Carver County — Transcript

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Community Announcements and Events

Career Force Chaska Public Hours Adjustment

Lake Minawashta Regional Park Natural Resource Restoration

Votes (2)

Adjust Public Hours for Career Force Chaska

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Commissioner Fehee [1:20:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Anderson [1:20:46]

The discussion focused on the rationale for changing Career Force Chaska's public hours to 9 AM-4 PM, including fiscal responsibility, maximizing staff potential, and aligning with regional centers like Scott County. Staff workload due to new SNAP/Medicaid requirements, increased caseloads (Employment Service Council at 80-100, Child Care Assistance at 100-120), and frequent audits (1-5 daily) necessitate dedicated time for documentation and case management. Commissioner Anderson questioned if the change would be sufficient for staff relief and requested workload tracking. Commissioner Lynch inquired about potential lines, which staff did not anticipate, and requested a 6-month review. The importance of communication for impacted residents was also highlighted, including personalized touches for those unable to access digital media.

Minnesota DNR, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Lake Minawashta Regional Park Restoration

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Commissioner Lynch [1:54:19] · Seconded by Commissioner Anderson [1:55:04]

Sam from Parks and Recreation presented on the $392,000 grant for restoring 12 acres at Lake Minawashta Regional Park. The project involves significant removal of dead ash trees (due to EAB) and low-quality vegetation, followed by replanting to establish a native deciduous basswood/hardwood forest. The anticipated impact on the landscape will be substantial, described as looking like 'a bomb went off' initially, prompting extensive discussion on public communication. Safety measures for park users during the work (large equipment, potential burning) and the need for trail closures were addressed. The long-term benefit for the park and its natural resources was emphasized, rooted in Metro Council policy and the county's mission.

Notable Quotes (8)

We want to be very fiscally responsible. We're understanding um that we are in a very hard financial times and we want to maximize each team member's skills, abilities, knowledge and potential.

Kate Robert Ferdendes [1:09:47]
Adjust Public Hours for Career Force Chaska

Childcare assistance has and we dealing with state audits and federal audits. We getting very little notifications about state or federal audits and we are expected because it's states and state and federal programs that being administered through state and federal government to comply immediately and the focus of those audits are compliance eligibility payments accuracy and program integrity.

Kate Robert Ferdendes [1:13:30]
Adjust Public Hours for Career Force Chaska

I appreciate the balance. I just think we need to be mindful. Um if we overwork our staff then we can't um give our residents the the services that that they need and desire.

Commissioner Anderson [1:16:32]
Adjust Public Hours for Career Force Chaska

I think this is an example, a good example of where constraint meets creativity.

Commissioner Workman [1:21:28]
Adjust Public Hours for Career Force Chaska

Effectively, all trees on the park landscape in that project area were removed. It looked very different when 2019's phase one was conducted at Wakoney Regional Park. I believe that'll be the most efficient way to look at this 12 acres.

Sam [1:33:38]
Minnesota DNR, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Lake Minawashta Regional Park Restoration

It is thick. It's not good. This is a project meant to improve the park. Uh it just won't seem that way by next spring when there is a lot of it missing.

Commissioner Workman [1:37:37]
Minnesota DNR, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Lake Minawashta Regional Park Restoration

If if Commissioner Workman is correct, he said it's going to look like a bomb went off and it probably sounds like it is. What are they doing and why? And if they can just click on to the the Oh, okay. That's going to be really nice in the backside. It's all about communication and you're doing it right by being here today.

Commissioner Fehee [1:41:43]
Minnesota DNR, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Lake Minawashta Regional Park Restoration

It's generally said that through mech council policy language, natural resource stewardship is at the same priority or value as developed portions of the park. So, this is by design. This is this is certainly a choice, but it's by design that this is an an importance or a priority uh for the county and for obviously for our park operations to do this work.

Sam [1:50:50]
Minnesota DNR, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Lake Minawashta Regional Park Restoration

Ordinances & Resolutions (4)

Natural Resource Management PlanPlan

Completed in 2024 for Lake Minawashta Regional Park, it opened the door to funding for the restoration project.

HR1Other

New requirements for SNAP and Medicaid that will bring more adults to fulfill work requirements, increasing staff workload.

Minnesota Legislative MandatesOther

Passed enhanced requirements for fraud reporting and detection, increasing caseworker responsibilities.

Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesOther

Agreement for $392,000 for Lake Minawashta Regional Park restoration.

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