year Miller Moran here the and take a I stand for the America and public which it - stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with and justice for all. Commissioner Moore and think. Every community owns this existence in vitality. 2 generations from around the world contribute their hopes, dreams energy to make in the history that led to this

Moment. Some were brought here against a will some withdrawn to leave their distance home in hope of a life. And some have lived on this land since time immemorial truth and the knowledge meant are critical to building me to respect and connections across all areas of hair, which indifference. We are standing on ancestral lands under the code of people. So we want to acknowledge the ojibwe the ho-chunk in the other nations of people who also call this place home we pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider to treat is made by tribal nations that entitle 9 native people to live and work on traditional native plants, considered a many legacies of Alice Displacement and migration. And said, bring us together here today and please join us in uncovering such truth at any and all public events. Thank you. contained. And motion on the agenda. on July, 7th 2026, so second. Seeing no discussion roll. Call. Jeff and McGuire, I make my tree. Mueller. I want to take motion on the minutes of June. 23rd 2026 as president second. Seeing no

Discussion roll call. Or am Kevin? I require. McMurtry Miller and take a administrative items. Mr. Chairman yes, thank you. I like to Number 3, the release of storm sewer easement. And I to move demonstrated item 4 First Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the city of Saint Paul for the administration of the Bird Grant for the familiar faces program. I'd like to move item 5. The gift except from the Minnesota State. Fair to the social service departments. last I want like to move item 6 summary of the conclusion

From that performance evaluation of the county manager and Second Amendment to the employment agreement between Ramsey County and Lean Becker County manager. Chair like to pull that. Seeing no discussion of and gender items.? 7 thing. McGuire, I McMurtry I Miller and take commissioners saying yeah, I'd like to move item number 6, the some of the conclusions from the performance evaluation of the county manager and Second Amendment to employment agreement between Ramsey County and Ling Becker County

Manager. And I just wanted to be able to just the fact that we have a closed meeting to discuss not only the last year performance, some suggestions for poor continue professional development and cohesion and leadership throughout our county. And just to say that collectively, there was overall enthusiasm and support for for the work that our county manager is doing? She has really been successful in leaving the county through dynamic and evolving environment marked by significant opportunities and challenges including Operation Metro Surge, a major federal actions and organizational transformational efforts through strong strategic leadership, thoughtful decision-making and a focus on organizational alignment. She has guided teams across the county and delivering responsive services, advancing strategic priorities and ensuring the organization remains focused on achieving its mission and serving residents effectively. The evaluation that we gave her was that resulted in a rating of distinguished performance. just to to make a note that the salary increase in includes the standard cost of living increase, that is established for county.

Seth. Plus, a 3% performance pay. And this is also taking in into account being mindful of comparable county manager salaries in our area organizations of this size, which we are. Not at all an outlier in and wanting to ensure continuity of our leadership. And I'll just say as a as an individual who is come into this role and you lean on the leadership through all of the challenges that we said and talked about time managed record has a very steady hand through her leadership. She is very thoughtful and deliberative and yet is is not somebody who's afraid of action when action needs to be taken in atime when we could you know, the stall out in process when community called for us to be in the moment and meet the moment. So I just wanted to move that and have that and have that reflected on the record. Thank you. I need a second I echo everything.

Commissioner Devin Singh I just also want to say that I appreciate the work the county manager Becker has done for the past year. She has really letter organization forward through some significant challenges while continuing to move our priorities forward. And I believe that the distinguished evaluation as well deserved. I also appreciate your thoughtful leadership playing and your continued focus on operational excellence at the same time I work. it's never finished. Never done. as a board, we have a responsibility to continue looking for ways to improve every part of our county government. How we deliver service is how we operate and how we serve our residents. I know that means continuing to ask tough questions, looking for opportunities for ways to improve and just being willing to challenge ourselves so we can be better to serve our community. But I also want to see me glitch for your partnership and want you to know that you have my continued support as we take on these opportunities together. So thank you. Its review of thank you, Mister did. yeah, love you guys. So and make right? I wouldn't stand just a little bit. but for I feel of honor that was able to Can pick. I mean,

Really internally, someone who have been innovative and creative who have just stepped and really engage and challenge staff. You know, go outside norms and and be innovative to be creative ad push a little so that we can continue on lone light of here at Ramsey County. I think that is important. And so I just ask that you continue, you know, to strive for that. And, you know, change is not always easy. It's not going quickly. And what you seeing are county manager do comes from my says abort. We want to push county

To let up and we want to continue to move forward. and and we want to do that in best interest of our our county, but also employees. So I just want thank you taking on a slow. This not easy work in. The increase you receive is well deserved. It's probably not enough. You and I know times are hard, but we need someone who's going strong Ramsey County moving forward. really appreciate you're working in ship. Thank. Thank you, Mr. Chair. you know just to echo so so much of what my colleagues have said to thank Kind of manager Becker for all the work that you have done when you first interviewed for this position, we. Really appreciate the work you've done has worked for solutions, director. And we said, wow, she can do that for the county, you know, and you've just done that and more you to succeed. Our expectations. And I am so grateful for the work you're doing.

I want to just comment on the fact that you have to d internally focus on internal excellence. But how you've really managed to continue to have an external focus is well without with all of our communities. My cities really appreciate of cities and Ramsey County. Appreciate your. You're working with with our a national and statewide organizations, how you've really understood the importance of partnership. And how Ramsey County i as part of a bigger. picture in many ways. And you have really made yourself. Very visible and instrumental in those in those arenas. I know that people throughout the metro area have commented how and how you've made there. There's face better and how you've made it better for all of us. So thank you so much for all of that. Mr. Cherry won't. I want to say it like a our entire board, you know, had similar experiences working with you, county manager backer, and it is very well deserved.

In addition to that, I just want to highlight some of the things that you have also come accomplish wth your team was having a strong team that includes decreasing the wait times for getting waiver services decreasing the amount of time that people waiting to get services such as our snap and medical assistance. You know, those go a long ways into affected the quality of life for residents who need it. Most. And so I just wanted to highlight some of those things because, you know, of course, you know, coming to the board asking for 80 fte. Was was was crazy. However, you came with the plan, your team what the plan. And that was what to for the board to support that. And addition to that, when you're successful were successful, so we want to continue supporting you in that Thank And if I have thank everything asunset absolutely spot on. I don't think I will add is that I I know appreciate the work you've been doing, laying really helping guide us through a lot of these challenges prepare for what we know will be.

Additional challenges coming our way. But to also do so with the mindset being bold and some of the actions that we need to take. know, when I think about, you know, building stronger together, that is a bold push that we are making of the county. Despite all the different challenges that we have, that we have, I think you've been able to really got us in a way to address those immediate needs while also still looking to the future and building for the future. So I really appreciate all the work you're doing there and continue to look forward to to working with you in this position. So thanks again. We just say U. S.. I have worked with many county commission is throughout the years and they will all how intense the all brought something to table. We all to You bringing that Townsend gives. I think lane Ling beats a mall in damage E she has so much and a that spent a lot of my time But you know everybody's point.

She addresses the problems and she's in position all away from them. She she comes up with solutions. And the other thing is she loves engaging in the community. natural for and it's a it's something we need right now. So I just want to say that we're very fortunate that the county has been blessed with much good leadership throughout the U. S.. Thank you for your service. Okay. Roll. Call. Kevin thing. McMurtry. I Miller, and Ortega. I.

We now have a presentation from recycling energy, Trista. And we we would like you to leave your gloves at and I'm here to come. Take yours and detailed Hi. Good morning. Krista Mortensen executive Director Ramsey Wash and recycling and energy. Very happy. To be here with you all today to talk food scraps. We have jst rolled out our next phase of foods got collection across Ramsey in Washington County. So I just wanted to walk through this. Is that in for Marshall? Opportunity. Sure. Just to talk a little bit about that. So I is a review of how it works. And I have We have 2 different size You can get these at your environmental center in Ramsey County. And I just want to shout out the entire environmental health team at Ramsey County has been a really strong partner with Ramsey washing recycling energy to roll up this program. It seems like Quicken your like just just let me do it.

But it takes it has taken years of work to coordinate, to educate, to reach community, to set up the program build transfer stations. And the comms team has been working for about 4 months behind the scenes to get all of the right people in place. We have to educate the hollers. We have to educate community. So it is extensive behind the scenes working your team along with our team has done a really outstanding job. So just wanted to share that really quick. So as you know, the Food Scout program that many of your familiar this is what I want is indeed food scraps. So anything that you're doing in the kitchen that is related to your food can go into our new greenbacks. We do have trial kits available. But for the new communities, they can just order their bags and get them delivered this week and will start collecting. So what will ask people to do is put all their food scraps in their bags and their And then once a week they're going to take their bags out and thrown in their regular trash can.

So a very easy to do. That includes phones, napkins, biodegradable paper plates that you get can all go into into the banks and you just tied in a knot and toss that your trash easy as that behind the scenes. Of course, we're taking care of that by taking those bags back out of the trash. So easy peasy everyone can participate to include multifamily units, apartment buildings and residential individual residents. Households. So where can we do this? So this is now completing this phase completes the rest of Washington County and then the part to see here highlighted in green in Ramsey County. So the north half Commissioner Kevin saying your district welcome to a So again, they now a new communities are Arden Hills, Jim Lake, Little Canada, Mount to New Brighton, North Oaks, Shoreview hates White Bear Lake and White Bear Township Commissioner Miller. I think now all of your community is also in the program. thank you very much.

So easy. We do have some trial kits of Yes. wants know what happened to Rose. Roseville will be on board by the end of this We are building that transfer station. I drove by it this morning. It said the Como Transfer station. So as soon as that is up and operational Roseville of the end forward until then commission personally pick up their fleets, got sent to So any well, very curious about Saint Paul. There are large largest city they are and how what is going So as you know, this is a very complicated rollout program. We are waiting for that transfer station at the Como site where the waste and the food scraps will get sorted for Roseville and Falcon Heights. And Saint Paul, Saint Paul will actually be in phase 4. So we have 2 more phases. Phase 3 will be Roseville and Falcon Heights and then phase 4 will be Saint Paul. It'll be couple months behind Roseville part of that is so that we can coordinate with the city of Saint Paul, as you can imagine, it's a lot more complicated in Saint Paul because of the way they have their trash collected now with multiple contracts.

And so it'll probably beef February March timeframe of next year. Saint Paul will be on for. Mister And as for the rollout and within the city of Saint Paul be a full rollout all across the yes. is it going to be i certain districts when Saint Paul comes on board? It will be all of Saint Paul, which is part of the coordination issue. Yes. spring early spring before winter is over, we'll be collecting in Saint next year. And 27, Thank you. Yes, it's close. I know able But the drops drop-off sites are available so people can collect and continue to go to the drop-off sites everything. yes, I just want to folks in my district are ecstatic. I'm getting stopped all the time. really excited. One question that I get from folks who are living either condos or in rental areas in apartments is if they live on top floor and they drop one of these bags 4 into their basement, shoot.

Is this thing make it? Yes, going to make it. there. We have a great video on our website that you could actually get them to. And we have a website with lots of information. We also have a 24 7 hotline for customer information about the bgs. But there's a video that's come let the journey of a fits. Got beg. You should check it out. But if you see how much these bags can tolerate, they're going in our trash bins are going in a trash truck that gets crushed. Tickets dropped on our floor. It's getting pushed with a front end loader up to a conveyer belt. So it's being dropped. Push crushed lots of times and it is making it too. The compost pile right now. already to date. We have collected 347 tons of food waste that has been diverted from landfill just since this program rolled out. So we're very excited about getting to complete roll out.

And then a follow-up question knowing that there has been a lot of community engagement and a lot pre work to educate people on this. Again, I will say I have some connections of folks who have raised their hand and said we would love to be part of what it looks like for a home or an apartment user to engage with thrilled enough to offer themselves Sachs. Let we'll take all those volunteers. Yes, absolutely. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. I am. They're excited about this, especially the rollout in Saint Paul. I was wondering, you have any key takeaways from the educational and communication peas as you've done the rollout throughout other parts of Ramsey County? Because when you think of think ball, it's going to be a a a much larger and would love to get a sense of what strategies you all may be taking differently to make sure that crossing all educated as to the benefit of this.

They know how to do it. And hopefully that compel them to partake this program. Yeah, I don't know if I have any new strategies. We keep adding more layers. So we have done multiple community, engage vents, tabling events already this year. I think we've covered 55 different tabling events and community. Along wth your recycling ambassadors with your environmental health team, our team we've got in turns we've got summer program, folks that are working to get the education out. I think. Really continuing to do that. We also our 24 hour online has interpretive services. We're doing things in multiple languages. We've added a podcast. We've added some additional multimedia production as well really get people understand some of it is going just take time. What we have seen is in every community. The moment we turn on the opportunity we had about 10% participation of all residents. We currently are at 13% in all the communities that are available.

So we're really excited district one in the rest Commissioner Miller's district to help us bring those numbers up. And so as we keep doing more and more, we're learning and and also when it just becomes normal and expected and they realize how easy it is. We hope that can help drive participation, but we're always auditing checking adjusting auditing, checking a dusting for all of our strategies. That's great.

Know, I I appreciate that and continue encourage too. You making sure that we're on platform events and meeting folks were there at mess and even thinking of more folks who have that built interest in the illegal can help get the message that yes, we use the trusted Messenger program. We also have cordinator specifically for multi units and that will be a huge strategy in Saint Paul with a number of multi units to go and organize entire apartment buildings, which will help us get the numbers up and participation as I I have to comment because, of course, thank you, Mister Chair for asking my question about. About the communities that I represent and half of my communities now are going to be all included in this rollout. And then where I live will be December where so excited it is as commissioner Jevan sing said, you know, it's residents. Are stone anxious for this to happen and it's indicative of the fact that our our again, drop-offs continually being used now and will continue.

They were used, but but to have it so convenient at your home and to be able to put it in a bag and put it in your garbage is soul. I'm so excited. And we're gonna get those up higher. And I know we're going to get that higher with with entrance of all these communities. And I just want to say to the people that are watching like this, want be awful to have that garbage. You know, in a vegan with the other governors know it's great to have a separate from all the other garbage. I mean, it's better to have it in the bag. It's not it's it's just keeps the garbage so much cleaner when you're not putting all your food scraps into with all your other garbage. So I am so excited about this just can can hardly wait because I'm and making that trek to my my drop off all the time.

And I can now just put it in the garbage. So thank you, everyone for all this work. It has been a long hall and we're just going to keep working getting these numbers up. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. a minute. Yes, to informant motion you know regionally? Same fall is first on the list. So we were ready to come into Saint Paul first. This is going back 2 He's managed me. And the city was not ready. They have a lot of issues. I'm not going to get into that. But we I just want folks to know because a lot of people asked we last. you know, we that a back of line. But now it's cming. So the idea this year, right? Yes, it will. It will be a Saint Paul, again, welcome. Probably the first part of 27. That relationship with the coordinators and waste processing and say pause really important.

And we are coordinating closely to work with them to make sure it's a good transition as they went to organize collection and other things that complicated the system and they want to make sure again to tis education point that residents truly understand what they're doing. They want to make sure they understand their billing cycle and what what is included? What's not? They've rolled out some new things with bulky waste collection and some adjustments. So it really is at this point, a coordinated effort for really good education in the city of Saint Paul. I'm all finished. it. So order your food scraps exits here in a new community there. The law to hotline is up. The website is up. You can order your bags. We've already had over 500 people orders of AG. So we're really excited. And they'll get their bags delivered probably within about 48 hours. They can start filling them and throwing them in trash bin this week. And since I was gonna wait for the rest of your presentation. But since this, yes, this is it. So the other communities, the Roseville, Lauderdale and Falcon Heights, I think is the next will be the next phase.

Yes, and that that's in December in mind. Yeah. Make sure that it's a July 6 for those communities. But yes, but for yes, hark the other communities the other than Saint Paul that will be into Sunday. of right now, it will be December again. It is that construction dependent so that transfer station is under construction right now. It is currently on target. We're checking in with them weekly at that. The Como transfer site. So construction dependent. Let's hope for good weather and continued success there. But December of this year, it'll be a rollout. Again, we take 4 months begin the com's by August. 1st, we will have a go. No, go for a December. Start date. So just a month away that we have to make that decision and then we'll roll another. And then several months later will be Saint Paul as well. Yes, yes, so exactly. Thank you. Quickly can if they want te trial bigs try it first, I think they're available libraries is a correct?

Yes, they're available. Lots of places. So libraries, they're available. They're lit. They many grocery stores and community centers. They're available or right And that would be great for residents who aren't in the program area. Otherwise they can order their first set of eggs right on the website or hotline. that excellent. Thank And just point that we our cities, hopefully our hold the cities that are already participating, probably yes, yes, yeah. And we have worked with all the city. Recycling coordinators in the cities are all on board. So they're sending communications out as well and have banks available. Thank Thank you, trust. Thank you very James. He have county connections. Yeah. Thank you, Mister Chair. If I jump into my county connections, I just really wanted to thank you all for your the trust and your support over the last year. I know I appreciated your comments today and also at our review. I just want to also acknowledge the incredible county Eileen.

So our the - executive team, our directors and then just throughout the organization. I was really grateful to be able share with our senior management about a month ago that one of the I best things I can do is ensure we're hiring really the smartest people in their fields to work for Ramsey County. And I'm just just so honored that we have so many people that regardless of where the sun, the organization, they're just really experts in the things that they do. And so it makes my job a lot easier. I'm really grateful for their responsiveness. I just want to tell the organization how important that is for them to be responsive in to prioritize things that you know that I'm hearing from you or from our community. I also just want once again remind remind ourselves of the importance you mentioned that community and the residents and I've never I've been far from me that benefit.

I've gotten to be very close to residents in my roles. I was grateful to have worked at the East Building. I think those resident those employees who've been over there have a have a unique view of of residents in a different way, obviously. And as myself with my family haven't been on public assistance. You it's always been so that part of lived experience and your work. You just can't have it taken away from you or removed from you about the role you have today to sort of make that experience better and seeing that the new service center and the investments this county has made into that building for the employees in the government center and for our residents. It really is transformation. Also, thank you for those investments. And then in terms of the community, you know, it's a hard thing as Commissioner McGuire mention, too, both around the internal organization, but keep one eye out to the community.

And it is just so important. I want to continue to urge our staff and myself to challenge ourselves to continue to do that. Where always say, you know, we all have a limited amount of time and every we can we our time is really our currency. And where we decide to show up. And even if it's for 10 minutes or for and now we're, you know, it really makes a difference. And so I know I've really appreciated all the invitations and opportunities I have had to get to go to community or be with our staff when when I am invited and I want to say how much it means to me to see all of you. I think I'm one of the few people that actually gets the bird's eye view of what you all do. And it is a lot, you know, and so to be able to see how engaged you are with whether showing up at something for staff were the countless meetings you guys are doing in community.

It is. It's all of us that are doing the work. So I want to thank you for another yar and for that trust that you have instilled in me in and in doing this I think we all know it's it's not easy, but there's a certain part of the work that it's less about the occupation. And it's more about a vocation. We at a point where you're saying yes to something that you feel you're really called to do it every day. You know, you get up with 2 feet and just are grateful that you get to do the work. And so thank you for your trust. So switching the county I wanted to just acknowledge our social services department this weekend along with NAMI, Minnesota and the Saint Paul Parks and Rec's Department. They're doing a really creative way to highlight mental and mental health resources. They are doing a bounce back 3 by 3 basketball tournament it's going to have a lot of a mental health resources with resource fair, lots games and entertainment.

So it's going to be over at the Jimmy Lee Rec center, which is located o Lexington Avenue commissioner. And I'll be and it is going me. You gonna play this coma will be And it starts there's gnna be a fun tournament? So they're still details on our website. I just just think I've seen this events of around mental health evolved in our community and lots of different ways to normalize the conversation to make the conversations less. tearful are stigmatizing. And I just really why not just social service department for just finding such creative ways to bring these resources out our community. So that's going to be this Saturday. then the next thing I'd like to just like to invite Jolie Jolie has recently been named a new director of government relations. She's been with the county for 8 years and served on many multiple enterprise wide rules and has contributed. Lots of things are my exposure to Jolie had the chance work really closely to her because she was helping with a lot of the arpa funds at one time.

And so I got to see Jolie's were close hand, but certainly in the last years we've had transitions. I want to acknowledge Jolie and chief of staff, Sir for continuing to move the work forward in very difficult and challenging legislative session on continuing that engage commissioners, engage our team and engage legislators and doing the work. So welcome. Julie, I want to also give you a chance to say a few words and then for you to introduce your new team. So thank you very chair. Commissioners County manager Becker. This is a really exciting opportunity for for me. I'm honored to take on this rule and I'm grateful for your your trust in me. And it's really been great working with you over the last year as and government relations specialist and an interim director. So thank you for all of your support in that way. I'd also like to introduce our 2 of 3 new government relations specialists.

If you'll join me up here, please. First of all, I'd like to introduce of beef to you, Brian. Adam. Who joins us from the most recently from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. She has served as and advocate and policy strategist in violence, Prevention and Public Safety. Public Health and Victims Services among other areas. And of course, Matt Freeman who joins us from association of Minnesota counties. And as the executive director of the Minnesota Association of County, Social Services administrator or MAX, a and joining us on August 4th, we will have Rick Varcoe joining us from SEIU where he has worked for over 2 decades sustaining the health care services industry and supporting health care workers. really excited about this team as it brings a unique set of diverse skills, subject matter, expertise improving outcomes wth state agencies, advocacy organizations, city government, statewide associations and labor organizations. Their expertise of team's expertise ranges from public safety and public health to human services, bonding taxes and systems redesign and much more. So please join me in welcoming our team. let's begin with Tara. All righty. Well, we've

Haven't been together for a little while because of the holidays. So I'll get through a long list of activities and community. I have the chance to attend our Ramsey County Youth Violence Prevention Network at Neighborhood House and Nancy presentations. From Healing Streets and race and Ramsey County, social services and connect with a lot of the organizations and individuals inside and outside of Ramsey County who are working on these issues. And I have to say that these kinds of formats for we have both very informative information that's on the on the ground and with the work that we're doing. But also time to to then debrief and connect on a personal matter and up and a personal level during the meals and such as is so important. I was able to reconnect with folks from our our Saint Paul collaboration and and was able to revisit conversation that we had during another convening. And so the overlapping eco system in relationships that we have with the folks in community who are working alongside us in this work.

I just want to say these opportunities I think are immensely valuable in that. I was invited to visit fillet gardens and affordable senior housing community in Mounds view. And and I just want to say this was one of those success stories coming out of some of the mutual aid efforts that happened over the winter time. The senior living facility ended up finding time not only gathering to to make sure that they're taking care of each other during a difficult time that raised some of the other issues. And so they were able to alongside the people who are volunteering in that space to advocate and to get some dollars from their watershed for rain garden, some other things and created some raised beds and they're growing their own vegetables. The idea of how do we make sure that we're eating healthy and are not so dependent on and the winds of of the outside access to food and have created a community in what had been somewhat isolating circumstances.

So just really appreciated seeing that level of community and being invited to be part of that. The I was I was at tese with my fellow Iran at the State Community, Health Services Advisory Committee Retreat or Shaq and was happy to step up as an alternate to to the executive committee representing District 10 with my fellow colleague from Washington County, Bthany.

She and I sat on the health Policy steering committee on Naco. And I think it's just another opportunity for us to continue to build those collaborative relationships. around really important topics some of the things that we talked about that day where the expansion of Shaq membership Minnesota tribes and also really important presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health and well and Water Safety, which is really important because we actually do have a lot of residents that do helpful water in different sectors of our of our county. And there are different ways of making sure that those residents and their municipalities are working with them to make sure that their water is safe. I was at the able to attend the use leadership initiatives. 20th anniversary. This initiative started in Wilder and then during COVID came had to kind of struggle to come out and be independent on their own and to seed a whole generation of community leaders who had gone through that program and have reestablished themselves and continue to be mentors within the community is so impressive.

End a mentor of mine who I've worked with in the anti work with the vital Aging network, Sally Brown. His was the founder and leader and and that she turns 80 the idea of her breath of impact and leadership and advocacy at every age and stage from from our elders who are youth is tremendously inspiring. As part of my work with direct care and treatment forward. I and my colleagues went up to Moose Lake to tour the Minnesota ofender program and and to realize some of the challenges that continue to face, how we spend our our collective dollars to to make sure that we stay safe and to bring down crimes it and things like that. And lots of questions still to be explored and that front. I am. I call politics from district from from District 7 are able to meet with the lake with the way township city of White Bear Lake other elected officials to look at that last piece of highway 96.

That's part of hour. 96 corridor study to make that area safer for pedestrians and bikes and things like that. And this is really a project that is end up project. But we are with our local leaders in in wanting to advocate for community safe spaces and time. This kind of waiting to see. But how that how that progresses going forward. happy to continue to have those conversations and advocate for advocate for safety along that route. I was able to I ended getting rained out on my what I was going to do for the Twin Cities. Pride I and then ended up at Como pride. And absolutely adored it. Seeing families. This was for all generations and to see a family focused event that is just bite-size enough. And remember having little sun and sand being able to take to take on Loring Park might have been too much. But there are a lot of families enjoying.

And joining the Como Pavilion and in able to talk to some of Ramsey County folks who are there and to be able to see them in every corner of our community is just makes me smile. I had the opportunity to be a market fest for the first time this season in downtown White. There. it was a great way to start off the Independence Day weekend. I do want to say celebrating the 200 50th anniversary, our country. I know that, you know, as part of the Arts Board, Art Arts Commission at Naco, you last year it was dispiriting to see how the 10 years of plans fr celebrating, you know, became politicized this year. And it was very inspiring to see the local community said yeah, we know how to do the 4th. Just fine and found neighborhoods and friends and clebrate. And maybe that's just as well. And then I just want to say to on more official side, the Rice Creek Commons GA met last night and just happy to say that we got a presentation on the race.

Pete Boulevard, the design there is moving forward and it's also moving through its city and county no last-minute approvals that the last little bits that go through 2 for such a project this size. We anticipate site prep starting in late September in going through the end of 2026, you know, all all on on on the path towards bidding for the project this winter and construction starting this spring. So very excited to see that moving forward. We have some public engagement anticipated just to be able to inform people about the project at the Arden Hills 75th anniversary celebration on July 17th and some additional educational opportunities this fall yet to be determined. We're looking at what's the best way to do that. And then exciting news on out We anticipate a ribbon cutting soon on micro control. That first building that was built. And then also while we're still the project is still in negotiation, but getting closer and closer project Keystone, which is a second med tech project that's anticipated to be announced with the hpes of adding 5 to 600 new jobs in Arden, Hills and Ramsey County in the Med Tech corporations.

So that's great. And then my last thing to to announce is that my annual district, one picnic is this Thursday at. Snail Lake County Park from 6 to 8 and will be catering from Red Luna Township, local, family-owned restaurant. So all are welcome if you want to come out and our are holed theme this year is around community resources and celebrating how community has come together and happy to say that serenity will be there as well are meant to help books come on out and enjoy a good time on Thursday. Thank Thank you, Mr. Chair. You know, a lot has happened over the last week since last met one behind a couple of things here. First, I had a chance county manager Becker to welcome the right track in turns at the Ramsey County County at the orientation a couple weeks ago. Just great to meet with a number of the students who are excited too.

As we saw when they present a few weeks ago to just engage in a lot of the work that we're doing here at Ramsey County learn more about what we do and also hopefully get a chance really enhance some of their skills and leading to some of their passes that they have in doing so set them up for success after they finished his internship. So really great opportunity to speak to them and to meet with a few of them as well. I also toured the junior achievement facility. That's a off of university in my district. nonprofit, they do a lot of partnerships with local school districts to provide students with the and experience opportunity to to learn specifically the economy and how they can be, you know, financially stable as the Inter adulthood. So I had a chance to tour their facility and meet with a number of folks from their team. They're doing a lot of good work in their partnership with these different school districts.

I'll so a few weeks few months ago had a chance to volunteer at Como Park High School with junior achievement and spend a day with communicating with some of the students. So great to see their facility look forward to hopefully a building. A partnership with with the birth are doing also, I spoke at the black men healing conference. This was at Saint Paul College the second year. But I've had a chance to to speak. I'm just up event where bringing together so many different partners to to really address a lot of the trauma. A lot of the challenges that black men continue to have to to face to give us the space to really talk through that trauma and to heal together. It was great event to be a part of and to also speak to my own experience not only make a new father, but also being a leader in the community and also just what what it means to be a black facing a lot of the the challenges that we know that we continue to deal with in today's environment.

So relieved. Thank you to all up. The organizers who put it together and for invite me back to speak. couple of weeks ago. I also had my latest district, 3 small business collaborative special. Thank you to the Neighborhood Development Center. This of that allowed us post are meeting there and also provided a number of information to the small businesses who were in attendance to just explain what NBC does, how they've helpful to small businesses throughout the community. And so it it remains to be a great space where small businesses in my district can Nolley learn about what's happening on the county level, but also can create this community amongst themselves and meet with other small businesses who they may not have interacted with before, but also learn different best practices and takeaways and resources that other something years. And so I continue to appreciate the space that we have been able to build for our small business in the district I had a chance to last Tuesday, along with along with Commissioner Miller and Commission require to tour the 4 h building at the state fairgrounds of the state.

Fair in the universe of Minnesota extension. The resale amounts of 35 million dollar fundraising campaign to completely renovate that building and the renovations will ultimately improve the health and safety and accessibility of the building. A real a modern program for the students who participate. So we had a chance to tour the entire facility. Boy, they need to run the bases. It was I been in the in that space when, you know, we all go to the state fair but never had didn't know the 4 H students actually stay in that building on the 3rd floor. And I'm I'm very happy that they are making those renovations to make it more appealing for the students who have have to stay there. And then I want to wrap up you know, yesterday, mark, the 10 year anniversary since the murder of Philando Castille who was? Murdered and Falcon Heights back in 2016 last night was the candlelight vigil.

And then today will be the gathering at Falcon Heights City Hall from 05:38PM. But I just want mention, you know, this this moment that we're commemorating its something that our community honestly is still reeling and ice was simply want to lift up Valerie Castille, who has really continue the legacy of Philando and has been working hard pushing legislation, making sure in his name, students across our communities are getting fed that they're getting meals at their schools they're not having to pay forward. So I I really appreciate the amazing work that she has not have a picture of i my office. And it's a constant reminder of just the te spirit of who he who he was and how we need to continue to push that that spirit for done everything that we do with the county. I think, you know, coming off of Operation Metro Surge. A lot of the things we saw in our community members stepping up for each other was was really what was all about.

I'm just happy to see that his legacy continues to live on in the work that still as stone and that so many people who loved him, our continued to do across the community. So like I said at vigil was last night. And then for those who want to attend the Unity Day gathering, that will be today 5.30, to 08:00PM at the Falcon Heights City Hall. All right. I attended the Minnesota State tribal relations. It's TR St for State employees, trainee I'm the chair of the AMC is Tribal Relations Committee. So it wasn't really a great opportunity to learn how this training could be adapted to strengthen county and tribal relations. And it was a two-day covered tribal history, state and federal policies and included insightful panels with tribal liaisons that are placed throughout state systems and tribal leaders. So I really look forward to working with AMC and the trs team on how we can develop this larger and in conversations now with Naco as well and how to take it nationally and regionally, too.

On June 27th. It was a very busy day. I started my day at the 40. Don't presenting the proclamation for the 44th annual among International Freedom Festival. So the festival was filled with sports tournaments, vendors, cultural exhibits and of course, incredible I also just want to give a quick shout out and thank you to Commissioner MC to make marchers assistant and Hernandez and ISIS and Kathleen for helping coordinate my attendance because we were on some tight timelines. Later that afternoon, I spoke at the grand reopening of the Manitou Ridge golf course. And I even participated in the community Classic Nine-hole Shock course showcase. Let me get that right here. So it was a great afternoon on the course. It was my first time ever coffee united. Not even do any practice wings. Okay. I just thought I could go out there. I was really grateful for the newly unseld forward tees because that's where I hit from and I'm a little sad to report that I won't be going to the women's PGA anytime soon. but it was a great time and maybe you'll catch me on course practicing and learning how I'm not sure.

And so June 30th, even though it wasn't a board meeting, it was such a busy day. I started my morning with coffee with executive director from the mosquito can metropolitan Mosquito Control. We did the tour of the the extensions building. I swung by the midway area. Job fair at the Allianz Field and and might to or with Commissioner John at the Elders Lodge. So I just want to note that that day was really just reminded me how Iverson like our jobs can be. So you know, how we were in this role is was able to learn more from mosquito control. I see the renovations. The 3rd floor. I'm gonna tell you guys, I that 3rd floor looked like a barracks. More than a welcoming space for 60400 students that sleep there. So hopefully they will get that renovation And you know, was able to visit at the rally at the job fair. That was really great to see job seekers and people in community and just how important it is to have these events and these our community to reconnect people.

So also want to say, I hope everyone had a good 4th of July. I was really glad to see. I did not get many e-mails from any staff that weekend. So that's a good thing. always appreciate when people can take the long weekend really enjoy themselves and unplug my family and I did go to the cathedral to the same pod Rotary. We did have to shelter in cathedral for a little bit. While the storms past. We didn't rent lime scooters and scooted around downtown. Tell you if you see me on a scooter anytime, it's there's so much fun. I will tell you as a little I did race a random gentleman on the other side on Wabasha. He won because I got hit in the face by the tree by Rahm. It. I did not talk because I was watching him beat me. just make sure you duck if your scooter environment. And with this upcoming, I one more really great upcoming this Thursday, Parks and Rec.

We will celebrate the reopening of the Battle Creek Water works reopening. The celebration includes free admission from 11 to 5 along with some food prizes and plenty of family fun. So come in, bring your kids. if you can sneak away and have some fun water works and that's it. Thank Yeah. We have to go. Scooter rang with You really shouldn't take I got tell me when you guys are going to be right in start off by saying that I met with former Commissioner Nicole Fathom former county commissioner who is now working in the county attorney's office just check in with her and she's doing there. The thing that I wanted to your current priorities, he's a strong advocate for you, family community. So I wanted to know just a little bit I've road and what she's doing and to partner more closely. What the county attorney office in the work she's doing very, very insightful. awfully smart.

And so and look forward what comes out of it. See I am the D co that right here of the pretrial initiative. group, which an initiative that works to improve outcomes just it and by individuals. But also want to be a positive work that we're doing is too work individuals who have been

Incarcerated to work to ensure that they return to court. Ad we do that work by supporting them through, you know, the expanded services that they may need and they can self identify what they need to be successful. So that they can return to court in the be successful. So was able to have that meeting in the 2 other. I co-chair our community members. So it's really good to share that leadership with community members. And allow them to bring experience and expertise to leadership role. I was able to discuss the program's out comes as the contract is ending zoning. And just, you know, need to evaluate whether initiative is producing intended results that we want and need. And further discussion will happen around that. But it was just really good to come back and do that evaluation and reflection of the program. as spoken by commission japon scene, we both attended a state community have srvice advisory committee. It's check. Which is which advises the Minnesota Commission of Health on State right, public health priorities in collaboration between state and local public health partners to improve the half outcomes of Minnesota communities. In so. Commissioners haven't seen him

To step into that role. She lead. I know she has a passion in this area. So you bring so much that is needed. It is something that's not here. It is like here. So there's so much to be involved in a chance. We just got to find a place where we can get in. I do that effective for has been gracefully. You know. And often when meat is like a whole day's event for Mike, what? 9.10, o'clock to the afternoon at 2, right? So it's a whole day's events, but it's much less to do and to talk about. I was able to delivered the opening remarks at the community in palm Vaccne and healing conference that has hosted every year by Sam Simmons Sam Simmons Consulting the event this year with at Saint Paul College. It was I was able to congratulate Sam Simmons on celebrating the ordinance 18. The organization 18th anniversary. He has been doing this work 18 years. And so I just kudos to him for sticking in there. with conference recognizing they continue importance of creating spaces that support Healy in leadership, accountability and community empowerment to strengthen our black news and boys in our community. And remember, just remind us and them that trauma is real in a at that we see is coming through that lens of the trauma that they are in doing and that they endure.

That was just within community. But a system that's sometimes pull a to it. Disproportionately. I tend it. The 30th anniversary. Welcome by. Yeah, the Juneteenth story that is also Rose Make G well as McGee has doing place for 30 years community thing, you've and so she invited anyone who have participated over the last 30 years to just show up and participate. And it was all some evening Telling that Juneteenth story. So for those who don't know who wrote with McGee is she and Benet and started the

Orange half the sweet potato pies. You contained So she calls for to come for pies. So that was found by her in 2014 in response to killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. So she's just traveled around state to state, bringing people pies to give them comfort and happy that through the nasal feeding in. Sharing if you data and this is issue that S it would direct the Jamie heading home granting director heading home Ramsey County continuum of care. to do some tickets at the chair of the Ramsey County COC. But look at coordinating a network of housing which is correlation. And network of housing and service providers working together to prevent in-home Mister, a coordinated community response. It's a lot to do that, you know, from homelessness to homeownership and everything in between. That's what we're working on. I tend it. I luncheon well. Myself and a county manager Becker wealth, had to borrow, am I pronouncing her name correctly far?

She's with She is the founder and CEO of Partnership for Permanence with an initiative that word to straighten permanent family connection. I engaged you. F-ing young people who've impacted by the child welfare system in Idaho Placement. And, you know, as I wish and with me, you know, as we are and Ramsey County is one of the organ, one of the counties who are implementing the African-American Family Preservation Act and find out how we roll that out state. Why it's really is important that we work with people been impacted by the system. It is called the child where if a system and these are kids who went through the child welfare system and if no one can bring change in perspective from some insight into the system, it is our young people who've gone to system. So I really would like to see us work more closely left those who impacted, especially young people. You know, they have this story, but they also have solutions and the leaders in knowing what know, right?

I had a meeting with this young lady had name is Daniela more rain. All So And there's a whole history about that. Won't go into that right now. That was a recipient of the day when fields 1000 war back a couple of weeks I talked about showing up for that event and watch all these young has to be recognized for that. All some work. And out of that event, she came up to me and said, you know, really want to be active this year and this whole process and engaging young people. So it was really inspiring to learn about her educational goals and again, to congratulate her on a well-deserved recognitions. But it was really I was so impress. She's 18 to graduate issues on the way to new verse of Minnesota. She came to that meeting with her mom. I was impressed with to her mind. One to be a part of that meeting right?

And to be in knowledge of going to be in for me to listen know who people young people are talking to these days. You know, even though she commissioner, it was important for her to be there to be a part of that meeting. I mean, I was just going to impress. That happened because that doesn't always happen. They So we want to work going. I just think it's so important that we engage our young people, white young leaders in own rights to be the solution about how we need to move our state and cunty. And I see these 4, especially during an election cycle. So we doing more work with I'm on side of the work. C I just want it. Commissioner zone. I joined that same poll, children collaborative Strategic Action Working Group. Which is good. But I would like get here. a volunteer for this. So want visit his al Qaeda it was good to be there get that 3 number, yes, still be more.

But it's looking at 3 collaborative the same culture could happen if the suburban collaborative and the mental health collaborative. And finding ways if possible, just, you going to be more collaboration between the 2 collaboratives with that look like and just bring us together to just try to figure out what that means and what that looks like. And I would even with that. Thank you. Thank you, Thank you, Mister and thank you. Commissioner Moore and taking so first. I just wanted name that I've been joining about like roughly monthly calls folks from Maikel around Human Services, said. The strategies response to HR one and particularly Ramsey County a big part of work. Minnesota is because where one of the few states that our county administered like federal programs. What I have been hearing from folks on the call is that, you there are Republican legislators who are concerned about HR one. They know that it's coming down and how it's going to affect their communities, their feeling that pressure and they are asking county commissioners will water other workarounds, right like to try broker deals or exceptions specifically for their areas, right?

But the consensus again is really that, you kow, we need the best strategy right now is to delay the implementation of HR one right, delay it so that they can go back to the drawing board and and fix it. So that public. So what can we hear say that out loud in public now, Kate O no. I wished rate and sold mussel that that's still around the strategy. And I know and G and E T from AMC, a tense that regularly too. So she's helping us track those conversations and also sharing about what the county is doing. So we definitely shared about the path that the Legislature took this year as well as many of the unresolved challenges that are coming up as well. And then also I joined Commissioner Miller and visited the others elders lodges in Ramsey County. And it's a it's a special. It's a affordable housing type that they use federal funds for. unfortunately, of course, you know, as with all buildings over time and needs keypad, maintenance or or capital changes.

And then what we heard more soul was just around retrofitting many of the units for seniors so that they can actually age in their community, age in their homes. So we did direct them to, you know what the county does route for homes and the funds that we have available if they so choose to apply for later on. And the next I also wanted to just that walk-in tpo as a part of the 3 M Settlement Awards. They were awarded funds for phase one of the daylighting of Lower Phalen Creek, which was huge. In addition to that, Ramsey County also received some funds for many of our parks, including Battle Creek, Lake. I think I'm pronouncing this right. Jarvis Look like Jarvis. many of those 2. that's that's a win for all of the Ramsey County. And then next, I just want to name next week. Monday, July 13th Siko or the Southeast community organization. That's a district Council in Saint Paul is hosting Bulls Councilmember Johnson to myself for housing forum, focused on, you know,

Some of the housing concerns they are hearing in the community as well. Ask just wanting to learn more about resources in our community. And that's just a really good reminder the work of like both education and getting feedback about how our programs are working is so helpful and critical to to myself as an elected official to or just receive ongoing rate because community members are moving in and out of our community is they don't know about these things. And so it's jst really great opportunity for residents in my district and I would Ramsey County to just learned about it as well, too. That's all from share. Thank you. Thank Thank you. Thank March Air. It is Commissioner Miller mentioned how the the wide range of activities that we all do. And it's so fascinating to hear. All the amazing work that you're all doing, and I just couldn't be more honored to be on the board.

With all of you getting all this work done. And it has been 2 weeks. So there has been a lot going on that shared with. We've been to meetings with many of you but I'll start with AMC. Solid Waste working work group met and this a work group that focuses on solid waste for am C We have a board. We have a group from around the state and its set. These are such great cause to be a part of because you hear from everyone around the state that's really concerned about solid waste. And so they we. We talked about, you know, although the things that we we can do together and and we're hoping to do a presentation at Ramsey Policy Conference to talk about the words that we can do together. You know the word what we can learn from each other and how we can get help some of the work that we all want to do.

So it's it's continues to be a great, the great working group also Commissioner John and Commissioner Moran and I served. We did advisory board interviews, which i always an amazing activity because we good to hear from so many amazing are residents buy for the every we interviewed for the personal review board and the capital region watershed. And we just have amazing pople apply for these positions and it's always Great to talk to them. And we have amazing incumbents on the board that we have amazing new people that want to be a part of it. So thank you, everyone who volunteers for that. The partnership on Waste and Energy met. This is the there's a representative from Ramsey County representative from Hennepin and from Washington County. And we need to talk about waste and energy and and we did a brainstorming session after we heard about her legislative update and just are partnership annual report. We brainstormed on the things that we can that the 3 counties can do together and we make up huge part of the metro area.

So it's it's always a great meeting to really talk about the things that we can do together. thanks to everyone who's involved with that. And then out in community, of curse, lots of festivals. The Taste of Rose Fest was I'm couple Thursdays ago and thanks to the restaurants, the beverage vendors, all musicians, everyone that came together in community to put on an amazing fundraiser for community. So it's put on by the Rotary and I helped by Optimist Club in Alton lot of different community organizations. Dugard we had a lot of people helping with that event and we give money back to the community as we raise it. kudos to the taste of Rose Fest in and the mainly the rotary who spearheads that, the Board directors met and the Garrison Commissioner McMurtry is our rep on that. But I'll just give a couple highlights because also served on that board and we have a have a lot of updates come together with people from around the state.

But the one the one that just is so stunning and what we did it. talked about Dues Adu's update. And the value that we find an AMC. But take away. One of the biggest with that I had was presentation we had from one of our policy analysts and the Office of Management and Budget and a rule that impacts Grant administration. So anybody that gets a federal grant which we get a lot of in Ramsey County, Ofice of Management and Budget proposed a draft rule that represents the most significant update to uniform guidance in over a decade and in effect, all counties. And the key changes would include expanded authority to terminate funding at any time like they can just say we're going to stop funding you now. It also allows for political appointees to review the grants and new administrative and compliance requirements. These are all really bad its. There is just not the way that federal grants should be administered so they would increase costs and administrative reduce predictability and introduce new financial and operational risks with key details.

Still unclear. So this is the kind of thing that's coming down from the federal government. This is draft rule that we just need to. to let our congressional delegation know is is really detrimental to counties. learning about things like that and just realizing how much work we all can do together. We also got a snap advocacy update because, you know, we know that the snap cuts are coming coming and where all and as much as we can use the tool kits at AMC and Nick are providing to help us with our advocacy for that and then just about our fall policy conference, which is which going to be this fall. So another great, geat meeting with AMC and just learning all sorts things that we really need to be working on. So and just want say it was great during the 4 h building. But oh, my goodness, they really have to do something with that. the residential part of that building, it's it's great that they're actually addressing that. and the great work that forage does in all of our communities.

And it was a great great to us. Why encourage all of you when you're at the fair go to the building? Look around and ask, you know, if you see somebody sick, can you take me upstairs take a door? They will. They welcome that. and courage all my colleagues to do that. Also, attended the JTA meeting that my colleague Commissioner Devin Singh chaired yesterday. It was great meeting as always. we're excited about the movement's stuffed with that going forward on that upcoming is Thursday night. A busy night because line with a lot of community events.

Lauderdale Day in the park is this Thursday. So I'll be a they're they're going to have lots activities going on speaking and it'll be a great, a great day. There. that's from 5 to 8, I should say at the Lauderdale Community Park. So encourage everyone wants kuz in the area to attend that. Also the Rams County League of local government is doing a re-imagining the riverfront, the Highland Bridge District Tour. So they're doing that on Friday morning. So anyone who wants to go to that they're touring the district in Saint Paul there and then on Monday night, Ramsey County Public Works. He's gonna have an open house on County Road. E from Cleveland Avenue to Fairview. So that'll July 13th at Oasis Park from Four-thirty to six-thirty. So anyone who lives in that area that wants to comment on on the road construction for county Road E please put that on your calendar and I would I just want it and a couple more things.

They've been doing. A lot of press on the on the activities going on in Falcon Heights for a full lineup has steel in just if you get a chance to watch one of the clips, a young student to had Philando Castille. And and as as as their lunch director calls Mr, Fill it was precious, though, impact that he had on her life and and then years later, now, 10 years later, she's still it's still impacts. Are. So it was.

It's very moving and kudos t everyone is putting that on and Falcon Heights. I want to just say if you get a chance to do a travel relations training, you should do Commissioner Miller did that. I was able to do it to C it is so powerful. And so I think you should bring it to We should. Everyone in the country should be taking this training. It's it's so powerful. So thank you for bringing that up and I was lucky to go to a session with Rose muggy and have her sweet potato pie years ago. And I'm so glad she's still doing it. Such a great way to bring community together. Yes, you make these amazing pies and then you sit around and you talk and you eat great pie and it is great. So I'm glad to give a shout out to those muggy because it's that's amazing. If ever you go to a conference and she's doing a that go into that.

And my last thing is about I just have to say about these workarounds that this is really a disturbing thing that Republicans don't want HR one and all the things. So they're trying to find all these things that they can do to save their community from the impacts even while they're supporting it. There was a has senator or a congresswoman from Alaska. She was clear about that this is horrible for my community, but I'm voting for it because they're giving me exceptions. I'm I'm exempted from it But this is a horrible thing to do. And I'm sorry that I'm supporting sorry, I'm doing this because all of you have to suffer wine exempting my community. I mean, it's it's blatant and It's unconscionable, quite frankly, that they're doing this. And so I think we just got to keep working. Thank you, Commissioner John, for being a part of those naked cause. I think as a country, yeah, we just got to keep fighting fighting that HR one and the impacts of it.

So thank you. Thank you for that. I one put that thing and I had very productive meeting with the show. We got together 2 Snow, you will. You will. The showing the draft of the attention with the best of the but that he put staff in the report. Pieces of it have already come out. And of course, as we discuss do we now workshops and so forth? And I had suggested that, you know, The overtime factor as close as millions of dollars for a long Probably as long as I've been here and we need to address that moving forward. So weak that came to agreement with the sheriff. And he will be bringing in be living will work out the details cross the T's and dot the I's. But hopefully we establish that baseline that we talked about. So you could measure moving forward you know, the impact you know, that that over time, fact that comes in at the end of the year.

And it's always to 3 million dollars and maybe sometimes even more depending on the environment right? anyway, it was productive. And I want to thank Bob. Many really came to the table unless we hve to share of all the county attorney working with us in tandem. It does. You know, were always going to be at there was full agreement. Len will be showing that in the next week. to right. in that time, so you would have that information. thank March. I wanted piggyback off the snap an HR one conversation and provide an update that Commissioner Ortega and I have been working on with the staff as well. So thank you to our government relations team. We've been engage with our federal lobbyists for those who don't know HR one in the farm bill are directly interconnected in the way that tey start a lock in some of the agriculture programs and some of the. The the safety Nets and the significant tax relief that was kind of tied into HR one.

And so as a result of that, we've been ale to pull together a set meetings using our federal lobbyist. So already had a meeting with Senator Smith's staff because she's a significant person on the egg on the farm bill. We also are we already have a meeting Senator Klobuchar? Seth? I'm sorry. We had that last week. We're going to have the meeting with Senator Smith staff and then we're hoping to actually get the AG Committee chair staff to meet with us as well. And in doing so. I think I want to thank our team for go into those meetings. I actually sent Karen's Francois to represent the message my behalf with commissioner But I wanted and I will share this letter with the board. We haven't charity because we haven't finished the meetings. The commission are Teigen. I put together a letter that follows each of the meetings gives the etimated fiscal impacts on HR wonder Ramsey counties.

I'm just gonna say that out loud right now. So and that that's the main impact for 2026. Is about a million dollars for 4.2 million in 2027. We did receive some one-time funding that reduces our 27 3 Million. But the ongoing projection is still 4.4 million. So it's about one leverage. One Levy point. In addition, the cost share is actually another really significant factor are estimated impact is. 2.2 million dollars in Q 4, 2027 9.2 million annually in 2028. So that's another 2.5 Levy point. So in summary we were able to share that, you know, HR 1, 1, if nothing else happens at the state would impact Ramsey County by 13.6 million dollars annually, which would b 3.5% on our lobby. So we'll share that. It'll be a lot more part of the budget conversations as we go forward. We'll make that roll off the tongue a little faster and better. One to pull that together.

You know, just quickly since you guys write up the other thing eyes, I appreciated commissioners on what you said is the next step. So the things we asked for were asking for these meetings is a delay is a targeted budget, manageable a two-year delay would allow states and counties to adjust their systems, staffing and budgets before implementation, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic impacts to our residents and significant property tax pressure as well. And, you know, as you guys have said, a delay has some bipartisan support. Several Republican senators a states, Felipe, similar budgets. Exposure are willing to appear, at least to discuss a delay. And I think we want to leverage that. and this is a little. going to like the farm bill is really the last off-ramp. Implementation begins October Less than 4 months from now. So the farm bill really is our last chance to mitigate the serious risks of HR one.

S we drafted that letter. It's going out, like I said, it's going to become regular talking points for all of you while we don't want just, you know, appear to be like the skies following. It literally is we have to be realistic and honest to the community about what these much more granular w we have a - understanding of them. This doesn't account for the Medicaid impacts. We only focused on staff because we were talking about the farm bill. So there's there's many layers of of these costs that are coming to counties. And one thing you'll hear me regular as we go forward is this idea of this stated Minister, current state, supervise county administered, you program recognizing that we don't always make the rules. We don't control the systems. And yet it is our job to pay for the impacts on the burden of a redress of property tax. And that's going to be the message we carry forward as we work with our metro communities.

I know I had asked Mister McMurtry to share some things that the MSU board meeting. I don't know if that's what you're kind You're nodding. So yeah. just in context. That's why some point that address some of law old. And by all the means like the overtime to move. You know, this board is going to be hit with a lot top of so we need to address some of those long-standing issues and hopefully. So we can. Grapple with the new ones that are in front of us. I every night and then I a son. just want to say that I am glad that our lobby a bit too, in. Counties are able to have a conversation with Republicans and hear them. reject HR Or to find a carve out for themselves which is not okay. Needs are because it's going to impact a lot other people. So for me, you know, conversation is good, but a no vote.

Would be better. And that's what should be happening Thank you, One Quick clarifying question for the comments that the 13 million dollars that you mentioned. That's the impact of the overall HR specifically the snap, partial snap. Just a snap. Okay. Thanks for that.

And you mentioned from the AMC board meeting. This was definitely big topic, especially as all of U. S. start thinking about property taxes and getting assessments statements together for this year. One of the things that I raise 4 AMC is is to make sure that we are kind of working in tandem with all 87 counties. To be clear with the general public on, you know, the context of what you're saying. You think Reese's to really understand. And I know that they mentioned working on putting together. I can insert that all of us can use so that our languages that we all have some language and include that and serve in those property tax statements sharing with residents where worse while we see why they are seeing these increases the impacts of things like HR one and how that's going to have on on the property tax levy. So there's a lot of work that still ahead of us.

I think there's a lot more that we could be proactively doing when it comes to communications and educating the general public. And that's something that I know that I'll be continue to push for on AMC, but it will have a tremendous impact on our communities of this thing officially goes through and it's fully implemented next year. It just a quick follow-up to that, too, is to I happened. My site line is some of our new government team that we were introduced to earlier. And I'm just thrilled that they are here in this moment. I have been throughout the summer, you know, post session, our local state legislators. This is the time when they can connect and have more substantive talks about how things are impacting us and how they can be partners at the state level. And already I just today I had another outreach to say how can we partner with the county's to mitigate the impacts on property taxes?

So I think these kind of updates on the impacts and then even suggestions and how we can partner at the state level 2 to help with that were are we're fielding those calls. So as much as we can get some of that message together to and the true partners with our state partners as they try to find ways because their their constituents, our constituents, were knocking on the same doors. We have the same neighbors were seeing in the library's in the parking in community were saying, you know, we want to take care of her neighbors, but there's a limit to how much we can bear in a property taxes. And we all feel that. So thank you for these updates in and continuing to push an and how we can impact these changes that need to happen. All right. Thank you Follow The board meeting. We will have my Chance to housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting. And then have What workshop little bit behind schedule here. One word soften Minnesota resource management. And that is chaired Kelly. Commissioner. Miller. And then that this afternoon we will have the

Workshop on the Opiate Response Initiative chant by We are adjourned