Everybody, uh, the next item on the agenda is roll call. >> Commissioner Heinrich >> here. >> Commissioner Brastead >> here. >> Commissioner Reiner >> here. >> Commissioner Gomesh >> here. >> Commissioner Schulty >> here. >> Commissioner Jeepson >> here. >> Commissioner Meisner >> here. >> And that's everyone is here this morning. We'll go to item number four. Consider accepting the regular claims paid over $500 and purchase card claims paid for the period ending November 28th, 2025. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Commissioner Brassstead. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Commissioner Schulty. Any discussion, questions? Hearing none. This roll call vote. >> Commissioner Braad. >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> I. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> That passes unanimously. Item number five is the approval of minutes from the December 1st, 2025 and December 2nd, 2025 county board meetings. Do I have a motion? >> Been moved by Commissioner Meisner. Oh, Commissioner Jeepson, I'm sorry, and seconded by Commissioner Schulty. Um, any changes, questions, comments, seeing none, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. Hearing none, it passes unanimously. Moving down to chair's remarks this morning. We have two items under the chair's remarks today. The first of which is to consider accepting a charitable contribution from Kexus Energy in support of the In Noa County Parks Heritage Lab and Wildlife Outreach Programs. I'm going to ask Commissioner Reiner, who serves as the lead commissioner on parks, to start our conversation today. Commissioner Reiner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. For more than 36 years, Kexus Energy has provided generous support to the Inopa County Parks Department Heritage Lab and Wildlife Outreach Program. But before I continue, I want to talk a little bit about the Heritage Lab and where it is and because not everyone knows. It's in Lo, my hometown. And um it encompasses almost the entire uh west side of Peltier Lake. And it's just a gorgeous property. And uh this has been going on for decades where uh young children have been coming out there and uh enjoying these programs and it it does need funding. So uh we're very thankful to Texas Energy for continuing that funding. The Heritage Lab program engages about 2,000 students annually um in onhand outdoor uh learning experiences that explore Minnesota's rich cultural history. The wildlife outreach program brings free inschool uh presentations to more than 7,500 students each year, introducing them to seven native Minnesota wildlife species and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. In 2024, 33 schools were visited as part of this program. Thanks to Kexus generous continuing financial support for over 30 years, more than 500,000 students in Anoka County and surrounding communities have reaped the benefits of these programs offered. The contributions these programs receive annually from Kexus Energy are instrumental in helping connect youth and families with the natural and cultural heritage of our region. On behalf of the In Noa County Board of Commissioners, I would like to thank Kexus Energy and its staff for more than three decades of selfless funding to help our parks pro uh department uh continue these important programs. We're honored that Christa Benjamin and executive who is the executive director of the Kexus Energy Foundation and Jan Paul Martinez uh Kexus Energy founder founder uh chair and chief financial officer are joining us today to present another generous donation and perhaps say a few words. And uh while they make their way to the podium, uh I'd like to just add that u this long-standing partnership is crucial to bringing these meaningful offerings to our community's young people, inspiring them to explore [clears throat] nature through wildlife, and it certainly deserves for us today a round of applause. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Reiner, and commissioners for the opportunity to join you today. I am Christa Benjamin, executive director of the uh Kexus Energy Foundation and manager of executive services at Kexus Energy. As a memberowned electric cooperative, everything Kexus Energy does is for the benefit of our members. Giving back to our communities is in our DNA, and it's a value our employees demonstrate every single day. It is my privilege to serve as the executive director of the Kexus Energy Foundation, guiding nearly $400,000 in donations annually to local nonprofits, an effort we will expand by $1 million over the next 20 years through our new era community benefit plan. And thank you for your support on that. This past summer, I had the opportunity to visit uh the Heritage Lab for the first time. I never never knew it was there and was truly impressed by the unique and immersive experience available to the residents of Anoka County and beyond. The heritage lab and wildlife outreach program is a rare gem and Kexus is proud to be a small but constant partner. >> So good morning uh Mr. Sher uh and commissioners. Um thank you for the opportunity uh for us to be here today. So um I am Paul Martinez. I'm the chief financial officer at Kexus and I serve as the board chair for the foundation. Our mission in Kexus Energy is empowering our members and communities towards a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety and reliability. As you know, electricity is an essential service. It powers and improves lives and improving the life of our members is what drives the work of the Kexus Energy Foundation. Since 2020, the foundation has provided over $900,000 to support scholarships at the local high schools, Anoka Ramsey Community College, and Anoka Technical College, and enhance the efforts of local nonprofit organizations align with our priority areas of youth, education, community, and environment. Thank you, Anoga County Parks Department, WGO Nishure Center, and the board of commissioners for your longstanding commitment to education and environmental outreach. We're honored to present a check for $25,000 to the Anoka County Parks Heritage Lab and wildfire wildfire uh outreach programs. Thank you very much. >> [clears throat] >> Take 25 grand. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> Thank you very much. >> You bet. Thanks. >> Thank you again for being here and for your continual support and generous donations to these programs. We care deeply about continuing these offerings and your partnership over the past 36 years has had a substantial impact that we do not take lightly. Some say some may know Kexus has been a longtime supporter of not only the parks department but also various other in noa county initiatives. Since [clears throat] 2006, Kexus has donated trash bags for the in Noa County's adopt a highway program. In 2018, Kexus approached Nooka County about leasing land to build and maintain a solar garden, demonstrating their commitment to renewable energy. In 2020, Kexus donated funds to help provide 200 activity bags to three food shelves in Anoka County. Kexus' commitment to making Inoka County a better place to live, work, and play runs deep and does not go unnoticed. The donations to our parks department programs we are recognizing today is just one piece of a much larger puzzle in part in a partnership we hope continues for many many years to come. It is with deep gratitude that we thank you today for not only supporting our beloved parks department but for supporting an NOA county its parks highways programs and its residents as a whole. And as a as a member of Kexus Energy that's where my lights get turned on and off. Um, thank you for the fine work you guys do every single day of the week and the people that are out on the roads during bad weather and whatever it might be, helping make sure everybody's power is there for them. So, now Texas Energy is a very, very valuable asset to us all. And I'd like to give him just one more round of applause. Actually, [applause] anyone any other commissioners wish to comment for this? Commissioner Schulty. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, it's uh [clears throat] it's really more than just money there. They're such an asset in the community and it's and I think we often take them for granted every day of the week and it's and it is more than just this day that we say thank you. We say thank you three or four times a year and and that's probably not enough but it is important that we say thank you and I'm glad we're taking this opportunity to recognize them and we should do it more often. So thank you Kexus. >> Commissioner Breaststead. >> Uh thank you Mr. Chair. Yes, too. I agree with everything um Commissioner Schulty has said, but they um Kexus has been such an amazing partner. They truly live their dedication uh and everything that they do. I mean, we're just a small part of who they partner with, but they do this all over their service area and truly invest in the community with, you know, scholarships and other things that have been mentioned. and they're just a great group of people. I I [clears throat] have the privilege of getting to know them a little bit more on the side and outside of work. And they are truly truly some awesome folks that work for Kexus. >> Absolutely. So, thank you again. Um and thanks for the check. [laughter] We're going to move on to our second item today. um that is to consider promotion of the National Civics B hosted in partnership by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. I'm going to ask Commissioner Meisner who serves as the lead commissioner on human services to lead our conversation on this item and introduce our special guests. Commissioner Meisner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I am very excited to talk about this because this is its uh first uh reveal in the state of Minnesota. Um, but as you mentioned, this is a national civics fee and so any sixth, seventh, or eighth grader in Minnesota can apply by Tuesday, February 3rd to participate in this. Um, it is free to enter and the grand prize is $100,000. So, from now until February 3rd, students can respond to a four question essay and uh prompt proposing ideas to improve their communities. Um, what I love about this in particular and the chamber is leading the way to I think we all know that the political divide is getting wider. So to be able to present an opportunity for our youth to engage in civics, to learn about it in a respectful and nonpartisan bipartisan way, I think is really important. Um, I'm going to have Lori actually come up and talk about more details about this, but uh, when she first told me about this and she was rolling it out this year in the state of Minnesota, I I was like, well, we we need to partner in some way to help promote that. And so, without further ado, I would like to introduce Lori Higgins, president of the Metro North Chamber. Lori, >> thank you, Commissioner Meisner. Uh, good morning, commissioners. Thank you for this opportunity to highlight this inspiring initiative. Commissioner Meisner did a great overview of the competition. So I would like to take just a few moments by providing a few additional details. First, by way of background, the Civics B was started in 2022 by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation with a goal to encourage young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. It began in just five states and now just a few years later, it's grown to 40 states nationwide with this being the first year it has come to Minnesota. As noted, it is a free nonpartisan national competition for all sixth, seventh, and eighth graders where they write a short four paragraph essay about something they would do to improve their community. But here's the powerful part. They must connect their idea to one of America's founding principles like equality or liberty or a civic virtue like respect or responsibility. In doing so, these middle schoolers began to see how timeless values can guide local action today. From those essays, finalists will be selected to advance to a regional competition in the spring. It will be a lively game show style event. The top three winners from each region will receive cash prizes. First place earning $500. Those winners move on to the state competition with even larger cash prizes. And as noted, the grand prize national prize is a $100,000 529 scholarship plan. So, I'd like to take a moment to explain why the Metron Chamber of Commerce is so is so invested in civics. Yes, we focus on building business, but we believe strongly that you cannot have a strong business community without a strong community. Period. We strive to connect people, businesses, nonprofits, schools, government, and ways that strengthen our shared future. Now, every one of us in this room grew up in a time when civic engagement felt like a given. We voted, we volunteered, we showed up. But that doesn't necessarily happen automatically anymore. In fact, a national survey a few years ago found that more than half of young people ages 13 to 24 would rather give up their right to vote for a year than give up social media for a year. And 52% believed that democracy has failed or is in trouble. The Civic B is one small but meaningful way to reverse that trend by making civics relevant, empowering, and even fun. Creating a moment where young people realize their voices matter and that they can make a difference right here in their hometowns. So, thank you commissioners for this opportunity to share this initiative with the residents of Anoka County. I sincerely hope that families will make this make this an activity over winter break or schools or youth groups like scouts or 4 will make it a group project between now and the February 3rd deadline. So, thank you again for having me today and thank you for continuing to make our community a place where leadership and service thrive. >> Thank you, Lori and Commissioner Meisner. Um, I just wanted to say that you had a a comment there about u people didn't want to give up social media for a year of voting. I didn't know I could give up social media because I' I'd like to figure out how to get that done. Commissioner Meiser. >> Oh, thank you, Mr. Chair. No, I'm sorry. I I forgot to mention I think this is important when we say that every uh motan student is uh eligible. So, that is private, that is public, that is homeschoolers. So, I did just want to emphasize that and then obviously get in contact with Lori um at the chamber to find out the next steps. Thank you. >> Absolutely. And uh we encouraged our young residents in Inoka County to take part and apply. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and uh should be fun and they might be on TV. >> That's right. >> There you go. Thank you again. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Oh, yes. Commissioner Jeffson, >> couple questions. So, is this going to be an annual thing? Is this planning to be an annual event going forward? Okay. >> Absolutely. and and what what help and what assistance would you need from us to get the word out and how can we support you in this effort? >> Uh thank you Commissioner Jeepson for that question. Any promotion to your networks would be fantastic. Uh we've been very active on social media. We've been reaching out to teachers and classrooms all across the region. We understand it's a busy time of year and schedules are full in classes. Um but this shouldn't take very long. Again, it's a very short 500 to 700word essay um that hopefully students can do in a short period of time and at least get them started down the path. Uh because if you apply in sixth grade, you can apply again in seventh and eighth grade. So, we just really want to use this word to get use this year to get the word out uh get some students to apply and just continue to make this bigger and better. >> Great. Thank you. >> Great. So, I can give up social media after February, >> correct? >> Okay. Got it. Got it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Lori. Um All right. Any other comments from committee? No. Okay. So, we'll move down then to our committee of the whole uh recommendations. Uh we've got uh four items and we're going to add an additional one. It will be item F or excuse me, DE item E which will be the management part. We'll start with government operations and it's uh let's see, Commissioner Jeepson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh the committee of the whole uh of government operations met on December 2nd and there was no public comment. There is only one item on the consent agenda and that is to approve a new grant policy. Uh currently Anoka County does not have a grant policy which um this one if um approved today will maintain a consistent and transparent framework ensuring effective management and oversight to guide the application acceptance and management of grant funding involvement and intergovernmental revenue. Uh so with that Mr. Chair I will offer the motion to approve the county grant policy. Uh we have an offer of we a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Um discussion questions. Commissioner Meisner. >> Yeah, thank you Mr. Chair. Ju just commentary and I mentioned this in the in the committee. So um having the structure in place I think is a good thing. The the question that I had because uh for grants there's a lot of them. I believe over three4s come out of human services. And so I wanted to make sure that it was balanced though to not be cumbersome for for their work and their grant application. Um everything looks great. They worked in partnership with all of the departments that have to deal with grants. So I I did just want to make note of that that this was very well vetted and thank you. That's it. >> Thank you, Commissioner Meiser. Any other comments? Seeing none. Um all in favor that this is not a roll call vote. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed hearing none. It passes unanimously. Um, any other items from the median commissioner? >> Yeah, just one quick thing to point out. We received some department updates, which is always great to hear what our current uh staff are doing in their day-to-day. Um, but I just wanted to mention an update regarding our support for the library ebooks, uh, both audio and digital. Uh, just to bring to everyone's attention the reasoning behind this support. Uh, as an example, The Women, uh, written by Hannah Christristen, uh, a couple years ago cost the library $15 to purchase a a physical copy of that book. And we have this until it basically is falling apart or no is no longer checked out. Uh, that same novel in electronic format costs $60. Fif compare 15 to 60. Um and there are limitations on how many checkouts uh it receives and expires after one to two years or whichever happens first. There needs to be a more equitable way in which libraries pay for these periodicals while also continuing to provide an excellent service to our community. So we will be uh supporting the Minnesota Library Association um in their efforts to get some legislation passed. So with that, Mr. Chair, that concludes the report. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Uh we'll move down to human services and Commissioner Meiser. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee of the whole human services, we met on December 3rd at 8:30 a.m. in this building. There were no public comments in person, but as always, I do accept them via email at mandy.mmeisnermn.com. So, before us today, we have a uh shorter consent agenda. We have two uh things before us. One is contract C000012059. This is a renewal with the Anoka County Community Action Program, also known as AAP. And this is for the Transportation Coordinated Services. This is for the amount of $18,5562. This will be from January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2026. I will make note that this particular position is continues to be in high demand. Uh transportation for residents and individuals to get to job training, um job interviews, that kind of thing is highly critical. The next up is uh child support cooperative agreement between the department of children, youth, and families, an NOA County Economic Assistance, and the In Noa County Attorney, and the In Noa County Sheriff with a maximum reimbursements amount for the In Noa County Attorney at 2,39. Oh, excuse me. Let me let me try that again. [laughter] >> Higher. >> Yeah. 2,39,169. 35 in 2026 and 2,378,4443 in 27. And for the Enoka County Sheriff, this will be $32,4137 for 26 and $33,38546 in 2027. So, this is a cooperative that is required by federal law and this must be in place for counties every quarter. Um, and with that, I will move the entire consent agenda. That was one and two. >> Thank you, Commissioner Meiser. Do I have a second? >> Second. Second by Commissioner Heinrich. Any discussion? Seeing none, um, this a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Gamash. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Meisner. I >> Mr. Hinrich. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Brastead. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. Anything else to come before the human services? >> Yeah. Uhformational, but as always, I do like to share with the public. We had a uh update with the In Noa County Regional Juvenile Center Joint Powers Agreement. And this was for um contract C008712. So this uh facility has been growing um with the joint powers agreement and different different counties coming on board. So this is a hugely critical programming opportunity. But as other facilities close down within the state and the region um Anoka County truly is one of the only other places for these youth. So it was very informational. We had a lot of discussion and I thank all those involved that continue to make this successful. With that, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Meiser. We'll move down to the public safety committee and uh Commissioner Breaststead. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, our public safety committee met on December 2nd. We have three action items. The first is contract C0012048, the 2026 law enforcement contract with the city of Bethl in the amount of $66,633, a term of January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2026. Item number two is contract C 0012060. This is the Violent Crime Enforcement Teams 2026 grant contract between the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Office of Justice Programs, and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office in the amount of $577,928 in a term of January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2027. And last but not least is resol resolution 2025-PS18 authorization of signatory for the state of Minnesota joint powers agreement with the county of ana on behalf of its sheriff regarding the Minnesota internet crimes against children's tax task force and that's contract C 0012 052 two and I'll make a motion for those three. >> It's been moved by Commissioner Brad. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Schulty. Any comments? >> Seeing none, this a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> I. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Brastead. >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. Any other items to come be uh before theformational side of it? Um, I'll just mention that the comm committee decided to take some time to collect additional information about the potential impacts of a legislative change coming from the state uh concerning firearms allowed for deer hunting. So, we will be working on that the beginning of 2026 and more to come on that. >> Thank you, Commissioner Braided. We'll move down to the transportation and parks and we'll begin with the consent items under highway. Commissioner Jeepson. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. So, the transportation and parks committee of the whole met on December 3rd and there was no public comment made. Uh there are three items on the transportation consent agenda. Uh the first one is a memorandum of understanding with the city of Rapids for the temporary placement of flock safety camera equipment on county owned traffic signals. Uh there are now very few, maybe one or two cities um that have police departments in Anoka County who don't have this technology. So, uh, we're checking them off pretty quick here. Uh the second item is approving contract C 0012043 in the amount of 3,968,37351 with Tyizac concrete uh for the replacement and revision of traffic control signals and pedestrian ramp improvements along Round Lake Boulevard at the intersections of Roosevelt and 135th, 136th Avenue, Bunker Lake Boulevard, 138th AB Lane, excuse me 140th lane and 143rd lane in the cities of Anoka and Andover. The final item is contract C0012062 which is the two the 2026 to 27 transit coordination assistance project or TCAP uh which will implement transportation services for enhancement of mobility for seniors, individuals with disabilities and other transit dependent populations. Uh the two-year federal grant is $118,600 with a local 20% match of $29,650 for a total project cost of $148,250. Uh the 2027 portion of the grant will be applied through a grant amendment once MDOT receives the uh federal transit admissions administration grant in mid 2026. And with that, Mr. Chair, I will move to approve all three items. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Commissioner Jeepson, seconded by Commissioner Heinrich. Any comments? Seeing none, um, this roll call vote. >> Commissioner Schulty, >> I. >> Commissioner Jeepson, >> I. >> Commissioner Meisner, >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich, >> hi. >> Commissioner Braad, >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner, >> I. >> Commissioner Gamash, >> I. >> And that passes unanimously. We'll move to the parks. Uh, Commissioner Reinard. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. We've got uh three resolutions for you to consider today to adopt. Uh the first one is to consider recommending approval of a resolution 2025 TR55. A resolution authorizing a land registration application for land operated and maintained as an NOA County riverfront regional park in Fidley and uh delegate authority to the board chair and county administrator to sign uh registration documents. Uh, next is um consideration of approval for resolution number 2025 TR56. And this is a resolution to assist Inoka County in preventing and reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species otherwise known as AIS. And uh this partnership with the state has been going along or happening for a long time. Let me just get the number here. we're receiving in 26 $129,900. Then the third uh resolution is to consider recommending adoption of resolution number 2025 TR57, a resolution authorizing conveyance and temporary easement in Lynwood Township for road reconstruction and delegate authority to the board chair and the county administrator to sign all necessary documents in association. I've got popups going here on my screen. Uh yeah, so necessary documents association with uh the temporary easements. Um and with that then I'll uh I'll move adoption of all three of those resolutions. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved by Commissioner Reiner, second by Commissioner Heinrich. Any discussion? Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Jeepson. >> I. >> Commissioner Meisner, >> I. >> Mr. Heinrich, >> I. >> Commissioner Braad, >> I. Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. We'll go to information, otherformational items. Commissioner Reiner will stay with you on this part. >> All right. I do have a couple items uh to talk about here today. It's winter and that means that um our parks department is not closed. Uh we've got a lot of activities that you can do. Uh crosscountry skiing in Bunker Hills, Rum River Central Regional Park, and Shaman Golf Course. Um we groom these. They're they're fantastic. I often ski on the Shaman Golf Course. It's amazing to go out there and golf in the summer and then actually ski it in the winter. Um so I'd encourage uh to check out our our um trails. They're fantastic. We've got snowshoeing uh in 11,000 acre uh park. Um take advantage of that. Something I've personally done horsedrawn sleigh rides um at the bunker park stables. Uh I think last time I was over there they had like 70 horses and um what they do is they've got two different sle. One's kind of a flat bed. Um it's a hay ride, but they have this other sleigh that's, you know, looks like Santa sleigh. It's all red. Uh holds about a dozen people. It only costs about 100 150 bucks. And uh it's a 45minute ride, you know, with um what are the horses? They're Belgians, I think. Uh they're kind of like a Clydesdale. Um and they take you through the woods and then at the end they have a fire waiting for you. You can roast some marshmallows. Um really kind of a magical experience. I would encourage people to take advantage of that. U ice ice fishing is started and uh many lakes you can do that but on is it Sco Lake in Rapids? Um there you can do uh trout fishing and they have rainbow and brown trout. Uh there's winter hunting, snowmobile trails. We've got over a 100 miles of snowmobile trails. winter hiking and walking, bird watching. We've got a ton of bird watchers in Lino Lakes. Um, winter biking and Wargo Nature Center. Wargo Nature Center is a hub uh for outdoor recreation and environmental education for all ages and abilities. It features a natural play area, annual snow day event, and rental for snowshoes and kick sleds. It's amazing how busy that um that nature center stay continues in the winter. Uh, and so with that, um, that's all I'm excited about today. So, I'll turn it back to you. >> Thank you. Uh, and with the warm 40 degrees we're going to get today. Hopefully that won't screw things up too badly, but we got a lot of snow out there. So, we'll move on to, um, transportation. Uh, anything, uh, there for Commissioner Jeepson? >> Yeah, just a few things. Uh, there are a number of projects that we authorize the county engineer to advertise for bids. Uh, four different projects. the first uh the 2026 countywide pavement preservation program throughout Anoga County. Uh the reconstruction of Mississippi Street and East River Road in the city of Fidley. Uh the resurfacing of Casad 10 from Ael Street to Pleasant View Drive in the city of Spring Lake Park. And the resurfacing of Main Street from the trunk highway 10 bridge to about 450 ft east of Creek Boulevard in the city of Rapids. And finally, we also discussed the leting schedule of the reconstruction of Bow Street between 181st Avenue and Viking Boulevard in the city of Now Then, as well as the Great River Energy Utility relocation due to the construction of a roundabout at 125th or Main Street and Sunset Avenue in the cities of Blaine and Lo. And that's it, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Jeepson. and we'll move to uh the additional item which is the management um committee and commissioner Meisner. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. So the management committee of the whole we did meet this morning at 8:15. So um before you are some items that just for timely purposes need to come before us as a board. The first on the consent agenda are two items. A is new positions to provide employee e assistant program also known as EAP and mental health services. And this will encompass two positions. Uh one FTE for a manager mental health grade 38 and one FTE mental health professional for a grade 36. We had a very good presentation on the huge difference that having this program is making for our employees. It has grown from having about 18 to 20 calls or engagements a year to over 300. So the need is clearly there and we continue as a board to make sure that we are uh meeting that demand. The next for the consent agenda is to adopt governmental 457b plan cares and secure acts interim amendment. And this was something basically that we need to do to stay legally in compliance with um the policies in place. So with that I will move both of these two items A and B and then I will have a third one. Um do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved by Commissioner Meisner, second by Commissioner Jeepson. There any questions on the first two items? See none. This is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Meisner >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Braad. >> Hi. Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jeepson. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. Item number two. Commissioner. >> Yes. The last item is to consider contract C0012073. And this is for Cyber Liability Insurance from uh Cowbell and Coalition Inc.. Uh we were given some presentation about that and I will uh move that as well. >> A second. >> Second. It's been moved by Commissioner Meisner, second by Commissioner Schulty, and this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Heinrich, >> I. >> Commissioner Brastead, >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner, >> I. >> Commissioner Gomesh, >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty, >> I. >> Commissioner Jeepson, >> I. >> Commissioner Meisner, >> I. >> And that passes unanimously. Uh, anyformational items, Commissioner? >> No. That concludes the additional uh items. Thank you. >> Thank you. And that concludes the committees of the whole. We're going to move down to item number eight. Consider acknowledging that the county board has received a copy of the proposed city of Fidley's tax increment financing district for the following purposes. A, reviewing and reviewing the proposed tax increment financing, which is redevelopment. That's district 27, which is the River Edge Business Center. I uh B, submitting comments on the tax increment financing district to the city in lie of the traditional 30-day comment period. Um, uh, administrator Dickinson, is there anyone that has any addition? >> Um, I I no one's here from Fidley to do the presentation, but, uh, just a quick summary is what, uh, has been provided meets our basic, uh, criteria that we outline. Um, what they're looking to achieve is a new 20 250,000 square foot building for warehouse and distribution. Uh, this will remove uh, a uh, very tired building. Um, some of us may remember Mcllin Bakery and other types of operations out of that building. Um, so there'll be some demo costs. Um, there'll be costs relative to infrastructure and uh, some land acquisition that will be part of their plan. Um, one thing that of note that they would have the option of going as many as 25, so actually technically 26 based on the years, but they are proposing to do 12. So, uh, they have an aggressive schedule, which is generally something we would, uh, appreciate, uh, from our perspective to get the tax dollars sooner rather than later. Um, so that's all I'd have on that. >> Okay. Um, any comments from the board? >> All right. Commissioners, Mr. Chair, I think we just need to >> acknowledge it. >> Make a motion that we acknowledge receiving this. And I would make that motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Been moved by Commissioner Schulty, second by Commissioner Meisner. Um, if there's no other comments, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Hearing none, it's approved. We'll move down to item number nine, which is consider approving employment agreement with Kevin Mcnalen and appointing Kevin to as the assistant director for emergency communications effective July, excuse me, effective January 12, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Commissioner Brastead. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Schulty. Um, any comments? Looking forward to having Kevin, who's already been on board, uh, to, uh, move into this role. Um, this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Braad. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jeepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> That passes unanimously. We'll move down to item 10. Consider resolution 2025136. Resolution establishing compensation and expense expense amounts for the in Noa County employees, unclassified employees, appointed chief officers, department heads, and county commissioners for 2026. Do I have an offer? >> I'll offer the resolution off by Commissioner Schulty. Um, any comments, seeing none, this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Reiner, >> I. >> Commissioner Gamash, >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty, >> I. >> Commissioner Jeepson, >> hi. >> Commissioner Meisner, >> I. Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Brastad. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. We'll move down to item number 11. Consider resolution two, 2025137. Uh resolution establishing compensation and expense amounts for the Inoka County Attorney and the Ina County Sheriff for 2026. Do I have an offer of the resolution? >> I'll offer it. >> It's been offered by Commissioner Shulty. >> Second. >> We only need the resol one resolution. Thank Thank you though. [laughter] Thank you. Um All right. Uh any comments? Uh Commissioner Reiner? >> Yeah, I won't be supporting this. Uh there's been um pretty aggressive uh trajectory and increase in in these salaries over the last years. Uh doubledigit percentage increases and uh I don't know. I just uh sometime you just have to say no. So I won't be supporting this today. >> Any uh other comments? >> This a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Gamash. I >> Commissioner Schulty. Hi. >> Commissioner Jeepson. Hi, >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I, >> Commissioner Hinrich. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Brastead. >> I, >> Commissioner Reiner. >> No. >> And that's six to one. Um, moving down to agenda item number item number 12. This is committee appointments. Consider reappointing Sarah Philbrandt to the library advisory board for a term ending December 31st, 2028, representing district 7 as recommended by Commissioner Meisner. And item B is consider reappointing uh Pette Castik to the Minnesota Extension Committee for a three-year term ending January 2029. And item C is consider the following is recommended by the human services committee um of the whole reappointing Steven Kudson of Neighborhood Health Source to the Inoka County Children and Family Council as a community agency representative for a term ending September 30th, 2028. And item number two, reappointing Harvey Glowski to the board of adjustment for a three-year term ending December 31st, 2028 and appointing Judge Diana Street, judicial representative, replacing Judge John Dean and reappointing Robert D. Ro Jr. District 2 representative to the Community Corrections Advisory Board for terms ending 20 December of 2027. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Commissioner Brast. Do I have a second? >> Second. Second by Commissioner Jeepson. Um all in favor signify by saying I. [clears throat] >> I. >> I. Opposed. Hearing none. It passes unanimously. And if there's nothing else to come before the county board this morning, we are adjourned and we will have