here. >> Here >> here. >> We're all here today. Uh item number four is to consider accepting the regular claims paid over $500 and the purchase card claims paid for the period ending October 17th, 2025. Do I have a motion? So moved. >> It's been moved by Commissioner Bra. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Schulty. Any questions, concerns, issues? >> Hearing none. This a roll call vote. >> I >> Mr. Meisner. >> I >> Mr. Heinrich. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. Item number five is the approval of minutes from the October 20, excuse me, the October 14th, 2025 county board meeting. So move, >> Mr. Chair. Been moved by Commissioner Schultey. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Meisner. Any changes, corrections, additions? [sighs] Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Hearing none. It passes unanimously. We'll move down to item number six, which is chair's remarks. We have two items under chair's remarks today. The first is to recognize in an NOA County elections manager Tom Hunt for receiving the friend of the league award from the League of Women Voters of Anoka Blaine and Rapids area. A couple of weeks ago, Commissioners Meisner, Schulty, Jeepson, and I participated in a town hall style Q&A session sponsored by the League of Women Voters. During that event, we were pleasantly surprised when the league recognized Tom for his outstanding service in preserving our democracy by providing voters with safe, secure, and accurate elections. The Friend of the League Award is given to a community member or group who assists the League of Women Voters, uh, ABC, in achieving its goal of good government. The award was initiated and designed by longtime members Sandra Shanley and Mary Joe Shushon in 1991. Many League of Women Voters uh voter members serve as election judges and appreciate Tom's supervising training and elections. Recently, Anoka County post-election review process took place where it was determined an NOA County had no adjusted differences between machine tabulated results and handcounted ballots. Observers also found that the legal process set in Minnesota law were followed in the Ina in an NOA County. On behalf of the board, I want to congratulate Tom on his well-deserved award and thank him for his service to In Noa County and the residents we serve. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent elections are a cornerstone of public trust in our democratic process. Thank you, Tom. I know you're extremely busy this time of year with an election just around the corner, but the floor is yours if you want to share a few words. Sir, [laughter] >> under 20 minutes. >> Ladies and gentlemen, Tom Hunt. >> [applause] >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, members of the board. I really hadn't thought of anything to say, [laughter] but uh, thank you so much. It was really an honor to get this from the league. It's been a pleasure to work with them. We've we've partnered on a lot of a lot of stuff that is, I think, really really helpful for the community and for for voters, justformational stuff. But it it's really been great to work with them. So, I really appreciate this award. It really means a lot. It's It's nice to hear some of this good stuff. So So thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Thank you, Tom, for all you do. And uh I know like we said, it's a busy time. As a matter of fact, are we just seven days away from the uh election? So uh best of luck to you and your staff um and all the election judges that will be conducting that next Tuesday. Uh the second item um is to consider unless any other commissioners wish to have a Okay. Uh, next item is um on our list today is a resolution supporting the operation green light for veterans project. I want to call comm on commissioner Reinard as a lead commissioner for veteran services to tell us a little more about this important initiative we've been participating in since its inception five years ago. Commissioner Reinard. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Every year on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th, we as a nation come together to pay tribute to the brave Americans who serve their country in the armed forces. It's a time to honor and celebrate all of them. [snorts] Our veterans need our continued support. Anoka County is home to 19,000 veterans. That's about 5% of our entire population. These aren't just numbers. They are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends. They've made significant sacrifice for this great nation, and we are profoundly grateful for their service. [snorts] Recognizing the dedication of our veterans, Anoka County is committed to serving them. Whether it's through our veteran service office, the Medlink volunteer driver network, or the veterans court program, we're there for them. Studies indicate 44 to 72% of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life. So they need our support. Next month, Anoka County will again participate in a national initiative called Operation Greenlight for Veterans. The goal is [snorts] simple. To show support for our military veterans and spread awareness about the unique challenges they face and the resources available to them and their families. [snorts] This is uh not a an old program. It was originated in New York in uh 2021 uh by the Association of Minnesota Counties uh NAO. As part of this effort, Anoka County will illuminate some of its uh facilities, all individuals and businesses in Anoka County to join us by swapping one light bulb in their entryway or window with a green one. This small gesture is a way to honor those who've made immeasurable sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms. By shining a green light together, we can let every veteran know they're seen, appreciated, and supported. So, let us light up comments regarding the green light project. I know it's been a very successful one um over the last few years and um and it's it shows shows the support that we have for we will move down to the committees of the whole now. And the first uh committee we're going to go to is government operations. And we will move down to the committees of the whole now. And the first U committee we're going to go to is government operations. And we will start with facilities management and commissioner Jeepson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um the government operations committee met on October 14 at 1 p.m. at the government center and there was no one in attendance to make any public comment. Uh there are four items actually on the government ops um uh consent agenda. two for facilities and two for finance administration. I'm doing the two items for facilities management are similar in that they fund the relocation renovation costs for two departments here within Anoka County. The first is contract C00001880 um and it is with Eert for 370 $373,000. uh veteran services will be relocated from the third floor to the main level um and will be more accessible to our veterans as well as offer much needed and convenient dedicated parking spots uh for those who have given so much for our country. The second contract is C000011881 with GCM for $693,00072 $693,72. uh human resources department will be relocating uh from the second floor to the third floor. Uh both these contracts will be paid through Noa County's building fund. So moving on to finance administration, the committee recommends that the board pass a new social media policy and a revised procurement policy. Uh we currently do not have a formal social media policy. Um but as social media continues to expand across all departments um within an NOA County for public communication, community engagement and service delivery, it is increasingly important that we establish clear guidelines. It ensures that all social media communication is consistent, reflects our mission, maintains professionalism, and minimizes the risk of misinformation or inappropriate content whether intentional or unintentional. Uh the second item is to revise our already existing procurement policy to update approval thresholds and delegations, increase payment and performance bond threshold, remove references to certain types that will be located more appropriately in their own policy. And with that, Mr. Chair, I'd like to make the motion to approve these four items on the consent agenda. >> I have a motion before I ask for a second. Does anybody wish to uh take any of these off to vote separately? >> Seeing none, do I have a second? >> Second. It's been moved by Commissioner Jeepson and seconded by Commissioner Schulty. Any questions or comments? Um, there's a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> I. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Brastead. >> Hi. >> Excuse me. >> And that passes unanimously. Uh, anyformational items from the committee meeting? Uh, Commissioner. >> Yeah, just a couple um just a couple things. We discussed additional items to prioritize during our 2026 legislative session. We also uh discussed the need to change the bond council practice uh which provides us legal services related to municipal debt financing of bonds. The majority of the practice where we had been contracting since 2017 um moved to Coutac Rock LLP. So that's where we will now also contract. Uh we were also informed um that the county attorney's office purchased a vehicle uh for a full-time investigator whose primary function will be investigating fraud and preventing fraud from human services economic assistance department. Uh we reviewed the third quarter investments updates uh all of which were very very well and healthy. Um and finally, Mr. Chair, we discussed the 2026 2030 proposed capital improvement plan. And with that, that ends my government operations committee report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Jeepson. Anyone else have any comments regarding theformational items? All right, we'll then move down to human services and Commissioner Meisner. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee of the whole human services, we met on Tuesday, October 21st at 8:30 a.m. in this building. There were no public comments in person. I did not receive any via email, but those are always accepted. Anyone may email me at mandy.mmynerountmn.go. gov. We have several items on the slate today. First up is under public health and environmental services. This is to authorize to apply and accept funds from the Minnesota Department of Health not to exceed $175,000 if awarded. The project contract period will support February 26 through January 2027. So this project will expand on the exict existing work already led by uh ship and also will include school-based education and outreach. Um another key component of this grant is the initiative of a countywide youth coalition and this is composed of students from Anoka County. The next on our agenda is also under public health and environmental services. This is the homeland health contract renewal. This is to authorize to approve amendment one to contract C 0011288 with Homeland Health Specialists for conducting community vaccine clinics. The contract max for the term of December 1st, 2024 through March 31st, 2026 will increase from 50,000 to 150,000. Um so essentially what this is about is the pace of clinics is an average of one each week and has been offered to all public school districts in in noa county. Um these are for students newly arriving to Minnesota through the noa henipin welcome center in rapids and since it inception we have served 200 clients with 694 vaccines given. This has been highly successful program and the reason for this increase is essentially there's a there's a demand for it. So I will make note that this is funded federally and state. Um again we are simply responding to the need for vaccine clinics. The next is under community corrections. This is to authorize to contract with spiral IFX interactive. This is in Pinewood, uh, Texas. And this is for health secure EMR correctional medical management software. And this is to be used by the Inoga County Jail, the Workhouse, and Juvenile Detention Center for a 2-year term from January 1st, 26 through December 31st, 27 with two two-year auto renewals through December uh, 2031. So, the Department of Corrections does require that correctional facilities utilize an electronic medical record systems if possible. We are going through some changes internally for that. And this EMR is familiar to the medical director and will allow Anoka County Healthcare staff to communicate with our contracted medical direction 24 hours a day, seven days a week um while maintaining accurate patient records. The next on our agenda is social services. This is to authorize to apply for and accept the annual children's mental health screening grant allocation for 2026 uh from Minnesota Department of Human Health Behavioral Health Administration and this is contract C0011 551. In 20, excuse me, in 2003, the Minnesota legislature added a mandate for mental health screening for children and youth in protection and juvenile justice. Each year, the county receives an allocation from the state to fund the costs of the mental health screening and related services. So, this is just a procedural. Um, this is also funded 100% by the state. The next up is under social services. This is to approve an amendment one to contract C001161 with Jacob Jacob's ladder family services for parent education and supervised parenting time services. Um and this is located in Minnotonka. So this has been um a contract for quite some time. We are requesting basically some following changes to amend and extend the contract dates from December 31st 2026. Also to amend contract maximums from 100,000 to 150,000 and this is for 2025 and 150,000 for 2026. Next is a resolution and this is resolution 2025-HS-15. This is accepting donations for community social and behavioral health. There is a list here. Um, I won't note all of the uh amounts, but it's the American Legion Auxiliary Centered Health Chiropractic, Rapids Super Senior Club, the Fidley Lions Club, Rafic Finishing Services, and One Fool Two Stooges Sports Bar and Grill. All together, they are donating $3,350 um in total. and I will well I'll offer that in the slate but that is a resolution. The next action item is under economic assistance. Economic assistance requires approval for the 2026 2027 MIB county bi-annual service agreement which outlines services and budget needs for the family public assistance programs including Minnesota family investment program diver diversionary work program and emergency assistance. The total annual budget allocation, oh goodness, excuse me, uh is 4,225,294 and there is a detailed outline in there. I will just make a a quick note that the uh diversionary work program will be sunsetting in 2026. Um this the services actually will remain. It's just a it's going to be uh put into MIB in the future. And then the last action item is under the job training program. This is to authorize to apply and accept funds from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Adult Career Services not to exceed 750,000. If awarded the project uh the contract period will support state fiscal years 2026 through 2027 with contracts in place as soon as deed finalizes award execution with funding ending in June 30th 2027th. So this is in partnership with Anoka Technical College and Metro North Adult Basic Education. Uh if um granted, the funding will support nursing assistant program and pre-practical nursing classes. These classes allow for students to apply for the LPN diploma program or healthcare technology certificate program. And with that, that concludes the entire slate and I will go ahead and move uh action items 1 through eight in human services. >> Thank you, Commissioner Meiser. I have a motion before I ask for a second. Does anyone wish to move remove any of these items for a separate vote? Seeing none, do I have a second? >> Second. >> It's been moved by Commissioner Meisner, second by Commissioner Jeepson. Any questions, comments? Hearing and seeing none, this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Gamash, >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty, >> I. >> Commissioner Jeepson, >> I. >> Commissioner Meisner, >> I. >> Commissioner Hinrich, >> I. >> Commissioner Brastead, >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner, >> I. And that passes unanimously. Anyformational items from the meeting, Commissioner Meisner. >> Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. There were twoformational items. Um, one was we review the proposed amendments for the Enoka County cannabis business ordinance. Uh, that is something that will continue to develop and there will be a public hearing about that here shortly. The lastformational was we received our annual reports both for the job training center and for the Endoka County Human Services Division. Um both of those are on our website. I do always encourage the public to take a look at that. But uh there's um detailed information about statistics and programs. And with that, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Commissioner Meisner. We'll now move down to the transportation committee meeting and Commissioner Jeepson. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. The transportation committee um of the whole met last week, Thursday, October 23rd, at 8:30 a.m., and there was no one in attendance to give public comment. Uh there are three, excuse me, there are three contracts on the consent agenda for approval. The first is contract C000011952 with take TKDA in the amount of 327,312 for the preliminary design environmental documentation and final design services for intersection improvement projects at 109th Avenue and Turret Players Parkway and 109th Avenue a Avenue and Rison Road in the city of Blaine. Uh the second contract is C000011463. This is a joint powers agreement with the cities of Andover and Anoka uh for signal reconstruction and pedestrian ramp improvements along Round Lake Boulevard at the intersections of Roosevelt Street, 135th Avenue, 136th Avenue, and Bunker Lake Boulevard. All of these signals will be fully replaced and all are within our uh within both the cities, which makes this three-party JPA necessary. Um there are three remaining intersections at 138th lane, 140th lane and 143rd lane which will undergo modifications and um some upgrades which impacts the city of Andover only. Uh the final so that final contract JPA is number C 000011464 uh which is just that city um of Andover JPA and for those additional intersections along Round Lake Boulevard uh construction for this full project will begin in 2026. Um and with that, Mr. Chair, that ends the consent agenda items. >> Uh thank you, Commissioner. [clears throat] Um, anyone wish to pull any of the these uh three things off the agenda for a separate vote? Seeing none, do I have a motion? >> I'll move it. >> It's been moved by Commissioner um Schulty and I will second it. Um, just to thank um our transportation department and Joel McFersonson who's here today. Uh, the the finish of Bunker Lake Boulevard. Um, it's now done. The long summer is over. Um, but for those who travel that every single day, um, they realize now how bad a shape it was in and how great a shape it is in now. And, uh, then just a warning to everybody that now it'll be around Lake Boulevard through not too far from Bunker. So, um, but again, the project went well. Um, and, um, the final the final project looks excellent. So, thank you, Joe, and thanks your entire staff. Um, anyone else hearing? None. This is a roll call vote. Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Braad. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. And that passes unanimously. Anyformational items? Uh, Commissioner Jeepson? >> Yeah, just a few things I'd like to mention. Um, uh, we got an update on the third quarter numbers of our transportation management um, organization, Commute Solutions. In addition, we heard preliminary numbers on how Metro Micro in Blaine is doing. um and the number consistently grows week after week of writership. So that is really really great news and I look forward to further updates on how that um new service is being used. I did want to just on a personal note um I was unable to attend the human services committee meeting that uh Commissioner Misner just alluded to all those different items that were discussed. I I couldn't attend because I was at the toward zero death conference um at Mystic Lake earlier last week. And um I just want to mention that we are in a good trend for keeping our roads more safe. Um we have 79 less deaths this year at this time than we did last year at this time. Um which for Mike Hansen, the director of uh public safety, that's not good news, but it's a good trend. Uh so that's 79 more people who are coming home to their families every day. Uh which is a good thing. So just a public safety announcement to um two major things that you can do to keep the our roads continue to be safe. Wear your seat belt and slow down. So um with that, Mr. Chair, that ends my transportation committee information. >> Thank you, Commissioner Gypson. Um, I noticed um in part of what we had in the board meeting or that transportation meeting was regarding the um uh the Metro Micro Service and um I received this uh from State Representative Carrie Rirower uh that Wednesday, November 5th, uh from 2:00 p.m. to 300 p.m. at Northtown Mall. Um there will be um a pres presentation by the Metropolitan Council regarding uh this. It's called the Blaine Metrotransit Outreach Event and it's public is welcome. Um so you could reach out to Commissioner Rower um or excuse me um State Representative Rurau or State Representative Matt Norris who's also part of that um and if you have any questions but otherwise it's going to be Tuesday, November 5th from 2:00 to 3 p.m. at the Northtown Transit Center located at the Northtown Mall in Blaine. Moving on to our next item on our agenda is uh here we go. We have a public hearing to obtain comments on proposed amendments to the In Noa County Cannabis Business Ordinance. Um and that is to consider ordinance 2025-3, In Noa County Cannabis Business Ordinance Amendment One. But this is the public hearing. I'll turn it over to the county attorney, Mr. Johnson. >> Thank you, Chair Gamash. Commissioners, I will now open the public hearing portion of the meeting. The time is 9:57 a.m. I ask that the minutes reflect that the notice of this public hearing was published on October 17, 2025 in the In Noa County Union to inform the public that a hearing would occur during the regular meeting of the In Noa County Board of Commissioners on today's date, October 28th, 2025 to allow public comment on the proposed amendments to the In Noa County cannabis business ordinance as set forth in the published notice of public hearing. Before we receive uh public comments, it's my understanding that we have a couple of people here from public health. It's Joe Ammerman who is a senior program planner and also Randy Prebble, the assistant director. And Joe, I don't know if you have um just a a brief summary of what those amendments entail for the board. That might be helpful at this point in time and then we'll turn to uh the live portion of the public hearing. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Uh good morning, commissioners. So in very brief summary, uh what we have before you today is a series of small amendments to the ordinance that was adopted in February governing cannabis businesses. These are specifically bringing low potency retailers under the same regulatory framework and basically just including them in the ordinance. Uh so this is the kind of the convenience stores and gas stations that are selling the edibles and seltzers you may have seen uh sort of throughout the county. So very briefly, that is what we're doing here today. Thank you, Joe. Uh just before you step down, uh did we receive any written comments or messages submitted to you? You were in the published notice of the public hearing uh prior to the hearing. >> Yep. As of about 3 minutes ago, no, we have not received any. >> Very good. Um we will now begin the live uh public comment portion of the hearing. And the purpose of this part of the public hearing is to solicit any comments and gather public opinions regarding the proposed amendments to the Anoka County Cannabis Business Ordinance, ordinance number 2025-01 to address uh the requirements of Minnesota statute chapter 342. Um, generally we announce a few ground rules in case there are members of the public here, but I'll just call out uh to see uh if there are any members of the public who wish to provide comments. Now is your opportunity. So before I get into ground rules, let's see if there's anybody that's that's [clears throat] here to address the county board. Are there any members of the public who would like to address the county board on the proposed amendments to the Anoka County Cannabis Business Ordinance? Seeing none. >> Seeing none, I'll call two more times. Are there any members of the public who would like to address the county board on the proposed amendments to the Anoka County Cannabis Business Ordinance? Last call. Any members of the public who would like to address the county board on the proposed amendments to the In Noa County cannabis business ordinance. Seeing no members of the public that have come to address the county board on the topic that is on today's agenda regarding amendments to the Anoka County Cannabis Business Ordinance. I will now close the public comment portion of the meeting and uh turn the matter back to you, Mr. Board Chair. >> Thank you, County Attorney Johnson, and uh thank you um again, Joe, for the work you did and uh and getting all this um cleared up. I know that we've had some long probably [laughter] times to make sure we got everything in order. Um and I'm glad that um we have it here before us today to to get that um through. So um as I indicated, we have uh a resolution. Excuse me. Let me get back to >> amended ordinance. >> Thank you. Um getting back to the right page. >> Okay. Mr. Chair, >> yes. Can I offer Can I [clears throat] offer uh actually move ordinance 2025-3? >> Excellent. I was going to look for that and ask for that. So, it's been moved by Commissioner Schulty. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Commissioner Meisner. Any discussion by the county commissioner Reiner? >> Yeah, just a short comment about this action. Um, you know, I'm not in favor of the commercialization of these substances, but that is out of our control. uh the state has decided that uh these substances are legal for commercialization but you know with that too we need to have an ordinance in place and so that the operation of these uh businesses you know do have some guard rails so I will be supporting this >> any oh commissioner >> yeah thank you Mr. And just to um piggy back off of Commissioner Riner, there was similar discussion in the actual committee and basically I just wanted to state like this this is something that the counties are mandated to do. And so by doing this, we are also working our best with business and community partners to ensure that the most positive outcomes uh happen with this. But again, we don't have any control per se um over these laws. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Uh Commissioner Hinrich. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. the terminology. I wonder if it wouldn't be helpful for the public to understand that uh the this amendment uh or ordinance is bringing um the low potency uh verbiage into the already or ordinance to make sure everything's under one umbrella. Uh low potency, it doesn't actually mean low potency or it shouldn't be contrived as lower potent than other uh forms. I wonder if we can maybe have a little bit of comment about why that term is used. Yes, Joe. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes. >> Uh, thank you, Commissioner. Um, one of the things we always try to emphasize is that lower potency products are still very potent. Uh, they're very, um, you know, unsafe to be using and driving and things like that. Um, they are simply, uh, products derived from a different part of the plant. Uh, but through the scientific process, uh, can be distilled into beverages and gummies that are very potent. Um and we try to make sure that people keep that in mind because that terminology is uh sort of a just for ease of definition and uh regulation uh come down from the state. Um and one of the dangers of that is that people are under the mistaken impression that it is somehow safer or uh or sort of less dangerous to use. So we do try to emphasize that in all communication. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Um that kind of brings up a question and I I was kind of wondering about this myself. Um the drinks that you now see um usually in a liquor store >> um they're not are they are they under the same rules as going from grocery to liquor as we have in the state of Minnesota for liquor? Um you know you can't they can sell certain kinds of what it used to be 32 beer. I don't even know if we have three 32 beer anymore. Are these types of drinks available uh to be sold within those um and not just in liquor stores? >> Yeah, that is uh that is correct. So the um those selzers that are up to 10 milligrams a container are the same whether you get them at a liquor store, a gas station, convenience store, a grocery store, uh they are the same product. >> Okay. Thank you. Um any other questions, comments? All right, hearing none. Um, we have a motion. It has been seconded. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. >> Hearing. None. It passes unanimously. Thank you. And now we'll move now to the public hearing number nine. It's to obtain comments concerning the issuance of general obligation capital improvement plan bonds under an approved 5-year capital improvement plan for years 2026 through 2030. Corey is here to give us the update before we move to a public hearing. >> Yeah. Um, thank you, Mr. chair. Um, members of the county board, my name is Cory Camp. I'm the chief financial officer for NOA County. Um, yes, we've talked about our capital improvement plan. So, I'm going to walk through a very high level um, presentation on it. I believe we're set up here. So, see if we can go. All right. So, see how this works. Here we go. Oops. All right. So, first of all, as we think about our capital improvement plan, again, I just bring up our mission and our values. And uh you know, our goal is with our both our budget and capital improvement plan is that we're following both our mission and our values. Respectful, be innovative, be fiscally responsible. Our strategic framework, um many of the projects within the capital improvement plan fall within transportation or public safety, the livability, many of our strategic priorities as well. And so, so just kind of bringing that up. What does this CIP include? It includes projects over $100,000 that are improving the county's infrastructure equipment. That's great costing more than 25,000 and all in Noa County vehicle purchases. If it's going to be licensed, we do put it in here. So, and that is all part of our our program. So, so as we look, we're going to focus on 2026. Um, this includes 2026 to 2030. The 2026 um plan um assumes $150.2 million dollars um in spend. Um the majority of that comes from non county property tax sources. The majority comes from, you know, and and I'm going to walk through the funding sources in a little bit, but as you can see, it's spread out. Um road and bridge. Um our transportation is um 55 million is is one of the highest. We do have a new facility um that is thought that is planned. Uh my parking ramp is planned next year. So that's really the focus on that and that's part of that jail project. Whether that happens then or not, this is something we've been placing within our CIP the last few years as we continue to work through the jail project and stuff. Um parks, most of these are funded through other sources as well. It's 7 to 7 million. And then the building has a variety of different funding sources. So, how are we funding all of these? Um, generally speaking, um, transport, we have transportation sales tax. We have the advanced transportation tax, which is, um, another part of what we have. Um, anything debt issued, obviously, we'll have a debt levy on it. that is the parking ramp building, but we also have projects that are being issued related where we're looking at debt probably out in 27 related to some of the building improvements and court improvements and Rum River improvements and we talked about those. Um there's a lot of federal and state um program. Um the other for 3.7 million represents cities participating into our transportation program. the fees the 4.5 million that really represents the fleet costs coming through the uh fleet fund. So this is kind of an allocations coming out of all the departments and then the use of capital funds for 22 million is a variety of funds within our capital projects. Um about four million of this is related to the household hazardous waste fund. Um you've got other sources for money we've set aside over the years to pay for certain programs as well as the annual um allocations we do to the building fund and IT fund are all part of that and those projects are reflected within there. So this gives you what the 26 program looks like. This becomes what we call our CIB or part of our adopted budget on December 2nd when we go. So just to kind of put that out there. So as you look at our outstanding debt from 2024 to 2030, we wanted to kind of focus on this because this public hearing is kind of related to that. As you can see, our outstanding debt with issuance of a new um bonds related to the jail is um expected to rise significantly. Um this graph kind of reflects that. I'm going to give you some of the numbers because I know that had been talked about back. Um at the end of 2024, we had 26.4 million in outstanding debt. We had paid this down over the years and that was purposeful by the county board. And so as we go forward, our goal is to be strategic and planful with how we use that. It is a tool. It is not to be used necessarily every year for every project. And so that's what we kind of look at. Um in 25 we did issue 21 million related to the 911 facility emergency communications that that was erected. And so that did increase us to 43 million and that's where we're where we're planned to be at the end of 25. As we get into uh 26 um the 54 million represents the new parking ramp. And then um we have a 23 in 2027 there's both the jail and a new bond issue related to the courthouse and government center projects and Rum River projects which um we've talked about um a little bit. And again, these are anticipated. These amounts will change as we get closer there. This is just a plan to show where does this go. And so, as you can see, we do raise all the way up to 344 million is in 2027, which would be the highest. And so, just to kind of let you know where this is headed. So, all right. And so, what does this do to the levy? Because with that debt, we have to issue levy to pay for it. As you can see, our levy is expected to grow as well. Um, right now we are sitting around in 2024 we're just under 6 million. In, uh, as we hit 2026, we're going up to 7 million. And then going forward, hang on a sec. Here we go. Going forward from 2026, we're about $8 million. Next year, we're going to grow to about 24 million and then begin coming down. And that's with this jail building, which is a huge infrastructure project that we're undertaking. So again, this just at least shows you what the plan is. And again, the CIP is a planning document. It doesn't mean it's going to happen exactly this way, but it puts out where strategically the county is planning to go over the next five years. So just wanted to kind of show that out there. And so our our purpose with this public hearing is to receive testimony on the issuance of general obligation capital bonds. We are focused on the parking ramp bond plan for next year plus the 23 million related to the um bonds on the on the improvements plan for the government center as well as Rum River campus as well as the courts. So those are the two bond issues that we're really focused on here. So in future years we will the CIP hearing will be focused on the jail bonds and stuff. But so with that um once the public hearing is completed, we will ask the county board to consider adopting the capital improvement plan for fiscal years 26 to 23rd. So with that, um I'm going to do you have any questions? >> Thank you, Corey. I think what we'll do is um turn it over to the county attorney for the public hearing portion and then if we have any questions after the after the public hearing um we'll keep you up there. >> So I'll turn it over to uh County Attorney Johnson for the public hearing. Thank you, Chair Gamash, members of the county board. I will now open the public hearing portion of the meeting. The time is now 10:13 a.m. I ask that the minutes reflect that the notice of this public hearing was published on October 17th, 2025 in the Anoka County Union according to statute to inform the public that a hearing would occur during the regular meeting of the In Noa County Board of Commissioners on today's date, October 28th, 2025, to receive public testimony on the issuance of general obligation capital improvement plan bonds, all sometimes referred to them as CIP bonds, as set forth in the published notice. of the public hearing in today's agenda. Um to Mr. Camp, did we receive any written comments or messages submitted to you or to the county prior to today's meeting? >> Um Mr. Johnson, we have none. >> Thank you, sir. Um we'll now begin the live testimony portion of the hearing. The purpose of this part of the hearing is to receive public testimony on the issuance of CIP bonds. Um if there are any members of the public who wish to provide comments, now is your opportunity and I will call um three times for it. So are there any members of the public who would like to address the county board on the CIP bonds? Calling a second time. Are there any members of the public here who would like to address the county board on the issuance of CIP bonds or the bond plan? Last call. Are there any members of the public who would like to address the board on the topic that we have here today, the issuance of CIP bonds or the bond plan? Seeing and hearing no one come before the county board for the public hearing. Uh there are no uh comments to be provided today. I will now close the public hearing portion of the meeting and turn the meeting back to you, Mr. board chair for consideration of the adoption of the CI plan CIP plan. >> Thank you, County Attorney Johnson. And uh we have a resolution before us, resolution 2025-117 adopting a 5-year capital improvement plan and providing preliminary approval for the issuance of bonds there. Do you have an offer of the resolution? >> I'll offer the resolution, Mr. Chair. >> It's been offered by Commissioner Schulty. Any questions or comments? Commissioner Schulty. >> Yeah, Mr. Mr. Chair, I have a question for the county attorney. I think um in the actual notice of the public hearing, is it too late to correct what I think should be changed? I mean, just for the record, for the minutes, uh uh under relocation of the parking ramp, can we put in forward slashg >> for the record? >> Obviously, the public won't get that notice because it's already been out >> the resolution, >> but for posterity, it's talking about the >> it's already in the resolution, >> but not in >> I I I don't think there the position we've always taken is that it's we're talking about the same building, >> right? >> So So I, you know, can't amend a a notice of a public hearing, but I don't think that that notice of a public hearing is deficient, per se, because we're talking about the same building and it's clear in the resolution. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Jeepson, you had a question. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, so those are really very large numbers and I commend previous boards for paying down or or paying down those those bonds um in in over the last decade or two. Um, but that that's a huge jump from where we are today to where we're going to be in three years possibly. I mean those are good projections. So just my question is in using bonds to pay for a parking ramp, jail, court improvements, those are very unique you um infrastructure, very unique buildings that not a lot of, correct me if I'm wrong, not a lot of other funding opportunities are available to us. like department of heads are so good at finding grants and you know partnerships with and that's just not available to us for these specific purposes. Is that accurate? >> Um yeah, Mr. Chair, Commissioner Jeepson, Commissioners, that would be accurate that we are limited on our funding especially around jails, especially around, you know, there there's not a lot of federal grants that kind of come out for that. you know, they really focus on sometimes public safety services or more unique buildings or building challenges that they want counties to to uh look at, but no, we've not seen that on the jail side or or for those. And then these are just facilities, our normal facilities, the improvements that we have to do to our facilities, which is every day. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Schulty. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, thank you for your comments, Commissioner Jepson. This is a massive expense that we're embarking on. This is actually the technically the borrowing of money to pay for the massive expense. Uh I am a part of that board that chose to pay down that debt that we uh that was on our books when I came on the county board. Um it was important to pay that down. That was the credit card bill that came due and and we paid that down. Um but this is no different than taking out a mortgage when you buy a house. It's time to build a house. And this is public safety, which I've always put on the top of my list. If you don't feel safe in your own house, your own city, your own county, your own state, you're not going to stay. And we want people to stay in Anoka County. So, we're going to make it a safe place. And that's what a jail is. Uh this is public safety. We prioritize it. And uh this has been put off too long, so it's time. Um but to do that, we need to spend this money. We need to build a jail and to do that we need to take down a parking garage and build a new one. So that's what this is borrowing is for. Um I would love to have saved up enough money to do this so we didn't have to borrow but that was not possible uh the way we conducted business for the last 10 years. We paid down debt instead of saving money. So u that's where we're at. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Commissioner Schultton. Anyone else with any comments or questions? Um, this is going to this is large and it's a bit of a um a shock. I only had one question for Corey and and um I don't even know if this is factual, but I had heard it at one point in time from someone from Chicago County that when they went to build their jail at some point in time, not in the too recent past, that they did get some um either federal or state money. And I can't verify that and I don't know if anybody's ever heard of that. Um, but have you um ever had run across somebody >> Yeah. >> getting them money like that? >> Sure. >> It's generally tied to having a justice contract. Um, >> okay. >> Uh, and usually you then also have a contract toward prisoners for the federal government >> and that's what they did. >> Sherburn County did that um >> multiple [clears throat] times. >> Got it. Got it. And I know one of the things that I think we've had the discussion about is that this jail is for in Noa County. Um uh paid it's going to be paid for by the Enoka County taxpayers obviously and it will and we're not looking towards um finding other ways to fund the building of it with federal contracts. So I can understand that. So thank you. Thank you Jim. Um any other questions otherwise? Oh I'm sorry Commissioner Breaststead. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. I just want to clarify that when we're looking at the capital improvement plan for 2026 through 2030, that does not mean that everything listed in years 27, 28, 29, 30 can't be changed or can't be removed. Um, I would challenge this board to really scrutinize those years and really balance needs and wants. I mean, I've always been in support of the new jail. That has been a a long process and it is um with the parking ramp and jail combined. Uh we've been told that our delay in this project could have financed the parking ramp. So, that's frustrating. I mean, those are real numbers. Those are taxpayer numbers. If we would have moved forward, which was out of our control, um we could have financed that parking ramp with the cost of the these delays. Hopefully, now that we're looking at making a jail smaller and even more efficient, we can gain a little bit of ground. But yeah, the this is hard to swallow when you're looking at it like this. >> But thank you, Corey. >> Yeah, because Mr. chair, commissioners, commissioner breasted, keep in mind the the plan is a planning document, meaning 26 um this will be part of the CIB in the budget, so they're more likely to occur, but still you have to act on them, so they don't necessarily have to. And 27 to 2030, this is our plan based on our strategic priorities that and we will have discussions next year during budget time and they can change. >> So totally up to you, >> Commissioner Meiser. >> Oh, thank you, Mr. Chair. And yeah, I really do appreciate these comments and we obviously had some lengthy discussion within the actual committee meeting. Um, and I know you guys have heard me say this before. I clearly there are things that are required of us. So we just don't have a choice and the price tag is a price tag. Um, in terms of the plan and the things that we do have control over and the things that we are able to say yes and no to as time continues. uh my only thing is I always strive to find that balance because there is also a cost to deferment and so that's something that I always consider it cannot be only um dollars and cents in this way and so that's just something that I would like to voice in terms of context as we make these decisions through time. Thank you. >> Thank you commissioner. Anyone else? All right, seeing none, this a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Jeepson, >> I. Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Brastad. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Reinert. >> No. >> Commissioner Gamash. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> And that passes. Uh 6 to1. Um item number 10. Uh we have this item. Um I'm very excited about and very happy to have before us today. We're going to consider approving an employment contract with Kate Hefernon and appointing Kate as the chief officer for human services effective October 28th, 2025. Um I know um Jim Dickinson helped lead this um this effort and I will give him a few minutes to talk a little bit about um the process and about Kate. um Ford uh we did have a uh an open process. So this was advertised um and through that process uh we went through uh those that were deemed qualified candidates had an interview of four which uh Kate was the obvious selection out of that. Uh Kate has an extensive breadth of knowledge within the human service area. Uh she brings 25 years of experience in the human service field. um this which Kate is currently the deputy. Uh this promotion and her continued leadership will benefit the division by ensuring that our mission continues and will deliver uh programs and promote uh safe and healthy communities. Now one thing that through this process uh you know I'm I offered the recommendation but one thing that I think going through the process that I can say is um this was a process but we're fortunate that we currently have Kate that was a great hire previously. Kate is doing a fantastic job and now I'll say we're even more fortunate that she will be leading going forward. So with that, I offer Kate's the recommendation from administration. >> Thank you, Mr. Dickinson. Uh, Commissioner Meisner, would you like to make a motion? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. I would like to make the motion. >> Second it. >> So moved by Commissioner Meisner and second by Commissioner Schulty. Discussion, questions. You >> Mr. Chair, I think what Administrator Dickinson failed to mention is this was a nationwide search with people coming in from out of state for interviews and Kate still rose way above them. So, it's it says quite a bit about Kate and we're thrilled to have her lead this division and it is our one of our biggest divisions. Well, is our biggest division with the most people and uh does some of the hardest work that we do as a county. So, thank you, Kate. Congratulations, >> Commissioner Jeepson. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Well, Kate, it's been a privilege to get to know you both personally and professionally these last year or two. How many years now? Two years. Um, and and I I thank you for applying for the job, first of all, and many many good things have been said about you. Um, I I do want to recognize that you are walking into a very very challenging time, and I just I'm thankful that you're in this role on behalf of Anoka County. Um, but I also want to voice that if there's anything you need, if there's any information that we need to have and speak to different groups of people on behalf of Anoka County Human Services, you know, you can always, and I hope I can speak for all of us. We have your back. Um, and I appreciate your willingness to be part of this um, in a bigger role in this team. I see you brought some team members with you for support. Um, and and that's fun to see as well. So, um, maybe a little too soon. We haven't voted yet, but congratulations and thank you. >> Any other comments before we vote? And then I going I'm going to offer you an opportunity to come up and say a few words. [laughter] Um, but I know I'm very we're very excited about this. Um, as Commissioner Jeepson mentioned that you're walking in in a very difficult time um, in human services with what's going on. Um, but um I was I've been impressed with the work you've done and um look forward to being probably down at the legislature a few times with you to uh to help address some of these issues with our state uh senators and and representatives as well. And I know you'll do a great job at that as well. So, um this is a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Meisner >> I. >> Commissioner Hinrich >> I. >> Commissioner Braad >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> And that passes unanimously. [applause and cheering] >> Hey, would you like a few minutes? We'd love to hear from you. And I see you have something written down, so that's good. [laughter] I didn't want to surprise you too much. >> I didn't key in that she was going to speak. [laughter] So, >> thank you so much, Mr. Chair, commissioners. This is a real honor. Um, and yes, I wasn't for sure planning on speaking, but I figured you might ask. Um, I I just really want to say it's been an absolute privilege to work with the leaders in human services these last two years as I've been deputy director. Um, it's an amazing team doing really challenging work and it's true it is especially challenging right now. Um, and I couldn't be more proud to be part of the team and to be able to lead the team. The heart of the team here in human services is about serving residents and that's what my heart is too. So, I'm really pleased to be able to lead that team. Um, I've learned so much from people here and I intend to keep the values that we've had along the way of serving residents and caring about people. So, thank you so much. I really appreciate this. It's an honor. >> Thank you, Kate. And, uh, we're we're excited and thankful that you were in the role that you were and decided to take on this this bigger challenge. and I know that you have a great staff um that are following and we look forward to just some a great time. I mean, it's going to be great the work you're doing and I'm just uh appreciative that you're there in that role. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? All right, then we'll move on to committee appointments. This is consider reappointing the following to the community corrections advisory board for terms ending October 27th as recommended by the human services committee of the whole. We have uh first one is Pat Carlson representing district 4 and Dr. Roger Warner representing education. >> All moved, Mr. Chair. >> It's moved by Commissioner Schulty. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Meisner. Any comments? >> Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed hearing none. It's approved unanimously. And uh with nothing else to come before the county board this morning, we are adjourned. And we have