Everybody, uh, the next item on the agenda is roll call. >> Commissioner Heinrich >> here. >> Commissioner Braad >> 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. Hi. >> Commissioner Gamash. Hi. >> Commissioner Schulty. Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> Hi. >> 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 nature through wildlife, and it certainly deserves for us today a round of applause. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Reiner, and uh 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 u 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 con 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, an Oka 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. Perfect. take 25. >> 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 2006, K connect Kexus has donated trash bags for the in Noa Countyy's adopt a highway program. In 2018, Kexus approached Anoka 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, anyone any other commissioners wish to comment for this? Commissioner Schulty. >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, it's uh it's really more than just money. uh they're 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 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. 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 guest. 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 bee 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 North 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 uh 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 encourage our young residents in Anoka 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? We hope so 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 700 word 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 in Oka 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's grant policy. >> Uh we have an offer of we 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. >> 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 Kristen 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. 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 C0012059. This is a renewal with the Anoka County Community Action Program, also known as ACAP. 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, Anoka 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. >> Higher. >> Yeah. 2,39,169.35 in 2026 and $2,378,4443 in 27. And for the Ina County Sheriff, this will be $32,413.7. 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 Reinert. >> I. >> Commissioner Gamash. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Hinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Brassstead. >> I. >> And that passes unanimously. Anything else to come before the human services? >> Yeah. Uh,formational, but as always, I do like to share with the public. We had a uh update with the Anoka 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 C0012060. This is the Violent Crime Enforcement Team's 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 join 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 Brstead. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Schulty. Any comments? >> Seeing none, this a roll call vote. >> Commissioner Gomesh. >> I. >> Commissioner Schulty. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Jepson. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Meisner. >> I. >> Commissioner Heinrich. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Brassstead. >> I. >> Commissioner Reiner. >> I. >> 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 100 or TCAP uh which will implement transportation services for enhancement of >> Commissioner Reiner. >> I >> Commissioner Kamash >> 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 resolution 2025 TR55. A resol um consideration of approval for resolution number 2025 TR56. And this is a resolution to assist Anoka County in preventing