Washington County Board Meeting

All right. Good morning. I will call the April 28th Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting to order. Clerk, please take the roll. Commissioner Miron? Here. Commissioner Karwoski? Here. Commissioner Cox? Here. Commissioner Bigham? Here. Commissioner Clausen? Here. Roll call taken, all present. Thank you. Please join us for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice All right. We are at the comments from the public portion of the board meeting. I do not have any speaker cards at the dais. Is there anybody in the audience that would like to address the board in the public comments portion? Seeing none, we will move on to approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve today's agenda? So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Discussion? Seeing none. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed say nay.

Motion carries. We now are on consent calendar. Are there any items that commissioners would like to pull? Seeing none, is there a motion to approve? Motion to approve consent calendar as presented, all items A through H. A motion, is there a second? Second. Second by Commissioner Cox. The clerk will take the roll. Commissioner Miron? Aye. Commissioner Karwoski? Aye. Commissioner Cox? Aye. Commissioner Clausen? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Consent calendar passes five zero. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the Washington County Community Development Agency and Ms. Schumann, the CDA Deputy Executive Director. Thank you, Madam- Thank you for joining us. Sorry. I'm sorry. Thank you, Madam Chair and commissioners. I'm Carly Schumann with the Washington County CDA. Happy to be with you this morning. This morning I'm going to be presenting on the 2026 Annual Action Plan. This is for the Community Development Block Grant program, also known as CDBG, and the Home Investment Partnerships program, sometimes just called the HOME program.

Both of these are funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. And I just want to mention, I do have a couple of colleagues with me today. We've got Angie Schubert, who's our division manager, and then we have Julia Sisson, who's a new employee with the CDA, and she's directly overseeing the HOME and CDBG programs. The 2026 Annual Action Plan really just spells out what we're doing this program year to support the overall goals of our five-year consolidated plan. We're in our second year of our plan. It runs from 2025 to 2029, and then this individual program year runs from July 1st of this year through June 30th of 2027. All of the funds for these programs are already appropriated, which is helpful in this kind of federal cycle. We do issue RFPs for applications for both HOME and CDBG funds. We issued that in late 2025. Those applications were due in January. And then beyond those applications, we also have some set asides from these funds. So 15% of the CDBG funds come to the host team here at the county for homeless prevention.

Up to 20% of each of the program funds are set aside for admin, so that covers both staffing and then some of the federal compliance that we need to do. 15% of the HOME funds are required to be set aside for community housing development organizations, or sometimes called CHDOs. In Washington County, the CAP Agency is a designated CHDO, although they don't apply for funds every year. And then we do also have funds set aside from the CDBG program to do 10 home improvement loans throughout the county.

The individual program years support the consolidated plan's priority needs, and so what was identified in that five-year plan was affordable housing, both for rental and homeownership, new construction to try to increase the supply, and then preservation or rehabilitation to try to preserve those affordable units. Highest priority is also emergency and transitional shelters, homelessness assistance, and then housing and services for special needs populations. This year we did receive a couple of ineligible applications, which is a little bit unusual. We received an application from Minnesota OneStop. They applied for transitional housing, and that is an eligible use, but the application was missing several required elements, and so it was determined it was ineligible. And then we also did receive an application from Accessible Space Incorporated. They applied for funds to renovate their Hillcrest Apartments, and that, again, is an eligible use, but the application was submitted late, and then it was missing some required elements. We do provide technical assistance to organizations that are seeking to apply, and we really encourage them to approach us.

We actually give them extra points if they do. But neither of these organizations took advantage of that. So what we'll do is we'll just try to keep reaching out, and so if they plan to apply in the future, we'll just encourage them to take advantage of that technical assistance so we can support them through that process. We did receive one eligible application, then, from Two Rivers Community Land Trust. Two Rivers is quite active throughout Washington County. They proposed to acquire and renovate 10 homes throughout the county, and they applied for both HOME and CDBG funds. So for the 2026 program year, our CDBG funding proposal looks like this. We'll provide funds to Two Rivers Community Land Trust to acquire those 10 homes. We also have the set-aside for the home improvement loan program, and then the set-aside to the host team for homelessness prevention. We anticipate they'll serve probably a little over 500 people this year. Then we have our administration set aside for both staffing and that federal compliance.

And then we have to anticipate program income. We sometimes get it, sometimes we don't. Program income is really just if home improvement loans pay off, then we'll receive that program income. And then the HOME funding, we will pair that HOME funding with the CDBG funds for Two Rivers, and we have our required set aside for the CHDO funds, and then we'll also have administrationThere is a defined public process that happens with the annual action plan. And so we brought this plan to the citizen advisory committee in February. They reviewed it, and they recommended that we move it forward through the next steps. And so then we released a public comment period. That concluded on April 21st. We held a public hearing at the CDA board in April, and then that board moved it along to the county board. They don't actually approve it. They just recommend that we bring it to you for approval. And then so that's why we're here today, for approval of the item.

If it is approved, then we'll go ahead and submit it to HUD. We have to submit it to them by May 15th. They typically have about 45 days to review it and provide any comments that they might have. And then once it's approved, then we can go ahead and use the funds. So you do have a resolution before you to approve Washington County's 2026 annual action plan for the CDBG and HOME programs, and I'm happy to stand for any questions that you have. Commissioner Miron. Thank you, Madam Chair. I will move to adopt the resolution to approve Washington County's 2026 annual action plan for the community development block grant and HOME programs. I'll second that. Moved and seconded. Commissioner Miron. Yes. Thank you. And Carly, just appreciate you sharing the information behind this. For those of you that don't work with it regularly, it certainly supports a lot of initiatives that the CDA has developed, and you saw the priorities, and I think this board has been fully supportive of these kinds of activities as well.

And a week ago, the CDA, the Community Development Agency, had a meeting, and we held a public hearing on this, and the recommendation from that group is for the board to approve this. Excellent. Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Carly, for the presentation. Appreciate Commissioner Miron's leadership on the CDA board and the work the CDA board does. It's always good to approve this plan. As mentioned, it's an action plan, and it's such a good use of funds, a really diverse use of funds. So I fully support it. Commissioner Cox. Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Schuman, thank you for the presentation. Land trusts are really interesting to me, and I've been learning a little bit more about it. So I do have one question. Of the 10 units, is it ideal that they spread those 10 units throughout the county from north to south? Or how do those typically end up? Sure, Commissioner Cox. They do try to spread it around the county.

It really depends on where you can find a property that's at their price point and makes sense for the renovation. So the land trust model, you're learning about it, others may or may not know. The community land trust retains ownership of the land underneath the property, and so then that stays with the land trust, and then that allows them to sell the home on top of that land for less. And so they can really reach a lower income homeownership population than you could in a traditional sales transaction. So they do have to get a home at a decent price point where it's going to make sense to then sell it to the homeowners, but they do try to sell around. We have a lot in Oakdale. We have a fair amount in Cottage Grove. Woodbury's a little unique because these funds are everything except for Woodbury, because Woodbury's a large enough city that it has its own allocation of CDBG and HOME, and so they create their own annual action plan, so they can't use it there.

Or if a particular community has opted out of the CDBG program, they wouldn't be able to use it there. Thank you. Mm-hmm. You had any questions, Commissioner Clausen? Yep. Commissioner Clausen, then Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you for bringing that up, because not everyone understands that cities get to allocate and not always have to work with the CDA in doing that. But I know that the City of Woodbury has joined the county in many different partnerships, including some of the senior housing units. So I just wanted to mention that. Thank you for your presentation. Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you. Just to follow up on Commissioner Cox's question about the 10 homeowner units and where they're done in the county, and this is largely through the Two Rivers Community Land Trust. My years of elected in Oakdale, I know it really helps if the cities you represent, if they seek out the nonprofit and try to develop a relationship to identify some homes.

It doesn't hurt. I know in the early days, that was a way Oakdale really eliminated it. Did two things. One, it rehabbed a home, but a lot of times that home was a problem home in the neighborhood, that broken window theory where you fix up that one home with siding and new windows. And they do extensive remodeling, Two Rivers, on these homes. But it really is a good shot in the arm for that neighborhood, besides just helping out the future homeowner that needs a little bit of help to get started in home, get their first home. Thank you. Well, thank you, Ms. Schuman. Appreciate the presentation and also the work of the CDA, Commissioner Miron, and the CDA, and then also the advisory committee that kicks this whole thing off. So appreciate the deliberation and discussion that goes into this. There's no further discussion? The clerk will take the roll. Commissioner Miron? Aye. Commissioner Karwoski?

Aye. Commissioner Cox? Aye. Commissioner Clausen? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Resolution passes 5-0. Thank you. Next item up is our county attorney, Kevin Magnuson, with a resolutionRecognizing Law Day, May 1st, 2026.

Madam Chair, Commissioners. So National Law Day is on May 1st every year. In addition to National Law Day, May 1st is also National Mother Goose Day and National Chocolate Parfait Day. But I'm not here to celebrate those august days. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedom that all Americans share. It is a day to appreciate the role of law in creating our nation. And I will read the resolution, the proclamation. Proclamation recognizing Law Day 2026. Whereas Law Day is a special day to celebrate our nation's heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law. And whereas our nation is built upon the rule of law and guided by the founding promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all. And whereas in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Law Day to honor the role of law in the creation of the United States of America.

And in 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution declaring May 1st as Law Day. And whereas the Constitution of the United States, to prevent tyranny by any one group, separated the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring that no faction may rule unchecked. And whereas Law Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the Constitution and the laws that protect our rights and liberties, and to recognize the lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other public servants who work each day to uphold the values of a free and just society. Whereas the theme of Law Day 2026 is the rule of law and the American dream, underscoring the value of a legal system that helps create the conditions for all people to strive toward their dreams. Whereas Washington County is strengthened by the dedicated professionals who support justice and public safety through their daily work. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the County Board of Washington County, Minnesota, hereby proclaims May 1st, 2026 as Law Day, and urges all residents to observe this day by promoting legal education, fulfilling our shared civic responsibilities, and reflecting on how the rule of law protects freedom and opportunity for all.

Be it further resolved that the Washington County Board recognizes and thanks the employees of the Washington County Attorney's Office, who through their fair, just, and high-quality legal work, help ensure justice, uphold the rule of law, and promote the safety and wellbeing of the residents of Washington County. So thousands of Law Day programs are conducted each year for youth and adults across the country by bar groups, courts, schools, community organizations, offices like ours. So in addition to the community outreach and law enforcement training that we do, we're focusing on bringing this message to our schools and our community. The message that the nation is built on the rule of law, which makes living out our founding principles of freedom, equality, and justice for all possible. Now, it is important to know that the law and freedom are not opposite concepts. Law makes freedom possible, and because freedom, equality, and justice are the fundamental principles that we're pursuing, those principles restrain the law.

So it's an equilibrium that we strive to maintain. People often ask me if we have become more lawless in the past decades. Contrary to popular belief, I was not here the beginning of this last century, so I missed the early and middle decades. I think you'd have to ask Commissioner Miron about those decades. That's a no vote. But to avoid the tempting fallacy that everything was golden at one point in the past, I won't make that comparison. But I do know that as individualism has grown in our culture, and at the same time that individual is the dominant value in our culture, that same time civility, the respect for civility, restraint, and social order has diminished over these years, at least the years that I can attest to. And I think that's important, and it's one of the reasons why we are to remind ourselves of the importance of the underlying law and order that we live by and value.

And it's important to bring this to teach our youth. The law, as is established by the United States Constitution, is the bedrock on which all things American rest. And so we've been out in some of the schools. We were at Lakes International Language Academy in Forest Lake, 9th and 10th graders. We've got a presentation on sex trafficking Thursday night. But we continue to bring this fundamental message. Particularly, we're starting to focus in some of the schools on the importance of these basic sort of civicsThat they probably love learning about. So I'd like to thank those of us who are doing that, not just in our office, but others. I'd also like to take the opportunity to just thank the folks in our office. The men and women in our office day in and day out are working very hard to live by these principles, to ensure that we have a just society that values equality and freedom. And so I'd like to especially thank the men and women, the lawyers and legal support professionals that work so hard all year long to do that. So I'd like to recognize you.

So on that note, I'd just like to challenge us to step back and not take for granted that in addition to National Parfait Day and Mother Goose Day, that there is the Rule of Law Day that's been established now for quite some time to reflect on these values. Awesome. Thank you, County Attorney Magnuson. Is there a motion for the resolution? So moved. Second. All right. Commissioner Miron moves to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Cox with the second of that motion. Commissioner Miron. Attorney Magnuson, I'm proud of that experience that you talk about. My dad lived till he was 96, and I used to tease him that way as well and he used to tell me, "If you're not too much of a smart alec, you might live this long." So anyway, I'll just share that bit of advice that he used to share-... with me. But, I'm really pleased to see the representation we have here from the attorney's office today.

I've just been so impressed with your leadership, but the people you work with and the services they provide to the community here, the communities within Washington County. We just so much appreciate that, and one day is not enough in the way of recognition, in my opinion, for the work that all of these people and others that are in their offices this morning do every day here in Washington County. So just a big thank you to all of you for the work that you do. Commissioner Cox. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Attorney Magnuson, for your presentation. And I just want to, in the last bit, it talks about recognizing and thanking the employees. That's really what this is about. These folks in the audience are showing up every day to do this really important work to keep our community safe and to keep our people safe, and I just really want to lift them up and share that.

And then I also noticed in this that it also recognizes judges and law enforcement officers and other public services, so I know that those folks aren't here today. I did have the pleasure of sitting next to former Judge John Hoffman with our office here for breakfast this morning at Rotary, so that was great. And then got to hear Judge Juanita Freeman speak this morning, too. So, it takes a village, and I think this is one of the instances where I can really see the village that comes together to keep our community safe. And so thank you to everyone. Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you. Any other comments? Yes, I just also want to thank you, County Attorney Magnuson, for being here today and for reading the resolution and really highlighting the hard work and dedication of the office. Our staff are amazing. And I want to echo that it's the judges, it's the police officers, everybody else that works in tangent together, to be able to, in my opinion, uphold due process, right, which is very important these days, and just make sure that we're having a civilized society. And so really appreciate all the efforts that you and your office do. So thank you, everyone.

Thank you very much. If there's no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll. Commissioner Miron? Aye. Commissioner Karwoski? Aye. Commissioner Cox? Aye. Commissioner Clausen? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Resolution passes five zero. Thank you. The next item up is from our Public Health and Environment Community Services, and a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. And we have a few different staff that are coming up to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month. So whoever wants to start first. Thank you. Good morning, Madam Chair and county commissioners. My name is Lisa Wang. I'm a senior community health specialist within our Healthy Communities team in Public Health and Environment. I live with mental illness and appreciate this opportunity to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month. My name is Kelsey Provo, and I am a senior social worker within our Adult Services division in the Community Services Department, and we are honored to collaborate across departments and be here today. Thank you for your time.

My name is Jessica Arneson, and I am an assessment principal specialist in Property Records and Taxpayer Services, and the chair of the Disability and Mental Health ERG.

So Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, encourage wellness, and celebrate recovery. Mental health conditions are common, they're manageable and treatable, and mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sex, religion, ethnicity, or economic conditions. In Washington County, we take this occasion of Mental Health Awareness Month to collaborate to offer mental wellness activities, resources, training, and education. Just a little recap of last year. From May through June 20-May through June 2025, Washington County Community Services, Public Health and Environment, the libraries, Public Works, and Parks collaborated to host events that explored the vital connection between movement and mental wellbeing. We had a total of 1,147 participants. 747 of those were residents, about 400 county staff, and a variety of partnerships along the way. While these numbers are representative of our outreach events during that month, they don't include our full depth of ongoing services, like Crisis Response Unit.

This May, Washington County is amplifying Mental Health America's theme of More Good Days Together. The theme focuses on meeting people where they are, for supporting the whole person, recognizing that good looks different for everyone, and our community certainly deserves more good days. Since I last stood before you a year ago, we've had to acknowledge that recent federal immigration activities have contributed to collective trauma, fear, and grief in our communities, and impacted mental health and wellbeing, especially among our immigrant youth and families. We know this will have effects that will stay with us for some time, yet we also know how impactful it can be when neighbors, community, and institutions join to provide a meaningful response. Together, we can collectively care, repair, and strive for more good days.

To support Washington County residents, we will continue to strive for access to care when and where it's needed, to reduce stigma around mental health, for safe, welcoming spaces for connection and support, early access to resources and support, culturally responsive and inclusive services, and opportunities to build resilience, coping skills, and community.

Promoting mental health awareness extends beyond clinics and county buildings and involves reaching into the community. Alongside our ongoing Mental Health in Motion outreach van, Washington County will host a free mental health resource fair for the public, featuring mental health, substance use, and community services providers. We are also collaborating with our Parks and Family Resource Center to highlight opportunities for stress reduction and healing. Additionally, we will offer a training for human service providers on the benefits of integrating nature into their approach to care. We'll later offer a nature wellness walk for the public at the renovated St. Croix Bluffs Trail.

More good days for staff. We recognize staff wellbeing and mental health is critical for maintaining quality services for our residents. More good days for staff and leaders means collaborating to promote a culture of wellbeing, trauma-informed practices, and resilience, providing opportunities to recharge, suggesting tools to manage stress and prevent burnout, and supporting connection and belonging through our employee resource ER groups. Excuse me, ERGs.

Mental health for our county staff. Our County Wellness Wins committee will host a spring wellness walk for staff. We are encouraging everyone to show their support with a green ribbon, which will be available at all county front desk locations. The Community Services Department and Public Health and Environment staff also created a short toolkit to help equip team leads with simple, meaningful ways to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and foster connection with their teams throughout the month. We'd also like to encourage staff to check in with their colleagues, lean into community care, and explore what resources might resonate with them.

All right. So for the Disability and Mental Health ERG, our mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment to support employees impacted by a disability and/or mental health condition. Our objectives are to provide support, foster inclusiveness, raise awareness, and advocate for the challenges of disabilities and mental health, as well as educate on the importance of self-care. Our ERGs board is myself as the chair, Justin Hall is our communications lead, Kerry Sagnis is our treasurer, and Jesse Schulte is our executive sponsor. And our mascot is the brain. Our ERG was officially formed in 2025. We meet virtually the second Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m. and in person twice a year, with our next in-person meeting being Friday, October 9th. We have over 15 active members. Our goals are outreach and events, awareness and visibility, education and perspective. We have members in community services, human resources, libraries, property records and taxpayer services, and public health and environment.

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Other mental health resources. As we celebrate and recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we would also like to take the opportunity to continue to elevate additional mental health resources. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of our partners and resources. Washington County has our own crisis response unit staffed with social workers available in person or via phone 24/7. Washington County also partners with Fast Tracker, a resource to find providers, recovery and support groups, and general resources. The 988 Lifeline is a suicide and crisis hotline that has people available to offer support 24/7. NAMI, Make It OK, and preventsuicidemn.org offer various training, support groups, and community resources.

In conclusion, we want to take a moment to thank residents, community members, organizations, staff, and the board for striving to work in partnership to support the mental wellbeing of Washington County. We also have a few community partners who support Washington County with us in the audience today, and we would love if they would take a moment to stand for recognition through a round of applause. That's you.

All right. So now it would be our honor to read to you the resolution for the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month. Whereas May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity for Washington County to uplift mental health as an essential part of overall wellbeing and promote resources and opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to flourish. Whereas mental health challenges can affect all people, regardless of age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. And whereas prevention, early intervention, and access to quality care are crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life. Whereas those who experience trauma, racism, xenophobia, transphobia, poverty, forms of oppression, violence, and prejudices face a heavier mental health burden because of these harms. And whereas recent federal immigration activities have contributed to collective trauma for our community, especially impacting the mental wellbeing of our immigrant youth and families. And whereas people in communities can recover when neighbors, providers, leadership, and institutions respond collectively to provide accessible, responsive, people-centered services and support.

Whereas Washington County reaffirms its commitment to improve the conditions that influence quality of life, a sense of belonging, and positive mental health outcomes of residents. And whereas the Disability and Mental Health Employee Resource Group works to create a safe and inclusive environment to support employees impacted by a disability and/or mental health condition by providing support, fostering inclusiveness, raising awareness, advocating for the challenges of disabilities and mental health, while educating on the importance of self-care. And whereas we encourage all those in Washington County to educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources, challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health, and encourage others to do the same, support organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy, create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health, foster a community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental wellbeing and seek help when needed.

Now therefore be it proclaimed the Washington County Board of Commissioners declares May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Washington County. And be it further proclaimed the Washington County Board of Commissioners continues its commitment to partner with our community to ensure that all mental health services are accessible, responsive, person-centered, and culturally appropriate for all residents.

Thank you. Commissioner Cox. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move to adopt a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Moved by Commissioner Cox, seconded by Commissioner Clausen. Commissioner Cox. Thank you again, Madam Chair. Lisa, Kelsey, Jessica, thank you for your presentation today. It can be a little nervous, I understand, coming up in front of us, but you guys did great. I'm just honored and encouraged by, again, the partnership. I feel like I say it all the time, but this is a county that doesn't work in silos. That this van goes out from public health and environment and community services, and it's staffed together and managed together. It just gives me a lot of hope and just encouragement that this is the right way to be doing things. I'm also really grateful that I get to sit on the Mental Health Advisory Committee. So Ms. Connie, I'm sorry I can't pull your last name out right now, but thank you for your leadership on that group, and for all of the folks in the audience. So past chair, Clark Schroeder is here, and then also current co-chair Dan Parnell. And just thank you for your commitment to mental health support in our community.

And I'm just grateful our HR department allows these really great services for our employees so that when our employees then are going out and interacting in the community, we're showing up as our best as well. So the partnership, the collaboration that happens here, and kind of the validity, I guess, of mental health and the importance in our community is something I'm really grateful for. So thank you. Commissioner Clausen. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed my time on the LAC Mental Health Advisory Committee for the last three years. This is my last term. This is my last year, and it's been wonderful getting to know Lisa Wang, Connie Tanner, of course, Dan Parnell over there. And it's been just wonderful having that relationship and getting to know them, and I really do think mental health sees no color And it's an ongoing issue with the isolation that many of the population felt during Metro Surge. And what you guys do is, it's not just supporting and caring, but like you said, care and repair.

And that's the most important part is understanding that you guys are trusted messengers from us to our constituents, and your roles are really important, and I just am so glad that you come here in May to talk about mental health, but also that we get to talk about how amazing your work is and how valued you really are in the community. We need to be out there more, and that van, every time I see those colors, and thank you for wearing that suit because it matches that amazing van that I love to see with all of those amazing colors. And colors do change your feelings and just small little self-care things like putting on a color that you don't feel like today can really improve your everyday, how you look at something. So I just, again, I'm so honored to have that time, three years together on the LAC, and we really did amazing things, and I am so glad that I can say I supported mental health advocacy at Washington County. So thank you.

Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you, Chair Bigham. Thank you Lisa, Kelsey, and Jessica for presenting. It was nice talking to each of you a little bit. It was also nice, along with my fellow commissioners, being at that kickoff event this morning, talking to so many of the professionals in the mental health area. And it was interesting to hear how everybody's woven their specialty areas, but mental health is a kind of an evolution. You might go through several different areas of the department if you need mental health. I'm really happy that this board can support mental health and investments, as mentioned recently with the van, but other mental health investments, and also lobby the state for better mental health care, early mental health involvement. I want to thank Commissioner Cox for representing our county board on the Mental Health Advisory Board. I think I can't recall the gentleman's name. I talked to somebody from the Mental Health Advisory Board this morning, and it was just nice to really mingle amongst your professionals.

Thank you for what you do and your partners out there. I know different partners in the nonprofit area. You can't do it alone, so you really need to have partners, and thank you for what you do every day. Commissioner Miron. Yeah. Thank you, and thank you for bringing attention to this issue. Awareness is the most important thing, right? We all have bad days, and just to recognize that that impacts our mental health. And I think even within our own employees, we're not aware sometimes of the programs, the help that's out there, and we certainly want to make sure that that's available to all of our employees, and they recognize the resources that are there. And then, in a broader way, the community, and it was fun the other day as I was driving on Highway 61 to see the outreach van going the opposite direction, but just to see that investment continuing to track miles, if you will, in helping people that have bad days, and we're hoping for more good days for everyone. But just so much appreciate the collaboration, the work that's going on, and this recognition each and every year is important just to draw that awareness and to eliminate some of the stigma that has been around for many, many years.

But I really personally believe that that stigma is diminishing significantly, and it's because of the good work that all of you are doing and the recognition that we all have bad days, right? And that's part of the issue we deal with here, and certainly lifting up those that have more bad days than good days is a priority here. So thanks for the work that all of you do. Yeah. Thank you for the presentation, and I just think it is so important to lift up the opportunities, not only for our employees with the ERG, and the community. And I think that the staff does such an amazing job getting out in the community. It's very seldom an event that the mobile mental health van is not at. And just greatly appreciate that as a reminder of the services that we have to offer. But even if the resident doesn't utilize that van, it may make them and remind them of going to get a checkup themselves or making that appointment that they've been meaning to make.

And so I also think the expansion of, and I think it was Commissioner Cox that said it's not linear. We kind of have mental health programming throughout, but I think of the embedded social workers that the reports back that I'm getting from the police departments are incredible, just incredible. And that work is having amazing results. And then our partners, or stakeholders as it's been mentioned, recently visiting Invisible Wounds with members of the board.

And our deputies and our department partners in the municipal police departments and fire departments, being able to have those types of partnerships are important. And then also, I think of the therapy dogs that not only the sheriff has, but Woodbury has, Cottage Grove has. I'm unfamiliar if any of the other departments have them, but they also serve as reminders and tools for the community and our employees. So just thank you for the incredible work that you all do, and I just think it's vitally important that we keep lifting up the message of the opportunities for our residents and our employees. So thank you. With no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll. Commissioner Miron? Aye. Commissioner Karwoski? Aye. Commissioner Cox? Aye. Commissioner Clausen? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Resolution passes five zero. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next item on the agenda is with public works, and we have a resolution proclaiming the month of May 2026 as Arbor Month in Washington County with Parks Director McKinney.

All right. Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning, commissioners. I feel this is very serendipitous to have Mental Health Month followed by Arbor Month, because nothing helps my mental health like a walk in the woods. Right. So here today, I'm here to talk about the importance of trees in Washington County in honor of Arbor Month. And my name's Alex McKinney, Parks Director.

Today I'll highlight the natural resource work being performed in Washington County Parks, provide a tree planting update, discuss the importance of pine stand management, look at oak woodland restoration occurring, and highlight education initiatives that impact future generations, discuss emerald ash borer and its impact on wood waste in Washington County, and provide you with the resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Arbor Month in Washington County. I am here today to highlight National Arbor Month. However, I also want to highlight our natural resources staff responsible for stewarding over 5,000 acres of public lands for protection for future generations. Our natural resources team consists of Dan McSwain, Teresa Frensha, and Mark Van Dusador, who do a phenomenal job in a wide variety of roles. They could not be here today. They're prepping burn breaks for burn season for prairies. So I'm filling in for them. They receive support from maintenance crews in delivering work being conducted in the parks. Throughout the year, this team focuses on restoring prairies and oak savannas, removing invasive species found within the parks, developing noxious weed plans throughout the parks and county roads, assisting local communities in restoration efforts, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and assisting in wood waste within the parks system.

To begin with, Washington County planted a significant number of new trees last year in areas that have been devastated by emerald ash borer. These large-diameter trees were placed in areas that are highly used by the public. Species that were planted included hackberry, New Horizon elm, which is Dutch elm resistant, skyline honey locust, red maple, bur oak, Kentucky coffee tree, crab apple, white spire birch, and American basswood. The trees were specifically planted in areas for the public to enjoy while picnicking, camping, and playing. The trees will assist in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation, improve air quality, provide cooling effects in urban heat areas, reduce erosion, support biodiversity for animal species and pollinators, and support the mental health and wellbeing of residents of Washington County. In addition this year, an area of focus for our staff is developing plans for improving the health of pine stands located within the county park system. Managing pine stands is critical for a number of reasons.

First, it protects forest health and reduces risk. Many pine stands are becoming overly dense and require thinning to remain healthy. Without management, they are more vulnerable to pests, disease, and storm damage. It'll help reduce fuel loads, which is essential during this time of wood waste, as dense stands can create conditions for more severe wildfires. Proactive management protects nearby homes, park infrastructure, and natural resources. Managing the pine stands will also enhance ecological diversity. Thinning improves understory vegetation, supporting wildlife pollinators and soil health. Management helps maintain a balanced age structure, ensuring long-term forest resilience. These actions improve the forest's ability to withstand climate-related impacts. Many pine stands are adjacent to high-use areas such as trails, campgrounds, and gathering areas. Active management reduces risk from hazard trees, blowdowns, and wildfire threats. Healthier forests create a better visitor experience, improve sight lines, biodiversity, and aesthetics. Many of these pine stands were planted decades ago with the expectation of periodic management. Taking action now ensures these forests remain an asset rather than a liability. This work reflects our responsibility to future generations and the long-term health of our county parks.

Natural resource staff are also working on oak woodland restoration. The picture you see before you here is actually at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. It was taken last fall. You can see on the left the area that currently was not managed under grant funding compared to the area on the rightAnd the difference it creates in opening up the understory and increasing opportunity for new plants to come up through the forest floor. So you can see where that line cuts off and the difference there. But oak woodlands are a big focus for our natural resources team. So they've done invasive shrub removal, they do a lot of follow-up maintenance, and they're encouraging oak regeneration. Oak woodlands are one of our most threatened ecological resources. Across the region, oak habitats have declined sharply due to development, lack of natural fire, invasive species, and aging stands with limited regeneration. With intentional intervention, these woodlands continue to shrink and lose functionality.

They provide high-value ecosystem services that directly benefit the county. For example, stormwater management. Deep roots improve infiltration, reducing runoff and erosion. Climate resilience. Mature oaks store large amounts of carbon and tolerate drought better than many other canopy species. And biodiversity. Over 500 species rely on oak systems, more than any other woodland type in our region. Oaks support pollinators, birds, wildlife, essential to healthy parks and community resources. In addition, restoration reduces long-term maintenance costs. Once established, these oak systems require significantly less intensive management than turf, shrubs, or short-lived species.

Emerald ash borer continues to be a concern here in the county, and Washington County has a high concentration of ash trees. Tens of thousands in natural areas, parks, boulevards, and private property. In 2025 alone, over 1,000 ash trees were removed out of Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Emerald ash borer is now widespread across the metro area, including confirmed infestations within and near county-managed lands. Almost all untreated ash trees will eventually die once infested, creating a significant ecological and management challenge as we progress into the future. This cycle usually takes three to seven years from when the tree is first infested. Fortunately, with support from our partners, such as Public Health, who are really focusing on wood waste at a high level, we're able to start working through some of these issues for the county. The picture on the right shows a portion of the wood waste pile at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The berm around the exterior is all chipped wood, and it's over 12 feet tall. In fact, it was taller than the excavator that we used to stack that pile.

Washington County Parks is partnering with Public Health Environment to reuse wood waste in a variety of areas. One area of note is our biochar. Staff are working with Public Health on portable biochar units that will allow biochar to be created on-site in the parks and spread over natural areas-... reducing carbon from the atmosphere and improving plant health. In addition, Public Health is providing opportunities for local residents to remove wood waste. The Northern Yard Waste site has served 39,275 participants and managed over 2.7 million pounds of wood waste, and almost 1.2 million pounds of leaves and grass clippings. To further accommodate the demand of wood waste, Public Health is currently working on design and permitting for the new Central Yard Waste site. Education is another focus for Arbor Day and Arbor Month. Education on the importance of natural resources is critical for current and future generations. The Natural Resources team partners with local schools to provide opportunities for plantings, set up educational experiences such as tree treks, and provide interpretive displays highlighting the importance of prairies, savannas, and woodlands.

Last year, over 300 local students enhanced the shoreline at Eagle Point Lake in Lake Elmo Park Reserve, hand-planting thousands of native plants and shrubs for the system. In honor of Arbor Month, this event is scheduled to happen again this May.

The resolution before you today highlights the importance of trees to the community's wellbeing and services they provide. The resolution designates May as Arbor Month to emphasize planting trees for future generations, and also highlights the impact of invasive species, particularly emerald ash borer, has on our landscape. And the resolution before you today reads, "Whereas Washington County stewards county land, including parks, highways, and facility grounds, and whereas stewardship of land contributes to the county's goals of increased health, safety, and quality of life of residents today and tomorrow. And whereas trees help purify our air and retain water, conserve soil, provide habitat for wildlife, provide shade, and enrich our lives. And whereas emerald ash borer is established in Minnesota and is actively eliminating many green and white ash trees, which are abundant in parks, boulevards, residential yards, and natural areas. And whereas reforestation efforts are critical to help replace the benefits that these trees provide. And whereas Washington County encourages local communities and residents to take proactive steps to plan for increased wood waste and plant a more diverse array of trees when replacing ash trees.

And whereas steps recommended include conducting tree inventories of boulevards and parks, setting ash tree removal and replacement goals, and planning for increased wood waste as EAB becomes more established. And whereas Washington County recognizes the Arbor Day Foundation's efforts to plant trees for a future by promoting Arbor Day and Arbor Month. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 to be Arbor Month in Washington County. Be it further resolved that the Washington County Board of Commissioners urges residents to plant trees for future generations." And with that, board, I can stand for questions. Thank you, Director McKinnon. Commissioner Karwoski Thank you, Chair Bigham. To get this before us, I'll make a motion that we adopt a resolution proclaiming the month of May 2026 as Arbor Month in Washington County. Second. Moved by Commissioner Karwoski, seconded by Commissioner Clausen. Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you. Alex, Parks Director McKinney, thanks for the presentation.

It was really a well-rounded presentation, and thank you for your leadership and our outstanding staff that maintains our parks. I'm going on my 10th year on the board, but I'm sure even before I was on the board, I think the board has had a great commitment to investing in our parks, especially in the planting and the strategics from wild natural plantings to the tree canopy. I think this board has made investments, and I can truly say, I really think our park stock of plant material in our parks and the health of it has gotten better over the last 10 years. I think it's reflected in a lot of your slides. It's not to say we have challenges to get ahead of emerald ash borer. Really, I don't think oak wilt is still an issue, even though probably most its more damaging days are behind us. And actually, our parks, the investments we make, and it was even mentioned in the last resolution on mental health.

I was glad to see them mention that the strength of our parks and the investments in our natural places for people to go for peace and comfort and kind of a outlook on life is really enhanced through our parks. And I think our parks and our investments we make and the tens of thousands of acres that we actually own and manage really go a long ways towards the private sector and then our city partners making those investments. I noticed Oakdale's got a really famous tree giveaway. I noticed Cottage Grove was doing it. Many other communities are doing their part to give away trees for replanting. My early days on the Oakdale City Council, when it was not fashionable to plant trees, I was called a tree hugger, and I took that very proudly. But one thing that wasn't mentioned is that's what's nice about the professional staff. You don't just plant trees. You look at the soil type and what you're trying to accomplish, but they're certainly a great habitat for birds, erosion, and the functional reasons that we need trees for. But just want to thank you and your staff on what we're doing and the commitment of our residents.

I know our residents really support our investments in the environment. And no better start with the tree canopy and arbor. Most common interpretation is trees, and I'm glad to support this resolution. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Commissioner Clausen. Yeah. Thank you for coming, Alex McKinney. I really appreciated the Arbor Month. I really care about trees, and as you know, as we're losing these trees, it's really important to have a plan in place that we are replacing the trees. So, I really appreciate you coming and presenting on that. I know that 5,100 acres of park land is a lot of land to maintain. And I wish that some of your staff was here so I could talk to them a little bit about what they've been doing, because I know that being on the Parks and Commission Advisory Board for three years, this was something that I felt like was one area that needed help in.

And so I'm glad that we're continuing with the Pine Tree program. I know that was one area that Dan specifically had talked and pointed to a park that he felt like needed to be just like the Savannah Oaks, deforested and made the ground a little bit better for future trees. And so I'm happy that you had an opportunity to present this to the board. It may seem small to other people, but it's not. It has to do with how we, as a county, take care of the park land. And if we continue to grow more acres of land and we continue to gather more park land, how do we really protect and maintain that? So it sounds like it's going well. I know that financially, the parks budget could use more to support these types of programs. Are there any other programs that are coming up that we need to think about as a board?

Chair, Commissioner Clausen. As we move forward, I think the big thing is as we acquire lands, just how we're looking to manage those lands is always a big thing for us. And then invasive species is the other area where we continually find new invasives that are threatening our natural resources and our parks system. We've had some recent, what is it? Round leaf bittersweet infestations we've discovered and some honeysuckle as well that we're working on. So those are the two. We do work closely with the state to get as much grant funding as we possibly can, and the Environmental Natural Resource Trust Fund, as well as the Legacy Amendment, provides dollars that does help manage those, and we'll continue to actively pursue those areas as much as possible to assist in those. For the Land and Water Legacy program, is that something in which we could write into the program that some of that money can be used for invasive species?

Chair, commissioners, yeah, that would be a consideration, absolutely, as you look at the Land and Water Legacy program. Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Commissioner Cox, and then Commissioner Miron. Thank you, Madam Chair. Director McKinney, thanks for the presentation today. I'm always going to be supportive of our parks and things like this. I just have to say too, I know volunteer management is kind of a job in and of itself, but the idea that students were able to come in and plant thousands of native plants and shrubs, first of all, that work couldn't have happened without the volunteers. But second, when it's students, there's a sense of pride. I know as a family, we've planted trees, and my kids always want to go back and look at how big they've gotten. And so not only have the students done this really important work, but I think you've probably invested them in our parks.

And so then when they come back, they want to take their parents past it or show their friends that they were a part of that as those trees grow and become something to be really proud of. So thank you for that investment in our youth here, too. Commissioner Miron. Thank you. Alex, thank you for the presentation. I appreciated the focus on diversity, and the fact that all species have a place, for the most part. And we need to encourage that diversity within our land mass within Washington County to make sure that we don't see the devastation that we saw with the elm issue years ago, and now the ash issue that's going on. I think on our own farm, my boys spent a good week here just removing ash trees that really are hazardous to those of us that work the land and for the livestock that are on the land as well. They need to be removed, and I appreciate the extra effort that your team has put together in managing our parkland to make sure those trees aren't going to injure somebody at some point in time. I would draw attention to our Plant a Tree program that offers an opportunity for people to really contribute, in many cases, in memory of maybe someone that they've appreciated over time that has passed away, and it's a very affordable way to recognize them.

I was at a visitation for a friend that passed away here and a number of years ago. He was making contributions, and the little certificate that was provided for those contributions were displayed. So it meant a lot to the family that they had participated in that program and contributed to it. So I would encourage people to look into that and think about doing that. And then the other thing I would draw attention to is just the work that the Washington Conservation District is doing as well in distributing trees and getting those out to the general public. Another good resource that can be used that people can tap into to access trees that they may wish to plant. So a lot of good work going on within Washington County. A lot of it is being done by our own staff, but certainly an opportunity for the general public to participate in tree planting and revitalization of our canopy here in the county.

Thank you. I'm not going to repeat a lot of the wonderful comments that the board members have made. I'm going to just add that also our master gardeners. There's some very enthusiastic volunteers there that really, not only for educational purposes, but just for sustainability purposes, want to be part of the solution. And so we really appreciate that and their help in the cause. So, thank you, Director McKinnon, and if there's no further discussion, we will have the clerk call the roll. Commissioner Miron? Aye. Commissioner Karwoski? Aye. Commissioner Cox? Aye. Commissioner Clausen? Aye. Commissioner Bigham? Aye. Resolution passes 5-0. Thank you. Next item is to approve two items for the R. H. Stafford Library improvement project, and that is with Mr. Lawrence.

Madam Chair, commissioners, good morning. Morning. My name is Dan Lawrence, and I'm a senior project manager with the Public Works Building Services Division projects team. Today, I'll be presenting on the new R. H. Stafford Library improvements project relative to the recommended contract award for construction management agent services. The presentation this morning will define the project location, the RFP process, the proposal selection process, the scope of construction management agent services, along with the project schedule, budget, and recommended board actions.

The existing R. H. Stafford Library site is located in the city of Woodbury, southeast of the intersection at County Highway 13, Radio Drive, and County Highway 16, Valley Creek Road. The county library, highlighted by the yellow star on the site aerial map, is literally connected to the city's recently renovated Central Park facility. It's important to note that the recommended construction management firm for the R. H. Stafford Library improvements project is the same construction management firm that delivered the Central Park project for the city of Woodbury. The RFP for construction management agent services was publicly posted on both the county website and in the newspaper on February 20th. During the advertisement period of the RFP process, we received interest from five construction management firms. On March 6th, the county hosted a pre-proposal site tour at R. H. Stafford Library. This tour was open to any and all interested construction management firms to fully inform them of the project requirements. On March 27th, we received a total of four proposals for evaluation.

The RFP review panel was comprised of an evaluation team from the Public Works Department and Building Services Division. The five-person evaluation team scored the four firm submissions based on the criteria set forth in the RFP. After final review, the evaluation team recommends the selection of Kraus-Anderson Construction for this project due to several factors, including, but not limited to, their current capacity and past work experience delivering similar projects through the construction management agent, otherwise known as CMA, method. Their highly qualified team of professionals, including a primary senior project manager with 22 years of experience, and a primary job superintendent with 43 years of experience. Their long history of project delivery for Washington County, including their current contract for Park Grove Library, and their allocation of fee and hours across all phases of the project are in line with the evaluation team's expectations for delivering a high-quality project. The scope of work for construction management agent services follows a traditional path of two primary phases, pre-construction and construction.

The CMA services will begin with a cost estimating review of the new concept planning options from MSR Design for the R. H. Stafford Library improvements project. As MSR Design progresses beyond concept planning design, the CMA's work will continue to provide detailed budget updates and constructability reviews leading up to bid day for the R. H. Stafford Library improvements project. Upon completion of the pre-construction phase, the CMA contract will focus on the construction phase for the R. H. Stafford Library improvements project. The same personnel from the CMA pre-construction team will remain active on this project through construction and project close-out to provide a high level of consistency and quality for the new facility. It's important to note that Kraus-Anderson will not self-perform any of the construction work scopes. This follows the same model of project delivery as other recent county projects, such as the Central Service and License Center in Woodbury. The recommended CMA team, Kraus-Anderson, is ready to kick the project off this May with their pre-construction efforts.

As noted on the previous slide, the first phase of CMA work scopes will be sequenced with MSR Design's milestone design deliverable dates. The CMA team will provide critical cost estimating updates to ensure the project stays on budget. Upon completion of the design and pre-construction phases, the project will be bid and permitted through the spring of '27, with construction starting in late spring or early summer of '27. We're planning for a summer of 2028 completion and occupancy date. The overall project budget includes just over $22 million combined from the proposed 2027 bond sale and capital investment funding. The current board action request for construction management agent services is just under $1 million. If approved, this will result in a remaining project balance of just under $20 million. Furthermore, in order to enter into the contract with Kraus-Anderson Construction, a temporary use of fund balance and budget amendment are needed to cover the contract amount. These funds will be reimbursed to the fund balance upon sale of the 2027 bond.

In summary, the Public Works Building Services Division recommends approval of contract number 18176 with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company for construction management agent services for the R. H. Stafford Library improvements project in the amount of $931,908. Additionally, the Public Works Building Services Division recommends approval of a temporary use of fund balance and budget amendment in the amount of $341,800 for the full amount of the Kraus-Anderson Construction contract. Madam Chair, commissioners, thank you for your time. The floor is open for questions. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. Commissioner Clausen? Yeah. I'd like to make the motion to approve the contract number 18176 in the amount of $931,908 with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company for construction management agent services. I'll second that. Moved and seconded. Commissioner Clausen. Thank you for the presentation. Earlier this morning, we were able to have an update on the construction and the timeline. I just really enjoyed your presentation. You present clearly, and I feel like you should be a broadcaster with your voice. I'm trying to speak as clearly as you.

But I really appreciated, again, the time and going through each detail of the timeline for the project. As again, I'm really excited about MSR Design as the architect. And Kraus-Anderson obviously has a very strong reputation of getting... projects done on time and under budget. So, I hope that this goes seamless with the community. I feel like right now, the project timeline and how everything is being outlined right now, it looks like everything should go really seamless, in my opinion. I hope people really participate in the opportunity to give feedback. I can't stress the importance of this renovation. I do believe, and I've heard this, that the city does think that we should do a little bit more than what we're doing for the library renovation. They're concerned about capacity because we're such a growing city, and I continue to hear how they wish we had a community center in the city of Woodbury. And there's a problem with feeling that we don't have a character, and that because of that, we're too big and we're not able to get more of a community connection and a feel. And so, I'm hearing that more and more in different groups that I'm not only embedded with, but other out outside.

I do a lot of just talking to groups about how they're feeling, how things are going in Woodbury. And so, there's a lot going on this. There's a lot of pressure. And so, I appreciate so far everything seems to be going really well, and it's just we got to get people to be engaged. And 400 views on a page isn't good enough. We need way more people to be engaged in what's happening. And so, yeah. So thank you for this and I know that we have to really communicate well with the City of Woodbury to get that information out, and through media, and hopefully we can do that. So, thanks. Commissioner Karwoski. Thank you, Chair Bigham. Dan, thanks for the presentation. Yeah, this has been in the queue for a while and I'm sure this is going to be a wonderful library renovation. I was really excited that Kraus-Anderson was picked because, one, you're in synergy with the active remodeling of Park Grove.

Also, with their experience doing Central Park, and this library's in Central Park. And they also did Wildwood, which is up in Mahtomedi. And having gone through the experience with public engagement at Wildwood, I'm sure with public engagement, those residents largely of Woodbury, but our libraries are regional, and my district's across the street, and I'm sure the vast majority of my constituents use a Stafford library. But this library draws from all over. It's really one of the state's most frequent-used libraries. But when you get that community feedback, I'm sure it's going to meet the standard that the residents expect. I'm really excited about this. Kraus-Anderson, just an ideal pick and it's been a long time coming, but it's great to accomplish this stuff today and support the library. Thank you. Well, thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I really appreciate the presentation and am happy to support both of the provisions before us today. It's a big deal for staff to have the two largest libraries going under redesign and renovation, and I just think the staff has done a tremendous job of preparing the public, the board, and themselves for quite a daunting task.

And so, really appreciate the presentation and all the work that goes into that. And I have to say that the Park Grove Library public engagement was very, very high, and I think that this will be the same. And it's because of the reputation and the importance, the public just adores our libraries and the staff in them. And so, it's not going to be a surprise to me if there's a lot of engagement. So, thank you again. And we do not have a resolution on that, so that's just a voice vote. So, all in favor to approve contract number 18176, say "Aye." Aye. Opposed, say "Nay." Motion carries. And then the next item, Commissioner Clausen. I'll move we approve the temporary use of fund balance and budget amendment in the amount of 341,800 in the account for the full amount of the Kraus-Anderson contract. Second. Moved and seconded. Any discussion on that? Okay, seeing none, all in favor say "Aye."

Aye. Opposed, say "Nay." Motion carries. Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence. And the next item is to approve multiple items for CSA 18, Bailey Road, and then Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection Improvement Project. We have about four items there. Mr. Giesen. Morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. My name is Andrew Giesen. I'm a project manager in the Public Works department. And today, Public Works will be recommending approval of a construction contract and three agreements related to the County Highway 18 and Settlers Ridge Intersection Improvement Project. During my presentation, I will provide an overview of the project location and scope, discuss bids received, and provide an overview of the financials for this project. I will review the project agreements and close by recommending approval of the four board actions. So this project is located within the city of Woodbury. It will take place at the intersection of County State Aid Highway 18 and Silver Ridge Parkway. This project is included in the county's capital improvement plan as RB2694, and this project has received 2.25 million in federal funding. And this project includes a single-lane roundabout replacing the existing stop-controlled intersection, highway drainage and surface management improvements, and pedestrian and bicycle facility upgrades.

So construction bids were opened on April 7th, and six bids were received, with the favorable low bid coming from Eureka Construction in the amount of roughly $3 million. So breaking down the financials of all elements of this project, total project costs are roughly $3.9 million. Revenues for this project come from many sources, including contributions from the city of Woodbury, state aid funding, and federal grants. And I wanted to highlight that we just recently received 250,000 in congressionally directed funding from US Congresswoman Betty McCollum. And this additional funding helps reduce both the city and the county's cost share of this project. And overall, with the favorable bids received and the additional federal grants received, we are showing a fund balance on this project. So moving on to the project agreements, we have three agreements between the county and the city of Woodbury. The first is a cost agreement that defines design and construction responsibilities between the agencies that follows the county's cost participation policy.

The second is a maintenance agreement, which defines long-term maintenance responsibilities of infrastructure at this intersection. And the third is a landscaping agreement to cover the city-installed landscaping associated with the project. And all three of these agreements have been reviewed and approved by our partners at the city of Woodbury. And before I close with recommendations, I wanted to highlight how this project directly addresses a number of objectives within the county's strategic plan. So this includes maintaining a strong partnership with the city, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle idling in the area, increasing the quality of our natural water bodies by treating runoff in a new stormwater basin that will be constructed as part of the project, maximizing federal resources and grant funding to grow and sustain the county's ability to fund infrastructure, and significantly reducing the risk of crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries at this intersection. So with that, Public Works has four board actions we are recommending approval on today.

That includes the construction contract with Eureka Construction and three agreements. With that, I will turn it back over to the Madam Chair, and will stand for any questions. Thank you, Mr. Gleason. Commissioner Clausen? Yep. I will start us off by I'll move the approve contract number 18186 in the amount of $3,022,212.30 with Eureka Construction Inc. I will second that. Commissioner Clausen. Thank you for the presentation, Mr. Gleason. I was just wondering about, number one, the runoff basin. Of course, I want to know about that. And then also, I have a question on safety for pedestrian crossing. But first, when I was reviewing the project and looking at the, I guess, is that a culvert? Would you call it a culvert over there? You can see the pipe coming through there, and it kind of goes in a deviant on the side where Bailey Arbor is, where the signage is. Is that where the basin is going to go?

Yeah. Madam Chair, Commissioners, I think the culvert you're talking about would be on the west leg of the- Yeah... intersection, kind of by Bailey's nursery entrance. So I don't believe we're getting into that. That's kind of where the ultimate discharge point of the project is today, that intersection area. So with the new roundabout being constructed, we're adding a new stormwater basin that doesn't exist today. And that stormwater basin will essentially capture and treat the runoff coming off the site. So, it helps control the rates of the runoff, the flows coming off the site. It also improves the quality of that water. So, it's sent through engineered sand media, goes into an underdrain, and then ultimately discharges. So, by constructing those, again, it helps improve the quality of that runoff leaving our site. Great. Thank you for that. I had an inquiry about whether a feature could be created, like a berm, where it could be less noise that's creating because of the... I guess the way that that area is settled, it's a little bit of a dip from where the road is on both sides.

Even Bailey kind of goes down, if you look, and then actually on the development kind of goes down and creating, I think, more of a noise. It captures more noise, and it's leading to the neighborhood somehow. Has there been any discussion on maybe adding a layer of a berm on that one side? Yep. Madam Chair, Commissioner, typically we don't construct berms, I guess as part of our roadway projects. They're just challenging to have enough right of way to build those. I know we are, as part of that kind of landscaping agreement, the city is planting back some kind of boulevard-type trees with this corridor. Those are being planted on the north side where we have the townhomes or residential properties. So we are looking at constructing, I guess, adding back trees as part of this project to help provide some type of buffer from the roadway to those residential properties. But we aren't looking at, I guess, constructing a berm as part of the project.

Is there ever a consideration, instead of trees, bushes? Is that ever something that's discussed, or is it only ever trees that we plant? Yep. Madam Chair, Commissioner, we lean on our local cities to- Okay... guide the landscaping plan. So, we participate in 50% of the landscaping cost according to our policy. And so we can circle back with our partners at the city to see if they would want to see any modifications to the landscaping plan to include more shrubs or bushes versus trees. It's actually from an HOA board member that had inquired with me on that. So if we could potentially have the city staff look a little bit more into that, that would help deal with maybe comments after the project's already completed. Yep. That would be great. And then also mentioning the safety pedestrian part of this. When we don't have any type of lighting or fixture that allows the person on the crosswalk to go, what other features are there that we can do to help get people from basically south, going south to Andy's Bark Park?

I'm getting concerned that we don't have enough of those lighting fixtures that prevent people from at least like a flashing of some sort to allow the kids on the scooters or kids running so that we can see them. Yeah. So, Madam Chair, Commissioner, some of the pedestrian improvements I will say we're making as part of this project, we are lighting this intersection. So during low light conditions, those light fixtures are focused over the crosswalks. We will have high visibility crosswalks painted at those pedestrian crossings. Those will be signed as well. And then as part of this project, we put those crosswalks where there's just one lane approaching that crosswalk. So as people are walking or biking using the crosswalks, they only have one lane of traffic that they have to cross against. So there's a lot of improvements that are kind of incorporated as part of a single lane roundabout project that look at pedestrian safety, how can we enhance that pedestrian safety as part of the project?

Can I ask one question? And it's a concern right there, is that because of where the sun hits, it actually decreases the visibility as well. So with a dim type of low lighting and then the dimness of sometimes when the sun's going down, it can cause a lot of shadowing over there, and it's just that we're going so fast. We're going 55 miles an hour, and then you're stopping, and then you're doing a roundabout. Or you're supposed to stop and decrease. Sometimes people do, and sometimes they don't. But if there's any kind of study that we can do to take that into consideration, that would be really a big deal. Thanks. Yep. Any additional comment? Thank you, Mr. Giesen, for the presentation and, yeah, this is a very rapidly growing area, so glad to see the improvement from a four-way to a roundabout here. We can take a vote on approving contract number 18186. All in favor say aye.

Aye. Aye. Opposed, same sign. Motion carries. Commissioner Clausen, you want to do number two, or? Sure. I'll put a motion to approve a cooperative cost agreement 18010 between the City of Woodbury and Washington County. Second. I'll second. We have a motion and a second. Discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. Next item. Commissioner- Move, approve cooperative maintenance agreement number 18011 between the City of Woodbury and Washington County. I'll second that. Moved and seconded. Discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. And final one. Motion to approve landscaping agreement number 18214 between the City of Woodbury and Washington County. I'll second. All right. Moved by Commissioner Clausen and seconded by Commissioner Karwoski. Discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. Thank you so much, Mr. Giesen. We are now on to general administration. And Administrator Corbid, do you have anything or do you want to have Deputy Administrator Lucke proceed? Okay. Deputy Administrator Lucke.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, commissioners. As mentioned, Jan Lucke, Deputy Administrator. I'm going to provide a state legislative update this morning. With only three weeks remaining in the legislative session, legislative leaders have officially begun end of session negotiations, looking for consensus and compromise. Some omnibus bills have started to move. Two passed off the floor at the House as of yesterday, and four passed out of the Senate. We are hearing there may be a bonding bill coming together, and I'll refer you to our legislative tracker at the dais. There's one update since last week. We did receive a hearing on the funding request for County Highway 10, 17, and 17B intersection improvements. And just want to extend a gratitude to Public Works Director Wayne Sandberg for taking a last-minute request to head down there and testify. He did an outstanding job. And then, because the bonding bill may be coming together in the next, well, there's only a few weeks left, a few of us are heading to the capital after the board meeting today to make one sort of final live request of our delegation and other members that we might be able to catch while we're there.

So, as I think you know, the constitutional deadline to adjourn is May 18th. So there is significant work that remains if leaders hope to reach an agreement before that deadline. But we will be keeping you updated, and I know you're also receiving updates from AMC, MICA, and Larkin Hoffman. With that, Madam Chair, I'd be happy to answer any questions. Does anybody have any questions? No. Thank you very much. Thank you. Administrator Corrid. Madam Chair and Commissioners, I just have one item, which is more of a scheduling issue. Starting tomorrow morning, the board will begin interviews for the Carnelian Marine Watershed District appointments. We have a block of time scheduled tomorrow morning, and then again on next Monday morning. There are three managers whose terms are ending. We received 10 applications for those three positions. Of those 10 applications, two are individuals that are requesting reappointment. All 10 of the applicants received letters of nominations from a city or township within the Watershed District. As of this morning, we have nine of the 10 applicants scheduled for interviews, so that has gone well and quickly yesterday. And I know there's a lot of interest in the community over this appointment, and I'm aware that many of you are receiving emails from residents within the Watershed supporting certain candidates.

So, if you need anything from us today before you leave here as far as paper copies of a map or any of the applications, I know those were emailed to you as well, but just catch me or other staff and we'll make sure you get whatever you need. Be prepared for tomorrow morning's beginning of the interviews. I'd take any questions if you have them, but that's the end of my report. All right. Any questions for Administrator Corrid? Can he repeat that? Just kidding. All right. Thank you very much. Commissioner Clausen, if you want to start with commissioner reports? Yes.

Yep. This last week, busy week at numerous community meetings. Also had several staff meetings regarding the R. H. Stafford Library and Land and Water Referendum. And we had the opening of the Family Resource Center at the Washington County Cottage Grove Service Center. That was really well-attended. Was able to catch up with some Woodbury residents and as well as staff, and able to talk about all the great work that's gone into this Family Resource Center. And remembering it was almost three years ago when we talked about this initially, and to have that opening was really timely and important. I would love to see that we do a little bit more with the Family Resource Center space because the outside is so vast and open, and I feel like we could do a nature play area over on the side of the service center for the families. I would love to see more of a nature center, meaning the old trees that we're not using, and utilizing that and the flooring of the space. And just make families use the space more so that they can convene there. And also a trail to connect it to Ravine. I would love to see us utilize the service centers more as a hub for our community and our trails and our parks to be connected to it.

And so hopefully we can do more of that. We definitely have the space and the openness over at the service center. I know that it was meant that way, that we were maybe going to build onto the Cottage Grove Service Center at one point, but it would be lovely if we could make that into a walkable nature park for children and families. But yeah, I had a great time, and thank you for the invite. That's all I have. Commissioner Mira. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mm-hmm. Community Development Agency met a week ago. We had two public hearings, one on the public housing action plan, which the board approved this morning, the other one on an amended housing choice plan. And then the other issue of significance was that we created a position of asset manager within the Community Development Agency. So obviously you all are aware of the significant capital investment we have in facilities and for housing, both workforce, emergency, and senior housing. And having an asset manager, I think is a critical move for the CDA in overseeing all of that infrastructure.

I was asked to present to the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Districts, their District Four meeting in Rogers, Minnesota. And did a presentation there with Jen Cater, who is the executive director for the Clean Water Council. It was nice to visit and meet with those people that are involved in the Soil and Water Conservation District. Chair Bingham did a nice job of addressing the Master Gardener Awards program, representing the county board. Appreciated her being there, and on a tight schedule, was able to do a presentation. And Commissioner Karwoski and I were able to stay for the full presentation of awards. And just amazing the volunteer work that the Master Gardeners are doing and the value that comes back to Washington County because of that work. I had a meeting with Administrator Isensee of the Carnelian Marine Watershed District, and then received many, many letters of support for candidates for that appointment that Kevin talked about earlier.

I have responded to those. I still have a few to respond to. But I've been including Commissioner Cox and Administrator Corbid on those. So hopefully, as administration distributes those to you so that you're aware of the letters as well. Some of the letters are addressed to all of us, but those that weren't, I wanted to make sure that all of the board members were aware of those letters of support as we deliberate those appointments. Commissioner Cox and I attended the Lower St. Croix policy meeting. As alternate to that group, Commissioner Cox continues to show up for our meetings. A lot of reports and information we received. One of the most impressive was the leveraging of money, the watershed-based implementation funding that we receive and how much is leveraged. We are, in many cases, ahead of our 10-year plan with respect to phosphorus removal and some other items. We still have some challenges there, but just great work that's happening.

The one approval that we had was for a wetland restoration project within the Sunrise River watershed, was nearly a $90,000 investment approval that policy committee passed on yesterday. And then, of course, we were all invited to the mental health awareness event here this morning. And just again, appreciate the work that goes on within the county and throughout the county, not only for our own employees, but throughout the county with respect to mental health awareness. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Commissioner Cox. Thank you, Madam Chair. I was able to attend the Olive Street pre-construction open house, so that construction will be starting this year. And the staff was so busy I didn't even get to say hello. They were pulling out plans and all kinds of things. So, I know the community was really grateful for that event and got a lot of their questions answered. So, thank you to Mr. Giesen for again showing up and being there.

Attended the Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee meeting, and was able to highlight with that committee that JJ, our own JJ Williams, is an award winner. And so it was fun to hear all of their congratulations to him as well. Attended the Metro Mosquito Control District Commission meeting virtually, and that was just a full meeting with all kinds of updates happening there and good work continuing and some capital projects moving forward, which is very exciting for that team. Had a great update with the public works team and excited to hear more as the projects roll forward. The watershed manager appointments have been mentioned, and received lots of emails and had a few phone conversations as well. So, the community is very invested in that, and it's great to see that. And then, yes, did attend the Lower St. Croix Watershed policy meeting. Water is in my blood, and you're not getting rid of me on that one.

So, it's just really interesting to hear, too, how far ahead that group is and really the understanding that this money comes to the group, and if it's invested kind of further upstream as water does, it cleans the downstream. And so, it's just great to hear how that group is running. So, thank you. No problem. Commissioner Karwoski Thank you, Chair Bigham. We are fortunate to have Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Miron, being so knowledgeable on water. Yeah. I think our entire board is, but you two bring it to a whole different level. We got great representation there. For me, the highlights of the past week were, we had our staff meeting to review the Transportation Advisory Board solicitation of projects. I think our entire board, we met one-on-one with public works staff on that. That went well. I think those applications are coming up very soon, it'll be where they start accepting applications to the Transportation Advisory Board for that solicitation.

As mentioned, along with Commissioner Miron and Bigham, attending that annual Master Gardener appreciation event. I think it's safe to say whenever we get invited to these appreciation events, we really enjoy mingling with our constituents, our regular citizens. They're so talented, and as Chair Bigham, you did a great job representing our board on the thanking of these wonderful volunteers that do so much throughout our community with helping different community planting projects. I attended the Association of Minnesota Counties. They had a federal budget review. What was particularly interesting to me is to have the presentation, which was done by our lobbyists, Erlandson and Downs, and to see the background information on the federal budget was very interesting. And then lastly is, we all made it to the, prior to this board meeting this morning, the Mental Health Awareness Month. It's always, again, nice to mingle with our professional staff. That's all I have, Madam Chair. Thank you. It is always great to start the day off, board meetings off, with those types of events, receptions like that, to be able to connect with staff and over such an important topic.

It's appreciated. Very busy week. Yesterday I spent the day at the capital with Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey to talk about 19A.100 with some of the members. I personally just believe that there'll be a bonding bill. It might not come out until the Thursday before they adjourn on the Sunday, but it's been closer in years past that they've unveiled bonding bills. But I do believe that there is an earnest effort to get, in a bipartisan, bichamber manner, to get one done. I really appreciate all the effort that staff put into the grand opening of the Family Resource Center. A very good turnout, and the excitement not only on our staff's face, our stakeholders' face, but the families that came to visit was just heartwarming, and I also was extremely impressed by the outreach of our staff to surrounding communities or partners to come check out what we have to offer. And so I'm very excited about the Family Resource Center being there. The Cottage Grove Chamber showcase I think had record turnout, and just really a great opportunity to connect with people.

We had darts and Friends in Need, and a whole bunch of businesses that come to show off what they have to offer for our residents. We had a AMC Solid Waste working group that I chair with Commissioner Jon Johnson, and we, I think, are going to propose doing a breakout or work group session at the policy conference in the fall at AMC. And speaking of AMC, I had the opportunity to attend a negotiation training, and that was a lot of information in a short amount of time, but it was really well worth it and well attended. It was a packed class. The Master Gardeners appreciation dinner is just so amazing, especially knowing the impact that they've had on food insecurity. And I really highlighted that and just appreciate their partnership with our food shelves. And the work that they put in, the time and the skills that they have are just amazing. And then also, after last meeting, I did have an opportunity to go and talk with Stepping Stone over at our emergency housing building.

Just wanted to hear more about the programming, but also just checking in and seeing how things are going, and just what a great organization, and definitely thank Sarah Triple for helping me set that up. So, Commissioner Miron. Yeah, with all the talk about Master Gardeners, and of course, with the spring rain we had yesterday- Yeah... and people getting out and doing some yard work and planting, I'm going to put a plug in for the Stillwater High School Ag department. They've got their plant sale that begins this week. That is a major fundraiser for their kids at the school. Obviously, the Stillwater School District encompasses a large portion of my district, and so just going to put a plug in there. My daughter dropped her baby off today with my wife, and she teaches at the Ag department there, so she would be excited to know that I put a plug in for their sale.

There you go. Nice. All right. If there's nothing else, we'll move on to board correspondence. There is none, so the next item is adjournment, and there's no further items before the board, so we are adjourned.