Ramsey County, MN Board Meeting

???

I all told in the Ramsey County Board of Commission as Roll Call. Kevin Thing here. choir here McMurtry here. Mueller here Morant here wrong here take a stand for the pledge. the United States and to Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Atlantic knowledge meant

Commissioner John thank you, Mister Chair. Every community owes its existence and vitality. 2 generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams and energy to make the history that led to this moment. Some are brought here against their will. Some are trying to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life. And some have lived on this land since tme immemorial. Truth, an acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all years of heritage and difference. We are standing on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We want to acknowledge the ojibwe. The whole chimed in the other nations of people who also called this place home. 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 Lance. Consider the many legacies of violence displacement, mgration and settlement. That brings us together here today. please join us in uncovering such troops at any and all public events. Thank you. think a motion on the agenda, July 14th, 2026 that's presented so moved second. Seeing no discussion. Jevon thing I McGuire, I Miller. I Iran. And we'll take to take the motion and the

Minutes July. So 2026 as presented. Some of scond. Seeing no further discussion will cool off. Jean, I Kevin, I McGuire. I make my I Miller High Moran. And take a we now have a proclamation commission and make tree. Russians. This we were celebrating national pretrial probation and patrol supervision So having our amazing community corrections join me up here. I'm excited to present this proclamation to the community Corrections

Department in recognition of national pretrial probation and patrol supervision week. The Ramsey County Community Corrections Department provides community supervision justice involved residents helping clients to meet the conditions of their court-ordered probation. The department also operates the Juvenile Detention Center and the Ramsey County Correctional Facility. Department staff serve clients in the community, offering support and guidance to help them reach their supervision goals, connecting them to services ranging from mental health to employment training probation officers don't just serve the clients within the community. They also worked at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility and the Juvenile Detention Center preparing residents to return to our community. now I will read the proclamation and then. coming. All right. Whereas Ramsey County recognizes the community corrections is is in central part of the justice system employing more than 450 community. Corrections professionals and since 1999, the American Probation and Patrol association has designated one week in July as pretrial probation and patrol supervision week to honor those who serve this community probation officers, assistant probation officers and correction program workers and whereas community corrections professionals uphold the law with integrity and dignity while working to safeguard communities and protect the public from criminal activity and whereas community corrections professionals provide a breath of services in the interest of pblic safety, including supervising adult and juvenile offenders in the community and promoting positive behavior change and healthy development by clients.

And whereas Ramsey County community Corrections staff continue to form meaningful partnerships in the community to advance racial and health equity for clients and advocate for more community, less confinement and whereas community corrections professionals Working partnership with community agencies and groups to promote prevention intervention and advocacy and whereas community corrections professionals are a driving force for positive change and communities playing a critical role in advancing Ramsey County's justice transformation. Gold by restoring trust and creating hope now, therefore, be it proclaimed the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declares July 19th to 25th 2026 as pretrial probation and patrol supervision week. And Ramsey County and be a further pull proclaim the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners encourages all Ramsey Cunty residents to join in honoring community corrections professionals and recognizing their invaluable public service and dedication to protecting public safety. Good morning. Hi, Liz REITs, deputy director of field services. receive juvenile and adult probation. Chief Take a county manager, Becker Commissioners. Good morning today as we recognize national pretrial probation and supervision week, I'd like

To take a moment to recognize exceptional staff of community corrections this past year has required our team to navigate extraordinary complex and rapidly changing environment while Operation Metro Surge had a heavy presence in Minnesota, our department used to change, but this was a situation so unexpected. A new to us probation had to do our best to adapt to the situation despite anxiety and fear about some of our pios own safety in the community. Our staff continue to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, compassion and commitment to their clients. We're also existing in fear and uncertainty for many of our clients during that time, their probation officer was a significant resource and a source of stability and support Arpaio's work through this unchartered territory and maintain the integrity of our of our organization under difficult circumstances. And even amidst chaos and it's the normal days our staff make decisions rooted in evidence-based practices. They assess risk, identify individual needs and Taylor supervision and interventions interventions to help reduce recidivism.

This work requires sound judgment, empathy and the ability to adapt as policies and community needs continue to evolve. Community corrections is often one of the least visible parts of the jstice system. Yet its impact is felt throughout our community and within our facilities. The delicate dedication of our staff helps create safer neighborhoods, facilities and strengthens families and provide individuals with meaningful opportunities to make positive changes. So thank you for the recognition today. We appreciate it. Thank you. Also, I had had a chance to visit both the correctional facility and the jdc of many times. And in amazing just to see the staff and the work that they do on a day-to-day basis, really building trust to build a relationship so many folks in in these facilities and ensuring that they're also treated with dignity and with respect. And so I really appreciate the work that you all have continue to do for for our community to ensure that those who are within our care also set for success once they once they leave.

So really thank you again Thank you, Commissioner I just want to say congratulations and thank you for the work that you do every single day. As I was lstening to your presentation, I really enjoy it. Here in Maine like evidence-based practices, the working to strengthen families. You know, and you're looking at the whole family, not just in the vision is to get great outcomes reduce recidivism. And I think that's really important sites. Want to say thank you for the work that you do and how you do the work that you do. It makes a difference. Mission in Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah. Add my thanks. and gratitude fr all the work that you do. You know, in Minnesota, we 3 different systems that you can in minister community in a corrections and we choose a community corrections model, which I we think is the best. He these amazing people. They do work in the community and they really work to keep are residents from ending up back in or and I are facilities and just all the great work that you do and we're going to continue to fight for resources for you to do that because I think we do.

You do do it. That's because your closest to them and other systems like that. Then the other systems the state may do the crrections and I just think we We do it the best way to here. And so thank you for all of that. I've you've heard me talk about it many get to spend some time with some of these amazing people at a and a conference on community corrections. And that's where I'm most inspired by all the great prevention work that you do. The intervention work and all the great, innovative and creative ways that you work in our system. And so I just want to thank you for for that. And for giving me hope in the in the system. thank you. Thank you. Just want to. And getting signals I want to thank you for all the work you do. critical linchpin. Services. That we provide many involve folks who coming back to be productive members of community. So I want to thank you for It is crucial we acknowledge that. We get the The Fatah go fan has.

You Leave Co you goal today is an a give us your name.?? Good morning. My name is Do I wrk with the community Alternatives unit with the

Mental health court? Good morning. My name is Aaron. That I between county community corrections. I also work in the community outrun it. All 32 unit in the adult court. Thank you. Good morning. My name Ty Long's and I work in community Autos unit and that. Good morning, sir. Liam, all I'm with probation service, peace adults. Good morning, Heather Graham, Community Alternatives Unit and I work as the probation officer that the DWI courtroom in court. Thank you. Good morning. And Heller and with our adult intake unit in court. thanks. Good morning. My name is Ali being I am the supervisor in the probation service center. Good morning commissioners. My name is Jim Hawkins also work at the probation Good Morning. John Miller system Division, Director Field services. Everyone. Just Stone Assistant Superintendent Z. One in every one. My name is Lori Lynn here. supervisor and it take. Morning commissioners court during planning manager Administrative Division. Good Morning, Jami Resch, deputy director of facilities. Good morning Micaela Connor. I worked to build probation in Jim and conditional release. Good morning, Larry Teresia. I

Worked in administration. Good morning. Steve Horgan assistant superintendent are Ccf. Good morning. Commissioners Melvin Robinson. Supervisor juvenile feel probation. Electronic home monitoring unit. Learning to invest was superintendent are ccf. And lastly want to clone the humble and very proud director of community Corrections. Thank you. And do you think you will? And now we have administrative agenda. Commissioner and Mr. Chad, like to move item number 4, Agreement, what

The state of Minnesota Department of Health for Ramsey County Medical Examiner's office to improve and increase to listened truck toxic, toxicology testing and surveillance. I don't number 5, the amendment to the Twin Cities, Army ammunition, plant master plan. I'd like to pull that. Item. Number 6, the proposed changes and additions to the public halth fees. Item number which is grand agreements with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for Community Crime, Intervention and Prevention programs. I'd actually like to pull that item. Number 8, the Joint powers Agreement with the state of Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to utilize the Minnesota Criminal Justice Data Communications Network. And then finally item number 9, the propose Ramsey County Sheriff's Office fee schedule update. Make it a second second. Thank you. discussion role. Well, call I 17 at McGuire. McMurtry High Mueller for take off. Well, we have item number. I would like to move item number 5 amendment to the Twin Cities, Army ammunitions, plant Masterplan second. And just to make a brief statement that these modifications that are discussed that we're proving today, we're already discussed at several JTA

Meetings. They've already been approved by the City. Of Arden Hills and that this is part of the progress of completing designs moving to site prep this fall and constructions fingers crossed. All goes well this spring and summer next spring and summer. It's all really exciting. And it's building on the momentum of some of the construction in out And it's a demonstration of Ramsey County's commitment to building stronger together. So I just want to thank our staff for all of the the detail work tat's gone into continue to progress. This project. Thank you. Any further discussion call wrong? I 7 Aye. McGuire. I McMurtry Miller. I I item number 7 at the And this is Thank you, Mister Chair. I'd like to move item number 7 grand agreements with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for Community Crime, Intervention and Prevention programs for discussion. Second. And thank you. Thank you, Mister Chair. I just had I know that I had my office had a lengthy conversation with Kyle to so Undersheriff. may you come and present just a little bit more about this. And then some of the questions that I had was just around and specifically staffing of the community engagement unit and whether this in the budget where you're anticipating this revenue source or if it's new revenue that we're putting in today to accepting this grant.

Great questions. Good morning. Tell Lester Undersheriff chief of staff. Join collect as an inspector with their office. Leaving your services. a lot of work in community with or grants. I track most of your questions. So have received the community crime prevention, grant Snow for several years in a row. These 2 grants were not included in the 2026. 2027. Operating budget, which is why they're here today for approval. So its additional revenue to the county, OK? And of that, that's great, too. So are there any savings from the that this generates settle or any savings within your budget? We would continue the delivery of like community-based services and programming charged the grant otherwise had we not receive the grants, services would stop and then my question is just a more around the staffing bill, like FARC has. Most of the grant is to go toward So then was the. original plan, then to just use a levy to pay for the community engagement staff.

If this grant had not come in. No. So the position stay vacant. So back in 2024, we were here and got another set of committing crime prevention grants. Those grants have since expired these we applied for grants this cycle. There was a little bit of the lay in getting all of the documentation, the grant that finalized by the state. So its starting now so that you have to use that are assigned to commit crime prevention grants were previously approved by the board in 2024. So that's why asking for additional staff is very have those positions compliment. But we don't turn them on until the grants kick. And could you got to be careful. Supplanting supplementing all the different rules that one hears we talk about. great job. Getting the My only other question is just around the community partners since specific to the current community is, but also the contract. I just wasn't sure how that conversations panned out and also the reach and up to 2 the Korean community.

So thank And and if this is with what what's provided in the grant from And if the community partner is identified in sight and the grant here, so we did see that in all. And we put out for for several of them. We didn't get all of all with that. This was one of the partnership with and to work in the community all after receiving and we are working organization, Cayo all 2 deliver services that are more culturally based based on population that serve. And so. We are talking with the state. aware that might not be the best fit for all the people that looking show. So, yeah, Nats said that contract with them. She loked at and is that okay? I mean, lcal in the day. She home could be more for People that looking Sure. It's more of cold And what do they have to we could feed action Commission. point. Yeah. you know, another organization that have worked with us to the kind of off of kale and what is our been village?

He said so they they also work with the Saint Paul Police Department as well who some of them are mentors who basically jst committed and dedicated a lot of time to adjust. working with the youth. Their yet outside of the profession. So believe are as an example believe they are at Humboldt and we were doing some work with him, too. So we're trying create that connection. So we're on the same page speaking the same language to be able to youth in our community, but also and simple. as well. Thank thank And he'll have a garrison Nina and county. Thank you. Mister Chair. To follow from that. I know that one of the grants there was the naming of of the career and a community youth outreach and second one, it was a. Please correct me up announcing it's motivation, bad. The by the by the peace program. Yes, it's so can you speak more to I tried to.

Look more look up this organization. I believe they focus on Somali youth in but I wasn't able to find anything. Can you speak more to this organization and why tis oe in particular was was selected? Are you afraid she did? The name of you had? Yeah, been about peace program as we should be doing more work with East African community decided to expand that. So instead stand with 50 Jamal, we know today all on the retreat. just so we have broader scope can share So it doesn't seem lke hitting certain. Certain communities doing it. Josh, and this an organization we work with in the past think that we referenced saying commissioner, the name of the grant, the all that's than at the time that the state grant forms are not the most easy to digest. It's so that the internal mean that we call the grant. Okay. I was I was confused to cause. I know in the previous one we mentioned there was the community outreach.

I that was specific organization just The name of the grant as well. So Koam is a community provider. Yes. village you think you work with to? Yes. And then we call this one the peace program internally got. And that's does look like it Now that you say that it does look like a communities writer. So no, I appreciate that. Clarify was I was confused there with this was a direct organization that we are working with. But that's the main with internal moral ground. Thank you. That's awful. Okay. Thank you. mentioned the acronyms. I have no idea what they like. I don't know what that is. So maybe you can share that made in a bit more about the organization and list of organizations that you're going park it live. All these organizations that you have some history will floor you connect with the community. And they suggest that these organizations are engaged in those. Diverse communities so that Karen Organization, the Minnesota is based on race Street. we have worked with him in the past believe it was Law enforcement domestic course with him.

They asked us to help present with that. And we've also met to Washington magnet with it. It helps us to going to schools in refugee kids, but also come out in the community. So we got presentations at its on it just overall i school and how the school the community feel with them And we couldn't. W are looking to have one of our can deputies do more programming with board on A large population important. So we've it get in there and Like that. We have a resource for that and deputy has been doing it. It starts off with something small any agenda. Positive week in the kids come out join it feels a trust with the kids. Both interest with it. It also they can come in think the commissioner as he did? So it's interesting because I'm here to get my trusted relationships, right? Yes, and that doesn't always happen law enforcement. So how did feel that for me, it's a it's special for me.

I had great Sullivan is a school. So I just want to carry that on and developing career in its own. Looking at it from a perspective for a lot of African-Americans. A lot of people come in and they do so I try to look at it like in a position and what we do in the community were always going to a on 24 So how do we create that Stapleton? if you like, you can always come back to us. Will it always be good? No. But even if it's not in way it's still I'm here to help you afterwards. So I try just continue tat with every population, every community that we come across trade with the lay people in that space to all continue those relationships. We don't always agree family members, but we love them held a week look at our community. County has it. Joe, we're not going be happy rather but we'll do our best to try through it.

Just a 50 lead change wth the 50's for over 12 years. it's not a job for everybody, but the ones that do have the heart to do are integral part of All this. Thank you. Also. To I said a couple questions. I it says in our packet, but you also mentioned that this grant has been aggressive procedure multiple years. I'm just curious on the outcomes that you guys have seen from previous years to this year carry those on because I did notice in the budget too. That there was no dollars for evaluation. And I just want encourage you consider that for future years. That evaluation an important piece of work. Yes, Commissioner Miller, thank you. We were able to work with the state break the evaluation on in some cancel a few of us. academic credentials are hopeful for research evaluation. And so we're able to do some of that in health, which which seemed little bit more money for programming the state come out.

They do on site visits submit quarterly reports in The View, everything we do want to races even now with more So we have played, if you say is it's there on site involved. If we pull it on. Iran, a good chance of his Some feedback next piece to interview with her quite a since we calibrate the actual metrics to make sure we're achieving prevention intervention goals that long-term, a citizen gets reduced. Ed Frank tends to decrease all that successful benchmarks look for community safety and well-being. glad to hear that you. And it's a lot of also quality quality over quantity. Yeah, a lot of the kids asking now we try to be more nature base tough and we had the that as we are we to you. So you're trying to listen to. I think it's important. Listen to what is before. And the kids will tell us what they want. And there's your surveys you do. There's parental survey. Scooter rider surveys really good metrics that are objective.

That help us gauge program, a permanent measures, both in terms of outcomes, but also making sure we're right-sizing the program to look at what the community expects. Your means. So just a quick follow-up on that to you. Also use these grant dollars and the work that you're doing with the capital and movement that capital, please correct me if I'm capital capital yes, capital to you're kind of pulling all your resources to so have a great area to keep them separate. separate. with everything we do with the new service is we keep a grant. Tracking that people that were not addressed grant cycle so you can track the dollar and where allocating So if something happened in capital Com as well noted as happening in capital families, but if its cable companies that are kappa vitality, dollars. That will be listed. As for the people in the capital. area, if we're doing something with and know that peace program, all that's more of a I'm Saturday's to to come out. we will make sure that we label that as there's a lot of internal document a difficult week for time sheets and everyone here, the conversation from you about it. you notice your plan that we can supplement follow the guidelines routine audit or finance have to dramatic staff line by line line to make sure the right customers being charged There's a lot of back and stuff you do in that. The grant front in general.

Well, thank you for this second of prevention and credit preventative work is not always something you see right away and its outcomes that you don't get within 6 months, 7 months, it takes time build those relationships. I appreciate the you've got to some outdoor. We just got to a subject, a grandson general note. No child left indoors for it showing it to expand their fishing program. A little bit more weight, really like protective gear for the kids. So it's more of not just one today thing. They can take the stuff that we've given them and go out will or not water safety is a component to prevention, draw incidents. You know what? haven't. Yes, so I'm I will say that. I understand that what we receive in our packet says, you know, very high level the sun, these grant applications are pretty dense. So, yeah, ask the question. It you know, needs more information. So when I'm looking at the 5 P's program, it has the personnel community investor salary for one fte.

And I believe this runs through. You said when you will fill this position and then it goes the end of 2027. So a year to maybe 18 months, depending on when you hire this person. And I understand that right. Because it says $250,000 for tat. Plus 100,000 for payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Is it really require $350,000 to have a person of this type of role in this position for that length of time. Let me find that acumen here that you're referring to.

25. It's just paid its page. 44 And like I said, it's it's such a skeleton, thing that I'm assuming there's more to it. So I just wanted you to have the opportunity to give us more information on that. So the one point o Fte would cover salary benefits. French health insurance, dental. We've had that contributions over All the costs that are associated with. The position. Yeah. And so my question is that this is that really $350,000 for community outreach worker in this. Is that how much it cost to staff? One person? For a two-year period. So the grant budget reflects a two-year period. From grant dcumentation, it said it and yeah, 2027 and you said these are positions that are opens, that you would need to turn them back on. So do you think you already have somebody in this position is how how long time period is this dollar amount for. So grant funds will expire at the end of 2027.

So we would bill salary and benefit costs through it. And then through like the 1st quarter reporting, period, secondly would right-size there's anticipated savings and personnel. We can offset it with program. So even really simply. So how long of a time period this cover like, how is this the year? 2 years, 3 years? I just I just trying to get a sense of how long this time covers. And in real time a two-year period, two-year period. Okay. That's helpful. It was it looked as if it was a one-year period that that that seemed like a lot for I there are more staff that just weren't indicated in the skeleton. So. Thank you for that. And then they guess the question I have to is with that there's 75,000 that's indicated for programming dollars a night. I really appreciate what went what you all have explained in the narrative that you're going to be working with community groups that are cultural specific in listening to what might actually be beneficial for the kids and outreach because listed on here.

I know it's generic, but just making sure it's so like you said fishing is different than taking some into baseball game. You know, 1, 1, group that might be exactly a way to bond in other groups are like that's not really cool. That's not what I'm interested. And so I appreciate that. be working with different groups, the only other qestion I just have is between the 2 grants. This is $600,000 or something like that. That's quite a chunk of change. That you brought on the idea of the youth crime prevention and positive development in our community. I know that our sheriff has raised concerns over youth public safety. How do you see this fitting into? Addressing the issue says he's portrayed them. should together to get it. I think time we can leverage funding to help in the prevention intervention front is a good strategy. I think, you thank for that is we talked with his another important piece looking at addressing any sort public safety training can change in general. think that would do it, especially community is monumental to those objectives.

And those goals prevention piece is so key and critical. I think also with could prevent up. Sometimes it's just showing up. I know he's been take over the of that nature as can just to show up. So we show trailer, some bags, all that's creating a relationship creating a where they want to be there and that keeping that space open. So it's you have to leave here, but just know that we are crazy and that we're not going let anything go Everybody should feel safe with do it. So we'll feed you will hang out. We'll have that discussion if you have any issues. Hopefully changes with that. And we can look at different ways of solving whatever's going on within that community and be for whatever is going on in that space. Think of the detention of these to school supplies have been real emerging need right on the contract. Cities are gearing for an 8 United National night out.

You do a school supply. School supply drive there, but also for the grant funds. We do cover basic school supplies to help kids, folks. More couple kids get to school, get structured learning. I think that's been a real immediate need to. We've seen. Just in terms of general trends, last couple grant cycles. Well, yes, yeah. Thank you, Mr. thanks both of you for being here and for answering these questions. I think the one thing I would ask that maybe we do as we go forward and to have new partnerships. I know the koam one something you've been working on. You know, we could run report for you of like oher county departments that actually have a relationship with Koam and why I think that's important is to see if that's if there is the case. I do think there's a couple departments are working with them in different areas, whether it's you know, something in the corrections department with workforce department.

I mean, I just think there's an opportunity why you're touching these kids to then I understand like, hey, we have families that are ivolved in or county systems and maybe those kids could even be further sort of supported. As we wrap around the family of that make I think going forward, you know, as you build your partnerships and I said this to the county attorney to as they because both of you are very good at, you know, getting unique grants that sometimes the county, you know, isn't may appropriate for the county to get that you are much better to be the recipient, but I would ask that you consider sort of that deeper partnership for both track, investment that the county can make, maybe in that family through some of our programs, but also, you know, to show that, you know, to the organization that they're not really working with so many multiple silos really want the same positive outcome.

Not only for that young person that really for that family. All those kids belong to a family is what I'm kind of thing. So if you're hearing what you need from the yung person, we should try to figure how to, you know, give it to the family, too. Thank you so Thank you. further discussion. No Jevon think acquired McMurtry I Mueller for an eye and I I county Connections. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair have a few things. know what rank up a little short so we can make our closed session. I just wanted to acknowledge our our staff and also community members. On last night we had a Minnesota African-American family preservation and child Welfare disproportionately act advisory committee. And as of you know, it's it's these are long days. It's hot outside. Lots of people, you know, community and staff showed up. Thank you to our county attorney. You know, it's not always easy to do you know, 5 to 7.30, meeting, you know, in the middle of summer like that and the commitment to the work is just really significant.

We were able to hear from community elders, one of the community elders actually moderated the meeting. I'm so grateful for their ongoing engagement and both dedication to the families and Ramsey County. But to helping us as a county do better just as a reminder, commissioners and the county along with Hennepin County where pilot counties working in close partnership Department of Children, Youth and Families o on this act and the implementation of it. There's going to be a board workshop in August where we're going to provide some additional updates. But again, I just wanted to all those folks that showed up that, you know, I was really impactful and folks are really engaged, despite, you know, probably a lot of distractions going on everywhere. So speaking of, you know, hi, I wanted to just call or he team. Thank you to Deputy County is and lots of departments have been leading the effort. We're kind of going to continue to move into a pretty significant heat event here today.

The Heat index is scheduled to be one-on-one tomorrow. 100 Thursday. 97 Friday, 97. So our departments, we have a heat team. It's been activated based on our criteria and departments have activated their kind of internal responses and I said you all an update last night of some of the different things that different departments are are doing. We also are in connection with Salvation Army Red Cross. The sheriff's office is bringing around water to. I talked them yesterday. So mostly want to call out on our county web page on the front page. There's upper banner that you can click on to see where the cooling spaces are. And there are a lot of cooling spaces. Certainly people can come into our own county facilities during the dy and then also there's a lot of community locations available as well. And so I just want to make sure that, you know, thank the team for their work.

They actually on over the weekend intended to some patients. lot of recently, weather events have I kind of started on a Monday. So I've been encouraging them to get a little bit of a head start. So we don't start Monday a little bit behind. they've they've stepped up t that. And so I want to thank them for that, especially. And then I wanted to just make a comment about the encampment closures that that the mayor has decided upon. As you all know, the city made a decision to close encampments and Ramsey County is fully engaged in supporting those residents. The presence of encampments is a clear sign that too many people are falling through gaps and lots of systems that are not adequately meeting the needs of our community. No single level of government can solve these issues alone. Ramsey County has a responsibility to act where we can make a difference. We're working across teams and community partners to connect people to housing, health care, behavioral health services, financial assistance and other supports while continue to advocate for the investments needed to address the root causes of homelessness over the past several years, we've advocated to the legislature around many, many things around homelessness and that continuum and we will continue to do so.

Although the county does not determine whether encampments remain open, we do have a clear responsibility as a service provider to respond. That means meeting people where they are building trust, coordinating intensive outreach efforts and helping residents navigate pathways to you, their shelter, housing or other alternatives. And as a result the city's action, I have mobilized within our county what's called the community wellness and Response Initiative. It works collaboratively across the organization. We have brought multiple teams together to work with the residents that are at the encampments, helping them connect to those things that I mentioned. In addition, those outreach teams are also bringing basic necessities. Are caravans have been? There was Karen food, water, essential supplies really as a way to build trust with the people that are there to talk to us and to connect to services. Please note, we don't do this work alone. One example is our mental health staff have been on site, but we work in partnership with RADiUS health conducting on-site assessments.

There have well over a dozen community organizations and churches, boots on the ground out there as well. And so and in addition, we work very closely with the city. They have heart team, which is their homeless action response team and we have partnered up with them to be really a coordinated single team as we are doing some of the work on the ground with the city. So I want to thank the Deputy County care. Francois needed Abdi Ray has to just Rabia. They've been leading the from their roles, but also many people ad social services, financial assistance, housing, stability, public health chief of staff and all the internal operations. You know, sometimes we just have to call our finance department to help us do something faster. You know, we are really mobilizing the organization knowing that time is ticking for the situation and we understand that behind him each, you know, situation. There's there's a human being.

There is a person who struggling with what to do next and their situation. And it's a lot for our staff to. So both of those things can be true. We we need to keep at the forefront respect and dignity of the people who live at the camp months as well. As you know, the wellness of all Mark staff going out to care for them. So thank you to all of you for your support continue to provide updates on my continue to stay in touch with the mayor's office. But I wanted to be very clear today about the role of the county in this effort. So thank you. a commission might Thank you, Mr. Chairman comments, Becker, thanks for for that update. Really appreciate. But the steady communication that you provided to us on on encampments and and better understanding of, you know, this is all that was not a decision that we made it to something that we are heavily involved and to ensure that folks are getting the resources and the services they need as they transition hopefully to more stable housing.

One question I had a about the the encampment piece is knowing that this is going to be the first of a few closures. How at how how far in advance that we've been working with? The mayor's office for the future closures to start preparations to start out, reach those individuals. Now, are we beginning that or what does that timeline look like? Yeah, thank you for that question. I think there's a couple things I want to share about that. You know, while the encampments are a current. You know, crisis of a situation that we have to deal with in the ongoing rolling closures. I have, I think shared with some of you. And if not, we'll share more broadly, you know, around services, strategic priority that we are ready for the next iteration as a county. Some of you may have been around when we provided most of our services in person only at the East building, for example, on the 4th floor, we've evolved from that through the pandemic.

We started to do more virtual services. Then we started to think about welcoming spaces, places that are trauma informed and our service centers making sure that we were in betting service centers in partnership with other locations and thoughtfully around our community. We are large large county like Ramsey County that needs dozens of service centers. But we've been very strategic about placing them within our libraries, for example, with in Maplewood Mall, the proximity to transit where people we know are on county programs live in need to get to. and certainly that evolution of the in-person services, virtual services. It is something that staying because we've invested in those models, the next iteration that's before us is really where this community wellness and response is going to take us. It is not just a response to the encampment. This is the way we're going to change the work we do in the county. We need to be more ready to be boots on the ground.

I remember commissioner, take I think it's a few 2 months ago in a board meeting talking about the original origins of public health and really it was about being out in the community and community public health. And so, but it's not just public health. And I think it's the combination of these integrated teams. That's why we've tried to break down the silos. One Ramsey County, it's, you know, people need a composite wraparound of what the county can bring when you need us to check your Medicaid, you need us to check their snap. United need us to help you get work. You need us to help get mental health and you need the the public health response, right? So it's all of that. And so the county has to show up in a different way. We don't want people to go to 8 buildings for different services. That was a model of the past. We don't even want you have to make a calls, right?

And we don't want you to have to times. And so we've been fortunate enough to have some of these mobile vans. I know you guys have been pushing us to use them strategically. I think they're going t be an asset. You know, to me, we need to have a mobile service under a mobile model where we are, you know, moving to where people need us each day and it might be different places at different seasons of the year and week. And so I you know it first dawn on me when we had the like the fire over at the skyline Towers, you know, when we had to sort of mobilized a team, it felt a little bit like, gosh, you know, we don't have enough muscle here to pull everything, right. And so I'll just stop say that one of my goals is iterate to this next vision of service delivery and encampment is sort of that first muscle building for us to do it.

And seems are very engaged to help take on those learnings ad figure out what we're going to need. And you're going to see discuss that as we move into, you know, feet future budgets and conversations, but also thinking about how we show up on just on a corner where people have a need at a given day. It doesn't. There's it doesn't have to be a a crisis like a crisis, I guess is what I'm saying, whether it's public emergency. But we see that there's people that need us in a lot of spaces that they may not come So does that help a little bit? It's more of the bigger picture of it. And that's where I think what I think the short answer is our response isn't going away with the rolling closures. Yes. Go ahead. I went I mean, something different from the inquest? Yes, on and all that was extremely helpful. I was more so thinking, you know, knowing that August 5th just the first a few upcoming closures.

Are we starting outreach to those encampments that we know are, you yet today doesn't. But the do we have a scheduled by the city Bagan up to see so we can track We've been in touch with the city and I don't I have not seen late date. What they have said it is going just publicly is that they will be rolling closures. And that's absolutely correct that we need to be thinking about the other 2 large encampments are larger encampments. And in Saint Paul. But our first priority, especially this first like weekend, 10 days as we gotta, you know, get get kind of effort really mobilize pigs. I park and not not. I appreciate that because takes I published a 250 people that are there. of course, that's going to be the priority. But hopefully we'll get more information, some from the city so we can as we know, no wind down the services that that we can then, you know, focus on those other sunset it happening, you know, getting notice a week or so before we have some some leeway so we can start reaching out to those folks.

Other quick question. I had going back to the extreme heat. we collaborate with the city on cooling locations that they have. Do we promote that on our website as well? So that folks know of not only the Ramsey County locations, but also other city in this palace are out of the county, but also all offer different spaces where people can stay cool in this heat. Yeah, I believe that our cooling spaces to involve other organizations, but I can double check that. But I Gloria and her team art. So basically there's like a response. He team in the city and one in the county and I know we were in touch with Roosevelt to this week. So we try to coordinate and talk about, you know, different things that that we're doing. So I know that that's happening. Any further questions. Let's begin with I'm going to ask everybody to sort keep Because I'd like to have enough time.

And next meeting to talk about it's a very important issue regarding elections. Let's start with marriage, OK? Thank you, Mr. We had a great event in Lauderdale last week, Water Guild and the park and I really excited. They actually had a cake honoring the Eustis Street development which Ramsey County did. And so it was a really nice little celebration for. The Ramsey County lot partnership. and rebuild. you know, renovating A role there. And it's a really important voting in Lauderdale. So many thanks to our public works Department for the work they did and and for the celebration on Eustis Street little fact that I used to have a paper out on Houston Street. So but and then also they wear their sustainability committee was handing out food scraps bins. So they're very excited about the food scraps that will be coming to Lauderdale in December. And so they but they're excited people gathering food, scraps and bring him to center, bringing him to drop-off centers now and and of course, we'll be starting the the outreach on on them being able to be part of our food scraps program.

Starting in December. kudos to Lauderdale. And then last night, little Canada had a 35 e or little and our public works. Department had a 35 groundbreaking. So that's another important. It's a 35 the project. So it's a it's vote over. 35 E and just a great partnership that our public works has with our different communities. And that was with little Canada and then because next week we will the at a conference. I just want to say that next Saturday. Do good Roseville doing a poverty simulation event at the rose for every middle school designed to help community leaders gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in poverty. So kudos to do good Rosa, that on the poverty simulation event. Thank you. Yes, so I was able to meet as many of you have with Beacon Interfaith and get an update on their supportive housing and one of the things that I think is something for all of us to continue to consider and be concerned about and do what we can around is that changing federal policies are impacting support, existing supportive housing and some of the programs that they can do in some of those wrap-around services.

And I think that this really important given our conversation around the encampment closings that the very places where we are looking to help support our neighbors, find more stable. Housing is are in a challenging place financially and policy wise as well. So this is an ongoing issue. This was also an issue that came at the NAMI Ramsey County annual Step Strategy Session. They have 3 goals this coming year. is for continue to educate themselves and to learn about an advocate for more supportive housing for folks living with severe mental illness and Ramsey County or running areas to help the clubhouse. Find a more financials stable model and that's more of a legislative ask. But I'm sure that they'll be in asked for the county of as well if there's a new role for us and then also just to revitalize some of their family support group. So that's those are the 3 tops for them.

And then I also just want to say thank you to everybody who came out to the district. One picnic. We're close to 100 people there. Great food from our local restaurant. Red Luna. Thanks to our Veterans Heights. Green team. Our Washington Ramsey County Ramsey in Washington County Recycling group helped us with all of the composting in the food scraps and being able to put all of that out. I have a community in turn who I've known since she was a little who comes back from college to help me in the summers and so Lyla and then was able to help with that. And then just a special shout out to Alexis Partner, my principal aid. And this was her last big event as Friday was her last day at the county. And I'm just thrilled to say that she'll be working in community still in the area. And so still mixing it up in community in being able to work side by side.

So wishing her all the best in for next endeavor. thank you, I just want highlight one meeting that I had last week Antonio Espinosa, who is the founder of our from inside organization that works to empower incarcerated artists, too, to really experience personal transformation and restoration. He's doing this work for some time now. I've had a chance to visit and attended number of is galleries and just it was just great to hear more about the work that they're doing and how they're trying to expand some of the ideas that he has more cars to incorporating housing for those who are formerly incarcerated, who also have a space to showcase their art and to be with community. So looking forward to just continue my conversation with him in the see ways that there could be potential partnership between the work that he does and the work of the county, especially when it comes power Correctional facility.

Our JBC, I think there's potential for lot of overlap there. And so looking forward to getting him connect with our team seeing if a potential for for working together. So just want to highlight that meeting with Antonio and the work that he's doing with with organization.

Yes, last Wednesday I attended the NES, the full board meeting. So we at the full board, we approved 2027 to 2030 one joint powers agreement. So that will be coming to the county's for signature. We approved the 27 operating budget and the 27 2031 Capital needs forecast. Later that day, I attended a Northeast Youth and Family Services Governance Committee meeting where we reviewed and updated the executive leadership succession plan. And then my fun let me tell you on Thursday we celebrated the grand reopening of the Battle Creek Water. Ricks. The excitement was incredible. So family started buying up about 45 minutes before 11:00AM opening. And by the time the gates opened, there were more than 800 people waiting to get. within minutes, the water park reached capacity, which is at approximately 450 guests with another 400 still waiting outside for families who couldn't stay. The parks and recs staff handed out coupons so they could come back at a later date by the end of the day, more than 1400 people had enjoyed the water park in hundreds received Cubans to come I will say I brought my kids and I did go down that water slide times.

And it does pick up speed. So I encourage you all to bring your kids are just going to have a fun full day because it was fun. We enjoy the water slide. The music. There was food trucks and then we had to get home. So we're only there for a couple hours, but it was still a great time. So thank you to the parks and Recs after making that fun and having was a great day. And that is that. my son started his life quite at at that I mean, there's a lot of great young people that are working. Tere was great and it was busy was full once they do the water break. That's your perfect time to leave as parents get a ladder break. And that's your cue up. The polls closed. other people in good mean, great place to be. So So I a few things week when going to talk about one. participating and on Saturday the Ramsey County hosted a bounce-back 3 on 3 basketball tournament.

Jimmy Lee Recreation Center. You know, also was able to be there along with the city myself and others to like speaking open it up. But what I find so And what I so proud to be a part of a county that continues to show up in community. Right. And we do that in partnership with other community-based organizations. And that is really the spirit its use talking about early at the need to be more present in the community is being in the building or meeting to meet to meet another meeting, right. But to really get out, engage people, especially something that is about mental health and to do that to do an activity with basketball right and me and often sometimes may feel. Weakness I need to be strong and don't take care of that mental health piece of they are and it was opportunity to make that correlation between 2 and have them present in to talk about that.

And so I just want to say 4 men to county staff will continue to know from camps. Life is not a 9 to 5. And sometimes we have to show up outside of those hours. Sometimes we get no go beyond our comfort zone into really engaged in the community continues do that because when we show up, you know, someone may scene. I and saying, no, I don't want say anything and maybe a second time. They don't say no. may be that 3rd, 10 of these feel like this. This is safe. This is OK, it's I'm going to make those connections. And so I just feel big pride to see us continuing to do that. And in staff's, you want to be apart and those community engagements. Mr. Chair, I will keep it very brief. But would just like to highlight coming up this week, July 16th, this the disability Pride Festival advocating for change together at the Capitol.

So it's from 10:00AM to 02:00PM and I would extend the invitation county folks and also to the board here, we will be presenting a proclamation at 12 at the 16th. So Thursday, Thank you we'll have we'll take a

Five-minute break when we go downstairs and then will you stay good? always wear weaken starting time writes, it is a closed session. We Yes. Okay. Thank Well, let's take a 10 minute Stand 15 us. we're just imposed taken 10 to 15 minute. And then we get together. We have closed meting for public regarding the elections. Thank you very much. We owe it